Welcome to Big Shanty Smokehouse
Hickory-smoked in Kennesaw since 2008
Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham’s® is a Kennesaw, Georgia barbecue restaurant known for authentic smoked meats and warm hospitality — recognized as Best BBQ in Georgia (2025 and 2026), one of the Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America, and Best of Cobb.
A Few Big Shanty Favorites
Every customer soon becomes a regular for our smoked meats and ever-changing daily specials.
“Killer” Spare Ribs
Slow-smoked over hickory with a caramelized crust and a blend of spices in every bite that keeps you coming back for more.
See the ribs →
Smoked Chicken
Seasoned with a savory blend of herbs and spices, then slow-smoked over hickory — tender, juicy and golden. On the bone by the ¼ or ½ bird, or pulled for the perfect sandwich.
See the chicken →
Sides
The perfect complement to your meal — tangy coleslaw, potato salad and our famous Shanty Smoked Baked Beans, plus a rotating side of the day — mac and cheese, collards, cheesy rice, green beans, squash casserole or corn.
See the sides →Recognized Near and Far
Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham’s® has been named one of the Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America by Barbecue News Magazine in 2025 and 2026, along with Best of Cobb in 2025 and 2026.
Gluten-friendly options available. Please note these items are prepared in a shared kitchen and may not be suitable for guests with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
Take the Shanty Home
Depot Dust Rub & Top Rail Sauce
The Dillards made our house sauce and rub by hand in the Shanty kitchen, and for years the only place to get them was here. They got their names — Top Rail Barbecue Sauce and Depot Dust Rub — when we took them to market alongside the Willingham’s® W’ham® line. Top Rail is a well-balanced sweet, smoky sauce rooted in Southern tradition; Depot Dust is a bold Southern-style dry rub inspired by the historic rails of Kennesaw, Georgia.
Order Yours →
Willingham’s® Seasoning and Sauces
Developed by BBQ Hall of Fame Pitmaster John Willingham and perfected with new creations by Champion Pitmaster Paul Holden, our W’ham® Seasonings and Sauces combine 28 expertly curated spices and seasonings. Use them at home, in your restaurant, or as part of your competition team program — the secret to 5 world grand championships and 24 world category 1st places.
Visit the Shop →Great Care. Great Taste.
Springer Mountain Farms Chicken
We are proud to serve Springer Mountain Farms chicken at the Shanty. Their farmers in the hills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains wake up every morning with a commitment to quality, safety, and care.
Visit their website →
Braveheart Premium Angus Brisket
Big Shanty Smokehouse uses Braveheart Black Angus Beef Brisket — one of the primals in Braveheart’s PathProven® program — so every brisket we smoke is traceable, deeply flavorful, and built on strict standards of tenderness, marbling, and consistency.
Visit their website →See Y’all in Kennesaw
Big Shanty Smokehouse is at 3393 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, just off historic downtown. Order at the counter and stay a while.