Some of the best restaurants are the ones that don’t look like much, but we hear by word of mouth how amazing they are. Many of Georgia’s best “Hole in the Wall” spots may have gained some notoriety, but that doesn’t change their humble existence and downright awesome food.
The Blind Pig, Jackson
Jackson, Georgia has recently acquired their claim to fame by being featured as the town of “Hawkins” on Netflix‘s Stranger Things, but The Blind Pig has been a beloved favorite for years. In a modest cabin near the water, the most tender, meaty ribs are smoked up along side superb barbecue meats. Medallion fried potatoes, Brunswick stew and some really good brown sugar baked beans round out this perfect Southern menu.
Home Grown, Atlanta
Home Grown is a big deal in downtown Atlanta; food is locally sourced and very Southern. It can get pretty crowded at breakfast, thanks to their enormous chicken biscuits and other morning delicacies; but the wait is very well worth it. The basics, like eggs, biscuits and gravy are hands down the showstoppers. Coming from a Homegrown regular, you need to try pimento cheese on your breakfast sandwich.
Old Hickory House, Tucker
You might know of the original Hickory House if you’ve watched that scene from Smokey and the Bandit where the policeman comes out of the bathroom, with toilet paper stuck to him. While that location is no longer operating, the Tucker location is! It’s an old building with seasoned servers who’ve been there for years, and they make real, down home cooking. Mainly known for their barbecue and unbelievable stew, it’s good to know they whip up a mean breakfast too.
The Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette
In 1991 the Oscar Nominated film, Fried Green Tomatoes, was filmed in a little building in Juliette, Georgia. After the movie wrapped, it was turned into The Whistle Stop Cafe, just like the one on the big screen. The name sums up exactly what you should try; the fried green tomatoes with radish sauce, the fried green tomato salad with Vidalia vinaigrette or the fried green tomato sandwich with bacon. Man oh man, those tomatoes are perfectly juicy and tart with a light, golden breading; they truly live up to the name.
Hajime, Atlanta
Noodles are noodles, right? Blasphemy! There is an art to making an authentic bowl of Ramen, and Hajime has mastered it. Their house made noodles and pork broth are perfectly reminiscent of Japan. The soft boiled eggs are always on point, not being runny or completely solid. The spicy noodles are a great twist on the tradition, but consider ordering a spicy level 1 unless you’re really a glutton for punishment. For an extra $1.50 you can add another heaping pile of noodles to your broth.
The Country Kitchen, Barnesville
Barnesville Georgia. Ever heard of it? It’s a tiny, middle Georgia town, that’s also home to Gordon College. You wouldn’t guess, but down a long dirt road is the Country Kitchen, a modest establishment serving up the best Southern fried seafood from here to the coast. You can order single plates, but buffet has literally everything, from shrimp, oysters and scallops, to frog legs! It’s hopping in there, and the seafood turnover is rapid as guests gobble up the goodness; fresh batches are brought out every few minutes. With all that seafood, the French fries get overlooked. That’s a shame because they are “ah-mazing”! The Country Kitchen is the true depiction of a “Hole in the Wall”; you could easily pass it by if you had not been told what a gem it is.
