Socks Love Barbecue

We loved our first time visit at Socks Love BBQ and it is worth the mention. From the time we walked in, we were greeted by Iwona the store manager and the owner Kelly. Friendly atmosphere and great food. This establishment is under new ownership, but the current owners, Kelly and Brian have been in the food business for over 20 years. They also own Tam's Backstage in Cumming Georgia. I would recommend this BBQ place for an authentic southern food experience.

No point of reference as this was my first time having barbecue, but the experience was great! The workers were nice and the atmosphere was good. The brisket and pulled pork were both good, but I’d say the sandwhich is much better value wise than the plate. You get a similar amount of meat, so you’re essentially just paying for an extra side. The Mac and cheese and cream corn was delicious though!!

Restaurant is a little small, but totally worth it. When you think "hole in the wall" with the best food youve ever had, Socks Love is it. The Brisket is amazing, I eat it without any sauce (the only way to eat good brisket right) What's even better than the brisket you ask......... the "OMG Mac and Cheese." It is absolutely out of this world.

This place has gone downhill since the new owner, Brian Tam, took it over. They took the best place to get ribs and turned it into a disgusting bbq place like everywhere else. I had been coming to Socks Love since 2021 and now I'll never go again. Crazy thing is that Tam was given the original owners recipes so they could continue making the same great food. Instead he threw it all out and started serving basic, generic, and frankly disgusting bbq. Would give 0 stars if I could. Edit: I cannot respond directly to a reply on my review so I will add it here. I know the transition was two months ago, I was there to speak with the original owner before he left and see the transition which is how I know that he passed the recipes on to you. You guys did ok for a bit during the transition but the last time we went there which is when it was fully under your control with your food being cooked, it was awful. The ribs were the best part about your restaurant and now they're overly sweet and taste like sugar and ketchup. And your Brunswick stew, I was so thankful there was a bbq joint not just serving up the same basic food and sure enough, you added it to the menu. Socks Love was delicious and unique and you guys have turned it into the same basic meemaw and papaw bbq place on every corner.

Tucked away in a very unassuming corner of Cumming is one of the most fabulous bbq restaurants in the south. I’ve rarely expect much of restaurants like this because as noted on many of my reviews, I am a dedicated bbq snob of the highest order. However my socks were literally blown off by Socks Love. The pork sandwich was exactly how a pork sandwich should be - smoky, moist and piled high. Also, because snob, I rarely do more than taste the bbq sauce. Socks Love sauce is tangy, smoky and just a touch of sweet. Perfect! The brisket deserves a review of its own. As well cooked as any brisket this side of Houston, my slice only ensured that I’ll be back for a whole plate. The sides we tried were great too. The country slaw was delectable, the okra better than your great grandmother’s and the pickles - for all that’s sacred in food, the pickles were legendary with their briny taste and firm texture. Can’t wait to go back and see the owner Crazy Kay and get more brisket!

Wow, we smelled the BBQ coming down 20 and almost missed it. A little shop but great food. Took a while to get the food but they were packed out for lunch. Not much seating, so maybe grab and go, or order ahead. Brisket was awesome, manc and cheese and cream corn as well. Highly recommended

This place has THE BEST BBQ EVER. My husband just brought some home and it was so good we didn’t even sit down to eat, literally took a bit to try it and couldn’t stop. We got the brisket sandwich and mac n cheese. The briskets melts in your mouth. It’s so frekin good. And the mac and cheese is to die for. Better than any other bbq place we’ve tried. I wish i took a picture of the food before but im sorry there’s nothing left we munched down on that.

Best Texas style Brisket in GA and look at my reviews and feed to see how many in Texas i have tried! Ribs and Turkey are incredible too. Try the sides in my favorite order, Cowboy Beans, Mac and Cheese and Fried Okra but doubt you will be disappointed in anything Steven Hartsock creates. He occasionally makes a BBQ Birria Ramen that should win him a Michelin Star someday, yet he is the kindest and humble guy you will ever meet. Come see him early before they sell out!

Everything here is delicious. Order up front, service is quick. They have communal seating, with an easy going, laid back vibe. You cannot go wrong! Brisket, ribs, pork, chicken.....it's all phenomenal and they do not phone in the sides like a lot of places might. The beans, Mac n cheese and corn are the standouts for me. We eat for a couple of days on what we get and love every minute of it. I also keep looking at their cute as all get out hats and T-shirts. Next time, I'll pull the trigger and get one.

Ribs were the best, everything else was just okay! I was totally turned off from the beginning when the young guy taking my order kept scratching his private part! Saw him then handle the food thereafter! I absolutely hate places where the employees wear gloves and think it's only to protect their hands from getting messy! They touch everything with them on including the food, and that's just not sanitary to me. I won't be back!

Favorite BBQ spot in this area. Any BBQ joint that has items available until they sell out is a must visit (get there early). More of a takeout/catering spot, as seating is limited and more of a "fast casual" vibe, but as someone that has done dine-in, takeout and catering, the food is second to none. Full endorsement. 6/5 stars, would recommend all day.

Best bbq in cumming and the specials always deliver. You can tell this is a local and family owned business.

First visit here, and I was looking forward to the food as I love me some good barbecue. The restaurant is located in a small strip mall and is tiny inside with very limited inside dining. I was here for lunch on Saturday. You order at the counter, which has a video screen above the counter with the menu items. I went with a plate even though it is fairly pricey ($20 Inc tax). One of the nice things about the one item plate is you can cut the 1/2 pound weight of the meat in half and get two different meats at a 1/4 pound each. I went with the pulled pork and the brisket with sides of mac & cheese and cowboy beans. The brisket was flavorful albeit a tad fatty, and it had a very smoky flavor. The pulled pork was served in an unappetizing, looking wadded up ball, but overall had good flavor. They have one barbecue sauce, and it was very average tasting. I didn't find the mac & cheese appetizing at all. It was not creamy, but very oily and I only ate a couple bites of it. On the other hand, the cowboy beans were fantastic! The meal also comes with a few homemade pickles and onions, and they are a very nice pairing with the meal. To sum up my experience, I felt it was good, but not great barbecue. Aside from their awesome cowboy beans and homemade pickle garnish, the rest is forgettable. Only offer one sauce and it's very average. There's virtually no seating inside and the menu is a bit expensive.

Food is fantastic! Tried the birra tacos, brisket sandwich, side dish of corn, and banana pudding. Everything is delicious. It's a casual, small restaurant. Service was great. The owner came around asking if we are doing okay and chatted with us.

Had lunch there the other day and it was wonderful. I had the brisket sandwich with Mac and cheese as my side. Unique pasta used for the Mac and cheese but it worked very well. Loved the atmosphere in the restaurant they have community seating which enables you to meet your neighbors while you are eating your meal. Had a very wonderful conversation with the couple next to me during my lunch. Stopped by also to set up for the Annual Beaver Toyota and American Legion Post 307 annual Armed Forces BBQ. This a wonderful way to show support for our Military. This BBQ does it right do not miss an opportunity to eat at this restaurant.

I have to say I was a bit put off by the price of this place. A pound of brisket is $28, compared to "CUE" down the street which runs you about 22 a pound. But , the Sliced brisket actually rocks. Very tender, not too fatty and has a wonderful smoked taste. I grabbed a half pound, the barbecue chicken as well , again, very tasty and tender. The cowboy beans are great with lots of meat in them as well. The barbecue sauce has a bit of a bite to it and spicy, which is what I like ,more Texas style .overall I would say this place is really great food, but not a cheap date. Inside is not much of a wow, they really need to do a deep clean on the floor and they have a lot of stuff stacked up everywhere. The inside could use a good deep clean, but I got mine to go and I was pleased. Well, I come back? Yes, but not as often as I would like , Just a little too pricey.

Killer BBQ, cool vibe, high top bench and side tables, when've done take out. Waistline won't let me do it often, but occasionally when I 'be got to have som BBQ, no doubt this is the spot. Service is brisk and military, nothing wrong with that

Socks is definitely a five star restaurant. You can tell the owner cares about what is going out to his customers. Every item has been made with love and care. Been several times now and it's been 5 stars every time. Had the brisket Philly for lunch. It is phenomenal. It was OMG good! It is not skimping on meat or cheese either. Bbq is dang good here also. I've been eating the brisket on its own and it's top notch. Can't wait for my next trip back to Socks!

Pretty decent BBQ. I ordered the chopped brisket sandwich ($8.95) with a side of fries and cowboy beans. the place is small but the service is fast. If you're in the area and craving BBQ give Socks Love Barbecue a try.

Third trip to this place and i've waited for my review now is it good bbq yes it is , is it veered then sonny's of course is it the best bbq no , is it the best in the area yes it is but most bbq people will drive for really good bbq. i ordered one link of jalopena sausage and a rib plate with two sides corn and fries . Sausage had very strong flavor but not in a good way the link had zero snap in te casing as if it was cooked or held in water maybe or or didn't render properly , all in all just not a good flavor or experience. fries were frozen from a bag and corn was lacking some seasoning but once added a little salt and pepper was fine but also i feel the corn kernels were pre bagged frozen but could be wrong , however maybe some onion and pepper in the corn would elevate it . the ribs had a lite glaze on them and were decent but again just lacking something on the cook slightly tough and not a easy pull . all in all i think when a place gets rave reviews they ride on that for awhile and this place has great reviews but it's just not for me , it maybe for you . all in all 36 dollars and change

We've been wanting try Socks for years and just hadn't found the time. Well, thank goodness we finally did! It was sooo good. We had brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, creamed corn, and Mac and cheese. Our plates were empty when we finished! The Mac and cheese was some of the best I've ever had, we wrapped it all up with a peanut butter cookie. All some of the best food we've eaten lately, if not the best!!! It's hard to find a good restaurant, but we did!!! The staff was also so kind and went out do their way to make our visit enjoyable. Can't wait to go back!

Stopped by on the advice of our son in law and it didn't disappoint. The sides were some of the best I've had at a BBQ restaurant. The ribs were sizable and very meaty -- enough to share. The pork was fresh. And the two staff members there were very friendly and appreciative of our patronage. We will return next time we crave BBQ and decide on an early dinner. I wish they were open a little later since we prefer to dine closer to 730 on weekends, but I understand their desire to go home. I imagine it's hard work making such tasty food all day!!

My favorite part of the meal was sadly not the BBQ. The Mac and Cheese is fantastic - I was skeptical based on their choice of noodles - but they are correct. It was amazing! The pickles were my second favorite item I tried, followed by the pepper and cheddar sausage. My least favorite was the pulled pork and sliced turkey. The pulled pork had a heavy ash flavor. Of course, this is a personal preference. My husband ordered the beef brisket and said he could taste what I was referring to, but he enjoyed it. He also really enjoyed the collards. Based on the mac and cheese alone, I would return and maybe try a few other things. The sauce was decent, the service was friendly. It's a nice local family-owned restaurant - give them a try.

Finally made it here. My hubby have friends who live in the area and have hyped up this bbq place. We happened to finally be in the area and decided to stop by for a late lunch. It's in a shopping strip, so we were a little weary at 1st; however, we enjoyed everything we had. Between my hubby and I , we had brisket, ribs, collards, Mac and cheese, and fried okra. The brisket had a nice bark and was tender. My hubby put it behind his fave place in Atlanta for brisket. The ribs were a bit dry and had a light bark, overall pretty good but not the best I've had from a bbq joint. I liked the bbq sauce and needed to drizzle some over the slightly dry ribs. The max and cheese was surprisingly really good and seemed like baked Mac n cheese, which is the best way! The greens and okra were also good, no complaints. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but would stop by if I happened to be up here.

I went here for the first time after this place on Atlanta Eats. I look it up on IG. The brisket is juicy and tender with bark on it. The brisket is sliced like I like it. I don't care for chopped brisket at all. Delicious I got a brisket sandwich with fries. I ate the fries fast also I ate the sandwich in the parking lot. They give you pickles and onions in the container also red sauce. I also got a brisket dinner to go with brisket chili and omg Mac and cheese.

Everything is always great at Socks! I didn't realize they closed at 3:00. Arrived at 2:47 they treated me very kindly. I normally will not go to a restaurant that is closing soon. It isn't fair to the employees. However, they served me and even told me to dine in "no rush". Food and service was amazing!

I came here for the burnt end bacon but apparently it's not a regular item on the menu... I thought the prices was cheap but I guess you get what you pay for considering the chicken tasted like frozen pieces in a pack then thrown on the grill. I do not recommend the chicken! I couldn't even tell what piece was which. The brisket was very very good borderline chemically but definitely raised my one star into two. The bread was stale. Mac and cheese -too much cheese not enough seasoning Greens -decent A complete waste of money. Jesus I rather have smokies.

Amazing food and team. Worth the trip even if it's a drive Brisket, pulled pork, ribs and sides all perfect

Our Hiking Group's Favorite Barbecue Destination. Here's a review of our latest hike and visit to Socks. Nice people and great food. https://www.trailheadshike.com/post/trailheads-trek-a-forbidden-trail-make-new-friends-go-to-brisket-heaven

Class act of an owner! Delicious BBQ, not like most other places around where smoke seems secondary. I make a lot of brisket myself and I can make a killer. His one stand up to it. Which believe me is saying a lot!!! Everything else is delicious too. Sides etc the Grab and Go stuff is awesome and priced reasonably!! Highly highly recommend this spot if you want actual tasty BBQ!!! Good people good food and good service. What more can you ask for.

Delicious Brisket. The cowboy beans were also delicious. The chicken was ordinary. I would definitely go back for the brisket and beans. My husband said the Mac and cheese was wonderful.

Very good brisket and sausage - had the combo plate - greens good but not as good as grandmas lol - the Mac n cheese I'd hoped to try and bought sadly was stolen by my dog Mini Mo as I'd left the sack on the patio table and gone up on the boat to get plate and silverware - the devil got it somehow and it was totally gone when I came back 5 minutes later - grrrr- no treats for Mini ! She normally doesn't get anything off the table do the great smells from the bag overcame her good manners So .... Next time I'll try again and keep it out of her reach !

Incredible food - always! The beans and mac and cheese are among the best. The pulled pork is incredible, and I like to double up on the delicious sauce.

If you believe that the best barbecue is usually found in the worse part of the city, in a place with bars on the windows and just enough grease to write your initials then this isn't it. What this is, Socks Love Barbecue, a popular mini barbecue joint squeezed into a tiny space in a strip center just off the main drag in far north Cumming (where the water tower says "Cumming Home"). I say mini because the tables, a couple small ones and two longer ones can seat maybe 15 to 20 and most days (more about 'days' in a minute) the demand outstrips the capacity. You eat in the parking lot or back from wherever you came. You know the drill: weave your way through the folks waiting for their food and/or a table, and order with the smiling guy who seems genuinely glad to see everyone and more than glad to share the sides as well as the special. And to process your credit card. As someone who has spent a lifetime in pursuit of the perfect barbecue and written more than 125 barbecue reviews for Yelp, it seems only logical that if you claim to be a barbecue joint, you have the mainstay of all BBQ joints, ribs. But not at Socks Love (no one could tell us where they came up with that name). Socks fires up their smoker (more about that in a few lines) and put out what others say are some good pretty good ribs, but only on weekends. And weekends at Socks Love is Friday. Why? Because they are only open Tuesday through Friday, and only open those days from 11 to seven. Weekend is one day. One of their staffers explained, "we're a lot like Chick-A-Filet" known to close their doors Sundays so staffers can spend the day with family. About the meats: the brisket came in slices almost too thick, moist, with a not too subtle to be enjoyed hickory flavor. Good. The pulled pork was fair to middlin' nothing too much to complain or to boast about. Sauce you ask? One, good but not really unique. Yes, Socks has fries, but like too many other places, they come to the store frozen and really are without any redeeming flavor. Their "fire roasted corn" is at the other end of the continuum. Good. Really good. Your food comes, as is the case with most BBQ joints these days, Texas style, plopped down on a metal tray - and with a dollop of pickles and onion. Now about that smoker. It's inside the too small store, and you want to guess what happens when they have to open it? You get to take a memory of Socks hickory scented smoke home or back to work with you. Prices? Reasonable. SL's plates are in the $10 to $13 range. If memory serves, the two meats (good portion) and two sides plate the Brown Shoe Gourmet ordered was $17.95 Most barbecue joints have clippings boasting the awards they've won along with the health department's stamp of approval. At Socks there's this on the wall: "Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start," so said Anthony Bourdain. Amen brother Bourdain. Socks could travel a little further down that road if they added ribs on a regular basis, didn't render all the fat out of their pulled pork (that's where the flavor is) and either added some character to their sole sauce or another option. Three stars for the joint the folks in Cumming love having to arrive just after opening if they want a table.

Socks Love did an outstanding job for a catering spread at a family function. All the dishes were flavorful and satisfying, leaving you wishing that you have a larger stomach or take-home containers. Very delicious and highly recommended.

This place was a great hole in the wall find! I loved the vibe of this place. They were so friendly & welcoming! The people who worked here really believed in this place. I loved the pulled pork & Mac n cheese. The collard greens were flavorful but heavy on the salt. The sauce was tasty and vinegary. I also tried some of the chili - it was very smokey. The brisket was excellent and tender,case as well. The ribs were delicious but not fall off the bone. But they were a hot commodity as they sell until they run out for the day. I think it's only available certain days as well. The seating is limited, it's a small place. Plenty of parking Worth a visit if you're nearby

Today was my first time at this restaurant. I had not been to a bbq place in a while and got sticker shock at the plate prices so I ordered a sliced brisket sandwich, beans, and tea. The sandwich had plenty of meat but it was bland and tasteless. The beans were definitely the bright spot here, and they were quite good. I have not been to many bbq places since moving from Texas several years ago so I still don't really know what to expect from the bbq around here other than it is different of course. I am looking forward to more local experiences.

Great food. Definitely need a bigger space but always worth coming in anytime! Had the Brisket, Mac N Cheese, and corn.

Best brisket and Mac around! Brisket was fork tender and just melted in your mouth. Bbq sauce was a vinegar base and tasty. Mac was creamy and using big ziti noodles a gooey goodness. Hubby ordered sausage and brisket. They had three different sausages to choose from. He picked the chipotle and havarti cheese blend and it was very good, house-made too. I was surprised they didn't have a plain sausage to offer. Fried roasted corn was good but kinda lacked seasoning. I added some S&P and it was good to go. Baked beans were good but tangy. They were very vinegary and had loads of sugar. The two things together is an overpowering mess. Less sugar is definitely needed here. My hubby loves bbq beans but only ate half because they were that sweet. My #1 thing is to snap pics and I was so hungry, I forgot. We will definitely go back. They have greens and they looked awesome.

STILL the best BBQ I've tasted! Do yourself a favor and make the drive (even if more than an hour ) and do check operating hours as like most businesses these can vary with holidays. Now go get some #intelligent BBQ!!

Best there is!! Brisket sandwich is unbelievable! The sausages ( both kinds) are amazing!!! Go get you some socks of love!!

While traveling through Georgia, had to try some Georgia BBQ. Decided to try Socks Love in Cumming. Asked about recommendations - said the mac and cheese. May recommendation is to stay away from the mac and cheese - nothing special - go for the greens - MUCH better!. The Brisket would good and well flavored. Not my Texas BBQ but still a solid meat. I'd recommend when going through Cumming.

Fantastic food served by a caring chef. Service is great. Best to get takeout unless you like sitting on high boys.

In one word - Disappointing. Was looking forward to eat here because of the reviews. But the food was so disappointing. The brisket, although had good smoky flavor, was dry and tough. The pulled pork was fatty. And the cowboy beans were not cooked all the way through.

My husband and I had lunch at Socks' Love BBQ today. As always, he tried the brisket plate with OMG Mac and Cheese and the Grilled Cream corn. He said the brisket was okay not great. He's constantly searching for brisket that lives up to TX Brisket. I had the Pulled Pork Plate with Mac and Cheese and the Grilled Cream Corn. The pork was good- a tiny bit dry and the sides were delicious! Portions were huge and service was quick and friendly. We will definitely return- they cater too which would be great for a Holiday Party.

Group of 6 guys went to Socks Love, 3 of us shared the Platter for 3 - A delicious feast of chicken, turkey, pulled pork, brisket, and a white cheddar sausage. The platter also included five sides, we chose mac & cheese, brisket chili, baked beans, creamed corn, and the best side we tried was the collard greens. Fantastic! I can see why the AJC voted Socks Love as the best BBQ in the Atlanta area.

Recently moved to Cumming from Miami, FL and have been on the hunt for good southern BBQ spot. After trying a few local spots SLB definitely hit it out of the park for us! Would highly recommend the brisket, super tender and juicy with crunchy smoky bark and excellent seasonings. This is my third visit with many more on the horizon. Great staff and excellent customer service, I loved that the owner always walks by the tables and asks how everything is. Excellent food and great vibes!

A heck of a drive from my part of ATL, but maybe the best brisket I've ever had. Super nice staff, too!

Amazing! The service begins as soon as you walk through the door. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. The food was so good we talked about it most of the way home. We had ribs, brisket, beans, mac & cheese, corn, and fries. We also ordered a peanut butter cookie that was yum!! Everything was perfectly cooked and smoked.

I was curious after Socks Love won best Barbecue restaurant in Atlanta, so I made my way up to Cumming, and was pleasantly surprised that there was no long line at lunch. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich and mac and cheese. Wow! It was one of the best BBQ sandwiches that I've had in a while and it was priced right. The Mac and cheese was great too. I also loved the BBQ sauce, which wasn't needed, but it's SO good that I wanted to drizzle it all over the meat. This place is easy to miss in a small shopping strip by Ingles, so be on the lookout if you head that way. It's better than the well known BBQ restaurant just down the street.

My wife and I visited Socks for lunch and found the BBQ to be good but expensive, as most BBQ is.... Great flavor of the meat and good choice of sauces to use. Portions were good and the overall experience was good.

The brisket & the cowboy beans are delicious!! Every time my brother is in town from LA, he insists we go and every time it's just as good!

Great barbecue place right off 400.. we were in the area and it popped up in yelp. Even though we had to drive an extra 10 minutes it was so worth it. We bought food to go and the food was awesome. Loved the brisket the most.

Brisket is excellent and I love the brisket chili pie. As for sides, they are lacking and could be better. Fries could just be taken off menu. They're a hard no for me. I prefer city bbq sides over these. Not terrible but not great on the level with the brisket, but a man can't be all things. So I feel they deserve 5 stars because the brisket is undeniably good.

I love this place. The Dinglewood sandwich is awesome. The smoked sausage and brisket are great and the brisket chili is some of the best I've had. Although the brisket chili is wonderful it's not a typical chili and it's very spicy heavy. Some in my family don't like it.

The food is always amazing. I try to go on Fridays and get the ribs when they have them but definitely a stop.

Ok, this place sits in a tiny spot in a plaza that you almost miss it, but inside are a few things you do not want to miss! The BBQ here is amazing! The menus is short and sweet and they are open until the food run out, yes it's one of THOSE places. Don't leave until you try the brisket and pulled pork. Put that slice of bread to the side because you will need your eating room. Let's not forget the creamed corn that has been grilled first. Those kernels were so sweet with a nice char and full of goodness to the last bite. The place is small and you sit at long bar tables with some locals eating this fine fare with you. For sure a do not want to miss place in Cumming!

Just an appreciation post of this beautiful and tasty BBQ! Got to pick up some of their bacon burnt ends Togo.