The absolute best barbecue, slaw, and stew anywhere. It has stood the test of time. Great service. No matter how crowded it is, they keep it moving. The atmosphere is so down to earth. I love it! read more

The mecca of bbq in my opinion. Simple, classic menu - chopped pork bbq, Brunswick stew, white bread, slaw are pretty much the staples - bags of lays chips and sweet tea and you get the gist of it. Walls blackened from years of smoking meats. Outdoor seating available with sawdust on the ground. For us - it is the point of reference of excellence for which all bbq is judged. read more

See all

Basic solid bbq. This is your typical old school spot normal pork sandwiches with a side and chips. Sauce is solid

Was craving BBQ . While getting a haircut I spoke to a gentleman that mentioned Freshair BBQ said it was the Best in Georgia . So me and my roommate decided to take the hour drive to Jackson Ga. Looked very cool kind of like an old run down barn. When walking in the menu was so small you could hardly read it . Then I was like am I missing something no chicken no ribs no pulled pork. Very strange . So I got the sandwich deal . I opened it up and it was supposed to be chopped and it looked literally like it had been blended,definitely not chopped and luke warm. A spot of BBQ sauce they had BBQ sauce and it was oily . First bite I took it bit bone. The Brunswick stew was not hearty at all it was the blended pork had a few corn kernels. Definitely not worth the drive. Very disappointed and I guess I'm totally missing something what customers love about this place. Maybe is was prime in its day but man definitely a poor experience. To top things off after ordering the first thing to pop up when paying at the register it asked if I wanted to skip or tip. I'm honestly tired or tipping for fast food . I'm paying 18.00 for my meal. I did tip just wish places would pay their employees more so you could go in and order without tipping for taking my order. Again hope you take a close look at this review.' If you're looking for a true southern BBQ this definitely is not the place. Have a good day I'm not one to complain,the staff was nice . Just the BBQ was nothing like I expected read more

We were hiking nearby and stumbled upon this bbq restaurant. We were shocked to find how busy it was with so many people getting pints and quarts of different items to take home. They only offer pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and cole slaw, but every single item was one of the best iterations that I've had. The Cole slaw was so incredibly fresh. The Brunswick stew had such a depth of flavor. The pulled pork had a great vinegar sauce built in. Highly recommend this local gem! read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Deluxe plate - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

Recommended by a friend. Definitely spot on. I will be stopping again.I wish I would have ordered a second Brunswick stew. The staff was also very friendly considering the large crowd that was there. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - DELUXE PLATTER - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

Who in the HELL said they were the best LIED like HELL!!! The WORST bbq I've ever had!!! They don't serve ribs or chicken only sorry ass pull pork which is HORRIBLE!! Brunswick stew is made with beef and it's Vinegar based!! Do NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME THERE!!! read more

The food was delicious. The service was friendly and professional. The restaurant was very clean, as were the restrooms. Highly recommend that you seek this restaurant out!! read more

Simply put Dollar for Dollar, Fresh Air is the best BBQ around. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

See all

Anyone giving this food more then one star needs to venture out and try some real BBQ. They only have chopped pork and that has no smoke flavor. The bbq sauce is vinegar based and has very little flavor. The coleslaw also has no flavor. The only plus was the pork was moist. I really don't understand the hype of this place, I have been to a lot a BBQ restaurants and this is probably the worst one food wise. read more

Finally Got There! For years this place was only open a very few nights per week. And I never seemed to be on my route between Florida and Atlanta on the right day or time to have a meal. It seems that their hours are now daily, and we were in the vicinity at dinnertime. The atmosphere is fun and old-fashioned. The counter servers are pleasant. The food is the thing and, while it is good, it is very limited. They essentially serve 3 things: Barbecue Pork, Brunswick Stew and Cole Slaw. They come in various combinations and permutations, but it comes back to those being the only things they have. The Barbecue Pork is very good and, surprisingly, devoid of clumps of fat so often found in similar places. A small amount of burnt ends are included for a pleasant accent. Sauces are on the table and come in mild or spicy, both on the thin side. Brunswick Stew was the star of the show. This is a delicious brew of...well, who knows and they probably wouldn't tell me. Leave it to say that I could have enjoyed a meal of just that. The Cole Slaw is a little less successful. It's a pretty pedestrian slaw--on the sweet side for me. I usually have to add salt and vinegar to my slaw and vinegar wasn't to be had. If you're a fan of pulled pork and Brunswick stew and don't need anything else, then beat a path to Jackson. Next time I'll bring a little packet of vinegar to enjoy the whole meal. read more

We had heard about this place for a long time and finally decided to check it out. To say it was a disappointment is giving it more than it deserves. Let's see if I can describe what we had. We got the deluxe plate for both of us. Basically it's barbecued pork put into blender until it turns to mush. It's a Brunswick types to put into a blender until it turns to mush. It's coleslaw that is put into a blender until it turns to mush. The flavor was OK and I guess if I had been 100 years old with no teeth this would've been an OK place. So basically what you get is toddler baby food that's flavored a little bit better. As always the test of a restaurant or food place is will I come back. A definite no! read more

I had to try it because of all of the claims it's the best in GA. Not the best BBQ I've ever had

Nothing like it. I have been going since very young. Do not go frequently since long drive but did drive down today and it is as good as it was 50 or 60 years ago. read more

This place is always the best ever made. Three generations of my family have enjoyed the BBQ here!

Well we ordered at an outdoor window with built in social distancing size platform between u and the cashier and where u pick up meals are prepared to order so be patient they just built an outdoor pavilion with little picnic tables off to the right of the restaurant it's something even Karen would appreciate:) read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Outdoor seating and there's also a bathroom in a little trailer - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

The sandwiches and Brunswick stew are awesome!!! The sweet tea hits the spot every time. Some of the most friendliest people you can find.

I have heard so much about this place so we tried it its not for me have had so much better. Very little flavor and the portions are small. Need to add more meat less water read more

NO FRESH BREWED TEA!!!!!! They use fountain machine tea form the soda fountain. The Macon Georgia location is better 100% and they brew there own teas. I get the nostalgia of the Jackson location. It does look cool going inside, but that's where it stops. Macon location toast the buns. Jackson doesn't. read more

Best BBQ down here in Beautiful Butts! They have added pavilions and outside seating last time I went a few months back.

A hole in the wall that's probably known world wide. Always great food and fast service.

The food is pretty good but it is definitely not the best barbecue In Georgia. The service is quick and simple pretty good I would recommend. read more

The best pulled pork and Brunswick stew in Georgia period. I must say this place is the real deal simple menu pork stew slaw pickle and chips and soda. They don't mess around off the beaten path but worth the drive . Hot off to fresh air outstanding pork. read more

Fresh Air Barbecue - Front - Barbeque Near Me - Jackson, Georgia

See all

They have a sign that says "voted best barbecue in Georgia" or something of that nature. I don't know who voted, but it definitely wasn't me. This was actually some of the worst bbq I've ever eaten in my life. First, all they have is pulled pork and it tastes like boiled, shredded, tasteless garbage. No bbq or smoked flavor, just plain crappy dry pork. Why don't they have ribs? Or brisket? Or smoked wings? Or any other option besides their pathetic pulled pork? Their bbq sauce is also a joke since it tastes like white vinegar mixed with ketchup. It's just a watery mess with not much flavor. This place would rank literally dead last (not first) out of all the bbq places I've eaten at in Georgia. I guess since it's in the middle of nowhere people don't have that many options, but I would take fast food over this place any day. Their coleslaw was 4/10, but that doesn't merit a 2 star overall review given all the other problems. Oh yeah, and they have no table service or beer. You order at the counter and can only drink water or soft drinks. I can't believe people go to this place or like the food at all. Shocked it didn't go out of business decades ago if it was always like this. Do yourself a favor and go to Taco Bell instead if you are stuck out in Jackson, GA. read more

I'm not a big bbq fan but my Honey cant get enough of it! This place was pretty good but I'm not real big on vinegary sauce which is all they offer here. I had a sandwich and coke slaw. Both were good but next time I'm gonna ask for no sauce. Coleslaw is good but very sweet. I'd eat here again when he talks me into bbq again! read more

I have recently seen a couple of negative reviews about Fresh Air BBQ and I just want to say that this place has been open since 1929, has kept the menu simple, has expanded the Jackson Location, and if anyone says the meat has no hickory smoked flavor, then their taste buds must be dead from all the beer they must have consumed and subsequently complained about not being able to buy it at Fresh Air. This is great hickory smoked meat. I do recall a short period when they could not use the pit right in the restaurant, but it is in operation now and last week the quality and flavor was first class. If you want beer, an elaborate menu, fancy settings and full service, keep on going past Fresh Air and Jackson GA back to wherever you came from. If you want a nostalgic and rustic atmosphere, good chopped pork hickory smoked bbq, great Brunswick stew, and some of the best cole slaw there is, stop into Fresh Air. We locals may not have the "sophisticated palates" of the self indulgent visitors that travel through our area and "get stuck" here. But we do know good bbq and we wish the best to all our visitors. We just hope you can keep moving on. read more

Best BBQ around, very simple menu, great prices. Family dining atmosphere. Pets welcome outside. Open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Service is fast and friendly. read more

If you like a vinegar based sauce Fresh Air will not disappoint. The best pulled pork you will eat. Again...pulled pork. The negative reviews because of lack of choices are ridiculous. This location has been serving pulled pork for almost 100 years. The amount of flavor added from that much meat being cooked can't be replicated. If you want ribs or chicken go to Sonny's. SMH. Service is quick. Order your food at the counter have a seat and enjoy. Worth a out of the way trip if in the area. read more

Finally made it to one of the greats and it didn't disappoint. Thanks for a great meal. Every BBQ place is unique. Great chopped pork, Brunswick stew and slaw! read more

This is hands down the worst "bbq" I have ever had dry pulled pork they have no ribs the "stew" seems like it has been dumped out of a can EVERY REVIEW RATING OVER 1 STAR are completely delusional as this is no better than the lunch I was served in school please do not come here and give them your money for the things they call "bbq" read more

Not much has changed here in the 40+ years I've been eating here. Has to be good for me to drive so far eat with them. And it's real good to this day. Some folks say it's the ingenious L shaped pit. Others swear by the unique thin vinegar and pepper sauce. I think they've got near about the best Brunswick stew I ever tasted. Look for the smoke and smell the flavor. Only open for take out these days but they've got the best smoked pork hams around. It's authentic and they'll put a plateful of pork on you. Like a fine plate of bobbycue you got to bear down on the meat and ease off the potato salad. read more

Always a family favorite! Never disappoints and I have picky eaters! The BBQ is always moist and flavorful with just the right amount of sauce. Coleslaw and Brunswick stew are equally as good. Worth the trip from anywhere! read more

This was the worst BBQ I've ever had. Read an article in AJC that this was the best BBQ in Georgia. Georgia you're in trouble! Ordered a deluxe plate. The pulled pork is minced (unidentifiable) and smelled old. The Brunswick stew was no stew at all-more like a minced soup. Didn't see any meat or vegetables in it. And the coleslaw looked like it had came out of a blender. I would only recommend this place to someone recovering from dental issues and can't chew. Terrible read more

The lavender lemonade is the best lemonade I've ever had!! Delish!! Food was really yummy too!

This by far is probably the worst BBQ I have ever eaten. First, the menu is very limited because they only serve chipped (not chopped) pork, Brunswick stew & coleslaw. Everything was very mushy and bland. Nothing seemed to be seasoned, not even the meat. I hate to say that even the pickle was disappointing to me. read more

I have eaten Barbecue in every southern state. I will go out of my way to find that local spot that has its own flair. One thing I have learned is, people generally like the barbecue they are raised with. Or, maybe it's because they don't know any better. I first ate at Fresh Air Barbecue 30 something years ago. At that time I think it was written up in Atlanta Magazine as the best barbecue in Georgia. I guess that's why everybody wears the shirt. I don't remember what I ate, but remember the place was filled with flies. Thirty something years later I decided to give Fresh Air Barbecue another try. I usually grab some barbecue sandwiches on the go, and this was no exception. I asked if they had a choice of sliced, chopped and chipped sandwiches. Nope, just shredded, I asked if there was anything else on the sandwich. Nope, just shredded barbecue and a bun. I asked if they at least put a pickle on the sandwich. Nope. Reluctantly, I ordered some sandwiches to go and it didn't take long to regret that decision. If you can't get a barbecue sandwich right, i don't want to try anything else. It was horrible. It felt like mush in my mouth. Nothing special about the taste. It was a disgrace to barbecue. If you want to know what a good barbecue sandwich tastes like, go to Columbus GA or Phenix City ALA and eat at Thirteenth Street Barbecue. You get a choice of different cuts and different sauces. I will say that Fresh Air Barbecue has the atmosphere and this time it was without the flies. The service was fast, but it tasted like it was thrown together. It is sad that people taking selfies of themselves in front of the Fresh Air barbecue sign and go home with the bragging rights that they ate the best barbecue in Georgia. Not even close. read more

I have been wanting to try Fresh Air BBQ for awhile. I do not live nearby but often find myself headed south on I75 and within a 15-20 minute detour. On my way home from Forsyth, GA today, I decided to finally take a detour. I stopped in today at 4:15. To my surprise, there were actually a few other customers at that time. I got mine to go because I still had about 1.5 hour drive home and was in a hurry. It was totally worth the detour. Somehow I was able to devour my to-go box without wrecking my car or spilling anything in my lap while driving. I loved the simplicity and the history you could feel when pulling up to the building. It's not too surprising that the the establishment has been in business since 1929. I ordered the deluxe platter, which came with chopped pork with a vinegar sauce, coleslaw, Brunswick stew, crackers, bread and pickles. These are the only items on the menu, but can be ordered in different combinations. The Brunswick stew was absolutely amazing! I will make more trips there just for the stew. It was almost like soup, which is how I prefer it. No chunks. The slaw was very good, and the chopped pork was satisfying. The food was what I was hoping for based on what I had read about the place. I went in knowing what to expect. If you are into hipster BBQ joints that focus on brisket, collards with bacon, Mac and Cheese with artisan cheeses, and local craft beer, you will be severely disappointed. This is a very traditional BBQ restaurant that has probably used the same recipe since before WWII. Fresh Air does what they do very very well and are worth the drive. Simply, great BBQ. read more

See all

By far the best BBQ in Georgia (and honestly in the South), Fresh-Air is the place. You can get baby back ribs if you want, but for my money and stomach the pulled pork sandwiches are the way to go. They have a phenomenal Brunswick Stew, great Cole Slaw and Beans. For my time and effort, I always go for the Party Pack. This is a quart container of stew, a quart container of pork, and pint of sauce (understand this is vinegar based, not the gloppy stuff), slaw and a whole package of good 'ol white hamburger buns. Sure, they have a location in Macon, but Jackson is the bona fide original. So much so, that the BBQ is driven daily from Jackson to Macon (not a far drive). If you blink driving down Highway 42 you may miss it, so make sure and roll down your windows so you can smell your way there. read more

Look I am from Augusta Ga. we have the #1 BBQ place in the state here... Sconyers BBQ. This a very good #2 and we eat here a few times while living Locust Grove/Jackson general area. read more

My wife says she has been going to Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson (actually, it's near Jackson) since she was 2 years old. I've only gone a few times, but like yesterday we stop by whenever we can, usually on trips to or from Florida. Fresh Air is a classic barbecue joint, founded in 1929 and today run by the grandsons of one of the owners. I nominate it for the best name, best atmosphere and some of the tastiest basic "bar-bee-chew" of any BBQ place in the South. We had a simple barbecue sandwich for lunch, with sweet tea, and took home a box full of pulled pork slaw, Brunswick stew, beans and an 8-pack of Colonial hamburger buns. The price is right, and the food is as authentic as you'll find anywhere in the Southeast. The barbecue sauce is the vinegar and tomato combination style that you'll find in Georgia and some other areas in the South, and the pulled pork is slow-roasted in a shack next door. No alcohol served. My only disappointment was that they didn't have any Fresh Air bird houses in stock -- these are amazing pieces of Southern folk art. By the way, Fresh Air has put up a new rail fence in front of the building, so any photo you have or see on their website does not reflect the "new look" though the main part of the restaurant remains the same inside and out. There also are locations in Macon and Athens, run by "kin" of the Jackson owners, but I prefer the atmosphere and food at the Jackson location. read more