Aaron S.
Yelp
Oh this place. Well, this place but not this location per se. The first (and only other experience was one in Atlanta). I mean I love breakfast like some UGA fans love bulldogs and kids love playing in the dirt. It is my favorite meal, any time of day. And this is the focal point of ABEC. My experience with the one in ATL was amazing. I don't remember the menu items (I know, I was young in my foodie days and not committing meals to memory like I should), but I remember the reaction when I saw one coming to Augusta. Exhilaration!
I will mention this is based on my second visit (and actual time at) as the first time the wait was two hours and forty five minutes. Obviously I was not the only one who knew how good this place is. I will mention the location is tucked away on Washington Road and if you haven't been to that Kroger in awhile you may think your GPS is lying to you. It isn't. They literally built a small set of storefronts to the right of it (in the parking lot). Which means finding a parking spot will not be a issue. And if you have a EV, there are charging stations near it.
So this day I got lucky and was seated immediately. I opted for patio seating as the weather was perfect. *Now if you do have a wait there is a small putting green and Cornhole available to pass the time. I asked about the coffee and was immediately impressed that they offer a medium and dark roast then more impressed that both are a three bean blend then overly impressed that the beans are ground fresh before brewing. Needless to say, I had a cup of both. Both were smooth and flavorful, but I did favor the dark roast. Mainly because I had such a sweet menu item (but we'll get to that later). The team member serving us was friendly and helpful (case in point, all the coffee knowledge). Another team member (possibly the manager or owner?) made a few rounds to see how everyone was doing. I went for the County Power Bowl as it contains everything that is right about breakfast; scrambled eggs, country ham, onions, tomatoes, cheddar jack cheese grits and covered (more like smothered-that's a compliment) with country sausage gravy. But wait, it also comes with a biscuit (flaky, airy, moist) and two pieces of bacon. See? I told you it has everything you could ever want. It was delicious. Now if you haven't been wading in the Southern food pool in awhile, make sure you have a hydrated lifejacket (aka lots of water). But I couldn't pass up a opportunity to try pancakes. Imagine my joy upon learning the two (as a side dish) could be regular or flavored. One of those flavors; bourbon street-bananas, pecan bits, rum butter sauce drizzle, and a little whipped cream on top. Are you hungry yet?
Now you see why I needed two cups of coffee to stay awake for the meal. Those pancakes were a work of art both on the plate and in my mouth. The varying textures, the aromas rising from the warmth, the sweetness balanced out with the praline was all so masterful.
Needless to say I shall return. And if you are anywhere nearby, take the time and stop. Your tastebuds and camera will thank you.