Our Story
A Savannah Tradition Since 1975
50 Years of Pit-Cooked BBQ🔥
At Barnes Restaurant, we’ve been cooking BBQ the same way every day for nearly 50 years. Located at 5320 Waters Avenue in Savannah, GA, we’ve built a tradition around consistency and flavor that never changes. People have strong opinions about BBQ, but we’re proud that so many customers say Barnes BBQ is the best in town. When you eat with us, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing a piece of Savannah’s food history.
The Barnes Way: Quality & Flavor You Can Trust
From the very beginning, we’ve kept one promise—to serve food made with care. We start with the highest quality cuts like fresh Boston Butts and premium BBQ ribs, slow-cooked to bring out the best flavor. Then we finish with our homemade secret sauce that keeps people coming back again and again. Alongside BBQ, you’ll also find Southern favorites like seafood, chicken, sandwiches, and burgers—all prepared with the same attention to detail.
Food with Care for the Planet
Great food should also mean great responsibility. That’s why we use eco-friendly practices to reduce waste and conserve resources. At Barnes, we recycle glass, plastic, and paper with the City of Savannah, compost all food scraps at Trustee’s Garden, and cut energy use with efficient lighting. By doing our part, we keep costs down and pass the savings on to you. Every plate of BBQ comes with the peace of mind that we’re protecting the place we all call home.
More Than BBQ: A Community Tradition
Barnes has always been more than a restaurant—it’s part of Savannah. We’re proud to give back to the community that has supported us for so long. From donating meals, gift certificates, and funds, to supporting groups like Savannah City Mission, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity, helping others is at the heart of what we do. When you choose Barnes, you’re not just enjoying BBQ—you’re joining in a tradition of food, family, and community care.
