For the past 6 months, my wife and I have had a project. Examining and studying the BBQ of Georgia. To generate our list of the finest. No paid endorsements, just pure BBQ pleasure.

This follow on the heels of my final report on the finest steakhouses in America. Only this is a bit more specialized and provincial - Georgia only!

And here is the final tally:

1) Fincher's - in Macon
Still maintaining its longstanding place at #1. The entire experience, from meat to stew to tea to service and locale - all first rate. The real deal.

2) Dean's BBQ in Jonesboro
A surprise to us. Had not experienced it before. Simple, order from a counter, and sit in lawn chairs under a pavilion. But the food is outstanding. And they have the added bonus of homemade cakes. Not to mention the guy who runs the joint - no word to describe him.

3) Harold's in Atlanta on McDonough Blvd
A jewel of a joint, unchanged for years and located next to the federal prison just south of Turner Field and near Carver High School. Great stew. Best in Atlanta - I know, I have tried nearly all of them.


4) The Iron Pig - Jefferson, GA
A new contestant. Found it by accident while getting patio furniture reslung. 2 guys preparing and serving excellent meat and superb stew out of a trailer next to a Baptist Church on the edge of town. Caught them on the day before the fireworks festival - they were prepping a whole hog and stuffing it with full chickens before cooking. A wonderful surprise.

5) Tucker's - Macon
Not sure if this place is still open. At one time, was my favorite, but the last two times I have been, they have been closed. Still keeping them on the list in hopes that I caught them at a bad time. If they are closed, this is a major loss for Western civilization and leaves Fincher's as the last bastion of fine BBQ in Macon. Tommy Tucker is the proprietor. And this place is special if still around.