While Augusta has dozens of amazing restaurants, below is a quick list of where I find myself regularly going year after year with friends and family for lunch. There’s everything from authentic Mexican food to the best hole-in-the-wall southern restaurant. Here are the 5 best places to eat lunch in Augusta, Georgia.
Key Takeaway: My top picks include are:
- Authentic Mexican Food – Taqueria el Patron
- Traditional Southern Cuisine – Chef’s House
- Sandwiches and Sides Downtown – Knuckle Sandwiches
- American & French – Manuel’s Bread Cafe
- Burgers and Fries – Whiskey Bar Kitchen
Lunch in Augusta, GA: 5 Top Picks
1. Authentic Mexican: Taqueria el Patron
About: I have been eating lunch here since 2014 and the food has always been full of flavor yet never overly complicated. Taqueria el Patron is classic and affordable Mexican food. While they offer everything from fajitas to gorditas, the tacos never disappoint.
And if you enjoy these tacos, check out these other amazing taco spots in Augusta!
Pro Tip: Get 2 or 3 tacos on corn flour tortillas with onion, cilantro, and lime. I get this 95% of the time.
Price: Under $12
2. Traditional Southern Lunch Buffet: Chef’s House
About: This local gem is only for lunch during the hours of 11:00 AM through 4:00 PM on the weekdays. Family-owned and operated, the restaurant is located in a converted pink home off Walton Way. Tammy and Chef George are always there to make you feel at home.
Pro Tip: Call (706) 733-8622 to confirm the buffet options for the day, as they rotate the main dishes. I have always liked going Thursday because they have salmon that day.
Prices: $12-15
Menu Not Online: Varies on day, but includes pork chops, fried or baked chicken, veggies, and peach cobbler.
3. Sandwiches and Sides: Knuckle Sandwiches
Knuckle Sandwiches made it on our best BBQ spots of Augusta for good reason. It also has half a dozen other sandwich options.
Prices: $6 to $12
Pro Tip: Plan to for grab and go lunch, as seating is very limited.
4. American & French Cafe: Manuel’s Bread Cafe
You will need to navigate through the Hammond’s Ferry Neighborhood in North Augusta to get to Manuel’s. Lots of outdoor seating, with their lunch menu being a lot cheaper than dinner’s.
Prices: Salads, $10.50 – $16. Burgers and sandwiches, $12 – $15.
Pro Tip: Turkey Pesto on ciabatta bun.
5. Burger Joint: Whiskey Bar Kitchen
With 12 burgers to choose from, Whiskey Bar has long been a go-to burger spot in the heart of Augusta’s downtown! After checking out some of the best things to see and experience in downtown Augusta, head over to Whiskey Bar for its delicious burgers.
There’s also a few taco and hibachi bowl options.
Pro Tip: Get their Sweet Potato Fries with Coconut Cream Sauce
Prices: $12.95 for Burger or Other Large Plate
Conclusion to Best Lunch in Augusta, GA
Hopefully you’ve founds some ideas for your next meal out! Augusta got some amazing lunch places, and more are popping up all the time.
