ZipPicks Awards
Best BBQ in Auburn Gresham
Master Critic Review
Brown's & Family BBQ & Soul
8.3
A South Side combo-plate BBQ counter that leans hard into rib tips, hot links, and sauce-forward smoke with soul-food sides as the supporting cast. Order it like a repeatable routine: one tip-and-link lane, one extra protein, then two sides that can handle the sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Tip & Link Combo, Pork Tip & Link Combo, BBQ Ribs
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tip-and-link combos built around a house-style sauce and soul sides.
Who should go: Rib-tip loyalists who want a full combo plate
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother pickup pacing
What to order: Turkey tips, tip-and-link combo, BBQ ribs
Insider tip: Keep the order tight: one combo, one extra protein, two sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on the surrounding blocks; generally manageable during daytime and early evening, tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, hoodies, and workwear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—more counter energy than dining-room buzz, easy to talk while you wait.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours, faster if ordering ahead
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mostly side dishes like mac and cheese, greens, or fries.
Vegan options: Very limited—sides only, and availability can vary by day.
Gluten-free options: Some protein options may be gluten-free, but sauces and sides vary; cross-contamination is possible.
Best For
Better for: Sauce-forward rib tips, hot links, and classic South Side combo plates that hit fast and hard.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for craft-smoke BBQ, a sit-down dining experience, or broad dietary accommodations.