Finding the Best BBQ in North Georgia

Every region of the country has some claim to great BBQ food, but if you're traveling in North Georgia, you can be sure to find a number of tantalizing, local BBQ options. Combine the southern charm with great wood smoke, some tasty sides, desserts that smack of home cooking, and wash it all down with some sweet tea, and you have the essence of the best BBQ in North Georgia. There are only so many meals in a day (even when wearing the stretchiest pants). With so many places to choose from, how can you decide?

Ask locals and tourists alike and you are bound to find some commonalities in the really popular places. Great BBQ usually comes with great service, interesting dining rooms, unique stories, and a friendly southern charm. In this area of the country, you will be able to make your quest for memorable BBQ into a journey worthy of social media sharing. Here are six places that have excellent BBQ and unique side offerings to keep you full and as satisfied as a visit home (presuming your home is a foodie paradise).
 

1. Mike's Trackside BBQ

Photo Credit: sweetie76010 via Instagram

3950 E. 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA, (706) 258-2533

Don't Leave Without Ordering: The brisket or the Rocket Dog, a quarter-pound beef hot dog that is smoked, then served on a bun and topped with their house-made chili, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and onion.

Reviews Say: The outside seating is pet-friendly (man's best friend likes BBQ too). Don't plan on getting deep-fried food like chicken tenders - if it's not smoked, they probably don't serve it.

The Inside Scoop: Mike's earns the top spot for its distinction as one of the few BBQ joints (they say the only one in North Georgia) that relies on 100% wood to smoke their meats. They use cherry wood for a unique, mellow flavor. If you want a place that focuses on a fancy setting, then Mike's is probably not your place. But for great BBQ, smoked meats, and tasty sides served up with great company, you need to make a trip to Mike's Trackside BBQ.
 

2. Carroll's BBQ

Photo Credit: vesselministry via Instagram

39 Lance Street, Blue Ridge, GA, (706) 946-1126

Don't Leave Without Ordering: The Tater Hill, an appetizer (or meal for many) that piles pulled pork, mac & cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw on top of tater tots and is then drizzled with a mild, sweet sauce. Oh, and outstanding banana pudding if you have room left.

Reviews Say: The meats are all tender and delightfully smoky. Some places nail the BBQ but falter on the sides, but that is not the case at Carroll's. Bottom line, you won't find a bad thing on the menu. The biggest issue will be how to choose a reasonable amount of food to try everything that sounds tasty.

The Inside Scoop: In addition to some amazing BBQ, Carroll's also does catering for large groups. Service with a smile, a kid-friendly menu, and a deep roster of comfort foods, chances are you'll have a great experience no matter what kind of dining experience you want.
 

3. The Pink Pig

Photo Credit: hippieprincesslaura via Instagram

824 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, GA, (706) 276-3311

Don't Leave Without Ordering: The Brunswick Stew, for a taste of comfort food; the Garlic Salad for a truly unique dish that you won't find anywhere else; and the iced tea, rumored to be the best in the world (you need to try it and weigh in).

Reviews Say: Visitors cite the homey atmosphere, friendly service, and affordable prices as reasons to take their first trip and return often. From the fried appetizers, like the Oink Onion, all the way through a rich slice of peanut butter pie for dessert, if there isn't something on the menu you like, you're just not trying.

The Inside Scoop: Hickory and apple wood are used for smoking at the Pink Pig. While the pit and rotisserie for smoking are modern, the Brunswick Stew is still cooked the old-fashioned way: in a cast iron pot with a lot of elbow grease to stir it.
 

4. Poole's BBQ

Photo Credit: vega.artifacts via Instagram

164 Craig Street, East Ellijay, GA, (706) 635-4100

Don't Leave Without Ordering: The uber-creamy Mac and Cheese or the BBQ Beans, which contain bits of the smoked meats. Just be sure you save room for the pulled pork or ribs.

Reviews Say: While most folks will tell you to try the different sauces, the consensus seems to be that you'll stick with the original recipe. Friendly, no-frills service, plentiful portions, smoked meats with a history, and a quirky setting give you a lot to enjoy when you visit Poole's.

The Inside Scoop: If your restaurant building is known as the Taj-Ma-Hog, and flanked by the Hog Rock Cafe, chances are that you are pretty committed to the BBQ lifestyle. Three-thousand-plus pig cutouts on the hillside behind the restaurant make up the Pig Hill of Fame. You'll stop for the food and stay for the fun photo ops.
 

5. Smokin' E's BBQ

Photo Credit: elliotwilborn via Instagram

2183 E. Highway 52, Ellijay, GA, (706) 698-9869

Don't Leave Without Ordering: The brisket or the pulled pork, but only after you've had a Redneck Roll—a deep-fried egg roll filled with smoky pulled pork and their housemade mac and cheese.

Reviews Say: Diners rave about the friendly service, large portions, casual atmosphere, and catering service. When the Smokin' E's food truck shows up for a catering gig or at a local festival, everyone knows it's going to be a good day.

The Inside Scoop: Family Combos are available if you want to please a group feed without having to do all of the work yourself. You can also take home their smoked meats by the pound. Try the fresh, homemade pork rinds!
 

6. Blue Ridge Mountain BBQ

3870 E. 1st Street, Blue Ridge, GA, (706) 632-6996

Don't Leave Without Ordering: Hickory Smoked Chicken Salad Plate. Sure, purists will say that smoked meats are fine on their own. But if you have ever wondered what delectable recipes can be made with, say, smoked chicken—here is your answer. The plate is two generous scoops of their fan-favorite chicken salad, served with garlic toast and not one, but two sides.

Reviews Say: Locals and visitors alike talk about the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the meat and praise the mac and cheese. For an appetizer, many recommend the fried pickles.

The Inside Scoop: The hickory-smoked flavor is just right, but if you want to be sure to have a full selection available, be sure to arrive early—some favorites may sell out. They also have a drive-thru for added convenience.

It can be hard to make a choice with all of these tasty options in such close proximity. We recommend you find a cozy place to set up camp near Georgia's state route 76 between Elijay and Blue Ridge and give yourself a few days to decide for yourself which place is best. Plus they all have take-out available, so maybe bring a cooler along and stock up for the long haul. One thing is guaranteed, by seeking the best BBQ in North Georgia, you will be happy with where your journey takes you.