Love local, this is a great spot. Make sure you have the time to wait. Their modest kitchen can become overwhelmed easily. The drive through is more of a pick up window. The décor is dated in the best way. TVs and always something to comment on. I have a friend that loves wings. She swears by the ones here. Often find myself ordering a burger. It is a rough formed patty full of flavor. Toppings have never disappointed. Sides are a solid 6 or 7 out of 10. I've never had a dessert that was better than a 5. Wish I could give a review of the BBQ. Tried it once a few years ago and didn't find my way back. read more

Pork was very tough. Ribs were very tough and Had hardly any meat. Mostly tendon and bone. Ordered Sweet potato fries with up charge but got potato salad. Very disappointing read more

I got a to go order as I have for many years at Merles. I ordered a 1/2 lb. of pork/bbq, fries, a quart of slaw, and a quart of brunswick stew. The brunswick stew was super greasy with very dark pieces of chopped pork. I simply cannot believe that they sold this! When I called, I was told that it had been in the steamer all day (now 7:30 PM), and they didn't know it was like that. They would only give me a credit for something else, no refund... I will never be back, ever... You serve a loyal customer something that is not fit to eat, hide it in a cup in a bag, and then tell me no refund. When I tried to explain this, she said, "You can come back and get fresh stew. We just took it out." I know there are people that try to get everything free, but for me, it's the principle... You lost my trust tonight and I hope my $16 for the stew was worth it. read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

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Good food at OK prices. It's worth it, though. Strange and stupid policies occasionally, however. I wanted to buy a quart of their excellent Brunswick stew, but asked if it could be split into two pint cups so that I could eat one then and take one home for later in week. I was told they would have to charge the higher pint price for each because I would be using two containers. That's just dumb. I'm a loyal customer that's a bit ticked by that kind of penny ante policy. read more

Old school Georgia BBQ. Just no flavor and no craft to it. Cheap fries, cheap buns, no smoke, Brunswick stew was meat and corn and that's it. Staff was nice. Said it's been open since 1952 so they probably own the property and are running off of granddaddy's reputation. Sorry Grandad, 2.5 stars read more

Ordered online and still waited 40 minutes for the food. Then THIS is what they gave as a brisket plate and this is after I had to paper towel all the bbq sauce they DRENCHED it in. There was more sauce than meat. Who puts BBQ sauce on brisket without asking? This is the only place I've ever had do that. And this small sad looking brisket is just disappointing. It's thin and burnt and dry. The sauce (on the brisket and given on the side of the pork) is not good. This place used to be great but this really shows how downhill it's gone. The rest of the food was fine I guess, just overall disappointing. read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

great experience we just moved to the area food was good and they were very polite from the owner to the employees. will definitely be back. she even recommended other restaurants in area read more

So far this was my first time coming to this place, and I must say, feels very cozy and has plenty of menu options that looks quite appetizing. Food was pretty solid, ordered a Big Boy combo and a rib sandwich combo. Although the rib sandwich could use some work since the meat was rather tough and had more cartilage than I would've liked. The service could also be improved in some areas, perhaps a bit more kind and a good smile to the customers would be just perfect, but overall decent. I'm definitely curious and keen to coming back to this place as I would like to try out more of their options. A good 4 stars from me. read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - Main dining - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

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I placed an online order today at 4:40. Per message I received my order would be ready at 5:15. I received my food at 5:40. Exactly an hour after it was placed. read more

The burger was amazing so was the okra !!! But the wings weren't the best... Service was decent for it to be packed but we will be going elsewhere for wings lol read more

Always takes forever and a day to get plain food. Skip this place as I will from now on

I usually place my order for pickup and the food is ALWAYS on point! My go-to - a pound of brisket, baked beans and sweet potato fries! Enough for left overs - for about 2 days. And you know what they say about left overs! Great spot with delicious mouth-watering food! read more

The first question my wife and I always ask ourselves when we leave a new restaurant is, "Would we come here again?" The answer is: yes! We enjoyed our meal at this little hole in the wall place. We both had a Burger, and they were perfectly cooked. Don't get the Big Daddy unless you're hungry. For sides we had baked beans and fries. The baked beans were a little sweeter than my wife like, but I enjoyed them. Fries were a bit too salty, but cooked well. Also tried the pork sandwich since we were here. Taste was great but it wasn't overly packed with meat. Support local business and give it a try! read more

I love a good hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and I love supporting local businesses, so naturally, I love picking up some Merle's! Honestly, this place should be called "Merle's Burger Joint" because chili cheese burgers are my FAVORITE, and their burgers are EXQUISITE-- you know, in the greasy, messy, divey way most people should expect from this sort of place. (I should also admit that the first time I went I was in a burger mood and fell in love, so I have never even tried their bbq in fear of missing out on my favorite piece of chili cheese heaven, so I can't comment on that!) Don't come here to eat healthy; don't come here if you expect fine dining. You can take one look at the place and see that it has more of a food-truck feel. A lot of my friends love the wings, and we all love the fries, but I can't believe no one is talking about how incredibly amazing their ranch is. I could drink it; it's that good! The ranch is the sole reason I love the fries so much. You have to try it. As far as the dining experience, I have only eaten in a couple of times, but it's always been casual and enjoyable. Most of the time I order it for pickup and enjoy it in front of the tv on a Sunday. It's always done on time, and I have never not enjoyed every single bite. Check out Merle's with optimism and a hungry belly. read more

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This place has been around for years. At one time I considered one of the best BBQ joints in the area. The past few months we've rarely gotten a correct take out order, and getting the order adjusted IS a hassle. The menu pricing is up substantially, it's no longer a "value BBQ place" and the food is not as good. I hope this place improves, it'd be a shame to lose another local eatery. read more

We tried this place in between Lunch and Dinner on a Friday afternoon, have driven by it for years, but recently moved to the area. You walk up to a small counter, the menu is in the wall, and you order. The dining room was new in 1972, but it's cute as long as you love Elvis and James Dean. Someone popped out from the back with our bag of food. It's served to-go. We both had the BBQ sandwich and Brunswick stew combo. The meat was really good and moist. The Brunswick stew was delicious because it tastes like they get it from Walker Meats like everyone else in the area does! Will definitely be back! Will probably use the drive-thru since that's where they serve most of their orders. read more

Barbecue was nothing special. Warm, not hot. Bland. When I asked for more sauce, the employee said she would have to charge me. When every other BBQ place on the plant has two different flavors on each table. I will never go back. read more

I would give 0. I made a pick up order I called it in. It was a long and the lady was mad about it!!! She was very rude! When we get our food it's all wrong, they didn't even send half of it and then wants us to come back and they can fix it? No I want a whole refund because this happens everytime we go!!!!! Never again I wish there was higher ups to speak with! I tried to call back and let them know they messed up my order but the lady blocked my number after taking my order and then wanted lie about it. How did I call 3 times and it didn't go through but on someone else's phone it did. They are a sad excuse of a restaurant. They deserve no service and the lady's up there deserve no job. This is very disappointing and disgusting they treated us like trash after spending so much money there. My mom didn't get dinner because they was mad my order was long and purposely didn't send it. Very disappointed. Those people up there need to seek help and different kinda job read more

Didn't think anyone's "Brunswick Stew" could ever be as good as Atlanta's "Old Hickory House", but by Jove I think Merle's did it. I was even afraid to try it at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it! I was glad I ordered it that day 3 years ago. We have been enjoying Merle's Bar-BQ regularly ever since then. "Ya'll try it now, ya hear?" I really am a Southern Belle, born in Piedmont Hospital on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. We've moved a little further out to the Dallas/Hiram area, and we were tickled pink to find a good barbecue place just right down the road from out home. read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - "Me & mine" - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

Just got back home from eating at Merle's, first time there and will never go back. these people sure don't know BBQ. I had the ribs and my wife had the brisket. and I must it was very bad, the brisket was like eating beef jerky and the ribs didn't even have the slightest smoke flavor at all and completely dried out, on top of that didn't even sauce on the ribs. in addition to the less than bad food this place is a total dump. I'm thinking that perhaps Pauling County Health Dept. should pay them a visit. I feel like I was ripped off for the $32 I sent on this crappy meal. like I said this place doesn't know BBQ what so ever. Oh by the way this place doesn't deserve a 1 star rating. read more

Great food! The service is always nice. My kids enjoy the fish tank inside. The tables and chairs are outdated and the lighting isn't that great inside. The food makes up for it. This is our go too BBQ spot! read more

I love the country vibe and it's good food the burgers are good too text time. Next time I'll post but the wings here are better than you know. (These wings Raises your standards) read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - Mild wings lemon pepper and teriyaki wings with fries. I love the country vibe and it's good food the burgers are good too text time. - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

Nice staff, pretty quick to put my order together! Pretty good food, great choices to pick from on their menu! Got a snap of the menu inside for others to see! They do have a drive up window or you can sit down inside.. came in 3/30 almost noon pretty slow inside. read more

Merle's Bar-B Q - Barbeque Near Me - Dallas, Georgia

Good food Brunswick stew too sweet for me But everything else is good They aren't very friendly but they do serve fast. read more

I was really in the mood for a grilled chicken salad. I needed to do a drive thru as I've been under the weather this week. I checked their website to confirm they did in fact have a grilled chicken salad. I drove over and their drive thru set up is far from ideal. They can only wait on one person at a time. Meaning placing your order, paying and then receiving all has to occur at the one window. Which means very long waits. Also, they adjoin a tire place and it's not easy maneuvering when they are busy. There were two cars ahead of me when I joined the line. It was difficult to figure out where I could be to protect my spot in the line but still allow the traffic at the tire place. I had to reposition my car three times to let their customers out or in while I waited. After waiting 17 minutes, I finally got to the window. To their credit, they have a sign that says they are short staffed and to be patient. I waited another 3 minutes for the lady to open the window. I was greeted only with "call in or ordering". I stated I was ordering. She looked annoyed and said "I don't have a pen" and closed the window. I waited another 2 mins and watched her wait on another person at the inside counter. Then she came back as said "what do you want". I stated I wanted the grilled chicken salad with extra ranch dressing. I literally was saying the word "ranch" when she very abruptly tells me "we are out of grilled chicken". I said well, ok never mind then. She abruptly closed the window and that was it. Needless to say, the wasted time, the constant moving my car, the long wait, the rudeness of the staff, being out of the chicken all with zero concern or apology for any of it wasn't a pleasant experience. I'm big on 2nd chances but, there was just too much wrong with my experience to ever want to go back. I won't be back. read more

Potatoe salad not good, brisket sandwich was alright but full of fat. Service was alright.

It occurred to me that I've been coming here for 14 years and have never written a review. A friend introduced me to this place back in 2002, and I try to find an excuse to drive this far whenever I'm craving bbq. There are no places near me that hit the spot. I drive 25 miles each way just to come here, if that tells part of the story. My favorites include the pulled pork, ribs, and fried pickles. The pulled pork is the best meat I've ever had. It's really tender and has the perfect char. There's no fatty pieces in the meat, just quality. The ribs just fall off the bone. The fried pickles, oh my the friend pickles...they are cut into thick spears, seasoned to perfection with a great outer crunch, and served with a homemade dill sauce for dipping. The restaurant is simplistic and clean, and the staff is always pleasant. The prices are excellent. I typically buy a combo which includes a large sandwich, side, and a drink for less than $10, even when I upgrade to the fried pickles. You can even buy a pound of the awesome pork for $10. What a deal! read more

The place has been a local goth for many in the area. It's been a while since I have been and I ordered chicken fingers, French fries, and potato salad on the side. 1. Chicken fingers were horrible! They tasted like they had been deep fried twice. Very dry and hard as a rock. Chicken was super dry... stay away from these 2. Fries were good and on point just like your old school Good ole lunchroom fries. 3. Potato salad was good as well. So 3 stars for the 2 sides being on point but bad chicken fingers will ruin me on a place every time. Easiest to make and totally epic fail. read more

I know it says BBQ and it's good but I am a huge fan of their chili dogs! My wife loves the burgers! Always busy but personal service everytime! read more

I love merles! Try the fried pickles. Will be going back soon! They also have very good wings. Everyone is very friendly.

Had the big boy. The burger was smaller than the bun. The bread was cold and broke up while eating. I land up just eating the meat alone. Husband had them redo his burger and bread still falling apart. A burger is suppose to be eaten with two hands.. We had to eat with a fork.. Fries were cold. Not sure what hapoen to the quality of food but it is not sane as before. read more

I've been coming to this restaurant for over 20 years. They have always been consistently good. The beef, chicken and pulled pork sandwiches are all equally delicious. They have several different bbq sauces which are all pretty good. The cole slaw is just ok, but I love to put slaw on my bbq sandwiches. Service is a little slow but that's probably because they keep everything fresh. They usually have very polite staff there. My only complaint is the sandwiches are a little on the small side, but I am a two burger kind of guy so most people will be ok. read more

Not good I should have kept going food was greasy and just not good I had the ribs and chicken not good

This is a great place. They are always busy so that says how good the food is. Their hotdogs are awesome. I only go here for my dogs. Their BBQ has a great flavor and you will have to ask for hot BBQ sauce. Most of their sauce is a little sweet too my taste but their ribs are very good, not tough and you can never eat just one. read more

I called and waited on hold for 15 minutes to place an order. My wife had started on her way to pick it up because we figured 15 to 20 minutes it should be about done. She got there and they wasn't even busy. I was on hold the whole time no dinner from you never again read more

My first time there. I placed my order with a young lady at the counter. I ordered the chopped pork plate with sweet tea. The young lady was not rude per se, but there were no hellos nor thank yous given by her. The ladies working the counter seemed overwhelmed by the number of customers (I would say probably three men ordering for their families). They were hollering out numbers and directives at each other. Anyway, when I received my order, I went and sat at a table. I am being careful not to exaggerate: The amount of pork on my plate wasn't enough to make a skimpy sandwich - I would say 3 ounces was given to me. The "stew" was in a very small styro-foam take-out container like one would use for a sauce or something like that. I received 9 cold crinkle-cut french fries. I had an ice tea that contained about 3% tea - that was poured in hot and melted the small amount of ice. I don't understand how this place could stay in business all these years - I assume they once were good and in an area without many restaurants. For nearly $14 for this order, I can't justify the prices nor the amounts of food given. Seriously, a 4 or 5 year old child would have eaten this amount of food. As a grown man who paid nearly $14 for this sub-par food, I can easily state that I will not make the mistake of stopping here again. I understand that sometimes people are mad about a certain restaurant and sometimes over-complain about their experience. I purposely waited until the day after to post this critique. Everything I've stated is factual and not heat-of-the-moment whining. read more

Great hole in the wall restaurant. Down in Villa Rica for a baseball tournament. Took the family for some BBQ. Dine in service available. Great Brunswick stew and awesome wings according to the kids. Not so pleased with the brisket but the pulled pork at big hit. Worth the stop. Great family restaurant. Last meal before my niece off to the US Naval Academy and some precious time with my son. Thanks for having us. read more

If you, like me, are a fan of divey little hole in the wall spots with surprisingly good food, them Merle's is a place you need to stop into. It's in a trailer attached to a pawn shop/ mechanic. The fact that it has a drive through both confused and delighted me. It's an experience. The Good: - The pulled pork is tasty and has the right bit of smoke to it - The wings are solid. Maybe not the meatiest wings I've encountered, but tasty nonetheless. - Say what you will, but I think the ambiance adds to the experience. Messy BBQ in a kitschy trailer? Of course. The Meh: - The Mister liked the brisket... but I will add the caveat that he likes his meat rather well, and I fear that may mean it's dry. I'll have to try it myself before I can amend this. - The fries were nothing special - mine were sort of cold, and they would have benefitted from seasoned salt or something. I'm told there are sweet potato fries to be had... so maybe that should be my next venture. - The ribs. I'm a rib girl. These were a little dry and stringy for my liking. Did I just get a bad batch? The No Bueno: - I get it. Teenage girls chatter. But when the chatter is slowing down the service, that's a problem. I mean, they don't even need to bring the food out to the tables, so it's hard to understand why it should take as long as it sometimes does there to get an order brought up. All in all, Merle's is worth another go... read more

We did not know where to eat one knight and what a place to stop the food was great the Brunswick stew was undeniable it a directly reorder again. We sample the brisket and other items to eat. read more

Another hole-in-the-wall gem that I would never have tried if I went by looks only. Looks like a wooden trailer set off on the side of the road. Inside it's plain, but clean (very important!) But the food makes up for where it lacks in looks. The BBQ is some of the best that I've had in the Atlanta area. I always get the shredded pork plate (with bun), baked beans, and brunswick . I love their BBQ sauce - sweet, but not too sweet, tangy and a nice, smooth consistency without being too watery. The pork is tender and juicy. Their baked beans bring back memories of the yummy baked beans from when we used to grill out when I was a kid - thick, smoky & sweet. Finally someone who knows how to make some brunswick stew! Only a few places I have been to make it right and this place is mos def one of them! Really its just my shredded pork with some creamed corn in a bowl - but I don't care it's oh so good! Service is exceptional. We walked in about 10 minutes before closing and although we told them they didn't have to wait on us, they INSISTED we stay! The owner said "It's never too late to take care of a customer." What, what, what??? I mean, I'm not used to that type of customer service these days! You really can't beat that! And just for that they get *****/*****, cause customer service like that has been extinct for years! read more