As a resident of the Toco Hill(s) area, Community Q is my new local BBQ joint. The dudes that made Sam & Dave's a Marietta staple and who are coincidentally named Sam and Dave opened up shop in Decatur in late 2009.
In three visits, I've tried the St. Louis style ribs, the pork, and the brisket - and that's the order I would rank them. The ribs are tender and seasoned to perfection. The pork is charred just the right amount to give it a good smokey flavor without drying out the meat. The brisket is flavorful and tender for the most part, although I did run into a few pieces that were a tad dry on my most recent visit.
I don't know for sure if this is the best barbecue in Atlanta. What I do know is that it's pretty darn good, and if it's not the best, then my taste buds aren't refined enough to differentiate between the best and the really really good. Debating how Community Q ranks against the likes of Fox Bros., Daddy D'z, or Sprayberry's is like arguing about which of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders is the hottest. At the end of the day, most guys wouldn't kick any of them out of bed.
What really sets Community Q apart for me personally is the mac-n-cheese. It's not just good....it's inspiring...enlightening even. The juxtaposition of a crunchy top with a cheesy gooey bottom are only part of the story. For me, the difference maker is the rigatoni noodle, which is the perfect shape and size to be completely encompassed inside and out by the yummy goodness. I first tried Sam & Dave's version in Marietta a few years back, and it caused me to switch to rigatoni in my own homemade mac recipe. I thank them for showing me the way.
Pros: Haven't found a weak spot on the menu yet
Cons: space a bit small for the lunch crowd they are drawing
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