DAS BBQ in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Das BBQ Atlanta”, you’re probably looking for where it is, what makes it different from other barbecue spots in the city, and how to plan a visit. This guide walks through what Atlanta locals and visitors typically want to know: locations, parking, menu style, vibe, and practical tips for eating there without stress.

Where to Find DAS BBQ in Atlanta

DAS BBQ is known for Central Texas–style barbecue served in a casual, neighborhood-friendly setting. As of the most commonly known setup, it operates two main locations in intown Atlanta neighborhoods.

Commonly Known DAS BBQ Locations

Location AreaTypical Neighborhood ContextWhat It’s Good For
Grant Park / Memorial areaClose to Zoo Atlanta, Oakland Cemetery, and Memorial Drive corridorPre- or post-park meal, casual group hangouts
Upper Westside / West Midtown areaNear industrial-chic breweries, design shops, and the Chattahoochee corridorWeekend barbecue + brewery hopping, families, large groups

If you’re staying downtown or in Midtown, both locations are usually a short drive, depending on traffic:

  • From Downtown Atlanta: often 10–20 minutes by car.
  • From Midtown: often 10–15 minutes.
  • From Buckhead: plan for closer to 20–30 minutes at busy times.

Rideshare is popular for evening and weekend visits, especially if you plan to visit nearby breweries or bars.

What Style of Barbecue Does DAS BBQ Serve?

DAS BBQ leans heavily into Central Texas–inspired barbecue, which is different from the more vinegar- or mustard-focused styles you might find in other parts of the South.

Key features you’ll typically see:

  • Brisket-focused menu:
    Slow-smoked beef brisket, sliced to order, is a central item.
  • Simple dry rubs:
    Emphasis on smoke and seasoning, with sauces served on the side instead of heavy saucing in the kitchen.
  • Offset smokers:
    Large metal smokers are often visible on-site, contributing to the signature smoky aroma.
  • By-the-pound ordering:
    In addition to plates, customers often can order meats by the pound, which is convenient for families, watch parties, or office gatherings.

Compared with other Atlanta barbecue spots, DAS tends to feel:

  • Less “sauce-driven” and more “meat + smoke” focused
  • More casual than fine-dining barbecue, but still intentional in presentation
  • Friendly for both barbecue fans and “I usually order chicken” people

Typical Menu: What You Can Expect to Order

Menus can change, but visitors to DAS BBQ in Atlanta commonly find a mix of classic smoked meats, Southern sides, and a few lighter or modern touches.

Popular Meats

You’ll usually see:

  • Brisket (sliced, sometimes lean or fatty)
  • Pulled pork
  • Pork ribs
  • Sausage links
  • Smoked turkey (a lighter option some locals like for weekday lunches)
  • Chicken (varies by day and location)

Most Atlanta diners plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat per person, more if you want leftovers.

Typical Sides

Sides often include a mix of traditional and slightly updated classics, such as:

  • Mac and cheese
  • Collard greens
  • Potato salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Baked beans
  • Jalapeño– or cheddar-style cornbread, or buns/white bread

If you’re eating with a group, it’s common to order a meat tray and share several large sides instead of individual plates.

Sauces

Even though the style is Texas-inspired, DAS BBQ does offer barbecue sauces on the side:

  • A tomato-based house sauce
  • Sometimes a spicier or tangier option

Atlanta locals often try their first bite of brisket without sauce to taste the smoke and seasoning, then add sauce as they go.

What’s the Vibe Like?

DAS BBQ is usually described as casual, lively, and very group-friendly.

Common features people notice:

  • Order-at-the-counter service:
    You line up, order, and get your food relatively quickly, rather than full table service.
  • Communal picnic tables or shared seating:
    This creates a “cookout” feel that works well for groups and families.
  • Indoor–outdoor flow:
    Patios or outdoor seating areas make it popular in good weather.
  • Music and conversation:
    Noise levels can be high at peak times, more like a backyard party than a quiet restaurant.

If you’re traveling with children or a larger group around town, DAS BBQ is typically:

  • Kid-friendly (plenty of casual seating and finger foods)
  • Come-as-you-are (you’ll see everything from T-shirts and sneakers to casual business attire)

When to Go: Timing, Crowds, and Waits

In Atlanta, when you go matters almost as much as where you go—especially for barbecue.

Peak Times

You can expect the busiest times at DAS BBQ to be:

  • Friday and Saturday evenings
  • Weekend lunch, especially on nice-weather days
  • Game days (Falcons, college football, big TV sports events nearby)

At these times, waits in line can be longer, and popular items like brisket or ribs can sell out early, which is standard for serious barbecue places in Atlanta.

Less Crowded Times

If you want a more relaxed experience:

  • Try weekday lunch (before 12:15 p.m. or after 1:30 p.m. if possible).
  • Early weekday dinners can be more manageable than Friday/Saturday nights.
  • Cloudy or rainy days sometimes mean smaller crowds, especially for patio seating.

Parking and Getting There in Atlanta

One of the recurring questions for any Atlanta restaurant is: “What about parking?”

While details can shift, many visitors to DAS BBQ locations report:

  • On-site or adjacent parking lots, which can fill during peak hours
  • Some street parking in nearby residential or side streets
  • A mix of rideshare and carpooling for evening and weekend visits

If you’re already moving around popular in-town areas:

  • The Grant Park / Memorial area location pairs well with a visit to Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, or a walk near Oakland Cemetery.
  • The Upper Westside / West Midtown spot lines up conveniently with stops at local breweries, design shops, or the Chattahoochee Industrial/Westside area.

For visitors staying in hotels downtown or in Midtown:

  • Rideshare is usually simpler than dealing with parking and traffic, especially on weekends or during major events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia Tech.

Ordering for Groups, Events, and Takeout

Many Atlanta residents use DAS BBQ for group meals, tailgates, office lunches, and family gatherings.

Common approaches:

1. By-the-Pound Ordering

If you want to feed several people:

  • Estimate 1/2 to 3/4 pound of meat per adult if it’s the main meal.
  • Mix brisket, pulled pork, and sausage to cover different preferences.
  • Add beans, mac and cheese, and a slaw or salad for balance.

This style is practical for:

  • Game days
  • Watch parties at home
  • Casual office lunches

2. Family Packs or Trays

Some barbecue restaurants in Atlanta—including DAS BBQ at times—offer pre-set packs with:

  • A mix of meats
  • Several sides
  • Bread and sometimes dessert

These are convenient if you don’t want to calculate pounds and portions yourself. Always check the current menu and options, as offerings can change.

3. Takeout and To-Go Options

Especially in Atlanta’s traffic, many locals:

  • Call ahead or order online (if available) for pickup, then bring the meal home.
  • Use DAS BBQ as a convenient stop on the way to a park, like Grant Park or a Westside green space, for an impromptu picnic.

If you’re transporting food:

  • Bring a cooler or insulated bag for longer drives or summer heat.
  • Ask staff about the best way to reheat leftovers later (low and slow in the oven is usually preferred for smoked meats).

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Barbecue is often meat-heavy, but Atlantans with dietary preferences still tend to find options at DAS BBQ.

Common patterns:

  • Gluten-conscious diners:
    Many smoked meats without sauce are naturally gluten-free, but recipes and kitchens vary, so it’s important to ask staff if you have strict dietary needs.
  • Low-carb / high-protein:
    Brisket, turkey, sausage, and ribs can fit well into low-carb choices when paired with greens or slaw.
  • Lighter choices:
    Smoked turkey or chicken, plus vinegar-based slaw and greens, offer a less heavy combination.

If you or someone in your group has a serious allergy or strict restriction, check directly with the restaurant before ordering. In Atlanta’s barbecue scene, staff are generally used to questions about ingredients and will tell you what they can and cannot safely adjust.

How DAS BBQ Fits into Atlanta’s Barbecue Scene

Atlanta has a diverse barbecue landscape, from long-standing traditional spots to modern, chef-driven smokehouses. DAS BBQ stands out by:

  • Emphasizing Central Texas–style technique in an Atlanta neighborhood environment
  • Offering a laid-back, social atmosphere well-suited to groups and families
  • Being located in areas that connect easily with other in-town activities (parks, breweries, and cultural spots)

If you’re visiting Atlanta, DAS BBQ is often treated as:

  • A good “first barbecue stop” to understand one side of the city’s barbecue personality
  • A convenient extra stop when exploring Grant Park, West Midtown, or the Upper Westside

If you live in Atlanta, it often serves as:

  • A go-to for casual weeknight takeout
  • A pre-game or post-game meal option
  • A reliable place for hosting out-of-town guests who want barbecue without a formal sit-down atmosphere

Practical Tips Before You Visit DAS BBQ in Atlanta

To make your experience smoother:

  • Check hours the day you plan to go
    Barbecue spots may sell out of certain items or adjust hours for events and holidays.
  • Arrive early for brisket and ribs
    Popular smoked meats can sell out, especially on weekends and game days.
  • Plan for parking or rideshare
    Atlanta traffic and parking vary by time of day; rideshare can be simpler in busy in-town areas.
  • Consider sharing
    Barbecue trays and multiple sides are often more fun—and more economical—when shared.
  • Bring an appetite and flexibility
    Some of the best items may be daily specials or sell out early, so having a backup choice in mind helps.

For anyone looking up “Das BBQ Atlanta”, the key takeaway is this: expect Texas-style meats, a relaxed Atlanta neighborhood vibe, and a group-friendly setting that works well whether you live in the city or you’re just in town for a weekend.