Some restaurants are old. Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson, Georgia has been serving customers since 1929. When you walk inside, it doesn't feel like a place that's trying to look old. It feels like a place that simply never stopped being what it has always been. The old pit, the brick walls, the long tables, the signs on the walls, and the simple serving line all remind you that Fresh Air has been doing this for a very long time. One thing worth knowing before you arrive: this is Carolina-style pulled pork with a vinegar-forward sauce. If you're expecting sweet barbecue sauce, reset your expectations before that first bite. This is a different barbecue tradition, and that's part of what makes the experience interesting. We ordered the Deluxe Plate, which comes with pulled pork, Carolina barbecue sauce, homemade Brunswick stew, homemade coleslaw, a dill pickle spear, and two slices of plain white bread wrapped in plain white paper. That little package of white bread may not sound like much, but it perfectly fits the restaurant. Nothing here is trying to be fancy. The focus is on the food and the tradition behind it. The lady who took our order was very nice and a wonderful example of Southern hospitality. She patiently answered our questions, helped explain the menu, and recommended the lemonade. She told me it was excellent, and she was right. My cousin said the Brunswick stew may be the best she has ever had. I'll let that statement speak for itself. Fresh Air Barbecue has been serving barbecue for nearly a century. Looking around the dining room, enjoying the food, and talking with the people who work there, it is easy to understand why people keep coming back. Some restaurants serve food. Others become part of a state's history. Fresh Air Barbecue is one of those places. read more

I can't think of how to describe the BBQ here except as baby food. The service and space are fine but, the food just didn't cut it for us. Friends who grew up in the area told me that they'd never recommend it to me. I wish I'd spoken to them beforehand. We shall not return. read more

If you like southern BBQ this is the place for you! We went here during a recent camping trip to Indian Springs State Park near Flovilla, GA. This unassuming roadside place is just a few minutes away from the park on the road to Jackson, GA. The building has a rustic feel with 2 dining areas, 1 large nicer room in the back and a smaller plainer room near the front door. We sat in the smaller room which was clean as the staff was on the spot to clear whenever anyone left. We both got the Deluxe plate with contained shredded pork, a cup of Brunswick stew, Cole slaw, 2 slices of white bread, saltine crackers and a pickle. We also had iced tea. You order at the counter and take a seat. The staff was friendly and helpful in describing the choices. Our total bill was about $28. The pork was really good with the house sauce. The green deeet slaw was also really good, especially when place on top of the pork. The stew was good, this was the type in which most ingredients were puréed so most veggies in it were not visible. They had several desserts available but we did not try any. This place was out of the way but I think they have another location in Macon. All I know is that if I am anywhere near either I'm going back! read more

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If you're looking for the kind of old-school Georgia barbecue joint that feels like it's been doing things the right way for generations, Fresh Air Bar-B-Que in Jackson is exactly that place. From the moment you pull up, you can tell this is a true classic. The building has that authentic roadside BBQ feel, simple and unpretentious, the kind of place where the focus has always been on the food rather than flashy décor. The pulled pork is the star of the show. It's chopped the traditional Georgia way and served piled high with their signature sauce mixed in. The pork is tender, smoky, and full of flavor without being overly heavy. The sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet balance that works perfectly with the meat. It's the kind of barbecue that doesn't need anything fancy--just a fork and a few bites to understand why this place has such a loyal following. Another standout is the Brunswick stew, which is exactly what you hope for at a historic Georgia BBQ spot. Thick, hearty, and packed with flavor, it's loaded with a rich tomato base, tender meat, and vegetables that have clearly been simmering together for hours. Every spoonful tastes like a recipe that's been perfected over decades. If you come here and don't try the Brunswick stew, you're missing a big part of what makes this place special. The sides keep that traditional Southern BBQ theme going as well. The slaw is cool and creamy, the pickle adds that perfect bite to cut through the richness of the pork, and the simple slice of bread ties the whole plate together the way classic barbecue plates always have. Fresh Air Bar-B-Que is the kind of place that reminds you why roadside BBQ joints became legendary in the South. No gimmicks, no frills--just great pulled pork, outstanding Brunswick stew, and a tradition that's clearly been preserved over time. If you're anywhere near Jackson, Georgia, it's absolutely worth the stop. read more

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You can tell this place has been here for a long time and has a history to it. The Brunswick Stew was very tasty. The service was so hospitable! The pork wasn't really for me. With was rather pain in my opinion, and the sauce wasn't my favorite. Not saying anything bad about it, it just wasn't my favorite and what I'm used to. They have a small menu, they know what they do, and they churn it out. I loved that about this place. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

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We started with the BBQ twinkie, excellent . Tried thier pulled pork and thier burnt ends. They have 5 different sauces options, the original was pretty good. Tried something new to this western women, that is red coleslaw, a vinegar based dressing. Service was spot on with in and out smoothly and friendly feel. Music was a bit loud, so conversation was unfortunately tough. read more

This is by far some of the best barbecue in the south!! Found deep down in jackson ga with their secret recipes you will fall in love with everything on their simple menu from the delicious barbecue sauce to the homemade stew and please don't forget the homemade banana pudding cheesecake. You'll get the best southern hospitality and feel like you took a piece of Georgia home with you read more

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Not sure why the low reviews, my assumption is people are upset by the small menu. If you want an extravagant menu with all the fixings this is not the place for you. Their menu is small because they are good at what they make. This is a perfect example of barbecue is sometimes best when it is simple. Pork sandwiches, with a side of either coleslaw or Brunswick stew. That's the menu with some chips available and desert. I loved this place, as someone who smokes food, sometimes trying to do the crazy stuff is more work than it's worth and my friends and family like the simple stuff I make the best. The sauce compliments the pork well, an original style sauce with a little tangy-vinegary flavor to it. Thinner for easy application. This place has survived almost 100 years for a reason! Don't change what isn't broke! I come into Jackson to get my truck worked on over at the local diesel shop and spend time over at Oconee NF so I will be back again. The staff were also very welcoming and friendly, can't forget to give them feedback as well. Also, the banana pudding cheese cake is 10/10. read more

Food was great! Ordered the special which comes with two bbq pork sandwiches, chips and a drink. Also ordered a side of their Brunswick stew for the first time. It was delicious and just an all around comforting experience. Employees were kind, service was quick, food was flavorful and filling as well. Definitely recommend! especially if you like a more tangy/vinegar-y tasting bbq. Really good! read more

The service is good. The food too. Especially the Brunswick stew. Great for dining in or takeout. Good old fashioned bbq joint. Voted best in Georgia. Many people come here just for the memories read more

Delicious, authentic food. Go out of your way to stop by. Go inside to put in your order so you can get a good whiff of the barbecue cooking, then sit outside with fresh sawdust on the ground. read more

The Stew was wonderful the pork was not good VERY limited menu I haven't been here in over 50 years, supposed to have Chicken and Ribs at Macon Location read more

Excellent pulled pork sandwich and coleslaw (probably the best coleslaw I have ever had)!

Jackson, GA location. off the side of highway doesn't look like much but inside! they have amazing food! I don't like smoked food and this didn't taste Smokey! if you have never had Brunsw Stew you need to travel here just for it! the best of brisket and BBQ sauce and corn and sooooooo good! stop by when you are in area! read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

If you're like me and you love to visit local nostalgic hometown restaurants this is a great place to visit . They have been open or many years and being from Texas I was curious as to what the vinegar bbq taste like. The place cool , you stand in line order your food and take it back to the communal tables to enjoy. The bbq was good but being from Texas it is very different from the bbq I'm used to. With that said I'm happy I tried it out but it's not something I would be crazy about. The prices were great food was good and I loved the nostalgia! read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Outside view of the restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

A friend of mine recommended I tried this place out as she said it was incredible. I had the ribs platter that came with baked beans, coleslaw, Brunswick stew, and bread and a pickle slice. The slaw was just mush and tasteless. The baked beans tasted like they were just dumped out of a can and the Brunswick stew tasted more like a sloppy Joe sauce and the pickle slice was more like an eighth of a slice of a slice of pickle. The ribs had zero taste and dry. The meal was $12 so evidently you actually do get what you pay for. A quality meal like this would run about $20-$25. read more

A popular local establishment, we thought we'd give it a try while camping at nearby Indian Springs State Park. It was consistently busy. It says it's a BBQ joint but it only serves pulled pork (and some ham). I really wanted ribs, but ok. Limited menu which is fine but if you only serve one thing it had better be good. I was disappointed. Everything was bland to me - the pulled pork, the Brunswick stew and the slaw. Everything was finely grated like it had been through a blender. In fairness, my friends thought it was good and it was, I just had higher expectations for the meal. The workers were very nice and customer service was not an issue. Great setting in small town GA. read more

Been around my whole 39 years oh age... Best BBQ ever!!!! If your in town visit fresh air bbq!! And sweet tea!!

Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson, Georgia is a bit off the beaten path, but not that far off of the interstate. It is definitely a favorite with the locals and has been serving this community since 1929. So, with almost one hundred years in business is a pretty good indication that Fresh Air Barbecue is doing something right. If you are looking for a large menu, Fresh Air Barbecue is not the place for you. They basically offer pork in either a sandwich or on a plate and offer up to two sides with it, coleslaw and Brunswick stew. Oh, if you get the plate, you also get a few slices of white bread. So with almost a century of offering pork, they again are doing something right. I ended up getting the pork with both the coleslaw and the Brunswick stew. My plate came out pretty quick and I stopped at a station where I splashed on quite a bit of their hot barbecue sauce and found a seat in the dining room. While I will say that I have had better barbecue,, Fresh Air Barbecue is still very solid and it was very cool to visit a restaurant that has served this area going on to almost a century. I can only imagine how this area looked way back then and while a lot has changed, Fresh Air Barbecue is a consistent for the area. If you find yourself in the area, I recommend stopping by and dining at a restaurant that has been around since 1929. read more

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Not ribs? No chicken? Pretty boring bbq . I guess not fan of sour bbq. I couldn't make myself make second bite. Strange tasting stew as well. The read more

Got the platter with 2 sides... EVERYTHING was chopped - almost I was a senior in a nursing home! The bbq was nothing special- staff was super friendly read more

BBQ was delicious. Good customer service, friendly people, and quick service. We enjoyed the rustic surroundings as well as the delicious BBQ. read more

The bbq was moist and flavorful. I had the pulled pork with Brunswick stew and slaw. The slaw complimented the bbq really well in my opinion. The service was great and fast. This is more of an old school smoke house. You smell the smoker and can see all the wood so you know they are actually smoking it. Highly recommend this place. read more

Fresh Air BBQ - A True Southern Classic I've been coming here since childhood, and it's still my all-time favorite BBQ spot. This local icon serves up perfectly smoked pork, made even better with their signature vinegar-based sauce--tangy, bold, and unforgettable. The Brunswick stew is rich, hearty, and a must-try. Even though I live an hour away, the trip is always worth it. Fresh Air BBQ isn't just a meal; it's a tradition! read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Regular BBQ Pork Plate (Regular) - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

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Best BBQ in Georgia, hands down. Actual pulled pork, no fat, no gristle, just sweet juicy goodness. Down home folks who love what they do. Worth the drive from anywhere. read more

I have been wanted to come by what is consistently named one of the best BBQ places in not only Ga but the south. Well I was heading to Savannah and decided to detour. I'm glad I did. Super cool old school BBQ joint. Do you want pork and stew or stew and pork? Actually it's pork sandwich or plate. Rare to see a place only have pork. No ribs or brisket here. But I'm ok with it. Because when you know you do something right. Don't mess with the recipe. And they have this down! Great pork with a decent vinegar based sauce. Stew was really good! With probably the best slaw I have ever had! Sweet and creamy. With some loaf bread and crackers. Damn good classic BBQ. Service was super fast. About 10 min after I got there it was lined out the door! Great classic BBQ. Worth the drive! read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

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best pulled pork and best barbecue sauce of all time. So good! cheap and delicious. Must try if your passing by. Fast service.

The only good thing about it is the chips,ice and pickles, the service was quick and easy but everything tasted like it was covered in sugar, the place smelled very bad and the walk was very dangerous down and they had saw shavings when walking in the door??? read more

Great BBQ, super friendly service too. I love this place and stop in every time I visit the area.

Always great food. Lines can be a bit long but worth the wait. Had a small problem with our last order, and they made it right to our satisfaction. read more

Did not enjoy sadly! The reviews made it sound so good but it's probably the worst BBQ I've ever had. Maybe it's because I don't like vinegar based sauces? It was so sour! But I felt the pork was flavorless. Did not care for the Brunswick stew and the slaw was too sweet and runny. The people were very nice and the service was fast. The place was absolutely packed so I guess others think it's great but I did not. read more

I have been a customer for 50 years. I always stop there when I am nearby. The BBQ and stew are excellent.

Traditional community bbq nothing unique or remarkable Too mushy and bland for me Classic in age only read more

Wow, great BBQ and stew. Great people behind the counter. Fresh BBQ and good size too. With slices of bread and a drink and place to come back to again. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Deluxe plate - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

I hope next time it would be better because this time is not a good experience. It's not like any BBQ restaurants that I've ever encountered. It's a nice place inside with space, which does not look as old as its appearance. The food is just not good. The taste of the meat is boring and it's was even worse with the sauce that was too much vinegar. Even the desert is not in house. And don't even mention about the pickle :) Service is fast which is a plus. I don't think the price matches with the quality. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

Prices were so good I was a little skeptical of what we would be served, but we were nicely surprised. Great food and lots of pulled pork on the buns. read more

We had a sandwich and a pork plate with Brunswick stew. All were pretty meh to us. If you are a fan of vinegar based red sauce, you may like it better. I also was disappointed that their tea seems to be from a concentrate and not made fresh. They are very friendly, and it is a fun place to visit, but we will not be back since the food was not that great. read more

Very poor menu selection. Forget asking for slaw on your sandwich- you'd think you asked them to kiss a bug! Small sandwich with a tiny little cup of stew will cost $12. The place smells amazing but the food is marginal at best. read more

Excellent bbq, especially with their vinegar sauce. Some of the best Brunswick stew in Georgia. Must make the 45 min. ride from Covington every few months. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

Arrived at 5:30 on Monday. Open and a little busy. Ordered the Deluxe plate. Includes Cole Slaw, which is really good. Sauces on the table -- hot and mild, both are excellent. This place is a true classic. You get your pork their way. In business for almost 100 years. Something being done right. Locals coming in for carry out. Try out this place. read more