Tag Archive for: sweet auburn barbecue

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE CALLS ALL DAWGS FOR SKYE’S SIC ’EM WATCH PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/26

Georgia vs. Arkansas, Jittery Joe’s Coffee, Barbecue and Game Day Specials Take Over Highland Avenue

Saturday, September 19 | 11 a.m.

Calling all Dawgs! Sweet Auburn Barbecue is bringing the Athens energy to Highland Avenue on Saturday, September 19, for Skye’s Sic ’Em Watch Party as Georgia takes on Arkansas. Leading the cheers is Skye Estroff, Atlanta food expert, media personality and host of the weekly Skye’s The Limit Podcast, alongside Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s sibling duo Anita and Howard Hsu, the powerhouse pair behind the restaurant. Beyond their love of good food, the three share plenty of Bulldog pride as all proud UGA alumni.

Game-day festivities start at 11 a.m. ahead of the noon kickoff. No Georgia game day would be complete without a little more Athens in the mix, and hometown coffee favorite Jittery Joe’s is bringing just that. The Athens-born coffee company is joining the watch party with a game-day giveaway, treating the first 15 guests to a can of UGA x Jittery Joe’s Attack the Day coffee, a bold roast created with Georgia fans in mind.

Jittery Joe’s is also heading behind the bar for a game-day take on the classic White Russian, a creamy vodka cocktail traditionally made with coffee liqueur. Sweet Auburn’s version gets an extra coffee kick from Jittery Joe’s Attack the Day coffee, bringing a little more Athens spirit to the glass. The bar will also be pouring a loaded Bloody Mary stacked with game-day garnishes, including a crispy onion ring made with RealSweet onions from Shuman Farms, along with $3 draft beers throughout the afternoon.

Sweet Auburn is firing up game-day favorites for the matchup, led by the Big Dawg Platter with four wings, a pulled pork sandwich and a choice of side. Also on deck is Sweet Auburn’s sweet onion dip, made with Georgia-grown RealSweet onions from Shuman Farms. Skye is getting in on the food action, too, with the Skye Loaded Mac & Cheese Bar, Sweet Auburn’s new catering option for football season featuring its famous mac and cheese, a choice of smoked pulled pork or chicken and an assortment of toppings. Priced at $21 per person, the bar can be ordered for tailgates, watch parties and game-day gatherings throughout the season. Sweet Auburn’s full menu will also be available during the watch party alongside the game-day specials.

Guests are encouraged to come decked out in red and black and ready to cheer on the Dawgs through the final whistle. Reservations aren’t required, but fans looking to secure a table can make one in advance here. 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 and stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq.

WHAT: Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s Skye’s Sic ’Em Watch Party

WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  Game-day festivities begin at 11 a.m.
  Kickoff at noon

WHERE: Sweet Auburn Barbecue
    656 N. Highland Ave. NE
    Atlanta, GA 30306

CONNECT: On Instagram @sweetauburnbbq and www.sweetauburnbbq.com

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE BRINGS BACK GOOD LUCK SMOKE SHOW THIS MAY WITH AN AWARD-WINNING LINEUP OF CHEFS WORTH TRAVELING FOR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/22/26

The Second Annual Street Party Meets Tasting Event Returns to Poncey-Highland with an Expanded Chef Lineup, Cocktails, and Live Entertainment

Tickets Now Available for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Atlanta-based Sweet Auburn Barbecue brings back Good Luck Smoke Show on Wednesday, May 20, a one-night celebration timed with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month that brings together an award-winning mix of chefs for an evening of food, music, culture, and block party energy.

Now in its second year, Good Luck Smoke Show expands with more than 15 chef tasting stations, alongside cocktails from Minhwa Spirits, plus beer and wine, with lion dancers, live music, a rooftop DJ, and local artists shaping the night into a food-driven block party. A portion of proceeds benefits We Love BuHi, supporting small businesses and cultural vibrancy along Buford Highway, one of Atlanta’s most diverse corridors.

Led by Anita and Howard Hsu, the siblings behind Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Gezzo’s and Lazy Betty, who have built their reputation by approaching Southern barbecue through the lens of their Chinese American upbringing. Good Luck Smoke Show continues that approach, bringing together a dynamic lineup of chefs whose work reflects their own backgrounds and experiences.

The 2026 lineup includes Michelin-recognized and James Beard–nominated chefs, alongside a mix of local and visiting talent. Eric Huang (Pecking House, New York, NY), Doron Wong (Cha Cha Tang, New York, NY), and Vish Mayekar (ELEM, Vancouver, BC) are joined by Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty) and Howard Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Lazy Betty), as well as Brian So (Spring, Marietta, GA), Viv Lee (Leftie Lee’s), and Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor (Heirloom Market BBQ), alongside Jay Patel (Dhaba BBQ), Pete Amadhanirundr (Puma Yu’s, Athens, GA), Parnass Savang (Talat Market), Henryk Kumar (Dank’s Deli), Zheng Li (Concept Luna), Andy Xia (Xi’an Gourmet House), and GULA Indonesian Desserts & Snacks. Minhwa Spirits will feature food tastings led by Lino Yi, paired with cocktails from James Sung.

“Food has always been how we tell our story,” says Howard Hsu. “For a lot of us, it’s tied to family, culture, and where we come from, but it’s also about where we are now. Good Luck Smoke Show is about bringing those voices together, chefs cooking from experience, not expectation, and giving them a place to share that in Atlanta.”

Good Luck Smoke Show takes place Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sweet Auburn Barbecue, 656 N. Highland Avenue NE. General admission tickets start at $85, with VIP options up to $115, including a signed copy of Chef Ron Hsu’s new cookbook, DOWN SOUTH + EAST. All tickets include unlimited select food and beverages. Tickets are available for purchase at sweetauburnbbq.com. For updates, stay connected on Instagram at @sweetauburnbbq. 

A special thanks to 2026 sponsors Minhwa Spirits, True Gas, Pure Chilean, Señorita THC, Rhythm THC, The Peters Team, Coca-Cola, and Topo Chico.

SWEET AUBURN BBQ CELEBRATES DOLLY PARTON’S 80TH WITH A RHINESTONE-FUELED KARAOKE BASH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/18/26

A Night Honoring the Icon Herself with Sing-Alongs, Drag, and Barbecue Bites

Grab the rhinestones and warm up those pipes, because Sweet Auburn Barbecue is going full Dolly. On Friday, January 31, the Poncey-Highland favorite transforms into a high-energy, anything-goes 80th birthday bash celebrating Dolly Parton with karaoke, cocktails, big looks, and even bigger personalities. Hosted by Atlanta drag icon Brigitte Bidet, the night promises to be loud, joyful, and gloriously over the top. Karaoke kicks off at 8 p.m., with guests invited to jump in anytime to belt out Dolly classics and crowd favorites alike. Between verses and hair flips, guests can sip their way through Dolly-inspired specialties like the Working 9 to Wine Sangria, the Big Hair Don’t Care Cosmo, and Jolene on the Rocks—each one as unforgettable as the icon herself. Drinks will be flowing, Asian-influenced Southern comfort food and barbecue bites keep things grounded, and a Best Dressed contest rewards the biggest hair, boldest fringe, and most unapologetic sparkle in the room. Tickets are $10 per person. To purchase, visit sweetauburnbbq.com. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq.

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.