The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BARBECUE 6 PLACES TO GET YOUR FIX ON THE NORTHSIDE
Barbecue in July. Ooh-wee! If you’re wondering where you can chow down on some barbecue when the mood strikes this summer, consider checking out these eateries up north known for smoked meats, mac and cheese and all those other fixin’s.
Bub-Ba-Q
In an unassuming strip mall on Ga. 92 in Woodstock lies BubBa-Q (the original location is in Jasper), which lures diners with smoked barbecue classics for takeout or dine-in. Be sure to try some starters, which include creations like Bubba Peños (smoked bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños) and a BBQ quesadilla. Sandwiches and combo plates feature generous portions, or you can keep it simple with a rack of baby back ribs with green beans and collard greens on the side. The extensive menu also boasts burgers and hot dogs, in addition to more creative options like pulled pork tacos and Pig-N-Chips (think nachos with pork).
10020 Ga. 92, Woodstock. 678402-1662, bub-ba-q.com.
1976 State Route 53 W., Jasper. 706-692-7929, bub-ba-q.com.
Dave Poe’s
A simple space is home to Dave Poe’s in Marietta, but that doesn’t stop hordes of BBQ fans from stopping by this pitstyle joint. Slow-smoked beef brisket and pork (16 hours to be exact) are the name of the game, as well as tender ribs, smoked chicken and a host of traditional sides. The mac and cheese is on point, and they serve “redneck lasagna”— mac and cheese topped with Brunswick stew.
660 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-792-2272, davepoes.com.
Grand Champion BBQ
With three locations outside the Perimeter (east Cobb, downtown Crabapple in Milton, and historic Roswell), plus one intown, Grand Champion BBQ has garnered a devoted fan base over the years. Diners favor their beef brisket and baby back ribs (but the pulled pork is trusty, too), served along with traditional sides like mac and cheese (another crowdpleaser here), collard greens and baked beans. Various locations, gcbbq.com.
J.D.’s Bar-B-Que
Using hickory wood in a firebox to smoke its meats, J.D.’s BarB-Que (in Acworth and Woodstock) draws you inside with the enticing aromas wafting outside. Kick things off with fried pickles and fried green tomatoes or opt for the chili cheese fries or onion rings. Go with a Smokehouse Plate (the smoked chicken is a favorite) and two sides (like the fried corn or coleslaw), or a chopped pork sandwich for a trusty choice. Additional sandwiches, wings, burgers and more round out the offering.
4424 Main St., Acworth. 770974-8434, jdsbbq.com.
6557 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 678-445-7730, jdsbbq.com.
Smokejack BBQ
Situated in a 180-year-old building in downtown Alpharetta, Smokejack BBQ serves up Southern-style eats in a welcoming space lined with brick walls and open rafters. Start your meal off with fried pickles or homemade pimento cheese, then order up one of their many sandwiches (the Smoky Pilgrim is a comforting mix of smoked turkey breast, cranberry jam, bacon and melty fontina) or one of the smoked meats that span from Bama-style chicken to pulled pork to baby back ribs to burnt ends. A host of different sauces are available to spice things up, including a tangy Carolina sauce and a KC sauce with Asian flare, among others.
29 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 770410-7611, smokejackbbq.com.
Swallow at the Hollow
Tucked away on Green Street in historic Roswell, Swallow at the Hollow is a mainstay for barbecue lovers. The restaurant pitsmokes its meats over hickory and fruitwood, while also making its bread, sides and dressings. You can’t go wrong with classics like the chopped pork, smoked turkey and smoked chicken wings along with super-creamy mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. A rustic wood-clad interior gives off homey cabin vibes for a casual respite to fill up on good ol’ barbecue.
1072 Green St., Roswell. 678-3521975, swallowatthehollow.com.