Augustino’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks 2 10th St., Augusta 706-823-6521

Located inside the Marriott, the pasta bar is a lunch favorite of downtown office workers, but the soothing atmosphere and clubby bar area makes this the perfect spot for Happy Hour. Stay long enough and the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen will get to you, making dinner here hard to resist.

Luigi’s 590 Broad St., Augusta 706-722-4056

In business since 1949, what can be said about Luigi’s that you don’t already know? How about this: while the Italian and Greek offerings are favorites, you really should try the chopped steak provolone.

Mi Rancho 2 Eighth St., Augusta 706-724-3366

Beer. Mexican food. And karaoke. Nice outdoor seating, and the inside (a former British pub) is not bad either. Good margaritas served in giant glasses. Can’t ask for more than that.

Nacho Mama’s 976 Broad St., Augusta 706-724-0501 Great food, excellent prices and good margaritas. Anything you order will be good, especially if it includes their mango habanero salsa. The outside tables, if you’re lucky enough to get one, are a great place to sit and people watch. Visit Tuesday night at 6 and take a run with the group that meets there weekly before indulging afterwards.

Soy Noodle House 1032 Broad St., Augusta 706-364-3116

Serving a blend of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine (the Boh Boon Vietnamese noodle salad is great), Soy Noodle House also has a wide variety of beer, wine, liquor and sake, and just installed a sushi bar. They recently expanded the bar area and now have plenty of room for live music on weekends.

Villa Europa 3044 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta 706-798-6211 An Augusta institution since 1974, visit Pat for lunch or dinner for some of the best German and Italian food in the city. They also have a great bar area, which they put to good use each year during Oktoberfest.

El Alazan Mexican Restaurant 3851 Evans to Locks Rd., Martinez 706-922-9760

Fans rave about this restaurant’s authenticity, its family friendly atmosphere and yummy margaritas. Especially good are El Alazan’s pork dishes, including carnitas and pork in chili sauce. Open for lunch and dinner, pluses for this restaurant include a colorful décor, big portions and reasonable prices.

Laziza Mediterranean Grill 4272 Washington Rd., Evans 706-504-4303

Laziza means delicious, so it’s a fitting name for this fast casual restaurant, where patrons order dishes like chicken shawarma, hummus and other middle eastern delicacies at a counter, serve themselves drinks and eat at one of the many tables. If you like the food enough (and you will) Laziza has many of the ingredients they use for sale.

Mai Thai 4272 Washington Rd., Evans 706-210-9008

From mild to hot, this Columbia County spot serves up traditional Thai food and drinks in a charming atmosphere.

  Pho Bac 4300 Towne Center, Evans 706-945-1981

Authentic Vietnamese food in Columbia County, with dishes like papaya salad, spring rolls and, of course, pho. Deciding what to try might be difficult because of the large menu, but you’ll be rewarded with large portions and a small bill. And instead of Waffle House, fans say pho is the perfect hangover food, so that’s good to know.

Mi Rancho 3064 Washington Rd., Augusta 706-855-6817

A huge restaurant, with a fantastic covered deck that plays host to live music or karaoke on the weekends. Want something different? Try a Michelada, kind of a spicy Bloody Mary with beer instead of vodka.

Mikoto 3102 Washington Rd., Augusta 706-922-6890

A Japanese favorite that recently opened under new management, Mikoto still impresses dinners with fresh and expertly prepared sushi at reasonable prices.