The Joints Directory – Looking for a place to eat this weekend?
By JOHN A. WINTERS, Publisher
Weekends and eating out just go hand-in-hand.
Everyone has their “go-to” place to eat. It might be with linen tablecloths and waiters in ties, or where you throw peanuts on the floor and carve your initials in the wooden tables. Whatever and wherever, it’s your “joint.”
We’ve compiled a list of “joints” in-and-around Coweta County to help you with your weekend decision of where to eat.
ALO FARMS
629 Highway 74 South, Peachtree City • 678-489-4423
Red and Green Oakleaf, Sweet Crisp, Red and Green Butter and Muir Lettuce. Microgreen broccoli, basil, cucumbers, spinach, scallion and more. alofarmsga.us
APOLLO’S STEAKS
33 East Broad Street, Newnan • 770-667-4811
Authentic Philly cheesesteaks, cheesecake and more! As for cheesesteaks, they have steak, chicken, steak/chicken, fish, veggie and even mushroom. You have options. We like options and we love their cheesesteaks. And yes, they are served on Amoroso rolls. “Amoroso” is an Italian word loosely translated as “bread of the gods.” Trust us. Looking for something else? Whiting, catfish, tilapia, flounder, shrimp and some awesome sides are also available. Side note, fried shrimp is pretty awesome. Apollo will be in the back on his flattop cooking away. Make sure and say “hey.” You might get a fist pump. Fist pumps are good.
CAFE 1485
1485 Highway 34 East, Newnan • 470-627-3043
Serving breakfast and lunch, this chef-driven restaurant reminds one of a diner … a diner with a twist that kind of sneaks up on you. Yes, you can get eggs benedict for breakfast, but how about the JP Cajun: andouille sausage, pepperoncini peppers and Cajun hollandaise sauce. Speaking of peppers, you will not find any green bell peppers. Yellow, red, orange – absolutely. Green? No. We appreciate Chef Darrin and his culinary expertise in this pepper selection. Green peppers are not a food group. Omelet? Absolutely. But let’s spread our wings and try one with mushrooms and goat cheese shall we? French toast, corned beef, biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits are all on the breakfast table. Lunch. Let’s just say their Shrimp Po-Boy might have snuck up from New Orleans. Delicious. And let’s not forget their Cubano. That’s a very popular South American sandwich with roasted pork belly, black forest ham, Dijon mustard, swiss cheese and pickles. Hamburgers galore, like the Cowboy Burger – featuring cheddar cheese, bacon, fried onion and BBQ sauce.
CC’S WINGS
23 Franklin Road, Newnan • 770-252-2755
Do a pretty big take-out business. Usual flavors with fish and burgers on the menu as well.
CHRISTY’S CAFE
27 Jackson Street, Newnan • 770-683-7512
One of the more popular breakfast joints in town. Regulars know the secret menu. Also open for lunch. The front porch is popular, especially with dog owners. Down home grub.
CHYLACA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & GRILL
20 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan • 770-252-6821
3154 Highway 34 East, Newnan • 770-502-0122
Two locations serving up some of the best dishes around. People rave about their salsa and rice. We are also partial to the Tacos Carne Asada and the El Cabo.
CIRCA COFFEE
865 Senoia Road, Tyrone • 770-683-7991
The Little Black Dress calls this the perfect shopping experience. Browse through some high-end antiques, then walk through the doorway for some coffee, sandwiches and absurdly delicious desserts. If this sounds like heaven to you, head on over to Tyrone and Circa Antiques, with the adjoining Circa Coffee. It is becoming quite the meeting place for the surrounding area. Consider it a coffee house on steroids. The owner used to work for Delta Airlines, and there are plenty of airplane and lounge seats available. We tried the chicken salad sandwich, the ham and cheese croissant, and a caprese salad on sourdough bread. They were all very tasty. And their banana bread is off the charts. They’ve got some big cookies that we will have to hit next time. And for all those wondering, there is wifi and they have the password on the counter for you. It’s a great place and comfortable place to have coffee with friends, or salivate over some desserts. Just don’t let your wife know there’s a great antiques store next door. Click HERE for their Facebook page.
COWETA COUNTRY JUNCTION
1502 Highway 29 North, Newnan • 770-253-5999
Arguably the best wings in the county. Big and juicy.
One flavor – awesome. Need to call ahead to order.
DUNC’S BBQ KITCHEN
98 Jackson Street, Newnan • 678-673-6644
Great joint that includes beef brisket, all-you-can-eat catfish and shrimp, smoked chicken and pulled pork. Killer banana pudding and their white sauce is The Bomb.
EL TAQUITO
1389 Highway 29 South, Newnan • 770-252-2777
It’s located inside a gas station. Their Coke is from Mexico and has sugar. This is the real deal. They have photos up above the counter and you can just point and salivate at the same time.
FABIANO’S PIZZERIA
19 North Court Square, Newnan • 770-683-2683
Very popular pizza joint. It’s their other items that really make a hit – soups, sandwiches, garlic knots and bowls of tater tots.
GARLIC THAI
16 North Court Square, Newnan • 770-683-7515 • garlicthai.com
For those who love Asian food, as in Thai cuisine, sushi and noodles, Garlic has to be on the top of anyone’s list. Seafood, lamb, beef, chicken, all the proteins are there in some amazing sauces including several curry spices.
GOLDENS ON THE SQUARE
9 East Court Square, Newnan • 770-251-4300
The menu changes daily but there are always several meat/fish offerings, vegetables, salads and desserts. If you are looking for some good ol’ Southern comfort food, you would be hard pressed to beat Golden’s.
H.J. WINGS & THINGS
485 Highway 16 West, Newnan • 770-755-6192
Great wings, excellent hamburgers and top of the line cheesesteaks – and you know how serious we are about our cheesesteaks. But other “things” to consider are their shrimp, fish, massive salads, sandwiches, wraps, and … okay, wings again.
THE HALF SHELL
1690 Highway 34 East, Newnan • 770-502-9911
Hot dogs and oysters. Hey, it’s an Alabama thing. Onion rings, fried mushrooms are a secret hit. And don’t forget the crawfish.
ITO RAMEN BAR
1067 Bullsboro Dr., Ste. D, Newnan • 678-673-6000 • itoramenbar.com
One of the best tacos I have ever had was at this Asian soup bar. The waiter said this particular taco was “to die for.” He was right. Description: “Spicy crab, guacamole, and green onion in a crispy wonton taco shell topped with cilantro and spicy mayo.” For the uninitiated, a Ramen bar serves noodles with various toppings and sauces in a large bowl. The base is chicken, beef, or pork broth with various-sized noodles. Honestly, their broths are way better than those chicken noodle soup cans. So, if you ever get sick, just order their chicken broth. Once you have your broth base and noodles, you can add proteins like shrimp, steak, chicken, and so forth. Then, add various vegetables and an egg. And let’s not forget the level of “heat” you want. I like mine right where it makes you sweat on the top of your head. So there you have it. Ito’s is a completely different restaurant than most are used to around here. So if you like a little adventure in your palate, you need to try them out.
JAPANECK FRANK HIBACHI CUISINE
51 Market Square, Road, Newnan • 678-877-9100
This joint is all about something different. Different foods, different cooking styles, different locations … different. Think flat tops, shrimp, steak, salmon, grilled veggies, ginger sauce, and the perfect fried rice.
JR’s BBQ
191 Pine Road, Newnan • 404-391-3846
He’s located on the side of the road in a little trailer. The smoker is outside. Just go ahead and stop for a BBQ sandwich and you will be hooked.
LISA CREPERIES
48 Main Street, Senoia • 770-727-9566 • www.lisascreperie.com
Lisa’s Créperie has some amazing dessert crépes. But you’d be missing out if you didn’t try their breakfast and lunch “sandwich crépes.” Let’s just say their simple ham and cheese creépe would put your mama’s to shame and make her cry. And the “Lisa’s Crépe,” which is basically a ham crépe on steroids, is awesome. Heck, everything is. Come support this veteran-owned joint right in the middle of downtown Senoia.
LOCOS TACOS
226 Greenville Street South, Suite G, Newnan • 678-552-9499
About five minutes down Greenville St. South past downtown Newnan is a small strip mall on the left where Locos Tacos resides. They have beef tongue and beef head. Mexican Coke and Mexican Fanta. You know it’s authentic.It’s bright and cheery, they greet you with a hello and a smile, all good signs. And then … choices. This is the kind of place where you stare up at the menu and go “ooh, I’ll have that. No, wait. That looks awesome. Heck check out …” You want to come back and try so many other things because the food was fantastic. I had the Burrito Loco, stuffed with grilled steak, black beans, rice, queso, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Awesome. I am having the Fajita Bowl next time: rice, steak, chicken, and shrimp with queso, bell peppers, and onions). I will not be having the bell peppers if they are green. I don’t do green eggs and ham and I don’t do green peppers. Red, orange, yellow – absolutely. One other item I plan on trying are the California or Carne Asada fries – topped with cheese, steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapenos and sour cream.
THE MAD MEXICAN
2 East Court Square, Newnan • 770-683-9545
Southern BBQ meets Mexican tacos. A unique take on Mexican dishes – burritos, quesadillas, nachos – with that Southern flair. Now serving margaritas … and awesomeness.
MATT’S SMALL TOWN PIZZA
53E Main Street, Senoia • 770-599-1226
There is nothing “smalltown” about their pizza, or wings or anything else. Very casual atmosphere with beer, wine and even gluten free pizza if you prefer.
MILANO’S PIZZA & ITALIAN GRILL
3500 Highway 34 East, Sharpsburg • 678-857-3221
It turns out you really can come back home again, at least for this long-time loved Italian restaurant. Milano’s Pizza and Italian Grill, which was in a couple of locations in Newnan before moving down to LaGrange, is back. And back to its original Sharpsburg location. It is a great collection of Italian food, with some Greek specialities thrown in. Pizzas, calezones, great salads, or try a couple of appetizers as the main course – Calamari and the Greek Combo Platter. Some great sandwiches, like the Italian Steak Sandwich, which should not be confused with a cheesesteak. Meatballs, Souvlaki chicken … so many choices. And dinner has all the classic Greek and Italian dishes you always want. And honestly, one of the best bargains in terms of price and quality and quantity of food we’ve had.
MODERN THAI
54 Carriage Oaks Drive, Tyrone • 678-834-5403 • modernthaiga.com
A few offerings … Panang Beef … sliced beef tenderloin sautéed in panang curry topped with minced kaffir lime leaf and bell pepper served with jasmine blue rice. Or Spaghetti Keo Mao: stir fried spaghetti, shrimp, scallop, calamari, sweet onion, bell peppers, green beans with fresh chili, garlic & Holy basil. And Deep fried calamari rings with tentacles in salt and pepper batter served with pineapple chili sauce.
THE RED DOOR CAFE
86 Highway 85, Haralson • 770-599-6838
If you are ever in Haralson, Georgia, make sure and stop at Williams Grocery for some of the best sausage in the country. And you can try it right next door at the Red Door Cafe. You can have breakfast or lunch. On weekdays, they usually have two meat specials with plenty of vegetables. Or order off the blackboards.
THE REDNECK GOURMET
11 North Court Square, Newnan • 770-251-0092
Where you go to see a lot of people you know. It’s unpretentious with a little quirkiness – think Redneck Caviar. Hamburgers, hotdogs, sandwiches and salads. Everyone eats here.
RPM FULL SERVICE
15 Jackson Street, Newnan • 770-683-1414
Great pub food. Those into Reubens give it high marks. They have this Cod of Thunder that we aren’t sure anyone has ever finished. A very dog friend porch that always gets high marks.
SHARPSBURG PIZZA & PUB
6549 Highway 54, Sharpsburg • 678-857-3828 • sharpsburgpizza.com
We are always looking for a good slice of pizza, maybe some wings and a cold brew to wash it all down with. And this joint gets the prize for best descriptive name – Sharpsburg Pizza and Pub – because it is in Sharpsburg and serves pizza and beer. And why yes, you can belly up to the bar/pub.According to the Little Black Dress, their salads are great. We did not get to try them on the last visit, but lots of raves on their smoked wings – jumbo wings no less. And they have a Pub Club, where you can get a buck off a domestic draft for an entire year. But let’s talk pizza. It is seriously good. The kind of pizza where you finish, get in your car, look at the other person and go, “damn, that was good pizza.” It has someting to do with the cheese.Four sizes ranging from 10 to 18 inches. A vegan friendly red sauce; a white sauce (white sauces are amazing btw); olive oil; or pesto. Hand-tossed, thin or cauliflower (only in the 10-inch, thank goodness. Just not ready for that jump from bread to vegetable crusts yet.) Hot and cold sandwiches, strombolis and calzones, and pepperoni balls and other assorted appetizers round out the menu. Family and pet-friendly. Great for lunch, dinner or take-out.
SHE CRAFT COMPANY
929 Senoia Road, Tyrone • 678-884-6323
The chef calls it “Asian Confusion.” We call it fun and unique.
A Korean/Chinese/Southern place – grilled brussel sprouts, meat Bulgogi sliders.
SPRAYBERRY’S BARBECUE
229 Jackson Street, Newnan • 770-253-4421
Everyone, everyone has eaten at Sprayberry’s. And that includes vice presidents, senators and a slew of others. One of the oldest businesses in Coweta County, for many, it is their go-to spot.
TACOS MI VERACRUZ
21 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan • 770-755-6164
You just know this authentic Mexican restaurant is good when parts of their menu were only in Spanish. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Try their Burrito Loco or their Street Taco Supreme, which is so big, you have to order extra tortillas. Click HERE for their Facebook page.
TAMMY’S NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER CAFE
12 Bonnell Street, Newnan • 770-755-7757
Great Southern food at even better prices. Everything from turkey wing to pigs feet and hamburger steak. Home of the $3 breakfast.
TOMO
90 Glenda Trace, Suite K, Newnan • 770-254-8588
An excellent Japanese restaurant hidden in a strip mall. The only downside to this place is finding a seat. From Bento boxes to off-the-wall sushi, this is as authentic as it gets.
TOWN AND COUNTRY
8 Franklin Road, Newnan • 770-251-8070
Their slogan is “Come back to the country.” And that’s what you get. Homestyle breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just good food without all the bells and whistles. Probably the nicest waitresses around as well.
WHIMZICAL CAFE
33 East Broad Street, Newnan • 770-755-7709
The word” whimsical” is defined as: playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. We think “whimzical,” with a “z” fits that definition as well, just add “a fun place to eat.” Located in downtown Newnan across the street from the old Coweta County Administration Building, Whimzical Cafe takes you on a food journey befitting its name. The lunch menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, pressed sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and some crazy good “sweet endings.” Choices include Salami Get This, Gyr-o Hero, Brie Mine, Jurassic Pork, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatball, and so on. As an aside, the Double Dipper (prime rib, horseradish, cheddar, and au jus) is awesome. They’ve got brunch as well. Before we get into that, we strongly suggest you plan to go for lunch or brunch. Otherwise, you will be staring at both menus and by the time you order, it’s time to get back to work. Choose one, and come back another time for the other menu. Back to brunch. The signature dish must be “The Whimzy.” Just a simple biscuit “stacked with ham, fried egg, housemade crab cake, hollandaise, and tarragon. Served with cheese grits.” Another aside, the cheese grits hit that “awesome” category too. Lots of choices. It’s the place where you can’t wait to go back and try the (fill in the blank). Click HERE for their Facebook Page.
WINDY HILL FAMILY FARM
1011 Rock House Road, Senoia
This fourth-generation local dairy farm is creating a name for itself in the beef business. It is one of our favorite “go-to” places for quality beef at a reasonable price.
