Sweet Auburn Barbecue in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for modern Southern barbecue with an Atlanta twist, Sweet Auburn Barbecue in Poncey-Highland is a spot many locals keep in their regular rotation. It blends classic smoked meats with Asian-influenced sides and sauces, in a casual, neighborhood-friendly setting that works for a weeknight dinner, a casual date, or taking out-of-town guests.

This guide walks through what Sweet Auburn Barbecue is like, what to order, how to get there, and practical tips if you live in Atlanta or are visiting.

Where Sweet Auburn Barbecue Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has no shortage of barbecue, from classic smoke shacks to high-end restaurants. Sweet Auburn Barbecue stands out because it combines:

• Traditional Southern barbecue (pork, brisket, ribs, chicken)
• Asian flavors (Korean, Chinese, and broader East Asian influences)
• A full bar and kitchen with cocktails, beer, and comfort-food sides

You’ll find it in the Poncey-Highland/Virginia-Highland area, close to Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine. It feels like a neighborhood kitchen and bar where barbecue is the focus but not the only draw.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Sweet Auburn Barbecue (Restaurant & Bar)
656 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Typical ways Atlanta diners get there:

• 🚗 Driving:
  • Located on North Highland Avenue NE, just north of Ponce de Leon Ave.
  • Parking is usually a mix of small lot and street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Arrive a bit early during peak dinner hours to give yourself time to find a space.
• 🚶‍♀️ On Foot / From the BeltLine:
  • If you’re near Ponce City Market or the Eastside BeltLine Trail, it’s a realistic walk or short rideshare, depending on your starting point.
• 🚇 MARTA + Rideshare:
  • The restaurant isn’t directly on a MARTA rail line. Many people take the train to North Avenue or Inman Park/Reynoldstown station, then use a rideshare or bus for the last leg.

Since hours can change around holidays or special events, it’s wise to check same-day hours before you go or call ahead if you’re planning with a group.

Atmosphere: Kitchen and Bar Vibe

Sweet Auburn Barbecue is set up as a casual restaurant with a full bar, not a cafeteria-style smoke joint. Expect:

• Casual, laid-back dining room – suitable for families, dates, and small groups
• A bar area where you can sit for drinks and small plates if you don’t need a full table
• Lively but not overwhelming noise level during peak times
• Indoor seating plus, at times, patio or outdoor seating depending on season and weather

It’s the kind of place where you can:

• Split a barbecue platter and a few starters
• Have a cocktail or local beer while watching a game
• Bring friends from out of town to show them a nontraditional side of Atlanta barbecue

What’s on the Menu: Barbecue With a Twist

Sweet Auburn Barbecue keeps the backbone of classic Southern BBQ but adds some Asian-influenced flavors you don’t see everywhere in Atlanta.

Core Barbecue Options

You’ll typically see:

• Pulled pork
• Brisket
• Ribs
• Smoked chicken
• Sausage (availability can vary)

These are often available as:

• Plates with sides
• Sandwiches
• Combination platters if you want to try more than one meat

Notable Fusion Items

Many Atlanta diners come specifically for signature mashups like:

• Korean- or Asian-inspired barbecue tacos or sliders
• Egg rolls or dumplings using smoked meats
• Bowls or rice-based dishes featuring smoked brisket or pork

These items showcase what makes Sweet Auburn different from strictly traditional smokehouses around metro Atlanta.

Sides and Add-Ons

Expect a mix of classic Southern sides and some with a twist:

• Mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Baked beans
• Coleslaw
• Fries or sweet potato fries
• Asian-leaning sides (like pickled veggies, Asian slaw, or fusion-inspired snacks, depending on the current menu)

If you’re trying to sample widely, sharing several sides family-style helps you get more variety in a single visit.

Drinks: Full Bar, Local Feel

As a kitchen and bar, drinks are a big part of the draw:

• Cocktails: Often include Southern staples and house specialties that pair well with smoky meats (think bourbon, whiskey, citrus, and spice-forward drinks).
• Beer: Commonly a mix of regional and national beers, sometimes highlighting Georgia breweries.
• Wine & Non-alcoholic options: Basic wine selection plus soft drinks, tea, and other usual non-alcoholic choices.

If you live in Atlanta, this can be a comfortable bar to meet friends even if not everyone is in the mood for a full meal—though the smell of barbecue tends to change minds.

Price Range and What to Expect on the Check

Compared to other intown Atlanta barbecue restaurants, Sweet Auburn Barbecue typically lands in the moderate range:

• Sandwiches / smaller plates: Generally in the affordable-to-mid-range casual dining tier
• Platters and combination plates: More expensive than a quick-service lunch, but in line with full-service barbecue spots
• Cocktails: Priced similarly to other Poncey-Highland and Virginia-Highland bars

A typical night out for two with:

• Shared appetizer
• Two entrées or platters
• One or two drinks each

will usually feel like a standard intown dinner check, not bargain pricing but not high-end fine dining.

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Patterns many Atlanta diners notice:

• Weeknights:
  • Easier to walk in, especially earlier in the evening.
  • Later evenings can still get busy but are usually manageable.
• Weekends:
  • Prime dinner hours (roughly 6:30–8:30 p.m.) can see longer waits.
  • Early or later-in-the-evening visits often mean less waiting.
• Game days & events:
  • If there’s a big event in town or nearby, both traffic and wait times may increase.

If you’re trying to coordinate with a group or limited on time, it’s a good idea to:

• Check whether they’re taking call-ahead seating or reservations at the time you plan to visit.
• Arrive a bit earlier than you think you need, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Takeout, Delivery, and Catering

For many Atlanta residents, Sweet Auburn Barbecue is as much a takeout and catering option as it is a dine-in spot.

Takeout and Delivery

• Takeout: Works well if you’re close by in neighborhoods like Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Morningside.
• Delivery: Availability can vary by your address and delivery service. Check your delivery apps or call the restaurant directly to see what’s currently offered.

Consider ordering:

• By the pound for meats if you’re feeding a group at home
• A mix of meats and sides for family dinners or watch parties

Catering and Large Orders

For Atlanta events like:

• Office lunches or casual work events
• Watch parties for Atlanta sports
• Family gatherings or small celebrations

Sweet Auburn Barbecue may offer party platters or catering-style orders. Common options include:

• Trays of pulled pork or brisket
• Large pans of mac and cheese, beans, or slaw
• Slider setups or taco-style spreads

For larger orders, it’s best to call the restaurant directly several days in advance, especially on weekends or around holidays, to:

• Confirm what types of catering they’re offering
• Ask about pricing and minimums
• Schedule pickup (or delivery, if available)

Dietary Considerations and Flexibility

While this is a barbecue-focused kitchen, many Atlanta diners with specific dietary needs or preferences still find options:

• Pork-free choices: Brisket, chicken, and some sides can be ordered without pork.
• Gluten sensitivity: Many smoked meats are naturally gluten-free, but sauces, buns, and some sides may include gluten. Ask staff which items are more straightforward.
• Lighter options: Salads, bowls, or smaller plates may be available if you don’t want a heavy meal.

If you have serious allergies or restrictions, it’s smart to:

1. Ask about ingredients and preparation when you’re seated or when you call in a takeout order.
2. Let your server or the person taking your order know clearly what you’re avoiding.

Quick Snapshot: Is Sweet Auburn Barbecue Right for You?

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

A few practical pointers if you’re planning a visit:

• Time your arrival:
  • Atlanta traffic plus popular dinner hours can stack up. Aim to arrive a bit early on weekends or build in parking time.
• Explore nearby neighborhoods:
  • Before or after eating, you’re close to Ponce City Market, the Eastside BeltLine Trail, and the shops and bars of Virginia-Highland.
• Consider takeout for busy nights:
  • If parking or wait times look intense, takeout can be a convenient alternative if you live within a reasonable drive.
• Use it as a “gateway” BBQ spot:
  • For friends visiting Atlanta who aren’t used to traditional Southern barbecue, the fusion menu and full bar can be an easier introduction than a more rustic smokehouse.

For anyone in Atlanta or planning a visit, Sweet Auburn Barbecue offers a distinctive mix of smoked meats, Asian-influenced dishes, and a comfortable kitchen-and-bar atmosphere in one of the city’s most popular intown corridors. If you like the idea of barbecue that feels familiar but not predictable, it’s a strong option to put on your list.