Henry County, Georgia, is located a little south of Atlanta on I-75. It is a society of change and progress as well as history and heritage. You find this indelible spirit everywhere, but especially within the restaurants of Henry County, Georgia. This article introduces you to local restaurants in McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, and Locust Grove, and helps you find the best food and desserts for your I-75 stop or weekend getaway.
Green Front Cafe – Stockbridge
Our tour begins at the first restaurant in Stockbridge and perhaps even in all of Henry County – the Green Front Café located along the Martin Luther King Sr. Heritage Trail. Carrie Mae Hambrick has run the café for over 50 years, serving up the best Southern food with a radical concept that everyone welcomes. Her cornbread was good enough to defy the color barrier in 1940s Georgia. Her spirit lives on today with an annual observance – Carrie Mae Hambrick Day, usually celebrated in early May.
Southern Dining – Locust Grove
Southern Fusion Dining serves delicious Southern fare like chicken and waffles or sausage gravy and biscuits. Chef Paul is a cool guy who taught Mel Gibson how to throw grenades and first served collard green egg rolls at Chris Webber's wedding. Growing up the youngest of nine siblings, he makes sure no one goes hungry at Southern Fusion with generous portions served with faith and love.
Sweet Auburn BBQ – McDonough
Sweet Auburn BBQ offers traditional style BBQ with an Asian twist. You can eat straight meats and three or spice things up with pimento cheese fritters, lemongrass-coconut ribs, or smoked brisket egg rolls. High quality ingredients and careful preparation are universal languages.
15th Street Pizza & Pub – McDonough
On the subject of creative cooking, you have to check out the pizza selection at 15th Street Pizza & Pub. They start with hand-fried dough that's made fresh daily and your choice of 22 toppings, but why stop there? Have you ever had wine and cheese, a chicken Caesar salad, or a bacon chicken ranch pizza? We didn't even eat at 15th Street Pizza. (Note: The new address is 1927 Jonesboro Road)
PÜR Zen Mimosa Wine Bar – McDonough
PÜR Zen Mimosa wine bar is located next to 15th Street Pizza. They have a wide selection of wines and meats if you prefer wine and cheese in a more traditional form. Their mimosa flights are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Shane Rib Shack – McDonough
Yes, there really is a Shane, and it all started in McDonough, Georgia. Today there are more than 70 locations in 10 states, but you can stop by the original Shane's Hut for some of the best casual barbecue.
Mimi's Bakery at South Bell Farms – McDonough
I hope you saved room for the famous fried pies and cider donuts from Mimi's Bakery at South Bell Farms. Maybe you can take a stroll through the market, or pick out the fields and make room for a scoop of homemade ice cream too.
Welcome Home Creamery & Coffee – Hampton
If you're headed to Henry County adventures at Atlanta Motor Speedway, like thrilling driving school or flying a vintage helicopter, stop by Welcome Home Creamery and Coffee for award-winning ice cream. Their banana pudding ice cream took third place in the North American Ice Cream Association's 2022 Flavor of the Year Contest, but you'll be blown away by all the creative and delicious options.
Drip Through Coffee – Stockbridge
Henry County is home to the Arabian Mountain Trails, one of the best biking tours in Georgia. If you're looking for a short hike in the AMP Hills, Drip Through Coffee is where you'll find it. It's a commuter café inspired by Pacific Northwest cafés.
Black Rose Cafe & Bar – Locust Grove
We return to Locust Grove to visit our last Henry County restaurant – Black Rose Cafe and Bar. Black Rose Restaurant serves Latin cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll get more than just a coffee experience at the cookie-cutter chain with a full bar and innovative cooking.
Final Thoughts on Dining in Henry County Ga
McDonough's restaurants are delicious, but there are more things to do in Henry County if you get out and explore. You'll undoubtedly find favorites outside of our top 10 list, but our brief dining guide should inspire you to eat local the next time you stop by.
Disclosure: Thank you so much to Visit Henry County Georgia for having us and putting together a great itinerary! For more Henry County travel inspiration, visit Instagram , Facebook and TwitterAnd YouTube accounts.
As always, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own, and we only recommend brands and destinations that we support 100%.
admire? Pin it for later on Pinterest!
Hello! We are Ed and Jane Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.