10 Must-Try Dishes This Local Loves

As I travel the state from the Georgia mountains to the coast, I’m always looking for great flavors. There are so many delicious places to eat in Georgia, narrowing my favorite dishes down to 10 was hard work! I changed my mind a time or two (and maybe will again), but below you’ll find 10 plates this local loves.

What are your favorite dishes in Georgia? As you’re out exploring, tell everyone where to find great tastes with #GeorgiaEats!

1. Poutine at The General Muir, Atlanta. Thick chicken gravy poured over hand-cut french fries, topped with chunks of housemade pastrami, cheese curds, and fresh parsley makes Poutine at The General Muir, Emory Point, a treat any day of the week – but especially good for Sunday brunch.

   
   

2. Red Snapper at The Grey, Savannah. Woodfire-grilled Red Snapper at The Grey is a fish lover’s dream come true! The entire fish is grilled, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and served with grilled orange wedges.

   
   

   Photo courtesy of Eric C., Yelp

3. Buttermilk Pie at The Yesterday Café, Greensboro. Buttermilk Pie is worth the drive to Greensboro. A light flaky crust surrounds a rich custard filling that reminds me of my grandmother’s best holiday pies.

   
   

   Photo courtesy of The Yesterday Cafe

4. Chili Dogs at Nu-Way Wieners, Macon. Nu-Way Wieners is my all-time favorite place for chili dogs. Steamed buns, flat-top grilled hot dogs covered in beef chili, chopped onions, and mustard … or cheese sauce … or coleslaw. There is no wrong way to eat a Nu-Way Wiener.

   
   

   Photo courtesy of Serious Eats

5. The Whole Nine at Thompson Brother’s BBQ, Smyrna. Slow, hickory wood-smoked meats are what makes Thompson Brother’s BBQ a cut above other barbecue restaurants. The Whole Nine is a sampling of chopped brisket, spare ribs, beef sausage and bologna (yes, bologna).

   
   

   Photo by Burgers, Barbecue and Everything Else

6. Chorizo and Lengua Tacos at Sr. Sol Mexican Restaurant, Athens. Sr. Sol Mexican Restaurant makes a mean Skinny Margarita and possibly the best Chorizo and Lengua Tacos. Fresh and authentic, these tacos are served garnished simply with onion, minced cilantro and wedges of fresh lime.

   
   

   Photo courtesy of Tasty Share

7. The Dirty South at One Flew South, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Chances are you’ll have a flight that goes through Atlanta’s airport at some point in your life. If that’s the case, I suggest you add a couple of hours to your layover and enjoy some international cuisine right here in Georgia. Try this open face meatloaf sandwich. It’s served on Texas toast with pimento cheese, Benton’s bacon, balsamic barbecue sauce and finished off with an over-easy egg.

   
   

   The Dirty South at One Flew South

8. 20 oz Cowboy Ribeye at Rathbun’s, Atlanta. The 20-ounce bone-in Ribeye is a steak lover’s dream, and Rathbun’s makes this dream come true. It’s cooked any way you want it (I recommend medium-rare) and served with blue cheese butter and onion rings. In a word, outstanding.

   
   

   Kevin Rathbun's Steak

9. Fried Shrimp & Fries Basket at Tubby’s Tank House, Savannah. This is not fancy, pretentious or overpriced. It is, however, a paper-lined basket full of Georgia shrimp, dredged in seasoned flour, and cooked to golden brown perfection.

   
   

10. Bratwurst Gravy & Biscuits at Hofer’s Bakery & Café, Helen. Bratwurst Gravy & Biscuits are a breakfast must at Hofer’s Bakery & Café. Nuremberg-style bratwursts are cooked into a creamy gravy and poured over hot buttermilk biscuits. Add a cup of strong German coffee, and your day will be off to a great start.

    
    

    Photo courtesy of Stella on Yelp