Y’all ready for some lip-smacking, finger-licking good barbecue? May is National Barbecue Month, and that makes it a delightfully delicious time to chow down at some of Savannah’s favorite joints. But really…anytime is a great time for Savannah barbecue.
1. Trick's Barbecue
Locals swear by Trick’s Barbecue on Bull Street just outside the Victoria District. The take-out-only spot serves up heaping portions of delicious ribs. Get the sauce on the side as these ribs have an unbelievable smoked meat flavor on their own. Don’t let the line discourage you; it’s well worth the wait. Also, bring cash.
2. Randy's Bar-B-Q
It’s all about chicken drumsticks and ribs at Randy’s Bar-B-Q, just east of the Historic District on Wheaton Street. They cook them on charcoal and cover them in a mustard-base sauce made fresh each morning. Get there early as they tend to sell out before closing. Take-out only. They also serve deviled crabs.
3. Wiley's Championship B-B-Q
Veteran-owned Wiley’s Championship B-B-Q has been named the best barbecue in Georgia by Southern Living magazine readers and one of the “best barbecue joints in Georgia” by ExploreGeorgia.org. Located on Highway 80, the restaurant serves amazing pulled pork sliders, ribs on-point, and tender and flavorful brisket. The sauce is tangy, and the chicken falls apart.
If you prefer close to your Historic District vacation digs, you’ll find plenty of choices.
4. Savannah Smokehouse BBQ & Brew
Try a cornbread bowl at Savannah Smokehouse BBQ & Brew, a counter-service joint at 16 State St. It’s cornbread topped with mac and cheese, your choice of meat, green coins, and a drizzle of peach BBQ sauce. Their meat plates come with your choice: Ribs, beef brisket, chicken, smoked turkey, pulled pork, smoked sausage, or a combo, served with two sides (out of 14 choices) and cornbread. These are large portions - a sampler for two feeds four easily. No sauce is needed as the meat is fall-apart tender, but they offer four: Caribbean Jerk, Tangy Carolina, Sweet Peach, and Hickory Smoke.
5. District Smokehouse
District Smokehouse, located at the Riverwalk, offers spectacular views and a melt-in-your-mouth, Southern-style barbecue. Order a platter, sandwich, or a stuffed baked potato. Meats have an awesome smoke flavor, and the chopped brisket hits the spot. Try the jalapeño corn muffin with the Brunswick Stew, a Lowcountry vegetable and bean soup served with your choice of smoked meat.
6. Savannah Taphouse
While you might not think of a pub as a place for barbecue, the Savannah Taphouse might broaden your expectations. Start with tender, slow-roasted beef brisket sliders as an appetizer. For the main dish, choose the BBQ chicken sandwich with a tangy sauce or the King of the South Burger, a hand-patties burger topped with house-made pimento cheese, slow-roasted brisket, and bleu cheese slaw. Wash it down with a local brew as they have a couple dozen on draft.
Does that whet your appetite? Come on down, and enjoy. Just be sure to leave plenty of room for dessert.
