41 Incredible Restaurants in McDonough GA Locals Prefer To Keep Secret

Henry County, GA, located south of Atlanta, is home to cities like McDonough, Hampton, Locust Grove, and Stockbridge. You’ll find plenty of historical attractions, racing thrills, family fun, outdoor adventure, and more.

After all that fun…you’re going to work up an appetite! Lucky for you, there are some amazing restaurants in McDonough GA and all of Henry County that you’re going to love.

Here are some of the absolute best restaurants in Henry County for you to explore during your next visit!

HENRY COUNTY BREAKFAST AND COFFEE SPOTS

• The Lazy Llama in McDonough is a coffeehouse and creperie that offers the cutest seasonal drinks and fun coffee flights! Beyond coffee, you’ll find cold drinks, breakfast options, tea, and smoothies at this family-owned business.

• If omelets the size of your plate sound like something you’d like, then Best Breakfast in Stockbridge has you covered! With generous portions of biscuits & gravy or grits to go along with your omelet, you’ll definitely leave satisfied. They have a loyal customer base that comes back for delicious food and reasonable prices.

• Drip-Thru Coffee is a funky drive thru coffee stand in Stockbridge. They offer handmade lattes, frappes and americanos. They also have various pastries and smoothies on the menu if you want something to go with your caffeine boost.

• Located in an eclectic one-of-a-kind bookstore, Speakeasy Bookstore makes one of the best cups of coffee in town. Stop by for a cup of Joe and a good book!

SOUTHERN COOKING IN HENRY COUNTY

• A very popular spot among locals in Locust Grove is Southern Fusion Dining on Peeksville Rd. The café offers breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch, serving everything from biscuits and gravy to shrimp and grits. Creative dishes like the collard green egg rolls or jalapeno grits are extremely popular.

• Country Cooking Depot in Stockbridge is the place to go if you want variety. You’ll find a menu full of everything from breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy or cheesy omelets, to country-fried steak and collard greens.

• Sarah’s Country Cooking is a cafeteria-style ‘meat and three’ that is a favorite among locals. After grabbing your tray, you’ll make your way down the line, choosing from things like green beans, squash casserole, mac and cheese, catfish and SO much more. Try the Peach Cobbler, you can thank us later.

• If you’re in the mood to grab a bite while you shop, then check out The French Market & Tavern in Locust Grove.  The restaurant offers dishes with a Southern twist on Cajun favorites, with selections like zucchini and cornbread fritters, bourbon glazed salmon and miso shrimp cakes. They serve lunch & dinner Tuesday-Saturday, with a special brunch on Sundays.

• When you’re looking for homestyle Southern fare in McDonough, make your way to Cravings Home Cooking. Check their Facebook page for the daily meat and veggie offerings. Pot roast, dumplings, chicken fried steak…fried tomatoes, squash casserole, banana pudding…you’re getting the idea, right? The serving sizes are large, and the prices are affordable.

MEXICAN RESTAURANTS IN HENRY COUNTY

• Gabino’s Mexican Grill is easy to find with its festive exterior, and inside you’ll find a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors! Customers love both the chicken and steak fajitas, and the bartenders serve an excellent margarita.

• After working up an appetite shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove, be sure to find Gezzo’s West Coast Burritos. The shrimp tacos, steak nachos and big burritos all come highly recommended. Their menu is full of fresh, flavorful ingredients that can be made into all the Mexican classics!

• For authentic Mexican flavors, in an upscale atmosphere, Tierra Mia Mexican Cuisine is the place to go in Hampton. You can’t go wrong with their fajitas, beef and cheese dip or enchiladas. Word on the street is that the frozen Mango Margarita is pretty excellent as well!

• La Michoacana is inconspicuous from the outside but consistently delivers quality food and service. Their lunch menu is priced right, with most dishes around $10.

PIZZA RESTAURANTS IN HENRY COUNTY

• It’s almost unfair to put McDonough’s 15^th Street Pizza & Pub in the pizza category because they offer so much more. Burgers, salads, chicken, subs….you’ll find something for everyone here.

• Have you ever tried a Potato Salad pizza? How about a Cheeseburger one? If not, then you must hurry over to The Lovin’ Oven Pizzeria in Locust Grove. Locals love the unique flavors and speedy service. This is the place to go for a casual meal, where you know you’ll get top-notch food, service and atmosphere!

• Another local favorite for pizza lovers is American Pie Pizzeria, also located in Locust Grove. Customers love their reasonable prices and build-your-own pizza options!

• I Love NY Pizza is much more than ‘just a pizza place’. It’s a true Italian restaurant with items like baked ziti, eggplant parmesan, and lasagna on its menu, alongside classic pizzas and calzones.  Stop by at lunchtime for an authentic NY slice and a Coke!

• Stockbridge also has its own pizza spot at Olympia Pizza on North Henry Blvd. Customers love not only their pizza, but also their delicious gyros. They have even considered those with dietary restrictions by offering a gluten-free crust.

• Graffitis Pizza A Greek Taverna in McDonough offers Kids Eat Free all day on Sundays, and Fridays are Family Night Out with a special deal on a large pizza and wings. Mom and Dad will love the adult root beer float.

HENRY COUNTY SOUP & SANDWICH SPOTS

• Rutabaga’s Cafe is one of the best places in Hampton to find excellent soups, sandwiches and wraps. In addition to wonderfully prepared food, they carry a wide variety of goods like jams, jellies, honey, candies and dry rubs.

• Empson’s Deli has built its business on straightforward, quality ingredients. This family-owned restaurant has been a favorite with customers far and wide for many years. The Reuben is popular, as well as the poblano corn chowder.

BBQ RESTAURANTS IN HENRY COUNTY

• The Original Shane’s Rib Shack is a must-stop. I know, I know…it’s a chain now. But you absolutely have to see where it started. Don’t miss the outhouse (or those ribs)!

• For bar-b-que in Hampton, Juicy’s Ribs is the best place to go! The smoked ribs are a must have, with collard greens or potato salad on the side. Don’t miss this outstanding restaurant!

BURGERS, DOGS, AND WINGS IN HENRY COUNTY

• For the self-proclaimed best burger in Stockbridge, go to Hamburger Mike’s on Jodeco Rd. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can get a yummy Philly Cheesesteak or a Fried Bologna sandwich (a Georgia favorite).

• Don’t let its location next to a gas station deter you; Lickin Chicken is home to some of the best wings in town! Locals love the drive-thru window and recommend pairing your wings with their crinkle-cut fries. Choose from wings or tenders and pick from a wide variety of delicious sauces!

• Another favorite chicken place in Locust Grove is Chick-N-Run. They offer daily lunch specials or you can grab a family meal, their prices are so affordable! Their menu also includes sandwiches and salads, so there’s truly something for everyone. They’ve got a McDonough location too.

• Burger Theory is located inside the Holiday Inn & Suites in Stockbridge but don’t let that deter you. It’s often the best answer to long waiting lists and crazy parking situations. Our editor has been here several times and swears by it. Six gourmet burgers grace the menu (including a portobello option) or you can build your own. And the perfect pairing? A wide assortment of craft ales and lagers you’re sure to love.

• If you’re near Ellenwood, stop at Yellow Jackets Hot Dogs with Nathan’s dogs and a nod to Ga Tech. Get your favorite with crinkle fries and a fried pie, and you’re set! This mom-and-pop shop is casual and delicious.

ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN HENRY COUNTY

• With two locations, The Italian Oven is known for excellent food and service. One of the best parts about Italian dining is so versatile, incorporating everything from pasta, pizza to breadsticks. The Henry County location is in Stockbridge, on Eagles Landing Parkway. Their hot, fresh bread is really one of their signature item – don’t miss it!

• Serafino’s Fine Italian Dining in Stockbridge has been impressing customers for years. Their menu features classic Italian dishes, along with an extensive seafood selection. Be sure to end any meal with the Chocolate Mousse cake!

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE IN HENRY COUNTY

• Located in Stockbridge, Papi’s Cuban Grill is a low key restaurant on Rock Quarry Road. The menu is full of authentic Latin dishes served at lunch and dinner. Sample the tostones, emapanadas or arroz con pollo.

• Fuji Express serves hibachi-style entrees, Japanese favorites, and fresh sushi! Location in a strip shopping center, it’s brightly lit sign showcases a well maintained exterior and interior.

• Locust Grove has another hibachi grill spot at Koji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. Koji prides itself on offering quality food with top-notch service. Customers also enjoy the reasonably priced, well-prepared sushi.

• China Wok in Locust Grove consistently delivers very good Chinese food. Dishes like  General Tso’s chicken, egg rolls and teriyaki beef are highly reviewed and popular with customers.

• Here’s why we adore Yumi Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse in Hampton: Sometimes you want amazing sushi, but your kids are picky eaters. Yumi offers chicken nuggets and fries!

SWEET TREATS IN HENRY COUNTY

• If something cold and sweet is on your mind, then make sure to head to CherryBerry Yogurt Bar in Locust Grove! Grab a cup and choose from frozen yogurt flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, or my favorite, Birthday Cake. Then, make your way to the toppings bar and load up to your hearts’ content!

• Whether you’re looking for a special occasion cake, or just need a sweet tooth fix, Crumbles Bakery has something for everyone. Their store offers cupcakes, cookies, whoopee pies, macaroons and cake pops for purchase individually. You can also order delicious custom cakes and beautifully decorated cookies. You may even recognize owner Nicole from the Great American Baking Show.

• If you believe that donuts are perfect anytime of day, then Holey Sweet Donuts will satisfy your cravings. Crowd favorites include red velvet, maple bacon and pistachio. If you’re in the mood for something savory to start your day, they also offer breakfast sandwiches. For those wanting something a little healthier, you can also choose from a selection of smoothies.

• Sweet Charlie’s is a chain, but we have to include them –  they have rolled ice cream available with vegan “milk” which is awesome for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Located in McDonough.

• We love the ice cream & desserts at Southern Belle Farm Market. I know it’s not a “typical” restaurant but y’all, they serve the best homemade strawberry, peach and vanilla ice cream from April to July. You simply do not want to miss it (or a visit to the farm, for that matter).

GETTING AROUND MCDONOUGH GA

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR GEORGIA VISIT

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• MCDONOUGH: 21 Free Things To Do in McDonough GA (and All of Henry County)
• SOUTHERN BELLE FARM: 4 Delightbul Seasons of Family Fun
• ATLANTA: 53+ Things To Do in Atlanta You Should Not Miss (From Locals in the Know)
• PANOLA: 5 Amazing Reasons To Visit Panola Mountain State Park (+ 10 More Nearby Adventures)