'Que & Stew
By Colin Kelley & Susan Soper
 Daddy D'z manager WIll Robbins shows off a plate of ribs that keep customers flocking back to the Memorial Drive barbecue joint. (Photo by Rob Felt)
Whether you like beef or pork, chopped or pulled, hot or mild – Atlanta’s got barbecue to suit every taste. Some like a big sloppy sandwich, others prefer ribs or sliced slabs of meat. Whatever your choice, finding a good bowl of Brunswick stew can be a challenge. This month, Atlanta INtown takes some of the guesswork out of finding good barbecue with these staff selections. Have a favorite barbecue joint? E-mail your suggestions to collin@atlantaintownpaper.com.
Barbecue Kitchen. If you’re down near the airport in College Park, stop in for a plate of the hickory-smoked pulled pork. You get about a pound of meat, so come hungry. Might be the last place in the city that serves fried eggplant as a side dish. 1437 Virginia Ave. (404) 766-9906
Bobby & June’s. This meat-and-three on 14th Street also dishes up some fine barbecue and sides. On Fridays, try the tender roast beef, which also has a distinct barbecue flavor. 375 14th St. (404) 876-3872.
Daddy D’z. True soul cooking with giant plates of ribs, generous sides, not to mention the regular line-up of blues. The sampler plate (featuring beef, pork, chicken and shrimp) will blow your diet. 264 Memorial Dr. (404) 222-0206.
Dusty’s. The pulled-pork sandwiches in a tangy vinegar sauce keep the Emory crowd coming back for more. Don’t bother with the beef, but do try the homemade chips and sweet Brunswick stew. 1815 Briarcliff Rd. (404) 320-6264.
Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Opened in 1990, Fat Matt’s quickly became an Atlanta favorite with its gigantic chopped-pork sandwiches and ribs so tender they fall off the bone. Consistently rated as one Atlanta’s best barbecue joints. Take note: They only accept cash. 1811 Piedmont Ave. (404) 607-1622.
Fox Bros. BBQ at Smiths Olde Bar. The ribs and brisket bring folks running to this bar-and-music venue every Wednesday night and all day on Saturdays and Sundays. They also cater. 1578 Piedmont Ave. (404) 875-1522.
Harold’s. In business for more than 50 years down near the Federal Penitentiary, this Grant Park landmark offers perfectly sauced pulled-pork sandwiches, thick and tasty Brunswick stew and cracklin’ cornbread. 171 McDonough Blvd. (404) 627-9268.
Old Hickory House. Although it’s lost some of its luster since being former President Jimmy Carter’s favorite place for Brunswick stew, the Old Hickory House keeps drawing crowds with big portions of beef and pork, dressed in a tangy sauce. 5490 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. (770) 671-8185.
Maddy’s. This Decatur joint arguably has the best Brunswick stew in town, perfectly blended and spiced. The giant pork sandwiches are a two-handed affair, dripping with sauce. Good blues music on the weekends, too. 1479 Scott Blvd. (404) 377-0301.
Pig-N-Chick. The pulled pork and homemade potato salad are recommended – even if you don’t eat the quintessential white bread that comes with it – along with a big glass of sweet iced tea. 3929 Piedmont Ave. (404) 869-0038.
Rolling Bones. The converted gas station in the Sweet Auburn district is a meat lovers paradise, with chicken, chopped pork, beef brisket and smoked ribs all on the menu. The mustard greens come highly recommended as a side. The drive-thru is very handy. 377 Edgewood Ave. (404) 222-2324.
Swallow at the Hollow. For something a little further out, try Roswell’s favorite barbecue joint. Babyback ribs, biscuits and homemade sausage keep the Southern food aficionados satisfied. 1072 Green St. (678) 352-1975.
Slope’s. You’ll be licking the hot sauce off your fingers as you tear through the ribs at this Sandy Springs mainstay. A big array of sides – Brunswick stew, corn on the cob, collards and black-eyed peas – offer up something for any appetite. 200 Johnson Ferry Rd.
(404) 252-3220.
One Star Ranch. Beef ribs in the heart of Buckhead at this Texas-inspired joint, which also features good Brunswick stew. Folks swear by the jalapeno cornbread as well. 25 Irby Ave. (404) 233-7644.
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