No visit to Augusta, GA, is complete without some real pit-smoked BBQ.
The Central Savannah River Area is home to multi-generational family traditions in BBQ, offering everything from lean pork tenderloin and smothered ribs to brisket tacos with sides of smoked mac n’ cheese. If you ever plan a BBQ tour, the CSRA is the place to be.
Add these local spots to your list for a true Augusta foodie experience.
Where else should you start your BBQ tour than at Sconyers Bar-B-Que, a local favorite since 1956.
Guests love the wood log interiors, which really complement those hickory-smoked aromas and sizzling meats on the grill. The establishment is fairly large with plenty of outdoor porch seating. The restaurant grounds also feature nature paths, a covered bridge entrance, and water features.
Sconyers is known for its pulled pork, ribs, and pork tenderloin. Perhaps its most signature dish is the smoked hash, which comes with all BBQ plates.
Named “Best Ribs in Augusta” in 2025, Smokehouse Southern BBQ is a landmark that should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
While the local scene features many great mobile options like the SmokeShow BBQ Truck, this Wrightsboro Road staple provides a permanent home for those seeking the best traditional barbecue in Augusta GA.
Their pits turn out fan favorites like smothered ribs and pulled pork, alongside unique offerings like smoked chicken salad sandwiches and hearty brisket.
The CSRA crosses over into North Augusta in South Carolina, where you’ll find more local landmarks and hidden BBQ gems.
Ironhead BBQ is one of the most popular BBQ spots in North Augusta, known for its smothered “Dino” beef ribs. You can also find:
The menu is pretty extensive, and there’s also a kids’ menu with small pulled pork sandwiches.
While enjoying the cultural scene of downtown Augusta, don’t forget to check out Riverside Smoke BBQ.
This spot is known for its BBQ tacos topped with “slawsa.” You guessed it: slawsa is a mix of cole slaw and salsa. The result is a cabbage-based relish with that signature spice of salsa. Tacos also come in brisket, pulled pork, or chicken.
The burgers and melts are also big favorites, with popular items like the Big Tex sandwich melt, flame-grilled melt, and the Riverside dog with slawsa.
There are also traditional favorites like full and half-rack ribs.
True foodie adventurers love a good hidden gem.
If that sounds like you, visit Perry’s Pig on Saturday. That’s the only day it’s open. It’s known for having some of the most traditional-style BBQ in the CSRA, like their chopped BBQ sandwich with extra skins.
Hawaiian BBQ is a sweet departure that introduces Asian-Pacific flavors to Augusta BBQ. Kimichi and spam musubi fans will love this spot, appreciating the pairing with short ribs, kalua pork sandwiches, and katsu chicken burgers.
You only live once. Why not spend a week in Augusta trying the best BBQ spots in the CSRA?
Make a list of your favorites, but don’t forget to add some hidden gems. Leave a review to encourage others to explore the traditional flavors of Augusta!
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