Today is a BIG day for ordering out. If you're living in the Atlanta area, think about mixing up what you're serving and bust out the BBQ. There are plenty of options, to be sure, but if you live in the burbs of Metro Atlanta you couldn't do much better than Sam's BBQ1.

Sam's BBQ1 is the not-so-secret winner of scads of BBQ awards (including the GA national "Shoot the Bull" competition) and the favorite of foodies all over. Considering this place is 5 minutes from my home and we've only been going for the past year, I know I'm late to the party!

The ambiance feels like a nicer version of the bbq "dive" joints from downtown (Daddy d's or Fox Brothers), but considering it's in a strip mall with a vacuum cleaner store and an antique mall, the "niceness" shouldn't throw you off.

Our family favorites include the pulled pork (or chopped chicken) plate, but we always rotate through the assorted sides. The Brunswick stew is classic and delicious, but the sweet potato tater tots are DIVINE!

Chopped chicken sandwiches are best on white bread with pickles. (I can't believe I wrote that sentence, but it's true!)If you're interested in more of the smoking kind of meat, I'd recommend going with the brisket.

Of course, you have to make a selection of sauces according to your personal taste. I'm a Kansas City Style girl myself.

My personal favorite are the baby back ribs. The meat on the ribs picks up the wood pit smoke perfectly and falls off the bone. YUM! Fried okra is the side my son and I love the most. However, I'm not a big fan of the butternut squash soup (too heavy on the cream, not enough complexity in the flavors).Sam's chili makes a regular appearance on our trays.The kids flip out over the mac & cheese, and Billy and I steal bites every chance we get. This is NOT a low-cal option!Love the personality of this place - from the pig outside to the reading glasses for those of us with "old eyes."

Sam's BBQ1 is worth the drive and the caloric splurge!

Restaurant Review: Sam's BBQ1