MACON, Ga. — When it comes to the lunch crowd, Macon has got you covered.
From sandwiches to Mexican to more, there are some essential Macon staples to fill you up while out on your lunch break or while just stopping by for a quick bite to eat.
Here are 10 local restaurants that have got you covered for your lunch break.
Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen
With a rotating selection of specials – ranging from sandwiches to unique wing flavors to more – Piedmont Brewery and Kitchen serves up BBQ, wings and more.
While certainly on the heavier side, the restaurant does offer a lot of options for everyone, including Bahn Mi, burgers and salads.
Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 450-B 3rd Street
Rookery
A quintessential Macon dining spot, the Rookery has a rich history on its own – while also reflecting the rich history the Macon and Georgia community.
While known for its burgers like the Jimmy Carter, the rookery has a surprising amount of variety, including serving up “Pub-style fish and chips,” a Chicken Chevre and a wide array of sandwiches. They also have monthly specials that add a little variety to your dining experience. Their famous shakes pair excellently with their famous burgers.
Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Location: 543 Cherry Street
Ingleside Village Pizza
A long-time Macon favorite, Ingleside Village Pizza sells pizza by the slice, whole pies and sandwiches too. The famously locally-owned restaurant also serves up delicious garlic breadsticks (sort of like Garlic Knots). Plus, all the pizzas are completely customizable.
But if you’re looking for something light, IVP also has some salads to help if you’re on a diet or have work to go to after lunch.
Hours:
- Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 4 pm to 8 p.m.
Location: 2395 Ingleside Avenue
La Bella Morelia
A Mexican staple, La Bella Morelia offers up authentic Mexican food. During lunch hours, the restaurant is packed with hungry customers, and its proximity to the courthouse means you might as well run into some lawyers and cops out to lunch.
Hours:
- Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m
- Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 524 Mulberry Street
The Bears Den
Southern cooking is on full display at Macon’s Bear’s Den.
This iconic meat-and-three restaurant serves up your classic rotating menu of southern classics, but what is always on the menu is their famous fried chicken made with love.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 1191 Oglethorpe Street
Joe D’s
If you’re looking for dinner, look away: Joe D’s is a strict lunch spot in Macon’s Ingleside. With sandwiches, soups and barbecue, Joe D’s is an authentic Macon sandwich shop that hits all the right spots. Pro tip: get the chili.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 2329 Ingleside Avenue
Yollah
If you’re looking for a trendier establishment, then Yollah is your place to be.
The menu includes a heavy dose of Mexican dishes with an American twist to it. Ranging from tacos, to Cuban sandwiches to skewers, this spot will serve up quality food while not necessarily putting you to sleep.
Hours:
- Wednesday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 8:3o p.m.
- Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: 894 College Street
Grey Goose Players Club
This spot on Forsyth Road is an iconic eatery in Macon, serving up classic American dishes in a golf-themed environment.
The restaurant serves up classic hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches, but their offerings go further. They also have steaks, fish and various seafood platters as well. This restaurant certainly offers a wide variety for either the lunch or dinner crowd.
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 4524 Forsyth Road Suite 310
Margarita’s Mexican Grill
This is another Macon Mexican restaurant that serves up authentic Mexican cuisine along with boasting a decent lunch special menu as well.
With two locations – one nestled in Mercer Village and another off Bass Road – Margarita’s serves both the college and Macon audiences well.
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location:
- Mercer Village: 1602 Montpelier Avenue
- North Macon: 5451 Bowman Road
Ocmulugee Brew Pub
In the heart of downtown, Ocmulugee Brew Pub is another classic burger spot in Macon’s robust dining scene. They also have a variety of sandwiches – ranging from BLTs to Fried or grilled chicken sandwiches – and a selection of salads as well.
Topping things off they have an array of array of snacks and appetizers along with loaded fries to start the meal strong.
Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 484 Second Street