Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
I admit that at first, I did not intend to go have dinner at Georgia's Eastside BBQ with my friend Benny. No, we wanted to go get some fried chicken at Sweet Chick located a block away. Unfortunately, and despite the info I got on the Internet, the place was closed for "staff appreciation day". Nice thing in retrospect, but at that point, I was more thinking about "client appreciation day"! So, the other alternative was Russ and Daughters on Orchard and it is while walking towards it that I noticed Georgia's Eastside BBQ. It is a tiny place and I had to convince Benny to go there as he saw only two people inside and thought it was a sign the restaurant was not good. I proved him wrong and, in fact, when we left the place was crowded.
Dining room at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Opening 9 years ago, this is the kind of discreet restaurant you would miss. Very small, I like the decor of this cash only place (notice the Johnny "Cash only" photo below), that has a rustic feel and some interesting artifacts on the wall such as the boar head or the old riffle.
Decor at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Boar head at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Piggys at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Johnny Cash only photo at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
It is a family owned business where founder Alan Natkiel and Chef/partner Shawn Collins succeeded in creating a fantastic BBQ place, proving that you do not need a smoker to serve good BBQ. We decided to try few dishes, with a mix of meats. I admit that at first, I was looking for a BBQ sampler, but was a bit disappointed by the one they serve that has ribs, andouille sausage and wings.
Chicken and ribs platter at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
What I wanted was for sure ribs, but also fried chicken as they are apparently known for it, and because I was already set all day with having chicken for dinner (that's how I am...). So, then I saw the ribs and fried chicken platter on their menu and we ordered it. I first tried the chicken that was succulent: golden brown, very crispy, with a moist chicken inside.
Fried chicken at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Then, the baby back ribs that were covered with BBQ sauce. There ribs were incredible: so tender, a knife was not necessary to eat them, the meat literally falling off the bone. It was not dry at all and had a nice char on top. These were some of the best ribs I ever had.
Ribs at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Ribs at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
This platter came with two sides, making it a good deal. We picked the three cheese Mac and cheese, as well as there homemade corn bread. Both of them were quite good.
Homemade corn bread at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Mac and cheese at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
The second dish we tried was the brisket melt, served with French fries and Cole slaw (the fries were decent, but the Cole slaw lacked flavor).
Brisket melt sandwich at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Brisket melt sandwich at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Brisket melt sandwich at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
Brisket melt sandwich at Georgia's Eastern BBQ in the Lower East Side, NYC
I loved that dish, especially the brisket that melted in my mouth and was moist. This was one of their specials, but I hope they will add it to their regular menu.
We left full and glad the mishap with Sweet Chick made us discover Georgia's Easyside BBQ. I will definitely go back there and maybe this time try their wings or burger.
Enjoy (I did)!
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