Old Town Augusta, nestled just east of Downtown and a whisper away from the Savannah River, is one of the city’s true culinary corners. The neighborhood is a blend of grand historic homes, peaceful parks, and, for those in the know, a vibrant food scene that brings together homey Southern traditions with creative modern twists. Whether you’re an Augusta native or a hungry visitor, this guide will help you discover the best dining experiences Old Town has to offer—from bustling brunch spots to hidden hole-in-the-wall gems.
Main Street and Telfair: Old Town’s Culinary Spine
Start your food adventure along Telfair Street, running parallel to Greene Street. At its intersection with 4th and 5th Streets lies a cluster of standout eateries, catering to every craving and occasion.
- The Bee’s Knees (211 10th St)
Technically edging Old Town, The Bee’s Knees is so beloved by locals it’s simply a must-mention. This eclectic tapas bar is ideal for social bites and creative cocktails. Their small plates—think crispy brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic glaze or spicy Korean BBQ tacos (vegan options abound)—showcase influences from Asia to the American South. With entrées mostly in the $9–$15 range, it’s accessible for everyone.
- New Moon Café (936 Broad St)
Just a short stroll from Telfair, this cozy spot is a breakfast-to-lunch favorite. Their generously stuffed bagels, gooey cinnamon rolls, and locally-roasted coffee make it a morning standout. Lunch brings hearty soups, grilled sandwiches, and zingy salads. With most menu items under $10, New Moon is a regular for both residents and students from nearby Augusta University.
Sweets and Treats: Bakeries & Ice Cream
If you walk along Broad Street and poke back toward Greene and Reynolds, you’ll smell the unmistakable aroma of fresh-baked pastries.
- Fat Man’s Café & The Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery (10 James Brown Blvd; 9th at Reynolds)
Fat Man’s legacy began as a humble grocery in Old Town, and their café delivers on soulful, stick-to-your-ribs meals, notably their famous fried chicken or blue plate specials. The nearby Boll Weevil Café, in a converted cotton warehouse, delights with a bakery case loaded with 10+ cakes—a truly epic dessert lineup. Must-trys: the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and Key Lime Pie, both with slices large enough to share (or not). Expect to pay $8–$12 for a meal, $7 a (giant) dessert.
- Smallcakes Augusta (594 Broad St)
A hidden treat! Tucked between historic storefronts, Smallcakes offers creative cupcakes (Red Velvet, Hot Fudge Sundae) and premium small-batch ice cream. It’s dessert bliss after a summer day of exploring Old Town’s murals and galleries.
Food Trucks & Street Eats: Tasting Augusta on the Move
Old Town’s weekends and festivals blossom with food trucks lining Greene Street or stationed beside the Augusta Common. Local favorites include:
- Diablo’s Southwest Grill Food Truck
Their build-your-own-burritos are legendary—fresh, affordable ($8–$12), and packed with flavor. Try their smoky chipotle chicken or roasted veggies, and don’t skip the zesty house-made salsas.
- Café on the Go
This pop-up retro truck specializes in Southern comfort with a gourmet twist. Look for the shrimp and grits bowl with house hot sauce or the pimento cheese-stuffed burgers—both have a cult following among locals. Prices cap at around $13, making top-quality food accessible curbside.
International Flavors, Local Charm
Old Town’s food scene mirrors the city’s melting pot culture. Along 5th Street and east toward East Boundary, you’ll find global bites that surprise and delight.
- Pho-R-One (421 7th St)
This unassuming spot serves up some of Augusta’s most authentic Vietnamese fare. The steaming bowls of beef pho and bún bò Huế win rave reviews for their rich broth and fresh herbs. Locals love the handmade spring rolls and the affordable pricing—most entrées $10–$13.
- Taqueria El Patron (847 Greene St)
Family-run and packed at lunch, this taqueria is loved for its street tacos (carnitas, asada, lengua) and housemade horchata. Try the trio taco plate, under $10, for a quick, flavor-packed meal between gallery hops.
Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out
Beyond the main streets, Old Town rewards the truly inquisitive foodie.
- Edgar’s Above Broad (699 Broad St, rooftop)
Not far from the Old Town line, this rooftop gem provides small plates with Southern flair (fried green tomato sliders, truffle deviled eggs) and a breathtaking view of the city. It’s perfect for sunset cocktails, with dishes averaging $10–$15.
- Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee (1858 Central Ave, just west of Old Town)
For the coffee lover, Buona Caffe is worth a detour. Artisan-roasted beans, expertly crafted cortados, and a case of locally-sourced baked goods make it a local staple for both morning fuel and afternoon pick-me-ups.
Augusta Food Traditions: More Than a Meal
A true Old Town dining experience is about more than just eating—it’s about Augusta’s warm hospitality and historic flavor. Many spots host weekly live music, trivia nights, or art walks, bringing food and the local creative scene together. Don’t miss the Saturday Augusta Market at the River—the farmers bring peaches, honey, and local cheese, making it a great place for picnic provisions.
Old Town is also known for its locally-grown, farm-to-table approach, with several restaurants and food trucks featuring produce and meats from surrounding Augusta farms—the fried green tomatoes you’ll taste often traveled just a few miles from field to fork.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re feasting on shrimp and grits at a sidewalk café, sampling Vietnamese pho, or treating yourself to cake by the river, Old Town Augusta offers a surprising depth of culinary delights for every taste and budget. Explore, taste, and discover—Old Town’s food scene is as rich and soulful as the city itself.