Fresh Air Barbecue - Macon

Oh my God, this is the best coleslaw I've ever had. The right sweetness the right tame. It's absolutely delicious and they make it fresh daily large portions. The barbecue was delicious. The sauce is great, moist and juicy Smoky flavor. The Brunswick stew is good. The baked potatoes and light bread. I call it light bread. It's enough for three meals for me. Come on out folks, you won't regret it. The best food best barbecue I've had in a while and I'm pretty picky about my barbecue. But these people know what they're doing!

Friend of ours suggested Fresh Air as we frequently drive past going to Atlanta from Savannah. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect little BBQ sandwich; we ate two a piece and stopped by twice in two days time. Minced coleslaw was perfect. The sauces were so good we couldn’t leave without a bottle. We have a new Atlanta road trip tradition- FRESH AIR!

They claim to be the best BBQ in GA but it is not. I know several other places that are better. The pork sandwiches were a good price but they were cold. The bigger issue was multiple bone fragments we found in the pork. If you go, then don't bite with great force to avoid tooth damage!

I stopped in today at the Macon location for a pork plate. This is the container the meat came in. It wasn’t even all the way up and had sauce in it. I imagine the sauce is added in case someone actually weighs the meat to see how much they’re getting. There wasn’t even enough meat for a decent size sandwich. Total ripoff. I realize they can’t smoke the meat onsite in Macon but this is ridiculous.This is a four ounce container that you get dressing in for a salad. The food was good and the carrot cake was amazing. The portion size was similar to a kids meal at Longhorns.

The only thing that was good was the coleslaw. I had to put it on the bbq to make it better. It was honestly fine, however... I've never had a more flavorless Brunswick stew. It even looked like it was pureed. I added the bbq meat to it to try to save it ... It didn't work at all. I think it's called fresh air because I needed it after trying to eat that stew. I pray it was a bad batch and not the norm... If not then maybe just remove it from the menu?

I'm definitely not one to complain, but today's experience warrants such a complaint. I order a half rack of ribs and a 4 oz cup of BBQ. I ate inside. I eat out all the time and love bbq; however, the ribs were terrible. I could hardly pull the ribs apart. The meat was hard and tough and non chewable. I politely let the cashier see what I was talking about. All she said was "I'm sorry ". The outside of the ribs reminded me of a leather belt. The pull pork was okay. I'm just hoping it was a bad ribs day.

Deserves Every Bit of #2 Best BBQ in South!! Rated as #2 best barbeque restaurants in the south by Southern living. And it deserves every bit of that high praise! Food -- The menu is simple and that's a great thing. They have ribs, chopped barbecue, chopped chicken, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, and baked beans. And all of it is amazing! I got the rib plates which included everything on the menu: half a pound of ribs, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, baked beans, and two pieces of white bread. Some of the best barbecue I've had ever. The ribs were perfectly cooked, moist, and super tasty. The Brunswick stew is one of the only stews that I've had that reminds me of my childhood and parents fixing. The corn is mostly ground up which makes a big difference in a lot of Brunswick stew. It is by far one of the absolute best Brunswick stew I've ever had. The baked beans were excellent as well. Perfect amount of density, sweetness, and tart. The coleslaw reminds me of the kind my mom used to make, ground up very fine and awesome. B got the chopped barbecue plate, which included coleslaw, Brunswick stew and white bread. This was also excellent and what they're mostly known for and it was fantastic. Making your own sandwich with a white bread, barbecue, and homemade barbecue sauce is phenomenal. Barbecue sauce is really good, it's their house sauce. They have a regular and hot. It's extremely tasty and yummy, but definitely on the thin side, which is perfect for this type of barbecue, even though I like my sauce just a little bit thicker. Drinks -- standard Coke products and sweet tea. We messed up and got a diet Coke instead of getting sweet tea, because I'm sure it's amazing. Even though this would go amazing with a beer, no alcohol served, which is fine. They have to go specials, and party packs, if you want to take them home and have some beer with it there. Service -- friendly and prompt service. It's counterstyle, so you order it at the counter and they have it ready within minutes for you even before you walk away to get a table. They also have drive-thru options. We went on a Saturday and got there a little after 11:00 and had to wait in a little bit of a line. But the closer you wait to noon the more of a line it gets. It was almost out the door when we left around 12:15. Atmosphere / Vibe -- It's simple as it gets and that's exactly what's necessary. No frills, nothing crazy, just an old-fashioned type restaurant with tables inside in a few out for you to enjoy this delicious barbecue. Value -- value was great overall. We got a rib platter, a chopped barbecue platter, and a large soft drink for 26 bucks. Definitely would be willing to pay even more for this quality of barbecue. Overall -- had this some when I was going to college at UGA, the one in Athens. This one in Macon measures up every single bit the same. And absolutely deserving of number two barbecue in the south and number one barbecue in the state of Georgia!

Have patronized this location for over 20 years. Tonight's take-out experience was THE WORST. Service was fine (if not particularly friendly), but quantity and quality of food was VERY disappointing. Pork was overly-dry and so covered in sour b-b-q sauce as to be almost inedible. Chicken was overdone. Inflation has impacted all restaurants but portions were embarrassingly small. Save your money .. go somewhere else.

Love Fresh Air for many years! My only complaint is that I always ask for DRY bbq for my bbq plate WITH SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Last 10 times at least I get home and there is NO SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Other than that love them. Need to work on that.

3/5 stars, great service, great meat. However, I was not a huge fan of their house sauce. I got the special and other people I was with ordered the plate. It looked incredible! I would return and recommend to those visiting!

I stopped in as a first time customer and let me tell you...it did not disappoint!! Service was quick and on point, staff was super friendly. Very casual, laid back atmosphere and as soon as I walked in and smelled that bbq my mouth started to water. I ordered the 1/2 chicken and it was outstanding, seriously folks if you are nearby run, don't walk and stop by, I highly recommend it.

Whenever we go to Macon, my wife (who was born and grew up in Macon until she went off to college) likes to stop in and pick up barbecue and Brunswick stew. Fresh Air is an institution in Macon and also has a location in Jackson, Ga.She likes it. I think it's just average. But we stop by. This trip, to take home after Thanksgiving, we got a quart of "wet barbecue" (pulled pork with sauce), a quart of Brunswick stew, extra sauce, a pint of cole slaw and a 12-pack of hamburger buns. As a bonus, we got about two dozen packs of saltines. The whole thing came to about $40 plus tax and tip. A bargain these days. I found that using a vinegar pepper sauce on the pulled pork sandwiches improves the taste. The Brunswick stew, as is, is pretty darn good.

Stopped in on Memorial Day for some ribs, but I was too late. They were fresh out. I'm not a pulled pork fan, so I got the chicken plate. It was okay. Nice smoke to it, but the meat itself could use some seasoning, in my opinion. The potato salad was good but that and the baked beans don't taste homemade they tasted store bought. The sweet tea was good. The restaurant was clean, and the staff was very welcoming and friendly.

A colleague recommended this place, swearing by their coleslaw. Before I go on, please keep in mind that three stars is a good review. Because this barbecue is good. I will admit, it did not knock my socks off, but I did enjoy my meal. The pork sandwich is a treat, and the coleslaw was a nice touch. But I think I'm spoiled by some of the barbecue options we get a little closer to home. Service was very quick and friendly. Those folks behind the counter do not mess around when it's lunchtime. The restaurant itself is another true, no-frills setup. It is comfortable and clean. The emphasis is clearly on the food. I did not try the hot sauce, but the regular one had good flavor. The truth is, I didn't feel like I needed too much of it, the sandwich with the slaw on it was satisfying without it. I also hear the ribs are a crowd-pleaser here. I'm definitely going to have to try them next time I visit. Holler if you're coming with.

I give it a 4 because I rounded up. This place is a classic, old school Georgia BBQ joint. They know what they do and they do it well. You want them to be there forever because your dad loved it and your uncles loved it and they are still doing what they have been doing forever just exactly how they did it 50 years ago. The pulled pork and the Brunswick stew are their best menu items. Their sauce is vinegary. Some love it. I'm one of them. Some don't. I don't know what's the matter with them. The place is a throw back to another era. A good era. One worth preserving. May Fresh Air BBQ live long and prosper.

Fresh Air has tasty and budget-friendly bbq. I prefer the lunch special here since you get two sandwiches and a bag of chips--I've tried some of the other sides that come with the bbq plate before and didn't care for them. The BBQ here sauce is more vinegar-y, if that matters to you. This restaurant is not fancy at all, but the staff is friendly, the food is good, and there is always plenty of seating. I like that they have a few picnic tables outside so you can eat outdoors if you like. I could do without the TV and political news in the dining room, though.

My mom ordered 3 or 4 slabs of ribs, chipped bbq, Brunswick Stew and sides for Labor Day. We rushed over for dinner because my aunt swears this place sells THE best bbq in town. My husband eats anything as long as meat is on his plate, but this bbq was the exception. From the start he complained about the intense bitterness of the vinegar in his chipped bbq. Then he complained about the blandness of the seemingly boiled unseasoned ribs. The coleslaw was vinegar based. The baked beans were sweet and watery. He didn't dare try the Brunswick stew. They gave us 1 whole pickle instead of slices for our sandwiches. We both left my parent's house hungry. They begged us to take plates, but we declined. My other aunt and my husband are usually the only 2 returning for seconds, but my aunt only ate 1 rib. My husband, the meat eater, said he would not try it again.

Summary: Listed as one of Macon's best BBQ spots, Fresh Air gave us quick service, reasonable pricing and a comfortable atmosphere. Stepping inside, we were greeted by BBQ smoke in the air and a short line waiting to order. Good signs for a BBQ spot. There was a 10-minute wait to order Sunday lunch but the meal came up as soon as I paid. Fresh Air has an extremely limited menu compared to my more familiar Midwestern BBQ spots. There are three options of either ribs, chicken, or chopped pork, which can be ordered separately or as "plates" with side dishes. My 1/2 chicken was smoky--too much so because it had the slight aftertaste of burnt poultry. Creamy coleslaw was slightly sweet and finely chopped. Baked beans were also sweet but not exceptional. Fresh Air has outdoor seating and a drive-thru window.

My wife and I went to Fresh Air BBQ in June 2023. Mind you, she loves ribs and is an excellent cook. Therefore she knows good food. After having ribs, bread, and coleslaw, we were delighted we found this gem. The glass door into this establishment was clean, which is positive when dining out and an indication of what to expect. Their interior was immaculate, and the woman who took our order was accommodating. Their fault lies with a dirty men's room and very uncomfortable dining room chairs. The restaurant is not situated in a friendly neighborhood, so, I recommend take-out and enjoy one of the best ribs.

Was visiting the area for a family members surgery at the nearby hospital. Ran over to grab food while waiting and it was a little after lunch time, probably 130, so there was no wait which was nice! You order at the counter and they serve you right away. Very quick service and the barbecue is outstanding!!! Been in business since the 20's and this was truly amazing barbecue. The sauce is vinegar based and very yummy! They have extra sauce at the tables to use. The Brunswick stew was incredible too and the bbq plate is very reasonably priced and tons of food... bbq, stew, slaw, bread, crackers. It's in a little strip mall but lots of pictures showing when it was on a dirt road! So cool and been around almost 100 years!

Great food good BBQ old fashion vibe southern people enjoyed my meal an server was fine like a glass of wine

Bar-b-Que- subpar Slaw- sour Brunswick stew- nothing to write home about Those are the only things on the menu, so not much variety. Moreover, in that area it seems the only 2 choices are this place or hunger.

Just a great place for lunch with old friends. We had great pulled pork, Brunswick stew,coleslaw and white bread. Great! Parking lot was open and service first class

Fantastic, Delicious, flavorful food. friendly customer service, warm atmosphere , clean facilities. Employees are always anticipating customers coming through the door while taking good care of the customers who are dining.

Food gets a 5. Speed of service gets a 3. It appears that the next person in line does not get their order taken until the current person has received their order. Need to have a dedicated cashier and expediter.

Got a pulled pork plate here. The pork was very good, but The Brunswick stew was even better. Other sides good too. Friendly service and great food for this cheap will bring me back if I am ever driving through this area again.

Went 50 miles out of our way to get a family pack friday night.website shows they close at 9pm arrived at 815 only to see the door sign says they close at 8pm.sad a restaurant cant update a website..

Fresh Air BBQ is probably somewhere I'd not ordinarily find myself simply because of its location. I don't drive to Macon from Atlanta all that much and rarely have had occasion to stop for lunch on the way there or back. But one of my Facebook friends (not a Yelper), a longtime Georgia resident (lifetime?), posted that she and her family *always* stops here when coming back from trips to the coast. So, I bookmarked it and made a point to drop in after an excursion to the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins AFB (if you like airplanes, you must go there). Glad I did. This is a good BBQ restaurant. Fast casual, order at the counter. I'm not sure if it's always this way, but since I was the only one in line, my order was put together before I left the counter. There are plenty of seats, including some that will accommodate a group. Ribs are my usual touchstone for BBQ, so I ordered the rib plate. As listed on the menu, it comes with cole slaw, beans and brunswick stew as sides. Not sure if you can substitute but I was good with that. - Ribs: very tasty, juicy and a ton of char. Excellent ribs. - Cole slaw: theirs is of the creamy variety and isn't too remarkable. I like cole slaw in general, so it was fine. - Beans: very standard. I added some BBQ sauce to kick them up. - Brunswick stew: Eh. I'm not much of a fan and theirs isn't going to make one out of me. BBQ sauce added here, too. Two sauces available on the tables (and for sale): regular and hot. Both good and the hot is actually somewhat picante. I imagine they're big sellers. The plate comes with the obligatory and completely unnecessary white bread and an even more unnecessary packet of crackers. Everything is disposable - Styrofoam drink cup and plate, plastic utensils, small plastic tubs to hold the three sides (one with a lid even though I was eating in). This place is an environmental nightmare in terms of waste. My Facebook friend is a champion of the environment and I wonder what she thinks of all that. But it's BBQ and Georgians hold their 'que in much greater regard than the environment. And with ribs this good, that isn't going to change anytime soon. Located in a huge strip mall, so parking is easy.

Definitely the worst barbecue that I've ever tasted. The consistency of the pork was that it was pre-chewed. Brunswick stew was mostly broth with not much pork or vegetables. Customer service from the staff also was lacking, acted as if you're just a another buck to be made. Would be better off to buy a container of any brand bbq at a grocery store and microwave it at home and it would be much better than the meal I had.

A must! Everything on the menu is delicious. Very friendly staff, some have been there for all long as I remember. It's a little packed in there at lunch time -a good sign, grab a table and sit down on a rickety chair and enjoy the smell of sweet molasses while you wait for your order. The pulled pork is just sooooo good, and the slaw. We stop in for lunch on the drive down to Hilton Head, and also take out enough for another 3-4 meals. Too bad we live so far. We're going again next week, yum.

Ok when you walk in it smells GOOD. Like real-deal BBQ. We ordered two BBQ plates. The sauce is tangy, vinegar-based, and mild. The BBQ is pretty standard chopped pork. I appreciated that the BBQ is whole chunks of pork, rather than super mushy BBQ. For $8, you get pork, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, and bread and crackers. The inside of the restaurant is a classic country place. Order at the counter. It wasn't crowded so we sat and hung out, had a leisurely afternoon.

Best barbecue restaurant in Macon if you like 1) tomato vinegar based sauce and 2) fresh cooked daily chopped pork, ribs and chicken in a real wood brick pit and wood smoker, cannot recommend this place enough if those are appealing to you!

Mediocre bbq place. Portions are small, beans and bbq sauce taste store bought, not homemade, ribs and chopped pork taste so-so. Do yourself a favor and find another bbq place .

I got the bbq pull pork sandwich and it was more meat then sauce barely bbq sauce but it was good . Also got the rib bbq plate the baked beans are really good ! ColeslaW I didn't like .. I really don't know what's this orange looking food is but it's good also with the crackers I'm guessing chilli ribs 4/10 not seasoned but sauce on top was good

Definitely not like the one (original) in Jackson. Smaller portions than what you'd think. Take the time to go to the original and they need to check their portion sizes. We did it take out....I hope that wasn't a factor.

Tangy style pork in tiny little shreds (my fav!) with THE best sweet minced coleslaw I have ever had. Inexpensive, no frills, quick order in line restaurant. The ice is better than sonic too! Soft shaved ice for your drinks. Could it get any better? Will definitely make the trek again- totally worth every bite.

Located At the east end of the shopping center. The chicken plate and the pork plate very good and priced Inexpensively. The ladder back chairs were rather uncomfortable, but the food made up for it. Worth stopping by if you're driving through.

Eat here regularly. Their barbecue is as good as it gets. Sauce is perfect. Best Cole slaw in the country. Don't stray from the barbecue plate if it's your first time. Brunswick stew is decent but I prefer it chunky and smoky not pureed. Ribs are ok but I'm not a fall off the bone fan. Chicken is good but can be occasionally dry. Great place to get a party pack for a family meal. If you want really great chopped pork barbecue, delicious sauce and outstanding Cole slaw, this is your place.

No nonsense; no frills; inexpensive; large servings; Georgia BBQ! In a time when reimagined BBQ in a more upscale setting is all the rage, Fresh Air is being true to the traditional Southern BBQ joint. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the new BBQ trend restaurants as well but there is nostalgia in a place like Fresh Air. Is it the best BBQ you've ever eaten? Probably not. Is it damn good BBQ none the less? You can bet on it! For those who only know the trendy BBQ spots give Fresh Air a try to see what paved the way for the journey of BBQ to become what it is today.

The place still rocks out for BBQ, There is a reason why everyone always comes back to the southern style homemade BBQ at its finest on Riverside Dr. I been coming here for as long as it's been open, 20 plus years

I was only in Macon for 45 minutes before I decided that I needed some bar-b-que, and boy-oh-boy am I thrilled that this is where I ended up. The tang of the sauce on the pulled pork is still making my mouth water, and the Brunswick stew actually caused a fight at the table over who would get the last bit of it. I'll definitely go back the next time that I'm in the 'Heart of Georgia'!

I ordered 1/2 chicken. It was so dry it was hard to eat. I was so excited to eat here after driving buy often. So disappointed. It comes with bread wrapped up. When I unwrapped it a gnat flew out. So disgusting. Don't waste your money.

I mean, do I even need to write a review? Just eat it. And when you're done, say thank you.

Their Brunswick stew is soooooo good! I couldn't stop eating it lol. The only thing *I* didn't fancy was the pork being finely chopped and their bbq has a strong vinegar-y taste to it. But I still enjoyed it so much!! I got us a pound of bbq, pint of stew, and 6 buns which equaled to $17.05. Great deal! I ended up dipping my bread into the stew-- mmmmmm!!!!

Great BBQ. Outdoor picnic table options. Just come early - it's fresh and once it's out it's gone.

Fresh Air holds a very special place in my heart. I prefer the Jackson location, but Macon is usually more on our route. We always stop in! Pork plate with sweet tea can't be beat. The stew is my favorite- that which I compare all other brunswick stew. The slaw is my favorite- that which I compare all other cole slaw. The sauce too. Fresh sweet tea is a staple. I will say, I prefer Carolina and Lexington style BBQ, but Georgia BBQ is so similar, and adding brunswick stew that is smoky and sweet and warm- perfection.

Absolutely the best barbeque I have ever eaten. When I was a kid, my parents used to make a stop in Macon to get Fresh Air bbq on our way from Atlanta to St. Simons. I later spent three years living in Macon and absolutely savored having Fresh Air down the street because my family has never found a place that compares to Fresh Air. (Slopes in the Atlanta area is the only thing that has come remotely close.) The pork is quality meat. You won't find any nasty chunks of gristle or charred slices. The mild sauce is so tangy that it will make your mouth water just thinking about it; it has the right combination of spices to give it enough kick without being overpowering. (Tip: You can even get a container of sauce to go.) I am not at all a coleslaw person but I will actually eat the slaw from Fresh Air, and the Brunswick stew is incredible. Do yourself a favor and stop by this great Macon establishment.

Love this place. Great clasic barbecue, the slaw is to good. The chicken is so moist and tender it fals of the bone. Just thinking , if I was t say what my favorite was it would be the chicken

The pork sandwich was too sour.. the rib was pretty good. You can break the bone with your finger. It is south Carolina BBQ. Ok

I am very disappointed that I have to change my rating from a 4 star to a 2 star but something has happened to Fresh Air since I was there last. Maybe the economy has them cutting corners and thats too bad cause this use to be some really good Q. I ordered my typical two sandwich special (comes with chips and a drink). I barely made it through the first sandwich. The pork was dry and the sauce was weak. This is not the same Fresh Air I remember raving about.

We went here because of reviews online. We were extremely disappointed. This is the worse bbq I've ever had. The brunswick stew was chopped, unappetizing! They were out of ribs, so we got the pork platter. The pork does not taste like bbq meat - It's tangy and chopped almost fine. The 1star is for the coleslaw, again its chopped, but it had a good flavor. The food actually reminded me of nursing home food. Will never go back.

The Brunswick stew is delicious, highly recommend! The baked beans were amazing too! The ribs....not the worst but I wouldn't order them again. I think they're possibly boiled first before smoked or grilled. The marrow and fat were gummy, definitely wasn't expecting that. I like vinegar based sauces so I thought it was wonderful but the gummy consistency definitely threw me off. I would definitely go back for the stew and beans though.

Tried this while on vacation. It was okay and worthy of 3 from me. I've traveled the country tasting and smoking ribs. I used that experience in my opinion. I thought the menu was limited. The ribs appearance was not that well. The texture was good and the taste was okay. I'm more a fan of tomato and mustard based sauces instead of vinegar. This place has vinegar based sauces. Please keep in mind that every one has different taste so I recommend checking this place out for yourself. It definitely is worthy of a try.

I grew up in Macon going to the original Jackson, GA Fresh Air BBQ first on my way to Atlanta on that two-way highway in the early 60s before I-75 existed, and then on my way back and forth to school at Oxford College and UGA in the 70s/80s. THE BEST classic GA ("pulled pork") BBQ, Brunswick stew, Cole slaw, chips, a Coke, etc. there ever was, is Fresh Air BBQ. The Macon store is NOT the classic original Jackson location. It's in a secluded corner of a dingy strip plaza, but the food is as amazing as the original old Jackson location. The people behind the counter are your friends when you come in, even if they never met you. Good people. But it's the food! If you don't like this BBQ, you won't like any BBQ. I just hope they will embrace and then takeover the new downtown trending Macon revival. Make your move Fresh Air! Take your place downtown! Yeehah!

Very solid bbq. Sides need a little love, but the bbq and slaw, especially when combined into a sandwich, can't be beat. People were also super friendly and made it feel like you were really at a local bbq hint.

Made a stop here after a long day of tubing down the river. My husband had known of this little place and was in the mood for some BBQ. I unfortunately was not very impressed. When you walk in, if feels as though you've taken a step back in time with the wooden tables, wicker chairs, gumball machines, and gas station-esque decor on the walls. Even have jeopardy on TV for your viewing pleasure. While the aroma of the food does get your mouth watering, it did not satisfy my taste buds. Limited menu. If you're searching for any vegetables, there are none. I ordered a plain 'ole sandwich. While I did eat the meat and half the bun, no matter how much salt, pepper or hot sauce I added, I could not deter the vinegar taste. If you love drinking vinegar, you'll like the food. My husband ordered the rib plate. The brunswick stew was decent. Beans were vinegary. The coleslaw looked like baby food the way it had been ground down and was tasteless. But then again, my taste buds had probably shriveled up into nothing by the time I tried it. In my opinion, the food is served pic-nic style, meaning everything is served on paper plates, disposable cups and plastic silverware. I get it, it cuts down on dishes and is easy clean up. Will I return? Probably not. I can still taste the vinegar...

I have always heard from folks how great of a local bbq place that fresh air bbq is. I happened to be driving through Macon last night and made a stop at fresh air. It is located in a shopping center just off I75 and near I16. They do have a drive thru if that interests you. The inside of the restaurant is clean and has many tables filling the front lobby. The restroom was very clean. This was around 830pm on a Friday night. There were maybe 5 or 6 tables filled. There were 3 ladies working behind the counter and they were all very friendly. They all carried on a fun conversation with me. They were knowledgeable of the menu and helped me choose. The bbq pork was chopped finely and had a nice smokey flavor. I had a sandwich only. The sauce was a vinegar based sauce that had a nice flavor to it. The bun was fresh and had lots of meat on it. Overall I was satisfies with the order. But this is a limited review because the sandwich is all I had. I plan to visit again to try some of the sides and may update at this point.