Saucy Blues and Barbecue

Saucy Blues and Barbecue

Add some rhythm to your 'cue at these Atlanta spots.

The blues and barbecue live in perfect harmony in Georgia's capital city. While you'll find remarkable meat joints and time-honored blues clubs here, we relish a well-seasoned meal with heartfelt sounds on the side.

Smoked, Seasoned, and Quick

Fat Matt's Rib Shack looks like a leftover sixties quick stop. But inside this little square building, you'll discover our favorite ribs and pitchers of cold beer. Best of all, if you arrive after 8 p.m., local musicians bare their souls to the wail of guitars. Expect crowds-big ones. Yet the tables, shadowed by murals of Muddy Waters and Jimmie Rodgers, typically turn quickly. Don't leave without trying the rum baked beans and sweet potato pie. 1811 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30324; (404) 607-1622 or www. fatmattsribshack.com. (Cash only.)

Meet on the East Side

If you like your ribs wet and messy, Maddy's Ribs & Blues is the place. Brunswick stew fans appreciate the dish that retains individual flavors of potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and chicken. Skip the unremarkable chopped pork, and save room for pie. The sweet-potato-and-egg custard comes from the owner's neighbor. Maddy's dining room gets shoulder-to-shoulder crowds every evening when the bands heat up. 1479 Scott Blvd., Decatur, GA 30030; (404) 377-0301.

White Napkins, Anyone?

Who says barbecue can't be haute cuisine? Executive chef John Umberger of Smokejack disagrees. He has elevated pit smoking to new heights. John serves spareribs accompanied by a thick Kansas City sauce or Memphis dry rub. Smokejack maintains a quiet dining room, but don't miss a live weekend show in the upstairs bar. It's enough to make you want to play along. 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004; (770) 410-7611 or www.smokejackbbq.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Feb 2006
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