Four Rivers Smokehouse Smoke House John Rivers THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 4 Rivers Smokehouse

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 4 Rivers Smokehouse Awards

An established Florida barbecue outfit finds a home in a historic Atlanta fire station.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closes 8 p.m.)
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Atlanta, GA


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED 4 Rivers Smokehouse Restaurant Review:



About the restaurant & décor: Opening its first operation outside of Florida, 4 Rivers, founded by John Rivers, offers what it calls a "cross-regional" approach to barbecue. Its Atlanta location rescues an early 20th century fire station whose historic features provide texture and interest to enhance the ambience. Besides old brick, the expansive windows enable views of the area from the upstairs dining space, and the walls hold archival photographs of the first crew.

Likes: Its broad exploration of barbecue styles from around the country.
Dislikes: Its out-of-the-way location.

Food & Drinks: The main reason to come is the exploration of barbecue, which includes elements rarely seen in Atlanta, such as burnt ends (a Kansas treat) and tri-tip, favored for Santa Maria-style barbecue from California. We recommend the brisket and the meaty St. Louis ribs, although the gargantuan beef rib is not to be forgotten. One unusual item available on weekends is kolaches, savory- or sweet-filled pastries that are part of the Midwest culinary traditions that come from central and Eastern Europe. Vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy, so shouldn't hesitate to accompany their meat-eating pals. Iced tea and brews are the quaffs besides soft drinks. Cakes and cookies supply sweet endings.