This lively counter-service BBQ spot serves up fall-off-the-bone ribs and wicked good chicken, all paired with live blues that'll make you feel right at home.
"Heralded by the late Anthony Bourdain, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack on Piedmont often features a line out the door. Don’t be deterred. It moves fast. Order a slab of pork ribs with sides of “rum” baked beans, collards, and mac and cheese while listing to live blues music." - Beth McKibben
"On Piedmont Road, there’s a barbecue joint that’s an Atlanta institution. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack is one of those must-visit places in the city, like the Coke Museum or the Varsity. When you pull up it feels like you came to the right spot...an electric and unpretentious place specializing in ribs, from sandwich to slab, and a long list of special sides. First come first serve, there's a line out the door and it's worth the wait. It’s considered a local’s place, but the no-frills counter-service, fall off the bone ribs, and nightly live blues music have brought national attention. Highlights include the Half Slab, Brunswick Stew and Sweet Potato Pie." - Dear Elouise
"Don’t be deterred by the line out the door or the lack of parking. The line moves quickly and parking spots appear out of thin air at this Piedmont Road mainstay. Heralded by the late Anthony Bourdain, the restaurant hosts live blues bands that play sweetly to the tune of rib-eating patrons." - Eater Staff
"Ribs and Blues: A Classic Combination In the film "Up in the Air," George Clooney's character recommended this Atlanta restaurant and suggested you "bring a bib." He wasn't off the mark in describing this classic eatery, located near the Atlanta Botanical Garden. On any given day, you may find the parking lot full of cars of locals ready to pick bones clean of the tender pork. Open since 1990, seating and food are both first come first served. The rib sandwich comes on classic white bread. You can substitute chicken if you don't eat pork. And don't miss out on the sides, including Brunswick stew, macaroni and cheese and collard greens. Check the band schedule before you go, as you might be in for a treat."
"Open daily for takeout 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for delivery via UberEats." - Eater Staff
