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Sam's BBQ1
Category: Restaurants Barbeque Barbeque [Edit]
4944 Lower Roswell RdMarietta, GA 30068
(770) 977-3005
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 7:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Sam's BBQ1
Review Highlights
"Their mac and cheese is among the best."
(in 16 reviews)
"Sam and Dave's Baked Beans followed this rule and paired..."
(in 9 reviews)
"Best brisket in the metro area."
(in 22 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Nick D.
Alpharetta, GA
10/10/2011
The ribs here are a real treat. They are more natural and less flavored than other places, which is a nice change of pace sometimes. The sandwiches are good and the sides are as well. The mac and cheese was very good. It used to be quite small and more of a take-out joint but I hear they have expanded since my last visit. I need to get back and check it out.
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Review from Daniel B.
5/31/2011 6 photos
I ate at Sam's BBQ1 years ago when it used to be known as Sam and Dave's BBQ1. It also used to only be a takeout joint, but now they've opened a dine-in space two doors down from the previous and still existing space. This was a much needed addition as I'm sure many customers were occasionally deterred by the takeout-only option.
While Sam stayed here, the other two Daves (there was a Sam, Dave, and Dave) opened their own restaurants. One Dave opened Dave Poe's BBQ across town while the other Dave opened up Community Q in Decatur. Both have dine-in seating, so perhaps Sam opened up his dine-in space as a response. Unless you live in the area, BBQ1 is not easy to get to from any of Atlanta's major highways. It's too bad for the many Atlantans who don't live or work up this way because BBQ1 is pretty good.
Out of all the BBQ joints I've eaten at, I've never seen so many trophies proudly displayed inside one restaurant. At a recent Friday lunch, Sam was ringing up customer after customer by himself. The space inside the dining area is comparable to Dave Poe's BBQ, maybe a bit bigger. It consists of a combination of booth, table, and bar-style seating along the windows. This is one of those restaurants where you stand in line, place your order, and take a number. The servers bring your food out to you. You grab your own drinks (fountain drinks), silverware, napkins, and BBQ sauce. This place fills up fast and seating can get tight. You can tell they tried to fit as many seats inside this space as comfortably as possible.
Sam offers two kinds of BBQ sauce for you: KC-style (tomato-based) and NC-style (vinegar-based). It's nice that this restaurant offers North Carolina-style BBQ sauce as I haven't found too many places in Atlanta that offer it (Heirloom Market is one of the other ones). The menu offers traditional BBQ favorites including pulled pork, brisket, chicken, sausage, and ribs. Sides include Southern staples such as Brunswick stew, mac and cheese, fried okra, green beans, slaw, etc. With the BBQ, you can order sandwiches or plates. The plates come with two sides and in two sizes: "lunch" and "dinner." The lunch portions are smaller and less expensive (lunch plate is $8.95 and dinner is $11.95). The food comes out surprisingly fast.
Items I've tried include the beef brisket, cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, fried okra, fried pickles. My favorite item to get at almost any BBQ restaurant is pulled pork or beef brisket. I almost always get the brisket here because it's very good. It's sliced into small pieces and tender with a good smoky flavor.
Their mac and cheese is among the best. Large noodles, very cheesy, though sometimes a bit greasy. That's what helps make it good, though. The slaw is comparable to intown rival Williamson Bros. because of its muted, not-as-sour taste. The texture is completely different, however. The fried pickles are lightly battered and salty. They are not served with any type of dressing or dipping sauce. Sam also offers rum cakes, which are quite delectable. Soft, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Try one - they're located next to the cash registers.
So, kudos to Sam for opening a dine-in space. Now he just needs to move closer to town!Listed in: BBQ in ATL and the South
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Review from Jeff S.
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cold dry brisket although not fatty. The pulled pork was just average. Sweet BBQ sauce helped but spicy sauce not that great. The green bean were a big soggy mess. Super sweet baked beans best side almost too much brown sugar. The mac 'n cheese was also soggy with overcooked noodles and oily cheese.
Maybe I'm biased as they don't do Texas-style brisket, but I was less than impressed.
And I laughed at all the reviews commenting on their trophies, the place literally is covered wall to wall in them. -
Review from Ron H.
Roswell, GA
7/7/2011
2 bites of food. Mire like a BBQ snack
2 bites of food and that was it.....not a lunch but a snack...poor service, small serving....good news, they were not busy at lunch :) -
Review from Michelle H.
Santa Ana, CA
6/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the hot dog here, but what got me loving the place was their BBQ sauce. I kept dipping my hot dog and fries into the sauce!
My brother got the brisket and he thoroughly enjoyed it as he wolfed it down. The portions are kind of small, but the food is great. I'd go back for the BBQ sauce. -
Review from Jeff M.
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hooray for Sam's BBQ1! I will say this: No, it probably won't match up against the best of a given region, like pork ribs from KC or Memphis or even Alabama, pulled pork from NC, brisket or sausage from Texas. Accept that, move on, and you won't be disappointed here. I had the brisket here: juicy, tender, warm, and delicious. Initially appeared small in size, but ended up being pretty filling. The two kinds of BBQ sauce (KC style and NC style) do the trick. I got two sides: the tater tots (good but not as good as The Vortex) and the mac & cheese (delicious). I'm from NY originally. So no, BBQ wasn't born there, but places like Hill Country and Blue Smoke fill the void and fill it well. In Atlanta, with places like Sam's BBQ1, Community Q, and Fox Brothers, the BBQ void is filled in Atlanta and filled well. I'll be back for sure!
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Review from Elbee M.
8/17/2011
Great BBQ. worth a drive.
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Review from Jeff L.
8/21/2010
Alas, my journey for proper Pulled Pork BBQ continues ....
This place had so much promise, with all of the high praise on yelp and the numerous trophies decorating their walls. They have all of the right stuff on their menu, and the place looked good walking in. They even have NC-style sauce for your pork! Unfortunately, their pulled pork lived up only to average expectations.
I should probably start by saying that I'm from NC and am a bit of a pulled pork snob. We ordered (each got the pulled pork plate) and the food arrived quickly. We dug right in without any sauce and was hit with the taste of .... bland. The meat tasted like it hadn't been seasoned at all. I also thought the meat was a bit dry when it came out (though my wife said hers was juicier). We immediately had to dump all of the sauce over it to give it at least some flavor. It was definitely much improved, but it still tasted quite average.
The best pulled pork I've had doesn't need a lick of sauce added to it -- it tastes heavenly without anything extra. The fact that we had to add so much sauce just isn't a good sign. On top of that, despite advertising wood smoking, neither of us got even the slightest hint of smoke flavor in the meat. It tasted as though cooked in an oven. None of this is to say that the pork was bad (I've had bad pulled pork, and this wasn't bad), it was just very bland.
On top of that, their sweet tea was among the worst I've had in the area, or anywhere.
The sides, however, were good -- my wife enjoyed the mac 'n cheese and cole slaw, and I quite enjoyed the potato salad. I missed the hushpuppies, but the bread that came with the meal was a nice accompaniment.
The final thing I'll say is that I also think their food is a bit too pricey -- it's like $11 or $12 for a pulled pork plate for dinner. It's a bit outrageous for what you're getting.
All in all, I had high hopes that this place would end my search for mouth-watering pulled pork. Oh well, the search continues ... -
Review from Chef Invisible T.
Atlanta, GA
6/28/2010
Why you showin' off all them there BBQ championship trophies? Got somethin' to prove?
For all the hype, trophies, articles, yelp stars, and did I mention trophies....you would think this place was the shizznit.
F'''n average at best.
Sides....above average
Brisket...below average
BBQ Sauce...f''n decently average
Pulled Pork...Above Average
Baby Back Ribs.....a little above average
Decor...fugaly average
Girl @ Register...Above Average
Cleanliness..way above average-probably why the que' taste...um did I mention average.
Come back to think about the trophies again--who the f'''k can't come in 3rd Place Pork at The Lower Thomsonville BBQ Wal-Mart Parkin' Lot Extravaganza? There was probably 5 contestants...half of which were cousins...and your scary uncle "let" you come in 3rd.
Maybe this spot was a little better when it was Sam AND Dave.... I guess Sam kicked Dave out because he wanted to be #1. Atleast finish the job by taking Dave's name off the wood bench from the front of the store.
Best bet would be to stay/go intown to Fox Brother's, Community Q, or my bbq place.
3.3 stars
OutListed in: The Smoke Ring
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Review from Laura W.
8/6/2010
We went to BBQ1 after tubing down the Chattahoochee, so needless to say, we were all hot and hangry (hungry + angry) by the time 3:30 rolled around. One of the guys in the group grew up in the area, so he really wanted to go here.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich ($6) and a side of mac and cheese ($2). The food was ready in about five minutes, and gone in about five minutes. We all sat outside and pretty much ate our food without talking... you know how that goes, right? The mac and cheese was really creamy and I'm pretty sure it was made with heavy whipping cream (I could be wrong), but ignorance is bliss... I enjoyed it!
I wouldn't go out of my way to make a return trip, but if you're in the area, it's worth the trip. -
Review from Craig G.
10/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
"Hunger is the best seasoning" according to Socrates, yet even in our extremely famished state the meat was weak on flavor. We had been running errands after work and hunger pangs assaulted sharply on this Friday night at the worst possible moment. We had driven to two other restaurants that had popped up on the iPad's Yelp radar only to find long lines out into the parking lots. So by the time we found this joint, the dinner rush had died down and we were ravenous. They have two stores here, with one dedicated to take-out and the other for dine-in, and also a decent sized patio for outdoor dining. On this cool October evening we headed inside for a table and were assaulted visually and audibly. Not in a negative way as much as in a strong way.
By that, I mean the interior was bright, clean, fresh and antiseptic. An atypical venue compared to the rustic motif I'm accustomed to for this cuisine. All the hard surfaces reflected the harsh sounds of the blues guitarist in one corner belting out his repertoire. He was quite good if you like that style of music, so my complaint is directed to the excessive volume inappropriate for the acoustic attributes of this small enclosure. We had to yell our orders to the cashier and it took multiple attempts to be understood. We strategically grabbed a spot out of the direct line of fire from the loudspeakers in order to avoid migraines. It's no wonder the cashier provides a number card to display at your table since visual identification is the only method possible for delivering the orders.
The delivery was quick and the servers were friendly. I had a half-slab with fries and mac-n-cheese while my wife had a pulled pork sandwich with a side of coleslaw. With soft drinks that set up back $27, not terribly bad. The meals come without sauce so you'll have a fetch some in condiment cups from the pumps next to the utensil dispensers. They have some NC styles and a KC BBQ sauce. Due to the weak flavor of my wife's pulled BBQ it took three servings of sauce to wake up the sandwich. My ribs were lean and I couldn't quite decide if they were a tad bit dry, but they definitely lacked a good smoky flavor and the delicious fatty decadence I expect. Not bad on the whole, but also not good enough to make this long of the trip again.
The mac-n-cheese was decent, but the large tortiglioni (spiral tubes of pasta) dominated the dish a bit too much. The toast was toast and unextraordinary while still a good compliment. The fries were equally pedestrian with a dash of the usual paprika seasoning that is more visual than flavorful. The slaw my wife ordered was good, and had a nice sweetness that was distinctive enough without being sugary. It's a mayo style slaw that is on the crunchy rather than the creamy side, and was enjoyable. Overall, it's not a place to be avoided, but I'd only return if I were already nearby with a BBQ craving. -
Review from Gretchen O.
Atlanta, GA
5/16/2009
Last weekend, I was feeling a bit under the weather and my good buddy offered to bring some BBQ to me. I really was not up for company, but he promised that this BBQ was awesome and I caved.
He brought me Ribs with KC Style Sauce, Baked Beans and Potato Salad. The Ribs were thick, tender, had a nice smokey flavor and the sauce came on the side. I liked the spicy, sweet flavor of the sauce, but I would have preferred it a tad thicker.
The sides were equally delicious. As a rule, if the BBQ sauce has good flavor the baked beans will be perfectly delicious. Sam and Dave's Baked Beans followed this rule and paired well with the all creamy goodness of the potato salad. I do not care for sweet flavored potato salads and was pleased that this potato salad had a yummy, mild flavor of potato, dill and spices.
Additionally, I appreciated the effort that the restaurant put in packing up the take out container. I don't really have an issue with my foods mixing/touching, but liked that they kept all foods separated with layers of foil, which prevented leakage during transport, as well.
The care taken in packing my takeout was a nice touch, but most importantly, my buddy was correct, this BBQ was awesome. I'm glad I caved and let him bring it over, because I felt so much better after eating such a delicious meal.Listed in: Mmmm, did someone say BBQ?
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Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
6/20/2007 ROTD 8/6/2007
As this BBQ joint is a mere half-mile from my parent's house, we like it.... A LOT. The pulled pork is divine as well as the brisket and everyone who works there is really friendly. They're open really weird hours, so be sure to call in advance. I think they just decide to open/close whenever they feel like it.
We always get a couple lbs. of pork when my grandparents come to visit, they love it so. It almost makes their visit something to look forward to.... almost. -
Review from Justin B.
Marietta, GA
7/2/2007 1 photo
I decided to try out Sam and Dave's BBQ based on Laura and Kathleen's reviews about the place. Not to mention, the fact that Sam and Dave's is about 1/4 of a mile away from my house really helped me make a decision to eat here today.
I was very pleased with the barbecue sandwich that I ordered with a side of their vinegar based barbecue sauce. It was not the best that I have ever had; however, these guys were up against some fierce competition considering the variety of BBQ restaurants that I have tried in the south, with some of my favorites being Vandy's BBQ in South Georgia and Spoon's BBQ in Charlotte, N.C.
The restaurant itself was fairly small. Inside the dining room area had 4 to five tables in a space no bigger than my bedroom, with a cash register and open kitchen area that extended towards the back of the building. Sam and Dave's do make up for the lack of size on the interior though, by providing a patio seating area in front of the restaurant that allows diners to enjoy a warm Atlanta afternoon while indulging in some tasty BBQ and refreshing sweet tea (for those of us who are truly southern.)
Also, the young lady working behind the counter gave me a warm welcome and a friendly smile. She also made sure to ask me if I needed any napkins or utensils before I departed. I could not help but feel special considering my past with some restaurants that treated me like a number instead of a valuable customer and rushed me out the door.
My only complaint is the disappointment I felt when I noticed they did not have the giant American flag pig in the parking lot. -
Review from Scott M.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2008
So on my quest to find the best barbecue spots in the Metro area, Sam and Daves came as a high recommendation from a number of yelpers.
I took the short trek to Lower Roswell Road, hungry as hell and ready to dig into some ribs....
Dig I did. Arriving at Sam and Daves, it was a bit smaller than I expected, and I was a little taken aback by a sign on the door that said "Beef Ribs Only".
Disappointed and looking to confirm, I walked in, and luckily, the owner said he did in fact have pork ribs (mmmm...pork, the other white meat). The slab was chopped up and ready to go pretty quickly. $20 bucks later, I walked out with a discreet brown paper bag and a to go menu and was on my way to dig in.
The ribs were decent. I ate every single one of them while watching football. They have a sweet/spicy type of sauce, you can taste the vinegar base, which I always enjoy. But they werent outstanding. Nor were they underwhelming....they were "cool", but not great.
Would I go back....hmmm, probably not. Too many GREAT rib spots to settle for "decent".
Nonetheless, Id encourage folks to give it a try....
I mean who am i? Actually, I am the king of all Ribs....you should probably listen to me:)Listed in: Best Barbecue In Metro Atlanta
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Review from Thomas S.
Roswell, GA
10/29/2008
If you are looking for ambience, go elsewhere. This place is optimized for delivering great food, rather than providing a great place to eat. In fact, we were the only people dining-in out of the 5 groups that ordered while we were there.
Their beef brisket and pork ribs are deliciousness, though still not 'the best I've ever had'. Their mac and cheese however does win this title. They serve their meats dry (an acceptable way to eat their pork libs), but provide a fantastic sweet sauce to smother them in. Highly recommended. As mentioned elsewhere, their ribs are lean & meaty, rather than the fatty (but slightly tastier and more sickening) ribs at Spiced Right. -
Review from Cory F.
9/24/2007
I came here just to have somewhere different and it's also because of it's great past reviews. I was disappointed in the food. I am not saying it was no good, but I was just expecting better due to the reviews. But hey, I give Williamson Bros. 5 stars while others give it just 2....everyone has their own taste :-)
The service was great. Everyone was super friendly.
Like mentionedbefore, they are very small inside and have a table on a patio just outside. It appeared at the time I was their that 95% of their business is from carry outs because they were busy the whole time we were there! -
Review from CHRISTY L.
Marietta, GA
8/27/2008
BELIEVE the hype! This place is JUST THAT GOOD. I've only been to the Lower Roswell location for take-out but I need to go try the dine-in location on Whitlock.
We've had the pulled pork and the brisket and both were amazing. No gristle & no fat - this is very important to me. The meat is clean and perfect! We've never had a side item from here that we didn't love. The sauce is perfection (2nd favorite to the sauce from Montgomery Inn in Cinti, OH) and we always order extra so that we can keep it around a little longer. OMG! The mac & cheese is so, so, so good. Perfectly creamy and seasoned and cheesy! YUM!!!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Pam M.
Roswell, GA
10/17/2011
We only go to the take out side and have never been disappointed. Best ribs in this part of the world. We are fans of a sweeter sauce (definitely not North Carolina vinegar based) and think this sauce is perfect. The ribs are tender and meaty. Sides are fine, but it's the meat that keeps us coming back.
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Review from Ben H.
Atlanta, GA
8/25/2009
It was a lazy Sunday and I wanted barbeque (shocking, I know). I wanted to try someplace new. I figured it was time to finally check out the much-lauded Sam Huff's BBQ 1 (formerly known as Sam & Dave's BBQ 1). So I slid into my whip and rolled out 25 miles to this tiny spot in the 'burbs.
It's pretty much a take-out place. I didn't know that but luckily they have a few small tables that you can sit down at and be surrounded by all these trophies and articles about how awesome Sam and his bbq is. No one else seemed to dine-in though when I was there.
Anyway, I ordered a brisket and rib combo with baked beans and the hyped mac & cheese. It's not on the menu for some reason, but they were able to do it. The brisket is good. Definitely quality stuff. However, I definitely like the brisket at Fox Brothers more. I felt the ribs were ok, but kind of lacking. They were a little dry and tough I thought, but had a decent smoky flavor. I would have liked more rub or a better rub. I would probably pass on the ribs. Unfortunately, I didn't try the pork.
The baked beans were alright - pretty standard. The mac & cheese was pretty interesting - I liked it but it sort of seemed more like creamy, buttery noodles than mac & cheese. I think it needed to be cheesier. It was still very tasty though.
So I think this place is solid, but I wasn't that impressed. It's probably great if you are close-by, but it is not a bbq destination spot. And it's definitely not an option for me with Fox Brothers right down the street (2.5 miles vs. 25 miles).
3.5Listed in: BBQ Quest
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Review from Adam R.
Atlanta, GA
9/24/2009
This place is awesome. I grew up about a mile and a half from here and I never knew it was here for most of that time. It is a very small unassuming building in a shopping center where not a lot lasts. You can easily miss it if you are not looking for it. They do have a giant pig out front to bait you though.
You know a place has to be good when you enter it and all you see are trophies. I asked one of the owners (who are always there working behind the counter) about the trophies and he told me his basement is full of other ones and they could never fit them all inside.
This place is mostly carry out. They have two small tables inside and some seating outside but it is a very small place and I prefer eating elsewhere, but then again I did live a mile and a half away at the time. I love the pork sandwich which has a very good taste. Like I mentioned earlier one of the owners has always been there every time I visited and they are very nice and help suggest food if you ask. I have never had a bad experience here but if you do not live in the East Cobb section of Marietta it is a little out of the way. -
Review from R M.
Marietta, GA
8/14/2007
This place is the best. A little pricier BUT WORTH IT! The mac in cheese is so good I could write a song about it. I tried to get out of the waitress the recipe for the mac and cheese, she said 6 different cheeses, heavy cream and butter. They are known for their beef brisket and its good. The ribs and pulled pork are moist. The sauce, wow, the sauce.... This place is good all over, They have enough medals and awards on the walls to pull the sheetrock down!
Go here people, don't waste your time anywhere else. There are 2 locations. Each one rocks! Oh yeah almost forgot, the cole slaw is excellent too, it has poppy seeds in it. -
Review from Kathy H.
Marietta, GA
5/3/2008
Best BBQ around. Due to popular reviews, a booth at Taste of Marietta, and write ups they have been selling out early, so get there early if you want Pulled Pork. The Brisket is moist, tender, and needs no sauce! Try the Mac and Cheese side. You can even take it home and cook it later.
They also now have two locations. Look for them on Whitlock in Marietta.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Rob P.
Atlanta, GA
6/1/2011
Great barbecue. I've only eaten lunch there as it's near my work, but I'd love to try breakfast. Or to go back and enjoy it with a beer. When I'm in Sandy Springs I prefer this over going North to Swallow at the Hollow.
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Review from Steve B.
Roswell, GA
5/10/2009
Sam & Dave's BBQ1 is without a doubt THE BEST barbecue I have had in the metro Atlanta area. Roswell/East Cobb has a plethora of choices from Slope's to Spiced Right to Dreamland to Williamson Bros. Sam & Dave's BBQ1 beats them all!
The pulled pork is absolutely delicious, incredibly tender and served with an excellent sauce. I don't normally order beef brisket because it's been mediocre (or less) at so many local joints but BBQ1's beef brisket is outstanding - you can cut it with a plastic fork and it's scrumptious.
The BEST item on the entire menu however is the side of Mac-n-Cheese. I know what you're thinking, Kraft Mac-n-Cheese or of some chartruese orange mac & cheese you had in a buffet. Think again! BBQ1's Mac-n-Cheese is the best I've ever had, made from huge ziti noodles with a delicious cream sauce, butter, and more cheese. Sure it's sinfully delicious but if you've never been you must try it, you won't be disappointed.
BBQ1 is mainly a takeout spot, seating is minimal but their delicious BBQ and sides are worth the trip! -
Review from Joe L.
Atlanta, GA
8/28/2009
def worth going to. Went with 3 friends, so we got 3 meats, The beef short rib, beef brisket, and pulled pork. We decided unanimously that the short rib was def the best (though the other ones were all really good to).
The short rib just fell off the bone when we cut into it, was juicy, flavorful and tender. Def worth the money. The brisket was very juicy, and combined with the provided bbq sauce, very good (esp with the texas toast). The pulled pork also had a lot of moisture (a lot of places serve it dryer) and had a lot of flavor as well.
We also got the mac and cheese, baked beans, brunswick stew, potatoe salad, pork wings (pork shank) and banana pudding. of all the hot side dishes, we def all loved the mac and cheese. creamy, gooey, oily (but not in that disgusting i dont want to eat it sort of way), and def had a ton of flavor. I liked it A LOT.
HOWEVER, the best side dish def had to be the banana pudding. When i first got it, it was a lot thicker than i expected, almost a custard, had a soft cookie crust on it (4 seperate small wafers), and bananas at the bottom. it was the perfect sweetness, consistancy, and serving size for me (served in a 8 oz container i think). AWESOME. when i got one and started eating, all my friends got it too.
Overall, great experience. -
Review from Keith G.
Marietta, GA
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just your normal run of the mill BBQ in my opinion. Had the pulled pork sandwich and the stew. Nothing special.
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Review from Justin P.
Parkland, FL
Updated - 8/31/2009
Well, I recently had the chance to pass through Atlanta again, which means the chance to once again visit Sam and Dave's BBQ1. I have known about this trip for a while, and was looking forward to it so much that I began to fear that I was overhyping the barbecue in my mind. What if it was not as good as I remembered? It turns out, I had nothing to worry about.
The pulled pork was just as amazing as last time. I also had sides of pork ribs, coleslaw and mac and cheese, and they were all very good too, although I must admit that the ribs could have been a little more tender. Regardless, I had another memorable meal at this amazing little barbecue hide out. Now the only problem is devising a reason to visit Atlanta again so that I don't have to wait so long to eat there!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2009
Probably the best barbeque place in Georgia. I lived in North Carolina at one point, and I know… Read more »
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Review from Robin H.
Marietta, GA
Updated - 8/14/2011 2 photos
Last review by me on this place was 5 stars. Attached are pictures of what I received. I ordered a BBQ beef brisket sandwich-$5.95, potato salad-$1.95, baked beans-$1.95 and a drink at $1.79 total was $12.34. I then went back and got some fries and was charged $5.25 (after tax). Grand Total of $17.59 after tax for my meal. Maybe 5 ounces of beef roughly half what I got last time (5 oz maybe) cost $1.25, 2 slices bread cost around 20 cents, potato salad, maybe 40 cents, beans around 20 cents, fries are $24.99 from my purveyor for 30 pounds that comes to .36 for this 7 ounce portion and the drink around 10 cents. Total cost around $2.51. equals a 14.27% food cost. Granted there are so many other costs involved in running a restaurant such as, rent, labor, food, paper goods, licensing, garbage pickup, insurance, grease trap cleaning, service calls, taxes, and much more... But this is a little more of a profit that I am willing to pay next time and still leave hungry. Although the quality was still good, the portion prices and size were my main concern. Sorry.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2010
Awesome. The best barbeque I've eaten to date. Good size portions for the money. The sauces seem to… Read more »
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Review from Peter Y.
6/8/2009
One of the little pleasures I've had since moving here last year is trying out bbq restaurants. I know Atlanta isn't exactly a bbq mecca like other cities in the South but it definitely has more choices than my old stomping grounds in NYC. So for my 100'th review I decided to eat at Sam & Dave's. I've heard good and bad things so I wanted to make the trip out here to form my own opinion.
My partner in crime, Chuan S. came along and got the rib plate while I got the brisket and pork plate.
Let's start with the ribs. Good smoke ring and flavor, however they were not tender and too dry. Pork was juicy and delicious, however the brisket was the best meat that day. A good mix of fat and lean slices made for a great combination of flavor. Very tender and absolutely delicious.
Now, I can't say I remember any of the sides that well....but that's due to the awesomeness of the mac & cheese. Most places have it on the menu but no one makes it like Sam & Daves. I dare say it's the best I ever had.
So all in all, it's got some solid brisket and pulled pork but the ribs need some work. It's a bit out of the way for me so I'd only come back if I was in the neighborhood..........or if I had a pregnant wife craving the most kick-ass mac & cheese. -
Review from Greg W.
Athens, GA
1/5/2010
Before I jump into my review, I think it is important to note that Sam's BBQ1 will be opening a sit down restaurant in the same shopping center soon. I took a peek in today and it looks like they are making good progress.
From the outside appearance and location of Sam's BBQ1 it would appear to be a fly by night joint or something along those lines, but for those that frequent they know it is some of the best BBQ in the southeast. I've been eating here for years and had lunch there today(at one of the two tables inside).
What sets BBQ1 apart from other BBQ places is the meat--the pork, the brisket and the chicken. As a friend remarked the meat is so delicious and smoked perfectly that some of the pieces don't even need any sauce.
I'm also a big fan of Mac N' Cheese, but I find that most restaurants either serve Kraft type Mac N' Cheese or they let it sit out too long and it is hardened. BBQ1's Mac N' Cheese is cheesy, warm and moist. It is a must purchase item.
I can't wait until the new sit down restaurant opens. -
Review from Jacob P.
Marietta, GA
8/11/2010
It was good, but expensive for the portions. I will go back, but only on special occasions.
Staff was friendly, food was good, atmosphere was that of a typical barbeque joint with plainness all around.
I guess what got me was $15.00 for a bbq pork plate, I have never seen bbq that expensive! The mac and cheese was unique and good, the baked beans were good, the bbq pork and tomato based sauce was really good, but I think they are banking on this being in a nice part of town so they are going to really charge for it. If they can survive that way then so be it, but I cannot say I will go back regularly for the expensiveness of the food. I could have fed two for what I ate at one sitting.
BBQ is "people's food", not fancy special occasion food. I think the location must be high rent, so it drives the cost of their prices for bbq up. I literally almost walked out once I realized how much a bbq plate was, I pass by this place all the time on Lower Roswell Road and just had to try it once I was in there. It was really good, but not that good ($$$). -
Review from M G.
Austin, TX
6/26/2009
Best brisket in the metro area. I will fight you right now if you say otherwise. I have made a declaration on this, so it is written so it is done.
Staff is super friendly. Service is very quick. Sauces are amazing. They have Mr. Pibb (in a can). The place is the size of my bedroom. What more can you ask for?
This is very good. I was going to try the pulled pork, but the brisket is so damn good, that I can't think of ordering anything else.
Seriously thinking about signing up for their Pork University classes. I wonder if can transfer some credits over from Bovine University. -
Review from Shica B.
Marietta, GA
12/19/2010
We are planning a Memorial Day wedding and got the bright idea to go with a BBQ theme reception instead of 'traditional' wedding food. We are aiming to get someone in the books in the next several weeks, so we are starting a BBQ dedicated sampling. First up, Sam's BBQ1. We decided to check it out after church today and headed right over. We were happy that we went to a 10AM service, else we would have run into a pretty heavy rush if we would have waited until later.
We wanted to make sure that we had a pretty good feel for what they had to offer. I got the beef brisket and pulled pork along with the macaroni and butternut squash soup. The dude ordered the smoked sausage and the beef short rib (if that is short, I'd hate to see tall), he got the baked beans and chili for his sides. Each of our meals came with a slice of Texas Toast and we each ordered drinks. The total for the meal was $35. WOW We were able to grab our sauce - there were 3 styles, sweet (it ain't Sonny's), vinegar (I didn't try, but the dude didn't like it), and mustard (we didn't try it) .
Our food came out quickly, the portions were respectable. The macaroni was actually flavorful and cheese. The LARGE noodles were a little surprising, but I could appreciate it. The butternut squash soup was TASTY, but my expectations were properly set when I was told repeatedly that they did NOT offer it often, only when they had freshest of fresh squash. The meat was pretty tender, but had NO flavor. The sweet sauce was okay, but Sonny's sweet sauce is my absolute fave and this paled in comparison like some watery ketchup. THe chili was substandard. The ONE bone beef rib (everytime I think of it, I recall when Chris Rock said how much for ONE rib) was exceptionally large. It was so tender, it fell off of the brontosaurus like bone when he picked it up to eat. there was a little sauce on it, not much, of course it was tender. THe smoked sausage tasted 'pickley'.
All in all, it was decent food. If I were to go with them, I'd have to find another sauce and I can only imagine how angry they would be if that were the case. The search continues... -
Review from Tom W.
Kennesaw, GA
One of the best places in town for authentic BBQ
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Review from J D.
Marietta, GA
8/9/2010
I haven't done a written a review of BBQ1, though I've been a consistent customer and fan for a few years now. The last few times have been disappointing. Fatty brisket, adequate at best sides. Their greens used to be fantastic. The last few batches have been stalky and cold. I don't know if there's been a change in the kitchen, or maybe we've just been unlucky lately, but I'm getting tired of being reminded how good it used to be.
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Review from Mark M.
Marietta, GA
5/31/2009
As a certified BBQ judge with KCBS, I may be a bit biased, but the ribs at Sam & Dave's are definitely worth missing. I've eaten at this place periodically since we moved to the neighborhood and have generally had good experiences with the pulled pork and brisket. Also, their mac 'n cheese is really good and unique - made of rigatoni pasta. But when I purchased 2 orders of ribs for the family a few weeks ago, they were inedible. Dry, not much meat, mostly gristle and fat, stuck to the bone. The competition team for Sam & Dave's, Lost Mountain BBQ, is quite good - they have won some awards, and I've enjoyed meeting the teams before. But they can't seem to replicate the same quality in the restaurant - at least not at the Lower Roswell location on the night we went.
Comment from Sam H. of Sam's BBQ1 3/15/2010
Hi Mark, I just read your review and I apologize about the… More » -
Review from Brandon D.
Marietta, GA
5/17/2010
This is some of the Best BBQ I have ever had. So far I have been twice and had the pork ribs and the chopped pork sandwich. The meat was so tender it just fell off the bone. It's really favorable even without the sauce. The sauce (2 options) is not the best I have ever had, but everything else more than makes up for it.
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Review from Ryan H.
Oakland, CA
11/24/2007
This place was walking distance from my home for years and I didn't even know...
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Review from Elaine R.
Canton, GA
8/29/2010
We have been trying new places on our Saturday date nights. My husband found Sams BBQ1 through reading a magazine article. The place is small and simple. We decided to order different items in order to share samplings. I ordered pulled pork, collard greens and mac/cheese. My husband ordered brisket, fries and baked beans. Both the pork and the brisket were so good we really didn't need any sauce! The collards were good, but the mac/cheese was great. The baked beans were also very good. The owner happened to be there and learned we were first time patrons. After our meal was brought out he followed up with a sample of ribs. OMG...we definitely will go back and order as they were fall off the bone good! Service was friendly and quick. Prices were a little high for bbq, but we had enough for lunch on Sunday:)
