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Labor Day Shouldn’t Be Laborious
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
STEW: AS GOOD AS ‘CUE
Photo: Becky Stein/special to the AJC
The round up of BBQ joints in this week’s dining review poses — yet again — an opportunity for us all to crow about our favorite ‘cue.
And in the old days, that’s what BBQ was about: the ‘cue and only the ‘cue. These days, if you don’t offer up some amazing mac-n-cheese and a new twist on cole slaw, you’re not a competitor in some folks’ books. Heck, some of the newer ‘cue joints are actually cute: Rolling Bones looks like Edward Hopper merged with Mayberry RFD. Sam & Dave’s BBQ2 is so nice you’ll feel obligated to not only use a napkin, but to put it in your lap.
So let’s veer for a moment and think about it: What goes best with ‘cue: is it grape soda and potato chips (like the old days), or pineapple cole slaw and three-cheese mac-n-cheese at Sam & Dave’s? Is it those incredible biscuits (with honey!) at Swallow at the Hollow?
And what about the near-forgotten Brunswick stew? This mix of tomatoes, pork, chicken and corn used to be as much a reason to get ‘cue as the meat. Who makes the best Brunswick stew?
Permalink | Comments (84) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By JB
August 29, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Tew’s BAR B Q , Manchester, Ga. Only problem. Family closed it over 20 years ago. Best ever.
By db
August 29, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
The EARL
By david
August 29, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
WALLACE’S BBQ, AUSTELL
By Clay
August 29, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Country’s Bar-B-Que in Columbus, GA has very good Brunswick stew, in my opinion. They don’t make the best BBQ in Columbus, but I’d put their stew (or sweet tea) against just about anybody. I try to make a point to get down there and eat some about once a year…
By bert
August 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack!
By berkshire dawg
August 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Barbecue is always a personal thing, but Sprayberry’s Brunswick Stew (Newnan)is the Gold Standard, preferably on white bread. Old Brick Pit (Chamblee)is also good, but you’llbe tasting it for hours.
By Peyton
August 29, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Byron’s Smokehouse in Auburn, AL. Hands down.
By marty
August 29, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Wallace’s BBQ in Austell, hands down. So good the Briar Patch in Dallas buys it from to sell.
By Thomas
August 29, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Best ‘cue and stew in the world is at Purvis’ BBQ in Louisville down in Jefferson County.
By Thomas
August 29, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Best ‘cue and stew in the world is at Purvis’ BBQ in Louisville down in Jefferson County.
By Brian
August 29, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
The Old Hickory House - Northlake & Dunwoody has the best I ever et!
By Shaun
August 29, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
The best spicy and savory brunswick stew is made by Vincent Taylor in Ellenwood, GA
By Di
August 29, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Seriously, we have some of the best brunswick stew right here on Roswell Rd. Yep, Ribs, etc. Que is great too, try the brisket.
By zeke
August 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
The Fire Department in South Boston, Virginia makes the best stew anywhere!!!!
By Darrin
August 29, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
* T H E R E D N E C K G O U R M E T in Newnan - Hands Down!*
By el jefe
August 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
I like the stew at Dusty’s on Briarcliff near Emory campus…their ribs and pulled pork have never impressed me all too much, but their chicken wings are good, and their “sizzlin’ sauce” is excellent.
By TEETEE
August 29, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
OLD HICKORY/NORTHLAKE THE BESSSSSSSSSSST
By Emily
August 29, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Vandy’s in Statesboro, GA
By D
August 29, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I’ll have to give a second vote to Dusty’s. Rich, spicy, with meat, corn, tomatoes and lima beans….I think I just talked myself into going there for lunch.
By scott
August 29, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
hickory pig gainesville ga hickorypig.com
By Rob
August 29, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Best stew in Atlanta - Fox Bros. BBQ in Little 5!
By A1502235
August 29, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
I am old, never been satisfied with barbecue and amazed at the different recipes but the Williamston place, Canton was superb.
By Guerry Norwood
August 29, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Sprayberrys in Newnan is by far the Brunswick Stew that sets the standard. It has always been my favorite.
By atlpaddy
August 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
To all those posters above, I say NO NO NO NO NO! The best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta is most definitely at Harold’s Barbecue on McDonough Blvd. in Atlanta.
By Mark R
August 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
For anyone who listed a metro-area restaurant as their pick for best BBQ, rule #1 in BBQ is that the best restaurants are always out in the middle of nowhere, GA (and #2 is that it has to be pork). For the real thing, go to Jackson’s BBQ in either Union Point or Woodville and get the pulled pork sandwich with their hot sauce. It can’t be beat.
By bbb
August 29, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
The best Brunswick stew is either in a little shack on St Simons right across from crab daddy’s or Jot em Down BBQ in Athens GA. Wooooo it will make you slap yo mommma
By Mark R
August 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
For anyone who listed a metro-area restaurant as their pick for best BBQ, rule #1 in BBQ is that the best restaurants are always out in the middle of nowhere, GA (and #2 is that it has to be pork). For the real thing, go to Jackson’s BBQ in either Union Point or Woodville and get the pulled pork sandwich with their hot sauce. It can’t be beat.
By Mark R
August 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
For anyone who listed a metro-area restaurant as their pick for best BBQ, rule #1 in BBQ is that the best restaurants are always out in the middle of nowhere, GA (and #2 is that it has to be pork). For the real thing, go to Jackson’s BBQ in either Union Point or Woodville and get the pulled pork sandwich with their hot sauce. It can’t be beat.
By SCamp
August 29, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Well, out here in Texas, we have very little choice. either make your own or go to Red Hot & Blue. Gee, it’s 8:35 and I already know where I am going for lunch!!
By Mark R
August 29, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
For anyone who listed a metro-area restaurant as their pick for best BBQ, rule #1 in BBQ is that the best restaurants are always out in the middle of nowhere, GA (and #2 is that it has to be pork). For the real thing, go to Jackson’s BBQ in either Union Point or Woodville and get the pulled pork sandwich with their hot sauce. It can’t be beat.
By Chix luv the Falcons 2
August 29, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Wallace BBQ in Austell. Not even close. Brunswick stew has turned into vegetable soup. Even the picture at the top of the article is vegetable soup with pulled pork, not brunswick stew.
By Lipsmacking
August 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
The best BBQ and brunswick stew with a slice of cornbread is HAROLD’S in Atlanta. Good through the years.
By jill
August 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
The Pink Pig in Cherry Log, Ga. The BBQ is just OK to below average, but the stew is AMAZING.
By Pork King
August 29, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Williamson Brothers in Marietta has the best stew. FYI, If you put lima beans and okra in Brunswick Stew you should be shot!
By Boss Hogg
August 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Harolds? Seriously? Their barbecue is overrated and their stew is just plain bland.
Dusty’s has only average pork but the stew is very good.
Purvis’ in Louisville is also some of the best, along with the Pink Pig in Levy, SC (technically not in Georgia but close enough that we could invade and claim it if necessary).
By Pork King
August 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Williamson Brothers in Marietta has the best stew. FYI, If you put lima beans and okra in Brunswick Stew you should be shot!
By Pork King
August 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Williamson Brothers in Marietta has the best stew. FYI, If you put lima beans and okra in Brunswick Stew you should be shot!
By Darrin
August 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
* THE REDNECK GOURMET* In Newnan on the square. GET IT.
By mary mc
August 29, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Why it’s Two Brothers in Ballground, of course. Pink Pig in Cherry Log is good, too.
By Jackie Lewis
August 29, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
The best Brunswick Stew in Atlanta is the Hickory House. In Northeast Georgia the Barbecue Shack in Toccoa wins, as well as their pulled pork, ribs and chicken. Free refills one time on pork and stew and prices are very affordable.
By Darrin
August 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
* THE REDNECK GOURMET* In Newnan on the square. GET IT.
By Kelly
August 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
My mom, Beverly makes the best brunswick stew that I’ve ever tasted. Once eating hers, every other restaurant I’ve tried does not compare. My mom hasn’t been making it very long either. My uncle Ben told her how to make it. My uncle Ben’s stew is just as good as my mom’s.
No one can beat their stew.
By Joel
August 29, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
On the southside I would have to go with Dean’s in Jonesboro hands down. The cue and stew deal is heavenly. I would resist any temptation to visit Fresh Air in Jackson as their food is terrible.
By Penny
August 29, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
My daddy’s recipe, hands down!!! Always made in a big black iron pot cooked for 24 hours with the best of the best cuts of meat!
By JustMe
August 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
The best brunswick stew and great BBQ, once a year, on Labor Day, Rome, GA, the Knights of Columbus!
FANTASTIC!!
By julie
August 29, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
MY MAMA!!!
By heather
August 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Shane’s Rib Shack has award winning brunswick stew!
By Dean
August 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Any of the Country’s locations, in Columbus or the Alabama stores. They have brunswick stew that is killer, but ramp it up to their “Cue Stew” where they add their chopped pork on top!! Man, oh man!
By Michael
August 29, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
maddys is probably the best…brickstore is a close second
By Michael
August 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
maddys is probably the best…brickstore is a close second
By Andrea
August 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Fred’s BBQ on Thornton Road in Lithia Springs, GA has the BEST Brunswick Stew!
By kat
August 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
PIPPINS BBQ IN MCDONOUGH
By kat
August 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
PIPPINS BBQ IN MCDONOUGH
By DeDe
August 29, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Lima beans do not go into stew. And what idiot started that anyway. My Grandfather made the best stew around. Cooked it for 2 days. I am still trying to find a relative that has his recipe.
By kat
August 29, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
PIPPINS BBQ IN MCDONOUGH
By charlie rondowsky
August 29, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
OLD HICKORY HOUSE!!! - Dunwoody
By topper
August 29, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Lipsmacking gets it. Any place serving Q for 60 years has to be good, not to mention great stew.
By Cuz'n Jan
August 29, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
“Little” Jimmy Camp In Snellville GA!!! Hands Down the best!!!! Too bad it’s a family reunion - the only place we can find it!!!!!!
By holy smokers
August 29, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I agree Country’s in Columbus has the best stew hands down. it’s not that ground up mush you get most places.
By Wanda
August 29, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Hickory House the best without a doubt and the best BBQ sandwiches.
By Mark
August 29, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Cafe Pig in Peachtree City - can’t beat their stew and pork BBQ! It’s the best…
By Dave
August 29, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Mark doesn’t know what he’s talking about; it’s Harold’s, hands down.
By hudson
August 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
my dad makes the best brunswick stew in the world
By Bill
August 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
You have to go to SE Georgia to get proper brunswick stew. The best stew I’ve found in ATL doesn’t even compare with the average stew you get in Savannah. If you’re in SAV and want to treat yourself to some great Brunsick Stew, hit Carey Hilliards.
By Norm
August 29, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
How come I’m not seeing Brunswick as a site for the best Brunswick Stew?
By Radio K!
August 29, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
The Euclid Ave. Yacht Club in Little Five Points has some of the best stew I’ve ever eaten! Check it out! Great bar as well!
By Last Word
August 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Dusty’s North Carolina-style stew is to-die-for. More like your mom’s vegetable soup than what many consider Brunswick stew (more like hash), but chock-full of goodies, filling and very tasty.
By reservoirDAWG
August 29, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
J.R.’s stew is good (although their BBQ sucks) and Harold’s.
By Lauren
August 29, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Hickory Wind in Braselton is the best I have had. We stumbled upon it on just as we headed away from Braselton. It’s so flavorful and adds great spices. I highly recommend it.
By MikeH
August 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
The best Brunswick Stew is the stew that I make at home. Just about every eating establishment serves a vegetable soup with some leftover pulled pork in it and calls it “Brunswick Stew”. In my opinion it should be mostly ground pork, beef and chicken, with tomatoes and corn as the only veggies. It should be very dense and not soupy. Maybe I should open my own Brunswick Stew stand. It is not cheap to make correctly.
By Myers
August 29, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Zeb’s Barbecue halfway between Royston and Danielsville.
By Ross Clark
August 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Southern pit is the best in Georgia. Shane’s has really good Macaroni though.
By TOM
August 29, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Williamson Bros in Marietta has the best stew, nice & meaty, though sometimes, like maybe close to closing time, it’s more like brunswick soup, but that’s OK, I just put a little of their chopped pork in the bowl. It’s MIGHTY GOOD!!!!
By Ash
August 29, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Mickey Pigs-Hwy 441 in Alto GA Worth the drive
By kim
August 29, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Mr. Harold’s in Leslie, Ga.
By Dre
August 29, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Lew’s in Twin City, GA. Best stew and best BBQ hands down.
By Lynn
August 29, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Jim Hays BBQ & Stew That was made at Northside Pharmacy on Peachtree Rd. in the 70’s & 80’s. The best in Ga.
By Kelly
August 29, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
im not gonna lie..i love some Shane’s Brunswick Stew and their PEACH COBBLER..Yummmmm
By Gruver
August 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Southern SoulBarbeque on St.Simons Island. Serious stewmasters at that joint!
By steve
September 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Shane’s Rib Shack, best Pork Sandwich aroundn ribs too!
By Chip
September 2, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
No one has mentioned my personal favorite yet. Hometown is good, Spiced Right is better, Pig N’ Chick is terrible but Smokin’ Po Boys in Winder has the best Que around. They even have a BBQ “Po Boy” sandwich and it is awesome. It is pulled pork on a hoagie bun, topped with creamy slaw and massive beer battered onion rings. It is a monster sandwich. Their ribs are the best around but, the chicken is out of this world. (anyone who has had dry overcooked chicken at a BBQ joint can relate) Pulled pork is always tender and juicy. If you’re ever up Winder way, stop by and see these friendly folks. You won’t be dissapointed!
By freakerdude
September 2, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Dusty’s has the best B-wick stew hands down. Fox Bros is second best.
By jwatts
September 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
I haven’t lived in Danielsville GA. for 30 years but I wanted to cook some brunswick Stew and for the heck of it I typed in Zeb Deans. This place was awesome. Every table used to have a loaf of bread on it. People used to fly in from Atlanta in Helocopters for lunch to this tiny little barbecue place. some of the best brunswick stew of I’ve had in my life.
By Lil ol me
September 9, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Hands down the best stew is Iron Horse in Villa Rica.