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The Best BBQ in Georgia’s Lake Country

Slow-smoked Southern BBQ is a tradition (and a skill) here in the South and we have compiled 6 finger-licking-mouth-watering-good spots to try! Pork, brisket, chicken, ribs and all of your favorite sides, we have it all in Georgia’s Lake Country. The towns of Milledgeville, Madison, Greensboro and Eatonton are nestled around Lakes Oconee and Sinclair offer small town charms with big tastes. Many of our BBQ joints began as gravel parking lot roadside stands and continue to serve generations old family recipes today.

Near Lake Oconee


Tickled Pig BBQ: Madison, GA

A winner of Farmview Market’s Local Annual Southern Classic BBQ Competition, enjoying Tickled Pig BBQ with good friends at this cheerful location by Town Park in downtown Madison is sure to leave you tickled. All of the meats are smoked low and slow over real wood to give you that true BBQ flavor you’ve been craving!

Georgia Butts BBQ: Eatonton, GA

Dining by boat? Georgia Butts BBQ overlooks a spectacular view of Lake Oconee and there’s even a place to dock your boat when you’re ready to get off the lake and grab a bite to eat. They serve pulled pork, brisket, ribs, BBQ wings, and much more! Georgia Butts BBQ is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus in the evenings they have occasional live music. Try a side of their homemade loaded potato salad or slaw and pair it with a cold sweet tea. Sit back, relax and take in the view while enjoying some tasty barbecue.

Holcomb’s BBQ: Greensboro, GA

Local favorite Holcomb’s BBQ is located in White Plains as well as Downtown Greensboro. The classic BBQ sandwich won the title of 1 of 100 plates that locals love for Explore Georgia, so it is definitely worth the stop to grab a sandwich for yourself! Holcomb’s BBQ is a great spot to bring family and friends for some fantastic barbecue. While there, be sure to treat yourself to some Brunswick Stew and a big glass of sweet tea. The restaurant is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Crowe’s Bar-B-Que: Madison, GA

Located in small town Madison, Georgia, just outside of the Historic District, Crowe’s Bar-B-Que is a family owned barbecue restaurant with history stretching back nearly 60 years. Crowe’s slow smokes all of their meat with hickory and pecan, along with a whole lot of time and love, to craft the most delicious meat you’ll ever put in your mouth. This Southern BBQ is smothered in a Carolina style sauce so good you can put it on anything. From a Lay’s potato chip to drenching your coleslaw in it, Crowe’s only has one sauce because that’s all that’s needed.

5B BBQ & Brew House

At 5B, their daily goal is to create, serve and enjoy fine food that takes elevated BBQ to the next level and offer daily specials with flare that will delightfully surprise you. They love fresh food, flavorful food, food that’s in season, food from around the globe, and food that’s distinctly different. And don’t forget the cocktails. They love a great beer or a rum that’s been partnered and mixed to perfection!

Near Lake Sinclair


Georgia Bob’s: Milledgeville, GA

Located in downtown Milledgeville, Georgia Bob’s has been serving up delicious and affordable BBQ favorites for years throughout Georgia. While this location is one of many in the area, none of them will disappoint. Georgia Bob’s is known for doing their BBQ in southern tradition, as it’s been done for over 150 years. Their authentic menu features made-from-scratch items, from chicken salad to delectable desserts.

BBQ Ribs

Old Clinton: Milledgeville, GA

Using a Carolina style vinegar based sauce on their BBQ that has been passed down for three generations, Old Clinton BBQ is a great local spot to drop by for lunch or dinner, grab some great food, and spend time with friends! Barbecue dishes are served with hot and spicy sauces but if that’s not your style, you can always get barbecue without the sauce. If you are dining with a large group, Old Clinton BBQ offers a family pack for your convenience. This restaurant is open everyday of the week.