Where to Find the Best Barbecue Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta takes barbecue seriously. Whether you’re craving sticky ribs, smoky pulled pork, or Texas-style brisket, the city offers a wide range of barbecue restaurants that reflect both Southern tradition and Atlanta’s growing food scene.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are trying to understand how barbecue works in Atlanta, Georgia, this guide walks through what to expect, where to go, and how to choose the right spot for your style, budget, and location.

How Barbecue Works in Atlanta

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of several barbecue traditions. In one city, you can find:

• Georgia-style and broader Southern barbecue (pork, ribs, chicken, sweet or tangy sauces)
• Texas-style spots (brisket, beef ribs, simple rubs, smoke-forward flavor)
• Carolina-influenced dishes (pulled pork, vinegar or mustard sauces)
• Modern “new-school” barbecue (creative sides, house-made sausages, fusion flavors)

Across the metro, you’ll see common themes:

• Smoked meats: Pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken, turkey, sausage.
• Classic sides: Mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread.
• Sauce variety: Sweet tomato-based sauces, spicier versions, mustard-based, vinegar-based; some spots serve several at your table.

If you’re new to Atlanta, one of the best ways to get a feel for the city’s barbecue is to try at least one traditional spot and one modern spot and compare styles.

Key Barbecue Neighborhoods in Atlanta

You can find barbecue all over metro Atlanta, but a few areas stand out for convenience and variety:

Intown & Central Atlanta

These neighborhoods are easy to reach from downtown, Midtown, and major attractions.

• Midtown – Good for visitors staying near Peachtree Street or attending events in the arts district.
• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park – Close to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, great if you want to pair barbecue with a walk or bike ride.
• Virginia-Highland & Poncey-Highland – Popular residential neighborhoods with casual restaurants and bars.
• Downtown – Convenient to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Westside & Upper Westside

The West Midtown/Howell Mill corridor and nearby areas have become a hub for trendy but approachable barbecue and Southern food, popular with young professionals and visitors.

Eastside & Decatur

If you’re in Decatur, Kirkwood, or Edgewood, you’ll find several laid-back barbecue spots that feel very neighborhood-focused.

Metro Suburbs

Many locals swear by suburban barbecue in places like:

• Marietta, Smyrna, and Kennesaw (northwest)
• Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Suwanee (northeast)
• Stockbridge, McDonough, and Fayetteville (south side)
• Douglasville and Lithia Springs (west)

If you’re already in the suburbs, it can be worth trying the local go-to instead of driving into the city.

Types of Barbecue Restaurants You’ll Find in Atlanta

Understanding the major categories can help you pick the right spot for your occasion.

1. Casual Counter-Service Barbecue

These are the classic walk-up-and-order places. You usually:

• Order at the counter
• Take a number or wait for your order to be called
• Seat yourself (indoor and sometimes outdoor seating)
• Grab your own sauces, napkins, and sometimes drinks

These spots are usually:

• Budget-friendly
• Family-friendly
• Great for quick meals before or after a game, concert, or touring around Atlanta

2. Full-Service Barbecue Restaurants

These places feel more like a sit-down restaurant:

• Host or hostess seats you
• Full bar or drink menu
• Often located in popular nightlife or dining districts

They typically work well for:

• Groups and celebrations
• Date nights where you still want relaxed food
• Visitors who want atmosphere plus barbecue

3. Barbecue & Sports Bar Hybrids

Atlanta loves pairing barbecue with sports-watching, especially during:

• Falcons and United games (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Hawks games (State Farm Arena)
• College football season

These spots usually offer:

• Multiple TVs
• Bar seating plus tables
• Wings, burgers, and other bar food alongside smoked meats

4. Takeout, Delivery & Catering–Focused BBQ

Some barbecue businesses in Atlanta focus heavily on:

• Bulk orders for office lunches and tailgates
• Family platters for pickup
• Delivery through common delivery apps

These are useful if:

• You’re hosting a gathering at home or in a hotel
• You need barbecue for an event without fussing over cooking
• You’re short on time but still want local flavor

What to Order at an Atlanta Barbecue Restaurant

If you’re overwhelmed by options, you can’t go wrong focusing on a few signature items that best show off a pitmaster’s skills.

Essential Meats to Try

• Pork ribs: Often the first thing locals judge. Look for meat that’s tender but not mushy, with a visible smoke ring and a flavorful bark.
• Pulled pork: A staple in Georgia. Frequently served on a plate or as a sandwich with coleslaw.
• Brisket: More common at spots influenced by Texas-style barbecue. Expect thicker slices with marbling and bold smoke.
• Smoked chicken: A lighter option that’s popular in Atlanta’s heat, often offered as plates, sandwiches, or salads.
• Sausage: Not every place has house-made versions, but where it’s offered, it can be a standout.

Classic Sides in Atlanta

Many locals judge a barbecue restaurant just as much by its sides as its meat. Common favorites include:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw (cream-based or vinegar-based)
• Potato salad
• Fried okra
• Brunswick stew (a Southern stew often made with smoked meat and vegetables)
• Cornbread, Texas toast, or biscuits

Sauces: What to Expect in Atlanta

Most Atlanta barbecue restaurants offer more than one sauce style, such as:

• Sweet tomato-based – Thick, slightly smoky, and sugar-forward
• Spicy red – Similar to the sweet version with added heat
• Vinegar-based – Thinner, tangier, popular with pulled pork
• Mustard-based – Influenced by South Carolina barbecue traditions

Tip: Many locals taste the meat without sauce first, then add sauce sparingly to see how it complements the smoke.

Price Range and What You’ll Typically Spend

Prices vary by neighborhood and style, but in Atlanta you can roughly expect:

(Using $ signs generally: $ = budget, $$ = moderate, $$$ = higher but common in busy intown areas.)

Costs tend to be:

• Higher in Midtown, West Midtown, and high-traffic intown areas
• More modest in neighborhood and suburban spots

Tips for Choosing the Right Barbecue Restaurant in Atlanta

When you’re comparing barbecue restaurants in Atlanta, consider:

1. Proximity to Where You Are

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy, especially during:

• Weekday rush hours (morning and late afternoon)
• Game days and major events
• Rainy evenings and weekends around popular shopping/dining corridors

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, it’s often easier to pick a barbecue place within a 15–20 minute drive rather than crossing the whole metro area.

2. Style of Barbecue You Prefer

Think about:

• Do you want pork-focused, brisket-focused, or a mix?
• Do you prefer sauce-heavy or smoke-forward meats?
• Are you curious about Carolina-style vinegar or mustard sauces?

Many restaurants in Atlanta clearly list whether they lean Texas, Carolina, or traditional Southern. If you can’t decide, look for places that offer sampler platters.

3. Atmosphere & Occasion

Ask yourself:

• Are you heading out with kids? Look for counter-service or casual dine-in spots with high chairs and simple kids’ options.
• Is this a date night? A full-service restaurant with a good drink list might be more comfortable.
• Planning to watch a game at the same time? A sports-bar-style barbecue spot with multiple TVs may be ideal.

4. Parking and Transit

In Atlanta:

• Many barbecue restaurants have free parking lots, especially in suburban or standalone locations.
• Intown hotspots may have limited parking, rely on paid decks, or share lots with other businesses.
• If you’re staying near MARTA rail, you may want to choose a spot close to a station or a short ride-share away.

5. Dietary Considerations

Not everyone in your group may want smoked meat. Many Atlanta barbecue restaurants offer:

• Salads with or without meat
• Vegetable plates made up of sides like greens, beans, slaw, and okra
• Occasionally, meatless options such as smoked tofu, jackfruit, or veggie sides as a main

If someone in your group has dietary restrictions, it can help to call the restaurant ahead to ask about ingredients and options.

When to Go: Timing Your Barbecue Visit

Lunch vs. Dinner

• Lunch: Often less crowded, sometimes slightly lower prices or lunch-specific combos.
• Early dinner (5–6 p.m.): Good for families and avoiding peak waits.
• Late dinner: Some barbecue restaurants close earlier than typical late-night restaurants, especially on weekdays. Check hours before you go.

Game Days and Events

On days with events at:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Major college events in Midtown or Downtown

Nearby barbecue restaurants can become very busy before and after the event. If you plan to eat close to these venues:

• Consider going earlier than typical meal times
• Call ahead to ask about wait times or reservations (if offered)
• If you’re picking up takeout, place your order as early as possible

Takeout, Delivery, and Catering in Atlanta

Barbecue travels fairly well, which makes it popular for:

• Office lunches and team meetings
• House parties and neighborhood gatherings
• Tailgates for Falcons, United, Braves, and college games

Common Takeout Options

Most barbecue restaurants in Atlanta offer:

• Meat by the pound (pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken)
• Family packs with a mix of meats, sides, and bread
• Party platters with ribs, wings, or sliders

If you’re ordering for a group:

• Estimate about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat per adult, plus sides
• Ask for sauces on the side so guests can choose their favorites
• Request serving utensils, plates, and napkins if you need them

Delivery

Many spots partner with:

• Common food delivery apps
• Third-party catering services for larger events

For high-demand times (Friday nights, weekends, and big sports events), placing your order early improves your chances of on-time delivery.

Barbecue Near Popular Atlanta Landmarks

If you’re visiting and want barbecue close to where you’re staying or exploring, it helps to think in terms of landmark areas:

Near Downtown & the Stadiums

Good if you’re:

• Attending a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Visiting the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Staying in a downtown hotel

Look for barbecue restaurants within a 5–15 minute drive for easy pre- or post-activity meals.

Near Midtown & the Arts District

Convenient for:

• High Museum of Art
• Fox Theatre
• Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline area

Many visitors and locals combine a BeltLine walk or Piedmont Park visit with barbecue in nearby neighborhoods.

Near the Atlanta BeltLine

On the Eastside Trail and expanding Westside segments, you’ll find:

• Barbecue spots with outdoor seating
• Beer gardens and patios
• Easy access for walkers, runners, and cyclists

On nice-weather weekends, these areas can be very lively around lunchtime and early evening.

Near the Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson ATL)

If you have a long layover or are staying by the airport:

• You can look for barbecue restaurants in nearby areas on the south side of the metro, such as College Park, East Point, or Hapeville.
• Many places in these areas offer quick counter service and are used to travelers on tight schedules.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Barbecue in Atlanta

A few details can make your experience smoother:

• Check hours before you go – Some barbecue spots sell out of popular items (like brisket or ribs) or close earlier on certain days.
• Ask what’s freshest – Staff can often tell you which meats just came off the smoker or are showing best that day.
• Share platters if you’re unsure – Sampler plates or meat combos are ideal if you’re exploring Atlanta’s barbecue for the first time.
• Plan for leftovers – Portions can be generous. If you’re staying in a hotel, check whether you have a fridge and microwave.
• Be mindful of heat and spice – Some sauces and rubs pack more heat than others; if you’re sensitive, start mild and work your way up.

How Locals Often Approach Barbecue in Atlanta

Many Atlanta residents build barbecue into their routines in a few ways:

• Weekly or monthly “go-to” spot near home or work
• Barbecue before or after a game, concert, or festival
• Catering for graduations, birthdays, and office events
• Exploring new places as the barbecue scene evolves, especially in emerging neighborhoods

If you’re new to the city, asking coworkers, hotel staff, or neighbors about their personal favorite barbecue restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia usually sparks strong opinions—and useful suggestions that match your part of town.

Atlanta’s barbecue scene is broad enough that you can find something for almost every taste and schedule, from quick counter-service plates to full-service dining near major attractions. By considering where you are, what style of barbecue you want, and how much time you have, you can narrow in on a restaurant that fits your needs and gives you a flavorful taste of Atlanta’s take on smoked meats and Southern sides.