Top Restaurants in Augusta:

Ready for Dinner? These Top Augusta, Ga., Restaurants Are Just What You Need

American Cuisine: In 1905, the house was built, but in 1988, B.C. Davenports became home -- style, that is. Check out the chicken potpie. The honey-mustard dip for chicken fingers is homemade, and the soup is not to be missed. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the average meal costs $18.

Chinese: For cheap eats at a great lunch buffet for about $10, the Shangri-La Chinese Restaurant at 2933 Washington Road offers what is considered the best Szechuan and Hunan cuisine east of the Mississippi. A full bar is available, and they do accept reservations. The Shangri-La is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Pizza: What better to call a great pizza joint than the Pizza Joint? Located at 1032 Broad St., this lively eatery is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. You can get a cold brew with your pizza, and toppings range from pepperoni to artichoke and sundried tomato. Expect to spend about $30 for a date who doesn't drink, as high as $40 with alcoholic drinks. No reservations are needed.

Mexican: If spice is what you crave, then the chili de puerko at Veracruz Mexican Restaurant is a slice of what you need. Located at 3216 Peach Orchard Road. Don't miss one of their margaritas; chances are, you'll be coming back for more.

Seafood: The catch of the day at Ashley's Fish & Seafood located at 514 Belvedere Clearwater Road is fresh, tasty and always fairly priced. This family-owned establishment takes on the likes of Red Lobster and other chains with a great menu (try any variation of their shrimp, and you'll agree!) great prices and a great atmosphere.

By William Sidney