Whether it's for your dad, grandpa, or brother, Father's Day is on June 16 and it's a great day for celebrating the men in your life. So why not treat him to some messy ribs or spicy wings at a local barbecue restaurant?
But with a wide variety of options in the Athens area, it may be hard to narrow down which option is best suited to your palate. Using total volume and ratings of user reviews, Yelp rankings can help you select some of the most popular options.
Here are the top five barbecue places in the Athens area, according to Yelp:
Dawg Gone Good BBQ
224 W. Hanco*ck Ave, Athens
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Want to support a downtown and Black-owned business? You can do both by having a meal from Dawg Gone Good BBQ. As the name suggests, good barbecue is what they strive for from sliders and pulled chicken plates to their more unique items like the "Big Bite" which features sausage stuffed with pulled pork.
Here's what one Yelp reviewer said: "I came to give Dawg Gone Good BBQ a try and I was not disappointed! Amazing food! Seasoned well and homemade with love you can tell. Mac and cheese was some of the best, coleslaw was seasoned and delicious! The pork was tender, not greasy and the sauce complimented it perfectly."
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Pulaski Heights BBQ
675 Pulaski St, Athens
It's not every day that a southern barbecue restaurant also serves ramen. While Pulaski Heights BBQ doesn't serve it every day, it does devote Wednesdays to its special BBQ ramen with collards, bacon and any meat or tofu. They also have tacos and some of the more traditional menu items like St. Louis ribs and chopped brisket.
Here's what one Yelp reviewer said: "I think the pulled pork was up there with the best I have ever had - all 20 pounds was nice and lean yet juicy. The smoked tofu is awesome as well and one of my daughter's specific requests. We love the yellow sauce which is vinegar based - a very solid sauce."
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
1787 Oconee Connector, Athens
The Alabama-based barbecue chain opened in Athens in October. Pork and beef is slow-smoked at Jim 'N Nick's for 12 hours to be made into dishes like loaded mac and cheese and brisket sandwiches. Guests can dine in or take their food home via a drive-thru. Augusta's location is also among the best BBQ spots in its area.
Here's what one Yelp reviewer said: "First time, went thru the drive-thru. Young lady at the menu was very helpful in suggestions and pairing options. Excellent service. We got the "Pick Two" pulled pork and brisket. Two sides: Mac & cheese and slaw. Then ordered 1/2 rack Baby Back ribs. Everything was wonderful."
Saucehouse BBQ
830 W. Broad St, Athens
UGA alumnus Christopher Belk struck ground on Saucehouse BBQ while still in school and working full-time in restaurant sales. He finally opened in 2013 and has boomed. The wings are literally a hot menu item as they can be doused in anything from mild to "very hot" sauce. There are also staples like sliced brisket and hash.
Here's what one Yelp reviewer said: "Excellent southern BBQ place with plenty of seating! Indoor and outdoor with a nice courtyard. Pulled pork, brisket were on point along with the sides.Peach cobbler, bread pudding and Banana pudding just like grandma used to make! So good it may make you slap Nanna!"
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White Tiger Gourmet
217 Hiawassee Ave, Athens
Housed in what was a grocery store that dates back to 1905, White Tiger Gourmet continues the building's tradition of offering delicious food. Meat is smoked daily and locally-sourced ingredients are used seasonally to make things like tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. There are also vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Here's what one Yelp reviewer said: "Every time I hit up White Tiger in Athens, I ask myself, 'Why am I not here every week!?" Every menu item here is amazing but my favorite is their sandwiches ... neat and delicious without going overboard on anything. Their staff is always friendly and prices are fair."
