Tommy Rays BBQ - Hartwell (GA)

5 /5 Larry Ballard: Tommy Ray’s is a real gem. Food aside , the lakeside location is peaceful and scenic , and the softly playing contemporary Christian music was a nice surprise. The food itself is simply incredible . My wife had a chicken quarter and devoured it . The stew was tasty and the macaroni and cheese was very cheesy and creamy . I’m a bit of a pulled pork snob , as I make my own and most BBQ places can’t come close. The pulled pork here is perfection. Smokey , complex flavor with great color and texture , and moist , tender and delicious . They offer several styles of sauce , but I opted for the traditional western North Carolina vinegar and red pepper flake sauce, which was a nice complement to the flavor of the meat . Friendly folks , great food and awesome location … oh , and the prices are more than fair . Highly recommended

5 /5 mark yaun: This is a great walk up to order barbecue restaurant I found on Google maps. the barbecue was cooked perfectly and has just the right amount of smokiness and the Brunswick stew was some of the best Ive had anywhere. The broth is not too thick and there is just enough tomato and corn and a large amount of pulled pork in the stew it tasted very delicious and had a hint of vinegar, which was a good touch. The coleslaw was prepared ( just the way I like it) with a fine dice,a basic coleslaw with not too much of any thing added that would distract from its tast and texture ( just right). I had the smoked chicken leg quarter smoked perfectly and so tender the meat just fell off the bone when you touched it with the fork and that perfect pinkness from the smoking and the seasoning along with the smoke was perfect. I had the leg quarter as a meal , which came with two sides. I had the Brunswick stew that I mentioned earlier and the coleslaw it also came with a slice of bread and I had a can diet Coke. I also took home a very delicious smoky and tender sliced beef brisket. this is a nice clean looking establishment on a bluff with a two level patio with three full size picnic tables one on the upper two on the lower patio all overlooking a cove of the lake that you can see pretty well through the trees theres also a floating dock that boaters can pull up to and come up the hill to the restaurant this is a hidden gem for anybody traveling just north and west of Hartwell ,GA. This is a family run business operated by two sons and the mother or possibly grandmother Im not sure which . Everyone was very friendly and a pleasure to talk with. I look forward to eating there again the next time Im in that area. The only improvement I could think of would be once the business grows enough to support it,would be inside dining with the view of the lake.

5 /5 Julie Vintage Bam: As I sit here with bbq sticky fingers I am a fan! My husband is a Terry Black fan and this matches the brisket for sure. It’s moist and burnt ends and served how you like it, lean or fatty, sliced or chopped. I am a rib fan and they are the absolute best I ever had. Rubbed with spices and fall off the bone. Mac and cheese is cheesy and we didn’t even have to room to eat our Brunswick Stew and will take that home for later. The sauces all so good I will have to come back a few more times to decide on my favorite. Thanks Tommy Ray we are so glad you are in Hartwell!!

5 /5 Zoë: Sweet baby Jesus swaddled in a blanket, Mary, Joseph, and all the wise men. Heaven. Beef brisket, ends, and buttered bun divine. Sweet Honey and Rootbeer homemade sauces peak. Service so welcoming! Would recommend to anyone and to utilize ordering ahead online.

5 /5 Susan Long: First time trying! Have tried all bbq places in Hart, Elbert and surrounding counties. Tommy Rays is 100 times better than any of those. The brisket is so tender and juicy, melts in your mouth. My taste could use more seasoning,(I like heavy seasoning) The pulled pork was good. The stew was really good, added a little Tabasco to make it perfect. Was hoping to try the sausage, maybe next time. We will definitely be back. The service was great! The root beer sauce yum.