Whether you want to outsource your Independence Day cooking to someone else, need to pick up dishes to bring to a potluck, or are looking for barbecue to savor any time this summer, here are some recommendations from our dining editors.
Editors Note: If you are placing an order for the holiday, be sure to check with the restaurants early as this is a busy time for them, and some also plan vacation closures and staff time off around July 4.
Butt Hutt
In addition to standards such as pulled pork and brisket, this family-operated restaurant offers turkey and chicken entrees and sandwiches. A popular destination for groups.
Macon Highway | $
Dawg Gone Good BBQ
Serving family recipes, owner William Hardy keeps things simple but tasty. Chow down on essentials such as pulled pork and brisket on old-school picnic tables.
Downtown | ¢
Pulaski Heights BBQ
Locally sourced pork and brisket are the stars at this small restaurant, where meat is smoked daily and served until it runs out.
Pulaski Heights | $
Saucehouse BBQ
This expansive restaurant on West Broad Street has an enormous selection of meats, sides and sauces. The owners claim the menu can be customized in a thousand combos. Don’t miss the banana pudding.
West Broad Street | $
Tamez Barbecue
Alejandro Tamez’s barbecue spot offers homemade tortillas and fresh sides as well as pork, chicken and brisket smoked daily.
West Broad Street | $
White Tiger Gourmet
Operating out of a former neighborhood grocery, White Tiger serves luscious barbecue, hearty sandwiches and comforting soups. On spring days, locals congregate in the side yard and take advantage of the BYOB policy.
Boulevard | $
Looking for more recommendations?
This list is excerpted from our “Classic City 50” selection of unique Athens restaurants. Browse the full directory from in our 2022 Eat & Drink Athens, GA guide, here.