Bites Nearby: Spiced Right Barbecue

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here is this week's choice:

There’s a saying at Spiced Right Smokehouse Barbecue in Lilburn: “If the Colonel had our recipes, he’d been a General.”

The popular Lilburn restaurant located in what used to be a house on Lawrenceville Highway (look for the red-and-white awning) has become an institution in the area with its award-winning barbecue. It’s been located at the same place since 1988, serving up slow-cooked barbecue prepared over a low-temperature, real-wood fire.

The restaurant began as a way for founding partners Steve Lelle and Bill Stansell (owners have changed hands over the years) to bring their recipe to the public. The two started the business (without a sign) behind the old Hazel’s Restaurant on Lawrenceville Highway in 1984. It grew rapidly and moved into the cureent location. The small house that used to have elbow-to-elbow dining has been expanded with a roomier dining area and a large deck.

The old house is a comfortable — and popular — setting for casual dining. Don’t be surprised if you see your neighbors at another table.

Spiced Rice serves ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey and chicken in traditional barbecue servings: with sides like fried okra, cole slaw, baked beans, corn soufflé, potato salad, fries and hashbrown casserole (choose the hashbrowns; you’ll be glad you did). The selection of sauces are smooth, mild and hot.

Catering is also available (the restaurant can handle functions up 1,000 guests). Call 770-564-0355.

The business has expanded to two other locations, in Roswell and Suwanee.

Spiced Right is at 5364 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn. Open Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Pricing: Ribs, $8.75 (quarter rack), $10.95 (half rack), $19.95 (full rack); Sandwich plate, $6.75; Combo plates, $6.75 to $10.95; Brunswick stew, $1.99 for a cup, $4 for a bowl; Sides, $1.50; Banana pudding, $3.75.