The warmer weather brings so much joy. From the various festivals taking place around the city to the awesome vacations happening in Georgia's little paradises, there's nothing better than shedding the winter blahs for the summer delights. But what's arguably the best part of any sunny day is some delicious food. And not just any delicacy will do. It has to be barbecue. Whether you like yours doused in sweet, tangy sauce or rubbed down in rich, cajun spices, not much beats a plate of meat charred to perfection. Is your mouth watering just thinking about it? Don't worry. We've got you covered. Georgians, here's the ultimate BBQ guide to satisfy your taste buds this season.
Want to learn the craft of grilling? There's a school for that. Sam Huff, co-owner of Marietta's Sam and Dave's BBQ restaurants, got so many recipe requests for his tender ribs and chicken that he decided to market it. He launched Lost Mountain Barbecue Company's College of Pig Knowledge, popularly known as Pork U, to help grillers perfect their culinary skills and ace their next cookout.
Follow the safest grilling tips. Learn the dos and don'ts for throwing an outdoor dining celebration.
You can't really go wrong with these rib spots across metro Atlanta. What makes a great slab? These restaurants have the answers.
Pair your meal with wine. Didn't know you could have a glass with BBQ, huh? You can. So pass up your beer for a Biagio Cru and Estate Wines bottle, because the importers have developed a wine that will "stand up to any spice or flavor that a barbeque sauce throws at you—all at an affordable price."
Choose the best sides. Add some mac and cheese or collard greens or baked beans to your plate for the perfect combo. It's great to have endless options.
Need a go-to sauce? Try Slap Sauce. It's a mustard-based barbecue topping from Firebud Brands. Choose between three of the 100 percent natural and gluten-free condiments available.
Sandwich your meat in between two buns. When you opt to slap your scharred chicken or pork in between a couple of slices of buttery toasted bread, the result is heavenly.
Visit these spots when traveling across the Southeast. Whether you're going to Florida, Tennessee or Louisiana, there are a few restaurants in the Southern region that will leave your belly happy.
Experiment with non-traditional barbecue. Give the Korean BBQ at Honey Pig a try, and indulge in some Asian zing. Here, diners cook their meals on tabletop grills before feasting.
Speaking of Korean BBQ...the best one is located in Duluth. Tabelog voted Breakers Korean BBQ the best in the country. But what may be more impressive is that you'll most certainly taste the restaurant's yummy dishes, but you won't smell them. "What are most people's complaints about Korean barbecue," one of the servers asks. "That the room is smoky and hot and they leave with their clothes smelling like the food." Problem solved.
And the winner of the nation's top barbecue joint is located in Georgia. Joe's BBQ in Blue Ridge has the title, according to TripAdvisor. Afterall, its dry-rubbed pork, chicken and ribs, and array of barbecue sauces are a big draw for hungry travelers.
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