High on taste and character and low on price, Mad Dog's BBQ is probably one of the best kept secrets in Conyers.

In business for 11-and-a- half-years, the small barbecue joint has gained a name for itself locally for high quality meat. Owner Jerry Walker slow burns all of his meat over hickory wood, which gives the meat a reddish tint.

While close-lipped about his trade secrets, Walker did say the secret to his business' success is the time and effort put into each cut of meat.

"We cook our barbecue with tender love and care," Walker said.

The restaurant, which takes its name from Walker's band nickname from his days as a drummer, is located in the South Rockdale Shopping Center on Ga. Highway 20. Mad Dog's sells pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken breasts and ribs as well as a variety of sides.

"I've been cooking barbecue for 30 years," said Walker of what originally began for him as a hobby. "I decided that maybe I could make money on it."

The walls of Mad Dog's are decorated with framed pictures of the restaurant and its customers as well as several awards Walker has won over the years.

 A large assortment of pig figurines, a homage to the restaurant's excellent pulled pork, decorate Mad Dog's tables and counter tops. Walker said most of the figurines have been brought in by customers over the years.

Mad Dog's sells pork, rib, beef and chicken sandwiches as well as jumbo beef hotdogs and grilled cheese and pork sandwiches, priced from $2.50 to $5. Lunch specials, served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. are available for the pork and chicken sandwiches and come with chips ($4.75) or fries ($5.25) and a pickle and a drink.

Dinner plates, served with two sides and a bread range in price from $8.25 to $9. Children's hot dog and chicken tender plates are also available.

Side items include fries, Brunswick stew, beans, coleslaw, potato salad, onion rings, chicken tenders and corn nuggets.

Mad Dog's sells meats whole or by the pound. Whole Boston Butt is $9 a pound, whole beef brisket is $10 a pound and a rack of ribs is $16. Pork and beef by the pound are available as well.

The $17.50 family special, available for takeout only, includes 1 and a half pounds of pork, two pints of any side item, six buns and barbecue sauce.