Food is amazing. Fresh,worth the wait. Glad this family is going strong. I just wish I can get white meat. Chicken breast I asked for and got everything but the middle of the chicken basically. Price was good. Selection is great. People are not only great cooks but great neighbors. Plenty of parking and you can go inside. Use to not. I'm definitely going back.I'm really wanting chicken breast. They work hard and together well. Great location. read more

This place is awesome! We were camping at Mistletoe State Park and stopped by for take out, well worth the drive. We had ribs, half a chicken, Cole slaw and Mac cheese. All were excellent! Tons of flavor without being over seasoned, true smoke flavor and sooo tender! Their bbq sauce is also excellent. Owner and staff are friendly and welcoming, overall a great experience. read more

I'll never give anything five stars but I am breaking that tradition. This is the best barbecue I have ever had and I am from Texas and I've been to Kansas City and regardless of where I have estrus Bbq none of them hold a candle to this place. It's been over a year since I've been there. I'm just hoping nothing has changed but if you are on your way east out of Atlanta you half to try his BBQ, I am wondering if I can do a phone order and have it shipped overnight I need to check into that because even if it's a day or two old it will still be the best Bbq ever. So if you want a rack of ribs from here you better get your order in early if you wait till 5 o'clock it will all be sold out. read more

Look can be deceiving! This is my go to for barbecue and I'm in the restaurant business.Barbecue sandwich, Keylime cake and sweet tea. If you're in the area this place is a must. read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - Keylime cake - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

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Was driving through to get to South Carolina! This place has the best Ribs! My goodness! Great ribs, Great service, Great spot! Will definitely stop by next time I'm in the area! read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - ribs in a styrofoam container - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

Im working here staying at the Hampton Inn looking for bbq read the rewiews sounds good called in a to go rib dinner with red velvet cake for dessert pulled in ya it's a hole in the wall I thought it's goin to be great Paid went to hotel sat down with a cold lite ready to enjoy Was not impressed cole slaw was warm nothing but cabbage and water the two tablespoons of beans were room temperature the ribs were room temperature been sitting all day were like cooked to death cake was a small piece my tab 16 something put the change from a 20 in the jar Ate the beans and two cooked to death ribs read more

Easily the worst BBQ I have had in a long time. I passed up a BBQ joint in Wrens to come here because of the better reviews on Yelp. Grocery stores have better BBQ than this. The BBQ: The BBQ is chunks not pulled and has no smoke flavor. There was lots of fat & gristly parts on the meat. Although the meat had the mild sauce on it, the overwhelming flavor was unseasoned, unsmoked pork. Not a good thing. The Hash: Pretty much tastes like opening a can of stewed tomatoes. The Baked Beans: The baked beans are canned not homemade. The Slaw: The Slaw was course chopped, sweet, but has a relish kick too. It was OK but not how I like my slaw. The Service: About like going to McDonald's. Nobody acted happy to be there. Don't expect a smile. I was hoping for some good BBQ but left disappointed. I hate spending money on bad food. Don't expect me to come back. Foodies keep looking. read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - BBQ & Hash Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

I always order more than I need because I know I'll end up having to share! I love the food!

Outstanding BBQ... As always I will say that BBQ, or the good stuff anyway, is reviewed subjectively. From the objective point, Poppa's pork is lean, no gristle, carefully pulled... Subjectively, it's not too smokey, moist, flavorful. They have hash, and it's good too. Not overly spicy, which I like. I had some chicken on this trip and have to say it's some of the best I've had. My wife said point blank, it was the best BBQ chicken she has ever had. The crew is nice. One of the co-owners got us extra tea and served us red velvet cake after hours. Made us feel as if we were at his home. Excellent. Have been many times. Why I haven't written a review is a mystery... Must be the great BBQ that distracts me. read more

Chopped pork was moist & flavorful-Rib tips were amazing. Will definitely stop again on our next trip to Augusta. Definitely a well-kept local secret. Worth the drive from Augusta...hole in the wall that I might have had second thoughts about had I not read the other reviews. Family run business that knows BBQ....try it - you won't be disappointed.. read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - the sign - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

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Oh, my goodness. DELICIOUS barbeque! I had the ribs, green beans, and potato salad. My sister had the BBQ sandwich and Brunswick stew. Everything is so tasty. Sorry there's no photo, but we dug in and ate it up so fast.... This little jewel has been in the same family since the 1940s, and they certainly know what they are doing. The good 'ol Sourthern hospitality is alive and well! read more

What can I say if America had more businesses like this place we would have a better country. No lie, the place is all about people putting their best effort out and delivering good food at a fair price with their own personal twist on it. If you are in the area you owe it to yourself to stop by and while you're eating ask yourself if you work for somebody what kind of business you can open up and then go home and do it. read more

to cook (food) on a barbecue : to broil or roast (meat, fish, etc.) over hot coals or an open fire...this is the definition of BBQ according to Mirriam-Webster. I have spent the last 4 years as a KCBS Certified BBQ Judge. Traveling to different states to judge competition BBQ is a treat and an honor. Finding BBQ in the Augusta area has had its challenges and its rewards. But traveling outside of Augusta, in this case a trip to Thompson led me to Poppa's Finest BBQ & Catering. Everybody takes pictures of the plates of food they are planning to review...I on the other hand submitted a picture of the devastation that was created by my wife and I at lunch. I ordered the small (I use the term loosely) BBQ (the term in these parts for pulled/chopped pork), the rib sandwich and the chicken sandwich. For those of you not familiar with the concept of "sandwich" in a true BBQ place its the meat and two slices of WHITE bread...and, of course, a bottle of sauce and a roll of paper towels. In my case it was chopped pork on a white hamburger bun..and I should have stopped right there. Buy, the three ribs and the 2 pieces of white bread could not be passed up. Next came the chicken. For me this means dark meat (in this case a leg/thigh)...it is what is always presented in competition in the chicken category because of its moistness. I can only speak from my experience on this day, but, hands down, this is the best BBQ outside of competition that I have had in the 2 years living in Georgia and eating at EVERY BBQ place that I have been told to go to. As far as the comment about "smoke" not on the food, I ask you to look at the picture I have posted from sneaking around the back of the building when I left to talk to the pitmasters. I did not take a picture but they had 20 whole hams skewered over the open pit for a catering job. They were adding fresh coals from a chimney full of split oak as needed. The smell was heavenly. This is where their meats are smoked...over coals or an open fire. This is NOT the only BBQ in the area or in the Augusta area. Each BBQ place you visit has their own spin on BBQ. I have eaten at establishments with huge clienteles that that cook their meat using propane and a large oven...NO SMOKE at all. Being a competition judge I will always opt for wood smoke and fire. whether I am eating in Kansas City, the State of Texas or the Carolina's. It does not mean that I am opposed to trying others rendition of BBQ. It is what makes eating at different places fun. If it is not to my liking, I simply make a note not to return. I hope you will give Poppa's a try...it is a little bit of a drive from the Augusta area, but it is a pretty drive out in the country and folks there put out some delicious food. read more

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Traveling out to Augusta down 20 East then make sure you stop by this gem of a BBQ restaurant. Exit 172 Thomason, GA. and turn right then down on the right about 1.5 miles. We found this place because we did not want the normal fast food that interstate exits have to offer. On our way into the heart of Thomason we found this BBQ joint and decided to give it a shot. There sign is white with black lettering and a pink pig at the top. The building is a trailer where you order on the right and sit inside on the left or just outside on the picnic tables. I took a look at the wall posted menu and knew what I was going to order. The pulled pork sandwich $3 and the rib dinner + 2 sides and bread $7.50 with a sweet tea to top it off. Moments later a very large portioned meal came out and I dug in. The BBQ sauce is vinegar based and delicious. After cleaning my plate I was thinking of ordering more for later but because I was so full I didn't want to think of eating. I am not in the area very often seeing that I live in Atlanta but I will definitely make a point to stop by on my next adventure to SC. read more

I literally just left this place, and had to write a Yelp review. I have been staying in Thomson all week on business, and this is the best place restaurant Thomson has to offer bar-none. If you are on I-20, take SR 17 south for a bit and you'll see it on your right - it's worth skipping the usual fast food standbys closer to the interstate. I had the BBQ sandwich and green beans. The green beans were cooked perfectly. The pork literally melted in my mouth. You can smell the deliciousness from a mile away. Staff was friendly, place was spotless, lemonade hit the spot. Would definitely eat at any time I am through this area! read more

BEST RIBS EVER!!!! Easy off I-20. Outside seating for small dog. Don't miss sweet potato pie for dessert!!! So good. Lovely owners.

Worth the trip. Stopped for lunch in our travels based on the yelp reviews. They weren't wrong! We ordered ribs, chicken and BBQ. Ribs were tender and juicy, 1/2 chicken was some of the best I have ever had and the BBQ sandwich was just right. The sauce has a slight spice that it delicious - pay for some on the side, you won't be sorry! Prices were very reasonable and you won't leave hungry. Couldn't help but order the cake to go! So glad we found this gem. read more

Another hole in the wall place that I found while out doing my travels. The place doesn't look like much it's in a trailer. But the food they serve me was absolutely delicious. If you're in the area stop by and enjoy some barbecue. read more

Awesome BBQ! Employees are super nice:) treated us like family :) my picky 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter loves the bbq sandwich:) Mac and cheese tastes like my granny's. Everything is homemade, so tasty and the wonderful aroma of bbq invites you in from the parking lot. read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - Eating meat is rare for her;) - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

This is now called J&M BBQ. Same family business & owners, just a name change. My family tried them out yesterday and quite enjoyed it. The rib tips are DEELISH! Their sauce is very good! Would definitely eat there again. read more

I eat and review BBQ a LOT! Poppa's Finest does a great job; lots of smokey flavor, delicious sides and friendly folks. My wife's report? The best she's ever had. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206095633813942&set=a.4253778866792.2174205.1355408279&type=3&theater read more

Where to even begin?! These reviews are so misleading. Maybe this is the only BBQ available in this area? I wish we would have just kept driving. The BBQ had a refrigerator taste which means they are charging for leftovers. I can understand a couple days but this meat tasted 4 or 5 days old. The hash?!?!?! More like tomato soup with bits of meat in it..worst hash I've ever eaten. We threw most of our food away. Service was mediocre. Won't be returning! read more

Great option on the road from Augusta to ATL on our trip back from the beach. A couple of miles off the interstate but on the main access road so accessible. I had the rib sandwich and my husband had the BBQ sandwich, both with the hot sauce. Both were great. The slaw was good but a bit sweet for my taste. Would definitely go here again. Good tea too. read more

Fantastic BBQ. Ribs were some of the tastiest I've ever had. Papa knows how to do it right. Friendly service and nice people. After finishing lunch, wife decided to buy a family dinner and take it to our kids. Savages at home tore through it, barley got another rib before gone. read more

Poppa's Finest Bbq & Catering - a woman standing in front of a white building - Barbeque Near Me - Thomson, Georgia

Meatiest ribs I have found since moving to this area in 2014. Juicy, tasty and just the right amount of taste from open flame and seasoning.

There are two ways to judge good barbecue- by the way you make it... or on its own merit. Most choose the former but I believe the only fair way is by the latter. I had Poppa's pulled pork and stew plate. The meat and stew were tasty but the stew relied a little too heavy on tomatoes. I also prefer vinegar-based sauce but the meat (which comes already sauced) was still good and the heat balance was perfect for those who like it mild. Poppa was very friendly and the service was quick. read more

Best BBQ ever!!! We decided to stop by while passing through town. Not too far from the highway. I was undecided as to what to order. The man behind me in line said "anything is good!" He was right! Ribs fall off the bone and my wife really liked their sauce. Their sweet tea surely is sweeet! Just the way I like it. Customer service is amazing and good home style atmosphere. I truly felt as if I was eating at Pappa's. read more

The ribs are simply some of the best I have had. A good dry rub with a nice balance of salty and savory with a tiny touch of warmth(not heat). The hardwood smoke really comes through without being overpowering. The hash, chicken, and pulled pork are very good also. I have not tried the brisket but I will the next time I go. This is about a 30 mile barbecue, I will drive 30 miles out of my way to eat there, making it 60 miles round trip. They are open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Place your order and pay at the window then your food will be brought to you in the dining room. Sides aren't great but it is all about the ribs. read more

Bypass the fast food places along I20 and go to Poppa's. Extremely lean pork bar b que. great house made sauce and fast service. The hash and slaw were also good. Worth stopping at for lunch. read more

Went here based on other reviews, but food was so bad we didn't finish it. Wasted $30 dinner and left and went to Subway.

The best BBQ and hash around! I own another local restaurant but get take-out for our staff often! We take out BBQ very seriously around here and this is the best I've had in a LONG time! read more

Saturday, about 2 PM- my husband and I shared the Jr. Ribs (7 ribs) with 2 half pint sides and white bread. EVERYTHING was delicious- we were asked if we wanted 'hot' or 'mild' ribs (we chose mild) and they were fall-off-the-bones cooked. Not dried out, and with a great vinegar based BBQ sauce. The beans looked like plain canned beans but they were hot (temperature, not spicy) and spiced to perfection- just a hint of molasses. The Cole slaw was just as good- the red velvet cake looked appealing and I would have tried it but couldn't fit it in. When we arrived, the parking lot was full, and people were waiting for take-out orders but our service was fast- the kitchen must have been well organized and coordinated. I have waited longer in a fast-food place. I would certainly recommend Poppa's Finest BBQ- the ONLY negative comment was the lemonade was a powdered mix in a container marked "Fresh" lemonade. But it was still OK- just not what was promised. read more

Dinner 9/25/2014. Disappointed. Wanted to like it based on the current reviews and 4-star rating but did not. We ordered 1/2 slab and rib rips with coleslaw and baked beans. Side were good. 1/2 slab and rib tips were TOO greasy. We didn't finish our meal. We won't go there again if our travels take us through Thomson again. read more

We were in town for the Master's and stayed in Thomson. Poppa's had a solid 4 star rating with over 30 reviews so we gave it a shot. Nice, clean sitting area, very friendly service and great ribs. I would recommend to anyone anytime. read more

Anyone who wants authentic GA or SC style BBQ should stop here and enjoy great ribs and amazing BBQ with hash and rice. Delicious homemade sauce and great service. I have had big city BBQ all around the east coast and was beyond delighted to try real deal BBQ from Poppa's. If you are traveling near Augusta on I-20, take the short trip from the exit in Thomson and enjoy a great meal. read more

I love the simple pulled pork sandwich with a cup of hash on the side!

WOW! What great BBQ. We stopped here after leaving the Masters. The Ribs melt in your mouth. The BBQ Pork is chopped and fantastic. The Chicken slides off the bone. The owner even brought out some Hash for us all to try. It was also fantastic. This is a must stop for BBQ fans. read more

Excellent! A great pit stop with great food and service near the highway. Bar-b-que and hash dinner was great!

Avoid! Not true bbq. Not smoking the bbq Just covering meat with sauce. Took 2 bites and walked out. Terrible experience read more

Excellent food!!!! Their hours are convient and the staff is friendly. Last time i dined it was late but they were out of a lot of menu options. Otherwise it was a great experience! read more