Across Gwinnett there are multitudes of restaurants ready to serve up a platter of ribs or put together a pulled pork sandwich to satisfy your ‘cue craving. We searched the county for the top stick-to-your-ribs (literally!) favorites.
Is it “Cue” or “que”? It doesn’t matter when it’s this good…
1. Dreamland BBQ
Duluth
Dreamland BBQ got its start in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1958 and should definitely be at the top of any barbeque fans’ bucket list. The slogan at Dreamland is “Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere,” and that’s pretty accurate. The ribs are unique, and to say they are the main event is a huge understatement – it used to be the only item served at the original location. The ribs are hickory fire grilled in about an hour in a brick pit and are not smoked in the traditional style of Southern barbecue, making them meaty and firm, but still very juicy. They are then seasoned with a dry rub that you can taste beneath the coating of rich barbecue sauce.
Try: The world-famous ribs and the to-die-for creamy banana pudding
2. Hometown Barbeque
Lawrenceville
A small, family-owned business that focuses on great service and superb barbeque, Hometown serves up brisket, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches in a cozy, country-style setting. Some of our favorites include the smoked chicken, baked beans and the chili dogs. We also can’t say enough about their locally-made barbeque sauces. Each option (mustard-based or sweet and peppery) is flavorful and adds a lot to the already delicious selection of smoked meats. Come prepared – They only accept cash or checks.
Try: The Brunswick stew is a must-try
3. Cue Barbecue
Peachtree Corners
Everything at Cue is homemade and it shows! From house-made bread and butter pickles to fresh bread, Cue really takes barbeque to the next level. Order a combo plate so you can try a little of everything and don’t miss out on the variety of incredible sauces: Kansas City – a traditional sweet BBQ sauce with no kick, South Carolina – a mustard-based sauce with just a little kick, North Carolina – a vinegar-based brown sauce, and Hot Sauce – just above a mild or a medium hot sauce and if you want some kick, this will do it.
Try: The Smoked Barbecue Sliders made with their freshly-made slider buns. Be sure to get the homemade pickles to add to them!
4. Praise the Lard
Buford
This one definitely qualifies as a religious experience! The meats are deliciously smoked and very tender – fall off the bone ribs, moist and tasty brisket slices, turkey, chicken and pulled pork. Be sure to try some of the “burnt ends”… They do run out of these quickly so order them if they’re available! Praise the Lard also has some really unique sides that you’ll want to save room for. We love the collard greens, grit cakes and okra patties.
Try: The outstanding carrot soufflé tastes more like a dessert than a side. (Tip: You can order it by the pan for $15 and nosh on it all weekend long!)
5. Tipsy Pig BBQ
Lilburn
Don’t let their location fool you… Located in an Exxon gas station, they’ve been voted a top barbeque joint in Gwinnett for several years now. The ribs, which come well-seasoned and show the pink smoke ring that attests to long, slow smoking, are a top recommendation. Get a plate so you can order some of the Brunswick stew, full of meat and with a light and flavorful broth. You can also swing by for breakfast six mornings a week and pick up biscuits with all the fixins’.
Try: The Redneck Cuban sandwich. A traditional Cuban sandwich made, not with roast pork, but with smoked and pulled pork.
6. Edee’s Place
Dacula
When the rib tips are described as, “Best ribs I’ve ever had. Moist, delicious, and perfectly seasoned.” You know you must give this place a try! We loved the chopped pork which was perfectly cooked, moist and chopped with plenty of flavorful bark. The sides and desserts are definitely worth talking about… So good that they start running out about an hour after opening on some occasions. Don’t worry, you can call ahead and get them to set some aside for you!
Try: The fall-off-the-bones ribs, brown sugar and molasses baked beans and the desserts: the chocolate cake and key lime cake are incredible.