Flavorful food is fragrant and abundant at every turn in the stunningly captivating small town of Bainbridge, Georgia. The assortment of best Bainbridge GA restaurants truly caught me by surprise, so I am eagerly and enthusiastically informing you of these favorable finds.
History is huge here, as best indicated by fossils found in nearby Lake Seminole that date back over fifteen thousand years.
This area is what is now extreme southwest Georgia was once a settlement area for both the Seminole and Creek Indians and known by the village name of Pucknawhitla.
Hernando de Soto reportedly set foot here in 1540. The town of Bainbridge was incorporated in 1829 and is a classic example of the true beauty of the Old South.
Over forty historic homes and churches built between 1840 and 1928 are now part of the Heritage driving home tour.
The courthouse located at 116 W Water Street is the symbolic anchor of the historic downtown square. Only five blocks away is the First African Baptist Church at 515 Webster Street.
This Gothic Revival-style structure is one of the oldest and most beautiful Black churches in the southern United States.
The Flint River sets Bainbridge apart in two ways. First, Bainbridge is one of only three inland seaport terminals in the state of Georgia. Second, the great fishing earned Bainbridge the distinction as “bass capital of Georgia.”
Many of those bass and other locally sourced edibles end up on tables in these Bainbridge restaurants.
Due in large part to two significant designations, the Georgia Exceptional Main Street in 2013 and the Georgia Rural Zone in 2018, Bainbridge has undergone an incredible surge in revitalization.
The continued growth and beautification have dramatically enhanced this town of just over 12,000 citizens. Boutique restaurants, gyms, and hotels spring up to the delight of residents and visitors.
Bainbridge was also the first Georgia town to join the National Fitness Campaign with the opening of a public fitness court at Chason Park.
Bainbridge is full of history, beauty, growth, and flavor. You will be impressed with the endless variety of restaurants and cuisines. Here are eight of my favorite places to eat in Bainbridge, GA.
Not in the mood to go out to eat tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver directly from the best restaurants in town to your doorstep.
Visiting other destinations in Georgia? Check out our other delicious guides:
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- 6 Must-Try Restaurants in Helen, GA
- 8 Best Restaurants In Savannah GA
- 10 Best Atlanta Seafood Restaurants
- Best Georgia Food
- 16 Amazing Things To Do In Georgia USA
- 12 Fun Things To Do In Helen GA
- 9 Must-Try Jekyll Island Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Augusta Restaurants
The 8 Best Bainbridge GA Restaurants
Isaacs Bakery & Deli
121 South Broad Street // (229) 246-4354
Isaacs opened in 1928 and is the oldest continually operated business in Bainbridge, Georgia, with a classic black and white striped awning. It was operated by the same family for over 80 years. The granddaughter still drops by occasionally.
The current owner is Jenny Oldacker, who relocated from New York to Bainbridge when she was eighteen. In addition to running Isaacs, this bundle of energy also teaches cooking classes and coaches cross country and soccer.
When I visited with her, she was conversing while creating a wedding cake.
While Isaacs was originally known for their baked goods, the menu now includes sandwiches, salads, and soups that proudly feature Boar’s Head premium deli meats and cheeses.
The prices are remarkably reasonable, and I can attest to the deliciousness of the red velvet cookies. Isaacs is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm, and Saturday from 8 am until 3 pm.
If you are looking for high-quality baked goods and sandwiches, this is one of the best Bainbridge restaurants to do exactly that.
The Bean Café
101 E Water Street // (229) 243-0088
The coffee aroma embraced me as I walked inside.
The dark wood plank floor and the antique cabinets displaying such coffee flavors as German Chocolate Cake and Caramel Crunch convinced me that The Bean Café is a happy morning place.
Owner Tiffany Lawrence gives her five children hands-on training here, from kitchen help to customer relations to a barista.
She, and they, and The Bean Café are awesome, lively, and eclectic.
Locals love the Mona Lisa coffee with a classic panini and homemade chili. I opted for the chili and a sampling of fudge that made my taste buds celebrate.
Open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday. For superb coffee and great food, try this Bainbridge restaurant.
J3 BBQ & Homemade Ice Cream
1408-B Tallahassee Hwy // (229) 515-3262
Pulled pork, brisket, and Brunswick stew… oh my!
But wait, follow that up with “Nanner Puddin” ice cream and then you understand why most folks love this place.
Owner Kirk Jenkins started “J3” about four years ago and it quickly built quite a controversial reputation.
Come on in from 11 am until 9 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
Just be aware that exactly at noon there is a Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer.
Some say Kirk is a bit too free in voicing his beliefs and opinions, but he says he is a proud American.
He treats all who enter like family and stays focused on freshness and quality. Every bite is bliss at J3 BBQ & Homemade Ice Cream. Make sure to try this all-American restaurant in Bainbridge. No wonder we voted it as one of the best Bainbridge restaurants.
Port City Diner
600 Calhoun Street // (229) 400-2630
This Black-owned business is big on being casual and friendly.
Owner Tan Taylor does delightful hot dogs any way you want them. You may also opt for nachos or quesadilla. If you have room for dessert, brownies or peach cobbler would be a great choice.
Tan is proud of her well-kept secret recipe for fresh pressed lemonade and other juices.
She says that since people begin eating with their nose and eyes, she makes sure everything smells and looks tempting. You may catch a glimpse of her adorable infant daughter while you enjoy your meal.
Port City Diner is open from 11 am until 5 pm Monday through Friday. Come in as casual as you please.
Ask as many questions as you like. Your tummy will be satisfied when you leave one of the best Bainbridge restaurants.
The American
122 E Broughton Street // (229) 515-3078
Start with an ideal location across the street from Willis Park, the center of the historic downtown.
Add a talented and tenacious couple as Executive Chef and Director of Marketing. Insert their insistence on crafting a fresh daily menu of locally sourced meats, cheeses, and produce.
That is how Tyler and Heather Thomas have made a big success since opening The American in 2017.
Dubious diners quickly become devotees after tasting tagliatelle pasta topped with broiled lobster tail and garnished with mushrooms, zucchini, and crispy carrot ribbons.
A peppermint goat cheesecake with chocolate cookie crust completes the divine delicacy. Other favorites include wood-fire grilled steaks and heirloom tomato pie.
The atmosphere, food, and staff are a big hit in Bainbridge, causing many folks to wonder how such a small town could have a restaurant with such big town taste.
I hope you get the chance to experience The American. You are sure to enjoy the pleasantly plated and creative cuisine at one of the best Bainbridge restaurants.
Toole’s Cakes
821 S Scott Street // (229) 442-1835
This must be the most adorable little shop in town with walls striped in blue, white, and purple. Another wall is filled with an amazing assortment of novelty cake pans.
Then you see the exuberant smile of a bearded and bespectacled man whom you immediately wish to hug.
Greg Toole has owned and operated Toole’s Cakes for many years along with his wife and daughter. He says they love the work and have much fun doing it.
Ask him about the local history and you are sure to enjoy the conversation as much as the delicious treats.
Red velvet cupcakes and monster cookies are local favorites.
Custom cakes for any occasion are a specialty and photos of these creations are on display. After a few samples, I highly recommend the key lime cupcakes.
In the mood for some sweets? Look no further than this Bainbridge bakery.
Bonnie Blue House
713 E Calhoun Street // (229) 246-9970
Every town needs a predictable place with a full bar where locals gather after work to get a bite.
Such is the case at Bonnie Blue House where salads and burgers are standard fares. But a true foodie can find hidden gems in the menu.
The Santa Fe salmon and the prime rib look tasty. My choice is the blackened Mahi Mahi on rice with green beans, roll, and lemon slices.
For the side dish, try the baked sweet potato dripping in butter and brown sugar. This is a most gratifying meal on many levels.
Owner Jared Godwin calls it “grandma-inspired sustenance” where the whole family can find a pleasant setting with food to their liking.
Periodically there is also music by local bands. All in all, one of the best Bainbridge restaurants.
SP Travel Center
2331 Dothan Road // (229) 246-2117
Did you know that truck stops can have fabulous food?
It is true, and I may have found one of the best. Owners Tim and Carla Smith created a signature salad topped with ample amounts of chicken, cucumbers, strawberries, and candied pecans.
Manager Christin Brown talked me into sampling a fried platter of doughboys (also called hushpuppies), shrimp, pickles, and alligator tails. It was awesome.
Regular locals and truckers who routinely drive in this part of Georgia seem to prefer mullet, ribeye, or a thick hamburger.
Several of them told me that SP Travel Center treats them like family and has food so good that they always look forward to a return visit to this Bainbridge restaurant, no matter what state they live in.
In conclusion, we’ve listed our votes for eight of the best places to eat in Bainbridge. You will definitely get great food in these best Bainbridge restaurants.
Angela worked in radio and counseling until taking arthritic disability. She now writes about exuberant people, places, food, and art in the southern United States. Her travel website is EmbraceSouthernStates. When not traveling or writing, she can usually be found at home in Florida painting or playing with her dog Gizmo.