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Interior - Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA

Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave

4.8 (182)
$31 to $50
Barbecue
656 N Highland Ave Ne, Atlanta, GA 30306

Make a reservation

A photo of Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave restaurant

Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave

4.8
$31 to $50
Barbecue
Poncey-Highland

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Sweet Auburn BBQ is located in the historic Poncey-Highland neighborhood, near the Fox Theatre, Ponce City Market, and Fernbank Museum. The well designed dining space features reclaimed antiques and custom lighting, making it the ideal place for a dinner date or business lunch. Their sidewalk patio is a dog friendly too.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue offers traditional style barbecue with an Asian twist. Our menu items, such as Pimento cheese wontons, Gulf Coast Shrimp & Grits and Smoked Brisket Eggrolls, demonstrate the perfect marriage of traditional and innovative styles that Sweet Auburn Barbecue has become known for. Accolades include Best BBQ from AJC.com and Atlanta Magazine, and features in Thrillist, Eater, the Washington Post and Huffington Post. Most of the menu is sourced from local, Georgia farms and features many vegetarian options too. The full-service bar serves unique craft cocktails and beers, specializing in whiskey & beer.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Asian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    We are Atlanta’s go-to catering provider for all occasions, big or small. From weddings, to corporate events, to parties, we can customize a perfect plan for treating your guests to a delicious menu. We can set up traditional buffet style catering, or serve guests from one of our food trucks. We love doing events, and our clients enjoy the best!
  • Private party facilities
    Our Rustic-modern vibe provides a comfortable and modern space for business functions, wedding receptions, reunions and more. With a full bar, and award winning culinary team, our expert professionals will work with you to customize a menu that fits your needs. We also host cooking classes and workshops! Email us at info@sweetauburnbbq.com
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Poncey-Highland
  • Cross street
    Free 2 HR Parking Validation, at 675 N. Highland Ave Apartments Deck
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Marta Bus stop across the street and Edgewood Ave Train station nearby
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    content_by_erin

    Every Saturday in December, Beginning at 9 p.m.  ’Tis the season to warm up the vocal cords, because @sweetauburnbbq is turning Saturdays at its Poncey-Highland location into a full-on holiday soundtrack with karaoke happening every Saturday in December, (Beginning at 9 p.m. and rolling late into the night, revelers can hit the stage and channel their inner Mariah, Michael Bublé, or whatever festive alter ego feels right in the moment. Complimentary holiday shots (aka liquid courage) will be available for anyone brave enough to belt out a seasonal tune, while themed cocktails and libations flow for those who prefer sipping over singing.  Guests can also enjoy the regular dinner menu until 10 p.m., before a limited selection of late-night barbecue bites keeps the festive feasting going from 10 p.m. to midnight.  Come dressed in holiday fashion with an Ugly Sweater Contest each karaoke night, with bragging rights (and prizes) reserved for the best, worst, and most questionable looks.  📝 Try my order: - Omeska BBQ - Sides: Smokey Bake Beans, Mac n Cheese, Thai Brussels) - Peppermint Kisses - Toasted Snowman 📍 Sweet Auburn BBQ 656 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking #atlantaga #thingstodoinatlanta #atlanta #atlantafoodie #atlantafoodreview #atlantacocktailbar #atlantasweets #exploreatlanta #visitatlanta #atldatenight #atlnightlife #exploreatl #atlantadesserts #atlantanightlife #newresturants #atlantabrunch #atlsweets #atlantaeats #atlbrunch #atlbrunchspots #atlantabrunch #atlcontentcreator #atlantainfluencer #atlinfluencer #christmas #sweetauburnbbq

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave.

4.8

4.8
(182)
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Atlanta

    Best Value

  • Atlanta

    Neighborhood gem

  • Atlanta

    Best Value

  • Atlanta

    Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Sweet Auburn BBQ on Highland Ave offers a "great menu" with a unique fusion twist and consistently "delicious food." The atmosphere is lively, and the staff are "beyond wonderful." Despite some portion-size concerns, the restaurant remains a "neighborhood gem" known for its excellent service and memorable dining experiences.
182 Reviews
  1. Lauralee Gold

    Calgary100 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is great such a great menu love the fusion

    Is this helpful?

  2. Michael Gold

    Atlanta25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 8, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our experience was wonderful. This long time neighborhood eatery continues to provide excellent service, delicious food and a great energy. Our server, Alicia (spelling?) knocked it out of the park on all aspects!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Michael Gold

    Houston8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really great and familiar, but unique twist food.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Emily

    Atlanta6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 14, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    As with most restaurants nowadays portions are smaller prices are higher. Need to work on desserts. Banana pudding wasn’t good. Ribs are delicious but not meaty too pricey sides should be included with this price.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Colleen

    Atlanta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sweet Auburn is always a great experience and last nights dinner was no exception!

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 16, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Staff was beyond wonderful, nice, patient, and kind. Food was incredible with nice sized portions. Definitely a worth addition to the neighborhood.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Adrian

    Atlanta6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 8, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Josh (our server) was awesome and did a great job of helping us get a feel for the wide range of items available to us. The setting was real chill, music was on point and just was a spot I will definitely recommend and return to. Oh yeah, the food was delicious as well...Thank you for an excellent dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Andy

    Atlanta1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 21, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was good. Best cornbread addiction. Big beef meat bone juicy goodness. Sides make you rethink nap time.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Ramon

    Mississippi1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 5, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I had the two meat combo. I chose pulled pork and sausage. As far as smoked meats go: both were great. The sides are numerous and well made.

    Is this helpful?

  10. NycJay

    Key West4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 16, 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Definitely overwhelmed on the day of porchfest. 4 servers just doesn’t cut it given the price points.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Asian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    We are Atlanta’s go-to catering provider for all occasions, big or small. From weddings, to corporate events, to parties, we can customize a perfect plan for treating your guests to a delicious menu. We can set up traditional buffet style catering, or serve guests from one of our food trucks. We love doing events, and our clients enjoy the best!
  • Private party facilities
    Our Rustic-modern vibe provides a comfortable and modern space for business functions, wedding receptions, reunions and more. With a full bar, and award winning culinary team, our expert professionals will work with you to customize a menu that fits your needs. We also host cooking classes and workshops! Email us at info@sweetauburnbbq.com
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Poncey-Highland
  • Cross street
    Free 2 HR Parking Validation, at 675 N. Highland Ave Apartments Deck
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Marta Bus stop across the street and Edgewood Ave Train station nearby
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

FAQs

Sweet Auburn BBQ’s well‑designed space includes a main dining room, a sidewalk patio, and a full‑service bar/TV lounge for casual seating.

Yes, Sweet Auburn BBQ has multiple locations, including Atlanta (Poncey-Highland) and a second location in McDonough.

Private dining isn't part of the offering at Sweet Auburn BBQ, the focus is on the well‑designed open dining room and the sidewalk patio.

Sweet Auburn BBQ feels warm and inviting, with a well‑designed dining room of reclaimed antiques and custom lighting and a cozy, slightly lively bar/TV area, a great spot for a date or business lunch.

Expect Sweet Auburn BBQ to be busiest around local events and busy Friday nights, guests report long waits, while Monday nights can be much quieter, with guests being seated immediately.

Yes, Sweet Auburn BBQ has a sidewalk patio for outdoor dining, and the restaurant describes that patio as dog-friendly.

Yes, the restaurant says the sidewalk patio is dog friendly, so outdoor patio seating is a good option if you’re bringing a dog.

Sweet Auburn BBQ is owned by siblings Howard and Anita Hsu.

Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave is open for Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm; Dinner Mon–Thu and Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Dinner Fri–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm.

Yes, Sweet Auburn BBQ is well suited to date night: its well‑designed dining room with reclaimed antiques and custom lighting creates a classy-casual atmosphere ideal for a dinner date.

Smart casual is the guide: polished but relaxed, think neat, put‑together clothes suitable for a dinner date or a business lunch.

Dogs are welcome on the sidewalk patio, the restaurant specifically notes that its sidewalk patio is dog-friendly.

For a calmer visit try weekday evenings, Monday in particular had immediate seating, while Friday/Saturday nights and special events (Porchfest, pop-ups) tend to be much busier.

Guests frequently describe portions as generous and abundant, several reviews call the servings nice-sized or large enough to share.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Atlanta
  4. Atlanta
  5. Poncey-Highland

Make a reservation

A photo of Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave restaurant

Sweet Auburn BBQ - Highland Ave

4.8
$31 to $50
Barbecue
Poncey-Highland

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today
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