The Art of Southern 'Cue: Smokin' in Savannah When it comes to Georgia BBQ, Savannah is a city that truly knows its way around a pit.
The Art of Southern 'Cue: Smokin' in Savannah
When it comes to Georgia BBQ, Savannah is a city that truly knows its way around a pit. The slow-cooked tradition has been perfected over centuries, with pitmasters carefully tending to their smokers as they coax out the rich flavors of tender meat. For those who crave the authentic taste of Southern 'cue, Savannah's got you covered.
The Anatomy of a Pit
At its core, Georgia BBQ is all about low-and-slow cooking – using indirect heat and wood smoke to break down connective tissues in meat, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Pits and smokers are the heart and soul of any respectable BBQ joint, with each carefully selected for its unique ability to impart a distinct flavor profile onto the meat.
For those interested in learning more about the art of pit-smoking, Savannah's got plenty of resources available. The Savannah Bee Company offers regular workshops on traditional Southern cuisine, including BBQ 101 – where you can learn the ins and outs of selecting the perfect wood, trimming meats just so, and coaxing out that perfect smoke flavor.
Meat Me in Savannah
When it comes to choosing the best 'cue spots in Savannah, there are a few must-tries. The Lady & Sons, founded by Paula Deen, is an institution when it comes to Southern comfort food – including their signature BBQ. Another local favorite is Parker's Barbeque, where tender ribs and slow-cooked brisket are smothered in their secret sauce.
For a more laid-back 'cue experience, head on over to the Savannah Riverwalk – where you can enjoy a picnic-style meal at one of many riverside restaurants. The Crab Shack is a great spot for seafood lovers, with plenty of fresh catches and all the fixin's.
BBQ Joint Survival Guide
Before heading out on your 'cue adventure, be sure to pack:
- Comfortable shoes – you'll likely want to try several different spots
- A healthy appetite – we can't stress that enough!
- Your camera – for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments
Some practical tips to keep in mind: many BBQ joints are cash-only, so be sure to bring plenty of green. Don't be afraid to ask your server or pitmaster about their secret sauce recipes – they'll likely share a thing or two with you!