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, 803-245-0701⁠Michael'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/⁠