Social Profile: 
✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
… View more
Family-run pit BBQ joint since 1968 in a tiny cottage with wooden booths & photos on the walls.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 601 Burbank Cir, Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (770) 435-4215
Website: http://oldsouthbbq.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Old South Bar-B-Q – Smyrna
Smyrna, Georgia’s Oldest Restaurant since 1968. Serving the best Bar-B-Q.
Old South BBQ Sauce | Smyrna GA – Facebook
Old South BBQ Sauce, Smyrna. 329 likes. Old South Barbecue is a family owned & operated restaurant in Smyrna Ga, est. in 1968. The sauce, created by…
Old South Bar-B-Q owner says road work is hindering their business
SMYRNA, Ga. – A Smyrna restaurant that has been around for decades is now struggling. The owner, Joy Llewallyn, of Old South Bar-B-Q, says …
Reviews
Trevor Nesse
During a brief trip to Atlanta, I sought to find an excellent local rib joint. Old South is your quintessential southern BBQ and smokehouse restaurant. Every aspect of this spot delivers 100%; the food, service, and decor belong in the encyclopedia definition for a restaurant of this type.
I ordered the rib plate (five smoked large pork spareribs) with hush puppies, chili, and Texas toast-style garlic bread. Everything was outstanding….the ribs were tender / “fall off the bone” and maintained crisp skin bits on the outside that were great to break off and dip in the delicious hot bbq sauce (there are several bbq sauce options).
Old South is a locals’ spot and the owner, Joy, quickly took note of my presence as a first-time outsider when she warmly introduced herself and chatted with me tableside. Joy’s enthusiasm for the restaurant is evident in her passion for its food and history that is represented in the spot’s interior. Joy insisted that I try the Brunswick stew, a southern classic that rivals chili in its description, but that takes on a wholly different character. I’m grateful for her recommendation, because this stew was the bomb!
I left with some leftovers plus a serving of delicious peach cobbler that Joy insisted I try…….nothing lasted long upon my return home!
Old South is special not only for its food, hospitality, and history ,but also for what the restaurant represents. America suffers from corporate homogenization that far transcends dining. Smyrna’s Old South is a small, but rich example of our country’s uniqueness and quality!! 11/10
Note: Pics are of Brunswick stew, menu, and the rib plate (hush puppies, chili, and ribs)
… moreI ordered the rib plate (five smoked large pork spareribs) with hush puppies, chili, and Texas toast-style garlic bread. Everything was outstanding….the ribs were tender / “fall off the bone” and maintained crisp skin bits on the outside that were great to break off and dip in the delicious hot bbq sauce (there are several bbq sauce options).
Old South is a locals’ spot and the owner, Joy, quickly took note of my presence as a first-time outsider when she warmly introduced herself and chatted with me tableside. Joy’s enthusiasm for the restaurant is evident in her passion for its food and history that is represented in the spot’s interior. Joy insisted that I try the Brunswick stew, a southern classic that rivals chili in its description, but that takes on a wholly different character. I’m grateful for her recommendation, because this stew was the bomb!
I left with some leftovers plus a serving of delicious peach cobbler that Joy insisted I try…….nothing lasted long upon my return home!
Old South is special not only for its food, hospitality, and history ,but also for what the restaurant represents. America suffers from corporate homogenization that far transcends dining. Smyrna’s Old South is a small, but rich example of our country’s uniqueness and quality!! 11/10
Note: Pics are of Brunswick stew, menu, and the rib plate (hush puppies, chili, and ribs)
billy bob
This place makes you feel like family… and it was our first time. We were just passing through town. So happy we stumbled upon this gem of a place and this gem of a woman. Anyone berating this place must have holes in their heart. Bless them. Classic BBQ spot with a classic BBQ ambiance, wood paneled walls, booths, customer and family photos on the walls. Inviting and clearly a local hot spot. I got the pork sandwich on garlic bread with potato salad. My dad got the 2 meat platter with fried okra and the stew. Before we got our food, Joy brought out tasting samples of some of the best sides. Wow. Customer service like none other. She greets each customer intentionally with a warm hug and little did she know we were having a rough 24 hours. She pulled us out of it with good bbq and even better hospitality. We ended the meal with the peach cobbler. Could have a more crunchy element but wow oh wow does the flavor hit!! Hot soft pudding and peaches meets chilly ice cream. Like none other. Come here if you want to feel loved.
… moreTaylor M.
10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Great food and service! The sweet bbq sauce was amazing! So was the sweet tea,chopped pork, and the peach cobbler…really just everything! Got 2 chopped pork sandwiches, grilled cheese w/fries, and dessert for right at $30. You can’t beat that! They play Christian music and all the staff have amazing attitudes! We will definitely be back! Bonus they have a cool cat that greets you lol
… moreCraig D
You don’t become the oldest restaurant in Smyrna for no reason. For more than 50 years, this has been the go to spot for authentic, home cooked fare. Ask anyone to name the top BBQ joints in Atlanta and Old South is always on the list.
From tender pork, ribs, and chicken to fried okra and sugar sweet vinegar slaw, there is no shortage of lip smacking goodness on the plate, along with all the classic BBQ joint staples you’d expect. Even the fussy eaters are covered, with unsmoked options like salads, burgers, nuggets, and dogs. And if you manage to save room, you can finish things off with fresh cobblers and pies that are worth every bite.
Speaking of sweets, you’ll also find an engaging staff. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see you, they have a way of making you feel like an old friend the moment you walk through the door. Somehow, that makes the food taste even better.
If you’ve been here before, none of this is news. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and head down to Windy Hill Road and Old South for a plate of goodness. And if Joy is there, she might even hug your neck. Enjoy!
… moreFrom tender pork, ribs, and chicken to fried okra and sugar sweet vinegar slaw, there is no shortage of lip smacking goodness on the plate, along with all the classic BBQ joint staples you’d expect. Even the fussy eaters are covered, with unsmoked options like salads, burgers, nuggets, and dogs. And if you manage to save room, you can finish things off with fresh cobblers and pies that are worth every bite.
Speaking of sweets, you’ll also find an engaging staff. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see you, they have a way of making you feel like an old friend the moment you walk through the door. Somehow, that makes the food taste even better.
If you’ve been here before, none of this is news. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and head down to Windy Hill Road and Old South for a plate of goodness. And if Joy is there, she might even hug your neck. Enjoy!
Chris Johnson
Amazing people and food. Came here first time in ‘73 as a kid. Best BBQ in Atlanta! Locals know.
… moreJay Y.
I have been meaning to try this place for years. Finally had the chance as my whole world dept took lunch at Old South Bar-B-Q. My expectations were beyond met. Service is friendly, but a little slow. No matter, the food was A+! Can’t wait to return with the family. I know they will love it too.
… moreSamantha Emerick
This is a tiny family-owned spot that’s been open since 1968 and the owner, Joy, embodies her name. She hugged us upon entry and gave us bigger hugs upon leaving. The whole time, I felt like we were sitting at her dining room table, as the hospitality here was second-to-none. Joy greeted so many people by name, often asking after family members.
Our table ordered the 4 meat plate (chicken on the bone, ribs, chopped beef, and pulled pork) with Brunswick stew, potato salad and a cheeseburger, the sliced beef with green beans and onion rings, the pulled pork and rib plate with fries and chili, the junior pulled pork plate with coleslaw and fries. The only thing that didn’t get eaten all the way was the coleslaw (made with vinegar and not mayo). My sliced beef was a bit on the dry side, but not unenjoyable. Other reviewers said the ribs had a strange texture, but we didn’t notice.
We’re just in town for the Giants/Braves series and was looking for a good BBQ spot for lunch. The glowing reviews led us here and we were absolutely not disappointed. The food was great, but Ms Joy’s hospitality is what sets her spot apart. No complaints from us (well, minus that coleslaw, but Joy said she’d replace it with something different if my friend didn’t like it – but she chose not to take Joy up on her offer)!
So glad we stopped in – if I’m in town again, I’d definitely come back and if I were a local, I’d be a regular (many of whom have their photos in collages on the walls).
… moreOur table ordered the 4 meat plate (chicken on the bone, ribs, chopped beef, and pulled pork) with Brunswick stew, potato salad and a cheeseburger, the sliced beef with green beans and onion rings, the pulled pork and rib plate with fries and chili, the junior pulled pork plate with coleslaw and fries. The only thing that didn’t get eaten all the way was the coleslaw (made with vinegar and not mayo). My sliced beef was a bit on the dry side, but not unenjoyable. Other reviewers said the ribs had a strange texture, but we didn’t notice.
We’re just in town for the Giants/Braves series and was looking for a good BBQ spot for lunch. The glowing reviews led us here and we were absolutely not disappointed. The food was great, but Ms Joy’s hospitality is what sets her spot apart. No complaints from us (well, minus that coleslaw, but Joy said she’d replace it with something different if my friend didn’t like it – but she chose not to take Joy up on her offer)!
So glad we stopped in – if I’m in town again, I’d definitely come back and if I were a local, I’d be a regular (many of whom have their photos in collages on the walls).
Heather Reese
Always greeted with friendly welcoming and or hug. Food never disappoints. If I could I would eat there twice a day everyday ( they are closed Mondays). If you want to “pay it forward “ they make easy to do as well. I’ve eaten here for over 30 years, they are my favorite place to eat!
… moreVince Lagomarsino
Amazing food and service as always. Been going here for 30 plus years and always some of the best BbQ…. Joy is the sweetest and kindest human on the planet!!!
… moreBuster Ray
Old South Bar-B-Q has been a Smyrna staple for about 57 years now and our server, Mary, has been with them for 44 of those years. I’ve known about Old South since I was a kid (I’m 53), and today was my first time ever eating here. I don’t eat BBQ out often because I have high standards for BBQ. On the recommendation of a friend we gave them a try today and we were not disappointed. I feel like over 90% of restaurants Brunswick Stew are not worthy of the name Brunswick or stew for that matter but, Old South has a very good stew. I like Lima beans and a bit more onions in mine, but they don’t have enough room to add those because of all the meat in theirs. Tomorrow is Mary’s last day working at Old South BBQ, she is retiring after 44 years and I’m glad we were able to be served by her on her last Saturday here.
… more