Rib Shack of Atlanta

I love this place!!! My husband and I walked here from the Marta on Five Points since we had a 6 hour layover at ATL. It’s not fancy and I didn’t expect much… but WOW!!! I was amazed with the great tasting food and friendly service.

I just finished eating at the Thelma’s Rib Shack and I am very sleepy. It is a little chilly today in the «A» so the hot soul food and BBQ was perfect! The Rib Shack of Atlanta is located at the corner of Auburn Ave and the I-​75/​85 North Access Rd/​Fort St. It’s painted a variety of funky bright colors and honestly doesn’t appear to be open most of the time but in fact it is on a regular basis.
The staff is both very friendly and very proud of their food. They should be. Thelma’s features one large hot line with several half pans of side items or veggies and many meats fresh and ready to eat. The ribs were super tender almost delicate even. I could not place the flavor I was looking for with the ribs but I did feel they were missing something. The pinto beans and greens were out of this world. You could tell both were made today and consistent to any other day the dishes are prepped day in and day out. I had tried both the cornbread and the jalapeño cornbread. Both were again terrific but I could have enjoyed the jalapeño version a little more if it were spicier.
Another great attribute to the meal is that the food doesn’t taste over buttered nor did it weigh me down. You know, where you eat so much you can’t move? Granted I could sleep for a few hours but I don’t feel horrible. Framed 8×10 autographed photos line the wall adjacent to the drink station from a cast of characters. Although the Rib Shack is very tasty it not the best in the city but could easily be ranked in the top 10.
Entry is on the side of the building facing Fort and feel free to park on Old Wheat St, I would just not leave anything of value in your convertible. Grab a tray, napkins, and some silverware and enjoy. Don’t forget the hot sauce behind the sweet tea pitcher.