Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Augusta

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Augusta? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Abel Brown

4.9

4.9 (2920)

$50 and over

Southern

West Augusta

About the restaurant

Abel Brown is a southern kitchen & oyster bar nestled in Surrey Center in Augusta, Ga. The name, much like our menu, is a nod to and celebration of our blended cultural roots. Authentic, yet refined, our ingredient-driven dishes are prepared and served with thought and respect. We pair clean and modern Southern cuisine with the charm & tradition reserved for high company.

Top review

Dr. Bob

Dined 6 days ago

Second visit in a month. Food outstanding. Second time with waiter Mikey. Exceptional service. Quiet, low key, unobtrusive. Refills water, brings ice tea refill, new silverware for main course. Also gives time between courses to digest without bringing one course after another. Removes used plates almost instantly. No waiting for check, brings it as we’re just finishing dessert. Does it all quickly and quietly with perfect timing. Also, manager came by to check on our experience. Very personal service, but again, outstanding food.

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4.9

4.9 (4742)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Preferred time not available? Call us at 706-364-6906

Chef Sean A. Wight’s vision of an affordable yet stylish dining and social club is born in Frog Hollow Tavern. Located on the 1200 block of Broad Street, the space is a modern “Restaurant meets Bar” where a diverse crowd of people enjoy the company of others paired with a comfortable atmosphere, detailed service, and exquisite affordable cuisine.
Expect a dinner menu that features a substantial amount of local and regionally grown seasonal quality ingredients, and menu that offers unique libations, which encourages an active and lively upscale bar scene.
The wine list that boasts over a hundred value driven wines has a focus on sustainable, organic, or bio-dynamic practices. The bar also features a diverse offering of Scotches, Cognacs, Bourbons, and Vodkas, and includes many great classic and seasonal cocktails, all made with freshly squeezed juices and homemade mixes.

Top review

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent tile fish and short rib, good wine selection, and superb service. The crème brûlée was worth finding room for dessert.

990 BROAD

4.9

4.9 (107)

$50 and over

Sushi

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Augusta, 990 Broad Sushi Kitchen offers a diverse menu of small plates, sushi, and crudo. The Ph'rog Bar features an innovative cocktail list with knowledgeable bartenders who can help you navigate the extensive sake and Japanese whisky selection. Between electric ambiance and Chef Ito's curated menu, 990 Broad promises a memorable culinary experience.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Jun 17, 2026

I took my wife to 990 Broad for her birthday. It was our first visit. We both enjoy good sushi & sashimi. The food wasn't great; it was Superb!!! My wife has a shellfish allergy, and we both are cautious when go how for seafood. We informed our server about the allergy. Before beginning to make our order Chef Ito came around to our seats and confirmed exactly what her allergy was; this put my wife at complete ease, and she really started to enjoy herself! After the first few bites she leaned over, gave me kiss and said we have to come here again! Chef Ito and The Staff of 990 Broad Sushi Kitchen, Thank You for a very special evening. You gained two more loyal customers!

Becks

4.8

4.8 (1448)

$30 and under

American

Summerville

About the restaurant

Excellent cold water oysters/Baked oysters specials/woodfire grilled steaks and burgers/fresh seafood/fresh craft cocktails/extensive beer list/private dining for parties
BETWEEN APRIL 2-APRIL 9 PLEASE CALL 706.922.1501 FOR RESERVATIONS FROM 3:00-4:30

Top review

MeghanGold

Dined on Jun 27, 2026

Husband and I sat at the bar. The bar staff were amazing. Had a great experience sitting at the bar.

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4.8

4.8 (60)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Tacocat is bringing the fiesta with bold Tex-Mex cuisine, refreshing margaritas, and good vibes to Downtown Augusta, Georgia. Tacocat is the place for amigos, both new and old. Have a great time with friends, while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a lively atmosphere with live music nightly! The menu is simplistic, Tacos and "Not Tacos" but each menu item is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of Downtown Augusta! The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. There is event a private room, so host your next event with us! While cat is in the name, our large outdoor patio is dog friendly, we would love to meet your furry friends!

Top review

Tracy

Dined on Jun 6, 2026

Terrific ambience, delicious food (the server's recommendation), and great live music and fresh air. You just can't beat it!

Trattoria Polipo

4.8

4.8 (161)

$30 and under

Italian

West Augusta

About the restaurant

Trattoria Polipo is a hidden gem in Augusta, offering a delightful mix of Italian and seafood dishes in a romantic setting. Known for its impeccable service, this restaurant serves delicious pasta and fresh seafood. Indulge in a menu that tantalizes your taste buds, featuring perfectly grilled octopus and divine Chicken Milanese. Don't miss the signature 10-layer lasagna, a true culinary masterpiece. The romantic ambiance is ideal for special occasions or date nights, with warm lighting, soft music, and elegant décor creating an intimate atmosphere. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine from the extensive bar menu. On warm evenings, take advantage of the outdoor seating to enjoy the fresh air. Trattoria Polipo's attentive staff is dedicated to providing a memorable dining experience, knowledgeable about the menu to help you choose the perfect dish. Come experience a taste of Italy in Augusta!

Top review

GabrielleGold

Dined on Jun 24, 2026

Food was delicious and server was great! He offered nice suggestions and the food definitely worth the wait! All fresh ingredients and amazing flavor!

California Dreaming - Augusta

4.7

4.7 (971)

$30 and under

American

National Hills

About the restaurant

California Dreaming serves a mix of hearty American classics in a large family-friendly atmosphere. What sets us apart from the rest is that every dish is fresh and prepared from scratch daily, including notable favorites, like the California Dreaming Salad, Nachos and fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs. Additional features: patio seating + online ordering with curbside pick-up.

To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat up to 6 guests per table. We are unable to combine tables or seat separate parties together.

Top review

JamesGold

Dined 4 days ago

Love California Dreaming — salmon salad — 16oz. Double pork chop — a table host named Mary whose smile and radiance would light up a dark room, and add to that, her service attention was superb!

Midtown Tavern

4.7

4.7 (115)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Midtown Tavern, a local neighborhood bar & Grill serving great food in a casual atmosphere. We have a modern tavern-style menu from burgers to wings and everything in between. We also have signature cocktails, wine, and cold specialty beer selections that are sure to please.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on May 31, 2026

Excellent menu and service. The food was delicious!

Craft & Vine - Augusta, GA

4.5

4.5 (151)

$50 and over

Tapas / Small Plates

Downtown Augusta

About the restaurant

Welcome to Craft & Vine, an excellent member of the Frog Hollow Hospitality Group. We are a cocktail bar and eatery politely tucked away on Broad Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia. Featuring hand-crafted cocktails, an elegant wine selection, and gourmet small plates. A fusion of old wood with metal modern mix, low lights bouncing off art deco and leather.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Jun 12, 2026

Excellent time, as always! Great food and service!

Bonefish Grill - Augusta

4.2

4.2 (81)

$30 and under

Seafood

National Hills

About the restaurant

Your local Augusta, GA Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. This location offers a private dining room - the perfect getaway to celebrate any occasion - wedding rehearsals, baby showers, anniversary parties, retirement parties, and any occasion in between. Let us take care of the details and let you enjoy the moment, with a specially crafted menu for all to enjoy. In Augusta in the Washington Crossing Plaza.

Top review

Catrice

Dined on Jun 29, 2026

Everything was delicious on yesterday we had the imperial dip, bang bang shrimp and our entree was the bourbon glazed salmon 10/10

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Experience

$5 Martini & Margarita Monday

Experience

$7 Bang Wednesday

Experience

4-Course Cocktail Pairing Dinner

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