With my quest for good BBQ in the North in a state of continued failure, it goes without saying that when I'm home in Georgia, BBQ ribs are a given. Today, I enjoyed an old favorite, Fresh Air Bar-B-Que. Located in the far corner of a strip mall, it's easy to miss; but, it's well worth keeping an eye out for. If your looking for ambiance, we'll, it's a rib place. You don't get that. You do get a clean, and friendly atmosphere, with great food. I chose the rib plate (what else would I choose), which featured a moist, fall off the bone tender, half pound of ribs, with just a taste of tangy, but optional, BBQ sauce, ( don't worry. If you want more sauce, it's there for you on the table in hot or mild varieties. If you must, And I don't see why you would, you can also add Texas Pete's hot sause, which is also there) small cups of appropriately modest flavored Brunswick stew (packed with delicious...uh...Brunswick stew stuff) and sweet, crispy, cole slaw. Add in a slice of thick sliced bread, to sop up the goodness; and, for $13.99, before tax and a well earned tip, you have, I repeat, a great, filling, meal. Want more evidence? My photo was taken mid-meal. The food was so tasty, I nearly forgot to snap photo. read more

Fresh Air Bar-B-Que - The rib plate - Barbeque Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Catering review: Every couple months I order catering from Fresh Air BBQ for our Macon office. My coworkers love their food and out-of-town visitors are always impressed with the food too. Fresh Air takes all the headaches out of catering. The catering team always accurately calculates just the right amount of food for the lunches. Delivery is on time. They set it up for us and provide all the plates, cups, cutlery, ice and condiments we need. Their prices are extremely reasonable and the food is delicious! The huge smiles on my coworkers faces when they see Fresh Air set up makes me happy! read more

This place sucked. ! Horrible ribs, no sauce included and they missed the $ 5 pecan pie I ordered. I should have done the local fried chicken Fuck this place read more

The food at the Macon location is not as good as the original in Jackson Ga. The pork does not have that full smoke flavor. I do not think they smoke the meat at this location. read more

I stopped in as a first time customer and let me tell you...it did not disappoint!! Service was quick and on point, staff was super friendly. Very casual, laid back atmosphere and as soon as I walked in and smelled that bbq my mouth started to water. I ordered the 1/2 chicken and it was outstanding, seriously folks if you are nearby run, don't walk and stop by, I highly recommend it. read more

Fresh Air Bar-B-Que - Smoked chicken...AMAZING!! - Barbeque Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Whenever we go to Macon, my wife (who was born and grew up in Macon until she went off to college) likes to stop in and pick up barbecue and Brunswick stew. Fresh Air is an institution in Macon and also has a location in Jackson, Ga.She likes it. I think it's just average. But we stop by. This trip, to take home after Thanksgiving, we got a quart of "wet barbecue" (pulled pork with sauce), a quart of Brunswick stew, extra sauce, a pint of cole slaw and a 12-pack of hamburger buns. As a bonus, we got about two dozen packs of saltines. The whole thing came to about $40 plus tax and tip. A bargain these days. I found that using a vinegar pepper sauce on the pulled pork sandwiches improves the taste. The Brunswick stew, as is, is pretty darn good. read more

Everything is good especially the half chicken bbq plate. The ribs and bbq sandwiches are well worth trying. Even the bacon egg and cheese biscuit is delicious. read more

The best bbq, Brunswick Stew, coleslaw, baked beans and a very nice selection of desserts.

Stopped in on Memorial Day for some ribs, but I was too late. They were fresh out. I'm not a pulled pork fan, so I got the chicken plate. It was okay. Nice smoke to it, but the meat itself could use some seasoning, in my opinion. The potato salad was good but that and the baked beans don't taste homemade they tasted store bought. The sweet tea was good. The restaurant was clean, and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. read more

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Went to Fresh Air Bar-B-Que and I thought the place was cute, looked old fashioned. The girl who took our order was nice. But I poured the wrong tea and when I went to have a different person to pour out so I could get the correct tea she seemed put out ‍. On to the food I got the chicken plate the skin was not crispy it was rubbery and the chicken didn't have that nice smoke flavor. The baked beans and Cole slaw were tasty. And the sauce was pretty good. My husband got the pork plate he enjoyed the Cole slaw and the Brunswick stew, he said the pork was decent (which I did taste and it wasn't half bad). Would I recommend sure but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. read more

A colleague recommended this place, swearing by their coleslaw. Before I go on, please keep in mind that three stars is a good review. Because this barbecue is good. I will admit, it did not knock my socks off, but I did enjoy my meal. The pork sandwich is a treat, and the coleslaw was a nice touch. But I think I'm spoiled by some of the barbecue options we get a little closer to home. Service was very quick and friendly. Those folks behind the counter do not mess around when it's lunchtime. The restaurant itself is another true, no-frills setup. It is comfortable and clean. The emphasis is clearly on the food. I did not try the hot sauce, but the regular one had good flavor. The truth is, I didn't feel like I needed too much of it, the sandwich with the slaw on it was satisfying without it. I also hear the ribs are a crowd-pleaser here. I'm definitely going to have to try them next time I visit. Holler if you're coming with. read more

I give it a 4 because I rounded up. This place is a classic, old school Georgia BBQ joint. They know what they do and they do it well. You want them to be there forever because your dad loved it and your uncles loved it and they are still doing what they have been doing forever just exactly how they did it 50 years ago. The pulled pork and the Brunswick stew are their best menu items. Their sauce is vinegary. Some love it. I'm one of them. Some don't. I don't know what's the matter with them. The place is a throw back to another era. A good era. One worth preserving. May Fresh Air BBQ live long and prosper. read more

Fresh Air has tasty and budget-friendly bbq. I prefer the lunch special here since you get two sandwiches and a bag of chips--I've tried some of the other sides that come with the bbq plate before and didn't care for them. The BBQ here sauce is more vinegar-y, if that matters to you. This restaurant is not fancy at all, but the staff is friendly, the food is good, and there is always plenty of seating. I like that they have a few picnic tables outside so you can eat outdoors if you like. I could do without the TV and political news in the dining room, though. read more

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One and done. Sauce was heavy heavy with vinegar. Limited meat selection. The unsweetened tea and crackers were really good. Ribs were cooked perfectly and eatable only because they weren't covered in the unpleasant sauce. Generous serving of white bread. read more

3/5 stars, great service, great meat. However, I was not a huge fan of their house sauce. I got the special and other people I was with ordered the plate. It looked incredible! I would return and recommend to those visiting! read more

Bar-b-Que- subpar Slaw- sour Brunswick stew- nothing to write home about Those are the only things on the menu, so not much variety. Moreover, in that area it seems the only 2 choices are this place or hunger. read more

Summary: Listed as one of Macon's best BBQ spots, Fresh Air gave us quick service, reasonable pricing and a comfortable atmosphere. Stepping inside, we were greeted by BBQ smoke in the air and a short line waiting to order. Good signs for a BBQ spot. There was a 10-minute wait to order Sunday lunch but the meal came up as soon as I paid. Fresh Air has an extremely limited menu compared to my more familiar Midwestern BBQ spots. There are three options of either ribs, chicken, or chopped pork, which can be ordered separately or as "plates" with side dishes. My 1/2 chicken was smoky--too much so because it had the slight aftertaste of burnt poultry. Creamy coleslaw was slightly sweet and finely chopped. Baked beans were also sweet but not exceptional. Fresh Air has outdoor seating and a drive-thru window. read more

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The food was great, especially the lunch special for $9.99. But above all Ms Cynthia and the actual owner gave us the best service we've ever had in a first visit. I highly recommend this place. Let's support our community and give Fresh Air Bq a try. Thanks Fresh Air Bq staff and owner. We will be back read more

I'm a little disappointed after reading the reviews. The barbecue sauce is vinegar-based, which is fine but not my favorite. The ribs tasted like someone baked in the oven. Bland with no taste. The best part of the meal was the coleslaw. Service was friendly and efficient. Small home town feel. read more

I have had this BBQ twice. The meals rate as the top two worst meals I have ever had. White bread instead of buns which is gross. Terrible BBQ. And I'm sorry but that is not Brunswick stew. Coleslaw is ok. If you want good BBQ this is not it. read more

Food gets a 5. Speed of service gets a 3. It appears that the next person in line does not get their order taken until the current person has received their order. Need to have a dedicated cashier and expediter. read more

My wife and I went to Fresh Air BBQ in June 2023. Mind you, she loves ribs and is an excellent cook. Therefore she knows good food. After having ribs, bread, and coleslaw, we were delighted we found this gem. The glass door into this establishment was clean, which is positive when dining out and an indication of what to expect. Their interior was immaculate, and the woman who took our order was accommodating. Their fault lies with a dirty men's room and very uncomfortable dining room chairs. The restaurant is not situated in a friendly neighborhood, so, I recommend take-out and enjoy one of the best ribs. read more

Great food good BBQ old fashion vibe southern people enjoyed my meal an server was fine like a glass of wine

My mom ordered 3 or 4 slabs of ribs, chipped bbq, Brunswick Stew and sides for Labor Day. We rushed over for dinner because my aunt swears this place sells THE best bbq in town. My husband eats anything as long as meat is on his plate, but this bbq was the exception. From the start he complained about the intense bitterness of the vinegar in his chipped bbq. Then he complained about the blandness of the seemingly boiled unseasoned ribs. The coleslaw was vinegar based. The baked beans were sweet and watery. He didn't dare try the Brunswick stew. They gave us 1 whole pickle instead of slices for our sandwiches. We both left my parent's house hungry. They begged us to take plates, but we declined. My other aunt and my husband are usually the only 2 returning for seconds, but my aunt only ate 1 rib. My husband, the meat eater, said he would not try it again. read more

Love Fresh Air for many years! My only complaint is that I always ask for DRY bbq for my bbq plate WITH SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Last 10 times at least I get home and there is NO SAUCE ON THE SIDE. Other than that love them. Need to work on that. read more

Was visiting the area for a family members surgery at the nearby hospital. Ran over to grab food while waiting and it was a little after lunch time, probably 130, so there was no wait which was nice! You order at the counter and they serve you right away. Very quick service and the barbecue is outstanding!!! Been in business since the 20's and this was truly amazing barbecue. The sauce is vinegar based and very yummy! They have extra sauce at the tables to use. The Brunswick stew was incredible too and the bbq plate is very reasonably priced and tons of food... bbq, stew, slaw, bread, crackers. It's in a little strip mall but lots of pictures showing when it was on a dirt road! So cool and been around almost 100 years! read more

Fresh Air BBQ is probably somewhere I'd not ordinarily find myself simply because of its location. I don't drive to Macon from Atlanta all that much and rarely have had occasion to stop for lunch on the way there or back. But one of my Facebook friends (not a Yelper), a longtime Georgia resident (lifetime?), posted that she and her family *always* stops here when coming back from trips to the coast. So, I bookmarked it and made a point to drop in after an excursion to the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins AFB (if you like airplanes, you must go there). Glad I did. This is a good BBQ restaurant. Fast casual, order at the counter. I'm not sure if it's always this way, but since I was the only one in line, my order was put together before I left the counter. There are plenty of seats, including some that will accommodate a group. Ribs are my usual touchstone for BBQ, so I ordered the rib plate. As listed on the menu, it comes with cole slaw, beans and brunswick stew as sides. Not sure if you can substitute but I was good with that. - Ribs: very tasty, juicy and a ton of char. Excellent ribs. - Cole slaw: theirs is of the creamy variety and isn't too remarkable. I like cole slaw in general, so it was fine. - Beans: very standard. I added some BBQ sauce to kick them up. - Brunswick stew: Eh. I'm not much of a fan and theirs isn't going to make one out of me. BBQ sauce added here, too. Two sauces available on the tables (and for sale): regular and hot. Both good and the hot is actually somewhat picante. I imagine they're big sellers. The plate comes with the obligatory and completely unnecessary white bread and an even more unnecessary packet of crackers. Everything is disposable - Styrofoam drink cup and plate, plastic utensils, small plastic tubs to hold the three sides (one with a lid even though I was eating in). This place is an environmental nightmare in terms of waste. My Facebook friend is a champion of the environment and I wonder what she thinks of all that. But it's BBQ and Georgians hold their 'que in much greater regard than the environment. And with ribs this good, that isn't going to change anytime soon. Located in a huge strip mall, so parking is easy. read more

Fresh Air Bar-B-Que - Rib plate - Barbeque Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Just a great place for lunch with old friends. We had great pulled pork, Brunswick stew,coleslaw and white bread. Great! Parking lot was open and service first class read more

Fantastic, Delicious, flavorful food. friendly customer service, warm atmosphere , clean facilities. Employees are always anticipating customers coming through the door while taking good care of the customers who are dining. read more

Got a pulled pork plate here. The pork was very good, but The Brunswick stew was even better. Other sides good too. Friendly service and great food for this cheap will bring me back if I am ever driving through this area again. read more

Ok when you walk in it smells GOOD. Like real-deal BBQ. We ordered two BBQ plates. The sauce is tangy, vinegar-based, and mild. The BBQ is pretty standard chopped pork. I appreciated that the BBQ is whole chunks of pork, rather than super mushy BBQ. For $8, you get pork, Brunswick stew, coleslaw, and bread and crackers. The inside of the restaurant is a classic country place. Order at the counter. It wasn't crowded so we sat and hung out, had a leisurely afternoon. read more

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Definitely not like the one (original) in Jackson. Smaller portions than what you'd think. Take the time to go to the original and they need to check their portion sizes. We did it take out....I hope that wasn't a factor. read more

Went 50 miles out of our way to get a family pack friday night.website shows they close at 9pm arrived at 815 only to see the door sign says they close at 8pm.sad a restaurant cant update a website.. read more

Tangy style pork in tiny little shreds (my fav!) with THE best sweet minced coleslaw I have ever had. Inexpensive, no frills, quick order in line restaurant. The ice is better than sonic too! Soft shaved ice for your drinks. Could it get any better? Will definitely make the trek again- totally worth every bite. read more

Fresh Air Bar-B-Que - Fresh air bbq baby! - Barbeque Near Me - Macon, Georgia

Located At the east end of the shopping center. The chicken plate and the pork plate very good and priced Inexpensively. The ladder back chairs were rather uncomfortable, but the food made up for it. Worth stopping by if you're driving through. read more

Definitely the worst barbecue that I've ever tasted. The consistency of the pork was that it was pre-chewed. Brunswick stew was mostly broth with not much pork or vegetables. Customer service from the staff also was lacking, acted as if you're just a another buck to be made. Would be better off to buy a container of any brand bbq at a grocery store and microwave it at home and it would be much better than the meal I had. read more

A must! Everything on the menu is delicious. Very friendly staff, some have been there for all long as I remember. It's a little packed in there at lunch time -a good sign, grab a table and sit down on a rickety chair and enjoy the smell of sweet molasses while you wait for your order. The pulled pork is just sooooo good, and the slaw. We stop in for lunch on the drive down to Hilton Head, and also take out enough for another 3-4 meals. Too bad we live so far. We're going again next week, yum. read more

No nonsense; no frills; inexpensive; large servings; Georgia BBQ! In a time when reimagined BBQ in a more upscale setting is all the rage, Fresh Air is being true to the traditional Southern BBQ joint. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the new BBQ trend restaurants as well but there is nostalgia in a place like Fresh Air. Is it the best BBQ you've ever eaten? Probably not. Is it damn good BBQ none the less? You can bet on it! For those who only know the trendy BBQ spots give Fresh Air a try to see what paved the way for the journey of BBQ to become what it is today. read more

The place still rocks out for BBQ, There is a reason why everyone always comes back to the southern style homemade BBQ at its finest on Riverside Dr. I been coming here for as long as it's been open, 20 plus years read more

Fresh Air Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Macon, Georgia

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Mediocre bbq place. Portions are small, beans and bbq sauce taste store bought, not homemade, ribs and chopped pork taste so-so. Do yourself a favor and find another bbq place . read more