These are the 19 best meals I ate in Middle Georgia in 2019

I’ve lived my entire life here in Middle Georgia, but over the last year I went on a mission to try some of the best food the area has to offer.

I chose a variety — local institutions, newly opened restaurants and some off the beaten path.

Many of them were featured in The Telegraph’s Foodie Friday series, and a few others I have come across around town or at a local shop. They are grouped by entree, dessert and specialty items, and they’re not ranked by preference.

A few are listed for the memories they bring back, and others simply taste amazing.

To mark the end of the year, here are my 19 favorite dishes of 2019:

Entrees

Shaun Oakley biscuit at Famous Mikes

After shooting our Foodie Friday here early in the week, I returned for a breakfast to try this biscuit that Mike Seekins, the owner, had been telling me about for a while. I am glad I did. The biscuit is loaded with brisket and drenched in sausage gravy. It is quite possibly one of the best flavor combinations this earth has ever seen.

Sausage dog at Phatboy’z Smokehouse

I often tell people I have the best job in the world. I get to cover my two favorite things: food and sports. Occasionally, those overlap. This year, Phatboy’z has been coming to high school football games on Friday nights. These sausage dogs are massive and loaded with peppers and onions. It was easily my favorite meal this year while covering football.

Pork medallions at M&T Meats

I went down to Hawkinsville to do a feature on this meat empire that Phil Mathis has built. They ship cases of sausage to the likes of Morgan Freeman. After watching them wrap pork medallions in bacon, I had to buy a couple packs to take home. I tossed them on the grill before my usual Sunday ritual of watching football. It had so much flavor with the bacon and tender pork.

Shrimp at The Steakhouse

I got lost on my first trip to this eatery. But those shrimp were calling my name like a beacon when I returned. They have some of the tastiest batter that clings to the outside of the shrimp. The portion size is large and this is my go-to restaurant when I am craving shrimp.

Cuban sandwich at 3 Countries

On my trips to see my family in South Florida, my grandma or my cousin Brent would take me to grab a Cuban from the corner store. This is the closest thing to that in Middle Georgia, and it makes me happy every time I eat it.

Ribs at Holy Smokes

They haven’t won numerous awards for the ribs for nothing. These are the real deal. It has a nice tug when you bite into it. Contrary to popular belief, ribs should not be falling off the bone, though that can be tasty too if done right. These ribs are cooked to perfection, and it is easy to see why this husband-wife duo of Gary and Dionn Lanton are a force on the competitive cooking circuit.

Georgia Bulldog at Spud Dogs

This is place is really about the man behind the grill. Scott Long, the owner, is one of the nicest people you will meet in all of Macon, Georgia. He also cooks one of the best hot dogs around.

Chili at Joe D’s on Ingleside

They have a lot of really great food on the menu, but the chili is unbelievable. I typically get an extra bowl to-go so I can have it again for dinner. It is that good. And this isn’t just when its cold out. It could be the middle of July and I will still be craving a taste of this chili.

Fried chicken at Bear’s Den

It is a Macon staple at this point. It is a must-try, and if you ever need to go to a happy place then this fried chicken will send you there. It might be the best fried chicken in all of Middle Georgia, though that is a hotly contested race.

Crawfish Boudin bites at Kudzu Seafood

I was a bit apprehensive about this when we ordered them for Foodie Friday. But after quickly engulfing the first one, it was hook, line and sinker from there. There are few bite-sized foods that can compare these pieces of goodness.

Grit fritters Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen

It is a fried grit patty with barbecue on top. Sold.

4750 platter at Louvenia’s Seafood Market

This is the most recent addition to the list, but well-deserved. The crab legs, shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage and seasoned eggs drowned in there signature butter sauce is a flavor overload.

Pig special at Tucker’s BBQ

The special is pulled pork topped with slaw and tomato served between two pieces of toast. I was skeptical at first. But it didn’t take long before I was wanting a second sandwich.

Desserts

Cake squares at Wilson’s Bakery

I have been eating these for as long as I can remember. If I had to choose something for my last meal, this would be on the plate. These are more like a legal drug in cake form. My mom and I routinely make trips here. She even got them for my graduation from high school.

Peach cobbler at Owens Boarding House

Everything at this place is great, but the peach cobbler is next-level. The crispy crust sets it apart from most. This also was one of our most interesting Foodie Friday adventures as we ate with complete strangers. But it felt like family once bowls started being passed around the table.

Banana pudding at Holy Smokes

Sweet, fluffy with lots of bananas. It is simple, but well-executed., It is like eating a banana pudding cloud though as the texture is different from any I’ve ever had.

Sweet Melissa cinnamon roll at Famous Mikes

This is one item that is a must every time I go here. It is soft, warm and full of cinnamon goodness. It is also named for one of my favorite Allman Brothers songs of all-time.

Specialty items

Mercer gold sauce at Francar’s

Injectable. That is the best word I have ever heard to describe this sauce. The tang of the mustard base is good on literally anything. Or if you are so inclined, it might be good to just drink a little.

Dock sauce at Fish Port 2

This is easily the most special meal I have had all year for a Foodie Friday. I bonded with my dad over this sauce when I was a kid. It is where I can go now if I ever want good memories of him to pop into my mind. The sauce itself is amazing and can be poured generously on anything that I eat and it would make me happy.

This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 5:30 AM.