10 restaurants worth the drive
There are countless restaurants in Macon and Warner Robins, but sometimes hometown nosh just won’t do. Here are 10 restaurants that are worth the drive out of town.
1. The Silver Skillet (Atlanta): The Silver Skillet has had some of the most powerful and influential people walk through their doors (former Gov. Sonny Perdue is a frequent customer). It is more than just a restaurant: it is an institution. The Silver Skillet has some of the best country ham and red-eye gravy to go alongside its famous biscuits. At this point it could pass for a historic landmark with some of the best food in the state.
2. Taqueria del Sol (Atlanta, Athens and Decatur): This is one of the state’s best place to grab a cheap bite to eat. It offers $2 tacos with fresh ingredients and something to fit all Mexican food lovers’ needs. From veggie tacos to brisket enchiladas, you’ll find diverse ingredients that you rarely see at a taco place.
3. Buckner’s Family Restaurant (Jackson): If you enjoy down-home Southern food then this is the place to go. Buckner’s is an all-you-can eat comfort food restaurant, but rather than having to deal with an awful buffet line, the food is served on a lazy Susan. Whatever you do, do not let their peach cobbler spin past you.
4. Whistle Stop Cafe (Juliette): Good food and a fun tourist attraction land the Whistle Stop Cafe on our list. When Fannie Flagg’s book, “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,” was made into a movie in 1991, it was was filmed at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette. Fans of the film may stop by for a photo, but the locals know that for a plate of country cooking and an order of fried green tomatoes, this is the place to go.
5. Four Winds Restaurant (Cusseta): The Four Winds Restaurant is home to the famous “Ranger Burger” named for the U.S. Army Rangers. Located near Fort Benning, the burgers served here are big enough to serve an Army-sized appetite. The classic Ranger Burger is served with double bacon and double cheese. For more adventurous eaters, the Deep Sea Diver adds mozzarella sticks and fried pickles to a burger.
6. Yoder’s Deitsch Haus (Montezuma): Set up similar to S&S and other cafeteria-style restaurants, Yoder’s is a comfort food place with some great fried chicken and roast beef. While its food is great, the bakery catapults Yoder’s from good to great. Its homemade cakes, pies, doughnuts and different types of bread will make you ditch your diet and learn to love carbs again.
7. Cypress Street Pint and Plate (Atlanta): The Doughnut Burger and a pint of your favorite beer is the selling point here. The novelty of having a hamburger between two doughnuts is something special for those who think they’ve seen it all when it comes to burgers. Cypress Street’s creativity isn’t limited to burgers. It’s jerk salmon is an unexpected delight.
8. Big Pie in the Sky Pizza (Kennesaw): This pizza place is known for its famous “Carnivore Challenge” seen on TV shows like “Man v. Food.” It offers diners the chance to win $250 if they and a friend can eat the entire extra large Meat Lovers Pizza in one hour. This task is not for the weak, as the slices of pizza are bigger than some small pizzas. The extra large pie is 30” and is said to be able to feed eight to 10 people, so good luck with that.
9. Southern Soul BBQ (St. Simons Island): Georgia has a ton of great BBQ joints. The Southern Soul BBQ restaurant offers the standard fare that you might find at a local eatery, but what sets it apart (and puts it on this list) is its innovative use of cuts of meat. The innovation can be seen in its brisket burnt ends and brisket chili.
10. Clocked (Athens): It is like an old school American diner with lots of things to choose from. Burgers and frankfurters are popular options at this hang out. One thing that may get overlooked though, is its unexpected take on the classic grilled cheese. It is a fun atmosphere and worth taking a day trip to Bulldog country.
This story was originally published October 24, 2016 at 12:10 PM with the headline "10 restaurants worth the drive."