GA's Best BBQ Joint Named In Southern Living's New Survey

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA — Georgia's best barbecue joint is smoking hot with classic flavors, according to a new ranking.

The readers of Southern Living once again voted Southern Soul Barbeque on St. Simons Island as Georgia's 2026 Best Barbecue Joint, the magazine announced in March.

Southern Living hosted a survey that included at least 17,000 readers making their selections from July 9-Sept. 9 last year.

Third-party agency Proof Insights conducted the online ranking, according to the magazine.

"Barbecue inspires a special kind of loyalty in the South. When we asked 'Southern Living' readers to name the best barbecue joint in their state, they showed up with strong opinions and even stronger favorites. Readers chose plenty of old standbys, but a few impressive upstarts are also on the hot list," the magazine wrote.

Dishing out award-winning cuisine, Southern Soul was named among 16 of the South's best barbecue eateries.

The Demere Road restaurant boasts a menu that features the jumbo pulled pork soul sandwich, smoke sausage, smoked chicken salad, barbecuban, soul burger, 100 percent 'sup dawg, hoppin' johns, chili and cobbler.

See what Southern Living says about Southern Soul Barbeque:

"Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Southern Soul is known for delighting diners with contemporary twists on classic Georgia barbecue. Smoky pulled pork and savory Brunswick stew are served alongside unique brown sugar-and-honey-glazed ribs. Kick things off by sipping tropical drinks at the outdoor Channel Marker Bar, and then find something tempting on the daily specials board, like smoked prime rib sandwiches, jerk-chicken burritos and house-cured pastrami Reubens."

Southern Soul Barbeque: 2020 Demere Road, St. Simons Island, 912-638-7685