This Is It! Atlanta, GA: Soul Food, Locations, and What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for “This Is It Atlanta GA”, you’re almost certainly looking for This Is It! Southern Kitchen & BBQ, one of Atlanta’s best-known local spots for classic Southern and soul food.

Whether you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting for a few days, or are just trying to understand what makes this restaurant a local fixture, this guide walks you through:

  • What This Is It! is known for
  • Popular dishes and how the menu typically works
  • Atlanta-area locations and how to find one near you
  • Tips for ordering, avoiding long waits, and planning group visits
  • Parking, payment, and accessibility basics most Atlanta diners care about

What Is “This Is It!” in Atlanta?

This Is It! Southern Kitchen & BBQ is a local, Atlanta-based restaurant brand focused on:

  • Southern comfort food
  • Barbecue and soul food favorites
  • Takeout, dine-in, and catering for everyday meals, church gatherings, work events, and celebrations

Most locations are counter-service: you order at the front, choose sides, and either take your food to-go or sit in the dining area. For Atlanta residents, it’s commonly used as:

  • A Sunday dinner shortcut
  • A go-to option before or after church
  • A convenient lunch break spot near workplaces
  • A catering choice for office lunches, family reunions, and repasts

What Kind of Food Does This Is It! Serve?

Menus vary slightly by location, but in Atlanta you’ll typically see:

Main Proteins

  • BBQ chicken (baked, grilled, or sometimes fried options)
  • Ribs (pork ribs are a staple)
  • Fried or baked fish (whiting, catfish, tilapia, depending on the day)
  • Fried chicken wings or drumsticks
  • Turkey wings, meatloaf, or oxtails at some locations

Classic Southern Sides

Expect the usual Atlanta-area soul food lineup:

  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Collard greens
  • Candied yams
  • Green beans
  • Cornbread or rolls
  • Dressing (especially on Sundays and holidays)
  • Potato salad, coleslaw, rice & gravy, and other rotating sides

Desserts & Drinks

Common dessert and drink options include:

  • Peach cobbler
  • Cakes and pies (varies by day and location)
  • Sweet tea, lemonade, fountain drinks, and bottled beverages

Menu names, combos, and daily specials may differ slightly by specific Atlanta location, but the core Southern Kitchen & BBQ theme stays the same.

Typical Experience at an Atlanta This Is It! Location

Although each restaurant has its own layout, the experience in metro Atlanta often follows a similar pattern:

1. Order at the Counter

You usually:

  1. Walk up to the counter
  2. Choose a meat plate, combo, or daily special
  3. Pick your sides
  4. Pay, then either wait for your number to be called or pick your tray at the end of the line

2. Dine-In or Takeout

Most Atlanta locations allow:

  • Dine-in: tables and booths, casual atmosphere
  • Takeout: packaged to-go; popular for commuters and families

Some locations also support:

  • Call-ahead orders
  • Online or app-based ordering (varies by store and current setup)

3. Timing and Crowds

Peak times around Atlanta are usually:

  • Sunday after church (late morning through mid-afternoon)
  • Weekday lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
  • Pre-game or post-event near stadiums and venues

If you’re trying to avoid long lines, locals often recommend:

  • Going on weekdays before noon or after 1:30 p.m.
  • Ordering ahead if the location supports it
  • Avoiding major holidays if you’re in a hurry, since crowds increase significantly

Atlanta-Area Locations and How to Find One Near You

This Is It! has had multiple metro Atlanta locations over the years, especially around:

  • Atlanta (city proper)
  • College Park / Camp Creek area
  • Austell / Mableton / Cobb County
  • Fayetteville / South metro

Because restaurant openings, moves, and closures can change over time, the most reliable pattern for Atlanta consumers is:

  • Search for “This Is It Southern Kitchen & BBQ near me” on your maps app.
  • Confirm hours, address, and phone number before you drive over.

Common Things to Check Before You Go

When you pick an Atlanta location, double-check:

  • Hours of operation: Some close earlier in the evening; hours may change on Sundays and holidays.
  • Drive-thru availability: A few locations may have drive-thru or pickup windows.
  • Parking:
    • Many suburban locations have on-site parking lots.
    • Intown or busier areas may share lots with other businesses.
  • Public transit: If you rely on MARTA, check bus routes or nearby stations in your transit app.

Ordering Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

If you want the smoothest experience at This Is It! Atlanta GA, these practical tips can help:

1. Decide on Your Plate Style

Most people order:

  • A meat + 2 or meat + 3 sides plate
  • A rib or chicken combo with bread
  • A family-size or party-size tray for groups

If you’re not sure, staff at the counter can usually explain what’s included in each option.

2. Be Ready to Choose Sides Quickly

Lines can move fast, so it helps to know your go-tos. Popular side combinations in Atlanta include:

  • Mac & cheese + collard greens
  • Yams + green beans
  • Rice & gravy + cabbage

If you have dietary preferences, you can ask which sides are:

  • Vegetarian-friendly (sometimes greens may be cooked with meat)
  • On the lighter side (such as green beans or some vegetables)

3. Large Orders and Catering

For office lunches, church events, family reunions, or repasts in Atlanta:

  • Many locations offer catering pans and bulk orders (meats, sides, bread, and desserts).
  • It’s common to call at least a day or two in advance, especially for larger headcounts or weekend pickups.

When calling a specific Atlanta location, you can ask:

  • What catering packages they offer
  • Order cut-off times for same-day vs. next-day catering
  • Whether they provide serving utensils, plates, or cutlery

What Locals Often Want to Know About This Is It! in Atlanta

Here are some of the most common practical questions from Atlanta diners:

Do They Take Cards?

Most metro Atlanta locations accept:

  • Major credit and debit cards
  • Cash

If you rely on contactless payments or want to use a specific method, it’s safest to call the particular location you plan to visit to confirm.

Is There Seating for Groups?

Many locations can seat small groups and families. For:

  • 10+ people: Consider calling ahead to ask about seating availability and the best time to arrive.
  • Larger gatherings: Catering to-go is often easier than trying to seat everyone in-restaurant at peak times.

Is It Kid-Friendly?

This Is It! is generally a family-friendly, casual environment. Children are commonly seen with families, especially on weekends and Sunday afternoons.

Are Portions Large?

Atlanta customers often describe portions as hearty, especially on meat-and-three-style plates. If you’re unsure, you can:

  • Start with one plate to share for kids or lighter appetites
  • Ask at the counter how big a typical plate or side is

Simple Overview: What to Expect at This Is It! in Atlanta

Here’s a quick summary table so you can skim the essentials:

TopicWhat to Expect at This Is It! Atlanta GA
Food styleSouthern, soul food, BBQ (ribs, chicken, fish, classic sides)
Service styleCounter-service, dine-in and takeout
Common usesEveryday meals, Sunday dinners, church/office catering, family events
Peak timesWeekday lunch, Sunday after church, holidays
PaymentTypically cards + cash, verify specific location
AtmosphereCasual, family-friendly, relaxed
LocationsMultiple metro Atlanta spots; check maps for nearest and current info
Group & cateringAvailable at many locations; best to call ahead

How to Choose the Right This Is It! Location in Metro Atlanta

To pick the best This Is It! Southern Kitchen & BBQ location for you in or around Atlanta, consider:

  1. Proximity to your home, office, hotel, or event
  2. Parking or transit access (especially if you’re intown vs. in the suburbs)
  3. Your timing:
    • Short on time? Look for locations with easier parking or possible drive-thru.
    • Feeding a group? Choose a location used to handling catering for nearby offices or churches.
  4. Your must-have menu items: Some items may rotate or sell out earlier in the day, particularly on busy Sundays and holidays.

Calling the specific Atlanta location you’re headed to is often the fastest way to confirm what’s on the menu that day, how busy they are, and the best way to place your order.

With that, you should be well-prepared to navigate This Is It! Atlanta GA—whether you’re picking up a quick plate on your lunch break, planning Sunday dinner for the family, or organizing food for a larger gathering anywhere in the Atlanta area.