Verified Company
During a brief trip to Atlanta, I sought to find an excellent local rib joint. Old South is your quintessential southern BBQ and smokehouse restaurant. Every aspect of this spot delivers 100%; the food, service, and decor belong in the encyclopedia definition for a restaurant of this type.
I ordered the rib plate (five smoked large pork spareribs) with hush puppies, chili, and Texas toast-style garlic bread. Everything was outstanding....the ribs were tender / "fall off the bone" and maintained crisp skin bits on the outside that were great to break off and dip in the delicious hot bbq sauce (there are several bbq sauce options).
Old South is a locals' spot and the owner, Joy, quickly took note of my presence as a first-time outsider when she warmly introduced herself and chatted with me tableside. Joy's enthusiasm for the restaurant is evident in her passion for its food and history that is represented in the spot's interior. Joy insisted that I try the Brunswick stew, a southern classic that rivals chili in its description, but that takes on a wholly different character. I'm grateful for her recommendation, because this stew was the bomb!
I left with some leftovers plus a serving of delicious peach cobbler that Joy insisted I try.......nothing lasted long upon my return home!
Old South is special not only for its food, hospitality, and history ,but also for what the restaurant represents. America suffers from corporate homogenization that far transcends dining. Smyrna's Old South is a small, but rich example of our country's uniqueness and quality!! 11/10
Note: Pics are of Brunswick stew, menu, and the rib plate (hush puppies, chili, and ribs)
Being from the south, I am pretty picky about what BBQ I like. I came across this place many months ago and when you go in, you are instantly met with southern hospitality and they speak to you as if you have known you for a long time and are part of their family. Terry provides the best service I have had maybe my entire life. I highly recommend this when you are next in the Atlanta area. The cobbler is a MUST.
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.
10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Great food and service! The sweet bbq sauce was amazing! So was the sweet tea,chopped pork, and the peach cobbler...really just everything! Got 2 chopped pork sandwiches, grilled cheese w/fries, and dessert for right at $30. You can't beat that! They play Christian music and all the staff have amazing attitudes! We will definitely be back! Bonus they have a cool cat that greets you lol
