Few things bring people together like great barbecue. Whether it’s slow-smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, brisket cooked to perfection, or international barbecue traditions from around the world, Clayton County, GA offers plenty of delicious ways to satisfy your cravings.
Located just minutes south of Atlanta and close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Clayton County is home to a diverse dining scene that reflects its vibrant community. From family-owned smokehouses and soul food favorites to authentic Korean and Cantonese barbecue, you’ll find flavors worth traveling for.
If you’re looking for the best BBQ restaurants in Clayton County, GA, start with these local favorites.
Southern BBQ Favorites in Clayton County, GA
Tookes Country Bar-B-Que — Rex
6012 GA-42, Rex, GA 30273 | (770) 968-4190
Hours: Wed–Thu 11AM–6PM, Fri 11AM–8PM, Sat 12PM–8PM
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you — Tookes is the real deal, and people who know, know. For over 25 years, this family-run institution has been quietly serving some of the most authentic Southern BBQ in the entire metro Atlanta region. The pulled pork sandwich is overstuffed, sauced exactly right, and big enough to require a fork. The ribs and rib tips are smoked and sauced the old-school way — flavor cooked into the meat, not just painted on top. The Brunswick stew is frequently called the best in Georgia, and the homemade peach cobbler is the kind of dessert that makes you reconsider your drive home. If Mr. Tookes is working the counter, count yourself lucky — regulars say he’s as much a reason to visit as the food itself.
Don’t miss: Pulled pork sandwich, rack of ribs, Brunswick stew, homemade peach cobbler.
Good to know: Open Wed–Sat only — plan ahead. Online ordering at tookesbbqatl.com; delivery via Grubhub.
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Freddie Mac’s BBQ — Rex
6333 GA-42, Rex, GA 30273
Hours: Wed–Sun 12PM–7PM
Just down the road from Tookes, Freddie Mac’s BBQ is another Rex gem flying under the radar — and earning 4.5-star reviews from everyone who finds it. The moment you walk in, reviewers say, you just know the food is going to hit. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and consistently called the best in the area by regulars who’ve been eating here for years. The rib sandwich is a standout — generous, flavorful, and seriously filling. The sides are just as dialed in: collard greens that one reviewer couldn’t stop eating, ooey-gooey mac and cheese, and cornbread that melts in your mouth. Friendly service and a warm, welcoming vibe round out what feels genuinely like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen.
Don’t miss: BBQ ribs, rib sandwich, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread.
Good to know: Call ahead to place your order. Dine-in and takeout both available.
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Screen House Barbecue — Jonesboro
7163 Mt. Zion Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (678) 300-5173
Hours: Tue–Fri 11AM–8PM, Sat 11AM–8PM
Screen House Barbecue started as a backyard dream during the pandemic — selling food from home to neighbors who couldn’t find a good meal during the shutdown. By 2021, that dream had grown into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Today, it’s one of the most talked-about Black-owned BBQ spots in Clayton County, and it just celebrated its third anniversary with expanded hours and a growing Atlanta-area following.
The menu centers on expertly smoked meats — rib tips, spare ribs, smoked wings — alongside crowd-favorite sides like mac and cheese and collard greens. The salmon nachos have become a signature item all their own, earning attention for their bold, generous flavors. The restaurant is clean, the staff is friendly, and the owners bring a genuine community spirit to every visit. Catering is also available, making Screen House a go-to for events throughout the county.
Don’t miss: Rib tips, spare ribs, smoked wings, salmon nachos.
Good to know: Available on DoorDash. Catering available for events.
Momma Dede’s Southern Cooking Soulfood & BBQ Cafe — Hampton/Lovejoy
11350 Tara Blvd, Suite B, Hampton, GA 30228 | (770) 871-5073
Hours: Thu–Fri 1PM–7PM, Sat 11AM–7PM, Sun 11AM–6PM
Nestled off Tara Boulevard near the Lovejoy community, Momma Dede’s is the kind of place where everything is made fresh daily and it shows in every single bite. This Black-owned, family-operated cafe has built a fiercely loyal following — regulars who return multiple times a month, reviewers who say it deserves a Michelin star, and first-timers who call it the best BBQ and soul food they’ve ever had.
The rib tips are smoky and tender. The smoked turkey wings are perfectly seasoned. The smoked oxtails — available on weekends — have become a destination item. And the potato salad, made with chunks of red potato and hand-cut pickles, has its own devoted fan club. A 97 health score and 100% recommendation rating back up what customers have been saying for years: “Like somebody’s grandma was back there cooking.”
Don’t miss: Rib tips, smoked turkey wings, smoked oxtails (Sat–Sun), potato salad, peach cobbler. Good to know: Weekend specials include smoked oxtail and pig feet plates. Available on DoorDash.
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Whiskey BB Que — Riverdale
7587 GA-85, Riverdale, GA 30274 | (678) 884-6510
Hours: Mon 4PM–11PM, Tue–Thu 12PM–11PM, Fri–Sat 12PM–12AM**
Whiskey BB Que is where Southern soul food meets a full-on night out. This Black-owned Riverdale staple has built a reputation that goes well beyond the plate — though the plate more than holds its own. The smoked ribs, brisket, and chicken are the anchors, paired with sides like collard greens and baked beans that deliver genuine comfort. The jerk chicken egg rolls have become a fan-favorite signature item, and the catfish bites and smoked wings are consistently praised.
But the full Whiskey BB Que experience is about the vibe as much as the food. A large outdoor patio, multiple bars, flat screens for the game, a pool table, and live entertainment throughout the week makes this a full-evening destination. If you’re visiting Clayton County and looking for a place where great BBQ and lively community energy come together, this is it.
Don’t miss: Smoked ribs, brisket, jerk chicken egg rolls, smoked wings, banana pudding.
Good to know: Reservations recommended for large groups. Catering available.
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Ray’s Place — Jonesboro
265 Jonesboro Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (678) 519-0833
Hours: Tue 11AM–11PM, Thu 11AM–7PM, Fri 11AM–10PM, Sat 12PM–9PM, Sun 12PM-7PM
Ray’s Place is a Black-owned restaurant in Jonesboro where Chicago-style cooking meets Southern comfort food in a lively, welcoming environment. It’s the kind of spot where the turkey tips are tender, the salmon tacos are fresh and crave-worthy, and the wings come out hot and well-seasoned. For BBQ lovers and fans of Chicago-style dogs, the menu delivers satisfying, straightforward comfort food with character. A stage for live music and karaoke plus a wall of TVs for game days makes Ray’s Place as much a neighborhood gathering spot as a restaurant.
Don’t miss: Turkey tips, wings, salmon tacos, Chicago-style items.
Good to know: Available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Toast for delivery and pickup.
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Sonny’s BBQ — Jonesboro
641 Mt. Zion Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (770) 968-0052
For a reliable, consistent slow-smoked BBQ experience with easy access and family-friendly seating, Sonny’s BBQ in Jonesboro is a trusted staple. All meats are slow-smoked over oak daily, in-house — brisket, pulled pork, ribs — with a deep menu and generous platters perfect for any group size. The Pitmaster Picks are great for first-timers, and the sweet tea is always exactly right. A solid stop after a visit to the Road To Tara Museum or a morning at Reynolds Nature Preserve.
Don’t miss: Slow-smoked brisket, Pitmaster Picks platters, sweet tea.
Good to know: Open daily. Online ordering and catering menus available.
International BBQ: A World of Flavor in Clayton County
Clayton County’s dining scene reflects the county’s “Open to the World” spirit — and that extends to BBQ. These two spots bring beloved international BBQ traditions straight to the south side of Atlanta.
Wong Wong BBQ — Lake City
5208 Jonesboro Rd, Lake City, GA 30260 | (678) 608-3857
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat 9:30AM–9PM Tue Closed**
Located in the plaza of Lake City’s International Farmers Market on Jonesboro Road, Wong Wong BBQ is one of the most authentic Cantonese BBQ destinations in the entire Atlanta metro. The crispy roast pork is another standout, as is the soy sauce chicken, each prepared with the precision and care of traditional Cantonese technique.
The menu extends beyond BBQ into clay pots, seafood, chow fun, pan-fried noodles, and more — making it a full exploration of Cantonese cooking traditions. The dining room is bright, clean, and welcoming, with festive decor and friendly service. For visitors eager to experience the full global breadth of Clayton County’s culinary scene, Wong Wong is a must.
Don’t miss: Roasted duck, crispy roast pork, soy sauce chicken, duck fried rice.
Good to know: Takeout available. Arrive early — the popular BBQ items can sell out.
Top Korean BBQ & Hot Pot — Morrow
6319 Jonesboro Rd, Suite C, Morrow, GA 30260
Clayton County’s own Korean BBQ destination, Top Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Morrow brings the interactive, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience — complete with tabletop grills and hot pot — right to the south side. The concept is simple and deeply satisfying: choose BBQ, hot pot, or both, select your proteins and vegetables, and cook at your table at your own pace. A buffet-style condiment and banchan bar adds to the interactive experience, with a wide variety of sauces, sides, fruits, and desserts available throughout the meal.
Reviewers consistently praise the quality and freshness of the meat, the knowledgeable and attentive staff, and the spacious, vibrant dining room. It’s an ideal spot for groups and celebrations — a culinary experience as much as a meal. The Morrow location draws customers from across the metro who are thrilled to have this level of Korean BBQ available south of Atlanta.
Don’t miss: All-you-can-eat BBQ and hot pot combo, bulgogi, fresh vegetable selections.
Good to know: Dinner pricing typically runs $30–50 per person. Plenty of parking. Ideal for groups.
Plan Your Clayton County BBQ Trail
With seven cities and a lineup of spots this strong, a dedicated BBQ day in Clayton County is very much worth the trip:
- Morning: Start at the Georgia Archives or the Hattie McDaniel Legacy Experience in Jonesboro
- Midday: Head to Rex for a back-to-back experience at Tookes Country Bar-B-Que and Freddie Mac’s (both open Wed–Sat)
- Afternoon: Explore Reynolds Nature Preserve or cool off at Spivey Splash Water Park
- Late afternoon: Swing by Momma Dede’s on Tara Blvd in Lovejoy or Screen House Barbecue in Jonesboro
- Evening: Wind down at Whiskey BB Que in Riverdale for live music, great vibes, and one more round of smoked meats
- Global detour: Add Wong Wong BBQ in Lake City or Top Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Morrow to round out a truly world-class culinary day
Clayton County — Open to the World
The BBQ scene in Clayton County is as diverse as the community itself. From decades old family smoke shacks in Rex to lively bar-and-grill destinations in Riverdale to authentic Cantonese and Korean BBQ traditions in Lake City and Morrow. There is no single story here. There are many, and every one of them is worth tasting.
Plan your visit by grabbing a digital visitors guide today!