Augusta is home to the Masters Tournament, perhaps the most-legendary tournament of the four major pro-golf championships, where international superstars compete for that coveted green jacket, and where spectators nosh on Southern pimento-cheese sandwiches. Beyond the links, Augusta is developing a reputation for its restaurant scene, blending contemporary Southern hospitality with a focus on local ingredients. From stellar small plates to low-country classics like shrimp and grits, these dishes are the culinary masters of the city — ideal to check out during Masters week and beyond.

 

Photos courtesy of Lauren Carnes Photography, Eric Kinlaw, Abel Brown, Joe White, The Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery, Frog Hollow Tavern

Whimsical small plates and amply blistered wood-fired pizzas are the draw at this downtown craft-cocktail den and restaurant. Bring a group to order a wide selection of the excellent charcuterie and cheeses (particularly those from Georgia), as well as shared plates like wood-fired pretzel bites with pimento cheese fondue and housemade pork rinds dusted with Aleppo pepper. Pizza options vary by season, and offerings could include duck confit and Brussels sprouts in winter or asparagus in spring.  The Spicy is particularly popular, scattered with fresh mozzarella, soppressata and whole Calabrian hot peppers (which those averse to heat should pick off before eating). Pair the meal with clever libations like the Pink Dogwood: Southern Comfort (aged with honey, stone fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves) mixed with fresh lime juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice.

In an airy, contemporary space that’s equal parts sleek oyster bar and cozy country kitchen, Abel Brown charms with Southern hospitality. Oysters are offered on the half shell or broiled with roasted jalapeno-lime butter; don’t miss the fried oyster sliders in buttery brioche rolls when they pop up as specials. Other daily seafood specials include peekytoe crab cakes. Balance the seafood with classic Southern flavors in the Anson Mills Johnny Cake. The savory skillet cornmeal-buttermilk pancake is served with well-spiced pimento cheese (aka “the caviar of the South”). During Masters week, Abel Brown will offer caviar service starring University of Georgia’s Siberian Sturgeon Caviar. 

With its authentic barbecue, chill vibes and live music, Southbound Smokehouse is a party waiting to happen. Kick off your night with an order of Almost Famous Wings, dry-rubbed in a proprietary spice blend, slow-smoked for hours, flash-fried until crisp and served with a tangy, mayo-based Alabama white barbecue sauce (if Buffalo-style wings are more your thing, get the Famous Wings). Move on to the pulled-to-order smoked barbecue pork, which you can get on everything from nachos to sliders to tacos. Doctor it up with housemade sauces like the sweet-spicy Friend of the Devil (named for a Grateful Dead song) and the mustard-based Heart of Gold (named after a Neil Young tune). For a taste of everything, order The Godfather, a platter with one-third of a rack of ribs, three Almost Famous Wings, smoked chicken and pulled pork, plus two sides (the Hash and Rice and the Fleetwood Mac and Cheese are both winners) and sliced white bread. Slay thirst with the latest brew from Savannah-based Southbound Brewery.