9 Georgia Barbecue Spots Where Brunswick Stew Makes The Meal

Brunswick stew might play second fiddle to smoked meats at most barbecue joints, but in Georgia, this hearty side dish often steals the show. This tomato-based concoction, brimming with tender meat and vegetables, has become an essential part of Georgia’s barbecue tradition. From Atlanta to coastal islands, these 9 spots serve Brunswick stew so good you might forget about the ribs and brisket altogether.

1. Fresh Air Barbecue – The Original Stew Masters

Smoking meats since 1929, Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson serves a Brunswick stew recipe that hasn’t changed in generations. Their thick, smoky version features a perfect balance of pulled pork, corn, and lima beans with a slightly sweet tomato base.

Locals swear the stew tastes even better the next day, so grab an extra pint to take home. The restaurant’s no-frills atmosphere lets the food speak for itself, and their stew speaks volumes about Georgia’s barbecue heritage.

2. Old Brick Pit BBQ – Atlanta’s Stew Sanctuary

Tucked away in Atlanta’s Chamblee neighborhood, Old Brick Pit BBQ might look unassuming, but their Brunswick stew has maintained a cult following since 1976. Their recipe leans traditional – chunky, not too soupy, with a robust tomato foundation that complements their hickory-smoked pork.

What makes this stew special is the balanced sweetness that never overwhelms. The family-owned restaurant makes everything from scratch daily, explaining why locals form lines out the door for a taste of this Atlanta stew institution.

3. Old Hickory House BBQ – Time-Honored Tucker Tradition

A fixture in the Tucker area since the 1950s, Old Hickory House BBQ crafts a Brunswick stew that tastes like a trip back in time. Their version strikes the perfect balance between chunky and smooth, with tender shredded meat that melts in your mouth.

The restaurant’s wood-paneled walls have witnessed generations of Georgians coming back specifically for this stew. A touch of heat distinguishes their recipe, warming you from the inside with each spoonful, making it the ideal companion to their oak-smoked barbecue.

4. Scott’s Walk-Up Bar-B-Q – Cartersville’s Hidden Gem

Blink and you might miss Scott’s Walk-Up Bar-B-Q, a tiny Cartersville establishment where the Brunswick stew has achieved legendary status. Their recipe features a harmonious blend of three meats – chicken, pork, and beef – creating unmatched depth of flavor.

Operating with limited hours that often sell out early, Scott’s stew has a distinctive texture where the vegetables maintain their integrity rather than dissolving completely. The family-guarded recipe hasn’t changed in decades, proving that sometimes the old ways are still the best ways.

5. Southern Soul Barbeque – Island Stew with Coastal Flair

Housed in an old gas station on St. Simons Island, Southern Soul Barbeque brings coastal influence to their award-winning Brunswick stew. Their recipe incorporates both chicken and pork with a hint of smoke that complements the island’s relaxed vibe.

Featured on numerous TV shows, this stew has a distinctive tang from apple cider vinegar that cuts through the richness. Enjoy a bowl on their outdoor patio while ocean breezes enhance every spoonful of this island interpretation of a Georgia classic.

6. Sweet T’s Smokehouse – South Georgia Stew Sensation

From the small town of Adel comes a Brunswick stew worth driving for at Sweet T’s Smokehouse. Their recipe distinguishes itself with the addition of okra and fire-roasted tomatoes that create a uniquely Southern flavor profile.

The family-run establishment takes pride in their stew’s consistency – thick enough to stand a spoon in but never pasty. Sweet T’s slow-simmers their stew for hours, allowing the flavors to meld into something greater than the sum of its parts, embodying South Georgia’s approach to comfort food.

7. Sprayberry’s Barbecue – Newnan’s Stew Legacy

Since 1926, Sprayberry’s Barbecue in Newnan has been perfecting their Brunswick stew recipe that presidents and celebrities have traveled to taste. Their version features a finer texture than most, almost velvety, with corn and lima beans that provide just enough textural contrast.

The restaurant’s longevity speaks to their consistency – the stew tastes the same today as it did decades ago. A slight sweetness from brown sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend that complements their famous chopped pork sandwiches.

8. Georgia Bob’s Barbecue Company – Middle Georgia’s Stew Standard

Warner Robins locals flock to Georgia Bob’s Barbecue Company for Brunswick stew that strikes the perfect balance between old-school tradition and modern refinement. Their recipe incorporates both chicken and pork with a distinctive pepper kick that lingers pleasantly after each bite.

The stew’s consistency hits the sweet spot – neither too chunky nor too smooth. Georgia Bob’s simmers their stew low and slow, allowing the meat to break down just enough while vegetables retain their shape and texture, creating a hearty side that frequently upstages their excellent smoked meats.

9. Dawg Gone Good BBQ – Athens’ Student-Approved Stew

Near the University of Georgia campus, Dawg Gone Good BBQ serves a Brunswick stew that keeps college students and professors coming back semester after semester. Their recipe features a higher vegetable-to-meat ratio than most, with the addition of potatoes that make it especially filling.

The family-owned spot infuses their stew with a hint of their house barbecue sauce, creating a unique sweet-smoky profile. A slight kick of heat at the finish keeps things interesting, making this Athens favorite a must-try for anyone exploring Georgia’s diverse Brunswick stew landscape.