Henry County offers a wide variety of great dining options across a range of cuisines. How do you choose?It helps to know where the locals go.
Bread worth breaking the diet
The Italian Oven
938 Eagles Landing Parkway
Stockbridge, GA 30281770.507.4827
theitalianoven.com
There is something about the Italian Oven’s fresh-baked garlic bread and olive oil dipping sauce that puts the restaurant’s loaves above the rest. The baguette comes sliced, making it hard to grab just one piece (or at least that can be your excuse). Don’t worry—bread is unlimited!
Seasonal dessert
Southern Belle Farm’s homemade strawberry ice cream
1658 Turner Church Road
McDonough, GA 30252
770.288.2582
southernbellefarm.com
Made on-site with fresh Southern Belle strawberries, this tasty frozen treat will win over even the most devoted chocolate fan.It’s only available in the spring, so get it while you can. Whether you’re at the farm to pick strawberries or you make a special trip, be sure to stop by Mimi’s Kitchen for a cup of ice cream and maybe a slice of pound cake with fresh strawberries.
A bite and a beer
15th Street Pizza & Pub
2130 Jodeco Road
McDonough, GA 30253
770.507.1478
15thstreetpizza.com
Although the pies are delicious, the perfect patio and 25 beers on tap make 15th Street Pizza & Pub a favorite watering hole. Take the family, order a pizza, and let the kids play cornhole while mom and dad enjoy a beautiful night and a cold brew. With seven TVs inside and two on the patio, the restaurant is also a great place to catch a game.
Hot dog
Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs
456 Santa Fe Trail
Ellenwood, GA 30294
770.389.9933
Sometimes there is nothing better than a good hot dog . . . with chili . . . and cheese and maybe a little slaw. Pair it with onion rings and you have a classic meal at Yellow Jacket Hot Dogs. Although dogs are the specialty, this family-owned business offers burgers and other hot sandwiches. Authentic homemade ice cream is served Friday and Saturday free of charge.
Sweet start to the morning
Speedway Donuts
140 Oak Street
Hampton, GA 30228
770.946.9550
There is a new contender for the hearts of fried dough fans. Speedway Donuts’ signature treats—from classic glazed to special edition red velvet and the offbeat maple-glazed with bacon crumbles—are prepared fresh each morning. Donuts are not just for breakfast; grab a pre-lunch snack or after-lunch dessert, but if you want to sample the full array of flavors, arrive early.
Comfort food at its finest
Sarah’s Country Cooking
1060 Eagles Landing Parkway
Stockbridge, GA 30281
678.289.8958
Whether you are a Southern cooking devotee or new to the “meat and three,” be prepared to have your taste buds dazzled. Fresh vegetables, fried chicken, and homemade desserts pay tribute to the restaurant’s namesake. The Kelley sisters operate this lunchtime hotspot and serve up delicious food just the way their mother, Sarah, taught them.
Food truck
Gezzo’s Surf & Grille
1866 Jonesboro Road
McDonough, GA 30253
770.954.9992
207 Stanley K. Tanger Boulevard
Locust Grove, GA 30248
770.320.8088
gezzos.com
Gezzo’s owners Howard and Anita were early adopters of the food truck craze when they took their West Coast burritos and tacos on the road. Their fresh, flavorful ingredients can be found at local events and at their two permanent Henry County locations.
Sandwich shop
Empson’s Deli
1445 Rock Quarry Road
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770.389.5824
When all you want is a good sandwich and bowl of soup, you can’t go wrong with Empson’s. This family-run spot makes its signature soup of the day fresh daily. Call to ask what is being served, and if it is the seafood bisque, make a beeline for the deli! Fortunately you don’t have to choose between soup or sandwich; the soft bread and high-quality meat and toppings would make it a tough contest.
Special occasion spot
French Market & Tavern
3840 Highway 42 South
Locust Grove, GA 30248
770.914.9312
frenchmarkettavern.com
Whether it is a Mother’s Day brunch or a date-night dinner, the French Market & Tavern offers a stylish, Southern-chic setting and food with a decidedly New Orleans flair. The menu features locally sourced creations such as the Fenster Farm Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant and a creative array of martini options. Come for dinner and drinks and stay for a little home decor shopping at the adjoining boutique.
Hole in the wall worth stopping for
The Original Shane’s Rib Shack
2136 Highway 155 North
McDonough, GA 30252
770.898.7878
shanesribshack.com/theoriginal
Shane Thompson opened the first Shane’s in this little “shack,” and although the franchise has grown to include more than 70 locations, the Original, complete with freestanding outhouse, is still dishing out barbecue, ribs, and its famous peach cobbler.
Breakfast spot
Bridgeview Country Cooking
4727 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770.474.3900
bridgeviewcountrycooking.com
Bridgeview Country Cooking serves up traditional Southern favorites like biscuits-and-gravy and grits as well as mouthwatering sausage, country ham, bacon, omelets, and pancakes. Order a la carte or sample it all with a big breakfast platter.
Vegetarian options
Castillo Real Mexican Cocina & Bar
14 Old Jackson Road
McDonough, GA 30252
678.593.5265
castillorealcocina.com
If you’re in the mood to go meatless, Castillo Real Mexican Cocina offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes. (Meat lovers will find plenty of choices, too.) The veggie quesadilla combines perfectly sautéed vegetables and cheese into a flavor sensation. Pair your selection with one of the restaurant’s “Monster” margaritas.
If you’re in the mood to go meatless, Castillo Real Mexican Cocina offers a great selection of vegetarian dishes. (Meat lovers will find plenty of choices, too.) The veggie quesadilla combines perfectly sautéed vegetables and cheese into a flavor sensation. Pair your selection with one of the restaurant’s “Monster” margaritas.
For more great restaurants visit the “Dining” page.