Gone are the days where the world only turns their attention to Augusta, Georgia when the greats tee off on Augusta National Golf Course. If you haven’t heard by now, Augusta Georgia has much more to offer these days than just America’s favorite past time. Nowadays, Augusta is touted as a foodie’s paradise and inevitably is bursting at the seams with local fare, craft cocktails and micro breweries. We've rounded up a few of our favorites and you’d be remised not to experience them for yourself.
Fare with Flair
Edgar’s Above Broad: Edgar's Above Broad brings a rooftop dining and entertainment experience to downtown Augusta, Georgia. Complete with life-sized games and Instagrammable views and drinks, this place is an adult’s playground. Come hungry, leave fulfilled.
Laziza Mediterranean Grill: For some time now, Augusta's River Region has been missing a place that would cater to those who yearned for more exotic cuisine; those who wanted to step outside the box of burgers and fries or burritos and tortilla chips. Laziza Mediterranean Grill was born with that in mind. When you first walk into Laziza, you’ll discover a huge skewer of flavorful, marinated chicken rotating slowly on a vertical broiler. They slice it thin, wrap it in a warm pita, and top it with fresh toppings. Or, perhaps you’d prefer kebabs of seasoned ground beef or flame-broiled chicken served on a bed of steamed rice. At Laziza, the important thing to remember is that whether you choose the juicy shawarma, crispy falafel, or one of the four flavors of homemade hummus, everything is made fresh when you order, with only the freshest ingredients.
Noble Jones: New and incredibly noteworthy, Noble Jones brings the culinary vision of chef J.D. Wier to the awesome, outdoor-friendly location of the old Cotton Patch a former downtown staple. Right off the corner, Nojo (as it’s already affectionately called) brings together influences of the chef’s career which span from roadside dives to high-end Charleston eateries to private clubs from Augusta to Texas. A must try is the restaurants, low country shrimp risotto served with blackened shrimp in an irresistible red pepper sauce, complete with sausage and bell pepper risotto – chef’s kiss!
Vance’s Bakery: If you have a sweet tooth, Vance’s is the place for you. A spin on the average bakery serving up sweet treats that will make your mouth water, Vance’s bakery is a 21-and-over, mid-century modern bakery and cocktail lounge featuring local craft beers and spirits, paired to create top-shelf signature cocktails, coffee drinks, and luxe dessert drinks. The menu includes a variety of decadent, alcohol-infused desserts all prepared in-house.
Abel Brown: This southern kitchen, located in surrey center, is a local oyster bar that supports local and regional farmers, oystermen, and producers while providing the freshest seasonal ingredients. The menu changes daily to ensure that they are serving pure food and quality dishes every night. A must-try is the Imperial Oysters, which includes plump oysters topped with Stoli vodka, crème fraiche, caviar and watermelon, this delectable dish is perfectly complimented by the refreshing signature Tea Hive cocktail. Those lucky enough might end up dining on a day where the special Champagne Pound Cake is featured for dessert. It is worth every calorie!
Craft and Vine: Tucked away in downtown Augusta, featuring hand-crafted cocktails, an impressive wine selection and low lights bouncing off art deco and leather, the ambience found here sets the mood for an intimate night setting. This restaurant, which is located right along Broad Street in downtown Augusta, features an array of gourmet small plates with snacks like Woodfired Salted Pretzel Bites with a Pimento Cheese fondue, an assortment of seasonally updated charcuterie, small plates like Parmesan Crusted Oysters and a number of wood-fired pizzas. Choose one, or many to get the full experience of the local hotspot.
New Moon Café: This clean and coveted eatery offers visitors a long list of healthy dining options to choose from. No matter the craving, Broad Streets very own, New Moon Café has got you covered. Resident favorites include the Downtown Mess, a delectable entrée that comes two ways – Augusta style or Aiken Style. Augusta style is guaranteed to send taste buds into a frenzy and includes southern classics such as grits, pimento cheese, avocado, salsa, bacon and Cholula. Save room for more must have dishes (some of which include locally sourced or produced items) and venture on down the menu for additional items including the Trunknado and the Tony Montana. After the last bite, choose between the famed Green Monster smoothie or the Unicorn Hot Chocolate to wash it all down – both as magical as they sound.
Frog Hollow Tavern: Stylish dining, eclectic bar and cocktails, and a wine list that boasts over 100 wines join to create one of Augusta’s most popular restaurants. Frog Hollow credits its fresh and flavorful food to the regionally grown quality ingredients that are used throughout the menu. Share some small plates with a group to enjoy a sampling of the menu with dishes like, Fried Manchester Farms’ Quail, or a local favorite is the Braised Berkshire Pork Shoulder, which is served with Port Wine & Vinegar Braised Collards and Smoked Gouda Mac ‘n Cheese.
Sip, Sip, Hooray
River Watch Brewery: Veteran and mother daughter owned brewery and the first brewery in Augusta; River Watch Brewery is a must add itinerary item when in Augusta. Cheers to the innovation that this pair brings to the city with their popular brews, some named in honor of the Masters® Tournament (Three Under Par) and some for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown (The Godfather of Stout). With new beers coming down the pipeline on a regular basis, your sure to get something new and noteworthy each time you visit.
Savannah River Brewing Company: Beer for everyone is the slogan at Savannah River Brewing Company and they deliver on that with a wide variety of options to suit any taste palette. The 2017-opened brewery has perfected five year-round brews and dabbles with specialty and seasonal beers throughout the year. Some of these signature brews that pay tribute to Augusta include the Savannah River IPA, Dynamite Brown Ale, No Jacket Required and Phinizy Swamp Thing. The brewery couples their tastings and tours with yard games, making a visit to Savannah River as much of a bonding experience then rafting down the river.
Fruitland Augusta: Get a taste of Augusta with the city’s signature drink, Fruitland Augusta, which is the only Georgia peach-infused vodka in the world and can be found throughout the city. Augusta put Georgia on the map as “The Peach State” when the Augusta National Course (home the Masters® Tournament) was Fruitland Nursery. This drink can only be found in Georgia, and the city takes great pride in their spirits with several bars and restaurants adapting their own cocktail variation.
2nd City Distilling Co.: A micro-distillery located along Augusta’s Riverwalk, this newly opened and popular hot spot for residents and visitors alike, produces vodka, whiskey, moonshine and bourbon. Stop in for a taste of all four liquors offered or a fun and informative tour of the funky space before venturing out to see the rest of the city.
Farmhaus Burger: A made-to-order milkshake with booze? Say less. Farmhaus has made its mark with their ever so popular “boozy milkshakes.” Make sure to leave room in your itinerary to try the drink everyone is raving about. We suggest the strawberry shortcake boozy milkshake, but if strawberry isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to choose from – all equally as good!