Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

I wish I live closer to this place. This place is one of the best BBQ restaurants in the city. The ribs are my favorite item on the menu along with the beans. The other side dishes are average. Parking is not great but few places in the city have great parking.

3 Stars??? Yeah this place was just ok to me. The ribs were extremely tender which is a great thing to me but they didn’t have any type of seasoning to it. I have been to Kansas and Texas a few times and tasted their que so I may be spoiled. I waited in line for about 30 minutes to order and be seated which was a good time I heard. Seating is limited and this place stays packed. The Blues band they had playing (Saturday night) was great also!!! I don’t think I will stand in line again at this place for barbeque.

Popular BBQ Joint known for their ribs! They don’t take RSVP’s and its self seating, just stand in line to order then find a seat, they’ll bring the food out real quick!
Georgia style pork ribs tend to be flavored with a tangy bbq sauce
—full rack of ribs: the 3 of us shared this they were tender but I’ve had better ribs before
—Mac and cheese: good, but of course Mac n cheese is always better baked individually
—potato salad: standard
—baked beans: okay, pretty tangy as well
Parking as well as seating is limited when it’s busy but we were able to snag a seat on the outdoor patio
NOTE: they also have beers on tap

When we arrived and the line was out the door, I just knew that the food would be amazing… and that wasn’t the case. Don’t get me wrong, the ribs were ok… but it certainly was nothing to write home about. The greens and Mac n cheese were decent, didn’t really care for the rum baked beans. The live blues music was really cool.

The ribs are so tender and the mac&cheese is sooo good. I love the bbq sauce that comes with a plate, it’s always warm! Small place, but with a lot of character and good blues music. A must try if you are in the area.

[ate here on Sat., Jan. 30, 2016]
THE BEST RIBS I’VE EVER HAD, EVER. I normally prefer my ribs dry so I was happy there wasn’t a lot of sauce on my ribs. They were so soft, came clean off the bone and had an incredible smoky flavor to them. There’s a reason this place has a 4.5 average rating and 1100+ reviews. I also had the mac and cheese (a-​ok), coleslaw (tastes just like KFC’s which I love), baked beans (a little too sweet for me), and the stew (absolutely delicious). We got a table for 2 outside at noon without a problem and the line was just to the outer door. The inside was packed but there isn’t much seating to begin with. If you love ribs/​BBQ then you ABSOLUTELY MUST try Fat Matt’s.

If you’ve ever lived in Kansas City, you know that there aren’t any cities that are equal. In my quest to find BBQ as good as what you can find in KC, and with Anthony Bourdain’s help, I found Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. I went on a Friday night and there was a line out the door. Seating and parking is limited so be wary.
I ordered the ribs and had high expectations. What I got looked good, smothered with sauce. The first bite told me all I needed to know though. It was not KC BBQ. The meat was cooked decent, not too hard and not too soft. It fell off the bone well but just didn’t have the smokiness nor the overall taste that I was expecting. Overall, I was left disappointed.
Now don’t get me wrong, it’s an awesome place to get some BBQ when after a long night of drinking but I probably wouldn’t crave it. I’d dare to say that Fox Bros BBQ is a little bit better.

Hands down best ribs in Atlanta! I’ve waited to post this review until I made sure I tried all the Atlanta competition, and I’m 100% confident they are the best! Also just a word of warning… While waiting in line, I was overheard by a waitress telling my family that I was planning to visit Daddy D’z soon to compare. Apparently, saying the «d-​word» in their establishment is a major foul and almost got me booted! I was given a reprieve only after several apologies and insisting that I was never serious about considering a visit to the «d-​word»!

Came here for dinner and man, the line was so long! it was pouring and the line got outside. I have to say. the wait was worth it. I got the combo mix, you get ¼ Slab, ¼ Bird. The meat literally melted in my mouth. The BBQ sauce was good too.
Get a side with it and it’s perfect. I recommend Mac & Cheese or Potato Salad, they make good pairings.
The restaurant itself was a bit hectic when I went. There was a live band and it was awfully loud in a small space like that. I guess they don’t want you to stay extra longer and talk because I literally didn’t talk to my friends since we couldn’t hear each other. That’s also the reason why I took a star away.
Service was good though. Guess they are aware that it’s small so they’d come over to ask you if you’d like a drink refill and get it for you.
Food is worth it, eating environment could be better…

Only giving this 4 stars because parking sucks and limited tables. But don’t let that scare you away. The ribs, oh my, fall off the bone ribs, that require no bbq sauce whatsoever. And don’t even get my started on the Mac n cheese and the lemonade.
Yes you’ll have to wait to order, the line was around the side of the building. But it’s 100% worth it. I will be visiting this place again and again. The fact they have a line you know it’s good.
Also it looks like a hole n the wall, but those are always the best places!

I am big fan of Southern and comfort food especially Barbecued food. We tried this place after checking out over 1200 reviews on Unilocal.
We ordered ribs and some chicken and this place definitely deserves all those good reviews.
The portions were good sized and the Brunswick stew is the killer. I am a bit disappointed with the Mac n cheese but rest of the food covers up for it.

«More ribs for me!» — The Simpsons, Season 19, Episode 8
Oh Fat Matt, I want to love you so, but I am not a fan of the spare rib. However, you do so many things well and you are so close to my house — you get an AOK in my book.
Give me a plate of pork or chicken and I will devour it in short order. Give me a side of that brunswick stew, and some mac and cheese, and I might so steady with you — both are spot on. But then, there is the line. You have to get in there early to miss the crazy line and the wait for food and I just don’t want to eat lunch at 11am on a weekday and forget about the weekends.
Parking is also pretty scarce — again, weekdays before 11:30am and you should be as good as gold. There is plenty of seating inside with some outside tables as well (based on how the line is paced), but you do tend to get chummy with your neighbors — fine by me as that’s the way BBQ should be enjoyed, with the neighbors.
Overall, it is a good atmosphere and pretty good barbecue. Not the best in town, but definitely up there in the top 10.

Fat Matt’s has the greatest variability in quality in just about any BBQ restaurant I’ve ever visited.
Occasionally, the ribs are average. Most of the time, they are very good. And sometimes, they are awesome.
You have no idea what you’re getting anytime you walk in the door. In the last few years, they have done a better job of keeping it above average to excellent.

Now this is a place that knows what great southern BBQ is all about! As a «connoisseur» of BBQ, I have this oddity about me that I love to stop at restaurants and joints in small towns that advertise great BBQ. I’ve had some that truly were great and some that well, for a lack of better words, didn’t agree with me.
Fat Matt’s has some of the best smoked pork I’ve ever eaten. Crispy and charred on the outside and juicy/​tender on the inside with lots of that smokey flavor. Mmmm. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it! The baby back ribs and short ribs are both fantastic — fall off the bone tender. No real BBQ establishment would be complete without sweetened tea — at least in the south. Oh, and don’t forget the delicious sides of Mac & Cheese, well-​seasoned collard greens, and rum baked beans.
So if you’ve got a craving for some great BBQ and you’re in Atlanta, pay a visit to this joint and thank me later. :)

I drive by this place countless of time and never notice it since it is off a busy road and getting out can be a pain! The parking here is very limited, I normally park in the back whenever I go.
As for food, they only have a small mouth watering menu. They only serve ribs or chicken, which you can do as a combination as well ain’t with varies sides! My first time here, I got the combination because I wanted to try the chicken– which in my opinion isn’t all that great. It was good but not good enough for me to get it again. My cousin order the same thing but her chicken was a little dry as for my meal it was juicy.

These were astounding ribs. Spice, smoke, and juice. I seriously considered getting another half rack, but knew there was no way I’d be able to fit it all. Sides were decent; I got the brunswick stew and baked beans. Loved the beans, a very nice tangy/​sweet-​tart rendition. I could take or leave the stew and kinda wish I’d gone for something more savory.
Simple situation: pull up, fight for parking, order at the window (don’t forget the beer!) and grab the first table you can find. Unlike a lot of BBQ joints, there’s no sides included on your plate, it’s all a-​la-​carte. Ribs and chicken only, no brisket (might’ve been pulled pork option that I missed on the menu). Minimal dessert options, just pre-​shrink-​wrapped slices of pie. But then again, you likely won’t have room.
Live music most nights, and it’s a small intimate room, so you’re going to be right up there with the musicians, maybe even next to them when they take their break. They do pass the tip jar an awful lot, you’ll get it three times in the course of a regular meal.
But, ultimately, it’s about one thing: ribs. And these are good ones. So forget most of the above, don’t worry about whether it’s too fancy or not fancy enoguh, and have some ribs.

This place means business when it comes to ribs. I’ve been here quite a few times now, both dining in and getting takeout. If you dine in, you have the choice of sitting inside or outside. It’s a small place, but the intimate setting is all part of the experience. There’s usually a live band up on stage as well.
Once you go in, you order your food at the window, pay, and then they bring the food out to you. I’m a huge fan of the ribs and the sides, but not so much the chicken. The chicken was very dry when I tried it, and then I reminded myself that this place is called Fat Matt’s RIB Shack for a reason. I’ve had the mac n cheese and the collard greens, and both are delicious. Definitely one of the better mac n cheeses I’ve had, and I make it a point to try it wherever I go.
Parking isn’t usually a problem. You can typically always find a space out front, however this place does get crowded on weekends. Prices are pretty decent (full rack of ribs $ 24, half rack $ 12.50, most of the sides are around $ 2.50 on average).

Wanted to show a Cali visitor how we do BBQ in ATL… I totally must have missed this, but no brisket here. Why???
Anyway, the full rack of ribs and chicken did us just fine. The ribs and chicken are both marinated in their bbq sauce which is on the sweet side with a little bit of tang. I think our group of 8 killed two slabs of ribs and two ½ chickens. As for sides, I recommend the Brunswick stew and baked beans!
This is a small space and gets super busy especially during weekends. The line moves fast (order and pay at the counter), but finding a place to sit can be difficult.

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack is definitely on the more casual side, and they have indoor and outdoor seating available. I came in around 3pm on a Sunday and it was busy, but the line was short and moved quickly. Their menu is pretty limited (pulled pork, ribs, chicken, sides), so you get your food very quickly. I placed an order to go, and tried:
–Combo (¼ Slab, ¼ Bird, $ 9.95 + $ 2.50 Side of Mac n Cheese,
): The ribs were super tender and falling off the bone (delicious), and the chicken was solid– both were really flavorful and didn’t need bbq sauce, but they also tasted good with the sauce. I wasn’t a fan of the bbq sauce on it’s own since it’s so tangy, but it was good with the meats. Highly recommended! The mac n cheese was also solid but not amazing.
–Slice of Sweet Potato Pie ($ 2.95,
): Solid sweet potato pie, but definitely on the sweet side and heavy on the nutmeg. I loved the buttery-​ness of the crust though– recommended for any sweet tooth.
Overall, Fat Matt’s is a solid place to check out for BBQ, especially for their ribs and chicken. Prices are on the cheaper side since they’re a casual place. Outdoor seating available but it’s cooler if you sit inside. Parking that is close to the entrance is more limited, but I think they have additional parking in the side/​back.

I’ve lived in Atlanta my whole life and this is my first time going to Fat Matt’s. Incredible. Small location (hole in the wall?). Wall full of blues legends. Live blues band.
I ordered the rib sandwich, baked beans, and slaws. Good, greasy, BBQ. This is a must-​eat on your tour of Atlanta.

When I come back home from work each evening this place always has a line out the door during warm weather. I came on a Thursday and Saturday night and was happy to find live jazz! Yes, that’s right, we came back 2x in a week because my friends from out of town were dying to try the ribs– again. That’s how a 5 star review is born.
FYI they don’t offer table service, you line up and order quickly then find a seat. They bring your meal and after that the service is impeccable. You will have the kindest, sweetest folks come by to refill your drink or pick up your plate. You’ll also see tons of folks come in and out with their to-​go orders (not a bad idea).
We tried the:
½ slab $ 12.50 Ribs. These are always a winner. Nice meaty, juicy fall of the bone ribs. You get 2 pieces of old fashioned, cheap, slice of white bread on top of your ribs. Before you cringe, you have to try it by wrapping up you meat in there like a taco and sopping up the juices. It goes perfectly with them!
Full slab $ 23.99 I saw a grown man finish it and leave with that happy food coma look on his face. Enough said.
Brunswick stew $ 2.50 It’s very hearty and meaty. I like it when it’s chunky and not watery. Definitely would try it again.
¼ slab & ¼ bird $ 9.95 My friend loved the bird. In fact he just wants the bird next time. If you aren’t a rib person, the bird is just as delicious here.
Sweet potato pie $ 2.95 My friends bought 2 at a time and then went back for more to take home. I personally did not like it. It was too doughy and served cold. I prefer my sweet potato to be soft, warm and have a sugary crust.
They offer lots of Beers on tap/​can/​bottle for $ 4.25-$ 5.25. What more could you ask for?

I don’t know who Matt is or if he really is fat, but his ribs sure as hell’s gonna get me fat.
This place has been on my list for a while, and luckily today’s work lunch decided to order from Fat Matt’s.
I ordered the ¼ chicken and ribs combo with a side of rum baked beans and brunswick stew.
I really wanted to LOVE everything, but only one thing stood out: the ribs.
The ribs were soooooo tender. It fell right off the bone and tasted great without using any sauce. It was perfect! Everything else was just okay. The chicken was good but I’ve had better. The rum baked beans were very interesting. I enjoyed it, but I’m not sure if others will enjoy it. Make sure you like sour/​acidic flavors because that’s how the beans and well as their bbq sauce are.
I enjoyed the stew, but like the other chicken, it was good but nothing spectacular.
Overall, the ribs were amazing and the thing you should definitely order it. I wish I ordered just ribs, instead of the chicken. Everything else was mediocre. I hear their mac n cheese is really good, so I my try that out next time.

Went to Fat Matt’s around 7pm on a Tuesday night. Waited for around 15mins to get a table. The store was tinny but filled with great vibe from the live music. They also offer outdoor sitting with a quieter atmosphere.
I ordered a full rack of ribs, ¼ bird (chicken), and a beer, all added up to $ 35, great value! The ribs was AMAZING, fell right off the bone. Portion was humongous.
Hands down, amazing BBQ.

I can finally check Fat Matt’s off my imaginary «Things To Do In Atlanta Bucket List,» and I totally see why it was on there in the first place. Let’s get down to it.
***
I. FOOD
The menu basically has BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, and a solid list of sides. One can order a half or full order of either meat, or choose the ¼ bird and ¼ slab option. I ordered a half slab of ribs and three sides.
*Half Slab: I’m glad I didn’t order the full slab, because this is an incredible hunk of meat. And about it, like what many other reviewers have written, the meat falls right off the bone (like how it should). The BBQ sauce is a nice blend of savory and sweet, and it pairs well.
However, these are the type of ribs that NEED the sauce. I come from the tribe that favors ribs that don’t need a dipping sauce, but still can appreciate a good one when tasted.
**Potato Salad: Very mayonnaise-​y, which is not my jam, but still pretty solid and hearty.
**Collard Greens: Super savory! This turned out to be my favorite side.
**Mac & Cheese: Not so great. Pretty plain, but might satisfy someone’s M&C craving.
Side note: I recommend getting only one or two sides. Ordering three sides was definitely a mistake.
II. SERVICE
The staff there are incredibly sweet, and there’s a young woman who oversees the eating area that helps out with refills and provides napkins and cleaning wipes.
III. ATMOSPHERE/​DÉCOR
Imagine old-​school Atlanta meets blues. This also entails famous people and their respective signatures hang on the wall, a small stage for a band, and both outdoor and indoor seating. Bathrooms are sanitary, too. So, this is my kind of place.
IV. PRICES
Totally reasonable. $ 12.50 for a half slab. $ 1.60 for the potato salad. $ 2.50 for both the collard greens and mac & cheese. Small parking lot available.
V. OVERALL
If I’m in the neighborhood and craving BBQ, I would absolutely return to Fat Matt’s. Is it the best ever? No. Very good and worth trying? Yes.

I really wanted to NOT like this place (I’m not a huge fan of bbq in general), but Fat Matt’s showed me what’s up.
With another friend, I shared a half rack of ribs with a side of mac n cheese and peanuts. Mac n cheese and peanuts were ‘meh’ but the ribs were OMG WOW. Allow me to explain: meat was falling off the ribs, tender, juicy, and just enough flavor without being annoying. Didn’t even need the bbq sauce at all (which was on the side).
Side note: they really need to work on their lines cuz waiting outside in the sweltering heat is no bueno.
Overall, I’m not disappointed to have used my Cheat Day at Fat Matt’s ;)

Nothing beats Fat Matts. This is what its all about when it comes to southern bbq. The ambiance and atmosphere of this place is as chill and down to earth as it gets. I mean this place isn’t the biggest and can only sit a handful of people but man it sure does give off such a homely vibe to it. Every now and then they have a live band playing and trust me eating bbq and listening to live music is a whole another experience that words really can’t describe.
They definitely know how barbecue ribs here too, the meat comes off the bone with ease and that’s how you identify high quality bbq preparation. I can see why this place is a staple of Atlanta and why it earned its reputation as one of if not the best bbq joint in the city.
My Recommendations:
–Full Slab Ribs
–Mac n Cheese
Menu: