This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving down-home Southern cooking and classic Atlanta barbecue, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q is one of the names you’ll see again and again. With multiple locations across metro Atlanta, it’s a familiar option for soul food, smoked meats, and comfort sides whether you live here or you’re in town for a visit.

Below is a practical guide to how This Is It! works in and around Atlanta, Georgia—what they serve, where you’ll find them, how to order, and what locals typically use them for.

Where You’ll Find This Is It! Around Atlanta

This Is It! operates multiple locations across the Atlanta metro area, generally in convenient, high-traffic neighborhoods and near major roads. Exact locations can change, but you’ll often find restaurants in or near:

• Camp Creek / East Point area (popular with airport travelers and southwest Atlanta residents)
• Panola Road / Lithonia and Decatur area (for east metro and I-20 access)
• Fayetteville / Jonesboro / Riverdale corridor (serving the southside suburbs)
• Additional locations in surrounding metro communities

Most locations are in stand-alone buildings or strip centers with onsite parking. They are typically easy to reach by car. If you rely on MARTA, some locations may be reachable via bus routes; checking current transit routing is a good idea before you go.

Because addresses and hours can change over time, Atlanta residents usually:

• Look up the nearest location name and address just before heading out
• Confirm current hours, dining options (dine-in vs. takeout), and menu items by phone or online

What’s on the Menu at This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q

The menu centers on Southern soul food and barbecue, with a focus on hearty, homestyle plates. Offerings can vary by location, but you’ll commonly see:

Barbecue Favorites

• Pork ribs (often available as rib plates or rib tips)
• Pulled pork
• Smoked or baked chicken
• Beef options at some locations (such as brisket or chopped beef, when offered)

Meats are typically available:

• As plates with sides and bread
• In sandwich form (useful for a quick lunch)
• In family-sized portions for groups, especially for takeout or catering

Southern & Soul Food Classics

Beyond barbecue, a big draw is the Southern kitchen side of the menu, which might include items such as:

• Fried chicken or baked chicken
• Fried fish (e.g., whiting or catfish, depending on the day)
• Meatloaf, turkey wings, or other rotating homestyle entrees at some locations

Side Dishes

A major part of the experience at This Is It! is the sides, which often include:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Collard greens
• Candied yams
• Green beans or cabbage
• Potato salad
• Cornbread or rolls
• Rice and gravy, mashed potatoes, or similar comfort staples

Sides may be available in:

• Individual sizes with plates
• Pint or quart containers for families or parties

Desserts & Drinks

If you’re looking for a full Southern meal, many locations also offer:

• Banana pudding
• Peach cobbler or similar desserts
• Sweet tea, lemonade, and soft drinks

Availability varies, so if dessert is a must-have, it can help to ask what’s ready that day when you order.

Typical Price Range and Portions

Prices can shift over time, but in Atlanta, This Is It! generally falls into the casual, mid-range category. You’ll usually find:

• Individual combo plates with one meat and two sides
• Larger platters with more meat for hearty appetites
• Family packs or bulk items for several people

Portions are typically substantial, especially when you add bread and sides. Many Atlanta diners treat it as a filling lunch or dinner spot that can sometimes stretch into leftovers.

Dine-In, Takeout, and Drive-Thru Options

Dining options can vary by location, but around Atlanta you’ll commonly see:

Dine-In

• Counter-service style ordering, where you place your order at the counter and receive your tray or a number
• Seating that ranges from small dining areas to more spacious layouts, depending on the building

Dine-in is often casual and family-friendly, with a steady flow of customers throughout the day, especially on Sundays and after church hours, holidays, and major game days.

Takeout

Takeout is a major part of how Atlantans use This Is It!:

• Many locals call ahead or place orders online (where available) for pickup
• Takeout bags and containers are typically set up for easy transport and reheating

If you’re picking up for a group or on a busy weekend, planning ahead can help reduce your wait.

Drive-Thru (at some locations)

Some metro Atlanta locations are equipped with drive-thru service, which is convenient if you’re:

• Heading to or from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Picking up food on the way to a gathering
• Avoiding going inside with kids or luggage

Check whether your chosen location has a drive-thru before relying on it, as not all buildings are set up the same way.

Catering and Large Orders in Atlanta

This Is It! is frequently used in Atlanta for catering and large group meals, especially for:

• Office lunches and corporate meetings
• Family reunions and church events
• Funerals, repasts, and community gatherings
• Game-day spreads and holiday meals

What Catering Typically Looks Like

Catering options often include:

• Bulk pans of meats (ribs, pulled pork, chicken, etc.)
• Large pans of sides like mac and cheese, greens, yams, and green beans
• Bread, sauces, and sometimes dessert options for a complete spread
• Utensils and serving ware by request, depending on the package

If you’re in Atlanta and planning a large order, it’s common to:

1. Call the nearest location to confirm they handle catering or large orders.
2. Provide date, time, headcount, and any dietary considerations.
3. Ask how far in advance they need the order—holidays and weekends usually require more lead time.

Many Atlanta offices and families will schedule pickup during off-peak times (late morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid lunch or dinner rush.

When to Go: Busy Times and Local Patterns

In and around Atlanta, This Is It! tends to be busiest:

• Sunday afternoons and early evenings, especially near churches
• Weekday lunch (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) in high-traffic commercial areas
• Evenings before major sports games or holidays when people pick up food for gatherings

If you’re short on time, consider:

• Visiting slightly before or after peak lunch (e.g., 11:00 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.)
• Calling ahead for takeout or large orders
• Checking in about wait times if you’re feeding a big group

Dietary Preferences and What to Ask For

This Is It! is built around traditional Southern recipes, which often feature:

• Meats, gravies, and fried foods
• Butter, sugar, and rich seasonings in many sides and desserts

If you’re in Atlanta and have dietary needs or preferences, you can:

• Ask which items are baked or grilled instead of fried
• Request information about pork in vegetables (for example, some greens or beans are cooked with pork seasoning at many Southern restaurants)
• Request sauce on the side if you’re watching sugar or prefer to control portions
• Ask whether there are simpler sides available, such as plain vegetables, salads, or rice without gravy, depending on the location

Because recipes can differ by restaurant and change over time, it’s best to ask staff at the specific Atlanta location you’re visiting.

Example: What a Typical Visit Might Look Like

To help you plan, here’s a simple overview of how an Atlanta visit to This Is It! might go:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here are some straightforward ways to make the most of a visit to This Is It! in Atlanta:

• Plan around traffic and events. Major events downtown or near the airport can affect how long it takes to reach certain locations.
• Call ahead for large groups. If you’re feeding 8–10 people or more, confirm availability and timing so your food is ready when you arrive.
• Ask about daily or location-specific specials. Some Atlanta locations run special items or rotating entrees that don’t always appear on a basic printed menu.
• Consider reheating. If you’re staying in a hotel with a microwave, heavier items like ribs, chicken, and mac and cheese usually reheat well for a second meal.
• Be mindful of peak church and holiday times. These are especially busy in Atlanta for Southern and soul food restaurants like This Is It!.

How This Is It! Fits into the Atlanta Food Scene

In the Atlanta area, This Is It! sits at the intersection of:

• Barbecue
• Soul food / Southern kitchen
• Casual, everyday dining for families and workers

Residents often see it as:

• A convenient spot for comfort food when they don’t want to cook
• A reliable option for gatherings like repasts, reunions, and office lunches
• A recognizable Atlanta-area name for visitors looking to sample local-style Southern cooking in a straightforward, no-frills setting

Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a nearby place to pick up ribs and mac and cheese, or a visitor wanting a classic Southern plate not far from your hotel, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q is a practical, familiar choice throughout metro Atlanta.