Sweet Lou’s Crab Shack
1293 Broad St., Augusta
706-922-1699
A beach shack that’s not much on looks (although the brightly painted signs and artwork are kind of cool) but makes up for it with good, cheap food and good, cheap beer. Try the shrimp and grits.
Doubletree Hotel
2651 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta
706-855-8100
This hotel has a great bar with nightly drink specials, but Friday and Saturday night are the ones not to miss. That’s when the massive restaurant, which spreads out into the lobby by a charming fountain, holds its all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. The crab legs and sushi are great, but don’t forget to save room for dessert.
Prime 1079
1069 Stevens Creek Rd., Augusta
706-288-2200
Located in the Sheraton right off Washington Road, local fans swear that Prime 1079 serves one of the best steaks in town. Also open for breakfast and lunch, every Friday night is Fresh Lobster Friday. The adjacent Sweetwater Lounge offers snacks and drinks.
Rhinehart’s
3051 Washington Rd., Augusta
706-860-2337
305 N. Belair Rd., Evans 706-868-6850
If you don’t know what Rhinehart’s is, this must be your first time visiting Augusta. A beach shack plopped down on Washington Road, the original location is by far the most popular, but the Columbia County location is just as good. Daily food and drink specials at both lunch and dinner endear the restaurants to locals, and their burger is one of the best in town.
The Snug
240 Davis Rd., Augusta
706-863-1118
A pretty little restaurant that serves dinner six nights a week. Sure, they serve chicken and seafood, but beef is the real star here and the Black N’ Blue, topped with blue cheese and a blueberry-port sauce, is the steak to order. And get this: Everything on their top shelf martini menu is $5.95 every night.
