Pulaski Heights BBQ
Saturday the wife and I had some time to kill before a full day of running around town and neither one of us wanted to fix lunch at home. So I thought that was a perfect reason to get out and try the new BBQ joint just off downtown in Athens. Honestly, anytime is a good excuse to go eat BBQ but it makes the sale easier if I can come up with a reason. Pulaski Heights BBQ is located on Pulaski Street just north of downtown and St. Joseph’s Church. Go down through the little neighborhood until you reach the train tracks and the Leathers Building will be on your left.
A little background first. Pulaski is owned by the former executive chef at Five and Ten but does not have a coat and tie feel to it. The restaurant is located in the Leather’s Building which used to factory so the inside has an open feel with exposed beams and wood, concrete floors and just the right amount of Athens townie. They also have a nice area outside for when the weather gets warmer and a nice large bar. The wife and I got in just before any of the lunch crowd so we decided to sit upstairs which has huge glass and a nice view.
We both decided to go with the pulled pork and I got mine with a very large fresh baked roll and she got her’s with a corn tortilla. Honestly, the roll was so large and the bbq so good it didn’t need to be on a sandwich but she said the corn tortilla was just the perfect amount of bread to meat ratio. Now the BBQ was great. I’d say the best in Athens. Nice burnt edges. Great smoke ring. Very moist, and really doesn’t need any sauce. If you want any, doesn’t need it, they have two sauces; one a sweet ketchup base with just a little kick and a oil and vinegar sauce with spices. The two combined are good but once again, not needed. As for the sides we got smoked cauliflower which wasn’t great, potato salad which was pretty good and the stew which was just tomato based with pulled pork and corn. Not bad but would choose something else next time. This place does meat and does it well and when I’m looking for bbq that’s all I really care about. Now they do serve all the pork with a few house made pickles which are great.
So all in all, the best BBQ I’ve had in Athens, I’d recommend it to anybody and as soon as I can I plan on going back to try their ribs.
Granite
If you want a more complete write up, check out the Banner Herald’s take.
The Grit Tree 
BBQ is really good. Next time try the squash casserole. It is pretty solid. I love the pickles there. They do a really cool deal at night on the weekends. You can get a sandwich and beer for five dollars from 10pm-2am or until the meat runs out.
Great barbecue and the pork and beans are outstanding. The mac and cheese is great as well. This is my new favorite pulled pork in Athens.
Hooray! BBQ Thursday is back! I’ll have to try this the next time I am in Athens.
Went today for lunch. Had the pimento cheese app and some pulled Q with squash casserole. Also, have tried the deviled eggs and ribs. Tad pricey for Athens, but *easily* the best cooked pork in town.