Columbus, GA sits at the crossroads of rich Southern tradition and slow-smoked obsession. Finding the best BBQ in Columbus is a bit like treasure hunting: each spot offers its own secret rub, pitmaster wisdom, and fork-tender magic. Having tasted my way across the city—banana pudding stains included—I’ve come to appreciate that no two plates pile up the same story. Some places lean tangy, others swear by sweet heat, but all know their way around a pit.
You don’t need to be a BBQ scholar to enjoy the Columbus scene, but a little insider knowledge goes a long way. Curiosity, appetite, and a love for smoky aromas are the only credentials you need. This guide doesn’t just list legendary favorites; it covers low-key joints, long lines, and the hush-hush tables locals hope outsiders never find. If you’re hungry for the real thing—juicy chicken, slow-cooked brisket, fluffy bread, and zippy sides—keep reading. Forks are optional, but extra napkins are a must.
Where to find the best bbq in Columbus, GA
Here are some of the top spots to find the best bbq in Columbus, GA:
- Country’s Barbecue
- Smoke Bourbon and BBQ
- Clearview Barbecue
- Macon Road Barbecue
- Country’s On Broad
- 13th Street Bar-Be-Que
- Country’s North
- Country’s Barbecue
- Country Barbecue
- Mike & Ed’s Bar-B-Q
1. Country’s Barbecue
Country’s Barbecue is as much a Columbus landmark as it is a BBQ joint. Since 1975, the smoky scent of oak and hickory has trailed from its kitchen, drawing regulars with decades of loyalty. The decor feels homey, the staff calls you “hon,” and you’ll spot multigenerational families digging into platters at every turn.
What makes Country’s stand out? Everything’s cooked with 100% wood, no shortcuts. The pork and beef arrive on your plate kissed by real smoke, tender enough to fall apart with a nudge. The ribs have a burnished bark that’s pure Southern nostalgia.
Order the pulled pork plate—it’s a local favorite, stacked with generous helpings and flanked by classic sides that rarely miss. And don’t ignore the fresh veggies, simmered long and slow. For real-deal Columbus BBQ, this is where to start.
2. Smoke Bourbon and BBQ
Smoke Bourbon and BBQ feels like the soulful cousin of a classic smokehouse, but with a playful side. This spot marries local BBQ tradition with bold, unexpected twists, and the effect is both comforting and clever. A recent visit turned into an adventure, from the first bite of pimento cheese wontons to a plate of brisket tacos where smoky meets tangy and bright.
Smoke’s kitchen doesn’t play by predictable rules. The Pig Mac is an all-star—a pulled pork sandwich layered with creamy mac ’n’ cheese and drizzled with house sauce. It’s guilty comfort, expertly done. If you’re craving something different, the brisket gnocchi brings an Italian nod to the table without losing sight of its Southern roots.
Try anything with their brisket. The texture and flavor show just how creative Columbus BBQ can get—no bland bites here.
3. Clearview Barbecue
Clearview Barbecue is unpretentious, but the pit smoke rolling from its River Road outpost signals something special. This is the old-school, counter-service BBQ that regulars swear by. Stopping in at lunch, the rush of locals is all the advertisement you need—no frills, just fragrant simplicity on every plate.
The chopped pork sandwich wins every time: tender, smoky, and nestled in a pillow-soft bun. Pair it with their classic coleslaw, and you could call it a day. The menu keeps it straightforward—just solid, satisfying BBQ done right.
Clearview’s ribs are another highlight. They’re meaty, never dry, and always served with a smile. This is the kind of spot where the aroma sticks with you long after you leave, in the best way possible.
4. Macon Road Barbecue
Macon Road Barbecue carries decades of smoky legacy behind its modest brick exterior. Locals consider it a hidden gem, and first-timers soon understand why. The place runs on consistency—brisk service, generous portions, and meat smoked so well you can almost taste the patience behind it.
The chopped pork plate defines classic Columbus BBQ: smoky, tender, and lightly sauced so the flavor stands front and center. Their Brunswick stew leans hearty, with just enough tang and savor to make you crave the next spoonful.
For a quick fix, grab a pork sandwich—it’s satisfying simplicity that lets the pitmaster’s craft shine. Macon Road is a true throwback where BBQ memories get made.
5. Country’s On Broad
Country’s On Broad brings BBQ nostalgia to a lively corner of downtown, set inside a retro Greyhound bus station. The open kitchen scents the whole block with real oak and hickory smoke, promising comfort long before you walk in. It’s always buzzing with folks fresh off the Riverwalk in search of a hearty bite.
The menu is Southern through and through, with smoked chicken and tender brisket as regular stars. Each plate arrives classic—no gimmicks, just slow-cooked flavor. Don’t overlook the veggie sides, still made the old way, or the homemade pies that locals whisper about.
Order the barbecue chicken plate for a juicy and true taste of Columbus-style smoke, and save room for a slice of classic pie before you hit the Riverwalk again.
6. 13th Street Bar-Be-Que
13th Street Bar-Be-Que is a Columbus staple where the mood is as warm as the smoke trailing from the pit. This joint is beloved for its hearty portions and old-fashioned BBQ charm, the kind you don’t often stumble upon anymore. Stepping inside, there’s a friendly buzz, and the aroma all but guarantees you’ll leave happy.
What sets 13th Street apart is the signature chopped pork sandwich, famous among regulars for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and smoky finish. Each plate feels like a local tradition, with simple sides that hit all the right notes.
The ribs are a close contender, meaty and rich, perfect for anyone who loves classic Southern BBQ. For an authentic Columbus experience, this is a must-stop on any BBQ crawl.
7. Country’s North
Country’s North carries the same legacy as its siblings but sits at the edge of Columbus, serving up BBQ with a side of genuine hospitality. Every order promises 100% hickory and oak wood smoke, so the flavors run deep and true to their Southern roots. Families gather here for long tables, laughter, and reliable comfort food.
The half-chicken plate deserves top billing—moist, flavorful, and cloaked in a gentle smoke that lingers in the best way. Classic sides, like creamy slaw and slow-cooked green beans, round out the experience.
And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, save space for the made-from-scratch pies. It’s one of those rare spots where dessert is never an afterthought.
8. Country’s Barbecue
Country’s Barbecue on 12th Ave feels like a cheerful community gathering spot, bustling from breakfast through dinner. The scent of slow-smoked meats hits you at the door, hinting at the honest comfort food inside. There’s an easy, relaxed vibe, and regulars swear by the warmth of both the staff and the kitchen.
Breakfast barbecue here is a specialty—imagine smoked sausage and eggs to start your morning. But the real stars are the pork and ribs, smoked for hours over real wood until the flavors run deep and savory.
For a proper taste of classic Columbus, try the pulled pork platter with a couple of country sides. Simple, satisfying, and always exactly what you’d hope for.
9. Country Barbecue
Country Barbecue at Main Street Village keeps things refreshingly straightforward—it’s all about classic Southern smoke, comfort, and swift service. The locals don’t just eat here, they linger and swap stories, making newcomers feel instantly at home. There’s an easy confidence in the way their meats are served, tender and full of no-fuss flavor.
Pulled pork sandwiches belong at the top of any order. The meat is smoky and juicy, with just enough sauce to highlight, not hide, the slow-cooked taste. Their simple plate lunches with hearty sides round out the meal and leave you more than satisfied.
If you’re looking for a taste of Columbus BBQ in its purest form, this friendly spot delivers every time.
10. Mike & Ed’s Bar-B-Q
(706) 323-8676Call
Mike & Ed’s Bar-B-Q is the kind of place where the barbecue is honest, the prices are reasonable, and the regulars wouldn’t want it any other way. The aroma as you approach hints at time-honored method—no rush, just slow-smoking done right. There’s a laid-back, neighborhood charm to every visit.
The standout here is the classic chopped pork sandwich, always generously portioned and dressed up in a simple house sauce. If you arrive hungry, their hearty plate specials deliver on value and leave you with enough for a late-night snack.
This spot is proof that quality BBQ doesn’t need flash. Order the ribs for a true taste of local tradition. They’re dependable, tender, and always hit the spot.
More Things to Try in Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular BBQ style in Columbus, GA?
Most BBQ spots in Columbus lean toward the Southern, wood-smoked style—think slow-cooked pork, ribs, and brisket cooked over hickory or oak. Sauces range from sweet and tangy to a mild kick, but the emphasis is always on smoke and tenderness.
Are there BBQ restaurants in Columbus with vegetarian options?
Yes, some places offer classic Southern sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. Smoke Bourbon and BBQ even features creative twists on familiar sides for veggie lovers.
Is there halal BBQ available in Columbus, GA?
Choices are limited. Most local BBQ menus focus on traditional Southern meats, so calling ahead is best if halal options are a must.
Where can I find BBQ near the Riverwalk or downtown Columbus?
Country’s On Broad and Smoke Bourbon and BBQ are downtown favorites—both places pull in Riverwalk wanderers and locals with strong reputations for quality.
Which BBQ restaurant is best for families?
Country’s Barbecue (all locations) and 13th Street Bar-Be-Que are popular with families for their relaxed settings, large tables, and child-friendly menus.
Do BBQ spots in Columbus, GA offer takeout?
Most of the city’s top BBQ joints offer takeout, and some like Country’s Barbecue and Clearview Barbecue also provide drive-thru for extra convenience.
What’s a must-try dish if I only have time for one BBQ meal?
You can’t go wrong with a pulled pork sandwich or a combo plate with classic sides. It’s the best way to sample the smoke and Southern hospitality that define Columbus BBQ.