Photos: Taking a look at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead

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Photos: Taking a look at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead

Photos: Taking a look at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead

Smokebelly serves crackling pork rinds in place of bread service. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Smokebelly offers the obligatory deviled eggs, its take sprinkled with bacon. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

The restaurant offers what it calls "light barbecue tapas." These items were created to appeal to women and those who want a lighter meal before a night out on the town. Try the crisp lettuce wraps filled with mixed-texture medley of edamame, corn, blue cheese crumbles, cherry tomatoes, smoked almonds and a tart citrus-cilantro vinaigrette. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Another favorite from the light menu, the the simple summery watermelon salad has a nice play of smoked feta, sweet watermelon, pickled onions and fresh mint. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Go for the blistered peppadew peppers, not ground-breaking but satisfyingly warm with goat cheese, smoked almonds and black-pepper honey. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

ou'll get a little hickory from the sliced, smoked turkey breast, which is massively moist from its wet brine. Make your meal a combo, pairing that turkey with the smoked sausage. The links may not give you much wood-flavor, but the charred casings burst with savory juices. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

The chopped smoked brisket comes with its own sauce that echoes its dry rub. Tender little cubes of 21-hour smoked Angus beef derive their flavor from the coffee-cocoa-cinnamon-studded spices. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Smokebelly’s mixed-style ‘cue is something of a celebration of Southern culture in and of itself. Whether you take a Carolina mustard sauce or an Alabama white, Smokebelly has it. Not satisfied with the traditional or vinegar-based bottles on the table? Head on over to the sauce bar to try one of another six or so varieties, all made in-house and all with subtle differences. The Coca-Cola-spiced version is a fun representation of our town, if not the one I’d first eat with my pulled pork. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Some may like this thin, edamame-studded Brunwick stew, or you might prefer yours a little thicker with a punch of heat and vinegar. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Smokebelly offers a nice kids menu with options like this cheeseburger that looks good enough that you might just sneak a bite. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Smokebelly’s dessert menu also features a bit of Americana with the Coca-cola sheet cake. The rectangle of cake,so thick with cola it tastes like sticky-toffee pudding, comes topped with smushed, greasy chocolate icing and whipped topping that tastes like it came from a can. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

Occasionally, such smart design detracts from the fare, building expectations sky high. Everything else is over-the-top and you’d expect the grub to follow suit. (Contributed by Lauren Rubenstein)

Smokebelly's decor, a product of what co-owner Chris Hadermann calls “endless trips to the Scott Antique Market,” features many upcycled items, all repurposed for both decorative and functional uses. (Contributed by Lauren Rubenstein)

Plan to play an “I spy” game to identify the original uses for each of the antiques used in the deep-pocket decor. (Contributed by Lauren Rubenstein)

Old Ford tailgates flank booth ends, salvaged iron porch railings cordon off a small stage and rusted silo lids have been fashioned into chandeliers. )Contributed by Lauren Rubenstein)

As cooler weather approaches, expect Smokebelly's handsome patio to fill quickly. )Contributed by Lauren Rubenstein)

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Smokebelly serves crackling pork rinds in place of bread service. (Photo by Jenny Turknett)

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