Old Hickory House: Atlanta’s Classic BBQ Tradition

For many Atlantans, Old Hickory House isn’t just another BBQ joint—it’s a piece of local history. If you grew up in metro Atlanta, you may remember the neon signs, wood-smoked aroma, and old-school meat-and-three plates that defined this long-running barbecue name.

Today, the Old Hickory House footprint in Atlanta has changed, but the brand still carries weight for anyone searching for traditional Georgia barbecue in and around the city. Below is a practical guide to what Old Hickory House means in Atlanta now, what to expect if you visit, and how it compares to the broader BBQ scene in the area.

Old Hickory House in the Atlanta Area: What It Is and Where It Fits

Old Hickory House is best known as a classic Southern BBQ restaurant brand that has served the Atlanta region for decades. While several metro locations have closed over the years, one of the most recognized is:

• Old Hickory House – Tucker
  2202 Northlake Parkway, Tucker, GA 30084
  Phone: (770) 939-8621

Tucker sits just outside Atlanta’s eastern edge, making this location a regular stop for people who live in Decatur, Northlake, Tucker, and northeast ATL suburbs or anyone willing to drive for old-school barbecue.

If you’re in Atlanta and hear locals talk about Old Hickory House, they’re usually referring to this long-running spot, along with fond memories of the original locations that helped define Atlanta’s classic BBQ era.

What Kind of BBQ Does Old Hickory House Serve?

Old Hickory House is grounded in traditional Southern barbecue, with a focus on:

• Slow-smoked meats (especially pork, beef, chicken, and ribs)
• Simple, familiar sides (slaw, Brunswick stew, beans, fries, baked potatoes)
• House sauces with a tangy, slightly sweet profile

Think no-frills, plate-lunch style barbecue—the kind you find in older Georgia towns and long-time neighborhood diners.

Common Menu Items You’re Likely to See

While menus can change, many Atlanta diners associate Old Hickory House with:

• Chopped or sliced pork BBQ plates
• Beef brisket or beef BBQ
• BBQ chicken (usually smoked, sometimes half or quarter chicken)
• Pork ribs
• Sandwiches (pulled pork, beef, chopped BBQ)
• Brunswick stew
• Breakfast plates at some hours (a classic draw for many regulars)

For someone visiting from out of town, Old Hickory House offers a snapshot of older metro Atlanta BBQ culture—less about chef-driven trends, more about consistency and familiarity.

How Old Hickory House Compares to Other Atlanta BBQ Spots

Atlanta’s BBQ landscape has expanded, with everything from Texas-style brisket specialists to modern craft barbecue. Old Hickory House sits on the traditional end of that spectrum.

If You Prefer:

• Old-school, diner-like atmosphere
• Straightforward smoked pork and chicken
• Comfort-food sides and breakfast options

…then Old Hickory House aligns more with heritage BBQ spots than newer, gourmet barbecue restaurants in intown neighborhoods.

If you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, you’ll find other barbecue options closer by, but many locals who grew up with Old Hickory House still make the drive for nostalgia and familiarity.

What to Expect When You Visit from Atlanta

If you’re planning a trip from inside the city, here’s what Atlanta residents and visitors typically want to know:

1. Atmosphere

• Casual and family-friendly
• Often set up like a traditional diner-style restaurant
• More about comfort and routine than décor or trendiness

It’s the kind of place where you’re likely to see regulars, families, and long-time locals who’ve been coming for years.

2. Ordering Style

• Table service is common, but some Old Hickory-style locations may also offer counter ordering or a to-go counter.
• Many Atlanta-area BBQ fans use Old Hickory House for takeout family meals or bulk orders for gatherings.

If you’re coming from intown Atlanta, calling ahead to place a to-go or bulk order can save time, especially on weekends.

3. Portions and Pricing

You can generally expect:

• Traditional plate portions (meat + two sides, sometimes bread)
• Sandwiches with optional sides
• Pricing that tends to sit in line with everyday, family-style dining, not premium chef-driven barbecue.

For many Atlantans, that makes Old Hickory House a weekly or monthly go-to, not just a special-occasion stop.

Sample Visit Plan for Atlantans and Visitors

If you’re in or near Atlanta and want to experience Old Hickory House in a practical way, here’s a simple approach.

If You Live Intown (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, etc.)

• Drive time: Roughly 15–30 minutes to Tucker depending on traffic.
• Best times to go:
  • Weekday lunches for lighter crowds
  • Early dinners if you want to avoid peak evening rush

Try this combo if you’re going for the “classic” experience:

• Chopped pork BBQ plate
• Brunswick stew
• Coleslaw or baked beans
• House sauce on the side

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re staying near Perimeter Center, Decatur, or Northlake, Old Hickory House is easier to fit into your plans. You can:

• Pair it with a visit to Stone Mountain Park or Downtown Decatur, both within reasonable driving distance.
• Use it as a first or last meal near the interstate if you’re driving I-285 or I-85 on your way in or out of the city.

Old Hickory House and Atlanta’s BBQ Culture

To understand why Old Hickory House still gets mentioned by locals, it helps to see it in the context of Atlanta’s barbecue history.

A Legacy Brand

For decades, Old Hickory House was one of the names people recognized across metro Atlanta. Even as locations have come and gone, its reputation as a steady, no-fuss BBQ spot remains.

Many Atlanta residents associate Old Hickory House with:

• Post-church Sunday lunches
• Workday breakfasts and lunches
• Family gatherings with pans of BBQ and stew

So when you hear an Atlanta local recommend Old Hickory House, it’s often as much about memories and tradition as it is about the current menu.

How It Differs from Newer BBQ Concepts

Modern Atlanta BBQ spots might emphasize:

• Specific wood types (post oak, hickory, pecan)
• Region-specific styles (Texas brisket, Carolina whole hog)
• Creative sides and small plates

Old Hickory House, by contrast, represents an older style of Georgia roadside barbecue:

• Familiar sauces
• Straightforward smoking
• A focus on comfort and consistency more than culinary experimentation

Practical Tips for Enjoying Old Hickory House from Atlanta

To make the most of your visit, especially if you’re coordinating from somewhere in the city, keep these simple tips in mind:

1. Call Ahead ☎️
If you’re picking up food for a group, call the Tucker location in advance. Bulk orders of chopped pork, chicken, ribs, or Brunswick stew are common for:

• Office lunches
• Game-day gatherings
• Family events

2. Ask About Daily Specials
Many long-running BBQ spots rotate plate specials, soup or stew offerings, and dessert options. It can be an easy way to try something beyond your usual order.

3. Check Current Hours Before You Go
Hours at independent and legacy restaurants can change, especially around holidays or regional events. A quick phone call can help you avoid surprises, particularly if you’re driving from intown.

4. Plan Around Traffic
If you’re coming from central Atlanta, consider:

• Late-lunch windows after the peak traffic period
• Early dinners to avoid heavy evening congestion on I-285 or I-85

Quick Reference: Old Hickory House for Atlanta Diners

For anyone in Atlanta who wants to experience a piece of old-line metro BBQ tradition, Old Hickory House represents a familiar, long-standing option—especially if you’re willing to make a short drive to Tucker for that classic plate of chopped pork, Brunswick stew, and simple Southern sides.