We know a thing or two about great barbecue in the South, and the ATL Airport District is home to a mouthwatering selection to choose from. We've got tender pulled pork that melts in your mouth, fall-off-the-bone ribs glazed to perfection, and down-home sides to complete your feast.
Check out our favorite barbecue in College Park, Union City, and Hapeville to satisfy all your smoky, saucy cravings. And don’t forget to add a side of warm jalapeño cornbread, gooey mac and cheese, or refreshing coleslaw. Bring your appetite and BYOWW (bring your own wet wipe)!
BBQ in College Park
Barbecue Kitchen
📍 1437 Virginia Ave. College Park, GA 30337
Since 1958, family-owned Barbecue Kitchen has proudly served up smoked ribs, Southern fried chicken, BBQ sandwiches, and seafood platters galore. They’re open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with menus to satisfy every eater! This no-frills meat-and-three style restaurant offers daily specials, plus take-out and catering options. Whether you opt for traditional barbecue pulled pork or smoked turkey breast, it’s hard to go wrong at one of the District’s original BBQ joints. As an added bonus, it’s a common consensus that their staff makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Tom, Dick & Hank
📍 3807 Main St. Atlanta, GA 30337
At Tom, Dick & Hank, you’ll discover barbecue with deep Southern roots. TDH embodies your memories of backyard family barbecues by serving all your favorites — smoked plates marinated and seasoned to perfection, grilled or fried seafood platters, signature wings, and to-die-for sandwiches. And we can’t forget their unique BBQ entrees in the form of tacos, quesadillas, and even salads. If you're lucky, you can catch their $2 Oyster Special on Wednesday nights starting at 5 PM. Or you could stop by for happy hour any weekday from 3PM - 7PM to chase your meal with a signature cocktail. All meats are smoked fresh daily, so come in early before the regulars clean out the kitchen!
BBQ in Hapeville
Lickety Split Southern Kitchen & Bar
📍 1155 Virginia Ave Suite F Hapeville, GA 30354
Southern comfort food with a creative flair is the star of the show at this fast-casual soul food restaurant that simplifies meal prepping with hot BBQ meals to go. Pair smoked beef brisket or glazed half-rack ribs with fried okra, homemade mashed potatoes, or candied yams for the ultimate Southern feast. Kick off your meal with delicious deviled eggs, and don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with a twist on a Southern classic, banana ‘n strawberry pudding. Refresh yourself with a glass of crisp peach lemonade. And then go back for more!
Pit Boss BBQ
📍 800 Doug Davis Dr. Hapeville, GA 30354
This old-school joint is the destination for authentic pit-style smoked goodness. And if you can’t make it in, they’ll roll out to you with their catering food truck! Customers are greeted by the aroma of slow-smoked meats, and while you may find a line snaking outside the building during peak hours, many out-of-towners have said it’s worth the wait for the incredible Southern dishes smothered in delectable sauces. The menu accommodates just about every BBQ craving, including a smoked portabella burger for the more veggie-forward eater. Be sure to make a pit-stop (pun intended) next time you’re in the District!
RedEye Southern Kitchen
📍 1031 Virginia Ave. Hapeville, GA 30354
Located inside the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel, Redeye Southern Kitchen is the District’s newest BBQ saloon. Smoked long, low, and slow over hickory and oak wood, the offerings at RSK will encourage you to slow down and savor all the classic flavors that taste like home - made with extra love, of course. Paired with their handcrafted cocktails, it’s barbecue with a touch of sophistication. Elevated all-day offerings include Southern eggs benedict topped with pulled pork, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and chow chow pickles, cider-brined pork chop, and sweet potato cheesecake with candied bacon topped with cinnamon whipped cream, just to name a deletable few.
BBQ in Union City
D'Lish Barbecue & Catering
📍 6125 Feldwood Rd unit E, Union City, GA 30291
You’ll feel right at home at this mom-and-pop eatery, featuring homestyle BBQ fare like brisket dinners, corn on the cob, yams, and collard greens with smoked turkey. Savor whole wings fried to perfection, rib and pork chop sandwiches, and fresh sweet tea to wash it all down. While you’re always welcome to dine-in, their impressive catering trays can feed as many as 24 hungry people with special selections such as lamb chops, crab cakes, key lime pie and peach cobbler - a Peach State staple.
This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q
📍 3920 Jonesboro Rd. Union City, GA 30291
This restaurant REALLY is it and has been since 1983! This Is It! is known as the local King of Tips and serves an unrivaled mix of BBQ, seafood, soul food, and even plant-based options in heaping portions made up of only the freshest ingredients. Keep This Is It! in mind when prepping for your next event or gathering, and take advantage of their catering options. Show this spot some love, and don’t leave without a Chitt’lin Dinner order - that’s Southern caviar to all you Northern folks.
See what we mean about wet wipes? We won't blame you if you don't wanna share, so get your own plate, platter or basket while it's hot (it's always hot). Let us know where you find your favorite flavors and upload your BBQ #ATLDistrict pics here.
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