Nicknamed the “Heart of Georgia” because of its location near the geographical center of the Peach State, Macon is home to several points of interest and a variety of festivals. Visit the Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens or the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and enjoy art, dance and food at the International Cherry Blossom Festival or the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration. Macon’s subtropical temperatures make it feel like you’re near the ocean and, even though you’re not on the coast, you can still enjoy fresh catches at one of Macon’s seafood restaurants.
The combination of fresh seafood and hickory-smoked barbecue may seem odd, but you won’t think so once you dig into one or the other or both. They have full-service casual dining room and a full bar, in addition to a large covered deck that overlooks Lake Tobesofkee. Start with an appetizer of alligator or shrimp and roasted corn bisque. Follow that with bourbon-style salmon with cheese grits and Brunswick stew, a hearty stew made with chicken, corn, tomatoes, okra, and barbecue sauce.
Fish N’ Pig
6420 Moseley Dixon Road
Macon, GA 31220
(478) 476-8837
fishnpig.com
The atmosphere is casual, where you can eat in the dining room or the bar, and the seafood is fresh. They also offer chicken and steak entrees, but a combination platter of oysters, catfish and scallops will keep you coming back for more. Or opt for a shrimp platter, which only contains Georgia white shrimp. Save room for a piece of key lime pie, the only dessert on the menu.
Jim Shaw's Seafood Grill
3040 Vineville Ave.
Macon, GA 31204
(478) 746-3697?
Another casual Macon establishment that also offers carry-out dining. Feast on fried shrimp and catfish, scallops and blackened catfish. Add an order of sweet potato sticks, but don’t forget that just about every meal comes with hush puppies. If you’re not too full, try some of the delicious ice cream.
Corky Bell's Seafood Restaurant
105 Riverside Parkway
Macon, GA 31210
(478) 477-4233
Known for their lunch specials, which are filling and inexpensive, the long waiting times at Polly’s are indicative of the fresh menu items. The catfish is excellent, and Polly’s also offers ribeye steaks and sandwich options. But everyone comes for the shrimp platter.
Polly’s Corner Café
6351 Zebulon Road
Macon, GA 31220
(478) 757-9926
