Gene's
Barbecue restaurant · Atlanta
2371 Hosea L Williams Dr SE #1, Atlanta, GA 30317
Highlights
Casual restaurant serving comfort food such as ribs, pulled pork, and banana pudding.
Casual restaurant serving comfort food such as ribs, pulled pork, and banana pudding.
"Gene’s gives off heavy Louisiana vibes from the second you walk in the door thanks to neon signs, red lighting, disco balls, kitschy decor, and random little knick-knacks, which all contribute to the chill party atmosphere. You could order at the deli-style counter and find a table, but we like the idea of heading straight to the bar, where you have a seat, hang out, and order whatever you want without having to grab a number or wait in line. It’s the season (or the year?) of the martini, and here it’s also made with Murrell’s Row – classic, simple, and garnished with a smoked olive skewer. The Tulsi Tonic is delicious, as well, but the real reason to come to Gene’s is for the frozen drinks. You’ve got a banana daiquiri, a margarita, a hurricane, and a bushwacker to choose from, or go zero proof with the Genesicle, which has orange, vanilla, and creamy coconut. You can also get Eno Amaro shots on tap." - Allison Ramirez, Henna Bakshi
"The long-anticipated Viet-Cajun-style barbecue joint, Gene’s BBQ, opened on July 22. Formerly a pop-up run by Avery Cottrell, known for its zesty riffs on barbecue and sides of beef tallow refried beans, has now taken over the former Salaryman space, next to Poor Hendrix at Hosea and 2nd. Expect meats by the pound here, along with boudin egg rolls, chili brined chicken skewers, crab claws, and smoked mushroom tacos. Gene’s also offers brunch with breakfast burritos and shrimp and grits. The wine list has stellar options including Pere Mata cava, Johan Vineyards pinot gris orange wine, and Chateau Yvonne chenin blanc — all excellent pairings with the food. $3 Mountain Dew shots are also available." - Henna Bakshi
"Gene's, a former pop-up that's settled into Kirkwood, is like a fun dive bar with great BBQ. Walk in and everything is fighting for your attention, from the disco ball dazzling under multicolored holiday lights to the gigantic red gator hanging from the ceiling. It all contributes to a party feel—which goes nicely with a stiff drink. Just know you'll have to order your food first at the counter before a waiter comes to offer you a frozen hurricane. The food also matches the restaurant's loud energy. Here BBQ staples like coleslaw get a powerful kick from jalapeño cream, and the smoked sticky ribs showcase some delicious Viet-Cajun flavors from fish sauce caramel. And we can see ourselves coming back again and again for the tasty dry rub lemon pepper wings. " - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"Formerly a pop-up, Gene's now has its very own brick-and-mortar in East Lake. Serving up smoked meats and Southern favorites like deviled eggs and pimento cheese, we can't wait to see if this new spot will make it on our best barbecue guide. " - juli horsford, jacinta howard
"It’s hard to know where to look when you step into Gene’s BBQ in East Lake. A giant red alligator hangs from the ceiling, a disco ball glitters overhead, and multi-colored holiday lights shine from the large bar area. But even with all the playful distractions that make this a fun spot for a weekday dinner, the focus quickly shifts to the real star—the food. Gene’s serves up a mashup of smoked meats with a hint of Viet-Cajun flair, like the juicy half-chicken with a chili dry rub and sticky ribs coated in sweet fish sauce. And make sure to prioritize the plump lemon pepper wings, fried to a perfect crackle." - demarco williams, jacinta howard
