GEORGIA - While Georgia's barbecue traditions have deep roots in pulled pork and tangy sauces, the Peach State is experiencing a "brisket boom." A new wave of dedicated pitmasters, inspired by the traditions of Texas and beyond, are producing some of the most delicious and well-crafted barbecue in the South.
Georgia's Brisket Boom: Where to Find the Best BBQ in the Peach State
You no longer need to head west to find world-class, slow-smoked brisket. Here is a guide to some of the best spots to find fantastic BBQ brisket in Georgia.
What Makes Great Brisket?
Perfecting brisket is an art form that requires skill and patience. Key elements include:
- Quality Meat: Starting with a high-quality, full-pack brisket with a good fat cap for added moisture and flavor.
- The "Bark": A dark, flavorful, and slightly crunchy exterior crust that forms during the long smoking process.
- Tenderness & Moisture: The ideal brisket should be incredibly tender ("jiggly"), with perfectly rendered fat that makes each slice juicy and rich.
Top Spots for Brisket in Georgia
- Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (Atlanta, GA):
- The Brisket: A true Atlanta institution, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is one of the most popular and acclaimed BBQ joints in the state. Their chopped brisket is a fan favorite, renowned for its rich, smoky flavor and perfectly tender texture, which pairs well on a platter or piled high on a sandwich.
- The Vibe: A bustling, lively restaurant with a fun, neighborhood bar feel. It's often crowded, but the energetic atmosphere and consistently delicious food are worth it.
- Heirloom Market BBQ (Atlanta, GA):
- The Brisket: This small, unassuming spot has earned a massive national reputation for its unique Korean-Southern fusion BBQ. While they offer inventive dishes, their classic Texas-style sliced brisket is masterfully executed and a must-try for any purist.
- The Vibe: An incredibly popular and primarily takeout-focused spot. Expect a line, but the unique and delicious food is a vast reward.
- Southern Soul Barbeque (St. Simons Island, GA):
- The Brisket: Located in a converted 1940s gas station on St. Simons Island, Southern Soul Barbeque is a nationally recognized destination. Their brisket is slow-smoked and celebrated for its classic flavor and tenderness.
- The Vibe: A quintessential Southern experience with a relaxed, rustic island atmosphere. Enjoy your BBQ platter at outdoor picnic tables under ancient live oak trees.
- B's Cracklin' BBQ (Atlanta, GA):
- The Brisket: Pitmaster Bryan Furman is a highly decorated, James Beard-nominated chef known for his commitment to heritage breeds and traditional techniques. While famous for whole hog, the brisket at B's Cracklin' BBQ is equally exceptional, known for its incredible flavor and quality.
- The Vibe: A beloved spot that has overcome adversity (including fires at previous locations) to continue serving some of the best barbecue in the Southeast.
- Wood's Chapel BBQ (Atlanta, GA):
- The Brisket: Located in the historic Summerhill neighborhood, Wood's Chapel BBQ is led by a team of acclaimed Atlanta restaurateurs. They bring a chef-driven approach to the craft, and their prime brisket is a standout, smoked over white oak and served by the half-pound.
- The Vibe: A stylish and spacious restaurant with a large patio, offering a slightly more refined yet still casual barbecue experience.
Georgia's barbecue scene is a delicious and evolving landscape, offering far more than just traditional pulled pork. The state's pitmasters are producing brisket that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the country. From the bustling energy of Fox Bros. and the innovative flavors of Heirloom Market to the coastal charm of Southern Soul, the Peach State provides a fantastic brisket quest for any BBQ lover.
