Real Down-Home Barbecue in Atlanta
Written: Jun 19 '04 (Updated Mar 18 '05)
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Pros: Wonderful food, very reasonable prices.
Cons: Off the beaten path.
The Bottom Line: This is the real deal.
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| Bruguru's Full Review: Old South Barbecue |
Here’s some advice. The next time you visit Atlanta and get a hankering for some real, genuine southern barbecue, you need look no further than Old South Barbecue in Smyrna, just outside the city limits. Maybe you already live in the area. If so, I’m sure you’re familiar with Old South. If not, what have you been waiting for?
Old South is a bit off the beaten path, tucked away on a side street of Atlanta Rd. But in a way that’s part of the restaurant’s charm, because it’s located in an old Smyrna neighborhood where it has been able to retain its originality. There’s no pretension here, no fancy atmosphere. Just delicious barbecue at very reasonable prices.
Atmosphere
From the outside, the building looks slightly dilapidated. It’s basically an old wooden shack with a huge chimney rising from the center and a big bay window in front. Actually, this is what caught our attention when we first drove by. “We have to try that place,” my Beloved Barbara said. She‘s convinced that such places have the best barbecue.
In this case, she’s right. Something you’ll realize as soon as you park and exit your car. Because your nose will pick up the heavenly aromas of smoke and meat wafting from the chimney. They uplift you and carry you away, instilling a ravenous hunger that simply must be satiated.
The interior of Old South is nothing to write home about (the place has been here since 1968, after all), save for the brick oven behind the counter where ribs, chicken, pork, and beef are all slowly cooking over a wood fire. But when you get the food, you won’t care. Your order will be taken by charming southern ladies with charming southern accents, said accents which believe it or not are not as omnipresent as one might expect in Atlanta.
The Food
Oh, the food. From ribs so tender the meat falls off the bone to sliced brisket to pulled and sliced pork to chicken, they have it all. There are combo plates of various meats if you can’t decide. All come with sides from a list including baked beans, slaw, Brunswick stew and more.
The Half Chicken Combo($7.95) is tasty enough with two sides and garlic bread, for example. The meat is smoky and tender, though I found the breast slightly dry (they give you plenty of sauce with it). My main complaint here was the size: it was a really small bird indeed, and left me a bit hungry.
All the meats are permeated with an intense smokiness that’s simply divine. Old South offers two sauces of their own devising, both tangy and a little different than most you’ve tried. I like the spicy, Barbara the original. Still, you won’t go wrong either way.
And you won’t pay more than $10 for any of the menu choices. Most are about $9. Should you visit during the lunch hour or just prefer a sandwich, they have those too. Burgers, grilled cheese, chopped pork. Whatever you like.
For $5, you can get the special, popular at lunch though it’s available all day. A pulled or chopped pork sandwich on a bun or garlic toast along with a bag of chips and a cup of Brunswick stew are the deal. For the price of a fast food lunch, you can eat wonderfully smoky meat along with pickles and plenty of sauce (on the side of course) and a hearty, meaty, tangy stew that will really stick to your ribs.
Beverages
Tea, sweet (iced) tea, coffee, and soda are available. Beer and wine are not available.
Service
Good, reasonable, prompt, friendly.
Overall
There’s a reason why Old South has been going strong for all these years. It’s just a great place to eat, no ifs, ands, or buts. Its simplicity is part of its appeal. If you’re hunting good southern barbecue, you can end your search here.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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