Whether you prefer your pulled pork straight up on a bun in the standard sweetly sauced sandwich, or you are in the mood for something a little different, Atlanta has no shortage of BBQ spots, each offering its own take on the traditional taste. Follow the lines to tiny gem Heirloom Market with its Korean-influenced flavors if you are feeling adventurous. Want the ultimate in comfort food? Hit up Mac the Cheese for a pulled pork treat with macaroni and cheese. For good, solid basic BBQ, you can’t go wrong with Williamson Bros. or Old Brick Pit.
Heirloom Market BBQ
2243 Akers Mill Road
Atlanta, Georgia, 30339
(770) 612-2502
www.heirloommarketbbq.com
Like all truly great barbecue spots, Heirloom doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the packed parking lot every day at lunch time speaks volumes about the devotion of its fans. The pulled pork options include a sandwich at $7 or a platter with two sides at $11. The sauces offer a range of heat, from mild to “Hotlanta,” with a Korean style selection for a sweeter heat. One of the chefs is originally from South Korea, and she combines pickled vegetables and other interesting tastes to take the standard Southern barbecue fare to a different level. If you can find a parking spot, you won’t be disappointed!
Old Brick Pit Barbeque Atlanta
4805 Peachtree Road
Chamblee, Georgia 30341
(770) 986-7727
www.oldbrickpitbbq.com
The owners of Old Brick Pit Barbeque near Oglethorpe University on Peachtree Road focus primarily on pork with a vinegar-based sauce. With a focused menu including pork sandwiches, you know the people here are serious about their meat from the second your nose finds the smoky smell. Bob Newton, the Pit’s current owner, grew up in Atlanta and is dedicated to keeping quality barbecue in his hometown. Reasonable prices and a homey atmosphere make this a great place to take the kids.
Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q
1425 Roswell Road
Marietta, Georgia 30062
(770) 971-3201
www.williamsonbros.com
Atlanta is a fantastic town for arts festivals and other outdoor gatherings, and you’re likely to see a truck from Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q at most of the events. There are also three permanent locations for the restaurant, including this one in Marietta, if you need your fix between festivals. A barbecue pork sandwich at this spot will only set you back around $5, and it provides the sweet, rich BBQ flavors you crave. Of course, the restaurant also has all of the standard side dishes you would expect, from black eyed peas to pecan pie.
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(photo credit: Keely Herrick)
Sweet Auburn Barbecue
Curb Market
209 Edgewood Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 589-9722
www.sweetauburnbbq.com
Sweet Auburn bills itself as Southern barbecue with a twist, combining flavors and influences from French, Mexican and Asian cuisines. This barbecue favorite serves up all of your BBQ favorites like ribs, baked beans, and, naturally, pulled pork. The pulled pork sandwich is priced at $9.50 and is a favorite on the food truck circuit. The company is also available for catering, and can provide one of its trucks for your next party. With side dishes like Jamaican collards and Asian pear cole slaw and desserts like salted caramel banana pudding, Sweet Auburn is a uniquely Southern crowd pleaser.
(photo credit: Keely Herrick)
Mac the Cheese Food Truck
See web site for current location.
(404) 226-5729
www.macthecheesetruck.com
You might not think to head to a food truck specializing in macaroni and cheese for your pulled pork fix, but Mac the Cheese makes a tasty BBQ Mac combining pulled pork with your favorite comfort food. It sounds like an odd mixture, but the sweetness of the sauce works well with the cheesey treat. For $9, you and your friend can both get out your forks and dig in to a satisfying portion. Of course, you may find this yummy dish difficult to share!
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Keely Herrick is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
