Trailheads March On Grant Park, Try To See Zoo Animals, Then Eat Other Animals At Woods Chapel.

The dependable Trailheads, who Brad has labeled The Terrific Trailheads Trio (Guy, Brad, and Patrick) gathered to walk the Grant Park Trail. 

Steve and George were traveling, seperately, and no doubt waiting in long airport security lines, as ICE agents watched them while sipping their lattes.

Trailheads last made the Grant Park trek almost three years ago, and we detailed its fascinating history (the place isn’t named for who you think). Learn all about the story here.

Of course, none of us remembered the history of this area–we barely remember each other’s names–so we read the helpful history signs.

We read even more signs, often wondering about the definition of any word over three syllables. 

Guy, Brad, and the dogs posed by a Civil War canon, as Patrick searched the grounds for cannonballs. No luck. They’re long gone. Apparently they’re worth as much as a catalytic converter.

But Mother Nature had her own fireworks display going with pretty tulips and blooming azaleas. She’s the best!

It was a beautiful pollen-laden, yellow-blanketed Atlanta spring day, and Fio and Elvis looked parched after a mile walk.

We found a fountain and splashed some water for them to drink. 

“We prefer Perrier,” Fio said. "With a slice of lime, if you don't mind."

“I like mine with a bump of bourbon,” Elvis added. "Hold the fruit."

We ran to fetch their drink orders. These dogs are getting spoiled.

Trailheads walked to the area overlooking Zoo Atlanta and strained to see the wild animals, but we saw none. They were either hiding (“We only come out for paid ticket holders, cheapskates!”) or they had escaped. We began watching our backs. Zoo animals are tricky.

Trailheads continued their journey and, like any wild animal, needed their feeding. We zipped to Woods Chapel BBQ in the Summerhill section.

It’s a shame this area wasn’t developed back when The Ted was still the Braves’ homefield here because now good eateries are everywhere.

We sent a missive to Roy to join the group for lunch, but he couldn’t make it down to Summerhill and back to Buckhead for his guitar lesson in the early afternoon. He was sad. As was his teacher– Roy isn't much of student, and he gets tired of repeating himself.

Woods Chapel serves inventive barbecue, and we eagerly expanded our culinary horizons. The friendly man working the counter gave us some recommendations. We placed our orders and sat at a table outside. Read about a previous visit here.

After a while, our friendly Woods Chapel food man delivered the goods, and we almost bit his hand. 

Brad enjoyed his Beef Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich piled with smoked meat, cherry tomatoes, gooey fontina cheese, and garlic aioli on a ciabatta roll. He raved after every bite, and we asked him to kindly not speak with his mouth full.

Guy had the Patty Melt: a smashed patty topped with smoked brisket, American cheese, grilled onions, and a slathering of special sauce. He was curl-your-toes joyful.

Patrick threw a curveball by ordering two apps. He was a fan of the Smoked Chicken Egg Rolls and really loved the chili peach dipping sauce. It had a zesty, hotsy kick to it.

And he eagerly dug into his Korean Style Sticky Pork Ribs. They are bathed in a flavorful sauce and dusted with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. What’s not to like?

The sides are no slouches. The Beet & Jalapeno Coleslaw was crisp and tasty, and Brad said he liked the fact that little of the beet flavor came through.

The Pork Beans and Burnt Ends have a nice smoky taste and make for a hearty side any cowboy would tip his hat to.

We all enjoyed the Red Rub Fries. Whatever’s in that red rub is addictive, and we wondered what the street value of a small Baggie-full was.

The Terrific Trailheads Trio finished stuffing our gobs. Brad decreed that Woods Chapel BBQ is the king of barbecue sandwiches. Poor Fio sat beneath the table, mumbling to herself, “I wouldn’t know–you pigs never shared!”

Rating: Four Ribs*

Wood’s Chapel BBQ

85 Georgia Ave SE 

Atlanta GA 30312

404.522.3000

woodschapelbbq.com

*About Our Barbecue Rating System

Trailheads do not claim to be food experts, epicureans, or sophisticated palates. We are hungry hikers who attack a selected barbecue venue and ravage our way through whatever smoked fare and fixings they're dishing out. nj Ounr reviews feature what we believe are the highlights of the menu we sampled. So our intent is not to trash talk the saintly folks who tend to smoldering smokers on hot, humid summer days. They are sacrificing themselves in the noble art of smoking meats and feeding the drooling masses. Many are independent entrepreneurs who are the backbone of this humming American economy. Now that you know our standards, you may wonder why every barbecue place gets a four-ribs rating. The answer is easy: our group has acclaimed designers, and they think the ribs graphic looks cool. Who are we to argue? Enjoy.

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