Vandy's Bar-B-Q (Downtown) — Restaurant in Statesboro

Vandy's is exactly what a good barbecue joint should be: linoleum floors, old wood paneling for walls,and formica tables with vinyl chairs, all of which have been there long enough to soak up the heavenly smell that can only be produced by real wood pouring real smoke into quality pork on the same real outdoor barbecue pit for at least 50 or 60 years. My father introduced me to Vandy's on West Vine Street on a visit to Statesboro 45 years ago. It hasn't changed a bit since. I hope it never does. Just walking in the place makes the stomach of any real barbecue lover growl in lusty anticipation. And then the payoff arrives. The chopped pork is lean, moist, smoky and tender, and served with slices of white bread on the side. The sauce is unique and perfectly complements the meat without overpowering it. Not sweet, but not too spicy or vinegary either. And the Brunswick Stew is the best on the planet, especially when you spoon some extra chopped pork into the stew as you go. Order a large chopped pork plate with double stew. You won't be disappointed, and if you're like me, you may even order another plate just like it before you leave. As far as I'm concerned, Vandy's is barbecue heaven. In fact, if they'd let me, I'd choose to have myself cremated when I die and tell my family to scatter my ashes near Vandy's pit, just on the off chance that my spirit might be able to smell that pork cooking for...

My Great-Grandma, Grandma, Mother, and myself and all of my South Georgia family and beyond have been patrons of Vandy's since they began. I have shared a table with many friends and family members for a variety of holidays, family reunions, or just a weekday lunch. Since moving away from the area in 2001, I have made a point to visit every chance I can. I have moved from South GA to Augusta to Florida all the way up to Western NC and traveled near and far around this country trying to find that Vandy's flavor again, but NOTHING compares to the original. Each time I make my BBQ pilgrimage to Statesboro, I take (at least) a couple pounds of BBQ and a gallon of Brunswick Stew (the best in the world) home, to not only feed my hunger but to feed my soul. My wish for this South Georgia Icon is to never go out of business, because to me; Vandy's BBQ is more than just a restaurant. The old screen door creaking open to the building on Vine holds special memories of family members since passed. The smells of the pit and sounds of chopping BBQ reminds me of conversations, laughter, and even tears shared over a cold cup of Sweet Tea and slices of Sunbeam bread. I believe this is a perfect example of what sets Southern cooking apart from any other region, because without the feelings of nostalgia attached to each delicious...

Love Vandys been eating here since I was a little girl..tender bbq and great Brunswick stew. This location it's just something about it. It's not the most attractive building but the food is tastier than other location. They do close earlier and have a drive thru. Was disappointed though after purchasing a gallon of tea and it being old and returning the tea for a replacement gallon only for that one to be old as well. Ik tea and it seems to be old and sought out possibly. Called but closed early and we went out of town. Left gallon hope they fix issue because I live in country so those drives alone a meal in gas. This day I ordered 3 bacon egg cheese sandwiches, a breakfast special, small cheeses grits and gallon of tea. Sandwiches are good but you pay $4.00 and it's one egg.. Very thin.. Egg should be double for price. Sandwiches used...