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These are the 15 best Macon restaurants, according to the composite rankings

best restaurants in Macon, Macon restaurants, best restaurants in Macon ga

EDITOR’S NOTE: A link to an article explaining our “points system” is at the bottom. Keep in mind that “total points” isn’t a grade or a restaurant review. All of the restaurants on this list are highly-recommended on the different review sites.

Macon’s dining scene nowadays revolves around downtown, a far cry from 30 or 40 years ago, when downtown Macon was in pretty feeble shape, its obituary already half-written.

Indeed, all the tale-tale signs of a downtown boom are there in Macon. A new loft apartment project seemingly is announced every other week. Downtown parking, or a lack thereof, is becoming a common topic at local government meetings, which is obviously a good problem for a city to have. With increased traffic, of course, comes increased dining options. Here are the restaurants that rank tops, according to RankingGeorgia’s nifty composite poll:

1. Dovetail

  • TOTAL POINTS: 98
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: one of the few Macon restaurants where you need reservations; upstairs from The Rookery; feels classic and timeless; farm-to-table; menu has strong southern roots; somewhat pricey by Middle Georgia standards
  • LOCATION: 543 Cherry Street, Macon, Ga., 31021
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  No
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Dovetail is the showpiece restaurant of The Moonhanger Group. It wouldn’t be embellishing to say that Moonhanger has transformed Macon’s dining scene in the last dozen or so years.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Located in the center of a re-emerging downtown district, Dovetail serves uniquely crafted, southern cuisine. With dishes inspired by seasonal availability and traditional southern fare, our chefs use their expertise to highlight character and flavor, creating an experience that is familiar to any southern dinner table, yet re-imagined in a rustic and sophisticated dining room that speaks to the strong agrarian history of Georgia.”

2. The Rookery

  • TOTAL POINTS: 95
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: downstairs from Dovetail; really creative and popular burgers (like the one in the very top photo; sells old-fashioned milkshakes, but also sells a lot of beer and liquor drinks; has a rock and roll feel
  • LOCATION: 543 Cherry Street, Macon, Ga, 31021
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: The Rookery is directly below Dovetail, both in terms of its actual location as well as its placement in this blog article. The Rookery was Moonhanger’s first venture in Macon, and the old place has been successfully resuscitated and is now moving extremely well.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Today the Rookery bustles on, serving Allman Burgers and Jimmy Carter shakes to Maconites and travelers from far and wide…The Rookery’s dining area, outside patio, and renowned bar are always bustling with satisfied patrons. Other noteworthy features are the onion rings, hand-cut fries, milkshakes, and extensive craft beer list. The Rookery does not accept reservations.”

3. Kudzu Seafood Company

  • TOTAL POINTS: 82
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: taste of New Orleans; casual; laid back; good place to have a drink
  • LOCATION: 512 Poplar Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Sunday and Monday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: The Wheelhouse Bar, located on the roof of the building, operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is open for food and drinks.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “From the Deltas of L.A. (Lower Alabama) Lee Clack and his wife, Kelley Wrigley, a Macon native, have brought the tastes of the Gulf Coast to Historic Downtown Macon. Kudzu Seafood Company is authentic Gulf coast seafood. We make all of our breading, season blends, and sauces in house. We even bring our Po’ Boy bread in from Gambino’s in Louisiana. Sit back and enjoy a cold beer, some hot seafood and imagine you are on a beach in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana.”

4. Oliver's Corner Bistro

  • TOTAL POINTS: 78
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: diverse menu; farm-to-table; expansive bar; feels upscale without the super upscale prices
  • LOCATION: 496 Poplar Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes (brunch also on the weekends)
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Monday
  • Menus and More
  • RANDOM: One of the few Macon restaurants with an Open Table listing
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Upscale, quality food meets welcoming, friendly service and a comfortable environment. Perfect for date night or families.”

5. Downtown Grill

  • TOTAL POINTS: 66
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: English-style steakhouse; big-city vibe; located in an alley, but not in a sketchy way
  • LOCATION: 572 Mulberry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Obviously
  • LUNCH?  No
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Sunday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Downtown Grill has a cigar bar area and a large wine and bourbon list.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “The Downtown Grill is an English Steakhouse that specializes in prime cut Black Angus steaks, fresh pasta dishes, fish filets and decadent desserts. This fine dining restaurant also features a well stocked bar that includes a vast array of scotches and bourbons.”

6. Jim Shaw's Seafood

  • TOTAL POINTS: 61
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: Vineville area; old-school seafood place that you’d take your grandma to when granny feels like eating good and balling out.
  • LOCATION: 3040 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  No
  • LUNCH?  No
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Sunday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Jim Shaw’s has remained very popular with old and young alike for a number of years.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Welcome to Jim Shaw’s Seafood Restaurant & Grill, serving affordable fresh seafood in a friendly and welcoming setting. Voted the most delicious seafood restaurant in Macon, Georgia! We operate on a first-come first-served basis. No Reservations accepted.”

7. Ocmulgee Brewpub

  • TOTAL POINTS: 46
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: craft beers; gourmet burgers; popular with the outdoors crowd
  • LOCATION: 484 Second Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Sunday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Very large selection of beers
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “We curate the best brews, gourmet burgers, super food salads and hand cut fries in town, served by friendly & knowledgeable staff.”

8. Parish on Cherry

  • TOTAL POINTS: 36 points
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS:  creole/cajun; vibrant atmosphere; live music; also a very solid weekend brunch option
  • LOCATION: 580 Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes (and also brunch on the weekends)
  • DAYS CLOSED:  None
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Definitely at least think about trying out the fried frog legs, pictured directly above.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “A Creole/Cajun restaurant offering your favorite Louisiana dishes along with a great atmosphere in the heart of downtown Macon, GA.”

9. H&H Restaurant

  • TOTAL POINTS: 33
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: meat-and-three; soul food; iconic; the “Allman Brothers restaurant” 
  • LOCATION: 807 Forsyth Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes (weekday breakfast and weekend brunch, also)
  • DAYS CLOSED:  None
  • https://www.handhsoulfood.com
  • RANDOM: Another Moonhangar Group spot on the list, H&H has won numerous awards over the years, including “one of the top five meat and three joints” by the Wall Street Journal and “Georgia’s Most Iconic Restaurant” by Thrillist.com.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Founded in 1959 by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, H&H Restaurant is a Macon institution – woven into the fabric of Macon’s history. H&H has kept Macon’s most diverse clientele well-fed with delicious, stick-to-ya-ribs soul food and is most famous for its founders’ unique friendship with the Allman Brothers Band…H&H was closed for a little while after Mama Hill passed on, but on August 13, 2014, the Moonhanger Group reopened the historic restaurant in cooperation with Mama Louise.”

10. Medi's Mediterranean Fusion

  • TOTAL POINTS: 31
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: convenient; Mediterranean and South Asian fusion; strip mall; off the interstate
  • LOCATION: 1687 Bass Road, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  No
  • LUNCH?  Yes
  • DAYS CLOSED:  None
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Medi’s is the first “north Macon” restaurant to appear on the list.

11. 3rd & Cherry

  • TOTAL POINTS: 29
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: definitely has mofongo and other Caribbean dishes, but mostly focuses on steak and seafood; Middle Georgia upscale
  • LOCATION: 379 Third Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Yes
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Mondays
  • RANDOM: 3rd & Cherry is one of downtown’s newest dining options and a fast riser on the different review platforms.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Everything is made from scratch using high-end, local ingredients. Prepared to Perfection.”

12. Chico & Chang

  • TOTAL POINTS: 26
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: Korean and Mexican fusion; right off Interstate 75
  • LOCATION: 3850 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  No
  • LUNCH?  Yes 
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Mondays
  • RANDOM: Chico & Chang received a very nice recognition in 2019, when the restaurant was named as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States for 2019.

13. La Parrilla

  • TOTAL POINTS: 23
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: located in “the new Macon Mall” in north Macon; standard chips and salsa/margarita Mexican restaurant, but really good
  • LOCATION: 3850 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  No
  • LUNCH?  Yes 
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Monday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Mexican restaurants have difficulty scoring high on Google, Yelp and TripAdvisor, for whatever reasons. La Parrilla managed to pull it off, so it must be good.

13. Famous Mike's

  • TOTAL POINTS: 23
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: welcoming; diverse menu; vegetarian friendly
  • LOCATION: 3850 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  No
  • LUNCH?  No 
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Monday
  • RANDOM: This place doesn’t have a website.

15. Fall Line Brewing

  • TOTAL POINTS: 21
  • OFT USED DESCRIPTIONS: taproom; plenty of space, indoor and outdoor; burgers and sandwiches
  • LOCATION: 567 Plum Street, Macon, Georgia 31201
  • DOWNTOWN?  Yes
  • LUNCH?  Only on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays 
  • DAYS CLOSED:  Monday
  • Menu and More
  • RANDOM: Fall Line Brewing definitely is one of the most popular brands of craft beer in its part of Georgia.
  • STRAIGHT FROM THE RESTAURANT’S MOUTH: “Fall Line Brewing Co. is a brewery located in downtown Macon, GA. Our customers are the reason we do what we do. They’re creative, adventurous, passionate, and kind. At Fall Line we strive to make good beer for good people!”

WONK ALERT: If you’re wondering what “total points” means and how we narrowed down our list, HERE IS A LINK to a relatively comprehensive article about our methodology. Also, feel free to get to know more about our three super-talented and knowledgeable restaurant rankers – Google, Trip Advisor and Yelp!

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