Contemporary comfort food in the heart of Valdosta
When you think of Southern cuisine, you may think of pimento cheese, fried chicken, barbecue, collard greens, and grits. And while those will always remain a true Southern staple, in Valdosta we're expanding on the trend of modern comfort food. Chefs across the city have taken what we all know and love about the taste of the South and given it an uptown contemporary twist. Get ready to savor new Southern culinary adventures on the menu in Valdosta.
In the heart of downtown Valdosta, there's something for everyone. Lovely lunchrooms for ladies who lunch; cafes serving up elevated pub grub for a casual meal; downhome diners with a twist to fulfill your Southern heart and upscale bistros with creative takes on the classics. Each menu may be unique, but they're all served with a heaping side of Southern hospitality.
Are you ready to take your tastebuds on a tour of Valdosta? Let's dig in.
Covington's Dining
& Catering
One of Valdosta's culinary landmarks, Covington's has been serving up tasty lunches and takeout for nearly three decades. The menu is filled with familiar Southern comfort foods including freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, chicken salad croissants and daily specials like pimento cheese wontons and meatloaf. Be sure to save room for their scratch-made pies or lemon pound cake.
306 North
Located next door to and owned by the same folks as Covington's is 306 North. This slightly more upscale version of its sister restaurant serves up Southern dishes with a twist. Start with Thompson Farms braised pork belly served with grits and a cane syrup drizzle or go all out with the Southern Sampler of house-made pork skins, local smoked pork sausage, deviled eggs and pimento cheese. From there, be sure to try the crispy buttermilk fried pork chips or their signature shrimp & grits.
The Bistro
Restaurant & Bar
The Bistro starts with top-of-the-line ingredients, such as USDA Certified Angus Beef, sushi-grade tuna, New Zealand lamb and locally-sourced in-season produce and prepares them in thoughtfully crafted and executed dishes. The Bistro is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner, special occasion or a night of tasteful dining. The backdrop to the perfect meal is their stylish and upscale dining room with exposed brick walls, luxurious artwork and jazz music as well as one of South Georgia's largest wine selections and an inventive menu of specialty martinis and spirits.
Friends
Grille + Bar
In Summit Pointe, north of downtown is Friends Grille + Bar, a neighborhood gathering spot focusing on laid-back Southern cuisine. Friends prides itself on partnering with local farmers and suppliers to provide their guests with quality farm-fresh ingredients and artisan products for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch on their spacious laid-back covered porch, or in their energetic dining room and open kitchen bar. Visitors new to the South should make time to attend Friends rite of passage: Ribs & Whiskey Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday.
Woodstack
BBQ Tavern
No trip to Valdosta is complete without a visit to Woodstack BBQ Tavern. This popular barbecue joint serves authentic Southern barbecue that's been slow cooked with oak wood. Choose your favorite meat such as pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, sausage and chicken and pair it with a comfort side of your choice including mac and cheese, greens and fried okra.
Moms & Dads
From flour to fork is what you can expect at Mom & Dad's. This beloved Italian restaurant is a fourth generation family-owned concept that believes in the value of freshly-made pastas, sauces, and desserts. Start your meal with the Escargot in Mushroom Caps, Mussels Vino Bianco or Bruschetta followed by a plate of house-made lasagna, manicotti or fettuccini. Looking for something a little lighter? Try the Chicken Florentine or Fresh Grouper. Be sure to save room for a slice of pecan cheesecake or a bite of crème brulee.
Jack's Chophouse
Every great city needs a great steakhouse and ours is Jack's Chophouse. Specializing in premier steaks and seafood, Jack's is the go-to spot for work lunches, family dinners and happy hour with friends. For starters, try the pimento cheese fritters served with house-made habanero-mango jelly or the Ahi tuna served with house-made ginger sauce. For entrees, guests love the bone-in ribeye, blackened salmon and grilled shrimp over smoked gouda grits. And be sure to save room for the blueberry cobbler cheesecake made with fresh, local blueberries.
A + B, etc.
If you're looking for a very exclusive dining experience, head on over to Hahira. This small town in Lowndes County man be the best known for their honey but nestled in the heart of their downtown square is A + B, etc . Part gift show, part event venue, A + B, etc. invites chefs from around the region to host exclusive dinners with limited reservations. Each event is coursed out and paired with wine to create an intimate dining experience for you and your guest. Visit their website to put your name on the next waiting list.