Today we’re going to visit Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q in Blue Ridge, GA. Yes we’re still checking out the Great Smoky Mountains. We actually got lucky on this one. We arrived in the evening when small town America was about to close down. We had gone to Blue Ridge for what I thought was an antique store. It turned out to be like a general store and only open for about another hour. I knew we’d be cutting it close and almost didn’t go. But we were on vacation and wanted to see some more of Georgia. Once we were done we were looking at the bbq restaurants there and most were closed that day. But there was Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q and they were open. After we rode around the small downtown area a couple of times we headed on over to see what they have. Here we go.
The Restaurant and Staff:
Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q has been in business about 6 years. This info came from Adonna after we ate and got a chance to meet her. She and Mike are co-owners. And talk about a small world, she told us she had spent some time in Roanoke, VA when her dad was stationed there. She eventually made it to Houston, TX before they made it to Blue Ridge. It was a pleasure talking to her and learning a little more about the business. And this also explains the Texas décor in the dining room. We were very comfortable here, the atmosphere is relaxing.
This is another smaller restaurant. They do a lot of take-out business too. Our waitress, Heather, was great. She’s been there about 3 years. Heather knows the menu and she knows the food. She was very helpful. When we told Adonna why we were there she said we should stay in town long enough to try the other three BBQ restaurants too. Heather quickly noted that we’d be back here before we left. She was a blast to have as a waitress. Now it’s time to get into what we came for.
Tammy’s Choices at Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q:
Brisket with Mac & Cheese and Spiced Apples at Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q.
Tammy ordered a Brisket Plate with Mac & Cheese and Spiced Baked Apples. Heather told Tammy the mac & cheese was not homemade but it is good. She said that she eats it almost every day. Well she was right. Even though it wasn’t homemade it was still some really good mac & cheese. The apples were delicious and homemade. Their secret, Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q serves Mt. Dew stewed apples topped with brown sugar and walnuts. Well it’s not really a secret, I read it on the menu or their Facebook page. But they were some kind of good.
Now I want you to just take a moment to look at the brisket. Check out the smoke ring. I love the way the onions circle it for you. The onions and pickles are a little Texas touch for you. But the smoke ring, it had the bark on the outside. Let me just say that it tasted even better than it looks. The smoke and the seasoning were great. Tammy wasn’t hungry when we went in, but once she started on this brisket she couldn’t stop until it was finished. It was that good.
And My Choices:
Ribs with Baked Beans and Potato Salad.
This evening I went with a Ribs and Pulled Pork Plate. I chose Baked Beans and Potato Salad for my sides. The beans were wonderful. They had a thick broth with some great seasoning along with meat cooked in them. I loved them. The potato salad was mustard based and very good too.
Take a look at the picture of the ribs on my tray. They almost look like a good sized chunk of brisket laying there. I almost thought Heather was bringing me the wrong order until she told me she’d be right back with my pork. So, if you think that they look good, the taste was amazing. These smoked ribs were just wonderful and I loved every bite of them. And the pork. Again, look at the smoke ring and the bark. I loved the pulled pork here. It also had such a great flavor. There is no way to go wrong here. Pork, Brisket or Ribs, they are all fantastic.
And just a note. I usually don’t talk a lot about bread unless maybe it’s a hushpuppy. Look at the Texas Toast on both
Pulled Pork at Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q.
our plates. That is some type of garlic and butter mix and it’s out of this world.
Final Thoughts:
Well yes I love Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q. Unfortunately, I checked Google Maps and they are 512 miles from home, about 8-1/2 hours. Now that’s a road trip. But worth every mile of it. Some day we will get back out there. This is a great restaurant. Heather and Adonna were wonderful. We really enjoyed meeting them. The food was awesome. There is no reason not to go there that I saw. They’re located on Highway 76. I’d say it would be a nice ride or side trip even if you are in the Atlanta or the Chattanooga, TN area. You should really check this place out.
Now For Your Thoughts:
Ok, so you’ve heard what I think, how about you? Have you been to Mike’s Trackside Bar-B-Q? What did you think? How was your experience? Drop off some comments below so I can post them with this and you can be part of the story.
We also love to hear from you regulars. Tell us why you’re hooked. What are your favorites? Did we miss anything that others would like to hear about? Here’s a chance for you to let your hometown bbq joint know how you feel about them. Scroll down and post some comments in the box. I’ll get them posted as soon as I can.
I look forward to hearing from you.
I encourage you to share this review on Facebook and other social media sites. Follow us on Facebook to see where else we go.
I didn’t find a website.
You can find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Mikes-Trackside-Bar-B-Q-483256661694562/
No Comments