Old Brick Pit Barbeque in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching in Atlanta for classic pit-smoked barbecue with an old-school feel, Old Brick Pit Barbeque in Brookhaven is one of the spots locals often keep in their regular rotation. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it fits into Atlanta’s barbecue scene, and tips for getting the most out of a visit.

Where Old Brick Pit Barbeque Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has everything from trendy barbecue gastropubs to tiny smoke shacks. Old Brick Pit Barbeque sits firmly on the traditional, no-frills end of that spectrum:

• Focus on smoke and meat first, extras second
• Simple counter-service model
• Classic Southern sides and desserts
• A loyal neighborhood and “I grew up eating here” crowd

If you prefer slow-smoked meats over fancy plating, this grill-style barbecue restaurant is likely to feel familiar and comfortable.

Location, Parking, and How to Get There

Old Brick Pit Barbeque is located in the Brookhaven area of metro Atlanta, convenient to both Buckhead and the Perimeter.

• Neighborhood: Brookhaven / North Atlanta corridor
• Nearby roads: Close to Peachtree Road and major north–south routes that connect Midtown, Buckhead, and Chamblee
• Typical vibe: Busy at lunch and early dinner, especially on weekends and game days

For most Atlanta residents and visitors:

• From Buckhead: It’s usually a short drive north along Peachtree and side streets.
• From Midtown or Downtown: Plan on normal Atlanta traffic—give yourself extra time during rush hour.
• From the Perimeter (I‑285): You can drop down into Brookhaven using one of the main North Atlanta exits and surface streets.

Parking tips:

• Expect surface-lot parking rather than a garage.
• Lots may fill during peak times; it often helps to arrive a bit early for lunch or dinner windows.
• Rideshare is common for people coming from Midtown, Downtown, or visiting hotels in Buckhead.

Atmosphere: Old-School Smokehouse, Atlanta-Style

Inside, the experience is casual and straightforward. Think:

• Counter ordering, grab-your-tray style
• Wood smoke in the air and a brick pit or smoker as the star of the operation
• A mix of families, office workers on lunch break, and regulars

You won’t find trendy décor or long cocktail menus here. The focus is on barbecue, sweet tea, and familiar sides. This makes it a fit for:

• Quick weekday lunches
• Low-key dinners before or after events
• Informal meetups with friends or coworkers

If you’re entertaining guests from out of town, Old Brick Pit gives them a “this is what Atlanta barbecue has looked like for years” kind of experience.

What’s on the Menu: Classic Atlanta Barbecue Staples

While menus can evolve over time, an Atlanta grill-style barbecue restaurant like Old Brick Pit typically centers on a few key categories.

Smoked Meats

You can expect staples such as:

• Pork – often chopped or pulled, used for plates or sandwiches
• Ribs – usually pork ribs, with a dry rub and a choice of sauce
• Beef options – sometimes brisket or sliced/chopped beef, depending on current offerings
• Chicken – smoked or grilled, often served as a plate or on a sandwich

Most Atlanta barbecue spots offer plates with two sides and bread, or sandwiches that can be upgraded to a combo.

Sauces and Styles

Atlanta barbecue is a bit of a crossroads between different Southern styles. At a place like Old Brick Pit you’re likely to find:

• Tomato-based red sauce (mild and/or hot)
• Sometimes a slightly vinegary, tangy option
• Sauce served on the side or lightly added, so you can control how much you use

If you’re particular about sauce, you can ask for extra on the side so you can taste first and adjust.

Sides and Extras

Common sides that fit the Atlanta smokehouse profile include:

• Baked beans
• Coleslaw (creamy or vinegary)
• Potato salad or fries
• Brunswick stew – a Georgia favorite: a tomato-based stew with meat and vegetables
• Mac and cheese, greens, or similar Southern-style vegetables

Many regulars in Atlanta pair pork or ribs + Brunswick stew + coleslaw as a go-to combo.

Desserts and Drinks

Typical dessert and drink options at a classic barbecue grill:

• Banana pudding or cobbler-style desserts
• Sweet tea, unsweet tea, soft drinks, and bottled water

If you’re visiting from out of state, trying Georgia-style sweet tea with your meal is part of the experience.

Quick Reference: What to Expect at Old Brick Pit Barbeque

Ordering Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Because Atlanta’s barbecue scene is crowded, it helps to know how to navigate a place like Old Brick Pit efficiently.

For a First Visit

If you’re trying to get a feel for their style in one meal, consider:

• A two-meat plate (for example, pork and ribs)
• Brunswick stew as one of your sides
• A classic side like slaw or beans to round it out

This gives you a good sample of how they handle smoke, seasoning, and sauce.

Eating on a Schedule

If you’re heading to:

• A game (Truist Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium), or
• A show in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead

plan around these timing points:

• 🔹 Lunch: Late morning to early afternoon is usually smoother than right at noon.
• 🔹 Dinner: Early evening is often easier than peak 6–7 p.m. windows, especially on weekends.

Call-ahead takeout can help if you’re on a tight timeline, especially if you’re feeding several people.

Group and Family-Friendly Options

For families or small groups:

• Look for combination plates or multi-meat platters to share.
• Sides like mac and cheese, fries, or beans tend to be kid-friendly.
• Outdoor or informal seating (if available) can be helpful with younger kids.

If you’re hosting out-of-town friends staying around Buckhead or the Perimeter, Old Brick Pit offers a “local favorite” style stop that doesn’t require navigating Downtown traffic.

How It Compares to Other Atlanta Barbecue Options

Without ranking or promoting any particular restaurant, it’s helpful to understand the general niches within Atlanta barbecue:

• Trendy/new-school spots – creative sides, craft cocktails, and more experimental flavors
• Classic smokehouses like Old Brick Pit – older recipes, brick pits or large smokers, simple counter service
• Regional-style specialists – Texas, Carolina, or Memphis-style focused menus

Old Brick Pit falls in the classic, local smokehouse camp. If your priority is:

• Strong smoke flavor
• A quick, straightforward meal
• An environment that feels like a long-established Atlanta spot

then this type of grill-focused barbecue restaurant tends to be a good match.

Practical Info for Planning a Visit

When you’re mapping out your Atlanta plans, keep these points in mind:

• Location fit: Convenient if you’re staying or living in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Buckhead, or North Atlanta.
• Transit: Easiest by car or rideshare; MARTA access typically involves pairing rail/bus or a short rideshare from the nearest station.
• Diet preferences: Barbecue restaurants in Atlanta generally focus on meat-heavy plates. Some sides may suit vegetarian diners, but options can be limited—calling ahead is wise if that’s a concern.
• Peak days: Weekends and game days often run busier; weekday lunch can be crowded with office workers.

When Old Brick Pit Barbeque Makes Sense for You

Old Brick Pit Barbeque is worth considering in Atlanta if you:

• Want traditional, pit-style barbecue without a lot of extras
• Are staying near Brookhaven or Buckhead and prefer not to drive across town
• Need a casual, predictable place to feed a mix of locals and visitors
• Are curious how an old-style brick-pit operation fits into Atlanta’s modern food scene

For many Atlanta residents, places like this become part of the regular rotation—especially for takeout meats and sides for home dinners, small gatherings, or casual weekend meals. If you’re visiting the city, stopping by offers a clear look at how Atlanta does no-frills, smoke-first barbecue in a neighborhood setting.