Ok, this place was something special. I was out playing golf and got recommended this spot by a local. From what I was told, it's the last standing restaurant from the 60s around there and family owned by a woman named Joy. I read on the menu that if the owner hugs you, you're officially family. Sure enough, Joy came over and gave me the biggest hug. In a time where places like this are disappearing, this felt truly special. She knew people by name, talked to everyone, and made the whole restaurant feel like a community. Honestly felt honored just being there. Now the food. Absolutely incredible. They have a real smoker in the kitchen and you can smell it the second you walk in. The barbecue, the sauce, the sides, and especially the chocolate cobbler were some of the best I've ever had in my life. I'll absolutely be back anytime I'm over near Smyrna. These are the kinds of gems that are getting harder and harder to find. 5/5. Absolutely incredible. read more

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There's a level of hospitality you receive at this restaurant from Joy and Paul that is pretty much unheard of in today's society. Getting a meal at old South feels like your at family's house for dinner, she's extremely kind and you probably won't leave without a hug, the food is always great it's priced extremely well for the portion you get this is just one of those businesses we must protect at all cost so go out and support them and see exactly what I'm talking about for yourself. read more

Wow!!! I'm embarrassed to say I've lived in Atlanta for 60 years and this is the first time I have been here. The owner, Joy was my waitress. It started with a hug. I ended up sitting next to her husband, Paul. He is incredibly sweet, regardless of what Joy says. This is possibly the best Brunswick I've ever had. I have had over 100 different Brunswick stews in my life. I am walking out with an extra quart. read more

Alright now, old south barbecue is a really good place to eat at you. Want real down home Southern Barbecue because my dad ate there. He was a basketball coach at will's high school and he took me there after basketball practice and we know the owners because it's family owned and the barbecue, there is excellent. So if you like really good barbecue take your friends and family and girlfriend and go there and eat it's over in smyrna it's really read more

Good barbecue They do a good job of explaining their cole slaw recipe Ribs are served dry- with sauce on the side/ not my preference Pulled pork was nice Brunswick stew tasry read more

Fabulous old Smyrna staple. They have been here as long as I can remember. The food is consistently good and the staff are always friendly. The construction on windy hill makes it a little frustrating to get to but it is so well worth a little frustration. Good food and good people. Everybody loves Old South. read more

When you walk in you find a nice cozy,homey feeling inside. You can tell it's a spot the locals frequent. I was quickly greeted and told to set anywhere I chose. The young man came and took my drink order. I settled on slice beef,onion rings and Brunswick stew. Now I'm not a big fan of BBQ sauce. So I ordered a small sample of each on the side. I found my self frequently dipping my o rings and sliced beef in the regular and hot BBQ sauce. The sauce had a nice vinigary taste. I loved it. I was sad to see they didn't have collard greens or Mac n cheese as sides. However Mac n cheese bites were offered. I also ended up ordering something they call chocolate cobbler. That turned out to be a great choice. Now at the time of this review there is major construction going on out front. However don't let that discourage you,come give them a try. read more

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Food here is very good. I eat here often and only once I wasn't satisfied but overall great. The service is good never experienced long wait times. And the atmosphere is inviting. Real bbq here read more

Paid $20 for the beef plate; would've like the choice of how the meat was prepared. It was shredded, cold, and dry and the not the portion I expected from previous reviews. Service was good, but there is definitely an "old South" vibe if you catch my drift. read more

I always order "in side sliced" a big portion - they don't skimp! It's soooo good. Not a fancy place, but you are here for the food - right? read more

What a find! The owners are so kind!! The food was abundant and delicious! I love this restaurant has been family run for generations. We stopped in with our son who works in Smyrna. They have a great Smokey flavor to their pork. We will definitely be back. read more

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This place has been there for years, a testament to their awesomeness. It's a small, cozy little joint with great BBQ, really good Brunswick stew and a sweet owner who greets you with a hug and makes you feel like family. Support this local legend. Oh their prices are very affordable. Compared to Williamson's - it's Old South every time! read more

Great food and character! Loved the beans and chilli. The Jimmy hickory fries were one of the best items. But don't forget about Peach Cobbler!! read more

The brunswick stew, original sauce, and sweet heat sauce were really great. They also had friendly and quick service

The staff and service is the start to this fabulous experience. Food made with love. Food that you would think your southern grandma would make . Ribs are fall off the bone. Fried okra top notch. And, sweet tea is always good. read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

Absolutely the worst bbq I have ever had! I got the Brisket and it was not seasoned at all! It was tough as leather!

Hands down my favorite restaurant in the area! Their staff is friendly and welcoming and their food is delicious. I typically order the pulled pork plate with the original bbq sauce and finish it all because it's too tasty to stop! I've probably tried all of the sides, but my favorites are the green beans and the fried okra. For dessert, check out the chocolate cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (and thank me later). read more

The deviled eggs are a 10/10. The Mac and Cheese 10/10. The catfish and collard greens are worth trying. Quick service.

Just like it was 50 years ago, except there's only one left. I keep trying to time it for breakfast (many fond memories), but it seems I can only get by for a quick Sandwich and Brunswick Stew. Yummy! read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

Be ready to wait a while... although the staff is very friendly it took about 45 minutes to get served on a Tuesday. I ordered the pork ribs and unfortunately they were sold out by 11:45 am (they open at 11:00) I was shocked how few they must have ready. I switched it up and got the sliced beef plate with potato salad and green beans. The meat was dry and flavorless (beef was white in color), the sauce was meh, for $25+ I was expecting more at of a place with an economy class atmosphere. No qualms with the staff at all, they were great. Shout out to the sweet tea, that was the best thing there. I can't say it is anything special from my experience. Won't be trying it again. read more

This place makes you feel like family... and it was our first time. We were just passing through town. So happy we stumbled upon this gem of a place and this gem of a woman. Anyone berating this place must have holes in their heart. Bless them. Classic BBQ spot with a classic BBQ ambiance, wood paneled walls, booths, customer and family photos on the walls. Inviting and clearly a local hot spot. I got the pork sandwich on garlic bread with potato salad. My dad got the 2 meat platter with fried okra and the stew. Before we got our food, Joy brought out tasting samples of some of the best sides. Wow. Customer service like none other. She greets each customer intentionally with a warm hug and little did she know we were having a rough 24 hours. She pulled us out of it with good bbq and even better hospitality. We ended the meal with the peach cobbler. Could have a more crunchy element but wow oh wow does the flavor hit!! Hot soft pudding and peaches meets chilly ice cream. Like none other. Come here if you want to feel loved. read more

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Always great food and service here. The Brunswick stew is a family favorite. My son couldn't go with us, but he made sure we brought take-out home to him. read more

Had the chopped pork beans hush puppies in Brunswick stew was outstanding. Sauces fantastic. read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - The outside of a great bbq restaurant! - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

I'll tell you what this restaurant right here has the best Southern barbecue in Smyrna and how do I know this because my dad used to eat there when it first opened and he knows the owners and that was about 1974 or 75 and he used to bring me to this restaurant when I was 8 years old and I'm telling you it's the best barbecue in Smyrna the people are friendly the food is good the service is outstanding just a great place to take your family and eat read more

5/5 Service - Server was extremely kind and checked in on us, gave us good recommendations 4/5 Options - Not many options for sides if you don't want to eat something fried 4/5 Food - As a southern girl who grew up eating barbecue all over the US, I would say the ribs were mediocre, yes they were a bit fall off the bone, but they were not very meaty and sometimes were tough to chew. I was not too impressed by the ribs. It was just fine. 5/5 Atmosphere - It felt like we were right at home, the servers all knew each of the customers individually. Very homey and good location. read more

This place is wonderful. You feel like you have stepped back in time. The food is the best BBQ around. And it is all served with love and a hug! read more

I had a craving for ribs and the place that I wanted to go to was closed. I'm not sure if I went to this spot on an off day or something but the food that I ordered was not good. I ordered a slab of ribs, chili and macaroni bites. The ribs weren't tender and they just didn't have an authentic barbecue taste. The chili wasn't good either, but it's hard for me to explain. It's a small portion that they give you, and I thought I'd be able to finish it, but I just couldn't. I didn't eat the macaroni bites, but my husband said they were actually good. The staff was extremely nice,but I'm sure I won't return. read more

This BBQ restaurant is more than just that, it is also a home away from home. Anytime you visit you're made to feel like family. My family has been visiting this establishment since before I can remember up until the time we left Georgia but every time we come back to visit we are remembered. I recently returned to Georgia and that makes about 16 years since I saw Joy (I believe she is part owner if not full owner...I could be wrong) and though I have changed immensely she still recognized me and gave me a huge hug. The inside has not changed a bit since we have been visiting either and I am thankful...the inside seems like a cabin with all original wood benches and tables and an amazing tribute to the customers on the wall (pictures of many regulars). I understand up to this point this has been a nostalgia review but now, onto the food! The bbq is amazing and I mean all of it but the standout for me is the bbq spare ribs. The sides are all house made (I believe all) but to me their claim to fame is their Brunswick stew...I dare you to tell me you've had better! In fact, it is so deeply engrained in the fabric of who I am that my mamma might as well have made it herself! All the fixin's are fabulous and their sweet tea is some of the best around. Also, you can't go wrong with any of the sauces, however, my favorite is the sweet hot. Thank you, Old South for being a member of my family! read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

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Don't let the old look of this business discourage you from trying one of the best barbecue in the area. It's a family business that has thrived the years. Great food, great service, great people. If I'm in the area and I'm hungry, it's a definite stop for me. read more

Fantastic food every time. I never miss a chance to go! Never had anything there I didn't love

This is good southern BBQ the kind you expect when you see the shack it's made at. Most of us know the BBQ off the beaten path is often some of the best. From the time you arrive here it's got the normal country BBQ feel. From the smokey shack appeal to the creaking door when you open it to walk in you know it should be good Once walking in I was told to grab any seat. After sitting I was quickly greater with a hug and told her it was my first time here, then received a double hug. For a minute I thought, this has not happened to me except when heading into Champy's in Chattanooga with Steven L. Steven always got the hugs. Lol Anyway, I ordered BBQ chicken and it was great, added the sweet BBQ sauce to it as I ate along with hush puppy's and great garlic bread. Love the ice for the sweet tea too, like sonic This is a great place if your in the area. read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Great sonic type ice for your drinks here - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

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Old South Barbeque is aptly named because it's an old-fashioned Southern BBQ joint. Old South is located in an old house that was later converted into the restaurant. As the reviews say, you'll be greeted with warm hugs. The cash register even has a sign that says something like they "don't give out hugs at Williamson Bros" (haha). The servers are very friendly and will refer to you as "honey," "sweetie," and even "baby!" It definitely puts a smile on your face. The clientele is also decidedly Southern. The menu says the restaurant is Smyrna's second-oldest restaurant. It opened in 1968, has remained in the same location all these years, and still uses some of the same furniture from back in the day. The menu features typical BBQ items including BBQ pork, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken breasts with sides such as Brunswick stew, BBQ beans, cole slaw, onion rings, chili, hush puppies, and fried okra. The plates here come with a meat, two sides, and two slices of garlic toast. The plates run from $11.50 to $13.50 for the pork, beef brisket, and ribs. This sounds expensive, but you get a lot of food. I can eat a lot and when I go to BBQ restaurants, I normally order the plates (or platters) that come with more meat and sides. However, at Old South, a sandwich and one side is enough to fill me up. You can get sandwiches either in a bun or on garlic toast and these plates are about $6.00 each. I tried: BBQ pork (chopped) Beef brisket (sliced) Fried okra Hush puppies Green beans Cole slaw (no mayo) I had the BBQ pork as a sandwich inside garlic toast. This was a delicious and satisfying sandwich. The meat was juicy, tender, and flavorful. I was disappointed in the beef brisket as it was a little cold and dry. I liked the hush puppies the most out of the sides. They were decent-sized fritters that were nicely seasoned inside and I think there were bits of onion in them too -- very good. The fried okra was ordinary (chopped and deep-fried), but still good. The green beans were OK. The slaw was interesting because I've never tasted a slaw like theirs. It didn't have any mayo, similar to NC-style slaw (or "red slaw"), but didn't have as sour a taste. Order it if you want to try a different-tasting type of slaw. Old South has four different types of sauces: original, sweet, hot, and sweet hot. You specify which sauce you want when you place your order (e.g. there are no BBQ sauce bottles at the table). I tried the original and sweet hot. One of the ingredients in the original is vinegar so it's got a little bit of a sour taste to it. The sweet hot had a kick and was sufficiently spicy. It smells like they use cayenne peppers it. Signs inside the restaurant indicate that cash is preferred, but they still take cards if you want to use them. There's parking all around the restaurant, though some of the spaces can get tight. I saw some people park across the street, so I guess that's an option too. Inside, you'll notice many photo collages of Old South customers from throughout the years. Each photo collage took about 12 hours to make. read more

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The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the friendly staff. They really are nice as pie here. From the minute you walk in to the minute you leave, you are treated like close family. This place has been around for decades. I came with my boyfriend and his parents and they remembered coming here when they were young. You can see the dated decor but at this point it adds to the charm. It's like a flashback to grandma's house. We tried: Ribs $16-don't bother getting these. They are only thing we did not enjoy. They were dry, and tough as nails. Brunswick Stew- $2.95 it's not soupy, but instead meaty. We very much enjoyed it. I've had friends say you can judge a BBQ join by the Brunswick stew. This place passes the stew test. Baked Chicken-it was ok. it's a healthy choice but the other menu options are always gonna beat it. Pork on bun- $4.50 the pork sandwhich was a true winner. It had the perfect blend of smoked flavor and seasonings. The sauce comes on the side. You can pick from Sweet, Original, Hot or SweetHot Fried okra-$2.50 oh yes! very yummy. Crisp and perfectly fried. If you come by skip the ribs and go straight for the sandwiches. You can't go wrong. read more

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Family owned since the late 60's. This place has a very friendly staff, the atmosphere is like a down home BBQ place should be, and the food is excellent! My wife and I will definitely go back when we're craving good BBQ! Used to be Jim N Nicks... but Old South beats them, hands down. read more

Great tasting BBQ that's been around since 1968, and service is southern hospitality to a T - we got hugged as soon as we walked in :) Came with co-workers for lunch last week. While I'd normally opt for pork at a BBQ joint, my conscience said go healthy and got the "chopped chicken" plate which is boneless breast and comes with 2 sides. Mmmmm - the chicken by itself had a really nice smoked flavor and then after drizzling it with their BBQ sauce (I picked "hot sweet"), even better :) For sides, I got the cole slaw and Brunswick stew which are my usual sides to measure against other restaurants. Cole slaw was probably one of the best b/c it had no mayo and therefore tasted really fresh & just slightly sweet. Brunswick stew was also one of the better ones b/c it was chunky, hearty, and flavorful - 2 other big BBQ fans at the table tried it too and thought it was really good. Portions overall were generous and after some successful portion control, I had enough leftovers to make a 2nd meal :) I also sampled my friends' BBQ beans, potato salad, and hush puppies - all very good. EVERYONE really enjoyed their food and like I said, portions were generous. Can't help but call-out the presentation of my friend's "Chef's BBQ salad" with chopped beef (see attached photo) - I was like instead of where's the beef, "where's the salad?" :) Special thanks to Alexa G for telling me about her favorite BBQ place - we will definitely be back for more!! read more

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Husband and I stopped in Sunday afternoon. He grew up in areas with many years of dining here. But not lately until now. The food was eatable but nothing special. He ordered ribs, fries and side salad plus order of onion rings. He said the ribs very dry and tough. He was really looking forward to some good ribs! Salad and fries just ok. Onion rings were good. I had just a chef salad with chopped chicken. Again, nothing special. I was hungry so I ate most of It. Too bad. They've been there for over 40 years. Perhaps too long? read more

This is a little shack that's quite scary upon first look. The first time I came it was after dark so I was a little skeptical. I was pleasantly surprised by the cashier who is very friendly and explains everything on the menu if you have questions. Looks like they can accommodate a small group and it seems as if they have table service but I got my food to go. The place is decorated with old trinkets and old photographs (I wonder who those people are). I get the chopped chicken sandwich with slaw and hot bbq sauce. This time I tried the potato salad since she says the macaroni is blue box mac and cheese. No go for me. I enjoyed this sandwich and luckily I didn't have indigestion after. It was moist and fell to pieces, just like I like it. The potato salad was pretty good, best I've had besides Thompson Brothers. Good Southern BBQ, and this is coming from a Memphian. read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Chopped chicken and potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

Best darn BBQ in GA great service, great portions, price is affordable and most of all be coming here for 8 years and even when I moved to Buckhead. read more

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The food was absolutely delicious especially the stew and the chocolate cobbler with ice cream. The service was amazing they were always coming back for drinks and were very fast. Definitely a place I recommend read more

While in Marietta for business, my coworkers and I decided we wanted to get some Barbecue- when in Rome. After requesting a nearby restaurant list from the hotel, we did a quick yelp search and saw that Old South Barbecue had 4 stars. Off we went. We drove right past the small restaurant, did a quick u-turn and entered Old South Barbecue. We were given a warm southern welcome and told we could pick our own seats. The restaurant is small, really small. We sat in the main dining room at one of the small tables. It seems like all the tables can only accommodate 4 in the main dining room. Menus were on the table and dirty, they could use a reprint. After reviewing all the options and not being able to pick one single item, I selected the Pick Two Meats for $16.99, which also comes with two sides and bread. I went with the ribs and pulled pork for my meats and the fries and hush puppies for sides. You also have your choice of 4 sauces: regular, sweet, hot, and sweet hot- I selected sweet. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive, filling up our drinks and answering all our out-of-towner questions- most of which could have been answered by reading the back of the menu. All our food could hardly fit on the table. The meat was okay, but on the dry side- possibly because it was late? I preferred the pulled pork over the ribs. The sauces were delicious along with the fries. I would not order the hush puppies again. The best part of the meal was the bread, amazing. Not sure I would come back, but a good experience with some true southern hospitality. read more

Old South Bar-B-Q - Ribs and Pulled Pork with sweet sauce. - Barbeque Near Me - Smyrna, Georgia

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