Best Brunswick stew
It's an Atlanta classic and, once again, Harold's is both your pick and our pick for best Brunswick stew in and around Atlanta. Staff photo
YOUR PICKS
1. Harold’s Barbecue
You say, “Harold’s still beats all comers … Their stew is fantastic and served with cracklin’ cornbread” and “Harold’s is the best stew in Atlanta … I had a bowl of stew there last Wednesday at lunch and it was as good as ever! Cracklin’ corn bread is still wonderful as was some outside sliced pork.”
2. Old Hickory House
3. Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q
4. Fresh Air Bar-B-Que
5. Old South Bar-B-Q
OUR PICKS
1. Harold’s BBQ
The AJC dining team’s Popular Eats specialist Jon Watson says, “Harold’s has been one of Atlanta’s favorite old-school barbecue spots for decades, and their Brunswick stew wins some of their highest praises. The traditional emulsified-style stew makes for a fantastic dunking sauce for their cracklin’ cornbread, and should be your first pick for a side at the landmark smokehouse.”
2. Beaver Creek Biscuits and Barbecue
3. Old South Bar-B-Q
4. Heirloom Market BBQ
5. Fox Bros. BBQ
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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
317 comments Add your comment
andrew a smith
February 26th, 2012
10:39 am
THE BEST Brunswick Stew is SLOPES BBQ !!!!!
Fred ™
February 26th, 2012
10:55 am
As always the ‘best” of anything is the way you make it right? Well The Oak Grove Market makes their brunswick stew nothing like mine and I love it.
I vote Oak Grove Market
Scott
February 26th, 2012
12:06 pm
Shane’s Rib Shack….hand’s down.
Lynn
February 26th, 2012
6:28 pm
Manuel’s Tavern has great Brunswick stew.
JP
February 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Lordy me. Everyone in Atlanta knows that the best Brunswick Stew is at Harold’s BBQ.
Upscale Man
February 27th, 2012
12:01 pm
BBQ 1 is pretty good
Foodie-B
February 27th, 2012
12:08 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson. Well worth the drive!
Nathan
February 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
No doubts about this one: Williamson Bros. BBQ. Their cue may not be topping many lists these days, but their Brunswick stew still reigns supreme.
Daniel A
February 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
Pig N Chick’s for sure!
Becky
February 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
Old South in Smyrna..
HM
February 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
I realize it’s a chain, but Slope’s makes a very good stew.
Glenn
February 27th, 2012
1:02 pm
Agree with Becky – Old South BBQ in Smyrna has the best Brunswick Stew I’ve ever had.
MLD
February 27th, 2012
1:31 pm
It’s not always on the menu as it is a special…..Moe’s Original BBQ
Sandy
February 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
Fox Bros BBQ !!
Todd
February 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
+1 for Williamson Bros.!!!!
FS
February 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
I love Brunswick Stew and the Oak Grove Market is the best I’ve ever had. EXCELLENT!
Arn
February 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
Matthew’s cafeteria in Tucker
chuck e
February 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
JR’s in Norcross
johnny fontane
February 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
Little Barn in Lawrenceville. I have it for lunch once a week.
Three Jack
February 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
My family recipe handed down thru 4 generations…nobody can touch it.
Not Moe’s. Just tried it for the first time…it’s like they took all the pork juice from a shoulder tray and mixed with some meat/veggies…blah!
Scott
February 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
ok cafe is great. among BBQ joints, Foxaroni (stew with Mac n cheese) at Fox Bros wins far and away.
Veruca Salt
February 27th, 2012
1:37 pm
Heavy’s BBQ in Crawfordville
Van Jones
February 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
+1 for Williamson Bro’s, and JR’s.
- 1 for Pig n Chik
The Qman
February 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
Without question—Bradley’s in Conyers & Covington.
GARaised
February 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson is #1, but Brick Pit BBQ in Brookhaven is a close #2
Buzz
February 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
Fresh Air Barbeque in Jackson, very simple, very delicious.
Maddernheck
February 27th, 2012
1:40 pm
Most of you folks are lost souls – Old Hickory House has and always has had the best brunswick stew ever. Nothing else compares. Except for a long lost place in Decatur called Lefty’s Barbeque on Candler Rd near Memorial. Pure heaven!
Dan
February 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
Heirloom Market
cb
February 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson or Harolds in Atlanta
JOHN
February 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
JD;S ON BELLFERRY RD N. EVERY THING THERE IS GREAT .
mrpappagiorgio
February 27th, 2012
1:44 pm
Heirloom Market is amazing. Best in Atlanta.
biscuit
February 27th, 2012
1:45 pm
Harolds. Actually my Mom’s is best but she lurves Harolds. Me, too.
ilovebbq
February 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
Williamson’s!!!
kevin
February 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
Harold’s.
rwp
February 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Big Bear’s in Rome!
Outside Observer
February 27th, 2012
1:48 pm
Definitely McGhin’s Southern Pit in Griffin. Although Fresh Air BBQ definitely deserves an honorable mention.
Ameroogie
February 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw!
Garrie
February 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
Fred’s Bar-B-Que House on Thornton Rd in Lithia Springs has the best Brunswick Stew in the south. Many of the local Bar-B-que joins in Atlanta purchase theirs in bulk. Fred makes his from scratch with fresh vegatables and also adds bar-b-que pork to the stew. Every time my son vistis from Chicago, he goes by Fred’s and buys a couple of gallons to take back home with him. I’ve had Brunswick stew at all of the well know places around Atlanta, and non compares with Fred’s.
Jonny Wing-T
February 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
Bradley’s BBQ in Conyers is tough to beat.
GEORGIA97
February 27th, 2012
1:50 pm
One Star Ranch in Buckhead
BBQ King
February 27th, 2012
1:50 pm
The best Bar-B-Que and Stew in the state can be found in Franklin, GA at JJ’s BBQ right off US 27 near the river! The closest I have found to it is in Dallas, GA at the Hickory House….they have great BBQ as well….Slopes is good but can be oily….good stew does not separate!
GRITS
February 27th, 2012
1:50 pm
Fincher’s in Macon. Their BBQ and Brunswick stew will cure most anything from hangover to broken heart.
billyboy
February 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
Leon’s BBQ in Griffin, also well worth the drive.
Tracy
February 27th, 2012
1:53 pm
Wallace’s in Austell, hands down!
BBQ Man
February 27th, 2012
1:53 pm
Freds in Lithia Springs beside Atlanta Harley Davidson has the best around! Go just for it and will sing the praise!
Fred ™
February 27th, 2012
1:55 pm
johnny fontane
February 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
Little Barn in Lawrenceville. I have it for lunch once a week.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I moved from Lawrenceville over 10 years ago Johnny, so I hesitated to nominate them. Is it still as good as when the parents ran the joint? If so, it’s even better than the one O nominated.
PMC
February 27th, 2012
1:55 pm
Sconyers BBQ – Augusta, Ga
Fresh Air – BBQ Jackson GA
Original ATLiean
February 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Maddernheck has it right, nothing can touch Old Hickory House for Brunswick stew – or banana pudding or babyback ribs. Mmm….
Mike
February 27th, 2012
1:57 pm
Fox Bros.
Mounty Man
February 27th, 2012
1:57 pm
Butt Hutt-Athens. Ga
1164mgc
February 27th, 2012
1:57 pm
Pig N Chick
Brunswick Bob
February 27th, 2012
2:00 pm
Brickstore Pub, Decatur
K
February 27th, 2012
2:01 pm
Pig N Chick – Chamblee
Jason
February 27th, 2012
2:02 pm
Sprayberrry’s BBQ in Newnan
Cephus91
February 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
Fresh Air BBQ – no contest
Jennifer
February 27th, 2012
2:05 pm
Pit BBQ peachtree brookhaven!!!!
johnny fontane
February 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
Yes Fred, the daughter is doing a great job serving the same great food as her parents did. I have never had a bad meal there.
tim
February 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
Old South in Smyrna
Bhorsoft
February 27th, 2012
2:10 pm
Williamson Brothers BBQ – either Marietta or Canton locations. I can eat it for a meal all by itself. Second place goes Scott Bros. BBQ in Cartersville.
DTonte
February 27th, 2012
2:12 pm
Mel’s ‘cue shack—it can’t be beat.
timthebrave
February 27th, 2012
2:12 pm
pig n chick for me
TH
February 27th, 2012
2:13 pm
Harold’s, nobody else is even close.
Typical Redneck
February 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
J.R.’s
Marcy Strub
February 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
Old Hickory is the best! We moved to Atlanta because of the BBQ and Brunswick stew at Old Hickory.
MW
February 27th, 2012
2:16 pm
Fresh Air Barbque
Laura
February 27th, 2012
2:16 pm
Believe it or not, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has some really good brunswick stew. For a non BBQ restaurant.
PJ
February 27th, 2012
2:17 pm
Swallow at the Hollow & Old Hickory House
imjustduckie
February 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
Somewhat unexpectedly, Napoleon’s Grill on Lavista has really good Brunswick Stew. It’s now my favorite because I don’t have to go to a straight up BBQ place to indulge. napoleonsgrill.com
Sarah
February 27th, 2012
2:22 pm
Freds BBQ in Lithia Springs, hands down!
Christie
February 27th, 2012
2:22 pm
Old Hickory House has always been my favorite for stew and chopped pork especially with some of their garlic bread. I just wish they had more locations still open.
GinATL
February 27th, 2012
2:23 pm
Fresh Air BBQ in Jackson or Macon.
MP
February 27th, 2012
2:23 pm
My daughter makes the best Brunswick stew.
lulu
February 27th, 2012
2:24 pm
Manuel’s and Harold’s
JB
February 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
Harold’s, Sprayberry’s, Fresh Air either location and long gone but Tew’s in Manchester.
darktoaster
February 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
I like it at Pig N Chik even though it has lima beans in it.
Steve
February 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
Harrold’s and you don’t know bbq if you disagree
BH
February 27th, 2012
2:27 pm
Withhout a doubt, the best Brunswick Stew in or around the Atlanta area can be found at Senoia Coffee & Cafe, the best!
Dave Thomas
February 27th, 2012
2:29 pm
Ninja Pig BBQ Gainesville, Ga. Best hands down!!!!
Mike
February 27th, 2012
2:30 pm
Hickory House stew is horrible. Taste like a blind person made it for their first time. JR’s and shanes are two places i like.
HGIII
February 27th, 2012
2:31 pm
1) Harold’s
2) Old Brick Pit in Brookhaven
Leigh
February 27th, 2012
2:32 pm
Mickey Pigs BBQ in Corneila, been eating there for 10 years.
Jason
February 27th, 2012
2:32 pm
Double Barrel BBQ has the best Brunswick Stew in the Atlanta area. No contest.
clint
February 27th, 2012
2:32 pm
OLD HICKORY HOUSE by far!
Southern Girl
February 27th, 2012
2:33 pm
OK I think the best brunswick stew comes from Harold’s in Lakewood, especially with the cracklin cornbread, yummy
Bill
February 27th, 2012
2:34 pm
think Dreamland has the best stew. Pig n Chick has the sorriest! It has no substance to it.
ut96
February 27th, 2012
2:35 pm
Buckner’s Family Restaurant has the best Bruswick stew ever. Although, they only serve it twice a week.
JB
February 27th, 2012
2:36 pm
Somebody ought to bring good BBQ to Augusta. Georgia’s second largest city and we are BBQ-less. Sconyers on the southside is fair, but it’s different and you had to grow up on it. There is a gold mine waiting on someone to open a place in Columbia county. Nobody here. Nobody.
ATL Native
February 27th, 2012
2:38 pm
Harold’s… by a mile. The owners of Slopes liked it so much they fully admit to trying to copy it (and do a pretty darn good job I must say).
EPG
February 27th, 2012
2:39 pm
Harold’s is the BEST!
MandyA
February 27th, 2012
2:40 pm
No contest…Old South BBQ in Smyrna has the very best Brunswick stew ever!
David
February 27th, 2012
2:40 pm
Scott’s Walk Up BBQ in Cartersville…Scott’s is award winning and delicious.
jack
February 27th, 2012
2:41 pm
Sprayberry’s, Harold’s, Old South, Oak Grove Market
Brad
February 27th, 2012
2:42 pm
My grandmother Benny’s Brunswick stew from her kitchen in Screven, GA.
LISA
February 27th, 2012
2:43 pm
OLD SOUTH IN SMYRNA IS THE BEST !!!
Natasha
February 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Old Hickory House in Tucker! Yummmmm….
southern hope
February 27th, 2012
2:44 pm
Fat Matts.
but i’m going to try these others.
JacketAlum07
February 27th, 2012
2:45 pm
1. Williamson Bros
2. BBQ1 Brisket Stew
Road Scholar
February 27th, 2012
2:45 pm
Old Hickory House. Shane’s sux.
Been eatin' there for years
February 27th, 2012
2:46 pm
Old South in Smyrna. Go in there when it’s cold outside and you’ll be feelin’ good very soon.
chiefdawg
February 27th, 2012
2:47 pm
Fred’s BBQ house in Austell #1
JJ’s in Franklin comes from a place called Walker’s Food in Carrollton and it is excellent. I would say a close # 2. You can also buy this at Charlie Joseph’s in LaGrange or WM Foods in Wedowee. AL.
Harold’s is excellent also.Fresh Air has a good stew.
I love Williamson’s Bro. BBQ, but the stew is awful.
I know stew because I was raised on Melear’s in Union City.
Cherie
February 27th, 2012
2:48 pm
Mad Dog’s in Covington
Cash
February 27th, 2012
2:48 pm
Williamson Bros followed by Heirloom Market BBQ
Coachthe46
February 27th, 2012
2:49 pm
BUTT HUTT in Athens or Wild Willies in Walton County!!! REAL Brunswick Stew baby!
Vontaze Burfict
February 27th, 2012
2:50 pm
Williamson Bros is the best in metro Atlanta
Johnny’s BBQ in Gainesville is the best outside of the A-T-L
Dan
February 27th, 2012
2:52 pm
Zeb’s BBQ in Danielsville…
Bill
February 27th, 2012
2:53 pm
Willamson Brothers, either big Chicken or Canton location
USMC
February 27th, 2012
2:54 pm
The Best Brunswick stew is hands down HAROLD’S BARBEQUE!
Keeball
February 27th, 2012
2:57 pm
#1 Wallaces
#2 Old Brick Pit
#3 Slopes
Lizzy
February 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
Community Q BBQ. Order it with their mac and cheese. I go there just for the sides sometimes!
Doug in Austell
February 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
Best I’ve had is Williamson Brothers, distant second would be Pappy Red’s
JRev
February 27th, 2012
2:58 pm
Maddy’s in Decatur was my favorite, but they closed down last year.
My wife’s tried the one at Oak Grove Market and thought it was terrible, so I’m surprised to see it even listed here. I no longer have a favorite since the demise of Maddy’s. Fox Brother’s is ok, but I’m still looking for a new favorite…
Bob
February 27th, 2012
3:00 pm
I’ve eaten BBQ all over Georgia for 40 years and the best Brunswick Stew is at Dave Poe’s in Marietta.
al
February 27th, 2012
3:01 pm
Deans-Jonesboro
Speedy Pig- Fayetteville
Blind Pig-Jackson
Count Chocula
February 27th, 2012
3:02 pm
I like GC BBQ in East Cobb and Williamson Brothers BBQ in Marietta, I hate Slope’s stew
Andre
February 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Sprayberry’s in Newnan
John Lunsford
February 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Slopes BBQ has the best stew in state!
Ronald
February 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Wallace Barbecue in Austell has the best brunswick stew!
Freddie Freeman
February 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Slope’s BBQ is pureed stew that has been processed through a blender.
Give me Williamson Brothers any day of the week – can’t be beat.
McDonough Gal
February 27th, 2012
3:08 pm
Fresh Air…worth the trip, every time!
Jason
February 27th, 2012
3:10 pm
Jim ‘N Nick’s in Suwanee of Old Peachtree Rd. It’s good.
Andrew
February 27th, 2012
3:10 pm
I do not know if they make it on sight or not, but it is hard to beat the stew at Pippin’s BBQ in Covington and Conyers.
Tom
February 27th, 2012
3:12 pm
Another vote for Pig N Chick…no contest!!!
Bobby B
February 27th, 2012
3:12 pm
Harold’s is hard to beat. I usually am disappointed when I sample B-Stew. If it has potatoes and/or beans in it, that tells me they are looking for cheap filler. I did try Fox Bros recently and it was good, but still prefer Harold’s – or at least the 3 or 4 years ago version of Harold’s when I last had it. And it has to come with cracklin’ cornbread!
Howard
February 27th, 2012
3:12 pm
Amos BBQ between Freehome and Ball Ground locally, the best I ever ate was at a hole in the wall place in Desoto not far off 280.
Where Is the Best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta? « The Grit Tree
February 27th, 2012
3:13 pm
[...] The AJC asks its readers: where is the best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta? [...]
Lori
February 27th, 2012
3:14 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson or Pippin’s in McDonough
seriously
February 27th, 2012
3:14 pm
Zebs
5742 Highway 29 N
Danielsville, GA 30633
Victoria
February 27th, 2012
3:18 pm
The two best are Hudson’s in Douglasville and Wallace’s in Austell. They are both similar and are way better than most. The others are more like vegetable soup with meat.
Steve Davis
February 27th, 2012
3:19 pm
Smokey Tales BBQ….The Best Ever!
Mot Evans
February 27th, 2012
3:23 pm
Zeb’s Barbeque – Hwy. 29 between Danielsville and Royston GA. Their brunswick stew is the standard which I all judge all stew by.
TIM
February 27th, 2012
3:23 pm
Smokehouse BBQ, Oakwood,GA; Zeb Dean’s, Danielsville,GA
jones3
February 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
Bar H Barbecue, Franklin Springs
1380 E Main St, Franklin Springs, GA 30662
Great Q & Stew Open thurs, fri & Sat for lunch and dinner.
River
February 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
Amos’s BBQ at the intersection of Hwy.’s 369 and 372, just north of Freehome and just south of Ball Ground. ‘Haven’t had a bad meal there yet.
BBQ
February 27th, 2012
3:25 pm
Armond’s is the best. A big bowl and a Chicken slider you have yourself a meal……
Taxi Smith
February 27th, 2012
3:25 pm
Ole South Barbecue in Smyrna. Best stew in Georgia.
Native Georgian Foodie
February 27th, 2012
3:26 pm
No if’s and’s or BBQ Butts about it, the best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta is at the Old Hickory House, as in “Put Some South In Your Mouth”. They are down to only two locations Northlake and Dunwoody, but those of us who are true natives remember the original cabin on Northside Drive, not to mention the Buckhead location that is now the Fish Market. A family relative owns JR’s Loghouse which is on Peachtree Industrial and uses the same recipe. Hands down some of the best stew on the planet. Good, thick rich stew made with pork & chicken trimmings and lots of veggies. True aficionados know that you cannot beat a bowl of stew and an outside sliced pork sandwich that is made with the bark from the butt.
Zee
February 27th, 2012
3:28 pm
Fresh Air BBQ – Jackson, GA
Kay
February 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Got to be Fred’s in Lithia Springs, has broth base not tomato.
SwineDiner
February 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Williamson Brothers in Marietta – I won’t walk out of there without the Brunswick Stew, which I think is the best I’ve had.
Frank
February 27th, 2012
3:30 pm
Definitely, the BBQ House (also known as Fred’s) on Thornton Road. Their Yellow Jacket Hot Dog is also out of this world. Fresh daily.
Native Georgian Foodie
February 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
And do not believe anyone who tells you that the Brick Pit has decent stew. I have lived around the corner for 18 yrs and have eaten there only once and would never go back. The stew looks, tastes and has the consistency of something that came out of a Campbell’s Soup can. Even Donovan McNabb’’s mother wouldn’t serve that stuff.
Barry
February 27th, 2012
3:35 pm
Harold’s used to be good but that resturant has gone downhill big time. They had one in Jonesboro and 2 at one time in the McDonough area but due to poor management and inconsistency all are out of business but the original and it is now a thing of the past! My wife and I ate there about 6:00 one evening and only one table was full besides us and the flies were about to carry us off. It’s sad to say but one of the best barbecue places in Atlanta has gone from the top to the bottom!
John Kessler
February 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
You people quit telling the world about Heirloom Market BBQ, hands down the best BBQ and stew in Atlanta. That place is already packed enough at lunch.
Keep sending folks to Sonny’s or Pig & Chick instead!
Tucker
February 27th, 2012
3:40 pm
Oak Grove and Matthews Cafeteria have excellent Brunswick stew.
Rick
February 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
Brick Pit on PEachtree in between Chamblee and Brookhaven
Ric
February 27th, 2012
3:43 pm
Anyone who nominates Shanes Rib Shack should have their nomination privileges taken away! I’m not a big fan of Sprayberry’s bar b que, but their brunswick stew is awesome. Located in Newnan
Mike Long
February 27th, 2012
3:44 pm
Dreamland, Swallow in the Hollow & Williamson Brothers
Tammy
February 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Shane’s Rib Shack, Sonny’s and Slopes all taste about the same to me.
Derek
February 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Castleberry’s is the best out there. You can get it for about $3 a can at your local grocery store.
William
February 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Pig N Chik!!!
Kelli Moore
February 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Sprayberry’s Brunswick Stew is the best!
Janine
February 27th, 2012
3:50 pm
JR’s in Norcross and Pappy Red’s
Lewis Grizzard
February 27th, 2012
3:51 pm
I’ve had Sprayberry’s but Williamson Bros is the best around!
Jack Walsh
February 27th, 2012
3:52 pm
This is kind of a left-field choice, but my favorite is at the Oakwood Cafe at the State Farmer’s Market.
I
February 27th, 2012
3:52 pm
Pig n Chik on Peachtree Industrial has great Brunswick stew, it’s got a little kick to it!
T-Dawg
February 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Johnny Harris, Savannah
Boca Baby
February 27th, 2012
3:57 pm
Robinson’s in Monroe, GA. Just ask former Gov. Perdue if he thinks it is.
joe in tucker
February 27th, 2012
3:59 pm
The Brick Store – Decatur!
Woljr
February 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
Sorry but there is no BBQ or stew in Ga or SC that compares to Parker’s in Wilson, NC. I no longer go to this type restaurant in GA or SC. It is just not the same. I wait until next visit in NC.
WoljrWo
Dawg
February 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
Best stew EVER is out at Beaver Creek BBQ in Lithia Springs….none better…….make you slap yo Momma….
Newt Gingrich
February 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Williamson Brothers, they even catered meals to the Pentagon after 9/11.
Chip
February 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Harold’s has turned to crap!
Timmy
February 27th, 2012
4:09 pm
Cafe Pig in Peachtree City is fantastic!
one who knows
February 27th, 2012
4:10 pm
Pappy R’s on chattahoochee ave.
Bobby Brown
February 27th, 2012
4:16 pm
Ribs Etc – The food was ok the service was good the prices would have liked the brunswick stew with a little more meat
I like that Fat Matt’s best
Eastside
February 27th, 2012
4:17 pm
Old Hickory House in Tucker, GA..hands down
Ben Chastain
February 27th, 2012
4:18 pm
Harold’s is the best but like everyone else said it is getting worse, but Old Hickory House still rocks, i was there saturday at 3 in the afternoon and it was busy as hell,
Matt
February 27th, 2012
4:26 pm
1: Williamson Bros.
2: ‘Cue
3: Fresh Air
Krista Smith
February 27th, 2012
4:33 pm
1. Williamson Brothers
2. Old Hickory House
3. Sam’s BBQ1 – Lower Roswell Rd
Peter Willis
February 27th, 2012
4:37 pm
This is an easy choice for me… Cafe Pig down in Peachtree City is the best in the state.
Gaga
February 27th, 2012
4:41 pm
I just want to say one thing – only Swallow’s stew makes me sing “Rah rah ah-ah-ah! Ro mah ro-mah-mah”
Rihanna
February 27th, 2012
4:46 pm
Anyone looking for great stew should “shut up and drive” to Cafe Pig in Peachtree City, GA.
JRG
February 27th, 2012
4:46 pm
Harold’s
Guy Fieri
February 27th, 2012
4:48 pm
The choice is easy folks, Williamson Brothers BBQ makes the best work of their brunswick stew. Would make a tadpole slap a whale!
Angelina Jolie's Leg
February 27th, 2012
4:54 pm
I prefer the simplicity of Jim & Nick’s. Tastes just like it came out of a Castleberry’s can.
Brad in Woodstock
February 27th, 2012
5:01 pm
Williamson Brothers in Canton has best stew around
Scarlett Bowman
February 27th, 2012
5:12 pm
I am torn between Fox Brothers (SO good) and Williamson Brothers (could eat a gallon worth). Nod to WB.
GC
February 27th, 2012
5:14 pm
Pink Pig, Blue Ridge
Fresh Air, Jackson
Harold’s, Atlanta
Pig in a Poke
February 27th, 2012
5:31 pm
Grand Champion BBQ – Shallowford Rd, Marietta
up north
February 27th, 2012
5:42 pm
Crossroads Grille in Flowery Branch, when you can get them to make it!
Roddy White
February 27th, 2012
5:49 pm
Johnny’s BBQ – Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville
Frank Wren
February 27th, 2012
5:55 pm
I go to Cafe Pig off of Highway 54 in Peachtree City at least twice a month.
Sandeep Chanresekar
February 27th, 2012
5:59 pm
I am preferring the Tofu Stew served at Vatica in Marietta, all carnivore peers are preferring the Williamson Brothers itself.
Ricky Bobby
February 27th, 2012
6:01 pm
Fresh Air
David McGriff
February 27th, 2012
6:08 pm
+1 Williamson Bros
Laura
February 27th, 2012
7:21 pm
Brickstore Pub!!
Lauren
February 27th, 2012
7:37 pm
Thompson Brothers BBQ
Brazen Unicorn
February 27th, 2012
7:37 pm
Matthew’s Cafeteria
tim
February 27th, 2012
8:01 pm
Brunswick stew is slop. Just like most of the crap served at places in the south.
The south leads the nation in cancer. You ever wonder why?
MDG
February 27th, 2012
8:18 pm
I can’t believe that no one has mentioned Daddy D’z BBQ on Memorial Drive. The best BBQ around by far!
rivercard
February 27th, 2012
9:20 pm
Most brunswick stew that I have had in Atlanta area is too sweet and tomatoey (sp?) . Harolds, Hickory and Fresh Air not bad though.
Ali
February 27th, 2012
10:11 pm
Old South… Smyrna… Hands down the best!!
ebennett
February 27th, 2012
10:54 pm
Brickstore Pub in Decatur. The stew is in a sourdough bowl and is called the Tornado.
Paul Hewson
February 28th, 2012
12:41 am
I agree with the majority, Williamson Brothers all the way.
jan brady
February 28th, 2012
2:52 am
I’ve ordered brunswick stew from any menu that I can find it listed on. Always searching for that taste of Mom and Dad’s stew from my childhood. Every piece of meat perfectly smoked and hand-ground using an old fashioned meat grinder clamped to the kitchen table. Every ingredient freshly prepared and slow simmered on the stove. The pan was so large it took two burners. I can just smell that wonderful scent drifting through the air now.
Fresh Air’s stew always kind of reminded me of the texture of Poss stew from the can. Old Hickory House is far too sweet. Tanner’s Rotisserie has a decent stew that’s pretty good when those wonderful muffins they serve are crumbled into it. Gumlog BBQ & Catfish house in Lavonia has some tasty stew. Oddly enough, the brunswick stew served on a rotating basis at My Friend’s Place is wonderful. It sells out quick so better get there early on the day they offer it. I always order two bowls. One for now, one to refrigerate for later.
Baltisraul
February 28th, 2012
8:12 am
MP……..Well it didn’t take ,someone said the Stew at my house, daughters house, at mom’s house got on line. You did not dissapoint. Unbelieveable!
Hickory House gets my vote.
Roy in Woodstock
February 28th, 2012
8:57 am
Two Brothers Barbeque in Ball Ground has the best stew around. and Harolds is number two.
Terrence Frederick
February 28th, 2012
10:17 am
Tie between Williamson Brothers & Thompson Brothers
Rupricht
February 28th, 2012
10:57 am
Fresh Air used to win by a mile. They recently replaced the pulled meat in the recipe with ground and it just doesn’t have the same consistency. From a 50 year old Atlanta native – Hickory House is still the best. Pour a tablespoon of their sauce in a bowl with the stew and it’s awesome.
diamond-e
February 28th, 2012
12:00 pm
you folks need to try rib ranch on highwat 5 in marietta.it has all the beans,okra,meat you uninformed stew eaters could want..oh and by the way TIM probably the reason the south leads in cancer is because all ya’ll yankee mouthbreathing knuckle draggers come down and spread your toxic opinions on our heritage
Jimmy
February 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
Williamson Bros – especially as part of AYCE deal
Ima Glutton
February 28th, 2012
1:16 pm
Pig-n-Chik in Chamblee. I drink it like OJ (Orange Juice, not Orinthal James)
Tim…………DELTA’s ready
Hands down
February 28th, 2012
2:41 pm
Why must people finish their nomination with the phrase “hands down”? It sounds so stupid. Please stop.
Ann
February 28th, 2012
4:10 pm
Williamson Brothers!!!!
ane
February 28th, 2012
4:42 pm
The stew at the Old South is the best.
ugafan13
February 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
Block-n-Blade in Flowery Branch!
weaseal
February 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
I’m a Macon guy-Love me some Fincher’s Stew !!!
SJM
February 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson…the best!!
Sharon
February 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
BubaQ has great brunswick stew, as well as Rib Ranch, but Rib Ranch is hit or miss!
JET
February 28th, 2012
5:13 pm
JR.’s In Norcross has the best Brunswick Stew. It is never runny or watered down. Made from fresh BBQ meat!!! Hmmmm may have to go there this week!
BBQ LADY
February 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
BENNETT BROWNS AT LOWCOUNTRY BBQ AND CATERING- WOOOOO WEEEEEEE IT’S GOOD STUFF!
Fred Stevens
February 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
The best is and always has been cooked at the Old Hickory House. I’ve been looking for one better for nearly 50 years and still haven’t found it.
Marc
February 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Hickory Pig North of Gainesville.
KPH
February 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Fresh air in Jackson Ga.
David
February 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
I can give you the 3 best places to get Brunswick stew…HAROLD’S, HAROLD’S & HAROLD’S BBQ
John E. Wadd
February 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
Slim Jim Hewitt in Toccoa makes the best – every meat smoked and all veggies with meat processed through a grinder. Cooked all day in cast iron pot, mixed constantly with wood ladle
KPH
February 28th, 2012
5:31 pm
Wallace BBQ in Austell is very good as well.
Born Here
February 28th, 2012
5:32 pm
Old South in Smyrna. Old Hickory House.
tim
February 28th, 2012
5:32 pm
@diamond e……thanks for the country bumpkin language………keep whistlin through. your
TOOTH.
BTW I’m southern but don’t eat the crap you call food. If cancer is your heritage..so be it.
Yvonne
February 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
Shanes Rib Shack is terrible!! I actually make the best I’ve tasted. A lot of the rests. put ground beef in it!! Seriously, did they have that back 100 yrs ago when it originated? Think not!!! Can;t even think of a rest. that I would try again.
Mr Pants
February 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
I’m moving to the northeast in June and the last thing I’ll eat before leaving is Daddy D’z on Memorial, or maybe Fox Bros, or Fresh Air…maybe I’ll just stay.
No comparison
February 28th, 2012
5:41 pm
Mrs. T’s BBQ. Hands down. If you have that, you’ll never go back.
KPH
February 28th, 2012
5:43 pm
There has always got to be one punk in the crowd to spoil a good
conversation.
Ronda S
February 28th, 2012
5:45 pm
HAROLDS PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!
Baltisraul
February 28th, 2012
5:50 pm
Hands down…………I like them all except Sonny’s. HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!
Ameli
February 28th, 2012
5:50 pm
Wallace’s in Austell! Hands down, love their Brunswick stew!!!!!!!!!!
Three Jack
February 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
Anybody who says Old Hickory House should know what goes in that stuff…or maybe not because you would probably puke if you knew.
I forgot about Bennett Brown’s Lowcountry, definitely the best!
Jill
February 28th, 2012
5:57 pm
JR’s in Norcross. Totally delicous! I could eat it every day.
Hungry man
February 28th, 2012
5:58 pm
Wallace BBq in Austell nourishes the soul….it’s just that good…Comfort food! Stew from Jesus.
DB
February 28th, 2012
6:01 pm
Harold’s blows away the competition.
Hungry man
February 28th, 2012
6:02 pm
Why don’t we quit talkin about it and have all these places do a block party…
d brown
February 28th, 2012
6:03 pm
The Brickstore Pub in Decatur has great brunswick stew. they also have homemade habenero sause to drizzle on top. delicious!
Priscilla
February 28th, 2012
6:07 pm
old south!
JSin
February 28th, 2012
6:10 pm
50 years and running we serve the best Brunswick. We take a loaf of rye bread and hollow out the middle. Add a raw egg, chopped up cold hot dogs, canned corn and canned tomatoes. Serve it cold, wow, amazing!!!
jess
February 28th, 2012
6:11 pm
Reading the comments I’ve come to believe most commenters don’t venture into southeast Atlanta. Harold’s still beats all comers, HANDS DOWN.Their stew is fantastic and served with cracklin’ cornbread. Not a Southerner, you probably like some of the others , like Williamson and Slopes but true Southerners miss Melears and now opt for Harold’s.
Fatguy from Georgia
February 28th, 2012
6:14 pm
Hudson’s in Douglasville, Ga. has had the best brunswick stew for the many years I have been going there.
Craig Jones
February 28th, 2012
6:30 pm
Harold’s has the best Brunswick stew, even if their BBQ pork is as dry as cardboard
Priscilla
February 28th, 2012
6:43 pm
Old South BBQ In Smyrna………………Thread Over !
John
February 28th, 2012
6:49 pm
Cioffi’s Pizzeria in Stone Mtn.
John
February 28th, 2012
6:51 pm
Enter your comments here
david
February 28th, 2012
6:51 pm
Old South in Smyrna #1
Williamson Brothers is good if you like their sauce. Worked catering for them few years back.
Bonannie
February 28th, 2012
6:55 pm
Wallace’s in Austell!! Woot-woot!
TH
February 28th, 2012
6:55 pm
Harold’s is the best stew in Atlanta and it has not gone to crap! I had a bowl of stew there last Wednesday at lunch and it was as good as ever! Cracklin corn bread is still wonderful as was some outside sliced pork.
GaPeach
February 28th, 2012
7:16 pm
#1 – Harold’s
#2 – Old Brick Pit
greg
February 28th, 2012
7:18 pm
old south, smyrna for sure!!!
Rick
February 28th, 2012
7:19 pm
Old Hickory House has the best and the Pig N’ Chick is not bad as well.
Bama Man
February 28th, 2012
7:21 pm
Mathews Cafeteria
Jan
February 28th, 2012
7:21 pm
Love the stew at Jim N Nick’s in Smyrna!
J W
February 28th, 2012
7:24 pm
Harold’s hands down wins this.
Chuck J
February 28th, 2012
7:33 pm
Well Harolds by far. It is the old school stew like my grandmother makes. It is the real deal.
Chuck J
February 28th, 2012
7:34 pm
One other thing. If it has a lima bean…..run. It aint the real deal.
Jim Bob Slocum
February 28th, 2012
7:42 pm
Are we talking about REAL (squirrel and/or rabbit) Brunswick Stew?
transplant
February 28th, 2012
7:49 pm
Wallace’s, Austell. Fantastic stew. Don’t even think about ordering the stew in North or South Carolina — looks like vegetable soup with a little sauce.
MG
February 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
GC BBQ of course, the best of everything in BBQ!!!!!
p
February 28th, 2012
8:01 pm
Harolds
anon
February 28th, 2012
8:07 pm
Euclid avenue yacht club in L5P
Janet
February 28th, 2012
8:07 pm
Oak Grove Market on LaVista Road in Decatur. Hands down!
Sherree
February 28th, 2012
8:25 pm
The absolute BEST is my Grandaddy Chandler’s!!!!!!
Cardinal57
February 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
Hometown BBQ in Lawrenceville! Best ever!
lucyle
February 28th, 2012
8:37 pm
Holcomb’s BBQ in Greensboro & White Plains.Ga. It is the BEST in the world!!!
Soupy Sales
February 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
Two cups really ring the bell for me:
(1) Fox Bros – - a very tangy stock; great meat with few veggies (only minus is addition of potatoes);
(2) Manuel’s Tavern – - (who knew?) the classic; smoother stock, with a great afterburn.
barbeque man
February 28th, 2012
8:46 pm
I am not fond of any Brunswick stew in the Atlanta area. This blog has mentioned places in Augusta , Savannah and points in between. If you want really good stew and barbeque at one place nothing will ever beat Vandy’s in Statesboro. Top of the list.
Gator
February 28th, 2012
8:46 pm
Blind Pig near Jackson Lake
Karl Ste
February 28th, 2012
8:52 pm
Sprayberry’s!
12a10
February 28th, 2012
8:52 pm
Sprayberry”!
Bob Phillips
February 28th, 2012
8:54 pm
Bobs back yard brunswick stew available only in the fall.
Bocephus
February 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
SONNYS BBQ
All the others are a mixture of dog food,tomato,vinegar and sugar.
Sandra Mungin
February 28th, 2012
8:56 pm
I would think that MY Brunswick Stew would be the best because I am from Brunswick, Ga: home of the Brunswick Stew….
Blog me.. We can work something out about the stew…I owe it to me hometown.. i live in Stn Mtn now….
Who Cares?
February 28th, 2012
9:13 pm
Wallace Barbecue in Austell. Game over!.
Jawga69
February 28th, 2012
9:14 pm
Fresh Air in Jackson. Brick Pit has got some good ’stew as far as Atlanta goes.
FSUSAM8
February 28th, 2012
9:14 pm
The Pickrick serves the best Bunswick stew.
Rick
February 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
The best stew that you can find is not in the Atlanta area, it is at Holcombs BBQ in White Plains, not too far away from Sparta. Stew so good you can actually drink it down and be glad you did!!
Nard
February 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
Fox Bros. BBQ has the best!!!!
YouKnowMe
February 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
You CAN spell “suburb” without “superb”
Dingo
February 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
OLD HICKORY HOUSE
WhatAtlantaEats.Com
February 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Old Hickory House, Tucker, GA
Benj
February 28th, 2012
10:01 pm
Harold’s
Troy
February 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
Williamson Brothers is my fave
atlanta native
February 28th, 2012
10:18 pm
all u people that luv harolds better go soon cause that place is on life support! the stew and que aint nothin like it used to be. aint no cracklin in the cornbread either – dry as a bone. sad to say, but harolds is circling the bowl.
JD
February 28th, 2012
10:32 pm
Even today with the current sub-standard management, Harold’s is the best that I have ever eaten. But it’s really a matter of taste.
Bbqlovr
February 28th, 2012
10:38 pm
Mrs. T’s BBQ- Once you try it you can’t deny it!!!
Michael
February 28th, 2012
10:44 pm
There is a competition and catering team in Atlanta named Mrs. T’s BBQ that has awesome stew! Real southern stew!
Jared Coleman
February 28th, 2012
11:37 pm
Fox Bros BBQ!!!
ROD
February 28th, 2012
11:59 pm
Low Country BBQ is number one and Harolds is number one and a half.
Nob
February 29th, 2012
1:12 am
#1 Community Q – no contest
#2 Fox Bros – very, very nice
Jeff M
February 29th, 2012
9:02 am
Harolds BBQ…no question
John C
February 29th, 2012
9:35 am
Williamson Bros near The Big Chicken
Devine Lavin
February 29th, 2012
12:02 pm
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt Harolds!
Ann
February 29th, 2012
12:22 pm
Grand Champion BBQ! Meatiest ever!
Donkey200
February 29th, 2012
6:24 pm
Euclid Avenue Yacht Club
Hotchpi
February 29th, 2012
9:40 pm
Byron’s in Auburn, AL. War Damn Eagle!
Baltisraul
March 1st, 2012
7:51 am
Three Jack…….I don’t care what goes in my BS as long as it has a great flavor like Old Hickory House. I have made mine with squirrel, rabbit, goat and elk. guess that would bother you and make you puke? What a sissy boy.
Baltisraul
March 1st, 2012
7:53 am
Hotchpi…….Best of the Big A does not mean Auburn, sorry.
Betsy
March 1st, 2012
10:46 am
I’m still a fan of Harold’s.
JP
March 1st, 2012
11:12 am
I’m going to have to go with JR’s Loghouse in Norcross. Community Q in Decatur is pretty good too.
Marina
March 1st, 2012
11:39 am
OK Cafe has great Brunswick but they keep jacking up their prices so I no longer go there. Enter Harolds! wow! their Brunswick is to die for! love it! love it! love it!
LP
March 1st, 2012
11:39 am
Slope’s BBQ, it doesn’t have nasty lima beans in it like most places in & around Atlanta. Why put lima beans in? So wrong!!!
Ernest
March 1st, 2012
12:17 pm
WW the Boss on Candler Road near I-20 makes a pretty good Brunswick stew. It is next to the Red Lobster. They have a pretty good pulled pork also.
The best Brunswick stew is made by family members in Montezuma, GA. Since that was my first exposure to Brunswick stew, I compare all others to it.
mwr
March 1st, 2012
12:23 pm
Pink Pig in Cherry Log (near Ellijay)
Who Cares
March 1st, 2012
12:24 pm
Now that Melears has closed, the best stew is at Harold’s in Atlanta, Sprayberry’s in Newnan and Fresh Air in Jackson.
Bo
March 1st, 2012
12:41 pm
As A Native Atlantan, These Are All Great;
Old South – Smyrna Fresh Air -Jackson
Old Brick Pit – Chamblee Pauls – Lexington
Old Hickory House – Northlake Zebs – Danielsville
COACHDAWG 2000
March 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
Bar-b-Que Shack in Athens!
Teri
March 1st, 2012
2:01 pm
JR’s! Only brunswick stew I will eat.
Lauren
March 1st, 2012
2:26 pm
Pig N Chik! Hands down! Y’all can’t beat their veggie plate with Brunswick Stew, Mac N Cheese and Fried Okra!
Jim
March 1st, 2012
5:45 pm
Harold’s has the best Brunswick Stew
Baltisraul
March 1st, 2012
6:44 pm
@ Earnest @ 12:17………well Earnest, it took longer than I thought it would but I knew somebody would say the best BS was at their house, parents house or grandpa’s house. You didn’t dissapoint. When will you have us over so we can all vote?
Jerry Royal
March 2nd, 2012
8:39 am
The best Brunswick stew is Harold’s Barbeque on McDonough Boulevard.Ive been
Lydia
March 2nd, 2012
10:22 am
Sprayberry’s BBQ in Newnan has best brunswick stew.
Lindsay
March 2nd, 2012
10:59 am
Best brunswick stew hands down is Harold’s BBQ~!
quehead
March 2nd, 2012
11:21 pm
Greens Grocery gainesville georgia
Rick
March 3rd, 2012
5:13 am
The best is the Little Barn in Lawrenceville. Has Chicken, pork, and beef in it. Thick enough for your spoon to stand up in it. You have to try it.
Dave
March 3rd, 2012
8:01 am
Definitely Wallace’s in Austell.
Andrea Reagan
March 3rd, 2012
1:32 pm
The best Brunswick Stew is Old Hickory House, Northlake. It’s best of the best,none better!!
Dee
March 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Two Bothers BBQ in Ball Ground is awesome
tripledart
March 3rd, 2012
2:56 pm
Harold’s in Atlanta and of course my granny’s recipe which i am the only one in my family that makes it.Get 60.00 a gallon. I cant believe that a few people think Matthews in Tucker is good.Mike uses can stew and adds left over pork from the catering business.Sorry Mike cannot keep a secret.
Alta Collis
March 3rd, 2012
5:38 pm
Paradise Barbacue in Milledgeville has the best barbacue and brunswick stew in the US.
Ole Techs
March 4th, 2012
3:23 am
Wallace’s by far !!!!