Sprayberry's BBQ, Newnan, GA

Sprayberry's BBQ. This joint has been around since 1926, so that makes it something like 84 years, and it is one of the best in Georgia. It really isn't that the bbq is any better than some of the best bbq joints around, but this one's got charm, character, and nostalgia along with great food. Located in beautiful, historic Newnan, GA, the original location is a little harder to access from I-85 than the second location at exit 47, but you've got to go to the original joint at least once. The outside of the building is not much more than a shell of the orginal gas station that it once was many years ago. An old series of bbq pits sit out front, and when you walk in the door, you take a step back in time. You'll find yourself a seat at one of the red-topped formica tables that date clearly back to the 50's. It's a busy place with a number of tables. At those tables will be mix of folks dressed anywhere from blue jeans and work clothes to business suits.

I knew by reputation that Sprayberry's was supposed to have great sweet tea, so I ordered me one in a "to go" cup and was pleased to find that to cool, sweet tea was served over some of the finest crushed ice you can find. I looked over the menu since I had not been at this origiinal location before, and I passed up the Lewis Grizzard special (bbq sandwich, Brunswick stew, and onion rings) and stuck with the usual sandwich and stew. The order was on my table before I could fully take in the place, so I proceeded with the meal. The stew was noticeably thicker and clearly had the appearance of having been finely processed. While the ingredients were thus not clearly discernable, you could tell it contained the traditional kernel corn. The flavor was out of this world great.

The chopped barbecue sandwich was generous in size and served with a dab of sauce, so I asked for some more. It was brought in a small bowl all nice and warm. The sauce, and they only have one, is a thinner vinegar base that is just hot enough to make your head pop a sweat. The extra sauce was really needed as the chopped pork was a touch on the dry, flaky side, but the pork was as tasty as this style of barbecue gets The pickles served along with the sandwich, which is always a good thing, were a spicy sweet style rather than the run of the mill dill.

I picked up a couple of pints of barbecue sauce when I checked out...one for me and one for a friend...so I look forward to further enjoying Sprayberry's taste the next time I smoke a Boston Butt. I noticed as I left the building I was walking with somewhat of a satisfied swagger. I grinned and thought, must be the Lewis Grizzard effect. Here I am two hours later and still enjoying my stop by historic and world famous Sprayberry's BBQ. Put it on your list to visit if you've not been there.