We all know what the 4th of July Holiday means around the country: fireworks, carnivals, beach getaways, hotter weather and of course, stick-to-your-ribs barbecue. Living in the South offers us a plethora of options to satisfy that meaty, smoky craving. Although Atlanta doesn’t necessarily have a “signature” BBQ style or cut or sauce, our transient city certainly needs to be put on the map for barbecue good eats.
My all-time favorite ‘que spot in Atlanta is the infamous Fox Brothers off Dekalb Ave. While “Texas” in founding, Fox Brothers collects influences from all around the South to give guests a true taste of what Atlanta BBQ has to offer. The atmosphere is a small shack with just enough tables to get the lines long for waits. Never fear, it’s worth it, so just order a beer at the bar and wait it out. For appetizers, the stuffed jalapeno poppers are to die for - who can complain about peppers stuffed with BBQ pork, then fried? All meats are delicious, from brisket to pulled pork but especially their Texas-sized short rib - only served on certain days of the week (pictured below). Finally, be sure to order a side of jalapeno corn bread with honey butter, a sweet and spicy treat to take a break from meat overload. If you haven’t been, what are you still doing reading this?
Another classic my crew has been going to for years: Fat Matt’s Rib Shackoff Piedmont Road near Lindbergh. More of a fast order establishment than a sit down like Fox Bros, Fat Matt’s is the perfect place for a quick lunch, dinner after Sweetwater or takeout. My favorites are the rib sandwich, BBQ chicken, rum baked beans and delicious Brunswick stew. Plus, live music nightly and cheap beer keep the atmosphere lively.
Finally, leaving this with a relative new-comer on the scene, Community Q BBQ, near Emory off Clairmont Road. Decorated with pigs and animals everywhere, this joint has the feel of a local, roadside shack but with a larger sit down area. Order at the counter and find your seat amongst the checker-clothed tables, only to receive a full tray of food. Portions are not shy here, so order wisely or be prepared for a meat hangover. The combo plate is the way to go - my one meal here consisted of deliriously good pulled pork, brisket (one of the best I’ve had in Atlanta), mac-n-cheese, collards and toast, easily enough for 2 or 3 meals of leftovers. Their motto “a cut above the rest” certainly holds true in my experience.
Of course, I’m sure we all have our local favorites, so please chime in with your other hot spots! And here’s to a long 3-day weekend enjoying all the BBQ and fireworks we can handle. Have a great holiday!
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