First Look: Lovies, Buckhead

Atlanta’s legions of barbecue lovers have a new spot to try. Recently opened in Buckhead, Lovies BBQ from Atlanta natives Nate Newman and Drew Gregory keeps it simple with a daily menu of smoked meats and Southern-style sides, and dine-in or takeout options.

The look: Situated down a steep hill in the back of a building near the intersection of Piedmont and Lenox roads, Lovies is a little hard to find. But somehow that seems to give it the aura of a hidden gem. The bright, tidy space is decorated with Georgia sports memorabilia and set up for fast casual service with menus on the wall behind the order counter. Find a seat in the smallish dining room or on the larger covered porch.

The scene: One afternoon, the line to the counter was long but moving fast as several large parties queued up and settled in for lunch. Newman and Gregory were on the scene, checking on orders and chatting up customers, most of whom were excited to talk barbecue with the new guys on the block.

The food: Barbecue plates with two sides and cornbread include pulled pork ($10), a half a chicken ($11), a half-pound of ribs ($12), or a combo of all three ($14). A pulled pork or chicken sandwich ($8) comes with one side. On the sides menu ($3), look for fried Brussels sprouts and housemade potato chips, along with coleslaw, potato salad, BBQ baked beans, greens and mac-and-cheese. Order Brunswick stew by the cup ($4) or bowl ($8). For dessert, it's either a chocolate chip cookie ($2) or a bowl of banana pudding ($3).

The drinks: Beer and wine are among the coming attractions. For now, though, the only beverage choices ($2) are sweet tea or Coca-Cola products.

The extras: You can order ribs by the half slab ($14) or full slab ($22), and pulled pork or chicken "for the road" by the pound ($14), along with sides by the pint or quart ($4-$16). Takeout family packs feed 4-6 ($50) or 10-12 ($90).