County Boy’s Cookin’ BBQ

My experience with BBQ in Central Georgia can be summed up in one word, disappointing. Despite a bevy of mediocre  pork experiences, halfway between Macon and Tifton I pulled off I-75 into the small city of Unadilla, GA.  Unadilla is home to three-time BBQ world champion Myron Mixon, stock car driver David Ragan, and Country Boy’s Cookin’ BBQ.

Country Boy’s is located at 1273 Pine Street in RuBo’s Plaza between a Piggly Wiggly and a tax service office. A simple red and white sign stood above the door while a line of pick-up trucks flecked with red clay filled the spots closest to the restaurant.  If there were any doubts County Boy’s was serving lunch, those fears were sent aside by not one, but three signs declaring the BBQ joint was open for business.

I walked into a long thin dining room that ran parallel to the parking lot.  A group of locals eating at a long table covered with a black and white checkered table cloth paused their conversation and looked up. I gave them a knowing nod and headed in the direction of the large menu on the left hand wall.  County Boy’s served up BBQ pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken.  Side items include Brunswick stew, beans, slaw, pasta salad and potato salad.

I approached the counter and was greeted by a smiling man who turned out to be the owner.  We chatted about his BBQ and competition trophies that stood against the wall.  I decided to order a pork sandwich with a side of potato salad and a sweet tea.  I sat down at a second long table next to two county workers and waited for my meal.  It appeared after a few short minutes.

The sandwich was wrapped in aluminum foil.  The large hamburger bun was full of chopped pork.  I took a bit.  The meat had a very good smoked flavor and included both pieces of the bark and the moist interior of the butt.  Three  sauces were offered, sweet, mild and spicy.  They all used a thin tomato base.  The mild was flavored with oregano which gave it a unique flavor that worked well with the pork.  The spicy had a nice kick to it without it being overbearing, while the sweet was nice and tangy.   The potato salad was served in a small cup and consisted of tender potatoes, pickles, and onions in a mustard based dressing.  It was very good and I cleaned my plate.  As I finished my meal, a smile drifted onto my face.  Finally I found a place for very good BBQ in Central Georgia, and I cannot wait to stop the next time I am headed to Atlanta.

County Boy’s is open Tuesday though Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The restaurant can be found online at countryboybbq.com and contacted by telephone at (478) 627-2737.

Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: B
Taste: A
Presentation: B
Service: B
Cleanliness: A
Price: $