ive been to the one in duluth. its not bad, but not as good as the flagship location. the drinks, expecially at the rooftop bar, are fantastic. rye+dr pepper slushie, cheerwine+run slushie, alcoholic milkshakes, etc.
You know, local Republic is weird. We've been there three times, once was outstanding, once was pretty good, the third time was us walking out saying we weren't sure we'd be back. I'm glad it's doing well cuz God knows we need options on Lawrenceville and I guess we need to give it another couple tries because everybody does seem to love it.
I believe they take card now at the original location and i heard the parrots are gone. But they opened a larger second location that has a full bar and definitely takes card on the east side of Athens
Yes, but I really miss the days when it was in a strip shopping center near the Mall of Georgia it was basically take out only. They had unbelievable specials. You could almost order special site unseen and it would knock your socks off. Since they moved to Buford that has not been the case and we kind of gave up on them about 5 years ago.
H&H in Macon. IYKYK. Even better when Mama Louise was at her peak. Best fried chicken in the state. If the Allmans loved her, that’s a good enough endorsement for me.
The Local in Atlanta. It's not quite the same since they closed/reopened, but I used to go there all the time when I lived nearby. I'm a simple man and sometimes all you need in life is a 10pc, tots, and a pitcher of 420.
My first time visiting, I wondered where my menu was. To my surprise, they came to the table with the most food I’ve ever seen for two people. Delicious southern style dishes. Highly recommend.
Yes, it’s been sold. We have an annual retreat there, and this year’s retreat (after the sale) was… disappointing. I’ve heard they’re trying to redo it as an upscale, expensive resort.
>Hopefully it stays the same.
[The recent reviews are awful.](https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dillard-house-restaurant-dillard) A lot along the lines of "I used to eat here and it was great, but I came back today and the place was dirty and run down, the food was cold, and the service was terrible"
So, I guess not.
Inside Atlanta (OK, technically Decatur) our current favorite is Deer and Dove. Outside Atlanta it would have to be between Fortify in Clayton and Crab Shack on Tybee Island. Even then I am probably forgetting a number of good places.
Crab shack is a bunch of frozen seafood, and canned crab for their chowder. I’m not saying it isn’t good, but it’s definitely not as fresh as one would think.
Generally, seafood restaurants on the islands (St Simon’s, Tybee) are geared towards tourists. You can usually do better with price off the island. Not that there isn’t great food on the island.
Was considering whether I mention Spring, as it’s already hard enough to get a table there! But yes, particularly for the money (though they seem to have raised prices recently), no place I’d rather spend mine in all of Atlanta for a decent meal.
Best Szechuan Chinese...
Masterpiece in Duluth and Johns Creek
Never been to the JC one but we go to the Duluth one with a large group and it's the best. Get plenty of rice and Tsing Tao and have a great meal.
Local Three in Atlanta. Seasonal, farm-to-table, etc. but you can show up in a tux or a t-shirt and they’ll treat you well. Great food, great service, great beer and bourbon menu.
The seafood restaurant under "Chops" in Atlanta. Its like a cave with the walls and ceiling covered in tile. Amazing experience esp as we got there by accident.
Mo's Mediterranean Table in Valdosta. Mo is an awesome man. VSU professor of 30 years who retired and opened up his restaurant. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food is always fresh. If you're ever in Valdosta, its 100% worth the visit
Jim Shaws! Have you been to the Fish n Pig? It’s Jim Shaws + satterfields barbecue. Worth a trip! Love that I can get fried shrimp but with some bbq sides.
When I lived in Macon it was a once a month thing! I miss it so much. And still believe it’s some of the best seafood you will find in Ga. Comparable to some of the high end places you find in Atlanta without the frills and price! May need to make a road trip down soon!
The Vortex bar and grill 💀 my husband and I lived in a studio behind the one in L5P for years and have literally tried everything on the menu. Best burgers by far! Also miss their breakfast burrito
Years ago they used to have a jerk burger that I loved, but they took it off the menu. I haven’t been in nearly a decade so maybe they brought it back. But everything there was always good.
They have some pretty good new burgers, like the pickle rick. The blue shroom was my #1 for a while, recently had the burger with the pineapple jelly and cream cheese concoction—forgot the name—and it was so good.
My wife and I used to go to Canoe in Vinings in Cobb county on the border of Cobb and Buckhead in Fulton County. We went for special occasions but our last visit a number of years ago was not good. The two person tables were arranged about 1 foot apart from other tables to maximize the number of diners at any one time. It was impossible to have a private conversation. It felt like I might as well take part in the conversations of the couples to the left of us and the right of us. Very awkward. But their view of the Chatahooche River is pretty amazing.
It's a tough one cause I don't get to eat out much but! Sushi Thai (Warner Robins) & Chili Thai (Columbus GA) are both pretty good. Same with Phō Saigon (Columbus GA) & Uptown Vietnamese (Columbus GA). Grindhouse burgers (Athens GA) is something I really enjoyed and when I went, D92 (Athens GA) was pretty yum too. Also Yoder's out in Montezuma is worth the visit, my family used to make a trip to Americus every year or so and we'd always make a point to stop there and eat. Cafeteria style to the next LEVEL. Make sure to try their sourdough bread!!!!
There's probably other places I've been too that are phenomenal but these are at the top of my head. Like I said, I don't get out much!
*Also not a restaurant but if you're ever in the mood for desserts, Kilwins (Columbus GA but I think theres one in Savannah too) is sooooo delicious I get something when I get the chance!
I love Minnie's Uptown in Columbus. Nothing fancy but everything is perfectly made. If you love a meat and three then it's hard to beat. The Tara House in Colquitt was a favorite but it died with Covid.
I used to travel to India a LOT for work. Zyka is the only place in Atlanta I will eat Indian food. It's as close as you can get without the Delhi-belly
Can't think of one in general but if I want seafood it's definitely Atlanta Seafood market in Gainesville. There's a Gainesville Seafood market like right down the road but Idk if it's as good. The former is always busy
Piedmont Brewery in Macon, Luis's Mexican in Warner Robins, Nu-Way Hot Dogs in Macon and Warner Robins, Finchers BBQ in Warner Robins, The Rookery in Macon.
My favorite place, and which has the best Chicken Parm in the state, is Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano. They have amazing Italian chicken dishes there. Definitely a place for you to check out in Atlanta. It is by Atlantic Station/West Side.
Now for Bbq, check out Heirloom Market BBQ by Truist Park/Cumberland. Simply one of the best BBQ places in Atlanta. Small parking lot so it's oftentimes hard to get in to during the busy hours but definitely worth it!
Preach! My husband sends every out of towner there. Aside from the Comfy, I love Kevin’s breakfast, the spicy meatloaf, and every veggie I’ve had there. Have not seen sweet grit pie in forever which is a shame.
I moved to Portland six years ago. I visit about every two years and I hit two places daily when I am back.
Larry Giant Subs and Macks BBQ. Regional places, that are probably not well known.
The Brown Fig in Monroe for a somewhat upscale place, Village Burger in either Tucker or Lawrenceville for a burger, Brunch Apothecary in Dacula for breakfast.
I'm gonna save this thread for reference. I'm new to the state, so I'm always open. So far, my favorites are Italian Oven in Stockbridge. I'd sell my firstborn for their bread. And I like Yammy Crab in Warner Robins. I really like that most of these suggestions are not chains. I'm all about small local restaurants. Does anyone know of a Hawaiian place? I'd love some kaluha pork or pulehu chicken.
In Georgia, lived in Atlanta, on the coast, in Athens, in Rome, and in Augusta.
Atlanta is such a world class city for diversity of great food. So many places that cater to the local ethnic population. You could fill the list with those types of restaurants.
From St Simons, I always loved the 4th of May, but I believe they closed down a few years back. It’s sort of like if Mary Mac’s was less stuffy and had much better food.
Augusta is pretty bad for food and honestly not with mentioning.
In northwest Georgia there used to be a byob place between Summerville and Rome called Ballangers. In the first 5-10 years it was open it was fantastic. Very limited menu, really cool eclectic house it was in where if you had a party larger than 4-5 you’d get your own room. Great steaks, salad with amazing house dressings, and pasta were the focus.
Oh man Ballengers was incredible. Didn’t expect to see them on this list but it brought back memories. The owner and his mother were real characters too. There’s a Dollar General there now. 😭
Vinny’s N. Y. Pizza & Grill, the one in Duluth. It seems like such a simple thing…spaghetti & meatballs or a pizza but I have never found any that I love more than Vinny’s. Everything we’ve had from their menu was delicious. We moved to Florida a couple of years ago and joke about going on vacation to Georgia to go to Vinny’s.
Ezell’s Catfish Cabin in Columbus, GA. Everything I’ve had on the menu is great but I especially liked their blackened catfish. And their hush puppies are the best I’ve ever had, it’s worth going just for them.
Yoder's Deitsch Haus in Montezuma Larry's Buffet in Trenton (Sadly, now closed)
Yoder’s Deitsch Haus? Please tell I’m Peach County——DM specifics about the place. I’m interested!
Yoders is a Mennonite restaurant. Fantastic. Save room for cobbler.
Yoders! Those cinnamon rolls!!
Yoder's is amazing!
if im hungover? waffle house. local republic in lawrenceville was always a good meal, but i havent been in a while.
LR Burger in Monroe is their burger spot and it's awesome
ive been to the one in duluth. its not bad, but not as good as the flagship location. the drinks, expecially at the rooftop bar, are fantastic. rye+dr pepper slushie, cheerwine+run slushie, alcoholic milkshakes, etc.
You know, local Republic is weird. We've been there three times, once was outstanding, once was pretty good, the third time was us walking out saying we weren't sure we'd be back. I'm glad it's doing well cuz God knows we need options on Lawrenceville and I guess we need to give it another couple tries because everybody does seem to love it.
seems to be par for the course in downtown lawrenceville. so many places are inconsistent, hit or miss
My most craved is Cali n Tito’s in Athens
I live in Athens and take all my guests there, they are always blown away by the food and the ambiance
You're spitting. This would be my answer!
Is that the cash only taco joint? With the parrot out back?
I believe they take card now at the original location and i heard the parrots are gone. But they opened a larger second location that has a full bar and definitely takes card on the east side of Athens
My brother lives in Colbert. Whenever we go down to visit, we always go to Tito's. Really cool place.
Shoya Izakaya
Was there last weekend. So good
How's it compare to Ginya Izakaya?
I think they are sister restaurants?
Interesting. I'll have to check it out then, I love Ginya
Came here to plug Shoya
Nam Phuong on Buford Hwy.
oh....those wings and coffee
I never knew they had wings, I go for the pho. The DIY wraps are amazing along with a durian milkshake, it tastes like vanilla but smells like onions.
Rico’s Kitchen in Buford
Yes, but I really miss the days when it was in a strip shopping center near the Mall of Georgia it was basically take out only. They had unbelievable specials. You could almost order special site unseen and it would knock your socks off. Since they moved to Buford that has not been the case and we kind of gave up on them about 5 years ago.
H&H in Macon. IYKYK. Even better when Mama Louise was at her peak. Best fried chicken in the state. If the Allmans loved her, that’s a good enough endorsement for me.
Ingleside Village Pizza is pretty damn good too!
Cazadores off sandy plains rd in Marietta. Great Mexican food!
Me n my fam LOVE Cazadores!! The owners and staff are very friendly, and the food is super good
Been eating here for 10+ years. It’s the food I compare other food to
If you don't know already, ask for the habanero salsa. It's great.
Fuego Tortilla on Barrett, in The Prado, is also awesome. Friendly and delicious.
The Rum Cake Lady in Blue Ridge **edited to correct the name
*Rum Cake Lady
Thank you!!!!! Idk why I got it wrong.
Lol. Cause those Cubans are amazing. I'll forgive you!
Gluten free options for those with celiac! Delicious food
The Local in Atlanta. It's not quite the same since they closed/reopened, but I used to go there all the time when I lived nearby. I'm a simple man and sometimes all you need in life is a 10pc, tots, and a pitcher of 420.
Best wings in Atlanta
Willie's Wee Nee Wagon in Brunswick Georgia. Nothing in the entire world is s good as their porkchop sandwich.
The Dillard House is a fun, albeit little pricey, way to spend a day having lunch in GA.
My first time visiting, I wondered where my menu was. To my surprise, they came to the table with the most food I’ve ever seen for two people. Delicious southern style dishes. Highly recommend.
Yoder House in Montezuma is similar. Cafeteria style but the portions are huge and delicious.
It was seemingly sold by the family. Hopefully it stays the same.
Yes, it’s been sold. We have an annual retreat there, and this year’s retreat (after the sale) was… disappointing. I’ve heard they’re trying to redo it as an upscale, expensive resort.
Big surprise. Ruined by corporate America nonesense.
so sad :( this area is already getting pretty crowded and expensive. feels like it’ll only get worse
>Hopefully it stays the same. [The recent reviews are awful.](https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dillard-house-restaurant-dillard) A lot along the lines of "I used to eat here and it was great, but I came back today and the place was dirty and run down, the food was cold, and the service was terrible" So, I guess not.
Sadly, it’s s not. Food is sub-par and everything looks old.
it was sold recently by the dillard family. not sure who owns it now, but hopefully they keep the place running good
Yes I love that place
We used to go there every Christmas Day for dinner. 😌 Memories I’ll cherish forever. Beautiful restaurant!
Rhea’s in Roswell
Best burger around. Are they still open?
With several locations
This aint burger king! It's my way or the highway!
678 Korean BBQ
Good choice. Mine is 9292 korean bbq
Both are fantastic and waaay better than IronAge
Inside Atlanta (OK, technically Decatur) our current favorite is Deer and Dove. Outside Atlanta it would have to be between Fortify in Clayton and Crab Shack on Tybee Island. Even then I am probably forgetting a number of good places.
Crab shack is a bunch of frozen seafood, and canned crab for their chowder. I’m not saying it isn’t good, but it’s definitely not as fresh as one would think.
Generally, seafood restaurants on the islands (St Simon’s, Tybee) are geared towards tourists. You can usually do better with price off the island. Not that there isn’t great food on the island.
Crab chowder at the crab shack is money
I get to the Crab Shack once or twice a year and spend a full two days mentally and gastronomically preparing for it.
Crab shack on Tybee was what I was going to say. The food and the environment is a 10/10.
The environment is awesome but come on that's some shitty seafood.
Yeah—better off going to AJ’s if that’s the sort of thing you’re looking for
I've liked Bubba Gumbo's on Tybee. I'll have to check out crab shack. If you like strong drinks 10/10 would recommend Bubba lol
My family loves Fortify, we use to go there for nearly every birthday
Tandoor and Tap in Statesboro is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the state.
I moved away from Statesboro right before it opened. Still looking to try it.
I just wish they weren't so bloody expensive. I work about a mile from there, buts it's a rare treat on a government salary, lol.
Spring in Marietta for life changing food. Bubba Gumbos for the view.
Was considering whether I mention Spring, as it’s already hard enough to get a table there! But yes, particularly for the money (though they seem to have raised prices recently), no place I’d rather spend mine in all of Atlanta for a decent meal.
I only share it cause I want it to thrive. Can’t wait for their Korean spin off
Best Szechuan Chinese... Masterpiece in Duluth and Johns Creek Never been to the JC one but we go to the Duluth one with a large group and it's the best. Get plenty of rice and Tsing Tao and have a great meal.
Al salam deli in Savannah. Best gyro in the state.
kimball house
La Joya in Dublin and Bears Den in Macon.
To Bears Den!!! If you eat at that place more than twice a week….you need to go see a cardiologist
Sundae Cafe on Tybee Island and Southern Soul Barbeque on Saint Simons Island
Sundae Cafe is super good. Spent a long weekend at Tybee and we ate there 3x!
Southern Soul gets my vote!
Local Three in Atlanta. Seasonal, farm-to-table, etc. but you can show up in a tux or a t-shirt and they’ll treat you well. Great food, great service, great beer and bourbon menu.
Magic City
The seafood restaurant under "Chops" in Atlanta. Its like a cave with the walls and ceiling covered in tile. Amazing experience esp as we got there by accident.
Chops Lobster Bar
La Grotta in Buckhead Atlanta
That truffle pasta…
Used to trade food with someone after work all the time; that pasta is stupid good
Henry’s Louisiana Grill…..
I was Henry’s first sous chef for two years when he opened his original location🤘🏼
how was your experience working there / under him?
Had a blast! I was young and wild and so was Henry!!! We blew Tye doors off that restaurant every night! Damn good times!
I hope the new owner can keep the quality up. We’ve been going since he first opened with half the space they have now. Mid 2000.
Love their shrimp and grits.
Mo's Mediterranean Table in Valdosta. Mo is an awesome man. VSU professor of 30 years who retired and opened up his restaurant. The atmosphere is fantastic and the food is always fresh. If you're ever in Valdosta, its 100% worth the visit
Jim Shaws in Macon,Ga. Edit- also Rumis(only the Sandy springs location)and Sufi’s in Atlanta.
Jim Shaws! Have you been to the Fish n Pig? It’s Jim Shaws + satterfields barbecue. Worth a trip! Love that I can get fried shrimp but with some bbq sides.
I haven't been to Jim Shaw's in forever. I miss their fish.
When I lived in Macon it was a once a month thing! I miss it so much. And still believe it’s some of the best seafood you will find in Ga. Comparable to some of the high end places you find in Atlanta without the frills and price! May need to make a road trip down soon!
Epic in Columbus, I drive from Atlanta
What I came here to say. They make fine dining so fun.
The Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle is fun and tasty for traditional southern soul food. I love their peanut butter pie.
Unfortunately it shut down a couple of years ago due to Covid and the owner sold it. Not sure if the new owner has it up and running again though
reopens Aug 19th I think
The Rookery in Macon. The best burgers!
Adult milkshakes. What more needs to be said.
Buckner’s down in Butts county right off I75
The Vortex bar and grill 💀 my husband and I lived in a studio behind the one in L5P for years and have literally tried everything on the menu. Best burgers by far! Also miss their breakfast burrito
Classic - add fat Matt's chicken/rib shack to that and you have an ATL trifecta
Omg did you ever try their jalapeno corn bread? I have dreams about that shit 🤤
Years ago they used to have a jerk burger that I loved, but they took it off the menu. I haven’t been in nearly a decade so maybe they brought it back. But everything there was always good.
They have some pretty good new burgers, like the pickle rick. The blue shroom was my #1 for a while, recently had the burger with the pineapple jelly and cream cheese concoction—forgot the name—and it was so good.
Canoe!
This is definitely the perfect time of the year to have one of their Manhattans and watch the river just slip on by at sunset.
I don’t drink anymore, but their Tom Riddle(bourbon) cocktail is fantastic as well
My wife and I used to go to Canoe in Vinings in Cobb county on the border of Cobb and Buckhead in Fulton County. We went for special occasions but our last visit a number of years ago was not good. The two person tables were arranged about 1 foot apart from other tables to maximize the number of diners at any one time. It was impossible to have a private conversation. It felt like I might as well take part in the conversations of the couples to the left of us and the right of us. Very awkward. But their view of the Chatahooche River is pretty amazing.
Weird.. I go probably 6 or so times a year and I don't think the tables are configured that way still. Sorry you had a bad experience :/
Hofbrauhaus in Helen. I don't care too much for Helen, but I'll go just to eat here.
I love that place. They have the best soft pretzel I’ve ever had!
It's a tough one cause I don't get to eat out much but! Sushi Thai (Warner Robins) & Chili Thai (Columbus GA) are both pretty good. Same with Phō Saigon (Columbus GA) & Uptown Vietnamese (Columbus GA). Grindhouse burgers (Athens GA) is something I really enjoyed and when I went, D92 (Athens GA) was pretty yum too. Also Yoder's out in Montezuma is worth the visit, my family used to make a trip to Americus every year or so and we'd always make a point to stop there and eat. Cafeteria style to the next LEVEL. Make sure to try their sourdough bread!!!! There's probably other places I've been too that are phenomenal but these are at the top of my head. Like I said, I don't get out much! *Also not a restaurant but if you're ever in the mood for desserts, Kilwins (Columbus GA but I think theres one in Savannah too) is sooooo delicious I get something when I get the chance!
So many to choose from. Reuben's deli downtown ATL has to be my favorite that I haven't seen mentioned already.
Moon Indian restaurant in Kennesaw
I love Minnie's Uptown in Columbus. Nothing fancy but everything is perfectly made. If you love a meat and three then it's hard to beat. The Tara House in Colquitt was a favorite but it died with Covid.
Matthew's Cafeteria in Tucker
Mamak in doraville or Iberian pig are always a favorite
NFA Burger or Kurt’s Bistro
9292 in Duluth. Best Korean BBQ I’ve ever had. The Kimchi is perfect.
Kurt's Bistro
waffle house
Bone Garden Cantina, without a doubt!
El Myr, Grindhouse, Taj Mahal in Kennesaw, Taste of India in Athens.
Nothing better than cocktails and a smoked pork burrito at El Myr before a show.
Have you had Zyka in Decatur? Their nihari is amazing
I used to travel to India a LOT for work. Zyka is the only place in Atlanta I will eat Indian food. It's as close as you can get without the Delhi-belly
El Myr used to have a Brunswick Stew burrito special occasionally that was 🔥🔥🔥
This was on my list of favorite things to eat in Atlanta, along with the Comfy chicken at Homegrown
Martin’s when the line isn’t 1/2 mile long
Rumi’s Kitchen in Sandy Springs.
Fox Bros in Edgewood
Natalia’s in Macon Georgia. Amazing Italian food
Franks Family Restaurant. Collinsworth road exit 56 off 85.
Hunters pub steakhouse outside Hamilton Ga
Can't think of one in general but if I want seafood it's definitely Atlanta Seafood market in Gainesville. There's a Gainesville Seafood market like right down the road but Idk if it's as good. The former is always busy
For a Brazilian steakhouse, passador in Alpharetta is absolutely amazing and best flan we have ever had
Piedmont Brewery in Macon, Luis's Mexican in Warner Robins, Nu-Way Hot Dogs in Macon and Warner Robins, Finchers BBQ in Warner Robins, The Rookery in Macon.
Mine used to be MoMoYa in Buford or Dante’s Down The Hatch downtown 😔RIP
Aww man MoMoYa 😢
HJ wings n things in Fayetteville. Best hot wing sauce ever
Hell yeah. Hotyaki boneless wings and pasta salad is my order.
Bacchanalia, Atlanta McKendrick's Steak House, Atlanta
Buckners just off of 75 south of Griffin
The Old Pink House in Savannah
Little alley Steakhouse in roswell. Goin coastal in canton.
Mojito’s - Norcross, Poor Calvin’s - Downtown, Casi Cielo - Sandy Springs, Fudo - Chamblee, Chai Pani - Decatur, Little Alley - Buckhead, Arepa Grill - Doraville
The royal peasant in Athens
My favorite place, and which has the best Chicken Parm in the state, is Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano. They have amazing Italian chicken dishes there. Definitely a place for you to check out in Atlanta. It is by Atlantic Station/West Side. Now for Bbq, check out Heirloom Market BBQ by Truist Park/Cumberland. Simply one of the best BBQ places in Atlanta. Small parking lot so it's oftentimes hard to get in to during the busy hours but definitely worth it!
do they have proper chicken cutlets?
Homegrown. Hands down. Thread killer. IMNSHO :)
Preach! My husband sends every out of towner there. Aside from the Comfy, I love Kevin’s breakfast, the spicy meatloaf, and every veggie I’ve had there. Have not seen sweet grit pie in forever which is a shame.
I always get the comfy. I mean...I try but...I simply can't. It's so dang blasted good.
The Pink House in Savannah
Really doesn’t get old. My husband and I will just go there for apps and drinks sometimes at the bar for a game.
Kelly's Jamaican in Athens is 🔥
Rays on the River was a meal I never forgot
I don’t know if Rays still has a brunch buffet but we went there quite a few years ago and it was fantastic.
The Taco Stand
Cotton Calf - Braselton
I moved to Portland six years ago. I visit about every two years and I hit two places daily when I am back. Larry Giant Subs and Macks BBQ. Regional places, that are probably not well known.
The Brown Fig in Monroe for a somewhat upscale place, Village Burger in either Tucker or Lawrenceville for a burger, Brunch Apothecary in Dacula for breakfast.
Flatlands in Alpharetta
Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Acworth. Though the owner is kind of creep, hitting on women on dates type, the food is amazing.
It’s new owners as of like April
Dan Moo Ji in Duluth is my overall favorite restaurant! But The Hush Cuban Kitchen & Bar in Clayton is a very close second
These all sound amazing
House of Lu in Marietta Square for their pho and coco shrimp
Waffle House in general. For a specific place- Burger Inn in Woodstock!!
B&J's in Darien for fried seafood, Harvest Habersham in Sautee Nacoochee for the overall best meal I can remember.
I'm gonna save this thread for reference. I'm new to the state, so I'm always open. So far, my favorites are Italian Oven in Stockbridge. I'd sell my firstborn for their bread. And I like Yammy Crab in Warner Robins. I really like that most of these suggestions are not chains. I'm all about small local restaurants. Does anyone know of a Hawaiian place? I'd love some kaluha pork or pulehu chicken.
Lazy Betty in Atlanta
I moved away but I really miss the sesame fries at hankook taqueria…
Delbar in Inman Park
In Georgia, lived in Atlanta, on the coast, in Athens, in Rome, and in Augusta. Atlanta is such a world class city for diversity of great food. So many places that cater to the local ethnic population. You could fill the list with those types of restaurants. From St Simons, I always loved the 4th of May, but I believe they closed down a few years back. It’s sort of like if Mary Mac’s was less stuffy and had much better food. Augusta is pretty bad for food and honestly not with mentioning. In northwest Georgia there used to be a byob place between Summerville and Rome called Ballangers. In the first 5-10 years it was open it was fantastic. Very limited menu, really cool eclectic house it was in where if you had a party larger than 4-5 you’d get your own room. Great steaks, salad with amazing house dressings, and pasta were the focus.
Oh man Ballengers was incredible. Didn’t expect to see them on this list but it brought back memories. The owner and his mother were real characters too. There’s a Dollar General there now. 😭
Hacienda Vieja in Woodstock is one of my faves. We get the chorizo cheese dip and share the chicken and steak fajitas.
Mannaweenta in Athens. Eritrean
dan thai or taqueria los hermanos (both gwinnett tho los hermanos has locations outside gwinnett)
Cotton Calf in Braselton
La Fonda
No clue if it still exists but there was a pirate place in Savanah we always stopped at when driving through when I was a child.
If you’re talking about the Pirates House, it still exists.
Vinny’s N. Y. Pizza & Grill, the one in Duluth. It seems like such a simple thing…spaghetti & meatballs or a pizza but I have never found any that I love more than Vinny’s. Everything we’ve had from their menu was delicious. We moved to Florida a couple of years ago and joke about going on vacation to Georgia to go to Vinny’s.
Ezell’s Catfish Cabin in Columbus, GA. Everything I’ve had on the menu is great but I especially liked their blackened catfish. And their hush puppies are the best I’ve ever had, it’s worth going just for them.
OK Cafe in Atlanta. The Rookery in Macon. House of China 2 in Albany.
Delbar in Inman Park 😭
Krystal