3 Spots to Add to Your Savannah BBQ Bucket List

If you’re looking for the best bbq in Savannah, look no further! I’ve come up with a handful of yummy places to stop while you’re tasting your way through the city.

Those of you who are familiar with the way I share my top restaurants in Savannah on this site know that I don’t like to overwhelm newbies with too many choices. For that reason, this list only includes my go-to barbecue spots.

Pinnable graphic showing three photos of different types of BBQ, plus a teenage blonde girl in front of a tray of food. Text overlay reads "Must-Try Restaurants | Best BBQ in Savannah Georgia"

Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.

If this is your first time here, first of all… allow me to extend a warm welcome!

My name is Erin, and I authored the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide. It’s a handy resource full of my best tips for visitors who have never visited the city before.

You might also be interested in:
🍳 Where to Find the Best Breakfast in Savannah’s Historic District
🍔 Which Famous Restaurants in Savannah are Worth the Hype?

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Best BBQ in Savannah

NOTE: I realize the term “best” is a highly subjective, particularly when it comes to BBQ.

You might be wondering what qualifies me to create this list, and the answer is… nothing, if I’m being perfectly honest.

I’m just a Southern girl who likes barbecue!

I spent more than a decade living in the Texas Hill Country — which is home to some of the best BBQ in the world, so I’ve sampled a lot of tasty barbecue.

If there’s one thing my time in Texas taught me, it’s that few foods can beat the taste of a brisket so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

I’ve also tested some of the more well-known barbecue joints in Nashville and have enjoyed many hearty barbecue meals after hiking in N.C.

I was raised in S.C., so my first taste of barbecue (that I remember) was a mustard-based, pulled-pork sandwich from a place called Price’s “If it ain’t BBQ, it ain’t food” in Gilbert, S.C. It hit the spot after a long day on the lake!

What I’m trying to say is this: I appreciate a wide variety of barbecue styles, sauces, and sides, and I’ll happily volunteer my tasting services at a cook-off any day of the week! I am partial to Carolina gold sauce on pork, though.

In case you’re curious, here’s a key to the differences in regional BBQ sauces throughout the South.

Now, let’s move on to the good spots…

Slow Fire BBQ

Slow Fire BBQ operates out of a food truck (technically, it’s a food bus). While they don’t currently have a physical location, they’re in the process of opening a brick and mortar store.

You’re most likely to find the food truck at an adorable restored former gas station at 37th & Habersham, but sometimes it makes appearances at Starland Yard and a few other spots in town.

Slow Fire excels at Texas-style BBQ options.

They source their food responsibly and smoke the meats over an all-wood pit, so that means they’re able to achieve that coveted black “bark” on the exterior of their brisket.

Allow me to present photographic evidence:

Thick slice of tender brisket in a styrofoam container surrounded by bread, pickles, and onion — *I had to get a clean shot of the brisket before I dumped BBQ sauce all over it! Check out that bark on the outer edge. Yum!* | *©ErinClarkson*

Look for the green and white Skoolie in Starland Yard or follow their social media accounts to track down their current location. | ©ErinClarkson

In addition to serving good brisket, their pulled pork is incredible. It’s slightly sweet and is obviously from a high quality cut of meat.

I follow their FB page and they’ve posted that they only use heritage breed Duroc pork. I know not what that means, only that my tastebuds approve of it.

Pros: They serve quality cuts of flavorful meat, and I appreciate that they source their foods locally.

Cons: You’ll have to track them down, since they don’t have a permanent physical location in Savannah. Be sure to check their Facebook page for daily pics and their current location.

Slow Fire Barbecue | 410 E 37th St, Savannah, Georgia, 31401

Sandfly BBQ

Sandfly BBQ is the local spot that most closely reminds me of some of my favorite BBQ joints in Texas and North Carolina.

It has a homey “stop in and chat with the folks at the next table” kind of feel to it.

They have a handful of indoor booths, as well as three or four outdoor picnic tables, and the walls are decorated with old license plates and stickers from favorite local hangouts.

Pros:
Even though sausage isn’t typically my top choice when ordering BBQ, the sausage at Sandfly is really flavorful! I definitely recommend it.

Sandfly is another of my go-to spots for brisket and pulled pork. Their brisket is nice and tender, with a pleasant smoked flavor and the perfect slightly charred outer edge.

Cons:
Sandfly is located on the outskirts of the city, so you’ll definitely need a car to get there.

The location is very close to Wormsloe Historic Site and Isle of Hope. If you’re making a trip to see the famous oak-lined drive, I highly suggest stopping at Sandfly on your way there.

Sandfly BBQ | 8413 Ferguson Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406

Blonde girl wearing a jean jacket sitting in front of a tray of the best BBQ in Savannah — *Gotta love the brisket plate at Sandfly BBQ — especially when it’s served with a side of golden mac n’ cheese and Texas-style toast.* | *©ErinClarkson*

A pulled pork sandwich with a toasted bun and a side of perfectly cooked golden mac n' cheese — *The pulled pork sandwich is tender and the bun toasty, while the mac n’ cheese is served more on the dry side than creamy (but in a good way).* | *©ErinClarkson*

Sausage platter loaded with crispy brown sausage mixed with cooked onions. The two sides are cole slaw and collard greens — *Their sausage is very flavorful with the perfect hint of smokiness, and the caramelized onions add a slight sweetness into the mix.* | *©ErinClarkson*

Erica Davis Lowcountry

According to my taste buds, the team behind Erica Davis Lowcountry can do no wrong.

That won’t come as a surprise if you’ve read my post about the best seafood in Savannah, where they also claim a spot!

Pros:
For the price, you get a LOT of high-quality food.

I’m a huge fan of both their brisket and the pulled pork. The Davis family has been in the catering business for years, so they know what they’re doing.

Their sides are also yummy. The mac n’cheese has just the right amount of creaminess, and I’m pretty sure their brussels sprouts are the only ones I’ve ever willingly eaten (and thoroughly enjoyed!) in my entire life.

I also enjoy the tangy flavor of their signature sauce, which is a red-based sauce.

I’ve certainly never left the place feeling anything less than 100% satisfied.

Cons:
None, really… except maybe the fact that they’re located on the outskirts of the city, so you’ll need a car to get there.

Erica Davis Lowcountry is on the way to both Bonaventure Cemetery and Tybee Island, so I suggest planning a visit to the restaurant you’re making a trip to either spot.

Erica Davis Lowcountry | 3209 E Victory Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Combo BBQ plate at Erica Davis Lowcountry in Savannah filled with ribs, pulled pork, mac n' cheese, fried okra, two types of BBQ sauce, and a lightly-browned roll — *This is a combo plate, which comes with two meats (ribs and pulled pork pictured here) and two sides (mac n’ cheese and fried okra).* *You can choose from multiple BBQ sauces — including a tasty peach flavor.* | *©ErinClarkson*

Heaping bowl of creamy mac 'n cheese on a white plate — *Yummm…their mac n’ cheese might just be the perfect comfort food.* | *©ErinClarkson*

White bowl filled with fried okra. The batter is light and fried to golden perfection — *The batter on the fried okra is lightly browned and has the ideal amount of crunch.* | *©ErinClarkson*

Munchie’s BBQ

I always like to pick a restaurant near me when I create these lists, and Munchie’s is one of my favorite grab-n-go options in the Starland District.

I generally consider Munchies a takeout spot, but they opened a small indoor dining area in 2022.

The line usually isn’t bad, and they have an awning over the outdoor order window so you won’t have to suffer in the heat while you wait.

Pros:
The price is right at Munchies!

They give hearty helpings with sides for a very reasonable price tag.

Their cooking is down-home “soul food” style, and they smoke their ribs for hours.

Give their chicken a try, too, since it’s always moist and flavorful. The skin is crispy and almost pops in your mouth if you take a bite when it’s nice and hot.

They also make their own sauce daily, and it’s mustard-based, so that’s probably why I’m a fan. I always ask for extra and slather it all over my chicken!

Munchies is also known for their off-the-bone oxtails!

Cons:
When they run out.

Munchies is a first come/first serve restaurant that’s popular with locals in Cuyler Brownville and the Starland District.

That means folks start strolling past to grab food whenever the window opens for the day.

However, as soon as the food is gone, they close up shop and leave.

That’s no good if you’re staying in the Historic District and venture all the way down to W 38th only to discover they’ve already sold out.

Munchies BBQ | 2110 Montgomery Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Close up of a styrofoam container from Munchies BBQ in Savannah filled with ribs, chicken covered in Carolina gold sauce, collard greens, and mac n' cheese — *When I say Munchies is generous with their helpings, I mean it.* | *©ErinClarkson*

Close-up of a chicken leg from Munchies BBQ in Savannah with tiny flakes of seasoning visible on crispy skin and a healthy dose of Carolina gold BBQ sauce drizzled atop — *Those spices and the Carolina gold sauce are done to perfection.* | *©ErinClarkson*

Styrofoam container from Munchies BBQ in Savannah with a hearty serving of ribs, collards, and golden mac n' cheese — *Fall-off-the-bone ribs!* | *©ErinClarkson*

Roadside BBQ stand with a blue interstate sign pointing "this way to HWY 16". The restaurant has festive twinkle lights and a black sign with yellow and red writing that reads "Munchies BBQ" and is made to resemble fire — *Some of the best BBQ spots in Savannah come with bars on the windows. The helpings are large and the price is right at Munchies!*

NOTE: Every now and then Munchies is open late at night, but I don’t recommend that option for first-time visitors. Trust me, you need to know your way around Savannah before you venture into the no man’s land at the corner of 38th and Montgomery after dark. *This area has improved somewhat in recent years, but still — keep your head on a swivel at night.

More BBQ Restaurants in Savannah

There are plenty of additional options for BBQ in Savannah, so I’ll go ahead and give you a quick rundown of some others.

Make note that the best spots are usually the more authentic hole-in-the-wall locations on the outskirts of the city versus any spot you’ll find in the Historic District.

Randy’s BBQ

Randy’s is an authentic little BBQ joint located on Wheaton Street. It’s on the city’s east side (close to the Eastern Wharf District).

Just look for the tiny blue building with the long line out front, and you’ll know you’re there.

Pros:
You get large portions at a great price.

Randy’s is one of the OG barbecue restaurants in Savannah, so they’ve been around long enough to have perfected their craft.

The ribs are the star attraction at Randy’s, and you almost always get more than you pay for when you go. You absolutely won’t walk away hungry.

Similar to Munchies, you’ll find a Carolina gold (mustard-based) BBQ sauce at Randy’s.

Cons:
Plan to stand in a very long line while waiting to place your order.

They didn’t have shade from the relentless Savannah sun last time I went, so you might want to bring a bottle of water to drink (or to douse yourself) if you go during the summertime.

Think of the line at Randy’s similar to the line at Leopold’s Ice Cream or Mrs. Wilkes, and use your wait time to get to know the other folks who are hanging out in the hot sun.

Randy’s BBQ | 750 Wheaton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401

If You’re Still Not Satisfied…

If I still haven’t provided enough options, I’m going to have to assume you want to try all the barbecue joints in Savannah. Here are a few more to add to your list…

Bowtie BBQ [Southside] | 6724 Waters Ave
District Smokehouse [Plant Riverside District] | 500 W River St
Midtown Sports Grill | [Midtown] | 4521 Habersham St
Quicky’s Famous BBQ [West Side] | 2222 Ogeechee Rd
Savannah Smokehouse BBQ & Brew [near City Market] | 16 W State St
Trick’s BBQ [West Savannah] | 1902 W Bay Street *temporarily closed
Wiley’s Championship BBQ [Whitmarsh Island] | 4700 HWY 80 East

For my fellow fans of a good pulled-pork sandwich, Midtown Sports Grill has an excellent one!

If you’re looking for the best BBQ along the Georgia Coast, Southern Soul Barbecue on St. Simons wins that contest every time.

As for my favorite BBQ I’ve ever tasted?

I still haven’t found anything on the East Coast that beats Coopers Old-Time Pit BBQ in the Texas Hill Country or Spyke’s BBQ in Kingsland, Texas.

UPDATE: Scratch that…my mom lives near City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, SC, and I finally tried the place out. I am in love.

More About the Food Scene in Savannah

If you’re all about supporting small businesses in Savannah (first of all…thank you!), here are some more posts where you can read up about the local food scene:

Savannah Travel Guide

If you’re planning to a trip to Savannah, here are a few additional resources I’ve created to help you out.

Savannah Travel Guide – Start here to get a quick overview of the entire city.
Savannah First-Timer’s Guide – My ebook combines my most helpful Savannah travel tips from this website in one handy downloadable guide.

When you purchase my ebook, you also get access to a private Facebook group I created where you can ask questions about your trip and get advice/see photos from others who have recently visited.

Savannah First-Timer's Guide