Fat Matt's Rib Shack has anchored the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive in Atlanta since 1990, serving slow-smoked pork ribs and pulled pork to loyal regulars and first-timers alike. With live blues performances most nights and a to-the-point menu focused on quality over quantity, it remains one of the most beloved BBQ destinations in the Southeast.
Signature items
The item Fat Matt's is most famous for
All prices are estimates based on publicly reported figures. Verify current prices at the restaurant.
| Item | Includes | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Half Rack Pork Ribs | Half rack + 2 sides | ~$16 |
| Full Rack Pork Ribs | Full rack + 2 sides | ~$28 |
| Rib Tip Plate | Rib tips + 2 sides | ~$11 |
| Pulled Pork Plate | Pulled pork + 2 sides | ~$12 |
| BBQ Chicken Half | Half chicken + 2 sides | ~$13 |
| Hot Link Plate | Sausage links + 2 sides | ~$11 |
Like-for-like comparison of common BBQ categories. All figures are estimates.
| Category | Fat Matt's | Sonnys BBQ | Mission BBQ | Lems BBQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half rack ribs | ~$16 | ~$18 | ~$19 | ~$15 |
| Pulled pork sandwich | ~$9 | ~$10 | ~$11 | ~$8 |
| BBQ chicken half | ~$13 | ~$14 | ~$15 | ~$12 |
| Side dish | ~$3 | ~$3.50 | ~$4 | ~$3 |
| Full rack ribs | ~$28 | ~$31 | ~$33 | ~$27 |
Fat Matt's Rib Shack opened its doors on Piedmont Avenue NE in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1990 and has been a cornerstone of the city's food scene ever since. Founded on a simple philosophy — smoke the best ribs you can, keep the menu focused, and give people a reason to stay — the restaurant quickly became a neighborhood institution and eventually an Atlanta landmark. The low-key cinder-block building with its hand-lettered signs and the perpetual smell of hickory smoke drifting into the street has become as iconic as the food itself.
The menu at Fat Matt's is refreshingly concise: pork spare ribs slow-smoked over a wood-burning pit are the undisputed centerpiece, complemented by pulled pork, BBQ chicken, smoked hot links, and a tight roster of Southern sides including baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Nothing is overly complicated, and that is precisely the point. The sauces are tangy and balanced, designed to enhance the smoke rather than hide it.
What truly sets Fat Matt's apart from a dining-experience standpoint is the live blues music that fills the small dining room most evenings. Local and regional blues musicians perform on a small stage, giving the restaurant a juke-joint energy that is rare in the modern restaurant landscape. The combination of excellent pit-smoked BBQ, cheap cold beer, and real live music has earned Fat Matt's a devoted following that spans decades and demographics — making it one of those rare Atlanta spots that locals genuinely cherish and visitors seek out by name.
Find current hours, confirm today's prices, and plan your visit on the official Fat Matt's website.
Visit Fat Matt's official siteFat Matt's Rib Shack is located at 1811 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, at the corner of Piedmont and Monroe Drive in the Morningside/Virginia-Highland area.
Fat Matt's is generally open for lunch and dinner daily, but hours can vary. Check the official website at fatmatts.com or call ahead to confirm current hours before visiting.
Yes — live blues music is a signature part of the Fat Matt's experience. Local and regional blues artists perform most evenings. The schedule varies, so check the website or social media for upcoming performers.
The pork spare ribs are undisputably the star of the menu. Most visitors order the half rack as a starting point, and regulars often upgrade to a full rack. The slow-smoked ribs with the house BBQ sauce are what put Fat Matt's on the map.
Fat Matt's has traditionally been a cash-friendly establishment. It is always a good idea to bring cash, though payment options may have expanded. Confirm with the restaurant directly before your visit.
The menu is heavily meat-focused, but several sides are vegetarian-friendly, including baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad, French fries, and corn on the cob. Those looking to avoid meat can build a satisfying meal from the sides alone.
Fat Matt's is a casual, no-reservations spot with limited seating. Large groups can be accommodated but may face a wait during peak hours. The relaxed atmosphere with live music makes it a fun group outing once you're seated.
Fat Matt's is widely regarded as one of the best BBQ spots in Atlanta, praised for its pit-smoked pork ribs and no-frills authenticity. It is often compared favorably to other local institutions and consistently appears on best-of Atlanta lists alongside names like Community Q and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q.
Yes, Fat Matt's offers takeout. You can call your order in or order in person. The menu travels well — ribs and pulled pork hold up nicely, and the sides are packaged separately. Check the official website for any online ordering options.