Food & Drink

We asked and you answered. Here are the Macon restaurants you would bring back if you could.

A “Sorry Closed” sign hangs on the door of the Steak n’ Shake on Tom Hill Sr. Blvd. The restaurant closed in 2017.
A “Sorry Closed” sign hangs on the door of the Steak n’ Shake on Tom Hill Sr. Blvd. The restaurant closed in 2017. lfabian@macon.com

A couple weeks ago, we asked you which now closed Macon restaurant you missed and would bring back if you could.

You know, the restaurant where you had your first milkshake, first date or where you and your family would go every Sunday.

Well, we’ve got your top answers. Here are the most missed Macon restaurants:

Len Berg’s in downtown Macon

Len Berg’s was famous for their HMFPIC (Homemade Fresh Peach Ice Cream), which many of you say you still miss.

Len Berg’s also has a special place in the heart’s of Maconites, as Charla Ivey said, “My husband of 37 years took me there for our first date.”

Other locals miss menu favorites like the chef salad, bacon-wrapped filet and macaroon pie.

Greek Corner Pizza on Vineville

A fire burned down the Greek Corner Pizza at 3267 Vineville Ave. in December, 2021. Maconites still miss it.
A fire burned down the Greek Corner Pizza at 3267 Vineville Ave. in December, 2021. Maconites still miss it. Jason Vorhees jvorhees@macon.com

A fire last December destroyed Maconite favorite Greek Corner Pizza. “The Greek Chicken Pita and fries were my go-to each week,” said Resa Taylor.

Merry Fort also wrote, “Best pizza and great happy hour.”

Other users wrote that they loved the fresh salads, gyros and other Greek plates.

Once again, first date’s take the cake — or slice in this case. “It was the place of our first date (for my husband and me),” said Susan Bray.

Steak and Shake on Tom Hill

A “Sorry Closed” sign hangs on the door of the Steak n’ Shake on Tom Hill Sr. Blvd. The restaurant closed in 2017.
A “Sorry Closed” sign hangs on the door of the Steak n’ Shake on Tom Hill Sr. Blvd. The restaurant closed in 2017. Liz Fabian lfabian@macon.com


Steak and Shake was a Macon favorite, but was replaced by Cookout several years ago.

Steak and Shake had “the best burgers and shakes,” according to Maconite, Claire.

Other favorites at this missed restaurant include the fries, chili and onion rings.

The Green Jacket in downtown Macon

Green Jacket
Green Jacket Telegraph file photo

For the second time, The Green Jacket has made the Telegraph’s list of most missed restaurants. According to Macon local, Trey, The Green Jacket “was a nice yet reasonably priced restaurant that young and old could enjoy for a night out.”

This restaurant has several favorites, including the prime rib and the salad bar featuring its signature salad dressing, but what do you miss the most? The restaurant’s great service, as Terrell Hudson said.

El Camino in downtown Macon

Menu choices at El Camino Taqueria and Cantina included a variety of tacos, from left, the Laredo, Good Shepherd, Ranchero and Rally Sport. Served with them was Mexican sweet corn.
Menu choices at El Camino Taqueria and Cantina included a variety of tacos, from left, the Laredo, Good Shepherd, Ranchero and Rally Sport. Served with them was Mexican sweet corn. Jason Vorhees jvorhees@macon.com

The El Camino was part of the Macon landscape from 2016 to 2018 and left a lasting impression for many.

“The food was bomb,” said Colby Gandy.

Simple as that. Others wrote how great the tacos were and we can’t forget: the tequila.

Didn’t get to take the survey? Comment here and let us know which Macon restaurant you would bring back if you could.

This story was originally published June 23, 2022 at 5:00 AM.

Chelsea Madden
The Telegraph
Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.
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