Gene's
Barbecue restaurant · Atlanta ·
Viet-Cajun barbecue with frozen drinks, Jell-O shots, and fun decor
Viet-Cajun barbecue with frozen drinks, Jell-O shots, and fun decor
"This wildly popular barbecue pop-up became a brick-and-mortar in July 2024. Pitmaster Avery Cottrell’s fusion of Viet-Cajun and Texas-style barbecue has had people lining up out the door for dishes such as blue crab claws with pickled chili vinegar and fish sauce caramel wings to more traditional brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken topped with fresh herbs. Despite some customers expressing reviews critical of inconsistent quality and service, Gene’s is still arguably one of the more popular establishments in the area, competing with more traditional barbecue joints with their creativity and fun vibe." - Candy Hom
"Gene's is a BBQ joint in Kirkwood with dive bar energy. There are no TVs playing sports, but there is a gigantic red alligator hanging from the ceiling, multicolored lights, and jello shots. So when you want to sprinkle some life into another dreary weekday night, head here. And while this spot has a mashup of great smoked meats that dabble in Viet-Cajun flavors, make the lemon pepper wings a priority. They’re plump and fried to crackly levels with snappy skin, and the balance of citrus and spice is just right." - demarco williams, juli horsford, jacinta howard
"For lunch, or the earlier side of dinner, it’s hard to beat Gene’s in East Lake. Kids and adults alike love Gene’s kitschy decor (hello, disco ball and inflatable alligator) and its laidback ambiance. While the menu’s Viet-Cajun barbecue items can run spicy, there are plenty of approachable items for young ones. On the kids’ menu, the brisket sandwich and pork quesadilla stand out for being delicious — it so often feels like restaurants forget that kids have tastebuds, too — and the waffle fries and macaroni and cheese are inter-generational favorites. The Genesicle, a zero-proof riff on an orange creamsicle, can be ordered in a kid’s size." - Lia Picard
"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
"A very red, very large alligator hangs upside down from the ceiling when you walk into Gene's BBQ in East Lake. That's your first sign that this spot will liven up your boring weeknight dinner. The multi-colored lights, glittery disco ball, and bright teal chairs are your second indicator. Head here to hang out with friends, sip a strong Hurricane, and devour some great wings (they made our best wings guide) or a huge brisket sandwich that requires two hands to hold. Chase it down with a Jell-O shot spiked with Decatur-made amaro. And don't forget the banana pudding—its super creamy yet light texture makes it one of the best things on the entire menu." - nina reeder, juli horsford, jacinta howard
