Tag Archive for: sweet auburn barbecue

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE PRESENTS THE FIRST-EVER GOOD LUCK SMOKESHOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/25

Nationally Renowned Asian Chefs and Pitmasters Unite in Atlanta for a Flavor-Packed Food Festival Benefitting Asian American Voices for Education

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Sweet Auburn Barbecue is shutting down the street and firing things up for the first-ever Good Luck Smokeshow — a one-night tasting event honoring Asian American stories, flavors, and firepower. Timed with AAPI Heritage Month, this outdoor celebration brings together acclaimed chefs from across the country to throw down in Atlanta with food, drinks, lion dances, live music, and a community that shows up.

Hosted by Anita and Howard Hsu— siblings, second-generation Chinese Americans, and pioneers in Atlanta’s hospitality scene. What started as a family-run food truck in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market has grown into two beloved brick-and-mortars and a reputation for redefining what Southern barbecue can be. The Hsus have always led with their roots, and Good Luck Smokeshow is an extension of that legacy: a gathering of chefs who aren’t just making great food — they’re telling their stories on their own terms.

The lineup features heavy hitters from James Beard-recognized talent to rising voices, including:

– Nikko Cagalanan (Kultura, Charleston): A 2024 James Beard finalist, Chef Nikko Cagalanan blends his Filipino heritage with fine dining experience to create soulful, inventive dishes. His Charleston restaurant, Kultura—opened in 2023 with his wife and business partner Paula Kramer—was named South Carolina Restaurant of the Year and earned national acclaim. 

– Quy Hoang & Robin Wong (Blood Bros. BBQ, Houston): James Beard nominees and Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ honorees, Blood Bros. is led by pitmaster Quy Hoang and brothers Terry and Robin Wong. Their smoked meats are a bold blend of Texas tradition and Southeast Asian flavors, rooted in their Vietnamese and Chinese heritage.

– J Chong (Asheville): Chef J Chong is known for heartfelt, straightforward Cantonese cooking that connects people through food. Through pop-ups and private dinners, she brings an authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine to Western North Carolina. A proud queer Asian activist, J uses both her voice and her food to advocate for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and AAPI communities.

– Peter Nguyen (Lê Madeline, Boston): Named Eater Boston’s 2024 Chef of the Year, Peter Nguyen brings a fresh, modern perspective to Vietnamese cuisine. His food is rooted in heritage, delivered with precision, and never loses its edge or authenticity.

– Thai Changthong (P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles, Austin): Born in Bangkok, Chef Thai Changthong brings bold, street-style flavors and deep family roots to every dish. At P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles, he channels the spirit of Bangkok’s Chinatown with unapologetic, tradition-driven Thai-Chinese cooking.

And that’s just the start. Local Atlanta favorites including Leftie Lee’s, Soupbelly, Brian So (Spring), Salty Smiles, So So Fed, and Hapa ATL will also be bringing the heat, alongside show stopping performances, rooftop tunes and standout cocktails powered by Minhwa Spirits and Sweet Auburn Barbecue.

Expect lion dances, kung fu demos, community vendors, and a room (or block) full of people who know what’s up. Tickets are $125 and include all tastings, drinks, and full access to the experience and can be purchased at www.sweetauburnbbq.com/events-1/good-luck-smokeshow. A portion of proceeds benefits Asian American Voices for Education, supporting more inclusive curriculum in Georgia schools.

SPICE UP SEPTEMBER WITH THESE SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE HAPPENINGS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/14/24

Farewell, Feed Me Lino — Friday, September 13, 2024 from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Chef Lino Yi, formerly known for his Korean-American pop-up TKO and now recognized for the FML pop-up, is heading to the West Coast, and Sweet Auburn is sending him off with a proper celebration. Staying open late, the Poncey-Highland haunt will be serving up Chef Lino’s Kimchi Stew alongside a 6-wing basket and fries for $15, Soju Jell-O shots, and more, all available until 1:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2024.

UGA vs. Kentucky Watch Party — Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, September 14th, Sweet Auburn has an evening chalked full of events. Can’t be in Lexington to cheer on the Dawgs? Call the Dawgs with fellow UGA fans at UGA alumni-owned Sweet Auburn for a watch party as the Bulldogs face off against the Kentucky Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. The Saturday In Athens Podcast will host a pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m., with game poster giveaways, raffles, and a variety of food and drink options to enjoy throughout the night.

Get Gaming with Cartridge ATL — Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. For those looking to keep the fun going on Saturday, Cartridge ATL is popping up with gaming systems in tow. Gaming enthusiasts can face off in the featured game of the night, Tekken 8, with free play on all stations and specialty giveaways. Music by Doctor Bae, Wulfgang Fist, Nonamegiven, and Allen Thomas will keep the vibe going while the team serves up drinks until 1:30 a.m.


Bake the Most of Fall at Sweet Auburn’s Asian Bake Sale —Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is known for its strong commitment to supporting Asian-owned businesses in the Atlanta community and beyond. Continuing this tradition, the Poncey-Highland barbecue spot, co-owned by restauranteurs Anita and Howard Hsu, is hosting an Asian Bake Sale on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event will offer an opportunity to sample and purchase a wide selection of delicious baked goods from some of Atlanta’s beloved bakeries and small businesses. Vendors for the special event include  Sweet Auburn BBQ, Baolicious, Crinkles by Nina and Leftie Lee. Guests will have the opportunity to savor a variety of exquisite menu items such as Breakfast Baos, Ube Croissants, Thai Tea Creme Brulee, Matcha Brownies, Ube Krinkles, Cassava Cake, and many more. Offering a unique chance to explore and enjoy a wide assortment of sweet treats crafted by talented local bakers, the bake sale will take place at Sweet Auburn and is free to attend. 

BBQ Meets Bold South Asian Flavors at Sweet Auburn Pop-up Event — Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5 p.m. On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Dhaba BBQ, Minhwa Spirits and Chai Box will come together for a South Asian pop-up event. Chef Jay Patel of Dhaba BBQ will bring a creative twist to classic BBQ favorites, featuring dishes like Lemon Pepper Masala Wings, Tandoori Chicken Sandos and Tikka Lamb Chops. For those looking for vegetarian options, fear not— the Bombay Masala Impossible Sammies, Street Fries with Dhaba Dust and Mac n’ Curry offer flavorful options and additions. Alongside this special menu, a curated drink selection will be available, featuring cocktails made with Minhwa Spirits gin and Chai Box chai blends. Sweet Auburn’s full menu of Asian-inspired barbecue will be available. The fun begins at 5 p.m. with no tickets or reservations required— arrive early to avoid the wait.

Photo: Kate Blohm

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE HOSTS ASIAN BAKE SALE 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/24

Featuring Sweet and Savory Baked Goods From Sarap, Manalo, Beik’d, Crinkles by Nina and More 

Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.


Sweet Auburn Barbecue is known for its strong commitment to supporting Asian-owned businesses in the Atlanta community and beyond. Continuing this tradition, the Poncey-Highland barbecue spot, co-owned by restaurateurs Anita and Howard Hsu, is hosting an Asian Bake Sale on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 9 am to 11 am. The event will offer an opportunity to sample and purchase a wide selection of delicious baked goods from some of Atlanta’s beloved bakeries and small businesses. Vendors for the special event include Sweet Auburn BBQ, Baolicious, Crinkles by Nina, Manalo’s Filipino Bakery, and beik’d. Guests will have the opportunity to savor a variety of exquisite menu items such as Breakfast Baos, Ube Croissants, Thai Tea Creme Brulee, Matcha Brownies, Ube Krinkles, Cassava Cake, and many more. Offering a unique chance to explore and enjoy a wide assortment of sweet treats crafted by talented local bakers, the bake sale will take place at Sweet Auburn and is free to attend. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com or call 678-515-3550. 

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE HOSTS BOOKS, BAOS AND BBQ

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/24/24

Featuring A Book Fair from Brave + Kind Book, Specialty Baos from Mighty Hans and Soup Belly and More

Thursday, May 29, 2024, at 5 p.m.

May marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, and Sweet Auburn Barbecue is celebrating with a special event: Books, Baos, and BBQ on Thursday, May 29, 2024. In honor of AANHPI Month, books written by and for the AANHPI community will be available for purchase along with delicious bao and barbecue specials. The book fair, organized by Brave + Kind Bookshop, will feature a curated selection of AANHPI literature, offering attendees a chance to enhance their summer reading lists with diverse and inspiring stories. Collaborating with Mighty Hans and Soup Belly, Sweet Auburn will be serving up an assortment of specially crafted baos, each showcasing the culinary expertise of some of Atlanta’s finest Asian American chefs. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. and continue until all baos are sold out. Atlantans won’t want to miss this unique celebration of culture, cuisine and community in the heart of Poncey Highland. Books, Baos and BBQ at Sweet Auburn is free to attend. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com or call 678-515-3550. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq.