Twin Smokers BBQ in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’ve heard people talk about Twin Smokers BBQ in Atlanta, you’re not alone. For years, this spot near Centennial Olympic Park was known for its Texas- and Southern-style smoked meats, craft beer, and casual downtown atmosphere.

Today, many Atlanta residents and visitors want to know: Is Twin Smokers still open? What was it like? And what are good alternatives nearby if it’s closed?
This guide walks through all of that with a clear, Atlanta-focused look.

Is Twin Smokers Restaurant Still Open in Atlanta?

Twin Smokers BBQ operated at:

As of recent years, the original Twin Smokers location has been reported as closed or inactive for regular daily service. Operating status can change over time, so if you’re planning a visit, it’s smart to:

• Search for “Twin Smokers BBQ Atlanta hours” on a current map service
• Call any listed phone number to confirm
• Check recent pictures or reviews to see if it still appears active

Because restaurant turnover is common in downtown Atlanta, especially close to high-traffic areas like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena, you’ll want same-week confirmation before heading over specifically for Twin Smokers.

If you discover it’s permanently closed, you still have several strong barbecue and smoked-meat options close by, which we’ll cover below.

What Twin Smokers Was Known For in Atlanta

Even if it’s currently closed, understanding what Twin Smokers offered can help you find the right type of replacement nearby.

Smoked Meats with a Two-Region Focus

Twin Smokers built its identity around two distinct barbecue styles:

• Texas-style smoked meats

  • Brisket with a heavy bark
  • Beef sausage
  • Simple seasoning focused on smoke and pepper

• Southern / Georgia-style barbecue

  • Pulled pork
  • Ribs
  • House sauces with sweeter, tangier profiles

This “twin” approach made it appealing for mixed groups where some people preferred traditional Southern pulled pork while others were after brisket that felt closer to what you’d find in Texas.

Casual, Downtown-Friendly Atmosphere

The restaurant was designed with:

• A laid-back counter-service setup
• Communal and individual seating
• An atmosphere that worked for:
  • Pre-game meals before a Falcons or Hawks game
  • Group outings from downtown hotels
  • Casual family dinners after the Aquarium or the College Football Hall of Fame

For locals, it often functioned as a convenient meet-up spot in the Luckie-Marietta district, particularly for people living or working in downtown and Midtown who didn’t want to drive far for barbecue.

Typical Menu Style

While exact offerings changed, Twin Smokers typically emphasized:

• Smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage
• Classic sides: mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, slaw, potato salad
• Sandwiches and plates where you picked meat + sides
• A bar program with:
  • Local and regional craft beer
  • Whiskey and bourbon selections

If you’re trying to recreate that experience with another Atlanta restaurant, look for places that offer both brisket and pulled pork, counter-style ordering, and a casual bar setup.

Where Twin Smokers Fit in Atlanta’s BBQ Scene

Atlanta’s barbecue scene is broad, from classic meat-and-three style spots to more modern, chef-driven smokehouses. Twin Smokers sat somewhere in the middle:

• More polished and “destination-oriented” than roadside BBQ joints
• More casual and game-day-friendly than upscale sit-down restaurants
• Highly convenient to downtown attractions, which made it a common recommendation for visitors staying at hotels on Marietta St, Baker St, or around Centennial Olympic Park

Many locals considered it a “safe, easy downtown BBQ choice”—not a secret hole-in-the-wall, but reliable for groups, conventions, and visiting friends.

Alternatives Near Downtown Atlanta if Twin Smokers Is Closed

If you planned to visit Twin Smokers but find it closed, you still have multiple options reachable by foot, short drive, or MARTA.

Below is a simplified comparison-style overview of what you might look for when replacing the Twin Smokers experience:

Below are some types of places and areas Atlanta diners commonly consider:

1. West Midtown / Westside BBQ and Smokehouses

Just a short drive or rideshare from downtown, the Westside/West Midtown area is known for:

• Trendy restaurants in converted warehouses
• BBQ and burger spots with craft beer
• Easier parking than core downtown

If you’re staying downtown, heading a few minutes west can expand your choices significantly while still keeping your trip short.

2. Intown Neighborhood BBQ (Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, Reynoldstown)

Neighborhoods like Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Reynoldstown offer:

• Local barbecue joints mixed into residential areas
• Spots that feel less touristy than downtown
• Easy access via surface streets or the Atlanta BeltLine in some cases

If you liked Twin Smokers for its local feel but want to try something more “neighborhood Atlanta,” these areas can be a good next step.

3. Game-Day and Arena-Friendly Options

If your main goal was a pre- or post-event meal near:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia World Congress Center

You may want to focus on walkable sports-bar and BBQ-adjacent spots. Look for:

• Places on or near Marietta St NW, Andrew Young International Blvd NW, and the Stadium/Convention corridor
• Menus with smoked wings, burgers, sandwiches, and a strong beer list

Even if you don’t find pure barbecue, many of these spots carry smoked or grilled items that scratch the same itch in a more sports-centered setting.

Planning a Visit Around the Former Twin Smokers Location

Whether Twin Smokers is open when you check or not, the area around 300 Marietta St NW is packed with things to do. It can still be a smart starting point for your day or evening in downtown Atlanta.

Nearby Attractions Within a Short Walk

From the Twin Smokers address, you can usually walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• SkyView Atlanta (the big Ferris wheel)

If your original plan was “BBQ + an attraction,” you can often swap in another restaurant nearby and keep the rest of your schedule the same.

Parking and Transportation Tips

The downtown area around Marietta Street can be busy, especially:

• Weekends
• Game days
• Convention weeks

Common options include:

• Parking decks and surface lots along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and surrounding blocks
• Taking MARTA to:
  • GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (now GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center)
  • Or Peachtree Center Station, then walking or using a short rideshare

If you’re mainly in Atlanta for sightseeing and downtown events, using MARTA or rideshare often simplifies parking and traffic concerns.

How to Check Current Status and Plan Your Meal

Because restaurant operations can change quickly in Atlanta, especially in high-rent downtown districts, here’s a simple checklist if you’re specifically interested in Twin Smokers or a similar BBQ spot:

1. Search by name and address

   • Look up “Twin Smokers BBQ 300 Marietta St NW Atlanta” on a map app.

2. Confirm hours and operation

   • Check latest listed hours.
   • Look at the most recent photos and comments.

3. Call when possible

   • If a phone number is listed, call during typical lunch or dinner hours to confirm.

4. Have a backup nearby

   • Identify at least one downtown or Westside BBQ or Southern spot as a Plan B.

5. Factor in your schedule

   • If you’re going to the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or a game, choose a place where you can:
     • Walk or
     • Take a 5–10 minute rideshare

What Locals Consider When Choosing BBQ in Atlanta

Whether you end up at Twin Smokers (if it reopens or is active when you search) or at another Atlanta barbecue restaurant, locals often pay attention to:

• Type of meat focus

  • Brisket-heavy (Texas-inspired) vs. pulled pork and ribs (Southern/Carolina-influenced)

• Sauce style

  • Vinegar-based, mustard-based, tomato-sweet, or a mix

• Side dishes

  • Classic “meat + two” style
  • More modern, chef-y sides

• Atmosphere

  • Casual counter-service vs. full-service restaurant
  • Kid-friendly or more bar-oriented

• Location logistics

  • Proximity to work, home, or events
  • Ease of parking or MARTA access

If you liked the idea of Twin Smokers because it balanced Texas and Southern styles with a casual downtown feel, look for that same combination of menu variety and location convenience in your final choice.

In short, Twin Smokers Restaurant in Atlanta was a notable downtown BBQ option near major attractions, known for its twin focus on Texas- and Southern-style barbecue and a relaxed, group-friendly vibe. Because its status has changed over time, it’s important to verify current hours and operation, then be ready with nearby alternatives in downtown, Westside, or other intown neighborhoods that offer similar smoked meats and an easy Atlanta experience.