As someone who has spent most of my life split between Georgia’s capital city and the coast, Macon is usually the halfway point on my road trips.
An easy exit from Interstate 75, the Macon outpost of Fresh Air Bar-B-Que has long been one of my family’s favorite pit stops (pun intended) for a quick bite when driving between Savannah and Atlanta. We would stretch our legs while filling up on chopped pork sandwiches, ice-cold Coca-Colas, cups of Brunswick Stew, and slices of pie.
But in more recent years, especially after I married a man from Middle Georgia, Macon has become a destination in its own right. Now, whenever my husband and I are in the area, we make a point to visit a new bar or restaurant that has opened in the city’s historic downtown or near Mercer University’s scenic campus.
Here, I’ve rounded up my favorite destinations to enjoy a taste of both the city’s soulful history and modern energy, plus a few places I’m heading on my next stop.
H&H Soul Food Restaurant
If you’ve come to Macon with a hankering for classic Southern food, look no further than H&H. Founded in 1959 by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, this iconic meat-and-three is known just as much for its fried chicken, collard greens, and pork chops as its connection to the Allman Brothers Band. The Southern rockers were famously frequent visitors and developed a life-long friendship with “Mama Louise,” who even joined the band on their tour bus in 1972.
Today, H&H remains a local favorite as well as a must-stop lunch destination for fans who tour The Big House—the Allmans’ former residence that has been preserved as a museum. While you’re in the neighborhood, pop into locally owned Rabbit Hole, a sweet shop for artisan goods, and MD Exchange, a curated antique store, located next door.
The Society Garden
Macon’s deep musical roots continue to blossom at The Society Garden. Located in Macon’s hip Ingleside Village, this funky outdoor beer garden and wine market is a popular spot for live music and people-watching with a capacity for up to 500. Cool off with a frozen cocktail slushie or choose from one of nearly 100 craft beers in the cooler, then grab a bite from a food truck, order pizza from Ingleside Village Pizza, or indulge in El Amigo during “Trivia & Tacos” on Thursday nights.
An apropos mural of Macon’s own Little Richard—aka the “Architect of Rock ‘N’ Roll”—holds court over the festivities. Tip: check the calendar before you go, so you don’t miss out on ticketed events like Dolly Parton Day (costumes encouraged).
Ingleside Village Pizza
Ingleside Village Pizza dates back to the early 1990s, and the nostalgic interiors will make you feel like picking up a VHS from Blockbuster on the way home. A menagerie of colorful string lights, neon signs, disco balls, and folk art fills nearly every inch of the brick walls. At the counter, regulars order New York-style pizzas by the pie or slice, plus breadsticks, salads, and sub sandwiches to dine in or carry out.
Macon Bagels
Founded in 2021 by Lauren Bone and Patrick Rademaker, Macon Bagels is the place to be on weekend mornings. Before the doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, there is already a line down the block with people of all ages waiting to get inside for hand-rolled bagels and rotating pastries, like Saag Paneer scones. Flavored cream cheeses, like honey pecan and carmelized onion, nod to Georgia staples. The menu also includes breakfast sandwiches, and the interior offers tables to chow down while admiring the building’s historic architecture.
Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen
Macon’s signature brand of laid-back vibes continues at Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen. Led by Brian Whitley and Richie Jones, this circa-2017, family-friendly brewpub is a welcoming spot, whether you’re dining solo at the bar, catching a game on TV, or gathering with a large group. The menu offers above-average bar snacks, like grit fritters and bánh mì sandwiches made with pork belly or beef brisket, plus hearty brunches on Sunday mornings. Expect handcrafted beers on tap, like the refreshing “Good Vibrations” Tangerine Golden Ale or the robust “Midnight Rider,” a dark porter inspired by the Allman Brothers Band’s hit song.
Longleaf Distillery
A newer addition to downtown Macon, Longleaf Distillery opened in 2023 and quickly made a name for itself for its award-winning spirits and craft cocktails, like the Evergreen Alpine Liqueur that serves as a solid, homegrown substitute for elusive Chartreuse. A menu of small plates is designed to pair with cocktails sold on site using the strong lineup of house spirits. Much more than a well-designed bar and community gathering space, Longleaf Distillery founders Will Robinson and David Thompson are also on a mission to restore the Southeast’s longleaf pine tree forests, which have been over-harvested for homesteading and ship-building. For every bottle sold, the distillery pledges to plant a longleaf tree, helping to restore a lost ecosystem, support local farmers, and improve air quality.
Oliver’s Corner Bistro
Located at the corner of Poplar and 2nd Street, Oliver’s facade has recently undergone a glow-up with sleek black-and-gold lettering that better reflects the high-quality food happening inside this family-owned and operated restaurant. Led by executive chef Matthew Hammock and executive sous chef Jared Turner, plates of fresh-made pasta and fresh produce from local farms make Oliver’s a sought-after spot for date nights, birthday celebrations, and other special occasions. Tip: Make reservations in advance, as seats in this petite bistro fill up quickly.
Yollah Social Kitchen + Garden
Drive down College Street and you can’t miss Yollah’s cheerful exterior, complete with bistro lights, galvanized tubs overflowing with plants, and a guitar mural painted on the side of the white building. The warm atmosphere and attention to detail continue in the kitchen, where the focus is on Latin flavors—think empanadas, chilaquiles, Cuban sandwiches, and buñuelos. True to the name, a sun-lit backyard, complete with a campfire and outdoor seating, doubles as an event space. I see a brunch here in my future.
Dovetail
On historic Cherry Street, plenty of folks are familiar with The Rookery, Macon’s go-to pub for juicy burgers, cold beers, and milkshakes since Jimmy Carter was in the White House. Fewer folks, however, have ventured upstairs to Dovetail, where elegant takes on modern Southern cuisine shine. The addition opened in 2012 from Wes Griffith’s Moonhanger Group, one of the city’s preeminent hospitality groups, and has received no shortage of stellar praise from my friends and family as well as from media outlets across the South. Behind the bar at Dovetail, patrons can find a fine selection of bourbons and wines. A solid list of non-alcoholic cocktails and beers is also on offer.
Natalia’s
When the cravings for martinis and red sauce hit, Natalia’s beckons. Originally established in 1984 by Italian expat Natalia del Basso Orsini, this Macon mainstay has served generations of families in a beautifully transportive setting. Today, the namesake’s legacy continues under the purview of the Moonhanger Group, with contemporary additions like tuna tartare, carpaccio, dover sole, and rigatoni with fennel pollen, served alongside the old-world classics like bolognese lasagna and spaghetti pomodoro. Gluten-free pastas are available upon request, and be sure to leave room for tiramisu.
Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails
Mercer University alumnus and service industry pro, Chelsea Hughes, opened Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails in March 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, she persisted. In the past five years, Kinjo has become one of the buzziest places to dine in downtown Macon, and not just because of the expert cocktails. The menu marries together Southern comfort with Asian-inspired flavors, with popular dishes such as curry chicken ramen, hoisin duck, and bulgogi lettuce wraps—just to name a few. The kitchen stays open until 9:30 p.m. so patrons of the Macon Little Theatre can enjoy a post-show snack; small plates are 20% off with proof of a ticket. After dinner, in-the-know locals relocate downstairs to the basement speakeasy, Black Cat Liquor, where the bar stays open until midnight on Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Monkey’s Paw Tiki Lounge
Thanks to Macon’s walkable streets, patrons can continue the progressive cocktail party with a tropical detour. The Monkey’s Paw is a rum bar specializing in handcrafted Tiki cocktails—both classics and creative renditions by owners Tony and Ashley Doolin—on Thursday through Saturday evenings. Reservations are limited to one hour, making the colorful lounge a great place to stop before or after dinner downtown.
The Man Upstairs
The third speakeasy to join downtown’s burgeoning craft cocktail scene, The Man Upstairs is housed above Downtown Grill. Since debuting last year, the bar is leading the way, with an emphasis on no-waste production, with everything from bitters to homemade liqueurs made from scratch. Driven by a desire to educate and entertain as much as to imbibe, the cocktails here highlight old-school recipes and spirits, like Genever, Batavia Arrack, Kirschwasser, and Himbeergeist, among others. These pros even hand-cut the ice in each glass.
Jim Shaw’s Seafood Grill
A Macon food tour isn’t complete without a stop at Jim Shaw’s. Many Maconites enthusiastically endorse this casual seafood shack that has been a local tradition since 1987. Known for its fresh catch and timeless Southern fare, seating is first-come, first-served, giving diners a chance to mingle with their neighbors while they wait. Daily specials are handwritten on a roll of brown Kraft paper that hangs behind the bar, but it’s the consistent, come-as-you-are hospitality that keeps people coming back.
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This article is presented in partnership with Visit Macon.
