The Bee’s Knees 211 10th St., Augusta 706-828-3600 Nightly drink specials, eclectic tapas menu, an ever-changing beer and wine list and a menu of unique cocktails in an artsy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The buffalo tempeh and the Buddha salad with tofu croutons will make you want to become a vegetarian… almost, and Sunday brunch is a must. Even better: All their weekly drink specials are in effect on Sundays.

Frog Hollow Tavern 1282 Broad St., Augusta 706-364-6906

The wine list at Frog Hollow, open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday, is massive. Not only that, but the bar features a diverse selection of scotches, cognacs, bourbons and vodkas… classic and seasonal cocktails, all made with fresh squeezed juices and homemade mixes. Oh yeah… they also serve good food, made using mostly local and regionally sourced ingredients.

Manuel’s Bread Café 505 Railroad Ave., North Augusta 803-380-1323 Open for lunch during the week and all three meals on weekends, this French bistro has an extensive beer and wine menu and uses organically grown ingredients from down the street’s Blue Clay Farms in their ever-changing food menu.

Rooster’s Beak 215 10th St., Augusta 706-364-2260

A beer drinker’s paradise, Rooster’s Beak features some of the best rotating taps in Augusta and great food as well. An unusual taqueria, be sure to check out their special tacos and ice cream made in house. Also be on the lookout (check their Facebook page) for the location of their food truck.

Sundrees Urban Market 930 Broad St., Augusta 706-945-1310

A specialty grocery store that is the only place in town to offer growlers filled with seasonal beers on tap. In addition to local meats, produce, dairy, eggs, coffee and baked goods, they also carry sundrees (no surprise), bottles of beer and wine, and have a small restaurant in the back that offers muffalettas and poboy sandwiches.

Taste 465 Railroad Ave., North Augusta 803-215-6235

Recently opened in Hammond’s Ferry across from Manuel’s is this intimate spot for tapas and drinks. Early reviewers recommend the Bianca thin-crust pizza, the Struttin’ John with duck confit and, if straying from wine and beer, the Rum Diary. It’s tiny and only open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, so planning on arriving early.

Tako Sushi 437 Highland Ave., Augusta 706-736-9191
Inventive takes on Japanese and Mexican food. The restaurant is small, loud and totally worth however long the wait is. And the great thing about the wait at this restaurant? Order a drink at the sushi bar and take it out to the sidewalk, where there’s sure to be some fantastic people watching to be had.

5 O’Clock Bistro 2111 Kings Way, Augusta 706-922-9560

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and this bistro has an impressive wine list and a creative selection of original and classic libations to choose from during cocktail hour. The food menu will not disappoint, either, and changes regularly so everything stays fresh and exciting. Also open for lunch.

Crums on Central 1855 Central Ave., Augusta 706-729-6969

Lunch during the week, brunch on the weekends and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Crums is located in the former Cafe du Teau. They kept the relaxing front deck and changed the food from French-Creole to upscale Southern with a twist. It’s probably the only place in town that has deviled eggs and boiled peanuts on the menu, and where you can top your pizza with squash casserole.

Polka Dot Pig Gastropub 399 Highland Ave., Augusta 706-496-2930

Open in Surrey Center for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday, the Polka Dot Pig offers guests a fantastic beer and wine selection, along with a menu of traditional pub favorites and inventive small and large plates. The Lobster Philly Cheesesteak with gruyere and Cajun hollandaise is a standout.

Sheehan’s Irish Pub 2571 Central Ave., Augusta 706-364-1234 Definitely not a traditional Irish pub, but they do have fish and chips and Guinness on tap. Friendly service, great menu (the duck is the best in town), and a full bar in an atmosphere that can get loud and rowdy inside, but is quiet and relaxing out on the enclosed patio.

Tako Sushi

1202 Town Park Lane, Evans 706-863-0606

Far East meets Southwest at this eclectic spot that is the restaurant’s second location in the area. Both locations feature owner Kevin Goldsmith’s distinctive vision and serve inventive Japanese and Mexican fare. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Malibu Jack’s 231 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Augusta 706-364-9175 A dark, clubby atmosphere with island-inspired dishes that focus on seafood and cocktails that recall a Polynesian bar. Open for lunch and dinner, with almost nightly entertainment.

Rae’s Coastal Cafe 3208 West Wimbledon Dr., Augusta 706-738-1313

Hard to find for the newcomer, this neighborhood restaurant (literally) has a menu chocked full of Caribbean and Key West themed seafood items. There’s a putting green in the back while you wait for your coconut shrimp or jerk chicken.