Sweet Auburn Seafood: Live Music, Fresh Seafood & Soul

Sweet Auburn Seafood is a casual dining restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood and live entertainment. The eatery opened its doors in October 2014 east of downtown Atlanta, Georgia located inside of the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Becoming known for live music five nights a week Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant is one of the newer hotspots in the revitalized Sweet Auburn District.

The Historic Neighborhood…

The Sweet Auburn neighborhood was established in 1865, spanning across nineteen acres, including a mile and a half of Auburn Avenue. This historic area of Atlanta, reflects the heritage and legacy of a once prominent African American community. It is known worldwide as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was here that many African Americans established businesses, congregations, and social organizations during the Jim Crow era in the South. The name Sweet Auburn was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, who referred to it as the “richest Negro street in the world.” In December 1976, the district was designated a National Historic Landmark.

The Food…

The Sweet Auburn Seafood menu includes specialties like their award winning Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Pot Pie, Standing Red Snapper and Sweet Auburn Seafood Burger. The menu includes a number of non-seafood dishes as well to give guest options outside of the norm for a seafood restaurant. Lamb chops, short ribs, steak and eggplant lasagna are a few of the options offered.

Not only does, Sweet Auburn Seafood provide outstanding food, the service is good too. I was there with a large group for lunch and we could not ask for a better experience. All orders were taken, along with food and drinks being served in a timely manner. As usual, we asked our waiter his recommendations as well as what his favorite dish at the restaurant was. Please note, in case you didn’t know, always ask someone (especially your server) who works at the restaurant, what is their favorite menu item. It will help you make up your mind sooner, especially if it is your first time eating there.

After the recommendation of the waiter several people ordered the Lobster Pot Pie, which he stated was his favorite. Based on his feedback and a couple of questions, I ordered the Shrimp and Grits. He was right with everything he recommended. There wasn’t one complaint from anyone. I will also admit that even those who didn’t order these two dishes were satisfied with their meals.

The Entertainment…

As previously mentioned, Sweet Auburn Seafood has live music five days a week. Thursday nights begins the weekend at the restaurant. Popular Atlanta area bands perform jazz, R&B and contemporary music weekly. The restaurant accepts reservations close to the entertainment, for patrons who want that up close and personal experience. According to their entertainment calendar, live music is from 7:00pm to 10:00pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. On weekends, live music starts a little later at 9:00pm and ends at 12:00am.

If you go…

There’s something on the menu to fit any budget. The House salad starts at $7 and appetizers like sea salt calamari $9. All items on the lunch menu are all under $20. Dinner entrees range from $20 for shrimp and grits to $32 for the red snapper.

Sweet Auburn Seafood offers a full service bar with early bird drink specials from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Patrons can also order small plates from the bar as they enjoy their drinks.

Lunch is served from 11:00am to 4:00pm from Sunday through Thursday and 11:00am to 1:00am on Friday and Saturday. Dinner starts at 5pm every day with brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

In addition to the main seating areas, guest can book a private meeting or event for up to 22 people. Sweet Auburn Seafood has an experienced team when it comes to handling social gatherings, business functions, reunions and birthday parties.

Based on my experience, I would recommend going at lunch time in the middle of the week. As with most restaurants, we were able to get in and seated with no wait. Valet parking is available on weekends during the busier times.

Sweet Auburn Seafood – 171 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA. 30303