Top 10 best barbecue restaurants on the northside of Atlanta

July 4, 11:55 AMAtlanta Northside Family & Parenting ExaminerJackie Kass

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Northside Family & Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

In the south, great 'que and the 4th go together!

For many people, the Fourth of July is synonymous with great ‘cue, and the northside of Atlanta has its share of great tasting barbecue restaurants that are also family-friendly.

1. Jim & Nick’s Bar-B-Q– Smyrna, Suwanee, Cumming, Hiram and Conyers locations. At Jim & Nick’s southern hospitality and delicious food blend to make a winning combination. My family visited the Cumming location recently, and our experience was fantastic. Important note: the rack of ribs is huge, and should be enough to feed a family of four, even if you have a “starving” teenager. The rolls are delectable, but be sure to leave room for your main course. Great service + delicious, affordable food = a great pick for the Fourth of July. Click here for locations and addresses.
2. Pig-N-Chik BBQ in Alpharetta, Roswell and Norcross – Although the dining area is small, this place delivers big on flavor. The pulled pork sandwich was smoky and tender, and the prices are reasonable. They also offer reasonably priced kids’ meals. Click here for locations and addresses.
3. PR’s B-B-Que in Cumming – For those of you in Woodstock, you may be familiar with Pappy Red’s, which closed a couple of years ago. PR’s carries on the tradition of hickory barbecue served in a single line cafeteria atmosphere. The eclectic feel of the restaurant adds charm to an already warm experience. The food is great, the prices are reasonable, and yes, there is even a kids’ menu. 302 Tri-county Plaza; Cumming, GA 30040. (770) 886-5122.
4. Slopes BBQ – Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Kennesaw. This good Southern restaurant serves up authentic Georgia-style southern barbecue. The chicken and pork are delicious, and my son declared the mac ‘n cheese, “the best I ever had!” After a taste, I had to agree. The red and white checkered tablecloths add southern charm, and the wait staff is courteous and friendly. Click here for locations. 
5. The Rib Ranch in Marietta – This joint has been in business for 26 years, and after eating here, you’ll know why customers keep coming back. Everything is slow-cooked Texas style, including the mouthwatering ribs. A good idea is to try the sampler plate on your first visit. The informal décor and friendly wait staff makes it a perfect choice for families. 2063 Canton Rd., Marietta, GA 30066. (770) 422-5755.
6. KC Pit BBQ in Sandy Springs – If jazz music and Kansas City barbecue is what you crave, than KC Pit BBQ is the place for you. The environment is more upscale than your typical joint, but the fantastic ambience and delectable food can’t be beat. While there is a kids’ menu, this place might be better for a relaxing date night for mom and dad. Daily Specials: Mondays – Buy one entrée, get a second (of equal or lesser value) for ½ price; Tuesdays – All you can eat wings for $8.95 per person; Thursdays – All you can eat ribs for $11.95 per person. 6317 Roswell Rd. NE; Sandy Springs, GA 30328. (404) 459-6497.
7. Smokejack BBQ in downtown Alpharetta – Smokejack is a small, but cozy restaurant located in down Alpharetta, with plenty of self-parking in the back. Delicious cuisine is served up with a side of southern hospitality in a family-friendly atmosphere. Prices are about average, but flavor is off the charts. 29 South Main St., Alpharetta, GA 30004. (770) 410-7611. 
8. Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Marietta, Canton and Douglasville. The original location in Marietta has been attracting customers from all over the city for the past twenty years. The famous Williamson Bros. sauce is distinctive and delicious, and can be purchased for use at home. Special for kids: Any regular sandwich or hot dog (except club), and side order and any drink for $3.99 (for 10 and under). Click here for locations.
9. Dreamland in Peachtree Corners and Roswell. Two years ago, we visited the original Dreamland in Tuscaloosa. It was about 5 miles off the highway, and located in a (very) old house. However, the parking lot was packed, and there was a line to be seated. Since 1958, Dreamland has been serving up delicious bar-b-que ribs, and now there are two Dreamland restaurants on the northside of Atlanta. The décor is down-home, and the servers are warm and friendly. Ribs, of course, is the specialty, and you can take home a jar of Dreamland sauce. The banana pudding is dreamy, and there is even a kids’ menu. Click here for locations and addresses.
10. Shane’s Rib Shack – 11 locations in north Atlanta – With a ton of Shane’s Rib Shacks in Atlanta, there’s bound to be one near you. The ribs are moist and tender, and there’s a full menu of chicken, beef and more. Their Family Deal is a great value when you don’t want to cook. For just $20, you’ll get everything you need to make four sandwiches: 1 lb. pork or chicken, 4 buns, BBQ sauce, 2 sides (pints), 4 desserts and 1 gallon of tea. It’s a great deal to take out and enjoy at home. Click here for locations and addresses.

Here are more family-friendly things to do with kids this Fourth of July:

• The 4th of July at Stone Mountain Park: a USA Today Must-see Fireworks Show
• 4th of July fireworks in Atlanta, plus precautions for parents
• Best deal ever at American Adventures!
• Atlanta staycaction idea: the water park at Lake Lanier
• Fantastically fun water parks and aquatic centers in Atlanta
• Atlanta ‘staycation’ idea: Wild Animal Safari
• Atlanta’s newest attraction makes public debut this week

To receive future articles by Jackie Kass, scroll to the top of this article, and click on SUBSCRIBE. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else. Do you have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! E-mail your ideas to me at jackiekass@bellsouth.net.