5 Delicious Places to Eat in Macon Georgia | The Empty Nester’s Travels

If you’re looking for places to eat in Macon Georgia to satisfy your foodie fix, then look no further! Macon is home to some truly unique restaurants that offer delicious dishes with Southern flair. From classic downhome cooking to fusion cuisine with global influence, downtown Macon has everything you need for an unforgettable food experience – so come on down and let’s take a tour of the best places to eat!

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Places to Eat in Macon Georgia

Dovetail-Our #1 Choice for Places to eat in Macon Georgia

Dovetail serves uniquely crafted, southern cuisine; with dishes inspired by seasonal availability and traditional southern fare, Dovetail’s chefs use their expertise to highlight character and flavor, creating an experience that is familiar to any southern dinner table, yet re-imagined in a rustic and sophisticated dining room that speaks to the strong agrarian history of Georgia. Dovetail is part of the Moonhanger Group.

Founded in October 2012, Dovetail has been featured in Southern Living Magazine, Atlanta Eats, Macon Magazine, and has received Opentable.com “Diner’s Choice Awards” for Most Booked in Macon, and American Cuisine in Atlanta/Georgia.

We have been frequently Dovetail since they opened their doors in 2012; they are very consistent serving up perfection!

They offer locally sourced ingredients and is our favorite farm-to-table restaurant in all of middle Georgia. Their menu changes seasonally and they offer nightly specials. The quality of their ingredients is second to none. Some of their purveyors are

Their food is top notch and their bar is nothing to scoff about. They serve cocktails, spirits, beer and wine. Dovetail offers a selection of over 70 distinctive whiskeys. They stock a vast array of spirits to please any palate. Bar guests have the opportunity to select from a cocktail list personally curated by their passionate bartenders. For beer lovers, they offer everything from domestic favorites to unique local brews, crafts, and imports. Wine enthusiasts rejoice! Dovetail offers one of the best by the glass selections in Macon. For the discerning palate, they also offer rare varietals. Whether it’s whiskey, wine, cocktails or beer, we will pour you the perfect drink.

Some of my favorite starters and snacks there are their “put-ups”. Be sure to mix pimento cheese, bacon marmalade and a few drops of their homemade hot sauce on a piece of bread; you will thank me!

We also enjoy their salt and vinegar boiled peanuts. For entrees, their burger is to die for and pork chop and seafood dishes have always been top-notch. But really you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu; be sure to listen to their specials!

Dovetail is located in the heart of downtown Macon on Cherry Street above the Rookery. To make reservations, visit Resy.

They offer complementary valet parking behind the restaurant in the alley between 2nd and 3rd streets and Mulberry and Cherry Streets. Tesla charging is also available.

Rookery

Voted Best Burger in town and featured in Garden and Gun’s “Guide to the South’s best Burgers 2014,” the Rookery’s dining area, outside patio, and renowned bar are always bustling with satisfied patrons. Other noteworthy features are the onion rings, hand-cut fries, milkshakes, and extensive craft beer list. Rookery is also part if the Moonhanger Group.

During an era that saw Jimmy Carter ascend to the White House and Macon’s own Capricorn Records release hit after hit making music history, the Rookery was just being born. Today the Rookery bustles on, serving Allman Burgers and Jimmy Carter shakes to Maconites and travelers from far and wide.

It too is located in downtown Macon on Cherry St. The Rookery does not accept reservations; be sure to arrive early, as they are known for the crowds they attract. They offer catering to the community.

Ocmulgee Brew Pub

The customer experience you will find at Ocmulgee Brewpub is unlike any other in Macon (or the Southeast for that matter). They curate the best brews, gourmet burgers, super food salads and hand cut fries in town, served by friendly & knowledgeable staff. You won’t be disappointed; they aim to exceed your expectations so that you can be sure you will have a one-of-a-kind high quality experience.

Ocmulgee Brewpub selects only the finest grains, hops, yeast, and Macon water (best tasting in the country) to form their brews. Ocmulgee is always serving excellent beer and food.

Ocmulgee is walk-up to order style restaurant; they do bring your food out to your table. There is one counter for beer & wine and a separate counter for food orders.

Our favorite burgers are the Juliette and the Bentley burgers; be sure to try some of their homemade sauces to dip their hand cut fries in. Chipotle mayonnaise and jalapeño ranch are our favorite sauces.

Ocmulgee Brew Pub is located on 2nd Street, right in the heart of downtown. They do not accept reservations.

Oliver’s

Oliver’s is the happening restaurant where locals go to dine, drink, and socialize. Their menu features dishes assembled from the freshest ingredients, sure to bring bold and inspiring flavor into your life. Upscale, quality food meets welcoming, friendly service and a comfortable environment. Perfect for date night or families.

They are a single-location mom & pop; a locally owned & operated restaurant in downtown Macon. The restaurant opened in November 2017. This is the only Oliver’s they own or are affiliated with. They serve lunch, brunch & dinner. They support local efforts and causes and are always looking for ways to be involved in the community.

Their chicken salad sandwich at lunch is my favorite from their menu; but another “can’t go wrong” ordering arrangement.

Oliver’s is located on 2nd Street, next to Ocmulgee Brewpub. To make reservations head over to Open Table for parties of 6 or less. If your party is larger, call 478-304-7475. They offer catering services as well.

Natalia’s

Natalia’s Restaurant was established by Natalia del Basso Orsini on January 23, 1984. Natalia hails from Abruzzo, Italy and her dishes reflect the finest offerings of old world Italian cuisine. Her hard work and success epitomize the American dream. She set the standard of fine dining in Middle Georgia for 34 years. Impeccable food and service was and always will be the legacy of Natalia’s Restaurant. In January of 2018, Natalia passed the torch to Betsy and Wes Griffith. Their mission is to consistently create extraordinary experiences for their guests and team while building upon Natalia’s wonderful legacy.

Natalia’s is also apart if the Moonhanger Group. There is a dress code of Casual Elegant for their dining room. Natalia’s is perfect for us empty nesters, as it is not suitable for children. They do have a patio in which families can dine with children; but they recommend you come without your children.

Natalie’s is perfect for special occasions. My favorite dish of theirs is their Filet Mignon.

Natalia’s is located on N Macon Street. For reservations to Natalia’s, go to Resy to book. Natalia’s is a definite try for special occasions!

If you are in Macon or around the state, be sure to get my Georgia Travel Guide, so you know what Georgia has to offer.

Now that you know more about the great restaurants Macon, GA has to offer, it’s time to plan your next night out! Whether you’re looking for a tasty burger or some Southern comfort food, there’s sure to be a restaurant on this list that will satisfy your appetite. So go ahead and head to Macon for dinner tonight – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed! And if we didn’t mention your favorite spot, let us know in the comments below. We can always use some more must-eat recommendations!

-S&E