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Harold's Barbecue

171 McDonough Blvd, SE, Atlanta, GA - (404) 627-9268
One of the South’s grand old smoke pits, Harold's has built its reputation on velvet-soft sliced pork, racks of meaty ribs, and bowls of old-fashioned Brunswick stew. Sliced pork is velvet-soft and unbelievably tender; pork ribs come as a magnificent rack – ultra-thick, heavily glazed with beguiling sauce, their crusty-lush meat pulling off the bone in messy strips.
90% Approval Rating (33 votes)

Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Brunswick stew
cornbread
sliced pork
chopped pork
ribs

Highlighted Reviews

rating
Michael Stern - Photos (7)
Roadfood.com Editor
" How do you find great barbecue in the Deep South? Look for images of pigs, for pork is king in Dixie. Many of the best places have pig-shaped signs, cartoon pictures of pigs on display, and shelves arrayed with pig figurines. If, in addition to porcine décor, the ..."   [Read More]
rating
Matthew Metcalfe
September 07, 2009
"Like the other reviewers have commented, Harold's is an "establishment." Immediately upon pulling into the parking lot you realize you are in for something special. The building is decrepit. Heavy bars cover the windows to keep the window units from disappearing ..."   [Read More]
rating
Paul Pressley
February 29, 2004
"Harold's is as much an Atlanta institution, as The Varsity drive-in. And the food is MUCH better. It's like a slice of country americana, nestled between a Federal pen, and a housing project. Once inside, feel safe. The cops eat at Harold's, and there's a few guns ..."   [Read More]

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Map & Web Site

171 McDonough Blvd, SE, Atlanta, GA
(404) 627-9268

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Lunch
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:No
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
Harold's is more famous for its chopped and sliced pork, but these ribs demand attention!  In the background:  cole slaw and a bowl of Brunswick stew.
"Harold's is more famous for its chopped and sliced pork, but these ribs demand attention! In the background: cole slaw and a bowl of Brunswick stew."
Michael Stern





No Georgia barbecue meal is complete without some Brunswick stew.  At Harold's, it is a fine-textured soup/stew of pork, corn kernels, and tomato shreds.
"No Georgia barbecue meal is complete without some Brunswick stew. At Harold's, it is a fine-textured soup/stew of pork, corn kernels, and tomato shreds."
Michael Stern


Delicious all by itself, Harold's cornbread is essential for mopping and sopping sauce off one's plate.  It's also good for crumbling into bowls of Brunswick stew.
"Delicious all by itself, Harold's cornbread is essential for mopping and sopping sauce off one's plate. It's also good for crumbling into bowls of Brunswick stew."
Michael Stern


The bread for this sandwich is lightly toasted on a grill above the wood fire behind Harold's counter.  It is ordinary bread, but the smoke taste it inhales makes it special.
"The bread for this sandwich is lightly toasted on a grill above the wood fire behind Harold's counter. It is ordinary bread, but the smoke taste it inhales makes it special."
Michael Stern


Harold's has been an Atlanta destination for more than half a century.
"Harold's has been an Atlanta destination for more than half a century."
Michael Stern


In the South, a happy pig almost always signals good barbecue.
"In the South, a happy pig almost always signals good barbecue."
Michael Stern


Apparently, this photo is now history. We have been told (but have not personally tasted) that Harold's has gone to gas cooking and no longer burns wood. We were assured that the BBQ remains excellent.
"Apparently, this photo is now history. We have been told (but have not personally tasted) that Harold's has gone to gas cooking and no longer burns wood. We were assured that the BBQ remains excellent."
Michael Stern



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