Food & Drink

Three new, unique spots in Middle Georgia to check out over the holidays

Three new and unique spots are now open in Middle Georgia. Collage created by combining three photos taken by The Telegraph’s visual journalist Katie Tucker.
Three new and unique spots are now open in Middle Georgia. Collage created by combining three photos taken by The Telegraph’s visual journalist Katie Tucker. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

Looking for something new and unique to try in Middle Georgia? How about a hand-crafted cocktail at a fully immersive theme bar decked out for the holidays?

Or what about a prosciutto & mozzarella paninian for lunch at an authentic Italian market where imported goods such as pastas, sauces and olive oils are sold?

Another option is a Victorian-themed cafe and confectionery serving baked goods, sandwiches, salads and more in a whimsical setting of animals wearing cake-themed hats and other unique decor.

Here’s a quick look at all three of these new spots:

Christmas decorations hang inside of Switch Macon for their “Blitzen A Holiday Bar” theme, on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. The new bar will rotate through five seasonal themes throughout the year.
Christmas decorations hang inside of Switch Macon for their “Blitzen A Holiday Bar” theme, on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. The new bar will rotate through five seasonal themes throughout the year. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

Switch Macon, a theme bar

Head to 470 1st St. in downtown Macon for “cocktails, good vibes and over the top decorations” matching the current holiday theme.

Chasen Smith and Jordan Kirksey of Macon Drinks, a bar tending service for special events and venues in Middle Georgia, are behind the new bar that switches themes to match five holiday seasons.

“Blitzen A Holiday Bar” is the current theme offering a winter wonderland in which guests can enjoy seasonal and classic drinks by the Macon Drinks team of professional bartenders. Among the seasonal drinks are a Gingerbread Espresso Martini, Cousin Eddie’s Eggnog and a Mistletoe Margarita.

The brick and mortar bar got its start as a holiday pop-up bar.

Hours are 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday, then 4:30 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Switch Macon is closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are recommended.

Ciao Bella Market can be found on the first floor of The Chalet Lofts on Northside Drive in downtown Perry. The market sells authentic Italian products such as sauces and pastas, deli sandwiches and beverages.
Ciao Bella Market can be found on the first floor of The Chalet Lofts on Northside Drive in downtown Perry. The market sells authentic Italian products such as sauces and pastas, deli sandwiches and beverages. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

Ciao Bella Market

Find a taste of Italy at this authentic Italian market at 1013 Northside Drive, Suite 102, on the first floor of The Chalet Lofts in downtown Perry.

Curated by the owners, husband and wife team, Daniele and Telisa Asaro, the market offers imported pantry goods, artisanal cheeses and cured meats, gifts, and home goods.

The market also serves up Italian baked goods, sandwiches, espresso, and soft drinks for dining in at a few tables inside and on the patio or to take home or on a picnic.

Additionally, the Ciao Bella Market offers classes such as pasta making. Sign up for the mailing list to learn about classes as they are announced.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The market is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The number is 478- 224-2426.

Whimsical decorations, including animals in hats and a painted grandfather clock, sit inside of the new Mad Hatter Cafe & Confections in Warner Robins. Most of the decor inside of the Victorian themed cafe was created or redesigned by the Saunders.
Whimsical decorations, including animals in hats and a painted grandfather clock, sit inside of the new Mad Hatter Cafe & Confections in Warner Robins. Most of the decor inside of the Victorian themed cafe was created or redesigned by the Saunders. Katie Tucker The Telegraph

Mad Hatter Cafe & Confections

Step into whimsy at this Victorian-themed cafe and confectionery at 85 Ga. 247 in Warner Robins across from Robins Air Force Base.

Inspired in part by the quirkiness and uniqueness found in the pages of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” this unique spot serves up lunch, snacks, coffee, handcrafted fizzes, ice cream and house-made desserts.

The cafe and confectionery is brought to you by Jennifer Saunders, who has a passion for making hats and is experienced in set dressing, and her daughters, Drake and Sage, who have a background in the restaurant industry.

Mad Hatter Cafe & Confections offers a treat for the eyes in addition to high-quality food for dining in or carrying out. Don’t be surprised to find a moose head smoking an ice cream pipe or upside down cake chandeliers.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Mad Hatter Cafe & Confections is closed Saturday and Monday.

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Becky Purser
The Telegraph
478-256-9559
Becky covers new restaurants, businesses and developments with some general assignment reporting in Warner Robins and the rest of Houston County. She’s a career journalist with ties to Warner Robins. Her late father retired at Robins Air Force Base. She moved back to Warner Robins in 2000. Support my work with a digital subscription
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