The Current

C
olumbus, Georgia is no stranger to good barbecue. In fact,
some of the most popular menus in the Chattahoochee
Valley have their roots deeply steeped in the Southern
summer fare. As is the case in most towns below the
Mason-Dixon Line, locals have strong opinions on where
to go for the best. It's no secret where family
barbecue allegiances lie, and if you've lived here long
enough, there's no doubt you've been a part of a heated
barbecue debate between family friends a time or two.
Whether served out of an airstream, a hole in the wall,
or even in an old bus, it's hard to describe our city's
aesthetic without barbecue at the heart of it all. It's just
a part of who we are.
If you're new to these parts, it's helpful to know that
Country's BBQ is the household name around here and
has been since 1975. With three locations spanning the
area, it's not hard to find yourself in one of their wellworn
booths sipping sweet tea and watching the Braves
(hopefully) beat the Yankees. We're partial to their
brisket tacos, but other popular dishes are the brunswick
stew and chopped barbecue plate.
Another local staple is 13th Street BBQ. The selfproclaimed
home of the pork chop sandwich, 13th Street
BBQ is a favorite among millennials who grew up
heading to its original location in their teens. Now
though, you can get 13th Street BBQ in Columbus,
Phenix City, and Cataula ‒ meaning there's likely a pork
chop sandwich waiting on you within ten minutes driving
time.
Looking to switch things up? Take a spin down River
Road to one of our favorite local BBQ hotspots, Clearview
BBQ. With a simple menu and a cash-only policy,
Clearview is a favorite for its quintessential, oldfashioned
hometown vibe. Not sure what to order? Just
ask. There's likely to be a local regular standing in line
near you that'll offer their opinion on which sandwich
and sauce you should try. If you're asking us, we'd
recommend the Old-Fashioned Sandwich with baked
beans and potato chips. But that's just us.
If the concept of traditional BBQ has you bored, now's
the time to snap out of it. At Smoke Bourbon & BBQ you
can enjoy a modern take on traditional barbecue dishes
and sides. Local food star Mark Jones' inventive menu
has earned Smoke a reputation for pushing the limits of
Southern BBQ in a phenomenal way.
Looking for something different?
Try a brisket taco from Country's BBQ. Texas Brisket marries
with chipotle mayo, bacon, cheese, and cilantro for a modern
Southern take on traditional Mexican street tacos.
We swear by the pork nachos — any time, any day.
Other popular menu items include the Pig Mac
sandwich, the pimento cheese wontons, and the
Smoke BBQ Burger. As with any Mark
Jones restaurant, we'd recommend always asking what
the kitchen is up to when you visit. You just never
know what new menu item you might get to try first.
Last, but certainly not least is Zombie Pig BBQ. The
small veteran-owned business serves up some
seriously big flavor that's won award after award.
Their loyal posse regulars that'll swear Zombie stands
toe-to-toe with any place in town. They even have
gluten free options, which can be hard to find when it
comes to barbecue. The restaurant has gotten more
than local attention, though. Zombie Pig was recently
featured in an online article by Sports Illustrated's
Andy Staples who was taken back by Zombie Pig's
flavor and texture. "This was the meat that filled the
best pulled pork sandwiches at the family gatherings
of my childhood," he said. "Each bite took me back to
ping pong tournaments and July 4 fireworks."
So whether you're just in town for a few days or you
live here year-round, give our local 'cues a chance.
Barbecue is at the heart of our local culture, and no
matter your preference, there's something on the
menu for you here.
Keep in mind, our list isn't an exhaustive one. Did we
leave out your favorite? Contact us here to let us
know what to try next! ◼