4. Restaurants

Big Shanty Smokehouse

3393 Cherokee St, Kennesaw, GA, 30144
  • (770) 499-7444
  • Store is closed

Big Shanty Smokehouse Menu

  • Starters And Salads
  • Sandwiches With Chips
  • Platters
  • Meat By The Pound
  • Main
  • Sides
  • Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Big Shanty Smokehouse

  • Starters And Salads
  • Sandwiches With Chips
  • Platters
  • Meat By The Pound
  • Main
  • Sides
  • Desserts

  • Peter P.

    I don't know how I've missed writing a review of this joint. It is by far my favorite BBQ joint. When friends come to town and want to have REAL BBQ, this is where we take them. As one friend posted on Facebook after visiting: " It ain't very pretty; it ain't very big, but they DO know how to treat that smoky pig." Over the years, we've both dined in and ordered take-out. We've had the pulled pork, the chopped pork, the brisket, the ribs, the chicken and most of the sides. We have NEVER been disappointed. Add to this the friendliness of the staff and the aroma of the smokehouse that envelops you even from the street and you'll know why his place gets five stars.

    (5)

  • R O.

    Amazon bbq! Well worth the trip!

    (5)

  • Bob B.

    First timer review. Had smoked Turkey Ribs along with mac cheese and greens. Turkey Ribs are not actually ribs, but a white meat part ou the shoulder blade. I cannot recommend them enough. Tremendous. Top 5 bbq items I've ever had. Sides were very good. Friendly staff. GREAT banana pudding too.

    (5)

  • Wesley H.

    Been here many many times and I am always impressed. The meat of the day specials are always a treat.

    (5)

  • Steve M.

    Smokin' good Brisket and Ribs. The Brisket has got a great crunchy crust and is so tender. The sauce is got a good bite and is well balanced. A definite must go in the northern Cobb area.

    (5)

  • Sara D.

    You expect a place like this that's been open for many years to have awesome food. We were very disappointed. The BBQ was lean, not too much fat, but no flavor. Same with ribs and coleslaw.

    (1)

  • Teresa H.

    Great BBQ, had the sampler platter noticed a sign that said ask about their Gluten Free options. Their menu is 99% Gluten Free, asked for the GF bread. And they put my husbands regular bread wrapped on the side and my GF bread on the plate. the food was fantastic and the BBQ sauce was awesome too. Will definitely go back when in Atlanta.

    (5)

  • Todd N.

    I often dine at Big Shanty Smokehouse and had never had a bad experience. My favorite lunch entree is the rib platter, just the right amount of rub and great smoked flavor. However, it is a must to try the brisket and pulled pork. Staff is great, prices are reasonable and portions are large. A great Georgia restaurant from a BBQ connoisseur.

    (5)

  • Bob B.

    I have been meaning to try this place for years, finally stopped in today. Brisket was awesome. So was the "award winning" banana pudding, but it was a bit pricey. Will be back for sure.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    I was craving bbq and my sister in law recommended this place. We enjoyed our meal very much and everyone working there was great except one older man behind the counter that rudely stared at us like he didn't want us there. It made us uncomfortable but we finished our meal and left without incident. If I go back, I'll definitely order take out and eat it elsewhere.

    (4)

  • Brandon L.

    This place was pretty solid, especially for the price. The place has the makings of a hole in the wall, and its signs aren't exactly the most eye-catching out there. That may be a strong point in favor of the restaurant, though. Lots of seating in the adjoining area, but not much in the main building. Only one bathroom, which is located back in the dish room. Works, but a little bizarre. Still, you gotta work with the space you're given. The food was alright, though I've had better. I had the Pork Platter (half chopped, half pulled). Admittedly, I couldn't really tell the difference between the two. I think the drier meat was supposed to be chopped. The meat definitely came across as drier than I'd like. Now, it could've been that particular batch/chef, I don't know. The sides weren't bad, but that said, I was a little baffled by the variety of beans in the baked beans I had. The sauce they were baked in was good, though. That said, some beans were closer to rock hard than others. A little less disparity in the textures would've been nice. The green beans I had, though, were completely on point. Then again, it's pretty hard to screw up green beans. Now, the banana pudding. I saw a lot of reviews saying about how you need to get the banana pudding, so far be it from me to ignore such advice. One little thing: when you order one, it will not come with the rest of the meal (perhaps you can request it to happen that way? Not sure). However, once you're done, they'll either bring it out to you or you can pick it up from the front counter. Is it worth the wait? Oh. Mah. Gaw. Yes. To be frank, I'd go back again just for the banana pudding. Now, I'm writing this after only one time going there, so this will get updated and edited to reflect future visits. But overall, it was a good experience. I'll be back. There's a lot more to explore!

    (3)

  • Jason L.

    I ordered 1/4 chicken and ribs with Brunswick stew. Chicken was very good and smokey. Ribs were good. BBQ sauce sweet and spicy. Stew good but sweet. Recommend stopping

    (3)

  • Matthew W.

    I have enjoyed this place many times already. Their smoke wings and killer and the blue cheese that comes with it is great.

    (5)

  • Agnes A.

    We decided to come here for dinner to satisfy our BBQ cravings. I ordered one of the specials of the day, boneless ribs, mac and cheese, and baked beans for $11. The ribs were so dry and the mac and cheese was such a let down. I'm not a fan. The food was pretty bad. I really expected more after reading the other yelp reviews.

    (1)

  • Laura P.

    I always go back for more and have never been disappointed.

    (4)

  • Red N.

    Order it ALL... OMG this place is the best kept secret!! There really isn't a thing on this menu that is bad.. I ordered the sampler of meat platter which was amazing. I hear they do something special on Thursday night for dinners.

    (5)

  • Tony M.

    Can't believe I've been eating here off and on for a year and I've never reviewed this place! As soon as you walk in, you'll feel like you're in someone's home. Like my grandmother's. And the menu is full of great food items with rotating specials on the board by the register. Something for every sized appetite. Personally, the sliced beef brisket and the 1/4 chicken (white meat) combo flip my plate - in a good way. Their cole slaw doesn't last long on my plate and their baked beans leave you wanting second helpings. Quality cuts, service-with-a-heart, and enough sweet dessert temptations to make you want to ask if my grandmother is hidden back there somewhere whipping up the delicious banana pudding, cookies or featured pie of the day. TIP #1: They are closed on Mondays. TIP #2: It can be a little tricky to back out of their lot with the traffic speeding by, so be careful. Finally, Gabe, one of the line cooks, is as sizzling as the beef brisket! Get him to smile and it'll make your day! =)

    (5)

  • Rose H.

    Good flavor ribs but a little too fatty. I think they boil the ribs prior to barbecuing them instead of slow cooking. Didn't care for the beans at all. The links and the brisket were the best. Friendly and great service and reasonably priced.

    (2)

  • Falan H.

    I loved every drop of food on my plate. Being as I'm from Memphis (which is notorious for our BBQ) I was beyond impressed.

    (5)

  • Jeremiah S.

    It was a great experience. With so many reviews I expected it to be a large place. He was very much different. It was a hole in the wall. I loved the atmosphere! I got the beef brisket platter. The barbecue was amazing! The side items were not that great. Very mediocre. I got mac and cheese and collard greens. But the delicious meat made up for everything else. You stand up to order at the front counter and they bring the food to your table. It's very fast.

    (4)

  • Craig G.

    Mediocre at best. This was the second time I've been here and it wasn't any more impressive this time around. I ordered the two-meat plate with chopped pork and brisket. First of all, when you order a combo meat plate you get no sides, so expect to pay for those separately. It was just under $17 with a drink and one side. The portions are a nice size and it comes with two slices of non-toasted white bread. The pork was moist, but the flavor was not there. It was also cooked with some sort of sauce that masked any chance of tasting the natural smokey flavor. There's a huge smoker in the parking lot, but you can't tell this meat is smoked at all. The brisket was tender, but it was the same as the pork, cooked in some sort of sauce and didn't have a very good flavor at all. The atmosphere was nice and quaint like you'd expect from a hole in the wall delicious bbq joint. Unfortunately, looks ARE deceiving at Big Shanty Smokehouse. If you want some seriously delicious bbq for a cheaper price, drive down to Dave Poe's bbq in Marietta. You will not be disappointed.

    (2)

  • Edward W.

    Lots of southern charm in this Kennesaw BBQ house. Good food, too. Brunswick stew is sweet and salty, perhaps a bit too salty for some, but certainly a terrific, thinner version of the dish I fell in love with at Mrs. Wilkes in Savannah. Mmmm. Pulled pork brought tender morsels of piggy, smoked just right, accompanied by a BBQ sauce that was very good, but not what I would call great. No matter, though, porky was soo good you don't even need the sauce! Potato salad is comes in a little plastic side cup, mayo-ey and mustard-ey. Cole slaw comes in the same style little cup and is chopped very fine, refreshing and just a bit creamy. Proper sweet tea. Hey, we're in the South. Why can't the rest of the country get tea right? This is a order-at-the-counter, but we'll-bring-it-to-you kinda place where the staff is very friendly and helpful. They do a significant take out business, too. With the place being so busy, don't be scared off by the appearance of no available parking. There are plenty of spots around back. The restaurant itself is in a very casual old single story bungalow with maybe a half dozen tables inside. The kitchen is in plain sight, close up, right behind the cashier -- so close up you can almost serve yourself. An outside patio, with both covered and uncovered areas are perfect spots to enjoy your terrific K-town BBQ.

    (4)

  • R G.

    I was excited to try Big Shanty after reading all the yelp reviews. I had the pick 2 meats. I ordered the brisket (2 slices) and sausage two of my favorite meats. I also ordered the slaw and baked beans. Ok, here we go, I want to explain my 3 stars. My brisket was very dry and my sausage was ok but not the best I've ever had from what other reviewers have posted. The meat to fat ratio was off, when I cut into my sausage it didn't stay in the casing and was also dry. I also felt that it was bland and had no smoke flavor. The slaw was ok and the beans were a combination of 3 different kinds of beans not what I think of when I order beans as a BBQ place. The other downside is that my bill was almost $17 and that was without a drink. I had water. I was hoping for a great BBQ experience and that's not what I found. Heirloom BBQ is still one of my favorites and always delivers on favor and price.

    (3)

  • David R.

    After seeing pictures of the ribs from other Yelpers, I wanted to come here. I ordered the plate with two meats. 1/4 slab ribs and 1/4 chicken. The ribs were meaty, tender and had a good smoke flavor with a nice smoke ring. The chicken was tender and moist. The smoke house where the meats are smoked over hickory is behind the restaurant. I had collard greens and potato salad for side items.The greens were ok, but I really like the potato salad. Some side items are available all the time and others may change daily. Limited parking is available in front of the restaurant and there is additional parking in the lot next to the restaurant. 5 stars for authentic, smoked BBQ!

    (5)

  • Paul M.

    I drive by this place often, but today was the first time I stopped in to try it via carry-out. I bought a brisket sandwich, 1/2 slab of ribs, and 1/2 chicken that would serve as lunch and dinner tonight. Having spend a fair amount of time in Texas for work, I have had good brisket. And this was some of the best. I was duly impressed. I also tried a rib, which was meaty and flavorful and equally as impressive. I have yet to try the chicken, but I have no doubt that it will be equally as enjoyable. This is some of the best Q to be found around Atlanta.

    (5)

  • Brian R.

    Gotta say that I was excited to check this place out after seeing the stellar reviews...but this place did not meet my expectations at all. I had the brisket with collard greens and mac n' cheese...the brisket was sooooo dry it felt as if I were chewing on leather or stale gum (look at the pic I posted). The bark had no salty, savory flavor to it...and while the brisket showed a nice smoke ring...you could hardly taste the smoke through the tough piece of meat. The sides were bland and flavors underdeveloped. My wife had the pork sandwich and while it was better than my brisket...it too was under seasoned and dry. While I was sitting there eating this disappointing meal...I thought about going home to smoke my own meat. That's how disappointing the experience was.

    (1)

  • Dana H.

    Hidden gem in Kennesaw! The pulled pork is probably the best I have ever had, their menu isn't very diverse... But it doesn't have to be. These people know Bbq!! The staff was super nice, the service was quick, and the prices were great!!

    (5)

  • Michael C.

    We had ribs and brisket with beans and slaw. None of us are experts on Bar-B-Q but we thought it was all great. The sauce had just the right level of sweet and hot to compliment the flavor of the meat. We'd definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Jared R.

    I have been to most of the bbq joints in the metro area and this is the best pork I have had anywhere!! Worth the drive if you're not close and just so tasty. Did I mention the portions were huge for the price? Try it out!!

    (5)

  • Qian L.

    Great BBQ and Mac and cheese. The collard greens were over cooked for my taste. Personally felt the ribs can be cooked some more, it was not falling of the bones like I usually like it. The people are really nice and friendly. But the parking lot is right of the street so hard to get in and out.

    (4)

  • Mark N.

    I echo Adrienne T.'s review as I'm also from Texas (here for business) and I consider myself a connoisseur of fine brisket. Let me tell you, the brisket here is on par with some of the best I've had back home. Perfectly charred exterior, juicy and fall apart interior, and that smokey flavor is to die for...great cut of meat. The BBQ sauce is vinegar based and perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. I got the potato salad and collard greens (side of the day) and they were both solid but nothing spectacular. This place is about the meat and they have it down pat.

    (5)

  • Ken C.

    Tried their ribs @ the Pigs & Peaches B B Q festival. Ribs lacked flavor and seasoning. Was a total waste money and had to throw them out... Maybe the A team wasn't on that day..

    (2)

  • Laurie S.

    Incredible barbeque and a nice, homey atmosphere. The staff is very nice and friendly. It's one of my favorite restaurants to visit.

    (5)

  • Taylor M.

    I cannot even describe to you how painstakingly heartbreaking it is I am no longer within 10 minutes walking distance of this BBQ joint anymore. I'm not even within a 10 minute drive! I looooove me some good ole' southern BBQ and this is the best I've had in the state. I've been to so many hole-in-the-wall joints, commercial places, kitschy BBQ restaurants, and this embodies the best of everything. It's small and personal. They make me feel apart of their family and I'm invited to Sunday dinner Tuesday - Saturday. I've had the platters, the ribs, and of all, the pulled pork sandwich with extra sauce is the best I could have. Something about how those pickles go so perfectly with the buttered bread that delicately complements the satisfying heap of fresh, juicy smoked pork that has my taste buds singing with every bite. It only gets better when I dig in to a big tub of banana pudding to share with myself!

    (5)

  • Liz V.

    It is a 4th of July tradition that I eat ribs. Well, it is a daily tradition considering I am a rib addict but, I was very pleased to finally try this little hole in the wall. The sign outside claims they have famous ribs-challenge accepted. It was pretty packed for a holiday and after we placed our order we found ourselves sitting on the covered patio area. Make sure you haven't been drinking as the floor is badly slanted and, upon sitting down, I almost fell backwards in my chair. I promise I was sober but, who are we kidding?! I ordered a full rack of ribs, no sides and an Arnold Palmer. My friend got the pulled pork on a giant potato and a sweet tea. While the ribs are huge and were covered in spices, the actual meat itself is very fatty. I only ate 4 of the 9 ribs, giving some to my friend, but I left feeling very hungry and messy from the experience. I've never had to work so hard eating ribs before. The meat that was at the end of the rib was hard and greasy and my hands were dripping in grease. I was a bit embarrassed considering I went through half a roll of paper towels just on 2 ribs. If you have to season your ribs to the point where I am sneezing between bites its time to change where you order your meat! The point of a rib is the meat itself not the sauce or spice. Why do so many restaurants fail to see this? I had a bite of my friends BBQ potato and wished I got that instead. I know ribs! Like my undying love for burgers, I take my rib sampling seriously and I only wish Big Shanty did too. The BBQ smell from the street as you drive by has been teasing me for years. I just wish the hype was worth it but sadly I will not be back.

    (2)

  • Adrienne T.

    Well, my search for TRUE, authentic bbq BRISKET in the Atlanta metro area has finally ended. We have a WINNER!! Being originally from Texas, I know what good brisket is, and more importantly, isn't. Big Shanty, oh how I LOVVVVVE thee- as evidenced by my multiple times a week visits. This is the REAL DEAL, tender, with a little fat, burnt ends/edges, brisket! Sides are ok-potato salad is great, cheesy rice is really good, but sadly skip the mac n cheese. Trust me on that. Also, their sweet tea is NOT sweet- just so you know. They seem to be known for pork, which is fine because that leaves more scrumptious beef brisket for me. Cute little bbq shack looking place in a residential neighborhood, with a smoker out front. Friendly staff, too. Avoid going between 12:15pm-1:15pm on weekdays, the line is out the door. Good prices and portions, too, except the potato salad comes in a tiny cup, and the disastrous mac n cheese comes in a mid-sized cup that is NEVER full. They do give a full mid-size serving of cheesy rice, though. Not sure about the other sides. You will get your feelings hurt if you show up on a Sunday or Monday- they're closed. I hate that. Seems like I always want my brisket on Monday. WORTH the trip, even if you are ITP. You won't find bbq in THIS ENTIRE metro area better than THIS!

    (5)

  • Jim M.

    My wife and I went here for the first time... it was great! It is family owned and operated. Coming up from downtown Kennesaw, you have to look for it, but it is well worth the find. Had a basic chopped pork sandwich and a bowl of stew... I am picky about brunswick stew and this is one of the best! The recipe for their barbecue is sweet, but not too sweet. will b e back soon to sample the ribs...!

    (5)

  • Carlos F.

    Wow! Love at first sight...or should I say smell. Loved this place, and even more their brisket. Had the sampler and a drink for $21, a little pricy but well worth it. I can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Janet B.

    First off I wish my sandwich was served as shown in the pictures. No checkered paper on my plate, which would have helped soak up the pickle juice my sandwich was floating in. Must agree with others meat was dry but smoke , flavor hit the spot. The sauce was much to spicy hot for me, I prefer a sweet sauce. Even though the sauce was on the side I would like if they gave customer choice of sauces. Also agree with others sweet tea was anything but sweet nor was there any taste of tea. Sorry folks but I was very disappointed.

    (2)

  • Melissa T.

    Got the (Daily Special) pulled pork tacos on corn tortillas with a little sumthin-sumthin type slaw on the top. GOOD. Nods to using corn tortillas 'cause from what I've seen in the 'burbs, all tortillas are flour for some reason. Order at the counter and take a seat, if you can find one.

    (4)

  • Jon L.

    One of my favorite places in Kennesaw! Chic and Sissy do it right and make us feel so welcome every time we walk through the door. The brisket is amazing and the pulled pork is perfect. If only there was some tasty craft beer on site that would be my only addition to what they are doing! I'll be back soon!

    (5)

  • Shalimar W.

    Overall a great BBQ place. I'm going to be a little hard on any bbq place, because I have a passion for it, I'm very picky, and I've had a lot of it all over the country. When I start the review out with "overall a great BBQ place", believe me that's a high mark for me. The meats are prepared by hand by the owner with care, passion, and most importantly love. This is at the top of what Atlanta has to offer, and if you live BBQ I insist that you give Big Shanty a try without delay. The ribs are a little inconsistent, sometimes overcooked, sometimes too tough, but when they get it right, they really do get it right! I'm not a big fan of brisket, but the brisket here is the best I've ever had. It too is fairly inconsistent, but perfect more often than not. The homemade sausage is amazing. They always offer great sides. Also, they offer a wide variety of meats, with specials all the time, like prime rib, pork belly, even duck (which is the very best I've ever had!). Overall a great place to eat, very friendly staff, and great people.

    (5)

  • Toni B.

    Simply the best BBQ around! Brunswick stew is awesome. Brisket is crazy good. Highly recommend Big Shanty Smokehouse.

    (5)

  • Danielle S.

    Great Food and service. Ribs and brisket were done well, full of flavor & good bark, sweet, smoky, good portion. Sauce slight vinegar and spice at end. Homemade beans were awesome. Everything full of flavor and the service was great, ppl there so nice&friendly. Gave me a cookie to go:) I was going to go to a less expensive place like Dickeys (more fast food atmosphere) but I'm glad I went here! Prices were not bad for the portion & quality-2 meat dinner with 2 sides $16-$17

    (5)

  • Heather B.

    OMG OMG!!! Love love love this place. This place literally looks like a shack when we first pulled up I wasn't sure we were in the right place however, there was a sign on the door so we knew we made it. I am a sucker for pulled pork sandwiches and they make the best!!! Their pork is so full of flavor and just melts in your mouth. They have a very simple menu but this place does not need an expansive menu. Their sides are also FANTASTIC my favorite is their macaroni and cheese. However, note that it is not on their standard menu but it is almost always on their special sides menu (I have never been and not seen it on the special menu). Whatever you do do not forget to get a serving of their banana pudding! There is nothing better than eating some of the best bbq then washing it down with some of the best banana pudding you have ever had! We have never eaten there as there is really no room to eat there as it is literally like the name implies and is a shanty. It is a converted small house. All in all this is my go to place for BBQ.

    (4)

  • Christie G.

    It was just Ok. For all of the rave reviews it gets, it wasn't that great to me. But, we went during lunch, and the meats tasted like they were reheated from the night before, and my sides were cold. But it's a cute little building. Maybe dinner is better???

    (2)

  • Somer A.

    This was my favorite BBQ joint when I first moved to Kennesaw. The sausage links were spicy and perfectly seasoned. In fact, I recall ordering a pound to take home to Florida. My last few visits were less memorable. They struggle with consistency. The sausage was under seasoned, the slaw was watery. It's sad because my first visit was amazing. One last note, the sweet tea was not sweet - we are still in the south, right?

    (2)

  • Damon T.

    Perhaps the best pulled pork the world has seen? If you make it there for the duck dinner days...your life will be changed for the better.

    (5)

  • Bud C.

    Sometimes one slips by - at least for a while. The Brown Shoe Gourmet's lifelong pursuit of the perfect barbecue came across another "a lot better than just good" one today: The Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw, Georgia. Not too far off I-75, this three year old family run operation brings several decades of restaurant experience to a small shack by the side of a side street. The first visit feast included a rib and pulled pork combo plate (with two sides for $8.50) while the tall skinny kid who played roundball at Clemson had the pulled pork platter for $7.50. Bottom line, the slaw was average at best - but everything else was far above. The folks at Big Shanty offer "inside pulled, outside chopped" pork that is outstanding and obviously the benefactor of a great rub. They hand cut their ribs and end up in a semi St. Louis style, with a lot of meat a good char and deep, rich flavor. The Brunswick Stew was good, but not great... hard to give any stew with peas in it more than three stars. The place itself is just slightly more than a shack - but only slightly. The folks are friendly (it is literally all family), the service prompt and the barbecue worth another trip to check out their homemade sausage and "authentic Texas style" brisket. For those who enjoy barbecue in metro Atlanta, add Big Shanty to your list. It's worth the drive, and if you collect tee shirts from barbecue joints (more than 200 - wear them as I strive for mediocrity on the racquetball court) they have them.

    (5)

  • Jeffrey G.

    Nasty, nasty stuff. Unable to choose what to have, I ordered Steve's Sampler. The sausage was dull, flavorless, and actually inedible. The pork and brisket were dried out, though the brisket was marginally better than the pork. The ribs weren't horrible. They were overcooked, but the sauce was nice. In the end, the two slices of white bread were probably the best things on the plate. Given the other reviews, my first thought was that going there for lunch was my mistake, because the entire plate seemed like overheated leftovers from the night before. However, talking to some folks from KSU confirmed that Big Shanty is just overrated. I wish I'd talked to them before eating here. Yuck!

    (1)

  • Chris M.

    Big Shanty used to have the best BBQ but the last time that I went there, it honestly wasn't that great. When they first opened, everything was absolutely amazing. This time, however, the food was just okay and the pricing was confusing on certain items. Here's an example. If you want sausage links, they list that they sell it by the pound. After a confusing and slightly annoying conversation with the cashier, I left wondering why they just don't price it by the link. The cashier made it very clear that they would not "cut links in half or in quarters" (with a bit of rude tone) so then why confuse the customer. Just sell it by the link and be done with it. At any rate, pricing quibbles aren't why you visit a BBQ takeout spot, you just want tasty food. The issue the last time I went was that the food was just mediocre. I was pretty disappointed. They also didn't have the usual happy, cheery spirit that they used to back in the day. That's too bad. I used to love going to Big Shanty and now...not so much. Again, I's sad that they quality has slipped because this was my FAVORITE BBQ place just a year ago.

    (2)

  • Joe M.

    Been here several times when my vegetarian wife is out of town (does that mean I'm cheating on her with a pig?). Love this place -- great pulled pork, good sized servings, service is always friendly. I've found the ribs can be a bit dry at times. And it would be nice if there was something there that my wife could eat.

    (4)

  • Chance S.

    I'm giving this 5 starts despite the fact that I've had much better BBQ in Texas, both Carolina's and Tennessee, but this place is, hands down, the best place to eat in the city of Kennesaw. It's actually depressing trying to find good food in the town, especially if you're avoiding chains. Big Shanty has a homey feel (since it's really in what seems to be a trailer) and the ribs are as tender and delicious as if your big mama made 'em. The pulled pork, I found out last time, is equally mouth-watering. I read someone complained here that the banana pudding tasted store-bought, which confused me since I grew up eating some of my grandma's top-notch 'nana puddin', and I feel like Big Shanty gets pretty close. [side note: I also happen to know one of the kitchen guys there who has confirmed that the pudding is made there]. If you are in the area, have a hankering for good slow-cooked BBQ, and don't feel like driving somewhere ITP, this is the place to be.

    (5)

  • Rachael E.

    I just do not understand the appeal of this place. We have a few friends that swear by it. We've given it multiple chances, but it's just not worth it at all. Meat is dry and mediocre at best. Sides are overcooked and just blah. Sauce is hunts tomato kechup. Just not worth the time when there are many better places to go to.

    (2)

  • Kristin G.

    Best BBQ in Kennesaw! My family picks it up often for Sunday lunch and it is a hit every time. The pulled pork is really great and you also get the choice of having the outside chopped with the delicious charred bits or the moist center pulled. Yum! Staff is extremely friendly and kind. The restaurant is small inside but I have never had to wait.

    (5)

  • Barry R.

    I've eaten BBQ all over these great United States of ours, and this place may serve the best I've ever tasted. Incredibly delicious brisket and chicken (light or dark), outstanding pork (super smoky outside "chopped" is the choice here), and great sides and sauces (homemade pepper vinegar for your collards? Yes, please). Top it off with homemade berry cobbler (gluten-free, no less). Even the pickle slices were top-notch. Worth the drive from anywhere, including Birmingham and Memphis.

    (5)

  • Roman K.

    Might just be the best BBQ I have ever had, and I lived in Texas for 7 years...It has a great family owned feel to it and the BBQ Sandwich I had with brisket, cole slaw and pickles was amazing! I have already been there more than 10 times and will continue to go back!

    (5)

  • Mark L.

    Wow. We were just driving through Atlanta and got a craving for BBQ. A quick Yelp search found us this piece of pork heaven! Amazing pulled and chopped pork, crispy and fresh cole slaw, amazing BBQ beans. We tried the pulled pork taco, with jalapeño slaw. That is a must have if it's the daily special! You people nearby are lucky!

    (4)

  • Tallman F.

    not a solid THREE, maybe 3.75 meat is truly smoked - the ribs are a little better than average .....nothing REALLY special, you won't grab the last bone from someone to eat it but if you want some ribs - - - -ok smoked chicken is decent, white meat a little dry but it's hard to smoke it the right way .... beef brisket was smoked well, needs a little more taste to it though mac & cheese - blaaaaaaah potato salad - bland beans were ordered & paid for but what i got was extra barbq sauce - but mistakes happen no big deal, just check your bags like you do everywhere else they are very neat - clean & organized BUT not the best in Atlanta, maybe the best in Kennesaw i wouldn't go out of my way to have them but if i was driving right by the front door - I'd stop

    (3)

  • Josh S.

    I was not expecting this, but Big Shanty offers some of the best BBQ I have ever had. I got their sampler plate (brisket, ribs, pulled pork and smoked sausage). Each bite was surrounded by the deep smokiness that can only be achieved by BBQ'ing done right. The ribs and the brisket were especially fantastic. And the portions! It was too much food, even for me. The moment you enter, you can feel that it is the essence of a "mom n' pop" restaurant, in a very good way. This is definitely a hidden gem in Kennesaw (and Atlanta, for that matter).

    (4)

  • Brandon J.

    If you want great BBQ and don't mind the tiny restaurant its served in - then Big Shanty Smokehouse is the place for you. They have really great, fall-off-the-bone ribs, delicious pulled pork and BBQ sauce. The inside really is as the name suggests - not much more than a shanty, with a few tables and the modest kitchen. It's an old converted house - a small one at that. Don't let the size fool you though - what they lack in physical space, they make up for with colossal taste! Give Big Shanty Smokehouse a try when you're in the Kennesaw area.

    (4)

  • Jason D.

    I go lightly when I give 5 stars, but this is some darn good barbecue! These people have it down to a science. I absolutely love everything about this place. You get your meal quick. The family that runs it is so friendly and have a deep passion for barbecue. Try the brisket. Awesome! Big Shanty Smokehouse could have Memphis restaurants running for the hills.

    (5)

  • DeeAnn S.

    Was expecting better since I have read great reviews. Food was good but not great. The family that owns and runs the place seemed exhausted and not as friendly as I had expected.

    (3)

  • Scott J.

    BBQ pork was good. Probably should have gotten pulled instead of chopped to avoid the outside pieces loaded with rub. The banana pudding was ok but mostly whipped cream. Will try it again sometime.

    (3)

  • Jeff L.

    Being a former North Carolinian, transported to Atlanta, one of the most important things for me was finding a go to BBQ place to fill the void I knew I would be missing. I happen to love BBQ and, despite my undying love for NC-style BBQ, am happy so long as the place serves up some quality 'Q. Choosing Big Shanty was a simple matter of positive reviews, and logistics (very close to home). I wanted to love this place, I really did. It's so close to home, and had such promise. My wife and I ordered the big combo platter, to give us a sense of all of the BBQ they put out. It came with pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and sausage. To me, exceptional BBQ requires several things. To start, the meat must be moist and tender. In addition, the flavor of the meat has to be brought out, and coupled with a nice smokey flavor. The reason Big Shanty ranks as low as it does is that all of these elements were missing from all items on the combo platter. The meats, by and large, were dry and tough. They tasted all right, but lacked the smokiness that I love in my BBQ. For me, the biggest offender was their pulled pork. Maybe it's my NC roots showing, but dry, tough, and mostly tasteless pulled pork is almost criminal. I will say that we both did enjoy their ribs, which was enough to bump them up to 2 stars. I honestly can't remember what we had for our sides, mostly because we weren't very impressed with them. We had high hopes for this place, but unfortunately, the food just didn't live up to those hopes. It's unfortunate given it's closeness to home, but a return trip to Big Shanty is not in our future.

    (2)

  • Ricky S.

    I saw this place listed as the best BBQ in Atlanta and it absolutely is. Granted, I am from Washington State, my BBQ palette is not nearly as refined in the Southern Food area as it is in Coffee, but I know good food when I have it. This restaurant has been the cause of massive weight gain by many of my Seattle to Atlanta transplant buddies. I drove almost two hours to come here last time I was in town and everything I had was amazing. The Smoked sausage had great flavor and the ribs fell right off of the bone when you picked them up. Oh, and please eat the mac'n'cheese; That crap will send you catatonic from a flavor explosion. If you think you know BBQ and you haven't eaten here, then you don't know jack! Get your life together, get in your beater, and go get some Big Shanty ribs.

    (5)

  • Alexa G.

    I wasn't really to impressed by their BBQ, which was pulled from a large heating box behind the counter, and not off the grill. I honestly don't even remember the smoker going while we were there. It's a hike up to Kennesaw and probably wouldn't bother driving all the way up there again. I honestly don't remember much of what I ate because nothing really blew me away. There are tons of other above average options out there.

    (2)

  • Bob C.

    Best chicken wings on earth!

    (5)

  • Lauren J.

    Really good BBQ and the service is great and super friendly. Their sides leave a little to be desired though. They have brisket which I will eat on absolutely anything and not all BBQ joints have brisket. No fries. That's okay, but it kind of stinks because sometimes I just need fries.

    (4)

  • Jason W.

    I really like this place. My wife & I have eaten here several times. The first time, I ordered the BBQ platter that has all their BBQ offerings on it. Their ribs are just delicious. The brisket was nice & tender, moist & smoky. Their sausages were a little dry, I thought. The pulled pork was a disappointment. To be fair though, no pulled pork in Atlanta & surrounds, has really delivered, yet. It's either dry, soaking wet like cat food, bland as hell or tastes like they poured liquid smoke on it! Their mixed BBQ beans are the best, delicious. The staff are super nice. The ambience could use some $$$ thrown at it. Parking is limited. Overall, I recommend this BBQ joint & have sent people here.

    (4)

  • Vivian F.

    This place is practically across the street from my house so we have been there several times. The BBQ pork is amazing. One time I went and just got the Caesar salad and I could not believe how awesome it was. Now Caesar salad only consists of some romaine, parm, croutons and dressing so how awesome could it be? But it was! However, the next time I went and ordered it again, it was only so-so. The desserts are homemade and heavenly but I can't allow myself to sample them too often! The restaurant is real small so do take out if it is full. I think the place has good days and bad days for food with the bad days in the minority. If you like pulled pork, ribs and bbq chicken, you will be more than pleased with this place. It has a TV with sports playing usually so guys will be especially happy about this.

    (4)

  • Rita M.

    I want to like this place. I really do. The location is convenient for me, the people that run it are super nice, but . . . The BBQ just wasn't very good. Neither was the brunswick stew. And the banana pudding tasted canned, NOT homemade, not even close (a cardinal sin in my world.) The BBQ sauce is cloyingly sweet, and that carries over into everything that it touches. The Brunswick stew was watery (and sugary), and the "pulled" pork was actually dry, stringy, shredded pork that had seen better (and moister) days. Even the potato salad (which appeared to be store-bought) was sickeningly sweet. I've been twice now, and unfortunately, I now have to call it like I see it . . . 2 stars.

    (2)

  • Bob L.

    Heard the Hype, had to see what the fuss was about. WOW! Walk the walk is more like it. Last week, I just ate at the much talked about Fox Bros. in Atlanta and I am here to say, Big Shanty is the apple of my eye! Good, down home family that runs the joint and very willing to help any way they can. For the official review: Had the simplest item on the menu. Chopped Pork sandwich(if you can't even do this then...). Hickory Smokey crust, juicy, flavorful in all areas. This does not leave any dry taste in your mouth. I was impressed and let them know. They took my compliment and gave me a piece of their smoked ribs. Whoa! even better. Dry Rub finish with a side of tangy BBQ sauce for those who like the dry rub / wet combo. Great prices and huge portions! Now I have to try these amazing desserts everyone is talking about! I am going back once a week until..... Bob - Kennesaw

    (5)

  • Herman W.

    This might be the best pulled pork platter I've had- it's at least close. Good texture, flavor, just enough bark, complimentary sauce with perfect sweet/zip combo for the meat. Slaw & beans both good & complimentary to the meat. Portion is huge. I'll be back to try the rest of the menu!

    (5)

  • Jessica Y.

    Went here with my husband for lunch mid-week, and while all our food was fine, nothing was particularly amazing. I had my usual pick for BBQ places, the beef brisket, and while it was nice a moist, I was disappointed with just how bland it was. Husband got Steve's Sampler, and the chicken and sausage were tasty enough to make up for the brisket fail. We got a variety of sides- mac and cheese, backed beans, brunswick stew. Again, all were fine (though the beans did have a strange, well, "different" taste and texture), but nothing to illicit ohhhs and ahhhs. Service was fine, again nothing to write home about. Their set-up is Order at counter, Seat yourself, We'll bring your food. When we arrived, the main seating area was already filled, but they have a small area outside, and an additional built-on dining area. Overall... well, I just don't have any sort of strong feelings for the place. I neither like it, nor dislike it! It's a little out of the way from areas I am normally around in Kennesaw, so I doubt I'll make a repeat trip to this restaurant.

    (3)

  • Viet H.

    Wow...some of the best BBQ I've ever had in a long time. I checked this place out because of all the great reviews and that it was just down the road from my house. I ordered a combo of 1/4 slab of ribs and pulled pork. Somehow I managed to have enough room in my stomach to also order me some home made banana pudding. Everything was perfect. You could eat all the meat without the sauce if you want to, but the sauce just makes it THAT much better. The only negative thing I have with the place is their selection of sides. The only choices I had were coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and the side of the day (which happened to be collared greens). I'm not a huge fan of either of those foods in general, but the baked beans were pretty good. I would love some macaroni and cheese or maybe even some corn bread. Maybe they fall in as one of the sides of the day on a different day? Well you don't go to a BBQ place for the sides anyways so it still gets a 5! This will definitely be a place to take friends that come visit me all the way OTP.

    (5)

  • Janette H.

    WOW, WOW, WOW they are Fantastic! This Family Owned Business sure knows how to cook it up With Style! They will even Teach You how they do it! Now that is Sharing & Caring! Every time I go back, they amaze me again! Keep up the gooooooood cookin' Janette Hames, Woodstock, GA

    (5)

  • Lisa D.

    $2 pork shooters are a must try

    (5)

  • Bethany D.

    This place is awesome! We drove by this tiny little house for several months before we finally said, "Lets try this"... it is mouth watering! You won't be disappointed!

    (5)

  • Joseph C.

    Best BBQ in Kennesaw and I would bet greater Cobb County...they win best BBQ awards often, dominate the Pigs & Peaches competition and never sease to deliver great, smoky BBQ...everything here is good, especially the ribs & smoked poultry, just get there early b/c the brisket goes quick...enough talk, go check this place out, you'll be a repeat offender like me...

    (5)

  • Bryan O.

    If you are looking for your typical southern barbecue joint with your typical selection of grilled meats, look elsewhere. If you are hoping for a trendy, overrated, sports bar style restaurant serving reheated leftovers at top prices (i.e., Smokejack), you have found the wrong place. Big Shanty Smokehouse is real barbecue; as real as it gets. Dining here is like being invited over to a private home for some of the best barbecue you will ever have in your life. Everything on the menu is exceptional. The competition grade meat is smoked to perfection, producing a mouthwatering bark, complimented with a homemade barbecue sauce that is out of this world. While it is true, they do have some "off-days" and they do not serve alcoholic beverages, the off-days are far and few between and the food is so good, you completely forget that you wish you had a nice cold beer to go with it. We eat here at least once a week, sometimes more. The service is always friendly and the environment is comfortable. The prices are the best in town for the quantity and quality. A full rack of ribs (my personal favorite) will run you around $18. My family of three eats here and leaves full for around $30. You won't find a better value or quality anywhere else in town. Believe me, we have been to them all and now we only come here.

    (5)

  • Stephanie H.

    We've been twice now and love it! Great hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint. The pork is great - especially the chopped outside pieces. YUM!!! The house-made sausages are good too, and the mac-and-cheese, potato salad and green beans are excellent. Not a big fan of the brunswick stew... I don't like peas in it.

    (4)

  • Kate W.

    Best damn barbeque I've had in years. The prices are cheap and the portions are generous. You can't get anything like what they offer. It is located in a house, which was turned into a restaurant. Big shantys has tons of character, but more importantly the food is remarkable. Everything has delicious flavor. Great quality food!! Definitly give them a try, you'll be happy you did.

    (5)

  • Whitney H.

    Best BBQ in Kennesaw!! Their homemade BBQ sauce is simply amazing, their sides are delicious, especially the pasta salad!! It looks shabby on the outside, but it's the bet around!!

    (5)

  • A. W.

    Amazing Barbeque!! Best we have ever had! The location is great and the building super cute. The family that owns and operates it is so nice and the food...WOW I highly recommend going here and as often as you can! If you live further away, the drive is worth it! Their pulled chicken is so moist and their sauce is yummmmmy! They also have a special of Turkey ribs that will knock your socks off! Run! Don't walk to this place!!

    (5)

  • David S.

    Good basic pulled pork

    (3)

  • Dana P.

    This is the best barbecue place I have tried in all of the Atlanta Metro. The ribs are consistently delicious. Chic is always doing funky things with BBQ. I had smoked pork belly the other day! That was absolutely awesome! Nice smoky flavor, delicious meat that just melted in my mouth. If they have the green beans, get them, they are the best side. They will occasionally have smoked bologna. Get it. They smoke it for hours and then grill it before serving. It is really tasty.

    (5)

  • Richard S.

    Simply the best bbq in Cobb County with a fighters chance for the best in the state. Perfectly barked meats of all varieties with more flavor than flair. If they have them available (and they don't enough for my liking),try the turkey ribs. I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised turkies had ribs, but the fact that they are delicious might even throw off one more in the know of bird anatomy. A must go if you are near.

    (5)

  • Adrienne R.

    The smoked brisket is to DIE for!!! Great smoke flavor and very tender. However the mac n cheese is made with a cheese sauce, which I don't really care for. If you're going to make mac-n-cheese please use REAL cheese and don't just add noodles to a sauce...sorry guys it was tasteless.

    (3)

  • Rick J.

    I am always excited to try a new restaurant. I look forward to new sights, smells, and tastes. I had read the good reviews of Big Shanty Smokehouse: I knew I was going to love it. Not since a prehistoric cave man tried to train a grizzly bear to give him a tongue bath has anticipation ended in such abrupt disappointment. A barbecue restaurant should offer good sweet tea. The sweet tea here was so watery that I simply could not taste any tea. I gave up and got a refill of Coke. We ordered two items: (i) the Steve's Sampler Platter (pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and brisket); and (ii) the brisket plate. Between the two orders, we should have gotten four slabs of brisket. Instead, we got four slabs of fat. There were, literally, six small forkfuls of edible meat along the edges of slabs of oily gray lard. I can't imagine what the kitchen staff was thinking when they put that on a plate. Every piece of that blubber should have gone straight into the garbage. I asked if they had mustard sauce. They brought me a small plastic cup from the refrigerator. It had a little cold green wallpaper paste in the bottom. Really? How hard can it be to serve a good mustard sauce, and to serve it right? Go to Kroger and buy some Johnny Harris. When a guest wants mustard sauce, warm it up and serve it. We're not talking analytic trigonometry here. The pulled pork on the Steve's Sampler Platter was good. The ribs were good. I did not care for the sausage (but your mileage may vary). The sides (potato salad, baked beans) were average. Yelp's 3-Star rating means "A-OK." Sorry, friends: I am not going to give it. I am not going to say that it is "A-OK" for a restaurant to serve guests slabs of fat. Yelp's 2-Star rating means "Meh. I've Experienced Better." When applied to Big Shanty Smokehouse, that rating is a little rhetorical device I like to call "understatement." COMMENT: I went to Big Shanty Smokehouse again about a month after I wrote this review. I had the pulled pork, with baked beans and cole slaw. I originally gave Big Shanty Smokehouse 2 Stars. On my second visit, nothing happened to change that.

    (2)

  • Bird L.

    The ribs here are absolutely THE best ! Pulled pork is very good and the smoked chicken is delicious.

    (5)

  • Candice B.

    Best barbecue I've had since I moved here 6 months ago! I love their brisket!

    (5)

  • Brooks M.

    This has been my family's go-to BBQ restaurant for years now. Don't let the fact that it's actually a modest ranch home turned restaurant discourage you, this place is the real deal. I usually stick with the pulled pork platter, which is a generous portion of tender meat that's been slow roasted in the cooker you pass before going through the front door. Their signature sauce only makes it that much better, and the sides, I usually get the macaroni and beans, are quite good as well. To finish it off, the banana pudding is absolutely unparalleled. Service is great and the place is mostly family run, which just adds to the laid-back, down home environment.

    (5)

  • Mike T.

    Best barbeque I've had, besides family recipes. I'm from Texas, lived in kennesaw a short while and made a weekly stop here for the ribs and homemade desserts. Carrot Cake!!!! Buffalo rib tip special was incredible. Giant sides of MAC n CHEESE. This sauce isn't sold as the best sauce with a kick, although having hotter version may be nice. I mix in a little Texas Pete and its got the flavor with a little more kick. I enjoy it so much is like to have it mailed to Texas. Pulled pork is good. Brisket hasn't seen many good trips for me. Chicken is delectable. But ribs are a main staple for me. Mouth is watering just thinking about em. Family owned and operated. Pit master is a swell guy.

    (5)

  • Heather S.

    Look no further for the best BBQ in town...this is it!! Located in a cute little country house in downtown Kennesaw. We love going on Friday or Saturday when they have mac n cheese and collard greens as side options. Normally both get the pulled smoked chicken and it's amazing!!! Omg. And don't EVEN get me started on the deliciousness of the homemade banana pudding. It's like heaven in your mouth! My only complaint is since its family owned, they are often closed if something like a food fest or street fair type deal is going on. I always check their website just in case. Nothing's sadder then showing up excited for bad-a bbq and they are closed :( However, it's worth it because the family that owns and operates are all very nice, and heck they deserve some days off also (Closed Sundays and Mondays FYI). We love this place and always take our out of town people here for real BBQ.

    (5)

  • Mark M.

    Great atmosphere and even better food. The ribs and pulled pork are excellent. Even the sides are good.

    (4)

  • Rich H.

    The Chopped Pork, with Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens are the best.... Always tasty and plenty of food...

    (5)

  • Jaremy B.

    I love the brisket here. I am also a fan of the fact that they cater to those with gluten intolerance. Nearly everything on the menu is safe for me to eat. They even serve a gluten free bread.

    (5)

  • Ben A.

    Really good brisket and home made sausage. The mac & cheese is, as others have noted, disappointing. And the bread that came with my side was the worst piece of yeast and flour that I have ever tasted. I understand you don't go to a BBQ place for the bread, but that slice had to have come from the stalest loaf stashed away at the worst bread aisle in the most terrible market in the county. It was bad. But the meats were delicious. So I'll go back with different expectations next time.

    (4)

  • Darth N.

    Big Shanty is top tier bbq in Cobb County. No two ways about it. I prefer chopped pork with lots of bark, and I have never been disappointed. Their sauce is good, but I seldom use it. Properly smoked meat needs no sauce. The chopped pork is definitely my staple, but I've had occasion to try several other delicacies at Big Shanty as well. My favorite has been the smoked pork bellies, which definitely falls into the category of meat candy. The brisket is better than average, the homemade sausage is delectable, and the smoked salmon is tasty as well. To anyone that complains about the sides, you need to check for the daily specials to see what else may be available. Friday is my favorite, with mac and cheese and collard greens. I've heard that the banana pudding is great, but honestly I've never been able to accommodate dessert after eating the meal. The staff at Big Shanty are always friendly, and the restaurant clean and inviting. This will continue to be one of my regular spots for bbq.

    (5)

  • Jimmy C.

    They use real wood and smoke to slow cook their meat. In the last three weeks I have tried the Chicken & Pork bbq sandwich. Both are excellent and the portion in VERY generous. Today i was able to eat in and order the 1/4 slow smoked chicken with two sides. WOW, the smoked chicken was good. True smokey flavor with each bite. The slaw is nothing fancy, but very good. One of today's side's happened to be collards and you can tell these folks know southern food. This place is worth the time and energy to stop and grab some grub. They also have ribs, brisket and sausages all slow smoked. Their bbq sauce is unique for this NC bbq bigot, but I would indeed buy a bottle to eat later. The eatery itself is small and casual. The staff friendly with at least two of the principal owners behind the counter cooking and serving the 3-4 times I have visited. The only thing that would have made today's meal primo would have been a pint of Fullsteam Brewery's Hogwash. I also think this little place needs a FB page and Twitter ID, but then my SoMe side is showing.

    (4)

  • Michael O.

    Wow!I had the new Turkey Ribs which are supposed to be 80% healthier than regular ribs! I was kinda skeptical at first but I tried it anyway! I had Turkey Ribs, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad and Banana Pudding! Delicious! The BP could've been a little better but it was still good! I'll be back!

    (5)

  • Max B.

    After reading such great reviews, I knew I had to try Big Shanty Smokehouse. However, my dad and I arrived at 8:32 on a Saturday and we were denied service. Apparently, they close at 8:30. Let me remind you, this location is in Kennesaw, next to a pretty big university, and they're going to close at 8:30 on a Saturday? That's ridiculous. I was forced to take my money elsewhere.

    (2)

  • Bill S.

    Love love love this place! I consider myself to be a BBQ connoisseur, and this place is as good as they come! The ribs and brisket are out of this world, and their "homemade" bbq sauce is fantastic. Brunswick stew is great as well. The only thing I would like to see them improve on is their sides, the ones they have are good, but they don't have fries or onion rings, which are must haves with good bbq!

    (5)

  • Jamie M.

    Unfortunately we didn't really care for this place. My pulled pork sandwich and my husband's ribs were both dry and the flavor was just a bit off. We both left about half of our meals behind and went and got a snack later in the evening to make up for it. I think we are definitely in the minority about this though (or maybe it was just an off night), because a group came out right as we were entering and were raving about their brisket and tacos. If I was in the area and wanted to grab some quick carryout, I would give them a second try based on all the other rave reviews.

    (2)

  • Gary T.

    Stopped by Big Shanty for the first time in awhile about a week ago and the ribs are still as good as always. It's always a dilemma for me......deciding to try a new place that I'm curious about or going back to a place that I already know and love. I'm happy that I chose the latter this week:)

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    LOVE THIS PLACE! They have yet to disappoint with their delicious food and great family run staff. Don't let its humble appearance deter you. Its some of the best bbq I've ever had. Don't go in expecting greasy french fries though, they have homemade delicious veggies everyday. My husband and I recently started ordering The Sampler simply because its a little of everything and its HUGE. But the brisket, hands down, its the best restaurant bbq. Well done, BSS!

    (5)

  • Mark S.

    Went to Big Shanty today for about my third time to give them another try. A neighbor whose opinion on food in general, and BBQ specifically, I generally agree with, really raves about this place so I thought I should try them again. Went for lunch and ordered the chopped pork plate with beans and slaw. The meat portion is substatial and is already lightly saued (not generally a good sign to me) and was served with additional sauce on the side. I'd like to say it just wasn't my "style" but it really wasn't very good. A little burnt or bitter tasting, certainly not moist and sweet. Addding sauce helped but not by complementing the meat but by disguising its flavor. The baked beans are made with several kinds of beans and were OK but nothing to write home about. The slaw is finely chopped, mayonaise based and was the best thing on the plate but still about average on my personal cole slaw scale. I've tried this restaurnt at least three times and its just doesn't appeal to my BBQ taste. As a point of reference I really like Beaver Creek Biscuits & BBQ, Fox Bros, Pig and Chick and the various permutations of Sam & Dave's BBQ1 (including Dave Poes and Community BBQ).

    (2)

  • Krista M.

    We were actually looking for a Waffle House or a Hardee's and were only driving down the road to turn around when the Big Shanty caught our eye. It looks like someone's house both outside and in. The guy at the counter was super friendly and had lots of recommendations for us. We ended up with the Sampler Platter plus 1/4 chicken added on with mac and cheese and collard greens as sides. I grabbed one of the four indoor tables and was reading about all of their success. It would probably make a great stop for Guy Fieri. The food came out quickly and it was SUPERB! You cannot get brisket or pulled pork like that anywhere in Minnesota. It was just melt-in-your-mouth delicious! The sides were phenomenal and the chicken was good. The only thing I didn't care for was the sausage and that's just because it was a little too spicy for me. Otherwise it was all great. There was a constant stream of traffic coming in for take-out and I can see why. If we lived closer, we'd be regulars, too!

    (5)

  • Ross E.

    While their regular BBQ isn't the best (I reserve that for some local NC places I grew up near) I love this place for their specials. The smoked wings, rib bits, smoked quail and smoked duck are ALWAYS worth getting. I have dreams about those wings. Portion sizes are large, and while the price can easily add up, it always feels worth it. Service is fast, the people are friendly, and it's a great local place to recommend. If you're in the area, you can't go wrong. Easily the best BBQ joint in Cobb County.

    (4)

  • Reev J.

    First time here and I loved it Food was by far the best BBQ I have had in along time. The staff is super friendly and answered any questions about the food. I will definitely come here again

    (5)

  • Joshua H.

    First, let me say that I love barbecue. I mean, I really love it! If there was a 2.5 star option, I would have left that. I stopped in at Big Shanty early on a Friday with a couple of friends for lunch. The atmosphere at Big Shanty Smokehouse is unpretentious, and the staff is friendly. The banana pudding was really good as well. I ordered the combo of sausage and brisket with stew and beans. Though the portions were small for the price, the brisket and sausage were good, the beans were okay, and the stew was bad. It was not classic Brunswick stew. All I could taste was barbecue sauce, and that is not how stew is supposed to taste. What really got me though was the prices. Barbecue is supposed to be working man's food. We got three plates and drinks and it was over $40. That's before I payed for dessert. I don't think I'll be back to Big Shanty. It just wasn't worth it.

    (2)

  • Megan K.

    We wanted to try Big Shanty Smokehouse back in June on a visit but time ran short. Fast forward to moving here from Ohio. Based on not only the Yelp reviews but a recommendation from a friend, we headed on over finally to the restaurant. We ordered the sampler platter with extra ribs (brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage) along with greens & mac & Cheese. I really really wanted to love this place but we were just not impressed. The ribs had very little meat and were dry & while there was a small smoke ring, we really didn't taste any seasonings or smoke. The thing we were really excited to try was the brisket and it was unfortunately really dry. We had a few pieces of dark bark that we couldn't chew due to the jerky like toughness. I smoke myself on a Weber Smoky Mountain and truly not trying to be mean or funny, but my amateur food was better/more moist than Big Shanty. I don't like bashing people/places and I am absolutely not going to do that here. It's just an honest opinion of the meal we had that particular day. I will say their Mac & Cheese was probably some of the best I've ever had. I could have made a meal of just that, it was THAT good. I don't know, maybe we hit them on an off day. The restaurant is really cute and has that authentic BBQ shack feel which was really cool. The restaurant staff was very nice & helpful. Who knows if we're in the area again maybe we'll give them another shot. Like I said I was really wanting to love this place. I think we may have just caught them on a bad day and realize everyone (even me) is entitled to an off day.

    (2)

  • Mary T.

    I'd been wanting to go to Shanty's for quite some time because I'd heard so many positive things about their food. First, this establishment is small but they have plenty of seats in the rear of the restaurant. Upon entry you can see some of the sides when you're ordering at the cashier in front of the board with the sides of the day. I decided to order the pulled pork sandwich with the 2 sides of the day, which were macaroni & cheese and collard greens. Of the 3 things I'd ordered, my greens were the best thing I ate. The pork was unimpressive and macaroni & cheese, was just that. Noodles and a bland cheese sauce. I was disappointed in this place because I'd heard a lot about it and had seen signs for this place. Matter of fact, right before we came we were at a Starbucks and had asked the barista if he'd ever heard of it and he hadn't but his coworker chimed in and said it was great and we should go. Great must be another word for subpar because I won't be recommending this place to anyone I know nor will I be returning. I was going to give them 3 but I just couldn't. The people who worked here were nice, so that's why I gave them 2 but I couldn't raise it much more than that. Maybe 2.5.. With the following this place has, you'd think this would be better than Fat Matt's or Community Q BBQ but they definitely fall short. If someone asked me about this place, I'd say "meehh" and advise them not to waste their time.

    (2)

  • Jordan G.

    I eat here about once or twice a month. It is definitely the best bbq in the area by far, but it is not the greatest bbq I have ever had. Not crazy expensive, but not all that cheap either. Somewhere in the middle. Though sometimes the meat is a little dry, ultimately I would recommend this place. It's worth going to check it out.

    (4)

  • Matt C.

    It wasn't the best BBQ I've ever had, but it's certainly the best in the area. Would go again! The Mac and cheese is only offered on certain days but it was great.

    (4)

  • Tricia S.

    ***GLUTEN-FREE ALERT*** My mom has Celiac's and was excited to eat here when she learned all of their sauces were gluten-free and they actually make their own gluten-free bread (in addition to traditional rolls) daily. The only side item that isn't gluten-free is the mac n cheese. I had been excited to try this place because I had driven by and I'm always a sucker for hole-in-the-wall restaurants. The food from Big Shanty Smokehouse was tasty, with the exception of their cole slaw. Didn't really have any taste or flavor. The baked beans were interesting because there were different varieties of beans used, didn't have too much tomato or brown sugar in it, and certainly taste like it came from a can like most places. The ribs didn't fall of the bone like I expected but the meat was tender. The pork wasn't as juicy as I would've liked but it was very tender like the ribs.

    (4)

  • Lexie V.

    The pulled pork sandwich and banana pudding were absolutely delicious!!! They definitely know how to cook! I'm a pretty big snob when it comes to barbecue, but this place exceeded my expectations! The staff was super friendly as well! The joint is super small and very homey, and the smell that hits you even when your in the parking lot is just mouth watering. Only downfall is that the parking lot is really difficult to get in and out of if your car is lowered, because there is a ditch between the lot and the road. But I will definitely be back to this awesome Smokehouse!

    (5)

  • Jamie B.

    Pretty good BBQ joint. I had the sliders which consisted of pork and Chicken which was all quality smoked. The only thing I was not a fan of was the sauce. Too vinegary for me but I'm also from OK/TX. The meat did not need it however, because the smoky flavor was awesome!

    (4)

  • Lana A.

    Awesome bbq, as I am a Texas girl and a bbq snob. Delicious, great tea. Nice atmosphere and quick service. I would definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Will J.

    Came in the other day for lunch. First time being here. I am a huge BBQ fan and was excited after reading the reviews. I ordered the sampler. Comes with a taste of. . . Well. . Every meat. Lol. It was very good. I was bummed the ribs were not baby back. The sausage was the real winner here. It was so good! Many Bbq joints use a generic spice blend that is like them adding pepper. Here at Big Shanty Smokehouse, it tasted like much more. It was like traditional sausage with herbs and spices blended together. I liked the Bbq pork and the Bbq pulled chicken. Both were good. The brisket was a touch bit fatty, but was still good. I wasn't feeling the Mac and cheese. The collard greens were pretty good. Not the best I've had but definitely not the worse. All and all, I would definitely come back. It was a good mix up from my usual haunting grounds for Bbq.

    (4)

  • Christopher M.

    I'm a pretty big BBQ snob and this is among the best chopped pork I've had. Deep smoke flavor, moist, and great char. Brunswick stew was also some of the best I've had - love the little bit of heat it packs. Both very highly recommended. As for the "Award Winning" Banana pudding, I can't say it blew my mind; will skip that next time, but was fairly good. Atmosphere was good and clean, and staff was extremely friendly. Will definitely be back next time I'm in the area.

    (5)

  • Mike F.

    Good bbq but can get pricey. Once again its the best close option but is no bubba q. The family that runs the business is nice and have always given great service.

    (3)

  • Tammy N.

    I'm an equal-opportunity BBQ eater but this is some of the best I've had in Georgia. I used to drive all the way to Lawrenceville when I happened to be in the mood for some 'Q but now I don't have to. This place is right down Cherokee from downtown Kennesaw. Super convenient especially to where I live. Smells and tastes delicious and the service is friendly and quick. The pulled pork is a little bit more "pulled" than I prefer but the ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and have that fabulous smokey essence I love so much. Don't miss the coleslaw. Perfection. Crunchy and not too sweet.

    (4)

  • Sid V.

    Stopped here after reading many great reviews. Started off with a brisket sandwich. Sandwich is served with a side of sauce. Sauce is tomato-based, tangy, a little sweet, not much bite. My daughter loved it - I'd like a little heat. Brisket had a nice charred taste, but was, unfortunately, dry. Not overly dry, but by no means tender. Decided to try a half-slab of ribs. Not a bad taste, but not Fat Matt's quality. Did not try any sides. Service was fast and friendly. My daughter loved the brisket, I prefer 'Cue or Dickey's.

    (3)

  • Nicole P.

    I love the homey feel of this place. The food is excellent; everything I have tried there is amazing. The only item on the menu I'm only so-so about is the mac & cheese. Its good but it takes a backseat to the other sides when it comes to flavor. The staff is so friendly you feel like you are eating at a family member's house. I love that they post the daily specials on the website too.

    (4)

  • Russell G.

    Excellent pulled pork, brisket was OK (huge chunks which was interesting), chicken and ribs solid. Sides left a little to be desired, but sitting outside on picnic table next to a smoker on a 70 degree day gets an A+ for character.

    (4)

  • Tracie F.

    I am super picky about barbecue. This place is amazing. Both the pulled and the chopped pork were superb (although I like the chopped best). However, the sides?!?!?! The baked beans were the best I've ever had. Ever. Anywhere. I didn't know baked beans could be so amazingly tasty. And we had the special skillet corn, which, again, was just perfect. Spicy, smoky, and not soggy. My only dislike was the tea. So order a soda and enjoy the perfection of everything else!

    (5)

  • David B.

    This is as good as it gets for BBQ! The family that runs it really are so hardworking and nice. It's wonderful to see people just take something from nothing and totally build it up to such a fine place to eat. Who would have thought Kennesaw and/or Georgia needed another BBQ restaurant??? Yet, they set a new standard. The BBQ is wonderful, the brisquets are great. They always have a nice lunch special or dinner special such as Corned Beef, which is sheer heaven. The beans are mixed beans and vegetarian! no pork!! and the slaw is great. They serve "gluten-free" bread and desserts for people that have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The homemade bread is wonderful, even though I have no problems with gluten, I eat it anyway. It's a smaller BBQ restaurant, but well worth it. Yes, they have inside seating, but it's a smaller space. Outside patio seating as well.

    (5)

  • Scott W.

    Good sauce. Good pulled pork. Good coleslaw. Pretty much all you need for a good BBQ joint.

    (4)

  • Mike W.

    Try the smoked Turkey Ribs......Trust Me!!

    (5)

  • Jonathan W.

    You know a BBQ place is good when you drive right past another BBQ restaurant to get to this one...Ribs done extremely well, the homemade sausage is out of this world as well! Check the board for their rotating "trio" of special meats or their gourmet selections like smoked prime rib or duck...This is definitely a destination spot.

    (4)

  • Lisa B.

    Let me proceed by saying I hate BBQ (you all can *gasp* now). I will avoid eating BBQ at all costs. However, my friend had a party for her father's 60th birthday over the weekend and Big Shanty catered it. The food was AMAZING. The shredded pork was excellent (not all fatty like Sonny's) and the BBQ sauce they provided was the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. The potato salad was also out of this world. Not an excessive amount of mayo which is key to great potato salad. Would definitely go and dine at Big Shanty after enjoying their catering to try some of their other offerings.

    (5)

  • Jeramie D.

    This is a good BBQ Joint. I would go back for sure. The Family that runs the place is great, and very helpful. I had the Sampler platter that includes Ribs, Sausage, Brisket and Pork. The night I went they actually gave me pulled pork, and chopped pork that hey had that day. The portion was enormous and I am a big eater. The sides were OK, I actually just had the Brunswick stew which counted as both of my sides, but my wife had the potato salad. My favorite was probably the Ribs, they were a little dry, but still tasty. The Brisket was the same way, but I got some very lean pieces, so that probably had something to do with it. If I had gotten some brisket slices with a little more fat marbled in, the Brisket would have been my favorite. One thing I noticed was that the rub was very mild if there was one. I really like brisket and ribs that have a good seasoned rub that you can still taste a little after the smoking. Over all I would recommend this place as it is a good meal. I also went pretty close to closing, so I bet if you went earlier in the day the meat would only be better.

    (3)

  • Dan P.

    Found my new favorite local BBQ place. The ribs are excellent, the choppped bbq is excellent, you just can't find a better BBQ place in Atlanta.

    (5)

  • Charles F.

    Great down home southern BBQ. Smoked beef brisket is a must. Friendly people and friendly service. Everything is home made.

    (5)

  • Amy G.

    When I get that hankerin' for some BBQ, this is always the first place that pops into my head. (BTW, for all of your transplants, hankerin'=yerning.) Small and intimate, the BSSH will definitely leave you feeling like a backwoods bbq shack. But it does not disappoint! I used to think that it was hard to mess up some good ole' southern bbq, then I was proven wrong, and THEN I found this place. They just do everything right. The pulled pork sandwich is more like a massive load of pulled pork piled atop the bottom of the bun with the top of the bun hiding somewhere in the mix. The mac-n-cheese was delish as was the nanner pudding. If you're in the area, skip Smokey Bones and grab this authentic grub!

    (5)

  • John F.

    I just moved from California (who hasn't) and went to the Pig and Peaches festival a few weeks back. Of course BSSH was there and I decided that this was the day to try it! I first had a brisket sandwich (so good about 1 hour later I needed more) so I got a pulled pork sandwich ( the best!!). It was all so good that when I recently went home I stopped by and flew back 1lb of pulled pork and a full rack of ribs! My left coast family LOVED it so much that if I don't bring more home on the next visit.....don't bother coming is what I was told! Great job!

    (5)

  • Dru J.

    I believe its fair to say that the Atlanta area is not one of the country's great barbecue destinations. After sampling Big Shanty this still holds true. Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, which in the past was known mainly for its Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, and the notorious "Wildman" Dent Myers' store, purveyors of good old fashioned racism. Fortunately, the owners of Big Shanty are much more welcoming. I went with the sampler platter, which consisted of homemade sausage, smoked pork, spare ribs and brisket. A quarter chicken was ordered separately. Sides consisted of collards,, mac & cheese, baked beans and potato salad. The ribs, which were the purpose of this journey, brandished a nice smoke ring but suffered from a miscalculation in the dry rub formula that left a none too pleasant after taste. The "homemade" sausage that should have stayed home, was seriously lacking in the strong seasonings required to withstand a rigorous smoking. The chicken, coated with the same dry rub as the ribs, seemed better suited to the rub . The smoked pork, served pulled, may be one of the better versions of this dish being served locally but the true star of this story is the brisket. Beautifully charred on the outside and nicely smoked, it alone is worth the trip. The sides, much like the meats, were uneven. Someone was too heavy handed with the sugar in the greens, but the mac cheese, a stove top variety, was oozing with cheesy goodness. The potato salad required a total makeover but the baked beans, a nicely seasoned three bean affair, were excellent. Come for the brisket and friendly atmosphere, but you may want to bring your own sauce.

    (3)

  • Timothy L.

    I love some BBQ, but I do not get the love for this joint. I went there once and didn't see the appeal, so I decided to go back to see if they were just having an off-day and didn't deliver up to their potential... alas this is not the case. Both times I have tried the sampler platter, which includes pulled pork, ribs, brisquet, and sausage with two sides. None of it is especially good. The pulled pork is fine, but I've had better and bar-b-que sauce is what adds the extra zip to it, in my opinion, and theirs isn't anything special. The ribs are unflavorful, poor quality of meat, and have no spices or anything to add any flavor, they don't even put BBQ sauce on it. The sausage is bland and feels overcooked, and the brisquet was not my cup of tea. The baked beans are the soul positive at this joint. They were flavorful and tasty, but my other side, cole slaw, was overly diced and lacking in flavor. On top of this they don't have any corn bread or texas toast to go with their meals, just plain bread. Will not be back, I suggest the same to you.

    (1)

  • Rufus B.

    Do yourself a favor and get the ribs. They are outstanding. The sauce is very good too.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :Closed
  • Mon : Closed
    Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Divey, Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : Yes
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : Yes

Big Shanty Smokehouse

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