My family has been in the South since before the War of Northern Aggression. I know a thing or two about barbecue. You can really get messed up coming to Hootenanny’s thinking you’ll get the traditional pulled pork with sticky sweet sauce, white bread, baked beans and coleslaw. It’s not here. Think more like Charro Beans, Esquites, Street Corn and Bulgogi Cheesesteak (!). Yes, they do have pulled pork, but the menu is more like a work of art out of the creative mind of pitmaster Judd Foster and when you are prepared, it is amazing.
The smoker in the yard is the heart of the operation at Hootenanny’s. It is named King Louie and what Judd pulls out is just mouth-watering. He actually went to school to learn the craft of sausage making – a kind of PHD of smokeology. The brisket tacos are a staple and always a good bet.
On the day I filmed with the boys, we had a brisket parm – you guessed it – it really tasted like a juicy chicken parm but with that lovely smoky brisket that Judd does so well. You have to stay on your toes here. Judd is always creative in mixing up what kind of sausage he might make this week. It keeps things exciting and fresh. Think: a chili crisp & cheese dog topped with cheese sauce, potato stix, sriracha mayo & Korean BBQ sauce or a ground bulgogi brisket cheesesteak link topped with cheese sauce, peppers & onions. The sky is the limit.
The Yard
The official name of this joint is Hootenanny’s at The Yard. Why? Judd started his barbecue passion on a maple sugar kettle with his brother on his grandfather’s farm in upstate New York and entered his first competition under the name Hootenanny’s. And now The Yard is the thing in a true BBQ style. Live music, picnic tables, cornhole, horseshoes… it’s a real treat for the whole family.
The hours are limited, but if you are up for family fun and some good tunes, come on down to historic Brunswick and Hootenanny’s. You won’t forget the experience!
Hootenanny’s at the Yard—Craft Barbecue
1708 Ellis St, Brunswick, GA 31520
912-222-1019
Thursday – Saturday 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 3pm