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Fat Matt's BBQ in Atlanta
Posted on 4/18/23 at 9:15 pm
Posted on 4/18/23 at 9:15 pm
Don't know what I was expecting, but recently passed through Atlanta and was recommended Fat Matt's Rib Shack, and I must say, as someone who grew up in Texas and Memphis style BBQ, I was pretty disappointed, especially the ribs, which weren't even smoked, they are basically broiled and then finished just finished on a grill for color.
Also had chicken quarters and want impressed, either.
The beans, however, were phenomenal. So was the Mac and cheese.
Pulled pork was pretty mushy, but also heavy on vinegar based sauce, which obviously is a Carolina/East Coast BBQ thing, I get it.
Was wondering if this is just a case of regional bias or is this really what most Atlanta bbq scene is about?
Also had chicken quarters and want impressed, either.
The beans, however, were phenomenal. So was the Mac and cheese.
Pulled pork was pretty mushy, but also heavy on vinegar based sauce, which obviously is a Carolina/East Coast BBQ thing, I get it.
Was wondering if this is just a case of regional bias or is this really what most Atlanta bbq scene is about?
6
Posted on 4/18/23 at 9:48 pm to Jack Ruby
Should have gone to Fox Bros. Dem baws are from Texas and the bbq never disappoints
This post was edited on 4/18/23 at 9:48 pm
Posted on 4/18/23 at 10:54 pm to Got Blaze
2nd fox bros
Posted on 4/18/23 at 11:36 pm to Jack Ruby
Fatt Matt’s Rib Shack is a franchise operation that must be some kind of money laundering scheme, their BBQ is awful.
However, most GA BBQ places do not properly smoke their meats. GA BBQ joints are great for baked beans, Brunswick stew, and sauces though.
However, most GA BBQ places do not properly smoke their meats. GA BBQ joints are great for baked beans, Brunswick stew, and sauces though.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 12:30 am to Jack Ruby
quote:not sure who you're taking recommendations from but, that's the last place I would suggest for BBQ in Atlanta.
I must say, as someone who grew up in Texas and Memphis style BBQ, I was pretty disappointed
Fat Matt's Rib Shack is exactly that, a rib shack. They boil and grill the ribs. All you have to do is hang outside the joint for a couple of minutes to realize, they ain't smoking nothing in this place.
You should unfriend whomever it was that recommended this place to you.
On a side note, I like Fat Matt's, but I temper my expectations with the understanding of what I'm receiving. I'm not going there expecting good BBQ.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 8:39 am to Jack Ruby
I've lived in the Atlanta area for six years, have never been to Fat Matt's, however, everyone I've talked to has said the exact same thing and didn't like it. I can second Fox Bros. Great brisket and ribs. It's not cheap though.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 8:42 am to Gifman
quote:
second Fox Bros
Have you tried Das BBQ on memorial?
Posted on 4/19/23 at 9:02 am to Professor Dawghair
We lived not too far from the original Das, it's good, it's expensive.
Fox
Das
Heirloom
all very good. Fat Matt's was semi-famous because it was old and had a semi-funny name, then it got mentioned in Up in the Air and got more famous. But nobody ever talks about it here, lines up for it, etc. It's not particularly good and never was.
If you want to talk about true old school Atlanta BBQ (that wasn't all that great either), Harolds was the place, but I think the last location closed 10 years ago.
I'm sure some will scream bloody murder, but IMO until fairly recently both Alabama and Georgia BBQ were very mediocre. Plethora of options, few of them were that great. Texas expats in Atlanta have helped both our BBQ and Mexican, to the extent that I would take Atlanta BBQ options over Dallas and Superica exported tex Mex back to Houston (successfully).
Fox
Das
Heirloom
all very good. Fat Matt's was semi-famous because it was old and had a semi-funny name, then it got mentioned in Up in the Air and got more famous. But nobody ever talks about it here, lines up for it, etc. It's not particularly good and never was.
If you want to talk about true old school Atlanta BBQ (that wasn't all that great either), Harolds was the place, but I think the last location closed 10 years ago.
I'm sure some will scream bloody murder, but IMO until fairly recently both Alabama and Georgia BBQ were very mediocre. Plethora of options, few of them were that great. Texas expats in Atlanta have helped both our BBQ and Mexican, to the extent that I would take Atlanta BBQ options over Dallas and Superica exported tex Mex back to Houston (successfully).
This post was edited on 4/19/23 at 9:05 am
Posted on 4/19/23 at 9:11 am to Pettifogger
quote:
Harolds was the place
I miss Harold's cracklin' corn bread!
Posted on 4/19/23 at 3:48 pm to Pettifogger
quote:
would take Atlanta BBQ options over Dallas and Superica exported tex Mex back to Houston
I can hardly believe this.
Fox Bros is good but I can think of 3 places in Dallas that are better. And I’ve only been to Dallas a dozen times.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 4:20 pm to Tigertown in ATL
quote:
Fox Bros is good but I can think of 3 places in Dallas that are better. And I’ve only been to Dallas a dozen times.
I'm in Dallas a lot and my wife is a native. We don't really eat BBQ in DFW that much anymore, not because it's bad or Atlanta is great, but because they're pretty on par in our view at this point. 15 years ago that certainly wasn't the case.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 8:12 pm to Jack Ruby
When the sides are better than the meat, run. Fast.
Posted on 4/19/23 at 8:49 pm to GeauxTigers0107
Watch for popups from Secret Pint BBQ. Brian is an awesome dude and is a sausage master!
Posted on 4/19/23 at 9:03 pm to ruger35
Fox Brothers
Community Q
City BBQ
Heirloom
Loyal Q
Cue
Tipsy Pig
are all better than Fat Mans. Probably some more places too. Most of these places are either Memphis style or Texas style, or a little of both.
There aren't many old fashioned Georgia BBQ places left in Atlanta, and I don't miss them. I like pit-cooked BBQ sometimes, but I'd rather have it with a tangy mustard/vinegar sauce or a white sauce, both of which you can find in Alabama.
Community Q
City BBQ
Heirloom
Loyal Q
Cue
Tipsy Pig
are all better than Fat Mans. Probably some more places too. Most of these places are either Memphis style or Texas style, or a little of both.
There aren't many old fashioned Georgia BBQ places left in Atlanta, and I don't miss them. I like pit-cooked BBQ sometimes, but I'd rather have it with a tangy mustard/vinegar sauce or a white sauce, both of which you can find in Alabama.
Posted on 4/21/23 at 5:21 am to Pettifogger
quote:
. Superica exported tex Mex back to Houston (successfully).
It’s good but also one of the more overrated restaurants in Atlanta.
And there is one in Houston.
Posted on 4/21/23 at 7:58 am to SpotCheckBilly
quote:
Tipsy Pig
Grew up in the area. Place is so good and underrated. Will definitely check out Loyal Q
Posted on 4/21/23 at 8:33 am to Jack Ruby
I've never tried Fat Matts. I've had all kinds of horrible bbq around Atlanta. But there are some good places. As everyone mentioned.... Fox bros. There is a great place that showcases Georgia BBQ. It's called 'Fresh Air BBQ' in Jackson, GA.
It's super vinegary but smoked old school style. OG Georgia BBQ is basically apple cider vinegar based. I don't really care for it myself normally. But Fresh Air bbq, I can still appreciate the actual bbq as long as I know what I'm getting and expecting it. If you go in expecting KC or Texas bbq, then it will be repulsive.
It's super vinegary but smoked old school style. OG Georgia BBQ is basically apple cider vinegar based. I don't really care for it myself normally. But Fresh Air bbq, I can still appreciate the actual bbq as long as I know what I'm getting and expecting it. If you go in expecting KC or Texas bbq, then it will be repulsive.
Posted on 4/21/23 at 11:42 am to Pettifogger
You need to go to Hurtado BBQ, Goldee’s or Heim in the DFW area.
Also, even though Ford Fry is from a Houston and understands what TexMex should taste like, Superica is just middle of the road.
Also, even though Ford Fry is from a Houston and understands what TexMex should taste like, Superica is just middle of the road.
Posted on 4/21/23 at 12:52 pm to OU812ME2
quote:
Fresh Air BBQ
In my opinion, Fresh Air is the best representation of what a traditional BBQ joint in small town Georgia is all about.
Quality smoked pork, more likely chopped than pulled, and excellent Brunswick Stew.
A lot of little towns in GA have a place like it that's been around for decades. Fresh Air is one of the most well known and better ones of this type I think.
Edit: you can tell from the outside that legit 'que is being served... since 1929.
This post was edited on 4/21/23 at 2:39 pm
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