Biltong Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta and you’ve heard people talk about Biltong Bar, you’re probably wondering what it is, what they serve, and whether it’s worth adding to your dining list. Here’s a clear, practical guide so you know exactly what to expect from this kitchen and bar concept in the city.

What Is Biltong Bar?

Despite the name, Biltong Bar isn’t just a snack shop. It’s a full kitchen and cocktail bar that builds its menu around:

  • South African–style biltong (air-dried, seasoned beef)
  • A mix of small plates and sharable dishes
  • A full bar program with cocktails, wine, and beer

For someone in Atlanta, think of it as a cross between a stylish bar and a casual restaurant, with a focus on high-quality cured meats and a menu that leans into bold, savory flavors.

Where You’ll Find Biltong Bar in Atlanta

Biltong Bar has had locations in some of Atlanta’s busiest, most walkable areas. The exact lineup can shift over time, but you’ll typically find them in:

  • High-traffic intown neighborhoods (often around Midtown, Buckhead, or in mixed-use developments)
  • Destination dining areas that already have restaurants, shops, and nightlife

Because locations can change, it’s smart to:

  • 🔎 Search “Biltong Bar Atlanta” with the neighborhood you’re visiting (e.g., “Midtown” or “Buckhead”)
  • 📞 Call ahead to confirm:
    • Current address
    • Hours of operation
    • Kitchen vs. bar hours (these don’t always match)

If you’re planning a visit from outside the city, it helps to pair your Biltong Bar stop with nearby attractions, like shopping districts or entertainment venues, since locations are often in mixed-use or retail hubs.

What Is Biltong, Exactly?

If you’re new to biltong, it helps to understand what makes it different from the more familiar beef jerky.

Biltong:

  • Originates from South Africa
  • Usually made from beef, but other meats are sometimes used
  • Is air-dried, not cooked in the same way as many jerkies
  • Often seasoned with vinegar, coriander, black pepper, and salt
  • Typically has a meatier texture and can range from soft to quite dry, depending on how it’s sliced and dried

Compared to classic American beef jerky, biltong usually:

  • Has thicker cuts
  • Leans toward a richer, steak-like flavor
  • Is often served sliced fresh at the bar rather than in sealed packages

At Biltong Bar, this style of meat is the star of the menu and is often offered in different flavor profiles and levels of dryness.

What You Can Expect on the Menu

Biltong Bar is set up so you can come in for anything from a quick snack and a drink to a full sit-down meal. Menus vary a bit by location and over time, but you’ll typically see:

Biltong & Cured Meats

  • Plain / Original biltong
  • Spiced or chili versions for more heat
  • Sometimes droëwors (a South African dry sausage)
  • Options to order by the ounce or as part of a tasting board

These are often served:

  • On boards with pickles, mustards, and bread or crackers
  • As bar snacks with cocktails or beer

Small Plates & Shared Dishes

Expect some combination of:

  • Snacks like nuts, olives, or chips with dips
  • Charcuterie-style boards
  • Sandwiches or sliders that may highlight biltong or other meats
  • Occasionally salads or vegetable plates to balance the richer items

This format works well if you’re with a group and want to order several dishes to share.

Cocktails & Drinks

The bar program is a major part of the experience. On a typical visit, you might find:

  • House cocktails featuring:
    • Local or well-known spirits
    • Fresh juices, shrubs, or bitters
  • A mix of classic cocktails and house originals
  • Wine by the glass and bottle
  • Beer (usually a combination of local Georgia breweries and familiar national or international brands)
  • Non-alcoholic options like soft drinks, mocktails, or sparkling water

If you’re visiting with a mixed group, you can easily pair non-alcoholic drinks with biltong and small plates without feeling out of place in the bar setting.

Atmosphere: Is Biltong Bar Right for Your Night Out?

For Atlanta locals and visitors, Biltong Bar tends to fit naturally into:

  • Date nights
  • Happy hours
  • Pre- or post-event drinks (concerts, shows, games)
  • Casual meetups with friends

You can usually expect:

  • Dim or mood lighting
  • Stylish decor with a bar-forward layout
  • Bar seating, tables, and sometimes high-tops
  • A lively but not overwhelming noise level, especially on weekends

If you’re looking for a super quiet, formal dinner, this may not be the best fit. But if you want a social, modern bar environment with genuinely interesting food, Biltong Bar is very much in that lane.

Typical Visit Flow for Atlantans and Visitors

Here’s how a visit usually plays out, especially if you’re planning around other Atlanta activities.

1. Getting There

Most Biltong Bar locations in Atlanta have been in central, high-traffic areas, so getting there commonly involves:

  • Driving and using a nearby parking deck or lot
  • Ride-hailing (often the easiest option on weekend evenings)
  • Walking if you’re already in the same development or neighborhood

In many intown areas, street parking can be limited, so build a few extra minutes into your schedule if you’re driving.

2. Seating & Wait Times

  • Weeknights: Usually easier to get a seat, especially earlier in the evening.
  • Weekends: There may be wait times, particularly during peak dinner and late-night hours.

You can often choose:

  • Bar seating (good if you want to chat with the bartender or are going solo)
  • Tables for groups or a more meal-focused visit

If you’re on a tight schedule before a show or event, call ahead to ask:

  • When they’re typically busiest
  • Whether they accept call-ahead or reservations (policies can vary)

3. Ordering Style

Most guests in Atlanta use Biltong Bar in one of three ways:

  • Quick stop: One or two drinks plus a small biltong order
  • Extended hangout: Several small plates and drinks over an hour or two
  • Light dinner: Biltong, a couple of shared dishes, and maybe a dessert if available

Because many items are shareable, it works especially well for groups that like to sample.

Price Range: What Atlantans Usually Budget

Exact prices change over time, but in Atlanta terms, Biltong Bar generally fits into the mid-range for bars and casual restaurants.

You can roughly expect:

  • Biltong by the ounce: Priced similarly to other artisanal cured meats or charcuterie in the city
  • Cocktails: Typically in line with other craft cocktail bars in intown Atlanta
  • Small plates: Priced comparable to tapas or upscale bar snacks

A simple way to plan:

Type of VisitWhat You Might OrderTypical Spend Range*
Solo quick stop1 drink + small biltong orderLow to mid-range
Date night2–4 drinks + 2–3 shared platesMid-range
Group of 4 sharingRound of drinks + several shared dishesMid to higher range

*“Range” here means relative to other Atlanta bar/restaurant options, not specific dollar amounts.

If you’re on a budget, you can limit the night to one drink and a smaller biltong portion and still get the core experience.

Dietary Preferences and Things to Ask About

Biltong Bar is naturally meat-forward, but there are still ways to navigate if you have preferences or restrictions.

When you arrive, it’s reasonable to ask:

  • Which items are vegetarian or vegan-friendly, if any
  • Whether certain dishes can be modified (sauces on the side, no cheese, etc.)
  • How spicy particular biltong flavors or sauces are
  • What non-alcoholic options are available if you’re not drinking

Staff are typically familiar with these questions, especially in Atlanta where food and drink culture is very ingredient-conscious.

Tips for Making the Most of Biltong Bar in Atlanta

Here are some practical, Atlanta-focused tips to improve your visit:

  • Pair it with other stops: Since locations are often in busy areas, plan Biltong Bar as part of a night that includes shopping, a movie, or a show.
  • 🕔 Go a bit earlier on weekends: Arriving in the late afternoon or early evening can help avoid the peak rush.
  • 🍽️ Share plates: If you’re curious about different flavors of biltong or menu items, share with your group so you can sample more without over-ordering.
  • 🚗 Check parking before you go: Some mixed-use developments have validated parking or specific decks that are more convenient.
  • 📱 Call ahead for larger groups: For 6+ people, it’s helpful to ask about seating and timing so you’re not waiting too long once you arrive.

How Biltong Bar Fits Into Atlanta’s Restaurant Scene

For someone trying to understand how Biltong Bar fits into Atlanta’s broader food and drink landscape:

  • It reflects the city’s growing interest in global flavors, especially African and African diaspora cuisines.
  • It slots in comfortably alongside other cocktail-driven, concept-focused bars in neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead.
  • It caters to both locals and visitors looking for something a bit different from standard bar food, without being overly formal or complicated.

If you live in Atlanta, Biltong Bar can be a solid option for:

  • An after-work drink somewhere a little more unique
  • A date spot that feels special but not overly dressy
  • A place to introduce visiting friends or family to something they probably don’t have back home

If you’re visiting the city, it’s a way to experience how Atlanta blends global food traditions with its modern bar culture, all in one stop.

In short, Biltong Bar in Atlanta is a kitchen and bar built around South African–style biltong, craft drinks, and shareable plates, usually set in a stylish, energetic space. Whether you’re planning a quick snack and cocktail or a longer night out, knowing the atmosphere, menu style, and typical visit flow will help you fit it neatly into your Atlanta plans.