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Outdoor Dining in Georgia’s Lake Country

Georgia’s Lake Country, which includes areas around Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, offers a variety of options for outdoor dining. Many scenic locations provide opportunities to enjoy a meal while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes and surrounding landscapes. Many restaurants in the region feature outdoor seating areas, patios, or decks to enhance the dining experience!

Visit Eatonton

One of the most recent restaurants offering outdoor seating on beautiful Lake Oconee is the Lake Oconee Bistro. Opened in March 2020, the bistro provides a diverse menu ranging from towering raw seafood trays, to a variety of pizzas, soups, and sandwiches. With over 20 seafood options available, diners are sure to find a new favorite each time they visit. The Bistro added a large deck in 2021 enabling patrons to eat outside and enjoy not only the stunning lakeside views but also live local music and community-based events, weather permitting. In addition to a variety of cuisine, the Bistro has an extensive drink menu that includes craft beers, domestics, and popular hard seltzers. During their weekly Sunday brunch, the Bistro offers an expansive Bloody Mary bar as well as their usual specialty beverage menu.  They are open Monday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Another great selection is Iron Fork Cafe. Their Southern fare and treat customers like family mentality makes dining here a real treat. Try their delicious grilled basa or wonderfully seasoned Flat Iron steak with classic Southern appetizers and sides like fried green tomatoes, squash casserole, and collard greens to name a few. They are open Sunday and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Eatonton Bistro

Visit Lake Oconee

Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz-Carton is a relaxed, poolside setting with casual fare including pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and grilled dishes. The view of Lake Oconee is one of the resort’s best. Gaby’s also has an extensive drink menu including specialty cocktails and a variety of beer and wine. The restaurant is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. They also offer to-go meals that can be enjoyed around The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.

The Burch Food truck located at Oconee Brewing Company provides delicious menu items that pair well with a large appetite and a cold craft beer. Some favorites are the Smash Burger and Fried PB&Js! Enjoy your food while you take in a live concert or play a game of cornhole with the family. Hours are Thursday 4:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m., Friday 4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit Madison

Overlooking the serene and historic Round Bowl Springs, indulge yourself on the patio of Town 220 with a delectable meal from French-trained chef and owner, Francisco De La Torre.  The menu features delectable appetizer options such as bacon-wrapped sirloin and smoked salmon and crab napoleon, and the main entrees are only even more delectable. Pair your order with a glass of wine from their extensive wine list or with one of their specialty cocktails for a unique dining experience. To perfectly match the ambiance of the patio, indulge in a delightful dessert and sip on an espresso or beautifully crafted cappuccino. Town 220 is open Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 -9:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

For those who want a lakeside picnic immersed in nature, look no further. Grab a boxed lunch at The Caboose and head over to Georgia’s 2nd largest state park – Hard Labor Creek State Park. In downtown Rutledge, just a few minutes from the park entrance, The Caboose offers a selection of delectable sandwiches featuring their local favorite Reuben. They also offer an array of sweets including delicious cakes, cookies, and rice crispy treats. Open 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday – Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wednesday – Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday.

Visit Milledgeville

The atmosphere at the Local Yolkal Cafe is often described as warm and welcoming, with a cozy and rustic interior that creates a relaxing dining experience. When it comes to the menu, Local Yolkal offers a wide array of dishes that cater to breakfast and brunch enthusiasts. Some popular items on their menu include eggs benedict, waffles, omelets, and biscuits and gravy. They also serve a variety of mimosas with different fresh fruit juices. Sit at their sidewalk seating and enjoy a front-row seat to downtown Milledgeville. The Local Yolkal is open Tuesday- Sunday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Bollywood Tacos in downtown Milledgeville is the spot for traditional fresh-Mex with an Indian twist. Featuring specialty tacos like Peach Country, Beef Barbacoa, Mexican Street Corn, and Fried Avocado, trying all of the unique taco offerings is no small feat. They also have tacos that are wrapped in naan bread instead of tortillas and have traditional Indian flavors like Chili Panner and Chicken Shawarma. Sip a fresh, cool margarita while dipping fresh tortilla chips in delicious queso on their covered sidewalk seating! Bollywood Tacos is open Monday-Wednesday 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 a.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.