Dine Out – Big Shanty Smokehouse, Kennesaw
Big Shanty Smokehouse by John Bickford
In the tradition of side of the road smokehouses, like Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, Al, comes Big Shanty Smokehouse. This is one of those places that you find by driving with your windows down. All you want to do is find where that smell is coming from.
There are no surprises. The menu board is posted on the outer wall of the “Shanty”. The prices are reasonable, and your nose has already communicated the urgency to your stomach. Before someone gets hurt, you go inside. Hopefully you are early, because the dining room has a 30 person capacity.
In February of 2008, Chic Dillard and his partner Ronnie Schaeffer brought to us the favor that is Big Shanty Smokehouse. With a crew that includes his wife, Sissy, and his daughter, Shannon, and others, Chic provides a product that far exceeds any expectations.
I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwic
h and a couple of ribs. My new friends Tara and Mike had Chicken and pork sandwiches. The meat is flavored with Chic’s secret rub, then smoked with just a hint of sauce. There is a small cup of sauce served on the side, but try the meat first. Don’t miss out on the wonderful taste straight from the smoker.
The Shanty caters, and sells meat by the pound as well as group meals. They serve no alcohol, are kid friendly, and are closed on Monday.
Keep the smoker fired up, Chic. I’m coming back.
