Our Story
Founder, and first generation Hudson, Buford started working in barbecue when he was in the 8th grade. At that young age, he commuted to Atlanta to work at the Old Hickory Barbecue, owned by brothers Winton and Willy Wallace, who taught him how to serve customers and cook pork shoulders. When the restaurant closed, Buford went on to find work else where. Years later, he decided to return to what he loves most and knows best – barbecue.
“They all said a barbecue place just wasn’t going to make it in Douglasville. And in 1971, we opened for business” - Founder, Buford Hudson
CEO and Second generation Hudson, Scot, was merely eleven years of age when the business opened. Along side his mother Ann and father Buford, Scot worked in the restaurant every single day after school to help keep the doors open. Responsible for creating our famous hickory fries, Scot has always had an eye for culinary deliciousnesses.
“It’s because of our amazing community and loyal customers that we’re able to do what we love to do.” - Scot Hudson
COO and Third generation Hudson, Elena, has grown up the restaurant all her life, stating she “started working in the restaurant as soon as [she] started walking”. Elena continues to help her grandfather and father run the business by aiding with marketing, creation and innovation, and managing day to day operations.
“My father and grandfather have always been my biggest heroes. Growing up in the restaurant and getting to learn from them first-hand is by far one of the greatest blessings.” - Elena Hudson
Together, these three are dedicated and passionate about making the barbecue empire what it is today. Nearly 50 years later, Hudson’s continues to be a local institution as the oldest full-service restaurant still operating in Douglas County. While many things have changed throughout the years, Hudson’s love and skillset for barbecuing never will.
Scott and Buford Hudson
2019 Interview
2019 Interview
Buford & Scott Hudson of Hudson's Hickory House in Douglasville, Georgia talk about the origins and family values of Hudson's Hickory House BBQ. In this 2019 interview the Buford and Scott talk about how it all got started.
Google Reviews
Yeti Caulder
18:03 17 Jul 21
This place was so delicious! Their junkyard dog was amazing! Good Brunswick stew and delicious cornbread! Their waiters... and cooks are amazing. Very nice people who pay attention to their customers. I should have got something to take home and munch on but I completely forgot. I expected them to have homemade pie but they had Sara Lee, which was fine because it was delicious! I highly recommend going if you are looking for some darn good BBQ with good customer service!read more
Brent Wattenbarger
03:33 04 Jul 21
They were out of almost everything on the menu. However, what was available was very tasteful. Service was spectacular... and I really didn't mind their menu being minimized because the owners allow all the employees to have 2 weeks (give or take) off for the holiday. A very southern gesture toward independence day.read more
Diva in the Woods
23:44 24 Jun 21
It may not be over-the-top BBQ, but it's been a staple restaurant I Douglasville since 1971. It's family owned, 3rd... generation run now that Scot has passed away.Locals will always support Hudson's because of the friendly service, many have worked here for decades, and the way they have given back to the community since day one.If you like to support local, family-run businesses, this place is a must visit!read more
Derek Gantt
02:47 05 Jun 21
First time to come here in a while. We had a pork plate with Brunswick stew and baked beans, a grilled cheese sandwich... with pork, and fried green beans. Everything was delicious and the meat was very flavorful. Atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. Staffers were friendly. Pleasant and satisfying local BBQ institution.read more
justin hardy
16:54 27 May 21
This is old style BBQ that is more on the dry side- vinegar sauce is not my preference either. I have settled in that... some like the BBQ smoked longer, tougher, a bit dryer. If you like this style you will like Hudson's. If you like a little more fat in the pork- steer clear. I was a bit disappointed with my visit. Not that the food was bad- just make sure you like this style before stopping in.read more
Kane Hobbs
01:24 14 Apr 21
Delicious home cooked BBQ. The fries are to die for! Service is always spot on, with little to no mistakes with orders.... I've been going here for over 25 years, it has turned into our family favorite!read more
Brandi Freeman
12:44 02 Mar 21
Hudson's was amazing as always. You won't find a better hometown BBQ joint. You can feel the hospitality when you walk... it the door! The food speaks for its self. I've ate here my whole life and I've tried pretty much everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. Some of my favorites are the hickory fries, hickory potato, or just a plain sandwich which I smother in their delicious vinegar based BBQ sauce. The homemade ranch is a must try, it's good on everything from fries, to the potato to their loaded up pork salad. If you are visiting Douglasville I definitely recommend you trying this place out, and well if you live here you probably already have!read more
George Murphy
18:11 16 Feb 21
You can count on Hudson's to always be good BBQ. They desperately need a filter on their water!!! Aside from tasting... like instant Nestea, the tea tastes like chlorine and so does the ice!!Back to the good... The beef is great, the coleslaw is outstanding and the fries could be a meal themselves. You can't go wrong with anything you order here at Hudson's. I hope they fix the chlorine taste in the drinks though.read more
Brenda Shafer
00:00 06 Feb 21
The portions were good size. The value plate is more than we could eat. Fries are hand cut. Slaw was good and... creamy. Large size tea glasses. Wish they gave 2 sides for dinner plates instead of 1.read more
Henry Bean
17:47 07 Jan 21
This restaurant gives superb service and enjoyable meals. The best place around town. The drinks and food arrived quick... and the prices are inexpensive. Recommended.read more
Tammy Wilson
00:56 25 Nov 20
Fantastic BBQ. Staff is very friendly. We tried several things and everything was very good. Portion size is good. We... had to get carryout containers. True " southern"sweet tea. The prices are very good, especially considering the portion size. We'll definitely be coming back for more. My favorite place to get a burger. The fried okra is the best I've had since my Grandma passed.read more
Brian Stansbury
02:02 03 Nov 20
I just came from Hudson's. I placed an order for carry out, and chose to wait on the inside for it. Glad I did! I will... never go back to this establishment, and I suggest anyone wanting to try it to order carry out, and watch how your food is prepared. My family has ordered here before, and the food tastes good. One thing I won't do is risk the health of my family for the sake of good tasting food though. After asking them to cook my steak to a medium as requested, and not the rare that was given, I stood there and watched. An employee then started to pick up the mats on the floor and shake them out. He then came over and picked up my plate to put my steak in it after handling the mats with the same gloves. His reply after being confronted by it was that he didn't touch the actual food (but his finger grabbed the inside where the steak went when he picked the tray up, and all over the outside). Just before that a customer sent back a hamburger steak that was supposed to be medium, also rare, and the same cook that initially cooked my steak to the rare came from moving things inside and proceeded to pick up the customers half eaten hamburger steak. He poked at it insisting that it was medium, and then put it back on the flat top. Never once did he change his gloves. When I requested my money back for the steak meal, the lady at the register handed me $15. I told her that the steak was $16 plus tax. She then told me that they don't give tax back, and that on her computer it says $15. At this point I had seen enough, and just requested the full reimbursement for the meal. I have worked in food service before, and I can not tell you how many health violations I witnessed. I normally don't write reviews, but the fact that I had to argue with them after their wrongdoing is unacceptable.read more
Amy Wetzel
22:59 27 Oct 20
We stopped only because the air smelled so good driving by and let me tell you this did NOT disappoint. The pork plate... was SO yummy and the steaks you could cut with a fork and such good flavor. If we lived local this would be a regular place we would go to.read more
Megan Carmody
02:09 17 Oct 20
Place was packed out when we arrived. Got a table & service was excellent. Our server was super nice & fast despite her... having multiple tables. I had the hickory fries with beef, tasted great. Unfortunately hubby had the ribs & they came out cold. Got another plate that was hot but tasted terrible as if warmed up in the microwave. You would think a BBQ house would have much better ribs. Reason for only 3 stars.read more
Tiffany Castro
19:22 14 Oct 20
Not the best, but not terrible either. Went with my partner and their sister and got the beef plate with stew while... they had the rib plates. The Brunswick stew was not what I am used to. It was more like blended Brunswick stew. The meat was okay and the sauce was fine, but not something I could eat a lot of. The fried pickles were fantastic though! We tried the sweet tea and water but they had an chemical taste to it. They were very friendly and nice place though. I'd go back if someone I love wants to, but if I had a choice I'd go someplace else.read more
Jonathan Anderson
20:54 10 Oct 20
Hudson's did not disappointment for our family of 6. Great pulled pork, ribs and a burger for the littlest. They ran... out of fried okra but the fried pickles were a great substitute. Again, family of 6 for under $50read more
Mary Hawkins
03:51 29 Sep 20
On 9/28/20, my husband to my husband and I decided to give our neighborhood restaurant a chance. What we discovered... was we should have stayed home and cooked dinner. I got the rib plate and hubby got the beef thrift sandwich. He said the meat was dry with no real flavor and that even the fries were not good they were soggy and greasy. I agree with him about the fries no flavor at all to boot. The ribs that I had were AWEFUL! The membrane or the skin that lines the bones was NOT removed so the meat had a greasy dry taste plus the plate was cold.I dont know who they're fooling but this was by far the worse ribs I've had in years and being a over the road truck driver, I know ribs by the state and the mile marker.read more
Melanie Newman
17:41 25 Sep 20
Wow! First time for us. And were impressed! Great menu, lots of options. It was during lunch on a Friday and they were... slammed. But I could not believe how fast we got our food! Generous portions and very reasonable prices. We'll be back!read more
Justin Couch
16:26 19 Sep 20
Great service, great prices and food is great and dont forget the best sweet tea around.
Robert Morrison
23:37 17 Sep 20
The fries alone are reason enough to eat here! But, I'm taking a star for the hamburger. Meat cooked and stored in... styrofoam container under grill. Sorry, but I'm not sure that's up to code.They have such potential to have a fantastic burger by making it to order, cooking it properly to temp(medium isn't raw!), and w/o pressing the flavor and juicyness out of the patty. Time is a small price to pay for perfection!read more
Justin Couch
09:37 17 Sep 20
The food ia excellent they need to relocate to a better newer location due to the old building look guves it this dirty... apperance of being dirtyread more
Ethelbert Gwyn
14:57 12 Sep 20
The barbecue is absolutely delicious . The service is excellent , the portions are large and the prices are affordable.... The location is very convenient and the atmosphere pleasant.read more
Anne Mili
21:10 11 Sep 20
The food was awesome, and so was the service, the person that waited on us was very professional, and the atmosphere... was very good. Our new favorite place to eat BBQ!read more
Bob Hanley
00:04 10 Sep 20
Family atmosphere, food was good, not grate. Plastic plates may have been around since Jimmy Carter was president.
Rebecca Cosby
22:02 28 Aug 20
Went with one of my bffs. Always love the food here and staff is great. Very casual which is a great and comfortable... setting. Seating comfortable tooread more
jerome bibbins
17:20 28 Aug 20
Awesome atmosphere, great service with even better food. Highly recommend the junkyard dogs or hickory fries anyway. 5... star country cooking.read more
Tommy Bryant
01:21 26 Aug 20
GREAT BBQ and Brunswick stew also they have great steaks nice and tender cooked to order reasonably priced food!
Pam Adams
23:32 19 Aug 20
Old town BBQ still up and going. They need to ensure safety during COVID times. Dine in looked to be fine but TO GO Was... ridiculous. Mask worn by most but NO SOCiAL DISTANCE (ELBOW TO ELB0W) and people complaining. They can set up and maintain distance between customers in line. Visiting since 1980 and know they care about their business and customers.read more
Ray Ray
01:07 16 Aug 20
I have had jerky that wasnt as tough as the ribs. The sauce was heavy on the vinegar. If you have never had Brunswick... stew this would turn you against stew. The sweet tea was alright. The staff was very polite, cant say that I would return for the food.read more
RSVP ASSURED TRANS LLC.
09:35 05 Aug 20
The service is fine, however the food [ribs] were not. The flavor was missing in so many ways. The inside is dated and... is long overdue for renovations. My family and I wasn't pleased at all. Our children didn't finish their hot dogs (saying they didn't like the taste). We won't be returning.read more
John Crabtree
11:36 03 Aug 20
Some of the best barbeque you will find. Excellent sandwich. Also love the hickory salad.
Josh Nation
23:47 27 Jul 20
Hudson is the only BBQ joint I know in this world that I was still eat to this day I've been in hustling since I was... little and one thing I can say that I love about hustling the sweet tea the way it tasted it 1990 it tastes like that and 20/20 so yes I love Hutchins BBQread more
Nell Stewart
19:55 25 Jul 20
I've eaten at Hudson's for about 20 years plus. I have no complaints. I love to eat at this establishment.
Sherrika Miller
00:58 13 Jul 20
Green bean french fries are awesome. Little pricey. The burgers are thick, onion rings greasy.
kyle glasco
01:31 06 Jul 20
Best BBQ in douglasville hands down, tea is on point, fried green beans are awesome but the fresh pork rinds are the... best snack! Great food at a great price.read more
Bill Buckler
01:59 04 Jul 20
Steak was good. Ordered a sweet potato but was served fries... Not sure what went wrong. Other than that, good food and... great prices!read more
Rhonda R. Hudgins
21:11 30 May 20
Hudson's BBQ has been the standard for barbecue in Douglas County for the 30 years that I've been here and I'm sure... long before that. Buford Hudson and his family is always provided excellent food and excellent value. It ain't broke and they ain't fixed it. What I loved always about Buford Hudson was he never asked anyone who work for him to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself.read more
Sheryl Tibbits
13:08 14 Dec 19
Love Hudson's. Just a great institution. The food is great and the prices are reasonable.
Ed Napier
11:14 16 Nov 19
Hudson's is a reliable place with friendly staff. Tasty food, mostly made from scratch on site. Original owner and... his family still manage the day to day operations.read more
Cassandra Driver
19:17 12 Nov 19
Best of the best in our travels!!!!! The waitress (Stacy) was the BEST we have had in a long time! She got our order... correct, QUICK SERVICE, did NOT ask for refills on the amazing sweet tea, she went above and beyond bringing appetizers, main courses, silverware, to go plates with bags, AND SHE WAS GENUINELY HOSPITABLE, FUNNY, HELPFUL & ATTENTIVE!!!!!! Fried pickles, pork plate with brunswick stew, side salad & sweet tea were perfect, fresh, tasty, clean & even better as next day lunch....if that is possible!!!read more
