By jc

July 3, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle

By D

July 3, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Georgia’s best Meat & Threes - Starting with Matthew’s in Tucker (or maybe Son’s Place near Little Five Points).

By Scattered, Smothered, and Covered

July 3, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Waffle House.

By Larry

July 3, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

There are too many different BBQ places. There’s only one Varsity (I know, there’s one in Athens and one in Gwinnett and the Jr. on Cheshire Bridge, but they’re all the same Varsity. Start with The Varsity in Atlanta.

By pat smith

July 3, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Varsity - it will kill ya but you gotta have it on the list Quinnie’s - meat and three on your way up toward Northlake Mall Watershed - have you had the fried chicken? The pimento cheese? Dante’s Down the Hatch - come on. There’s a ship with alligators in the water when you walk in the door. Baccanalia - they give you “gifts” from the kitchen between courses.

By Eatin' Time

July 3, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Good ole country cookin’ like Clells’ in used Marietta or Laprade’s at Lake Burton used to be. Where have all the good places gone?

By Yum

July 3, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

The GA Mountain Restaurant in Hiawassee is so good it’ll make you wanna slap your granny!

By cwestc

July 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

five and ten in athens

By cwestc

July 3, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

five and ten in athens

By Sobecat

July 3, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Best meat & three in Georgia is the Colonnade. The best restaurant is a tie between Bachanlia and Elizabeth’s.

By Maniac is accurate

July 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

DK’s barbecue in Waycross Edna’s in Chatsworth The Varsity Dillard House The Lazy Donkey (RIP) in Carrollton Q in MIlledgeville Tucker’s Barbecue in Macon Shucker’s (she-crab stew) in Savannah Nu Way in Macon

By Edward

July 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I have never understood this fascination with The Varsity. Nothing I’ve ever had there is worth trying a second time and in fact I’d go out of my way to avoid it. Horrible, just horrible food and service.

Some of the best: Pano’s and Paul’s. The aforementioned Bacchanalia, Fox Bros. BBQ, Sam & Roscoe’s in Douglasville, The Colonnade, Petite Auberge in Toco Hills…

By Athensgal

July 3, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

The Grit in Athens and The Lady and Sons in Savannah.

By Bulldog

July 3, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Barbecue Shack and Weaver D’s in Athens, Barbara Jean’s on St. Simons, and The Blue Willow Inn

By Dawg Fan

July 3, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry Edward your overly sensative tast buds were offended. Please accept our apologies and go back to you caviar and fois gras. Best resturants in Georgia gotta be the Varsity (in fact I am going there for lunch) and Mary Macs on Ponce…

By Sobecat

July 3, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Mary Macs is a good meat & 3, but I prefer Colonnade.

By JK

July 3, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Is Colonnade even open anymore? I have gone by a couple times in the last year during lunch time and the parking lot has been empty. I thought thay had closed.

By scott

July 3, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

i have been toying with the notion of making a chili dawg may too!

By Sobecat

July 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

JK, the Colonnade stopped serving lunch exept on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. It is very much still open with 2-hour waits not uncommon.

By john

July 3, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

JOHNNY HARRIS RESTAURANT in savannah. oldest restaurant in georgia

By South GA Girl

July 3, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Best BBQ used to be off 1-16 in Soperton—-Sweat’s. Holcomb’s off 15 on the way to Athens was always good, too, but I haven’t been there in years. The Grill in Athens is the best diner. And of course The Varsity. The Dillard House and the Mennonite restaurant in Montezuma are the best family style. Also love The Shrimp Factory on River Street in Savannah. Sure there’s good stuff in Atlanta, but aren’t we talking all of GA here?

By Scott

July 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

There is a new BBQ place on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta - Big D’s. I have been looking for a great BBQ place for years in the area, and this place is it! The ribs are huge and tender, and have the best smoky flavor. Highly recommended.

Secondly, the many Little Azio’s scatter about the area are awesome for quick serve restaurants. Great “different” pizzas there.

By andthensome

July 3, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

The Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette, of course. If you go, try the Fried Green Tomato Salad. It’s got Vidalia onions in it. Mmmmmm! Good!!!

By Producer

July 3, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

The Smith House!

By Huh?

July 3, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

@ John - How could a restaurant possibly claim to be the oldest restaurant in GA? That is absurd…

Whether it is dinner, lunch, or breakfast, I would have to throw The Flying Biscuit somewhere on my map.

By Jodiodi

July 3, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

I remember Sweat’s and Holcomb’s from when I was in school at UGA and would drive home to south Georgia. I also agree with the Weaver D’s selection. Being from Southeast Georgia, I also recall DK’s fondly. Whenever we go home to South Georgia, my husband has to go there and get barbeque. He’s originally from Chicago and fell in love with Southern food when he married me.

I must have sensitive tastebuds too, cause I never understood the Varsity cult either. I did like the orange drinks, but the food—-meh.

By Jeff

July 3, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Years ago before the interstates, when the Yankees had to take US 1 to Florida, there was a famous little seafood restaurant in Waycross called The Green Frog. Eventually members of the family started opening seafood restaurants in other places and called them The Red Lobster.

By scott

July 3, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

the deck on st simmons island is a long gone old memory still cherished here. as are memories of sweat’s bbq in soperton!

By Kay

July 3, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

I have to join the sensitive taste buds club, because I don’t get the Varsity. Blue Willow Inn, Social Circle and B.B.Q. Wyatt’ Diner on Memorial Drive

By reservoirDAWG

July 3, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Sweat’s was great. They had some of the best brunswick stew.

By Rhino

July 3, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

In Athens, Food for the Soul. In Savannah, Ronnie’s puts the Varsity to shame with their onion rings. In Moultrie - The Barbeque Pit. Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House also in Savannah. Fresh Air BBQ is also hard to beat.

By Charles

July 3, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

I’m a Georgia Tech graduate - but, PLEASE don’t include the Varsity. My stomach still has nightmares from experiences AFTER eating there.

Aunt Fanny’s Cabin in Smyrna (no, it’s NOT Vinings) was an icon in the 50’s and 60’s (before political correctness brought the whole concept down).

The Dillard House in Rabun County might be a good choice for modern day Georgia. You certainly can’t complain about the surroundings.

As for metro Atlanta there isn’t much to choose from. It seems like more money is spent by the restaurants on contrived atmosphere and imaginative foods that sound better than they taste. Maybe if some of them would open up a few of their grandmother’s old recipe books they might find some time tested dishes to serve.

By jw

July 3, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Old times country buffet - tifton, valdosta, waycross, albany - Friday and Saturday buffet, seafood to die for, roast beef and yeast rolls - yum yum!

By MP

July 3, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

I would never include the Varsity on a “best restaurant list” but it is good every once in a while. But it is not nearly as good as it used to be. Since Mr. Gordy died it has not been the same.

Otherwise, I agree about the Colonade and Dillard House. Heading to Rabun County right now actually.

I’ll add Mary Mac’s to the list also.

By Sobecat

July 3, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Charles, have you ever eaten at Baccanalia, Dining Room at Ritz, Aria, Home, or hell, even Colonnade?

By Sam

July 3, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

When I was a student at South Georgia College in Douglas (1950), we used to drive to Waycross to eat at the Green Frog. What a wonderful place it was!

By Tucker

July 3, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

By DecaturCyn

July 3, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Even though the focus is on independent restaurants, I have to put in a vote for the scandalously tasty Chicken-Fried Tofu at Whole Foods and my favorite comfort meal from Soul Vegetarian Restaurant — Country Fried Kalebone (protein roast) with gravy, collards, creamy Macaroni & Soy Cheese, and bean-sprout salad (delicious dressing).

By cgregister

July 3, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

S&S at Chamblee-Tucker Rd. has wonderful vegetables and to die for cornbread. Good Barbecue is Deans, south of Jonesboro on Highway 54. Zestos has the best foot long chili slaw dawgs.

By Roy

July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

If you like really fresh seafood, try the Buccaneer Restaurant in Crescent, Ga. off Hwy 17 N. of Darien, Ga

By wmy

July 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Five and Ten - Athens The National - Athens The Grit - Athens Harvest Moon - Rome Cargo - Brunswick The Attic - Clarkesville 2 Dog cafe - Gainesville

By Maniac is accurate

July 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Holy cow, Sam! I went to South Georgia College … 30 years after you. Were you aware that the Darden family, who operated the Green Frog, went on to fame and fortune when they invented Red Lobster? They created a huge empire that includes Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze and others. And Waycross has not a dadgum one of them. Thanks for remembering your roots Dardens!

By Chris

July 3, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Pig N Chik in Buckhead is the best bbq in town no doubt.

By reservoirDAWG

July 3, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Chris, I went to pig n chik and was not disappointed, but I don’t think it is the best. Sam and Dave’s is better.

By Tom

July 3, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

BBQ Street in Kennesaw—-good bbq and great catfish and veggies.

Smith House

Dillard House

Matthews

Marietta Diner

For super fresh organic really good food-Roswell Teahouse—-everything is outstanding.

Amore’s in Marietta—-very good Italian.

The Breakfast Club on Tybee—haven’t been there in years is it still there?

By reservoirDAWG

July 3, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Tom, The Breakfast Club was there three springs ago. That place is/was awesome.

By brit

July 3, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

The Catfish House in Douglas Georgia (home of South Georgia College) has the BEST fish ‘n’ grits.

By Hobart

July 3, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

For hotdogs and atmosphere, Charlie Joseph’s in LaGrange!

By grrtch

July 3, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

oh puleeze! the Grit’s soooo overrated. everything they serve is swimming in either brewers yeast or soy sauce… such pedestrian chow… and the mac n cheese is always tepid.

when I have guests in Athens, the only places I’m proud to take ‘em is Five and Ten or the National. for simplier fare, I’ll always pick the east side Five Star Day over the more ballyhooed joint.

By Maniac is accurate

July 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

You’re right about the Catfish House britt. Haven’t been there in years. I didn’t know there were so many southeast Ga. folks on here. Like old home week.

By Allison

July 3, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

My family love the Breakfast Club on Tybee Island and we love Chester Deans in Sandersville.

By pHred

July 4, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Pitty Pat’s Porch, Atlanta

By Jack

July 4, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The best hotdogs in town can be found at Zesto. They toast their buns. I think their onion rings are also superior to the Varsity.

By Robert

July 4, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

In Augusta, it’s Sconyer’s for BBQ, North Leg Family Restaurant for breakfast and the Sports Center for hamburgers.

By Opinionated One

July 4, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Mrs Wilkes, on W. Jones St, in Savannah is the BEST place in the world to eat. M-F 11 to 2 PM. I don’t smoke, drink, or have sex. But I can sure put the food away.

By Edward

July 4, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Oh, how could I forget Zesto? Now that is an Atlanta institution worth commemorating. I’d take Zesto over Varsity ANY day of the week. Much better quality of food and service.

By JR

July 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

I can’t say which is the best place to eat because there are so many of them but I can tell you were I got the worst meal I have ever had. Greenwood on Green Street in Roswell. The slop they sell isn’t fit for hogs and it sure isn’t southern!

By M. R. Biggins

July 4, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Buckner’s at I-75 and S.R. 36 near Jackson. Best fried chicken in the south.

By J

July 4, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

The Farmer’s Market Restaurant in Thomasville, GA. Buffet Style and the vegetables always fresh.

By Heather

July 4, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Okay Cafe!!

By tallytownbravesfan

July 4, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

J

You beat me to the punch, I was going to mention the Farmers market also, as far as fresh, country buffet style food, nothing in Tallahassee can compare. You will notice that most of the license plates at the resteraunt are Leon county plates…

I don’t know much about the ATL’s best. Went to Sprayberry’s because Grizzard always talked about it..Didn’t like it, thought the service was arrogant and poor, food just average.

Is this the most popular, or the best food..Anyone going to Atlanta has to go to the Varsity just to say you’ve been.

Same with the Dillard House in North Georgia. Service has changed tremendously over the last few years. Today it is getting by strictly on reputation (although I do like the to go boxes now……)

By agdawg

July 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Swainsboro The Coleman House Wrightsville Nana’s Kitchen Eastman Shug’s BBQ Hawkinsville The Steak House McRae Cedar Lane Uvalda Benton Lee’s Try these outside of Atlanta!

By MARK

July 4, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Locals avoid Lady and Sons like the plague, totally a tourist trap. The food was much better ten to fifteen years ago.

Breakfast Club on Tybee is still there and the best place for breakfast.

Benton Lee’s burned down a few years ago, but is now open under new management, have not had the chance to try it out yet, but I hear it is even better than before.

Blue Willow has always been a family favorite.

Thge Buccaneer is a great place for seafood and worth the drive from Savannah

By Noelle

July 4, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Edward and others - I have never had anything @ Varsity that I liked. I do agree that Blue Willow Inn and Mary Mac’s are GREAT. I see some others on here that I can’t wait to try.

By Michael

July 4, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Coleman House Inn In Swainsboro, Ga. and Stinson’s Barbeque in Lumber City, Ga.

By remy

July 4, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Frankie’s Italian Restaurant in Canton and Woodstock.

By savhlady

July 7, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Coleman Lake Midville, Georgia has the best crab legs anywhere.

Dye’s Fish Camp Louisville, GA hands down has the best fried shrimp I’ve ever eaten.

Zeb’s BBQ Danielsville, GA has the best stew. I grew up on it!

By Martha

July 7, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

There was a restaurant in Tifton a year or so ago, The Venice Grill. Was GREAT Italian seafood…very unusual for South Georgia. Naturally, the townfolk didn’t support it and it is no longer there. However, Huddle House, McDonald’s, etc., etc., are still churning out the gut-busters.

By scott

July 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

the cajun depot in ellijay has about the best etoufee i have ever tasted.

By MountainDawg

July 7, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

BBQ Street in Kennesaw, Williamson Brothers in Marietta & Canton, The Varisity (used to be much better, but still a mainstay) & Henry’s Cajun Kitchen in downtown Acworth. I don’t know if it’s still there but Charlie Williams Pinecrest Lodge in Athens.

By sharon

July 7, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

It’s not so much that the Varsity has good food, it’s just one of those places that’s fun to go to especially during football season. Regardless, it is a Georgia landmark. Where is the Smith House?

By Harley

July 7, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

The HomeComing Resturant in Thomasville is the best in the South.

Blue’s B-B-Q in Kingsland is the best I’ve eaten.

By scott

July 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

were it ice cream a nut brown crown at zesto’s would be at the top of my list

By Another South Georgian

July 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

OK, you folks from Southeast Georgia, how about The Crab Trap on St. Simons, with shrimp right off the boat (and a hole in the middle of the table for your tails and shells)?

Also, at the Catfish House in Douglas (my hometown, BTW), when we visit my teenage boys gobble up the hushpuppies with fresh Vidalia onions until the catfish and cheese grits arrive. Yum!

By foodie

July 10, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

The Friday Nite Fish Fry, Governors Harbour Eleuthera Bahamas, Jay can make a mean conch salad. When not down there I have to settle for Six Feet Under which is delish as well!

By Sarah

July 15, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Williams Seafood on the way to Tybee Island in Savannah may be gone, but they are not forgotten! The Crab Shack is pretty good too for the seafood lovers down on the coast.

Oh, and Johnny Harris’ is about the worst food I’ve ever had in Savannah!

By em

July 16, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

The Grit in Athens, Frankie’s Restaurant in Rockmart, Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, and Farm 255 in Athens

By carlos

February 4, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Does anyone have a receipe for the Brown Cocktail sauce that was served at William’s Seafood ?