Smoky aromas and slow-cooked goodness fill the air in Athens, where barbecue joints range from beloved dives to inventive newcomers putting their own spin on tradition. Whether you crave tender brisket, saucy ribs, or something a little unexpected, there’s a spot waiting to win you over.
Let’s get to it.
Akademia Brewing Company
Akademia Brewing Company has proven to be the overachiever Athens didn’t know it needed. Since opening in 2017, this brewpub has built a menu that refuses to play it safe.
Pulled pork, peppered pastrami, and smoked ham arrive drizzled in house-made BeerBQ sauce. Even Brussels sprouts get a starring role and might convert a skeptic or two.
On the beer side, pastry stouts could double as dessert, while German-style lagers and easy-drinking IPAs keep things crisp.
Inside, you’ll find trivia nights that draw a smart crowd. Outside, the patio encourages you to lounge and consider those fries a health food. Generous portions and a laid-back vibe make every visit feel effortless. Between clever brews and inventive bites, this spot never lets the energy dip—or the taps run dry. Check out their food and beer lineup here.
Dawg Gone Good BBQ
Dawg Gone Good BBQ offers a no-frills celebration of classic barbecue. Chef Mr. BJ tends a charcoal cooker with house-made sauces that bring big flavor to every rack of ribs or pile of pulled pork.
The menu also includes chicken and sausage, each served alongside generous spoonfuls of mac and cheese, spinach supreme, and a Brunswick stew that could challenge any grandma’s recipe.
Counter service and picnic tables set a casual tone, and the lineup of sauces ensures there’s plenty to debate among purists. Prices leave room for a cold beer and a to-go box for leftovers.
Family-run and festival-seasoned, this spot knows its way around a smoker and a saucepan. Bring napkins—you’ll need them. see what’s smokin’ at Dawg Gone Good BBQ.
Kelly’s Jamaican Foods
Kelly’s Jamaican Foods has been spicing up Athens for nearly 25 years. Chef Kelbourne “Kelly” Codling brought grandmother’s recipes from Rock Spring, Jamaica, along with a suitcase of scotch bonnet peppers.
Jerk chicken and pork are grilled over oak, hickory, and pecan. Curry chicken, oxtail, and curry goat also appear on the menu, each dish carrying its own kick.
Sides include spicy cabbage, squash, and even Southern comforts like mac and cheese and cornbread. The rice and peas have a loyal following of their own.
Casual counter service keeps things straightforward. Grab a seat indoors or head outside when the weather’s right. Portions are generous and prices stay fair, so packing a to-go box is part of the fun. Family owned and unfailingly authentic, Kelly’s remains the real deal for Jamaican flavors in Athens. Peep the menu and find your favorite.
Mama’s Boy Restaurant
Bright and bustling, Mama’s Boy Restaurant in Athens, GA, has been serving Southern breakfast favorites since 2006. The moment you walk in, you know you’re in for hearty buttermilk biscuits the size of small planets. The menu stays true to classic flavors… Georgia Peach French Toast arrives drizzled with syrup and sweet enough to turn any skeptic into a believer. Reserve seats are out of the question here; it’s come in, grab a spot, and dive in.
With two locations, this family-friendly, college-student-welcoming spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Prices stay reasonable, so you can indulge without regrets. Beyond biscuits and chicken, expect fluffy eggs and savory sides that complement fried chicken dreaming in sweet tea. Takeout lets you bring all that Southern charm home. They even cater events, from backyard brunches to big gatherings—guests won’t stop talking about the spread. see what Mama’s cooking today.
Paloma Park
Choosing between smoked brisket tacos or wings drenched in Honey-Sriracha can feel impossible at Paloma Park in Athens, GA. This spot blends Tex-Mex, global street-food twists, and tequila-sports-bar energy in one laid-back space. The menu showcases brisket, adobo chicken, and carne asada in unexpected combos… Peach-Bourbon-BBQ meets Truffalo sauce, so you’ll need all your taste buds online. Portions range from small bites to shareable plates.
Outdoor beer-garden seating invites groups to debate their next order. Elote corn, dips, and Athens’ favorite wings round out the offerings. Don’t skip the catering options either—whether you need a medium spread for a casual get-together or a large feast that turns into a party. Friendly prices mean you can sample multiple dishes without stretching your wallet. Check it out here.
Saucehouse BBQ CATERING & Pickup
When you need barbecue for a crowd, Saucehouse BBQ CATERING & Pickup in Athens, GA, has it covered. Since 2013, they’ve focused on catering and pickup, parking their restaurant operations to deliver classic Southern barbecue to events. Pulled pork comes with just enough tang, and Texas-style brisket packs serious flavor. Every order includes their homemade sauces, ranging from sweet to smoky.
Comfort-food sides like collards, mac and cheese, and potato salad pair perfectly with the meats. Both pickup orders and full-service catering come with helpful coordination, so you can focus on your guests instead of the grill. They also offer private venues that can host up to 500 people, making them a go-to for weddings, corporate breakfasts, and family reunions. Whether you’re a brisket devotee or a pulled-pork loyalist, Saucehouse makes feeding a crowd feel effortless. See what could be on your next plate.
Strickland’s Restaurant & Catering
If you’ve ever wondered what true Southern homestyle cooking tastes like, look no further than Strickland’s Restaurant & Catering in Athens, GA. Family owned since 1960, it has quietly become a local institution. Every day, you’ll find classics like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, catfish and pork chops that arrive in hearty portions. And those homemade biscuits are fluffy enough to turn anyone into an early bird.
You won’t see white tablecloths or formal waitstaff reciting specials. This is cafeteria style dining at its friendliest, with a laid back vibe that welcomes families and hungry students alike. Sides such as mac and cheese, creamed corn and collard greens are just as memorable as the mains. Prices stay affordable so you can enjoy southern comfort without stretching your budget.
With a menu that changes daily and catering that brings Southern charm to any event, Strickland’s proves that simple, well made food never goes out of style. No wonder folks keep lining up for another serving. right over here.
White Tiger Athens
Nestled in the Historic Boulevard District of Athens, White Tiger Athens occupies a charming 110-year-old building that has hosted smoke and fire since 2007. You’ll find pecan wood smoked pulled pork and smoked chicken that might convert even the staunchest BBQ skeptic.
Picnic table seating gives it a laid back charm. This is a BYOB spot so bring your favorite brew to pair with house made red and white sauces. They add zip to generous sandwiches and plates…
Vegetarians won’t be left behind. Veggie friendly sides stand tall alongside the meats. Eating outside in Athens’ mild climate only makes everything taste better.
Sandwiches start at $8.50 and are honest in price and portion. Leave with a bit of slaw or mac and cheese on your shirt if you dare. For events, full service catering delivers that smokehouse goodness to any gathering. Small wonder Travel + Leisure and Atlanta Magazine have shown this place some love. Get a peek at the menu and plan your visit.
G Brand BBQ
G Brand BBQ remains a hometown favorite in Crawford, GA, thanks to its commitment to quality meat. Owner Fred Gretsch also runs Gretsch Brothers Angus, so the brisket starts with beef raised right next door.
The menu reads like a Southern love letter. Brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and two rib options arrive alongside classic coleslaw, baked beans, and Brunswick stew.
House-made sauces cover every regional craving from Georgia sweet and spicy to tangy vinegar, Carolina mustard, and Alabama white. Serious sauce fans can sample them all until they find their peace.
Dine-in or takeout is available Thursday through Saturday, and elastic-waist pants come highly recommended. With care in every cut and a friendly wink on the side, G Brand BBQ serves barbecue done right. Ribs, brisket, and sauce await your approval.
Little City Diner
Tucked away in Winterville, GA, Little City Diner has mastered the art of comforting counter-service meals… It focuses on breakfast, brunch, and lunch with a friendly vibe. When you place an order, you can’t help but glance at other plates while you wait. There’s a pleasant buzz that comes from a close-knit community gathered over farm-fresh eggs and homemade grits.
This family-run spot proudly supports nearby farmers, sourcing eggs, produce, meats, and dairy from local growers. The pancakes arrive stacked high and light as air, each bite reminding you why simplicity shines. The pulled-pork sandwich might lean heavily on its juicy sauce but feels completely intentional. You can phone ahead for takeout if you’d rather enjoy breakfast at home or work. Either way, Little City Diner makes supporting local agriculture feel as easy as ordering your favorite plate. See what’s fresh and local on their menu.
