The Great Debate: Georgia’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Just outside Atlanta, in the bustling neighborhood of East Atlanta Village, you’ll find Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, a landmark of Georgia’s barbecue scene. This restaurant embodies the smoky, savory soul of Southern barbecue, with its slow-smoked brisket and ribs cooked over pecan wood. The atmosphere is lively and casual, drawing locals and visitors alike who crave authentic flavors. What sets Fox Bros. apart is their dedication to traditional methods fused with a modern twist—think tangy sauces and creative sides like their jalapeño pimento cheese grits. Visiting on a sunny weekend afternoon lets you enjoy their expansive patio, perfect for soaking up the Southern atmosphere while savoring each tender bite.
Head south towards Savannah, about a two-hour drive from Atlanta, to experience the city’s vibrant pizza culture in its Historic District. Vinnie Van Go-Go’s is a beloved spot where Neapolitan-style pizzas are baked in a blistering brick oven, creating a crisp yet chewy crust that’s a perfect foundation for fresh, local toppings. Nestled near the iconic Forsyth Park, this pizzeria offers more than just great food—it’s a chance to dine in the heart of Savannah’s charming squares and moss-draped oaks. The evening is an especially magical time here, as the warm glow from street lamps and the soft buzz of street performers create a cozy ambiance that enhances the simple joy of a perfect slice.
For seafood lovers, the town of St. Simons Island, about 70 miles southeast of Savannah, offers an unforgettable coastal dining experience at The Crab Trap. Situated right on the beach, this spot specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood that reflects Georgia’s rich maritime heritage. You can indulge in dishes like steamed Georgia blue crabs and shrimp cooked with local Lowcountry spices. The unique setting allows diners to watch pelicans dive and the tide roll in, blending the flavors of the ocean with the rhythms of nature. The Crab Trap shines most brightly in the cooler months when the mild weather invites visitors to dine outdoors, wrapped in blankets under the stars.
If you venture north to the college town of Athens, roughly 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, you’ll discover a surprising contender for Georgia’s pizza crown in the form of The National. Though known as a vibrant music venue, The National also serves up artisanal pizzas that echo the town’s creative spirit. Toppings often highlight local ingredients like Georgia peaches and pecans, marrying the region’s agricultural richness with Italian tradition. After enjoying a slice, you can catch a live show, making it a cultural hotspot where food and music intertwine seamlessly. Early fall is an ideal time to visit, as the town buzzes with the start of the university semester and a cooler breeze invigorates evening outings.
Down in Macon, about 85 miles south of Atlanta, you can savor barbecue with a distinct Central Georgia flair at Stedman’s Bar-B-Q. This longstanding establishment has been perfecting its meat smoking techniques for decades, specializing in pork shoulder that melts in your mouth and ribs coated in a thick, tangy sauce. What makes Stedman’s stand out is the old-school charm and down-home vibe that complement the hearty, no-frills fare. Macon itself is steeped in musical history, and pairing a visit here with a stop at the Allman Brothers Band Museum—about a mile from the restaurant—offers a full sensory dive into Georgia’s soulful heritage. Late spring, when outdoor festivals animate the town, is a fine moment to combine great food and culture.
In Brunswick, located along Georgia’s southern coast just under 70 miles from Savannah, you encounter The Original Crab Shack, a seafood destination emblematic of the Lowcountry’s bounty. This rustic eatery is famed for its “low country boil,” a communal feast of shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, and potatoes seasoned with a spicy blend that reflects the region’s Gullah-Geechee influences. Sitting on the water’s edge, the restaurant’s open-air deck invites diners to enjoy gentle sea breezes amid live music and the calls of nearby seagulls. Visiting during the late fall offers cooler temperatures that make a fiery boil even more satisfying, just as the migratory birds add a lively soundtrack to the experience.
Finally, about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega offers a unique twist on barbecue at The Brisket Barn. Surrounded by the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest, this rustic spot specializes in beef brisket smoked low and slow until tender, with a peppery rub that reflects the mountainous terrain’s bold flavors. After eating, visitors can explore the nearby Appalachian Trail segment at Springer Mountain, where hiking one of the first sections of this famous path reveals stunning vistas and vibrant fall foliage. The best time to visit is autumn when the cool mountain air pairs perfectly with hearty barbecue and the landscape explodes in color, creating a feast for both palate and eyes.