Editor’s Note:
Wes Hennings never met a meal he walked away from and is an opinionated eater! Each Thursday he shares the results of a business lunch he’s had with a colleague as a way to advise our business community on the good, bad and the tasty across the CSRA. He doesn’t let ABD or the restaurant know where he is going and his opinions are his own. He grades the restaurants he visits on a 1-5 scale with “5” being outstanding. We call this our “Real Business Lunch Review”.
Food Quality: 5
Service: 4
Business Meeting: 2
Value: 4
Average Score: 3.75 of 5
Today’s culinary visit is a tad bittersweet. When I first moved to Augusta, I heard about a delicious spot on the Southside with incredible hushpuppies, mouthwatering seafood, and salad in a boat. After that, T’s on Hwy 56 became a nice spot for a tasty meal.
When I found out they were opening a smaller version of T’s in North Augusta, I was so excited that these hushpuppies would be easier to access. But now that a fire has taken the original location and they have no plans to reopen, this newest spot is the only place to find an Augusta original.
Don’t let the overall score of this restaurant fool you. This food is awesome. The hushpuppies (which you should already be able to tell are much of the reason to visit) seem even fresher than before. Maybe that’s because the fryers aren’t caked with decades of seafood grit. I’m not sure, but they were delicious. My companion for the day convinced me to order the jalapeno variety (see top photo), and though I’m not a fan of spicy stuff, the peppers added just enough flavor to kick things up a notch. The original were great too, and a couple come with any entrée you order.
Our plates for the day included chicken and shrimp, and some steak fries, which were all delicious and cooked well. There was more than I could eat, so I ended up with a chicken snack to take home as well. So when it comes to food, Downtown T’s is definitely a place you want to try.
When it comes to the other things you want in a business lunch, it may not be your best spot. First of all, it’s packed into a tiny spot near the North Augusta municipal building, where businesses don’t seem to work too well. I hear it was a video rental place in a former life with some questionable viewing choices. So while there is a decent amount of seating, you are packed in tight and it feels like you’re on top of someone else. It’s not too conducive to comfort and confidential conversation.
The service was fine and friendly, but there’s only one server for the whole joint, so it can take a minute to get things that you need, though we always found our drinks full and were out in a reasonable time. I just wouldn’t call it fast. And as for the prices, you’re definitely going to be on the high end. Hushpuppy baskets start at $8 and most of your entrees will cost you around $15. It’s definitely not the most expensive, but it isn’t no cheap lunch either. Perhaps it’s just that the prices don’t match the location and feel of the establishment.
So next time you find yourself by Downtown T’s, I suggest a visit. I hope that this location treats my hushpuppies better than its former tenants. And let’s just hope too many folks don’t drive by thinking it’s just another t-shirt shop.
Downtown T’s
220 Georgia Avenue
North Augusta
Website: Facebook is your best bet
