Babe’s BBQ Shack: A Garden City Original Near Historic Savannah
If you ask locals where to find real barbecue near historic Savannah, chances are they’ll point you straight to Babe’s BBQ Shack in Garden City—and then tell you to get there early.
Owned and operated by Sam and Michelle Tompkins, Babe’s BBQ Shack is one of those places that doesn’t try to be flashy. It doesn’t have to. The smoke does the talking.
From Hospitality Veteran to BBQ Pitmaster
In 2009, Sam retired from ownership of several well-known Savannah restaurants—Sorry Charlie’s, Deja Groove, and Malone’s—and decided it was time for something completely different. While he’d never ventured into barbecue before, the spark came from two places close to home: Michelle’s longtime love of the Food Network and inspiration from a friend, Dean Kicklighter, who owned a hot dog stand.
Sam figured—why not try his hand at BBQ?
They launched Babe’s at a small location in 2009, but tragedy struck just a few months later when a fire destroyed the budding business. For many, that would have been the end. For Sam and Michelle, it was just a pause.
A few months later, Babe’s reopened—and the momentum never stopped.
As word spread and interest grew, it became clear they had outgrown their original space. In 2014, Babe’s relocated to its current location in Garden City, just minutes from the Historic District and downtown Savannah.
A Sauce All Their Own
Ask Sam what inspires the menu, and he’ll tell you it starts with the sauce.
Babe’s barbecue features a signature blend—combining Carolina-style mustard BBQ with a more tomato-based sauce. Everything is smoked low and slow, creating a flavor profile that appeals to barbecue purists and first-time visitors alike.
Despite decades in the restaurant business, Sam had never run a BBQ concept before Babe’s. But as he shared, he learned early on that when you own a restaurant, you’re in the business of making people happy—and Babe’s has been doing exactly that for years.
A Local Favorite for Every Walk of Life
Babe’s BBQ Shack has built a loyal following among workers from the Ports, Gulfstream, law enforcement, and nearby businesses, as well as visitors staying near downtown Savannah.
When asked about the most common reaction from first-time guests, Sam didn’t hesitate:
“That’s the BEST barbecue I’ve ever had.”
Even people who consider themselves well-traveled and well-eaten in the barbecue world consistently rave about Babe’s.
Top Menu Picks (Straight from Sam)
When asked for his Top 3 menu items, Sam ranked them without hesitation:
- Brisket — the clear favorite
- Pork
- Wings
And not just any wings. Sam proudly shared that he invented the “smoke-fried wing.” The wings are smoked first, then dropped into the fryer to crisp up perfectly on the outside while staying tender inside.
Sam’s personal go-to order?
Pork or brisket with slaw and hot BBQ sauce.
If Babe’s Had a Theme Song…
When asked what Babe’s theme song would be, Sam answered without missing a beat:
“We Like Pig Butts.”
In fact, Babe’s has t-shirts with that phrase—and they’re highly sought after by regulars and visitors alike.
More Than Just a Lunch Spot
In addition to dine-in and take-out, Babe’s BBQ Shack offers catering for graduations, weddings, corporate lunches, and events of all sizes.
And the reviews don’t lie:
“Run to Babe’s Smokehouse and eat absolutely EVERYTHING! Melt-in-your-mouth brisket, ribs that fall off the bone, perfect mac & cheese, coleslaw, baked beans—and let’s not forget the sauces!”