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Sweet Auburn BBQ McDonough
Southern barbecue gets an Asian-inspired twist at Sweet Auburn BBQ in McDonough. Created by sibling owners Howard and Anita Hsu, the restaurant brings together their Asian heritage and Southern upbringing in a menu that balances traditional smoked meats with unexpected global flavors. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked wings share the table with pimento cheese wontons, brisket egg rolls, coconut lemongrass flavors, and jerk-spiced collard greens. The result is barbecue that feels familiar enough for traditionalists but offers plenty of surprises for adventurous eaters.
MUST-TRY MENU ITEMS
- Brisket Egg Rolls – House-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, and vegetables are tucked inside crispy egg rolls and served with sweet Thai chili sauce.
- Pimento Cheese Wontons – Southern pimento cheese meets crispy wontons and sweet Thai chili sauce in one of the best examples of Sweet Auburn’s fusion style.
- Curb Market Spare Ribs – Order them traditionally or add an unexpected twist with coconut lemongrass sauce.
- Jerk-Spiced Collards – A Southern staple gets Caribbean-inspired flavor in this distinctive side.
- Bucket of Cornbread – Jalapeño cheddar cornbread served with sorghum butter makes an easy addition for the table.
- Homemade Banana Pudding – Bananas, whipped cream, wafers, and salted caramel provide a sweet Southern finish.
GOOD TO KNOW
- The restaurant combines traditional Southern barbecue with Asian and other global influences.
- Sweet Auburn BBQ is a proudly woman-owned and minority-owned business.
- Traditional barbecue choices include brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, baby back ribs, spare ribs, and smoked wings.
- An “Eat Your Veggies” Plate lets diners choose four of the restaurant’s homemade sides.
- A full bar offers cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages.
- Sweet Auburn also operates food trucks for festivals, fundraisers, private parties, and other events.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sweet Auburn BBQ’s story has Henry County roots. Howard Hsu and his sister Anita first launched Gezzo’s West Coast Burritos in McDonough before expanding their restaurant ventures and creating Sweet Auburn BBQ.
Their approach to barbecue reflects the siblings’ Chinese-American heritage and Southern upbringing, bringing together flavors and cooking traditions that might not normally share the same plate. That combination has become a signature of Sweet Auburn, where Southern barbecue can meet everything from Thai chili sauce and togarashi to coconut lemongrass and jerk seasoning.
INSIDER TIP
If it’s your first visit, don’t order only traditional barbecue. Pair brisket or ribs with at least one of the restaurant’s fusion creations, like the Pimento Cheese Wontons, Brisket Egg Rolls, or Jerk-Spiced Collards. Those unexpected combinations are what make Sweet Auburn different from a typical barbecue stop.