The Joints – The Running List

Jamaican Delight Caribbean Cuisine.

Don’t plan on bringing the family here. There are only two tables with two chairs each, plus two bar stools. That’s it. Here, they focus on catering and takeout. In fact, they don’t even have the full menu available for dining in. Pro tip: You need to call ahead to and let them know what you want so they can cook it up.

The food is just like the name implies, Jamaican specialities like oxtail and goat, and beef and chicken patties. Their curry and jerked chicken is out of this world. You need to order ahead to get the seafood. This is a great place that is just something completely different and one you probably didn’t know existed. And yep, it’s attached to a gas station.

They don’t have a website, although you can find somewhat of a menu if you search hard enough. Do what we did when in the area, drop in and snap a photo of the menu.

2235 Hwy. 34 East, Newnan • 770-683-8646

Mon-Fri. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. noon to 8 p.m.

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Mesquite Tree

If you’re out on Hwy. 34 in Sharpsburg, you need to check out a new family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant – Mesquite Tree. The menu is up on big signs along one wall. You start by picking your dish: tacos, tortas, chimichangas, burritos, flautas, enchiladas, or topopos. Next your protein: steak, grilled or shredded chicken, pork and so forth.

Ordering is done up at the counter, where you can also check out all the fixins. Service is fast and friendly and there’s a variety of sauces to try out. When ordering, try the burrito “enchilada” style with cheese and sauce. Pretty outstanding. And their guacamole is pretty much out of this world as well.

It’s the kind of place you can bring the whole family and have a great meal and not break the bank.

3500 Hwy. 34 East • 470-414-7822

Tues – Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sun – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Monday.

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Mac’s Pizza and Wings

If you ever find yourself roadtripping to Atlanta and want to grab some wings on the way, we’ve got the place for. And heck, if you’re driving home from working in the big city and crave some wings, it’s still the same place.

Here’s what they say: “Our Southern style wings are marinated in our dry rub, then deep fried to golden perfection and drizzled in sauce.” And that pretty much sums it up. They have the regular flavors as well as Georgia Peach, Sweet Chili, Kickin’ Bourbon and White Monkey’s favorite, lemon pepper.

They can make you a pizza too, with free toppings and hand tossed or thin crusts. Mac’s is located off the Collingsworth exit on Interstate 85. It’s the gas station right next to Frank’s Restaurant.

1188 Collinsworth Rd., Palmetto • 770-463-4454

Mon-Sat. 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.; Sun. 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Mother’s Kitchen

Let’s face it, any place named “Mother’s Kitchen” better live up to the name, and Newnan’s own does that and more. It is the perfect Southern cooking joint in about as relaxed an atmosphere as you can find. In other words, you are not there for the decor, but you will be greeted warmly and might even get a God bless or two.

For nearly 17 years, everyone from big name politicians to bankers and construction workers have visited Mother’s for her fried or baked chicken, ham and a variety of Southern veggies.

And don’t bring your gold, platinum or titanium credit card either, it’s cash or check only. If you’ve never been, just park near where you think it is and ask someone. The entrance to Mother’s is actually down an alley.

33 ½ East Broad, Newnan • 770-683-3033

Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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El Taquito

Located south of downtown Newnan off I-85’s Exit 41 (Moreland), is El Taquito. You have to enter through the BP truck stop to get to where you order. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of seating.

Once there, a large billboard sign highlights the menu: nachos, taco salads, tortas, flautas, tacos, asada, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos. Meat options include steak, beef tongue, beef head, tripe, sausage, fried pork and other adventurous choices.

And you won’t find a fountain machine here. The Cokes are in 500 ml glass bottles, and there’s no twisting these off. Fortunately there’s a bottle opener nailed to the wall right next to the refrigerator. And it’s bottled in Mexico.

1389 Hwy 29, Newnan • 770-252-2777

Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sat: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sun: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Tomo

If you are a sushi lover and are really into the Zodiac, Tomo Japanese Restaurant might just be your place. The Capricorn roll, for example, includes shrimp tempura, spicy tuna with a lobster salad on top. Let’s just say they’ve got every combination of sashimi, sushi, and hand rolls you can think of.

But that’s certainly not all. Lunch and dinner includes Hibachi specials as well as Bento box smorgasbords. There’s tempura offerings and special Udon or Soba dishes.

For Japanese food lovers, this restaurant, smack in the middle of the Thomas Crossings Publix stripmall, is a hidden delight. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait.

90 Glenda Trace, Suite K, Newnan  • 770-254-8588

Mon – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Fri – Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday noon – 10 p.m.

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CC’s Wings

One does not go to CC’s to enjoy the decor. One goes there to eat some of the best chicken wings in the area.

They’ve got family specials ranging from 30 wings and sides up to 70 wings and sides. Flavors include all the normal culprits, plus a few with the word “hot” associated with them. Order these at your own risk.

Those atomic levels will certainly make your head sweat, but don’t be surprised if you fingers start to blister as well.

But it’s not all wings. They are well known for their fried fish deals, which includes catfish, whiting or tilapia. They’ve got family packs for those as well. Dial the number and order away. You’ll find them across the street from Hemrick’s Super Thrift

23 Franklin Road, Newnan • 770-252-2755

Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fri & Sat. – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Fabiano’s Pizzeria

Any place where you can order a bowl of tater tots, and then top them with chili, onions, jalapenos and/or cheese, is just flat out going to be a great joint. And fights have been known to break out over who gets the last garlic knot.

Such is Fabiano’s, right smack in downtown Newnan attached to the historic The Alamo, a former movie house and now live music bar.

There are plenty of sandwiches to choose from, but Fabiano’s is best known for their pizza. It’s one of the few where you can order a “monster” slice or two. You have a slew of toppings to choose from and it’s all New York style, so don’t be bringing up talk about pies and Chicago.

Totally White Monkey approved with wooden booths or tables – and kid friendly too.

19 North Court Square, Newnan • 770-683-2683

Mon – Sun: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Bee’z Eat’s

Tucked in a small cluster of stores on Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd. is Bee’z Eat’s. So awesome they don’t even have a web page. You can check out their menu, which is drawn up on dry erase boards, on their Facebook photo page.

Let’s just say their cheesesteak is arguably the best in town. Grown men have cried over their Mac and Cheese. Shrimp and Oyster Po’Boys the way God meant; shrimp and grits and hot dogs the length of a kid’s arm. Fried, grilled or however you want, everything on their menu is worth coming back for. Bee’z handles the cooking, while his wife Diane takes care of the front. You just have to go.

395 Millard Farmer Industrial Blvd.

Newnan • 678-673-6847

Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m to 8 p.m.

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The Mexican Store

Down Hwy. 29 South are a couple of buildings housing a laundromat and a Hispanic grocery. The Mexican Store caters to all things Mexican, including a large meat section. And there’s an in-house taqueria/grill. You can get authentic Mexican dishes like carnitas, chicharrones, tacos, burritos and Mexican style beef and lamb BBQ. Great food, great price.

272 Greenville St., Newnan • 470-414-7179

Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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JR’s BBQ

If you are ever down driving in the south part of the county near the Coweta County Fairgrounds, roll down your window and follow your nose. If you’ve got a hankering for “I need some BBQ NOW,” well, JR’s BBQ is right there on Pine Road. There is a massive cooker right outside, so you can’t miss it. Just run up to the trailer and ask Nat and Angie for a pulled pork sandwich, a BBQ plate, smoked sausage and other delights. You can also get Brunswick Stew by the gallon. In and out, the way a BBQ joint should be.

191 Pine Road, Newnan • 404-391-3846 

Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CASH ONLY

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Coweta Country Junction

There are probably more chicken wing restaurants around these parts than BBQ places, which is saying something for the South. And some have more flavors than you can count.

But for something completely different, you need to check out the Coweta Country Junction on Hwy. 29. You would not think a gas station/convenience store would be known for their wings. You would be wrong.

Their wings are battered up and they are fried. And they are big and they are delicious. The only flavor you get is some hot sauce they provide on the side. Seriously, these are some wings. You might want to call ahead and order some to make sure they are ready for you.

1502 US-29, Newnan • 770-253-5999

Monday – Sunday

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Got a favorite joint? Let us know about it and we’ll check it out: [email protected]