BBQ 1 - Marietta, Georgia

Nine months ago, a new BBQ place opened on Lower Roswell Road just east of Johnson Ferry Road in east Cobb County. Sam & Dave's BBQ 1 is at 4944 Lower Roswell Road and is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-7:30pm (8pm on Friday and Saturday and until the meat is gone on Sunday or 6pm, whichever comes first). The phone # is 770/977-3005. The owners have competed on the BBQ circuit for several years and have a very small dining area filled with trophies. Inside seating is ten max. Ouside, perhaps another ten.

My first visit was last week. I ordered a jumbo chopped pork sandwich and it may have been the best I have ever had. It was excellent, to say the least. This week I ordered a jumbo brisket sandwich, and it was the best brisket I have had since moving to Georgia in 1982. Tonight I took my wife and daughter, and was reminded that the last time I took them out for BBQ was at Dreamland in Roswell - and my credibility was on the line.

We arrived at 7:45pm - fifteen minutes before the posted closing time. We were greeted by a sign on the door stating that they were out of pork, beef and baked beans. My wife ordered the 1/2 chicken, my daughter had baby back ribs and I ordered St. Louis ribs. Our sides included Texas toast, brunswick stew, homemade mac & cheese, and a salad of tomatoes, onion, and cucumber. The brunswick stew was good, not great. The other items were all exceptionally good. My daughter announced that my credibility had been restored.

I have been having lunch at BBQ 1 about once a week for the last several weeks. The pork sandwiches are extremely good, but the brisket is fantastic - best in Georgia, hands down. Today, I tried their take out for the first time. One pound each of pork and beef, both sauces (sweet and NC style vinegar based), Texas toast and a pint of field peas - which they have just started serving. All three of my guests raved about how good the BBQ was. The field peas were the best I have ever had. The former Del's BBQ in Smyrna was a close second on the field peas, but they have been gone for ten years. These are available today.