Tom E.
Yelp
130 reviews, open since 1976. Then, I see places open since 1990 that boil ribs and have 1855 reviews (all as of the time I wrote this updated review). It absolutely baffles me. To me, (I know, I can't believe I am about to say it, I am welcome to any feedback so bring it) that tells me that people don't know what solid, pit cooked BBQ really is.
I am writing a 5 star update (as my first review was also 5 stars), because it had been a few years between visits. And, it warmed my heart to know, that the only thing that changed about this place was the exterior (it got a face lift, and it looks nice!) and new furniture to sit on!
About 10 months ago, I brought my mom here after we went to go to the pet crematory (that is literally down the street) to pick out an urn for our last pup who passed. It was hopping at lunch time, and rightfully so. I got the combo plate (3 rib, pork, stew, slaw, shite bread, crackers). It came out quickly, and damn was it good.
Then, a few months later, I knew it was time to go back and let a good friend know about the place. I thought it would be a gamble if it would be the style of BBQ she would like (as here, they praise the pig). But, I figured for an $11 combo plate that leaves you satisfied, it wouldn't go wrong.
Thankfully, she enjoyed it. And for me, I did to. Everytime I come here it has been the same- consistently delicious, with the same flavors. It also has some of my favorite stew around too- with a nice peppery kick to it. Hell, thanks to this place, I now actually eat cole slaw with the pork (it is a nice combo to the palette). The ribs fall off the bone, and have this amazing pink ring on it from the smoke. These are some of my favorite ribs in the southeast (and the meat falls off the bone, not because they are steam blasted either!)- I would like to know your thoughts! I don't usually drink it, but the sweet tea is awesome here too.
If you don't feel like dealing with crowds, it is usually less crowded for dinner, but I am not sure why. If I lived closer I would probably come here 3-4X a week. This is also one of the (if not the only) place in Metro Atlanta with an indoor pit cooker like they have- it is pretty impressive, and what I would do to have one in my house...
The BBQ craft is true here, it is humble here (the big sign out front that says BAR-B-Q) serving on styrofoam and lunch trays. I would say that environmentalists would have a fit here, but whatever. Look at this way, would you rather drive a '68 Mustang GT500 Fastback or a 2005 Toyota Prius? I would take the Mustang, anyday. This place is legendary, like the Mustang, and it should not be missed. I will say it again, this is probably my favorite BBQ joints in the entire state, and easily top 5 in the country!