Barbecue is a staple in American cuisine. Which elements set apart the truly great barbecue places from the rest?
Let’s dive into Atlanta’s BBQ scene and determine which elements distinguish one great spot from the other. Here are nine ways Atl’s BBQ scene is unique!
written by: Phyllis Caddell
1: The Flavors!
Alabama White Sauce
Alabama White Sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that is traditionally served with smoked chicken. It’s made with mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It has a tangy, somewhat sweet flavor and a creamy texture. Atlanta’s Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q’s Nashville-style white sauce includes mayonnaise, buttermilk and a touch of barbecue sauce.
Texas-style Brisket
Texas-style brisket is typically seasoned with just salt and pepper, which allows the meat to shine through. The brisket is slow-smoked over oak wood, which gives it a rich, smoky flavor and a tender, juicy texture. With three locations in Atlanta (Johns Creek, Decatur, and Sandy Springs), City Barbeque is known for their award-winning brisket where their pit master smokes it for up to 18 hours.
Hawaiian-style Barbecue
Hawaiian-style barbecue involves marinating the meat in a mixture of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and garlic. This gives it a savory and tropical flavor. For a taste of Hawaiian BBQ in Atlanta, try the hidden gem Waikikie Hawaiian BBQ. From Yahoo reviews, it isn’t authentic, but it has a Hawaiian twist that caters to the locals and they have many menus options.
2: More than Just Flavor
It takes more than just unique ingredients to continue to stand out from the rest. Great BBQ places have exceptional meat. This means using high-quality cuts of meat and preparing them with care and attention to detail. Cooking the meat low and slow over hardwood for hours, until it’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor is best. Whether it’s brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or chicken, the meat should be the star of the show.
This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q (more recently known as This Is It! Bar-B-Q & Seafood), a staple throughout the metro Atlanta, GA area, knows a thing or two about tender, juicy, and flavorful meat. Specializing in authentic, southern home-style cuisine, the establishment is nationally known for its famous award-winning rib tips that are hickory-smoked, marinated and slow cooked during the day and overnight.
3: Consistency
Consistency is another important aspect of a great BBQ place. Customers should be able to count on the meat being cooked to the same high standard every time they visit. This requires attention to detail and a commitment to quality, even during busy times.
4: Cooking Methods
Also, the use of traditional cooking methods is important. In addition to cooking the meat low and slow over hardwood, some BBQ places use old-fashioned smoking techniques or pit cooking to give their meat a distinctive flavor. These methods require skill and experience that can add a unique touch to the BBQ experience.
5: Don’t Forget the Trimmings
Sides are an important part of any BBQ experience as well. Great BBQ places offer a variety of tasty sides that complement the meat, such as coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, greens, yams, sweet potato souffle (This Is It! specialty) and cornbread. Sides should be made fresh with high-quality ingredients, and should be just as delicious as the meat itself.
6: Mix it up a bit
While running a BBQ place, many proprietors will forget one of the most important elements to stand out from the rest—creativity and innovation. While traditional BBQ dishes like rib tips, ribs and brisket are always popular, some BBQ places offer unique twists on classic flavors, such as smoked tofu or vegetarian chili. Others experiment with different types of wood or seasonings to give their meat a distinctive flavor.
However, the chili cheese fries at Greater Good BBQ are a unique and unexpected addition to the traditional BBQ side. The hand-cut fries are submerged in chili mixed with the restaurant’s smoked brisket, and topped with house-made smoked jalapeno queso.
7: Customer Service
Customer service is also a critical element of a standout BBQ place. The staff should be knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the food they serve. They should be able to answer questions about the menu, make recommendations, and ensure that customers have a positive experience from start to finish.
8: Community
A great BBQ place also often has a sense of community and camaraderie. Like This Is It!, many BBQ joints are family-owned and operated, and have been a staple of their neighborhood or town for generations. This creates a sense of connection and loyalty among customers, who not only come for the delicious food but also for the sense of belonging and shared history.
9: Authenticity
Commitment to authenticity is also a huge factor for any company to stand out. While there are many styles of BBQ across the country, the best places stay true to their regional roots and use traditional cooking methods and seasonings. This creates a sense of history and place, and allows customers to experience the unique flavors and culture of a particular region.
In summary, what makes BBQ places stand out is a combination of many elements. Let us know your fav bbq spot in the comments below!
Phyllis Caddell is a writer, Communications & PR Strategist, and the CEO and founder of PCPR Communications (www.pcpr.co). She is the author of Do-It-Yourself Publicity for Those Too Cheap or Too Broke to Hire a Publicist, and an adjunct college instructor and University Subject Matter Expert. Contact her at pcpr@pcpr.co.
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