Henry County, Georgia | Part II
Photos courtesy of Visit Henry County, GA
In the last issue, we introduced you to some of the outdoor adventures and unforgettable experiences Henry County, Georgia had to offer. Now, we wanted to share some amazing restaurant finds you can add to your list because Henry County’s culinary scene is packed with flavor, offering everything from elevated Southern cuisine to trendy cafés and chef-inspired dining experiences.
Whether you are looking for the best cup of coffee, a hidden restaurant full of character and fantastic food, or that spicy flavor of ethnic food, patrons will enjoy locally inspired dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and welcoming patios perfect for long evenings with friends and even fur babies. So, pack your bags, take a long weekend, and eat your way through Henry County! Bon appétit.
SDK’s Café & Coffee
2106 Jodeco Road, McDonough, GA 30253
(678) 272-6242 | sdkscafeandcoffee.com
Start your day off right! SDK’s Café & Coffee serves up New York bagels, pastries, and coffee. To ensure freshness, the bagels are flown in multiple times a week from a New York bakery for the most authentic taste of the city, and yes, they are delicious!
Whether you prefer your bagel toasted with cream cheese or piled high with smoked salmon, eggs, onion, and capers, the bagel’s flavor and satisfying chew make it stand out. Everything is freshly prepared and generously topped; menu items like the bagel lox, pizza bagel, breakfast tacos, or sandwiches like a Rueben, make for a satisfying meal. Pair that with one of SDK’s handcrafted coffee drinks, teas, or shakes to make the perfect combo.
The café was inspired by a passion for exceptional coffee and a desire to bring people together and was intended to be a welcoming destination for the community. Co-owners Susan and Kamal Dorsainville envisioned more than a neighborhood coffee shop—they created a warm, inviting space where friends gather, conversations flow, ideas are shared, and every guest feels right at home.
15th Street Pizza & Pub
1927 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA 30253
(770) 507-1478 | 15thstreetpizza.com
With its bright, sports-like atmosphere, this family-owned and operated restaurant, 15th Street Pizza & Pub, serves pizza, wings, salads, sandwiches, more than 65 beers, and features an extensive craft beer and wine menu. Using only quality ingredients, the menu includes a variety of bar favorites. From the pepperoni rolls to the meat lovers’ egg rolls, the fried banana peppers, or the variety of brick oven pizzas — it’s all top-notch and tasty.
Whether you are in the mood for a calzone, BLT, or half-pound Angus burger, you won’t be disappointed. The brick oven pizza dough is made fresh daily, and with a variety of specialty pizzas and more than 22 pizza toppings, what could be better? The pickle pizza, of course. Yes, it is a fan favorite and surprisingly DELICIOUS! Don’t forget to ask about the day’s specials and make sure to include Fido in your visit. They even have a menu for dogs.
Sweet Auburn Barbecue
1828 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, GA 30253
(470) 885-5004 | sweetauburnbbq.com
Henry County is the second location for Sweet Auburn, with its first in Atlanta. This trendy restaurant, with its indoor-outdoor vibe, serves Texas-style barbecue and deserves a spot on your list. It truly is an experience that blends traditional-style barbecue with an Asian twist. Sibling owners Howard and Anita Hsu’s Asian roots and Southern upbringing have created a menu using fresh ingredients and slow-smoked perfection.
This full-service dining experience, including a full bar and cocktail menu, takes their award-winning barbecue experience to a whole new level. From tender brisket and pulled pork to inventive appetizers and signature specialties, every dish is crafted with attention to detail and a passion for flavor. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and exciting, offering something for longtime barbecue enthusiasts and adventurous foodies alike.
Items on the menu, such as pimento cheese wontons, Chinese BBQ ribs, and brisket egg rolls, demonstrate the perfect fusion of traditional BBQ and innovative Asian styles that Sweet Auburn Barbecue has become known for. The Smoked Fried Rice is off the charts delicious, and the BBQ Omakase is a work of art, definitely a must-order!
Southern Fusion Dining
656 Peeksville Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248
(678) 272-8688 | thesouthernfusiondining.com
At Southern Fusion Dining, guests will be treated to a memorable breakfast or lunch crafted by Chef Paul Lewis, where he combines classic Southern comfort food with his chef-inspired flavors. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army as a grenade instructor, Chef Paul pursued his passion for cooking at the Art Institute of Atlanta. He went on to build an accomplished culinary career working at the Sheraton hotel, Coca-Cola, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Alabama State University before following his dream of opening his own restaurant.
For food lovers seeking elevated Southern cuisine in a relaxed setting, Southern Fusion Dining is for you. The restaurant celebrates the rich traditions of Southern cooking while incorporating fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Some popular items include buttery biscuits, blackened shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and their famously delicious Colossal Cinnamon Rolls. Absolutely amazing! When asked why the grits are so good, the chef replied, “The secret ingredient, of course.” But honestly, they are some of the best grits you will ever have, so smooth and creamy.
Frida’s Mexican Grill & Cantina
1027 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281
(470) 877-2055 | fridaseagleslanding.com
Step inside locally owned Frida’s Mexican Grill & Cantina, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported south of the border. From the colorful décor to the sizzling fajitas and handcrafted margaritas, the freshly prepared dishes offer a taste of Mexico in the heart of Henry County, inviting guests to slow down while they gather with friends and family.
The genuine hospitality and authentic bold flavors create an experience that goes beyond a typical meal. Frida’s menu brings together home-style Mexican cooking with a modern twist. It blends authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative presentation to deliver a dining experience you’ll never forget. From the fresh tableside guacamole and flavorful tacos — the Baja fish tacos are a standout — to the perfectly seasoned carne asada and handcrafted cocktails that complement every meal, every bite is sure to be savored.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or an evening out, each plate represents Frida’s passion for authentic ingredients and time-honored recipes. Enjoy a little piece of Mexico in the middle of Georgia — seriously!
Green Front Café
112 2nd Street, Stockbridge, GA 30281
(678) 643-5724 | greenfrontcafe.com
The historic Green Front Café is an old restaurant with a renewed soul. First opened in the 1940s by Carrie Mae and Hime Hambrick Sr., it is commonly believed to be the first restaurant in Stockbridge. The café also earned a place in local history as it was notable for welcoming both black and white diners to eat under the same roof, despite the segregation practices of the time.
Carrie Mae ran the restaurant for over 60 years before it closed in the early 2000s. The building was vacant for years before the mother-daughter team of Diane and Malana Miller discovered and purchased the property in 2018. Together, they spent four years bringing it back to life, transforming it to its former glory.
The restaurant is now open for breakfast and lunch and serves up soul food with a taste of Jamaica. Southern dishes like fried chicken with sides of green beans and candied yams will certainly please. If you prefer, try the meatloaf like grandma used to make or Authentic Jamaican jerk chicken with collard greens and fried okra. Of course, the meal wouldn’t be complete without a classic homemade peach cobbler. Yum! Look for the green colored house on 2nd Street and stop by the café for a tasty dining experience full of soul food that embodies true Southern hospitality.
Plan your visit and discover everything Henry County, Georgia, has to offer by visiting visithenrycountygeorgia.com. #betterexplored.
