Big Man’s Barbeque in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Atlanta takes its barbecue seriously, and Big Man’s Barbeque fits right into that culture of smoke, sauce, and Southern comfort food. If you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for a grill-focused, down-to-earth barbecue spot, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to plan a visit, and how it fits into the city’s wider barbecue scene.

Where Big Man’s Barbeque Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has everything from white-tablecloth steakhouses to late-night food trucks, but barbecue and grilled meats are part of the city’s everyday rhythm—especially around neighborhoods with strong tailgating, high school football, and family reunion traditions.

Big Man’s Barbeque falls in the “Grill” sub-category of Restaurants, which generally means:

• A focus on grilled and smoked meats
• Casual, often family-friendly atmosphere
• Orders at the counter or window, sometimes with limited indoor seating
• Emphasis on plates, sandwiches, and meat-by-the-pound

If you’re the kind of diner who wants smoked ribs, chicken, or pulled pork with classic sides more than you want craft cocktails or small plates, a grill-style barbecue spot like Big Man’s is likely to feel just right.

Typical Menu: What You’ll Likely Find at Big Man’s Barbeque

Every Atlanta barbecue joint has its own style, but most grill-driven spots share some familiar staples. When you walk into Big Man’s Barbeque, you can reasonably expect some version of the following:

Core Meats

• Ribs – Usually pork ribs, often available as half or full rack
• Pulled pork – Chopped or shredded pork shoulder, served on plates or sandwiches
• Grilled or smoked chicken – Quarters, halves, or wings
• Sausage – Often grilled, sometimes spicy
• Brisket – Availability can vary; some Atlanta spots offer it daily, others only on certain days

Classic Sides

Atlanta diners will recognize the standard Southern sides that often accompany orders:

• Collard greens
• Mac and cheese
• Baked beans
• Potato salad or coleslaw
• Cornbread or Texas toast

Many Atlantans like to pair a heavier meat plate with a fresh side (like slaw or green beans) and a comfort side (mac and cheese or beans).

Sauces and Seasoning Styles

Across metro Atlanta, you’ll usually find:

• Tomato-based red sauces – Sweet, tangy, sometimes spicy
• Vinegar-based sauces – Drawing influence from nearby Carolinas
• Dry rubs – Especially on ribs and chicken, with sauce on the side

If you’re picky about sauce—sweet vs. tangy vs. spicy—asking staff what’s house-made or most popular is common and expected.

Atmosphere and Experience

Most grill-style barbecue restaurants in Atlanta, including places like Big Man’s Barbeque, emphasize comfort and community over formality.

You can generally expect:

• Casual dress – Jeans, game-day shirts, and work clothes are all normal
• Order at the counter – Then food is brought to your table or picked up when your number is called
• Mix of eat-in and takeout – Many locals grab barbecue to bring home, to the park, or to a tailgate
• Family-friendly environment – Kids, big groups, and office lunches are common

Barbecue in Atlanta is often part of events and gatherings—from watching Falcons, Hawks, or college football games to after-church meals on Sundays. Don’t be surprised if the vibe is louder and more energetic during major sports weekends.

When to Go: Timing Your Visit in Atlanta

In Atlanta, timing matters for barbecue, especially at popular grill spots.

Peak Times

Expect heavier crowds:

• Fridays and Saturdays – Dinner hours, roughly 6–8 p.m.
• Game days – Especially if the location is near a stadium, high school, or sports bar area
• Sunday afternoons – Common time for post-church family meals

If you prefer a quieter experience, consider:

• Weekday lunches
• Early dinners (before 6 p.m.)

Food Sell-Out Policies

Many authentic barbecue and grill restaurants in Atlanta smoke meats in limited daily batches. Once they’re sold out, that item may be gone for the day. If you’re set on a specific meat—like ribs or brisket—it’s wise to:

• Call ahead to ask about availability and busy times
• Visit earlier in the day for best selection

Typical Price Range and What You Get

Pricing at Atlanta grill-style barbecue spots varies, but many locals find it to be a good value for the portion sizes, especially compared with full-service restaurants.

You’ll commonly see:

• Sandwiches – Pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with one side at a moderate price
• Plates – One or two meats with two sides and bread, priced higher than sandwiches but still everyday-affordable for many
• Family packs or platters – Designed to feed 3–6 people, often including multiple meats and a pint or quart of sides

To get the best sense of value:

• Check if they offer lunch specials on weekdays
• Ask if there are family meals or bulk options if you’re feeding a group

How Big Man’s Barbeque Compares to Other Atlanta Barbecue Options

Atlanta’s barbecue options range from old-school smokehouses to modern, chef-driven spots. Big Man’s, as a grill-focused restaurant, is likely to fall into the casual, everyday category.

When deciding where to go, many Atlanta residents consider:

• Location and traffic – Will getting there be manageable with Atlanta traffic patterns, especially around rush hour or major events?
• Parking – Some intown neighborhoods have limited parking; others have large, free lots
• Preference for grilled vs. heavily smoked meats – Some diners want strong smoke flavor; others prefer mild, grilled flavors
• Group needs – Whether the spot is set up to handle large parties or takeout catering

If you’re exploring the city’s barbecue scene, you might pair a visit to Big Man’s Barbeque with stops in different neighborhoods—such as Westside, East Atlanta, or College Park—to compare regional spins on seasoning and sides.

Ordering Like a Local in Atlanta

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to help you order with confidence:

1. Know Your Portions

Barbecue portions in Atlanta can be generous. Locals often:

• Split a rib plate between two people and add an extra side
• Order meat by the pound for groups, then supplement with sides

If you’re unsure, ask staff whether a specific plate is usually enough for one very hungry person or better shared.

2. Try a Mix of Sauces

It’s common in Atlanta to:

• Get sauce on the side and try multiple varieties
• Use milder sauce on pulled pork and spicier sauce on chicken or sausage

Don’t hesitate to ask which sauce they consider their “house” or signature sauce.

3. Consider Takeout for Traffic

Because metro Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, many locals:

• Call in an order before leaving work
• Pick it up on the way home instead of dining in
• Use takeout to avoid waiting for a table during peak times

If Big Man’s Barbeque offers call-in or online ordering, that can make your visit smoother—especially on Friday evenings.

Family, Group, and Event-Friendly Use

Barbecue is a go-to option for Atlanta gatherings, from office lunches downtown to backyard get-togethers in the suburbs.

For Big Man’s Barbeque or similar grill restaurants, consider:

• Bulk meat orders – Pulled pork, ribs, and chicken are easy to serve buffet-style
• Large pans of sides – Mac and cheese, beans, and slaw usually hold up well for groups
• Stadium or park proximity – If the location is near parks or sports fields, it can be a convenient stop before or after events

If you’re planning a group meal, calling ahead to:

• Ask how much food they recommend per person
• Confirm lead time for large orders
• Clarify pickup logistics and parking

can save you time and stress.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

When choosing when and how to visit Big Man’s Barbeque in Atlanta, don’t forget the practical details:

Getting There

Depending on where it’s located within the metro area:

• MARTA rail and bus: Some barbecue restaurants are near MARTA stations or bus routes, which can help if you’re staying downtown or in Midtown without a car.
• Driving: Most Atlanta diners still drive, so consider rush-hour traffic times when planning your trip.

Parking

Check whether:

• There is a dedicated parking lot
• Street parking is available and clearly marked
• There are time limits or paid parking zones nearby

Dietary Preferences

While grill-style barbecue is meat-centered, many Atlanta barbecue spots also offer:

• Vegetable sides like collards, green beans, slaw, and salads
• Occasionally, fish or grilled options with lighter seasoning

If you or someone in your group has specific dietary needs, calling ahead to see what they can reasonably accommodate is common practice here.

Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at Big Man’s Barbeque in Atlanta

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

To get the best experience at Big Man’s Barbeque within the Atlanta context:

• 🕒 Plan your timing – Consider traffic, game days, and potential sell-outs.
• 📞 Call ahead for details – Ask about daily specials, sold-out items, or large-order options.
• 🍽️ Sample broadly – If you’re visiting once, consider a combo plate to try more than one meat.
• 🚗 Think about logistics – Parking, traffic, and whether takeout or dine-in suits your plans.

Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a new go-to grill spot or a visitor trying to taste the city’s barbecue culture, Big Man’s Barbeque fits into the broader tradition of smoke, sauce, and Southern hospitality that defines much of Atlanta’s casual dining scene.