If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Augusta this week for the annual Masters Golf Tournament, chances are you’ll try to squeeze every possible hour of your stay into time spent on the grounds of the Augusta National. And for good reason – snagging a ticket to see the Masters is harder than breaking into Fort Knox, I’ve heard.
But, if you do have the time – or your luck runs dry and you find yourself without that promised ticket – it’s well worth your while to visit a few of Augusta’s tastiest eateries.
As an ex-pat of the Garden City, and as someone with a discerning palate, I’ve put together a short but foolproof list of restaurants you must try if visiting Augusta during Masters Week.
Takosushi
Located in Surrey Center, a trendy shopping development just a mile and a half from the Augusta National, Takosushi is a surprisingly perfect mash-up of Southwestern fare and Asian (Far East) cuisine. Sushi fans will delight in the extensive list of both common and creative makimono rolls, sashimi and other raw delights. Those who favor Tex-Mex flavors can sample the strip steak tacos, pasolé or tamales.
When my family lived in Augusta, our house was just a few blocks from Surrey Center, and Takosushi was a regular on our date night circuit. Our favorite dishes include: tempura-fried asparagus, green chili queso dip, Cary’s Roll, Jesse’s Roll and Crazy Roll.
Tip: If you’re not sure what to order, ask the server to pick a few rolls out for you – the more creative the roll, the more delicious it’s bound to be! Also, Takosushi is tiny. No, seriously, it’s very small. Prepare for a wait on the weekends, or skip the wait and call in your order to-go.
Location: 437 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 • 706-736-9191
Sheehan’s Irish Pub
I’ve shared my love for Sheehan’s before, but I’ll share it again – I love everything about this place: the beer selection, the food, the ambiance, the location, the people behind the scenes.
In college, I worked in the kitchen at one of Chef John Beck’s – Sheehan’s owner – previous restaurants. We served southern/cajun-inspired cuisine and, thank the Lord, the same dishes are on the menu at Sheehan’s today. When Joanna and I weren’t dining at Takosushi on the weekends, chances were it was Sheehan’s.
Our favorites from the menu include: the Green Jacket Salad, fried green tomato salad, chili friend shrimp, shrimp and grits cake, honey lacquered duck, catfish Louisianne.
Tip: Sheehan’s fills up quickly, so make a reservation ahead of time to guarantee you’ll have a seat when you arrive.
Location: 2571 Central Avenue, Augusta GA 30904 • 706-364-1234
Farmhaus Burgers
The perfect ending to a long day in the sun is an expertly grilled burger. Grab one at Farmhaus, a craft burger establishment located in an old storefront in the heart of historic downtown Augusta.
Farmhaus’ burgers aren’t for wimps. In fact, Farm-Hoss would have made for a better, more accurate name. All kidding aside, these burgers are legit. Choose from a variety of meats and toppings to create your own one-of-a-kind burger, or choose from an assortment of prepared creations. Big “kids” can even pair their burger with a creamy – and boozy – grown-up milkshake.
My favorite burger is the “Farmstyle,” which includes applewood-smoked bacon and a sunny side-up egg. I hear the Gorilla Milk milkshake, which contains a healthy quantity of tequila, vodka and kahlua, is really tasty.
Location: 1204 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901
And there are many other restaurants around the city worth checking out, if you have time… or the appetite for it.
If sushi, burgers or cajun cuisine don’t strike your fancy, try these restaurants on for size:
Oliver & Marr 