French Market Grille 425 Highland Ave., Augusta 706-737-4865 One of the most popular restaurants in Augusta year-round is owned by local fixtures Chuck and Gail Baldwin. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but be warned: the barbequed shrimp is really spicy. Save room for one of their award-winning desserts and try a martini served in a Mason jar.

French Market Grille West 360 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Martinez 706-855-5111

What started as an offshoot of French Market Grille in Surrey Center has turned into a restaurant with an ownership and vibe all its own. The Cajun-Creole food is still the best in town, though, and Tuesday’s crab leg special remains a local favorite.