For most of my adult life, I loathed the idea of having a job in or near downtown Atlanta. I've said for nearly the last 40 years that "the best view of Atlanta is in my rear view mirror!" For the most part, I still feel that way despite the fact that I have worked inside the perimeter for the past 3 1/2 years. Some jobs are just going to require location there (in fact, probably a couple of million jobs) as where you work, so you've just got to make the best of it. For me, "making the best of it" means occasionally finding a new and interesting place to eat. When it is a bbq joint, it is even better!
located just a few blocks west of the Capitol and within eyesight of Mercedez Benz stadium is a relatively new joint that, though a bit on the pricey side, has some great bbq and sides, has charm and character, and a staff that makes you feel good about stopping by. As what seems to be the practice now days as we check out a new bbq joint in the ATL, I may try to hook up with an old friend or two who have the same appreciation for slow smoked meat and who appreciate the work and creativity necessary for a successful diner. So I hooked up with an old friend and a couple of his key folks to try out Smoke Ring for the first time.
Getting there for us was no problem during the lunch hour. We just cruised down Northside Drive, turned left just past the Benz, and found Smoke Ring just a couple of streets away. We found ample parking in the available free deck, and went in to a cute and well done building adorned with things that give it eye appeal and character. The menu, which can be located at the following link, was sufficiently varied without getting away from why you come to a good bbq joint. www.smokeringatlanta.com.
Now to the food. When you look at the picture, you may ask, "what in the heck is that?" I suppose there is a first time for everything! My selection for the day was pulled pork bbq, Brunswick stew, and....yep, Brussel sprouts! Let me start there. I know without a doubt that I had never ordered Brussel sprouts at a bbq joint before. Homer had told me they were great, and so I tried them. Frankly, these may have been the most distinctive item on my plate for the day. They were braised, or something like that, with a slight sweetness to them. I'd certainly select them again on a future visit.
The Brunswick stew was better than average with good visual evidence of meat, corn, and the usual ingredients. The stew itself would make for a great lunchtime meal on a cold winter day, and in fact it probably will for me sometime this coming winter.
Finally, the bbq. As evidenced in the picture, the bbq sandwich is a generous portion of pulled pork that is tender, clean, not overly dry, but also not excessively fatty. While I find good bbq at several places in Atlanta, this was as good as I've found for the most part. I've give it and the overall experience a 4.5 on the 5 point scale.
You sort of have to get used to this in the big city, but the major discount on the score is the price. When you spend close to $20 for a sandwich plate, tea, and tip, tightwads like me don't eat like this every day. I've been spoiled by eating many bbq joints across Georgia for a fraction of that price. I will say, though, that the quality of the bbq at the top bbq joints in Atlanta continues to be most impressive and sets a high standard for the rest of Georgia!
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