Welcome to Big Shanty Smokehouse
Where world-champion flavor meets local soul.
Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham's® is a Kennesaw, Georgia barbecue restaurant known for authentic smoked meats, warm hospitality, and championship barbecue heritage. The restaurant has earned local, regional, and national recognition, including Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America, Best of Cobb, and praise for serving some of the best ribs in the South. Nestled just off historic downtown Kennesaw, Big Shanty welcomes guests with the irresistible aroma of hickory smoke and a true smokehouse experience.
Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham's® is a Kennesaw, Georgia barbecue restaurant known for authentic smoked meats, warm hospitality, and championship barbecue heritage. The restaurant has earned local, regional, and national recognition, including Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America, Best of Cobb, and praise for serving some of the best ribs in the South. Nestled just off historic downtown Kennesaw, Big Shanty welcomes guests with the irresistible aroma of hickory smoke and a true smokehouse experience.
Our flavor is becoming legendary
Every customer soon becomes a regular for our great smoked meat and ever-changing daily specials. See Y’all in Kennesaw for the best barbecue in the south!
A Few Big Shanty Favorites
SPARE Ribs
Smoked Chicken
SIDES
Our sides and appetizers are the perfect complement to your meal, from creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw to our famous Shanty Smoked Baked Beans. Each dish is made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to your BBQ feast.
Trusted since 2008
Featured everywhere
Featured on
VOTED TOP 10
Travelers’ Choice
WE PROUDLY PROVIDE
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.
Bring Big Shanty flavor to your next BBQ!
Depot Dust Rub and Top Rail Sauce now available
Handcrafted by Big Shanty Smokehouse founder Chic Dillard, Top Rail Barbecue Sauce & Depot Dust Rub have been a staple at the Shanty since 2008. Top Rail is a well balanced sweet, smoky sauce rooted in Southern tradition, and is the bold finishing touch to any barbecue. This championship-worthy sauce delivers rich flavor with every bite.
Depot Dust is a bold Southern-style dry rub inspired by the historic rails of Kennesaw, Georgia. This savory-sweet blend with a hint of heat enhances everything from ribs and brisket to fries and veggies.
Order yours today!Depot Dust is a bold Southern-style dry rub inspired by the historic rails of Kennesaw, Georgia. This savory-sweet blend with a hint of heat enhances everything from ribs and brisket to fries and veggies.
Use Willingham's® W'ham® Seasonings & Sauces at your home, restaurant, or as part of your competition team program.
Experience the secret to 5 world grand championships, 24 world category 1st places, 100s of top calls and still counting.
#whamthebestnobragjustfact
Experience the secret to 5 world grand championships, 24 world category 1st places, 100s of top calls and still counting.
#whamthebestnobragjustfact
The perfect blend of seasonings and sauces
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. Unlock the secret to cooking like a champion with these award-winning flavors!
Visit the shopGreat care. Great taste.
We are proud to serve springer mountain farms chicken at the shanty
They've been in the chicken business for decades, and every one of them believes in doing what’s best. Their farmers in the hills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains wake up every morning with a commitment to quality, safety, and care.
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A cut above the rest.
Braveheart Premium Angus Brisket at Big Shanty Smokehouse
When you bite into our brisket, we want it to tell the whole story — exceptional sourcing, unmatched quality, and craftsmanship from ranch to pit. That’s why Big Shanty Smokehouse uses Braveheart Black Angus Beef Brisket — one of the primals by Braveheart’s PathProven® program. It means every brisket we smoke is traceable, deeply flavorful, and built on strict standards of tenderness, marbling, and consistency. With Braveheart, you’re getting more than brisket; you’re tasting a beef lineage rooted in expert ranching, trusted feedyards, and a commitment to excellence.
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