Every week, The Food Section shares one restaurant find from our resident reviewer, the legendary Michael Stern, originator of Roadfood. Listen along to discover where to score your next magnificent fried chicken thigh or smoked pork sandwich. For more from Michael (and a slew of deeply reported stories about Southern food and drink that you won't read anywhere else), visit us online at thefoodsection.com.
The South is home to several vibrant hot dog traditions, and more are arriving from other parts of the country. Nashville's now home to one of the great Chicago dog joints , and today Michael's found a coney dog haven in Augusta. Glamm Deli : 1646 Gordon Highway, Augusta, Georgia, 706-364-0081 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Antojitos that are common on the streets of cities with sizeable Mexican populations are still scarce on the streets of Aiken, South Carolina. But Michael Stern says if eaters head inside Dos Potrillos, they'll find all the Latin American snacks they crave. Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant : 119 Laurens St. NW, Aiken, South Carolina, 803-961-7210 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Blue Collar Bistro moved from the back of a gas station to an address that was formerly cursed, but Michael Stern says the restaurant may have changed the location's fortunes with its tomato pie and squash casserole. Blue Collar Bistro : 312 Augusta Road, Edgefield, South Carolina, 803-710-3800, bluecollarbistro.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Michael couldn't wait to review La Scuderia--because he says the place is so good that he's not sure he'll be able to get in once word gets out. Now that you're in the know, snag a table before everybody else does! La Scuderia : 455 York St. NE, Aiken, South Carolina, 803-226-0180 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
One of the pioneers of local sourcing, Juniper has maintained its status as a don't-miss South Carolina restaurant since opening more than 20 years ago. Juniper : 640 E. Main St., Ridge Spring, SouthCarolina, 803-685-7547 Michael's reviews are published by The FoodSection, a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Malia's is still open and operating, but Michael says it's put on new airs since chef-owner Justin Hayes took over--and Aiken's gotten more worldly. Malia's : 120 Laurens St., Aiken, South Carolina,803-643-3086, maliasrestaurant.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
If you think Michael's already reviewed Joyful Cafe, you're right--except the restaurant's relocated since he last assessed it. Listen to what he thinks of the destination restaurant at its new address. Joyful Café : 245 White Pond Rd., Williston, South Carolina, 803-770-2321, joyfulcafe.biz Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Feeling flush? Probably not--but if you can afford a meal at Abel Brown, Michael says the leader of Augusta's fine dining scene provides a guaranteed luxurious evening out. Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar :491 Highland Ave., Augusta, Georgia, 706-738-6491, abelbrownaugusta.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
This week, Michael reflects on how Buffalo-style wings weren't always a thing--but its rendition at an Aiken bar goes to show how standard the preparation has become. WingPlace : 732 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SouthCarolina, 803-644-7777, wing-place.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
This week, Michael found plenty to chew on at Hammonds Ferry Larder, an all-day bistro in North Augusta--but he found several dishes to recommend, too. Hammonds Ferry Larder : 89 Crystal Lake Dr., North Augusta, South Carolina. 803-599-5149, hflarder.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Michael tells us that emperador means swordfish, but he found that's one of the few items not served by an ambitious Aiken restaurant that has seemingly every familiar Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Mexican dish on its menu. Emperador Asian Mex : 2645 Whiskey Road, Aiken, South Carolina, 803-843-6494, emperadorasianmexsc.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Everybody needs a goal in life. For Mertis Outlaw, it involves sweeping canned chili into history's dustbin. According to Michael, the chili he serves at his hot dog truck makes a compelling case for eaters to grab their brooms. Outlaw Dog’s , no permanent address, no published phone number. Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to share an audio postcard from The Food Section's signature event, Spirited Brunch, a free and self-guided snack tour of downtown Charleston's prayerful spaces. This dispatch was recorded on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
If you blink, you might miss Cafe 209 on Broad Street in Augusta, Georgia--but that would mean missing out on one of the city's outstanding meat-and-twos. Café 209 : 566 Broad St., Augusta, Georgia, 706-722-9692, cafe-209.res-menu.net Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section ,a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Before you dismiss the standard lunch counter sub, Michael suggests a visit to Just Julie's, where the staff doesn't need anything fancy to make a great impression. Just Julie's : 951Pine Log Road, Aiken, South Carolina, 803-649-2721 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section ,a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
This week, join Michael for a visit to a seafood shack where he says the tartar sauce quality makes no difference, since only a fool would apply any kind of condiment to what's fried at Cliff's. Cliff's Seafood & Grill : 12743 Heritage Highway, Bamberg, South Carolina, 803-245-0701 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section ,a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant findsand recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Michael is braving the cacophony this week for a burger he says is worth hooting about. Whiskey Bent Bar & Grill : 1925 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, South Carolina, 803-649-5239, whiskeybentsc.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
This week, join Michael at Ruth's Family Restaurant, which not too long ago was scheduled to close forever--and find out why its loyal patrons are so glad that didn't come to pass. Ruth's Family Restaurant : 3843 Washington Road,Augusta, Georgia, 706-863-5616 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
Hop on your horse and mosey with Michael over to The Track Kitchen, an Aiken, South Carolina institution. The Track Kitchen : 420 Mead Ave., Aiken, South Carolina, 803-641-9628 Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
This week, Michael's paying a visit to a seafood restaurant that his gout-ridden friend swears has curative powers. Also, excellent oysters. Beamie's at the River : 865 Reynolds St., Augusta, Georgia, 706-724-6593, beamiesattheriver.com Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section , a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/
