Free Form Friday: Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em edition.

As the work week winds to a conclusion it is once again time for Free Form Friday, the weekend open comment thread with real chunks of homemade goodness baked right in. Maestro, the music:

It’s that time again. Every offseason I try to devote at least one Free Form Friday to that highest of callings: the Georgia barbecue joint.

It’s the annual best of Georgia barbecue offseason thread!

This is the space for you to share with the group your favorite barbecue restaurant in the Peach State if you have not done so already. Or, if you’re on record with your allegiances, this is the place to share with the group any new places you’ve tried which you’d recommend we check out.

My entry this year? Shug’s BBQ in Eastman. I didn’t actually discover Shug’s this year, I’ve eaten there at least a dozen times in the past five years. It’s located right on Oak Street in downtown and sits in a squat cinderblock building with the smokehouse right next to it. Remember kids, never eat barbecue you don’t see being smoked using hardwood coals onsite. Ignore this rule and you risk being served a plate of mushy mystery meat some fool made in a crockpot with KC Masterpiece.

Shug’s pork has a great, delicate smoke flavor. I’ve never gone around to take a look at the woodpile but I’m thinking there’s pecan involved. The cole slaw is excellent, not too sweet and not crawling with celery seeds (I hate cole slaw dusted with two pounds of celery seed).

Also: try the ribs. You’ll thank me later. I’m told that they also serve a mean cheeseburger if that’s your thing, and that there’s a weekend steak special with all the trimmings that’s the best around. Tommy, who owns and runs the place (at least every time I’ve been there) absolutely will not let you leave unhappy. I don’t think there are any three legged dogs in the parking lot or photos of Waylon, Willie, or Merle in the dining room. But other than those demerits Shug’s checks all my barbecue boxes.

Feel free to leave your entries in the comments, and . . .

Go ‘Dawgs!!!