Twin Oaks in Brunswick, GA. You know this one is going to be special when you drive up to it. Don't think seafood is the only option on the coast, this long time establishment, nicely settled beneath the majestic, moss laden Live Oak trees on Norwich Street will fix your bbq craving. We arrived at 11 am, and early arrivers were already going in the door. Deb and I walked in and were greeted with the pleasant smell of smoked pork! This joint has been in business at this location since 1943. It's had several owners, and one thing that made this one so special is that for a time it was managed by our great friend Diane Giddens' father (John Studstill). Debbie was excited further after sitting down and could hear the distinct sound of "crushed" ice being scooped...and yes, it was "crushed". The drinks came out in "big old" glasses that nearly took two hands to hold. The pork sandwich was a good looking fixin, but the fries get the top billing just like John promised. These "batter dipped" fries are not matched in many places. I also had a side of bbq beans that had a nice mixture of pork in them. Oh my were they good. Honestly, the bbq was good, but I don't know that it get's but somewhere between a 3 and 4 on the q scale. It was clean and of good consistency, and it the sauce wasn't used to "hide" whatever the pork tasted like. No kidding, though, it was an ample sized meal brought to us by a waitress who had worked at this place for 34 years. Now that is loyalty. The character and historic content of the inside of the place was phenomenal. No doubt, there's been many a ton of smoked barbecue served in this great little joint deep in southeast Georgia.

Big D's Barbecue, Dawsonville, GA

Big D's in Dawsonville. Though long time folks from Dawsonville will probably favor little joints like Dogs and Hogs and the Dawsonville Pool Room, Big D's just across 400 from the outlet mall give you a good quick bbq meal break away from shopping. Big D's is actually pretty good, and though I didn't try them, they have some of the best looking ribs you'll find anywhere! It's only marginally applealing in character as it is hooked to the side of Sanky's, but when you walk into the small place, you are greeted with the great smell of smoked bbq pork and chicken. You walk right up to the counter and place your order. Their "stimulus package" is a good buy, but I had the sandwich and stew. The sandwich was pretty good but not particularly distinctive in portion size, but you won't leave hungry! The stew, though on the small side (which is not bad for me these days), it is packed with flavor. The fries were good even if they did resemble something that came out of a frozen plastic bag. They do get good marks for having a variety of good sauces including Memphis Sweet, NC vinegar based, SC mustard based, and some hot stuff that friends like BM would savor. All in all, not a bad close stop if you are around the outlet mall area of 400 in Dawson County. BTW, they do have one of the better slogans on the wall and on their t-shirts: "Put Some South in Yo Mouth." We did and can recommend it as a place to try! If in Cumming though, you still can't beat my friends at Jim 'n Nicks!

Great BBQ Joints in Georgia

Coming soon!!! I will be transferring all of my bbq joint reviews to this site for greater access.