The fact that Buford is surrounded by barbecue tradition is good news for both your stomach and your phone’s camera roll—don’t pretend like you don’t have an entire album devoted to smoke rings or side trips for brisket slicing. Our proximity to pitmasters means we have access to some of the best ‘cue in the state, from ribs to pulled pork to burnt ends.
Moonie’s Texas BBQ
$ | (678) 828-8366 | WEBSITE
We head to Moonie’s whenever we want a hearty and casual meal that’s all about authentic barbecue. The counter-service spot in Flowery Branch doubling as a laidback eatery has a straightforward menu made up mostly of smoked meats, classic sides, and barbecue staples. Our go-to is the brisket sliced thin and coated in a tangy sauce, paired with the pulled pork piled high on a bun.
They also have a family-friendly atmosphere with friendly staff and comfortable seating, which is our foolproof way to a satisfying weekend lunch.
Wings Avenue
$ | (770) 236-0069 | WEBSITE
This popular Buford restaurant has been serving up consistently great wings for years, so it’s hard to find a local who doesn’t have fond memories of digging into generous portions of fresh, flavorful chicken with that addictive yum yum sauce. The most iconic dish here, though, is the hibachi chicken, a flat-out satisfying standout.
Moist, tender pieces are piled up on the plate, with that tasty sauce that we want to put on everything—dipping each perfectly cooked wing and finishing every last bit of crispy fries is a regular ritual here.
Chef JK Korean BBQ Master
$ | (678) 288-9300 | WEBSITE
This Korean BBQ spot in Buford treats its meats with the care and precision we reserve for our favorite cast-iron skillet. The rich, savory broth in the Han Bang Gal Bi Tang is straight-up soul-warming. They serve short ribs seasoned to perfection, and the meats arrive sizzling on hot plates over beds of green onions and bean sprouts.
When you add generous portions, tasty side dishes, and servers who make us feel like regulars to the equation, Chef JK Korean BBQ Master is a place we want to have a standing reservation with.
All That Korean BBQ
$$ | (470) 589-1308 | WEBSITE
All That Korean BBQ is a no-frills mom-and-pop spot in Buford where you grab a table, pick your meats, and watch the staff grill them right at your table—or take the tongs yourself if you’re feeling adventurous. Hidden among the many options is one of the best barbecue dishes around: the spicy brisket. The tender, marinated beef is seared to perfection, served sizzling with a side of kimchi and steamed egg. The best part? The all-you-can-eat feast will only set you back about $25.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (470) 238-0888 | WEBSITE
Texas Roadhouse feels like a lively barn dance hall set somewhere in the heart of Texas, with rustic wood accents and country-themed decor, and is basically a family-friendly party. And the warm, inviting dining room with servers line dancing is exactly where we want to dig into endless hot rolls with cinnamon butter and fill up on tender prime rib, perfectly cooked steaks, generous portions of homemade-tasting food, and kid-friendly options.
This steak house spot is always packed with families, locals popping in for the lively atmosphere, and people celebrating special occasions, which certainly makes a night here fun.
Bally Budaejjigae
$ | (770) 654-8000 | WEBSITE
You go to Bally Budaejjigae in Buford to eat your fill of Korean stew that’s served with fresh sides and spicy broth. The homely spot, complete with attentive service and a convenient shared lot with Assi Plaza, is where you’ll find groups of friends going wild over a mostly-stew menu of dishes. There are budaejjigae bowls loaded with every possible add-in option, octopus stir-fry praised as the best in Georgia with tender octopus, and donkatsu made crispy with a sufficient portion size.
The seafood soup comes with soft baby octopus and amazing broth, while the steak dish offers surprisingly flavorful and tender meat.
Soul Truckin Good
$ | (404) 670-6947 | WEBSITE
A meal at Soul Truckin Good is the reason you’ll find us in Buford mingling with locals. The barbecue food truck is known for its welcoming service and is considered a family-owned favorite, which you can probably tell just by stepping up to the window and noticing the friendly banter and pun-filled menu board. Their commitment to quality extends to the food itself, too.
There’s mac ‘n’ cheese, collards, and a pulled pork sandwich (all of which are pretty good), but you’re here for the lamb burger with all the toppings—sinking your teeth into one of these is the best reason to wait in line.
Thrill Korean Steak And Bar
$$ | (470) 238-3656 | WEBSITE
Buford has plenty of straightforward Korean BBQ spots and places that have been around since the ’90s. Thrill Korean Steak And Bar is a perfect balance between the two. The menu features Korean classics you’d expect at a traditional joint, like bulgogi beef and galbi short ribs, plus elevated takes—don’t miss the fantastic smoked pork belly and pork brisket, cooked tableside and bursting with flavor.
Modern wood accents and warm lighting keep the Korean theme going strong (but not in a kitschy-everywhere kind of way).
Branch House Tavern
$ | (678) 828-8345 | WEBSITE
When you want a classic Buford barbecue experience, head to Branch House Tavern. The walls of this hidden gem are covered in rustic wood panels, vintage license plates, and barbecue memorabilia, and the bar is always full of people eating huge portions of smoked meats. Their brisket is solid, but our favorite thing is the fried BBQ ribs (get them with the Palmetto Gold sauce) that have just the right amount of crisp and smoke. They’re big enough to feed the entire Falcons defensive line.
And if they have smoked wings as a special, order them—their Stupid Hot version with that fiery glaze is as authentic as it gets.
B.B’S Wings
$ | (770) 676-6666 | WEBSITE
The friendly owners Richard and Linda at B.B’S Wings make this place feel like they’re gunning for a neighborhood favorite. But it’s still a great stop for a casual weeknight dinner when you’re in the mood for wings. We like the Cajun BBQ and lemon pepper wings, but if we’re feeling like a super high-roller, the braised option is fantastic.
Socks Love Barbecue
$ | (470) 302-8383 | WEBSITE
The best barbecue joint in Buford makes pulled pork sandwiches we would drive across three counties in a downpour to sink our teeth into. Smoky outside, packed with a generous helping of tender meat, and doused in tangy sauce, these little beauties alone are worth the trip.
We also come to this plaza-side institution for their loaded brisket plates and sides of mac and cheese, the free hunk of cornbread, and a cozy setting complete with welcoming staff, and a bar area that’s so inviting you can barely bring yourself to leave.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
$$ | (770) 255-1717 | WEBSITE
The only thing better than digging into tender, smoky barbecue is doing so in a place that feels like home. Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q is located in Buford, and has a warm, rustic dining room to savor a combo plate of amazing smoked meats and ponder the simple joys of good food. While you’re there, get a side of banana pudding. It’s wonderfully creamy, and layered with vanilla wafers and fresh bananas for a sweet finish.
Iron Age Korean Steakhouse – Mall of Georgia
$$ | (678) 541-5055 | WEBSITE
Iron Age Korean Steakhouse is a Korean BBQ playground, and while you could order some pre-cooked dishes, the star of Iron Age is the tabletop grill. This spacious spot in the Mall of Georgia features an open and welcoming space that’s perfect for grilling up premium steak, pork, and seafood for hours. The experience is full of well-seasoned meats punched up with a few dips of savory sauces alongside other hits like the vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Come here on the busiest, most hectic days so you can forget about the mall crowds and act like you’re sizzling up some delicious beauties somewhere a little closer to Seoul.
Pig Tales on Lake Lanier
$ | (678) 828-7676 | WEBSITE
This place on the lake has huge water views and giant open-air decks that might make you feel a bit like you’re dining right on the marina. Which is why we come here with friends, family, or anytime we want to feel like we’re on vacation over some very good barbecue. The menu stays consistent with what works, but you can always count on great nachos, smoked meats, and signature burgers like the 3 Sisters and the BLT burger.
Yogi
$ | (678) 926-3019 | WEBSITE
Yogi is where to go in Buford for quick and easy donburi bowls, toasts, fried dumplings, and shrimp kimbap with potato salad. The casual, counter-service spot is also relaxed, serves incredibly generous portions like the pork belly donburi with wing sauce, and is a favorite for many—so bring along that friend who just spent two weeks exploring Atlanta’s food scene and driving around in a well-worn SUV.
And in case it’s important to you, the touchscreen ordering system makes everything straightforward and efficient.
Suthern Cluck Chicken and Waffle
$ | (678) 926-3684 | WEBSITE
This soul food spot is where you’ll find some seriously satisfying chicken and waffle dishes. Hot and crispy chicken tenders are served alongside golden waffles, fried turkey wings are seasoned to perfection with southern spices, and brisket sandwiches come piled high with tender meat. If you’re after a comforting meal with someone who loves hearty food, make your way here.