The Rookery

American restaurant · Macon ·

The Rookery

American restaurant · Macon ·

Burgers, craft brews, live music, patio, Southern sandwiches

Information

543 Cherry St, Macon, GA 31201 Get directions

$20–30

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Georgia May Be Getting Its First National Park Soon — and It Has More Than Just Scenic Trails

"For a funkier, more local burger option, Rookery serves creative burgers inspired by the Peach State and is listed as an essential stop in downtown Macon near the park." - Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and the author of “This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States.” Her work has been published by Condé Nast Traveler, Garden & Gun, Architectural Digest, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/ocmulgee-mounds-national-historical-park-georgia-8629411

Rookery

@eater

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The Best Restaurants in Macon, Georgia | Eater Atlanta

"The Rookery is far more than a local watering hole or haunt for hamburgers. Like H&H, it’s a historically significant part of Macon’s community that pays homage to the Allman Brothers, Capricorn Records, and President Jimmy Carter. The menu features 13 burgers, but people can also choose from a mixture of pub food dishes and comfort foods. Wash a meal down with a Georgia peach or blueberry cobbler shake." - Sarra Sedghi

https://atlanta.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-macon-georgia

Rookery

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Southern Sandwiches and Decadent Milkshakes The Rookery has been serving up Southern favorites since 1976, and Macon locals are loyal to the place. The sandwiches are infamous, many named for beloved bands like the Gram Parsons Cosmic Club and Blind Willie's Buffalo Chicken. But both the fried-green tomato BLT and grilled pimento cheese are worth a try. The old-fashioned hand-spun milkshakes are equally decadent. In honor of a former president, order the Jimmy Carter Shake, which mixes banana ice cream and peanut butter with a strip of bacon to top it all off. If it's a nice day, sit outside on the patio for the best people watching in downtown Macon."

Day Trip to Macon, GA

Rookery

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

A downtown staple since 1976, famed for music-tribute burgers and thick shakes. Frequently recommended by Southern Living and praised by local critics for its role in Macon’s food-and-music fabric.

https://www.southernliving.com/macon-georgia-8600261

Best Restaurants in Macon (2025)

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Rookery

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

A downtown original from the Capricorn era, The Rookery still slings Allman Burgers and Jimmy Carter shakes to a lively cross‑section of locals. Regularly recommended by Southern Living and Atlanta Magazine, it’s classic Macon hospitality with stories on the walls.

https://www.rookerymacon.com/

Things to Do in Macon (2025)

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Rookery

Michael S.

Google

Server was a little slow. Food came out to fast.. what too fast ? Yes really.. the fries were basically inedible. Soo soggy they didn’t spend enough time in the fryer. Steak flavor excellent, quality cut of meat not great, temp of meat barely warmed, house made steak sauce 10/10. Best part of the whole experience. Will I be back no. Not with dovetail upstairs. Do I regret coming no.

Christopher G.

Google

Large party service was spot on, highly suggest. The fried food was excellent and clearly hand battered, mushrooms and onion rings were the stand outs. Don't sleep on that pimento cheese, it was excellent. The turkey sandwich was also quite tasty.

Erin T.

Google

I've seen ads for The Rookery while driving on I-75 for a few years and always wanted to try it. Now I've had two meals in two days and I'll be back. Fab food and great service!

Tyman

Google

I ordered the Jimmy Carter (RIP my boy) and the food was amazing. The patties were the right side of crisp and flavorful. Our waitress was very friendly and made the experience even better. Would definitely come back here again and would recommend their burgers.

Vonda Weaver S.

Google

From the start, we felt as though we were being rushed to order. When ordering the appetizer, we were asked to place our entree orders as well. Not wanting all the food to arrive at once, we said we would wait. My husband ordered the grilled pimento sandwich with fries, and I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with fries. When it arrived, his “grilled” sandwich was cold. The bacon was limp, and the pimento cheese wasn't “melty” as it should have been, and our fries were cold and limp; you could hold one up, and it would curve over. After expressing our dissatisfaction to the waitress, the manager came over and apologized, offering a replacement or a discount. We chose the discount. When I asked him if the fries there were always like that, he said yes because they are hand-cut. We were given a $3 discount.

Tiffany H.

Google

I truly enjoyed my food and customer service!! Reve, my server was awesome! She was very attentive and gave us good recommendations on what milkshake to choose from! I ordered the OutKast sandwich with veggies and a milkshake.. my food was great!! Thanks a lot for a nice meal right after a hard day of work!! I will be back soon!!

Google

The Rookery in Macon, GA, is a true local gem that delivers on every front — food, atmosphere, and service. The burgers are absolutely amazing — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, with creative toppings that set them apart from your average burger joint. The atmosphere is warm and lively, blending a classic Southern charm with a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. The staff is friendly, attentive, and clearly take pride in what they do, adding to the overall great experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Rookery is a must-visit spot in downtown Macon.

Uncle R.

Google

A rustic and local hamburger pub. I was in the area for work and went with a relatively large group do people for lunch. The menu was fairly diverse in terms of burgers. I ordered the Burger of the Month which they called The Vampire. Basically it's two grilled cheese sandwiches as the top and bottom bun and then a 1/2 burger with queso and Sriracha sauce. Phenomenal! The pimento cheese and chips were also top notch as an appetizer for the table. The stand out, for me, though, was the service. One member of our party has a nut allergy. They ordered the chicken salad sandwich. Bear in mind that there were no warnings anywhere on the menu that the Chicken salad contain nuts. Upon biting into the sandwich, my coworker immediately noticed and spit the food out into a napkin. Our waiter could not have been more apologetic. The manager even came over to check on us. They comped the meal and couldn't have been more gracious. If we are ever in the area, we will be back!

Jay H.

Yelp

On my trip to Georgia I'll be trying the rookery; I'll tell you the pros, and cons. :)' Pros * I'm now trying the rookie burger, and nom nom chew chew, gulp, and their rookie burger tastes really great in my taste buds perspective (opinion). :)' * The fries tasted pretty great. ;) * They have a cosmic brownie fudge like dessert with whip cream, and taste test while using a fork; bite chew chew, and gulp, and this fudge brownie tastes great! :D * Our waiter with a southern accent is very professional, mindful, and very kind/cool to us. He took our orders, and helped us with the menu of what desserts and burgers are the best. While we were eating our food he was helping other customers, and he asked if we need more drinks, and that was really generous of him. Cons * On Saturdays, and Sundays this dope place gets very packed so go like at 10:30 to get lunch at the Rookery please. * When we went inside for the first time it was kinda cold, but I think it's not a con because today it is very hot outside in 2024. Bring a light jacket in their place just in case, and the restaurant still does a good job with their service and food. Overall great place, and a tasty masterpiece of their food! :D Service- Masterpiece/10 That waiter needs to be tipped, and I wished I had the budget to tip him if I was a rich dude. Atmosphere- 10/10 It was kinda cold, but at least this place is cool, and looks pretty classic stereotypically. Ambiance- Classic/10 aka 10/10 This place was playing nice 80's-90's music. :D Food- Delicious/10 aka 11/10 :)' * Advice: Keep exploring new places with the good ratings, because it might be your favorite place, and you'll meet some good people, and learn new things from the places you go. If I visit my brother from Georgia I will come back there again, and make sure to bring a jacket, and bring your hunger as well. :)'

Mick D.

Yelp

Now that was nothing short of excellent. My revisit completely rocked. Service was still excellent, as before. But this time I got a Fried Green Tomato BLT. It was, as my wife would say, "stupid good." The chevre sets the thing off in just the right way. Just thinking about it makes me hungry. I also splurged on a Midnight Rider. Not for kids, this double chocolate shake with an adult addition made me sit there and say "ohhhh." I know what I'm getting when I go back. Holler if you're coming with.

Chantel C.

Yelp

Everyone said I had to try this place while in town. Due to the heat, I opted to sit indoors, and I was able to sit in a nice booth upstairs. Love the view. Drinks Rookery Sunrise 9/10 fruity and smooth Food Big O Burger 8/10 jam packed with flavor and cooked to perfection Battered Fries 9/10 these are dangerous. So good the best of both worlds onion ring batter on French fries Service Kenley 10/10 she was super sweet and patient and made us feel welcomed. Had great recommendations

Rachel W.

Yelp

I had a great time at the Rookery during my first visit to Macon! Amber was my server and she was super nice and had good food recommendations. I got one of the Adult Milkshakes (get the peanut butter one), with the Pig & Fig sandwich (so good). The ambiance was cool and edgy, the next time I visit I want to sit on the second floor!

Shannon X.

Yelp

Was told to check out this place during my trip to Macon! The food here was delicious though it was a tad on the saltier side for me. Otherwise, it was pretty standard pub food and hits the spot after a long day. I am such a huge fan of their milkshakes and tried out some of their weekly flavors. My friend and I actually came here twice to try out different milkshake flavors and we enjoyed it both times. Definitely would come back for a meal to try something else on the menu next time I'm in Macon.

Lucky P.

Yelp

By far the best experience. From Georgia peaches to the chicken sandwich to the soup simply amazing. Very happy to find this spot. Too bad don't live here to visit often, but thank you Macon for this gem. All tellers try this spot. I don't say things just because. Man it make my taste dance. Sad that California don't have this good and flavor. Open one up in Los Angeles and I say people will flock

Eddy H.

Yelp

This was my first stop in Macon and first visit to this restaurant. I decided to try the restaurant based upon numerous positive reviews, referencing the great burgers. Being that the weather was nice, we decided to sit outside on the patio. Andrew, our server, was friendly and attentive. Most of the food that I tried tasted good. We started with the SPICY PIMENTO CHEESE DIP with Applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños, and Rookery chips. I enjoyed it, because the dip itself was not very spicy, but you could add one of the jalapeños in order to give it more of a kick. My daughter ordered the soup of the day, which was tomato, basil, and a side salad. I tried the soup, and it tasted really good. There were flavorful croutons, and what appeared to be a little bit of cheese sprinkled across the top. Based upon Andrew's recommendation of the burgers being best, I decided to try the DR. JOHN BURGER with a Fried egg, american cheese, and applewood smoked bacon. I ordered the burger, medium rare, and it was cooked perfectly with a warm pink center. The burger was very flavorful, and the fried egg and applewood smoked bacon were a perfect pair. If I find myself in the downtown historic area of Macon, I would definitely consider returning to this restaurant to try other items on their menu. I would also recommend the restaurant to others. Cheers

Suzanne H.

Yelp

Good place for a sit down to get a burger and a drink. You can even grab a marker and write your name on the lamp, table or chair! Skip the little chicken salad (dry!) and pimento cheese on bread. Very silly idea to have on the menu.

Caroline B.

Yelp

Went to visit my sister at Mercer and she took me to The Rookery...said it was her favorite place. No wonder why! the waiter was literally the friendliest person ever AND had the best recommendations for burgers and add ons that i never would have thought of myself. I also got a milkshake that wasn't even on the menu but the waiter recommended this combo so I was like "why not". I HIGHLY recommend you check this place out if you're in Macon, GA.

J.R. B.

Yelp

We were driving to Hilton Head and stopped in on our road trip based on Yelp reviews. The setting is super cute and the entire neighborhood had a fun vibe. We sat outside on a beautiful day. Our server was super helpful and knowledgeable with good recommendations. They are known for their burgers and fried green tomatoes. Both of which I would rate just ok. The breading overpowered the tomato and the "extra" toppings on the burgers overpowered the burger. The hand cut fries and Oreo milk shake were a hit! We'd stop in again but try something different next time.

Andre L.

Yelp

Very bad service. Sitting here now and manager says this is the norm. They don't refill drinks and waiter can't take drinks and food at same time. I am appalled that manager won't rectify situation. We are spending a lot of money. Party of 14 and won't give waiter helps. Been here one hour or more and no food. Andre Lester

Theresa F.

Yelp

Another great meal here! This place came in clutch when my parents came into town! They loved their burgers! And I took some pies to go Excellent service as always! We started with the fried green tomatoes. So so good And my mom and I split the rookery burger! Yummy. And my dad got the mushroom burger!

Aaron N.

Yelp

DO NOT EAT THE JALAPEÑO PEPPERS HERE. AS HOT AS THE GIRL IM WITH! Food is absolutely amazing other than I can't feel any type of feeling emotionally or physically. 7/10

Kat S.

Yelp

Ding ding ! This place is a keeper. A wow wow wow. Met a business associate there for lunch and we were blown away with the menu, the service and the food. We sat down and had a chat with the server- he suggested the smoked turkey as a wrap. The smoke the meat in house. She chose that and I went for the chicken salad on white. Andddddd, when I asked if the onion rings were made in house, he answered yes and I jumped on that. The sandwich was as big as my head (check out profile pic for reference)- I couldn't finish it. The onion rings were well seasoned and very crispy. When I told others that we ate there for lunch, I was told not ordering a milk shake was a mistake. I see it, however, as an opportunity to return.

Ray N.

Yelp

A very quaint place in downtown Macon. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the downtown scenery. The food was very good. I had the black and blue burger and I had them add fried egg to it. It was done to perfection and came out fairly quickly. Their hand cut fries were very good as well. Price was reasonable and they had a nice selection of beers to choose from. Service was great, quick and attentive.

Tasha M.

Yelp

I hate to say it, I really do but not a stellar experience at one of my beloved establishments. Let me preface this review by stating although I now live in Tampa, I was born and raised in Middle Georgia and am very familiar with this well known, everyone's been there and loves it, cool ass place. Heck, It is and always will be still one of my favorites. I've had so many great meals, good vibes, good drinks, good trivia, and listened to some great music here. So this review pains me. It was a Tuesday afternoon, we had a party at 6 so we put our name on the list. We did wait a bit but were able to sit outside while waiting so no biggie. I was unaware they had extended the restaurant to a more informal almost family-like setting. I guess for parties. Let's be honest. It's small and quaint and can't necessarily fit alot of patrons in the original area so I get it but it was such a letdown. The area has no vibes at all. I felt like I was in a dining hall. There's no real art on the walls, no music, no vibe at all. It took us forever to be greeted. All the tables around us were dirty from the previous patrons during our entire meal. No one even came over to check on our side except for the one server that obviously had that section. While our server was friendly, service was good but nothing over the top. The food is mostly as I remember it. Solid options. The table enjoyed the fried mushrooms, although they were a bit soggy. The burgers were good and everyone mostly enjoyed what they ordered. I'm running this review, not as a letdown to the restaurant, but in hopes that maybe there can be some improvement in the future. Especially in the section, family area we were sat in? I'm still confused as to what that space is. Although I wasn't super impressed this go round. I will always revisit when I'm back in the area.

Jennifer K.

Yelp

We got this one from a recommendation from the bartender from Quill Bar and boy was he right about stopping here!! Such a cool vibe inside and so many choices to pick from for food. I got the grilled chicken salad and the jalapeño ranch! The server said he uses the ranch on everything and I can see why!!! Just enough heat to taste AMAZING!! My husband for the Outkast sandwich literally because of the name and it might have been the best sandwich he had our entire trip!! He said the flavors were soooo good together and the collards were amazing!! We didn't have room for dessert but we loved how they have a new dessert special each month!

Ciara C.

Yelp

Service at the bar was great. The bartender was quick and friendly. The ambiance is your typical pub style. I had the fish and chips with a margarita and i was not impressed. The fish tasted like it had been frozen and the fries were lukewarm. Coleslaw was just okay. The margarita was a little too sweet for my liking.

Jennifer F.

Yelp

Burgers are EXCELLENT! Juicy with a little bit of char flavor, not overcooked, really nice bun and just totally delicious. Don't forget to ask for lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. I ordered the City Burger, with sweet potato fries. The fries were waffle style and thick, sweet and dare I say, creamy? Soooo good! And don't even get me started on the milkshake - I got vanilla and it tasted like there was butter in it. I found out later they put a tiny bit of cake batter in; it really stands out from any other vanilla shake I've had. Just awesome. My husband got the Rookery, 3 patties, omg! It was like an In-N-Out Burger, gourmet style - phenomenal! My son got the junior burger, quite a good deal for the price at least 1/4 lb, thick with a big, fluffy bun. Double chocolate shake was rich and super chocolatey, but small - not filled all the way; they should have used more care. So you may wonder why four stars instead of five? A few issues - my husband's burger came out with ketchup when he asked for none. No big deal they redid it, but they must have left his fries out on the counter because when they came back, they were soggy and cold. They also seemed undercooked, period. The waitress never came back to find out how our meal was, at which point we might've asked for them to redo the fries. They were pretty unpleasant. My son had the same fries and his were solid. Because I was so impressed with vanilla shake, I tried to ask an employee what's in it, but he had AirPods on - totally couldn't hear and wasn't interested. Good spot, we'll definitely be back, but execution and service need some work.

Kaylee G.

Yelp

The customer service, food, and atmosphere are always above standard! I love the variety of food and good recommendations from employees. The food has never disappointed! The staff and environment are always extremely welcoming.

Sam M.

Yelp

Stopped in last week for dinner during business travel. Service: Hostess was incredible rude, zero focus. I asked for a table for 1, saw plenty of them open, yet she had me wait for 45 mins. I returned to check in since I noticed her giving away tables to parties of 2. She realized that she completely forgot about me, even though I stood there most to the time. Server: Very pleasant, star goes to her. Food: Nothing to write about. I order the Ray Charles. Burger was under cooked, tasteless, fries looked like yesterdays news. Not worth the hype, plenty of other places to get a tasty and juicy burger from.

Phoenicia S.

Yelp

Really good atmosphere, pleasant service, and the food came out quickly. I enjoyed the buffalo chicken wrap/sandwich. The sauce was not as spicy as I would have liked but it was savory.

Michelle C.

Yelp

Located in a great spot in downtown Macon. However, the food was not the best. My meal included the collard greens dip, fried fish, and onion rings.

Lindsay G.

Yelp

Had the Jimmy Carter burger and the Jimmy Carter milkshake. Both were incredible. I'm in Macon often, but will definitely stop here anytime I'm in town.

Tracy H.

Yelp

The service was great! The fish and chips was not that great. The adult milkshake didn't impress me unfortunately.

Terry F.

Yelp

A very popular bar and restaurant in downtown Macon that we visited on a recent Saturday afternoon. The place is spread over to bars and seating areas as it expanded into a next door space. We ended up on the right-hand side due to the other side being way too busy. The bartenders were friendly and efficient. The space was nice and cool (and dark--just a bar should be). We started out with sweet tea (of course), the pimento cheese dip and fried green tomatoes. I had the Rookery salad as my main dish. My spouse had the Jerry Reed burger (with Moonhanger Prime beef) and a strawberry shake. The food was fresh and of excellent quality. The burger was cooked properly to specification. I wrapped up the meal meal with a celebratory double Knob Creek on the rocks. All and all a very good meal and we didn't feel rushed while waiting for our transportation back to Atlanta later that evening.

Frank W.

Yelp

we had the pot roast French dip sandwiches which were very tasty. service was good, waiter was very attentive and responsiv.

Greg H.

Yelp

Excellent burgers and fries. Service was prompt and friendly. Great beer selection. Fun environment. What's not love?

Bob S.

Yelp

We were passing through Macon on our way to Nashville and ended up here just because of the reviews. They have a talented chef and a great beer selection. If you need a halfway point between Miami and points north, try this place out.

Thomas T.

Yelp

Nice place. Booths were cool. Food and service was good. Batter fries were not great. Too much batter. But as it said in the menu. The patty melt was really really good. Get the solid gold soul rolls. Or two orders. Really pleasant surprise. We wanted to split the burger. They did that for us. Free parking after 8pm..

Sheryl G.

Yelp

We decided to come here for dinner today after coming to Macon on our way to Nashville. The atmosphere is definitely matched with the city vibe. Our waitstaff couldn't have been nicer. Charles answered all my questions regarding collard greens to ginger beer. The fried chicken sandwich was delicious as was the hot pig and fig sandwich. Of course the obligatory fried pickles are a must. No wait at 6 pm. The onion rings are worth the small upcharge. If I would pass through again, I would go there again.

Mark B.

Yelp

Nice Restaurant for a first Date . Drove from Dublin Ga and brought Quinn my mini schnauzer. Had a few drinks and a chicken sandwich. Got a second date on New Year's at the wagon wheel in Haddock Ga.

Faith P.

Yelp

This is probably the best burger i have ever had! As someone who never finishes my food i finished everything the ambiance service and food was all wonderful and a great place for a date night. we went on a Tuesday night and got seated with no wait.

Melissa A.

Yelp

This is the second time we've eaten at The Rookery and we have enjoyed it both times. My husband got the burger and I got the grilled chicken sandwich on a gluten free bun. The GF bun is fluffy and soft and served toasted, and it's delicious, not dry at all. The hand-cut fries were very good too. The service was excellent, too. We loved our server, Casey (not sure if I'm spelling her name correctly). She was so friendly and was very attentive to our needs. My husband ordered the blueberry cobbler milkshake and he loved it! The next time we're in the area, we will for sure come back again.

Robin J T.

Yelp

Very good patty melts & onion rings. Great rock'n roll atmosphere w/fantastic music to match. Service was great. Downtown Macon is very nice & cozy place with odd back in, angled parking.

Linda F.

Yelp

First, the place is charming. Cozy and comfortable. We had to wait only a few minutes and when we were seated and given a menu, Mike, the host, came over and apologized for our wait. He insisted in giving us a complimentary appetizer. We ordered the pimento dip with house made potato chips. Both excellent. Spouse and I both ordered the pot roast. It came with a generous portion of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. Delicious. If we hadn't been traveling and anxious to get back on the And the prices were beyond reasonable. At the end, Mike came over and we chatted for a while. Such a gracious guy. We will return anytime we're in the area. Good food, cool ambiance and great staff. Especially Mike.

Austin L.

Yelp

Food was very good, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was clean and comfortable.

Emily E.

Yelp

We decided to stop in Macon on our way from Atlanta to Savannah for a bite to eat. We wearily search for a dog friendly place, as the queen comes first, and stumbled upon the Rookery. We arrived and quickly were seated at an outside table, and greeted by a very friendly server who took our drink orders on the spot! We ordered spicy pimento dip (delicious - comes with bacon and jalapeños YUM) and a cobb salad and the Jimmy burger. Everything was delicious, and worth the time as our quick pit stop turned into a 2 hour event. Old building that seems to have been there forever, but kept up well and maintained very clean.

Courtney B.

Yelp

We dined on a Thursday evening. Waitress did not ask us if we wanted another beer or anything else once our food was served. Then manager asked us to give up the table within minutes of us paying our bill. Too rushed. There was 1 table waiting and they had just gotten into the door a few minutes before. We went somewhere else for a 2nd beer.

Wayne G.

Yelp

Good beer selection. They are known for the burgers. The Burger menu is above par and the burgers are cooked to order. No complaints !!!

Christi B.

Yelp

Great food, great servers, great ambiance. Its very cool being where the Almond Brothers used to hang, and being in a place with such history. The shakes are especially good.

Catherine M.

Yelp

My husband and I visited while in town after viewing the Yelp and google reviews. We ordered the fried green tomatoes, soul egg rolls, a side salad and my the Dr. John burger (had a fried egg on it). Everything was very good! I would definitely recommend the soul egg rolls - I never had anything like them. The fried green tomatoes were solid and my husband liked his burger. Would definitely visit again when we are in town.

Angela C.

Yelp

Very good burgers, beer and shakes! Consistency is their strength. Service is quick and can be spotty if they are busy. Go before a concert at the Capitol. It's got pictures and tons of signatures all over the walls. Recommend the Jimmy Carter shake!

Susan P.

Yelp

The OutKast Stankonia sandwich is a must!!! We stopped here 4 years ago on a road trip and never forgot the sandwich. On a road trip again and made sure to take a detour to Macon just for the food. Nestled in downtown Macon it's an amazing spot to sit outside and enjoy the city.

Adam B.

Yelp

On two different road trips this year, we stopped in Macon and discovered The Rookery, a pub in the middle of downtown, which makes the best pimento cheese sandwich I have ever had. It includes peach chili sauce and the marble rye is the way to go. We are also nutso for the fried mushrooms appetizer. Middle Georgia isn't exactly Paris as far as restaurants, so this place is an auspicious find.

David S.

Yelp

Date of. Visit: Jan 07, 2022 First visit to The Rookery on the suggestion of many many people in our neighborhood for a great burger. I ordered a plate of onion rings, the James's brown black and blue burger medium rare, with handcut fries and sweet tea. Our waiter was Hunter. Hunter was a very outgoing person and helpful when asked. He does need to be more observant though. The food was brought out to our table but we still didn't have silverware. He stopped by multiple times and didn't notice empty drink glasses for a couple of us. My burger was cooked perfectly to medium rare, but my friend who ordered medium his was cooked to medium well with no red at all. While my burger was cooked perfectly the blue cheese on it completely overwhelmed the entire taste of the burger and nothing else could be tasted. The home cut fries had almost zero crisp at all to them, and in fact were limp and soggy for the two of us who ordered them. Decent flavor. The onion rings were very good while they were very hot, and decent once cooled down. They were very large and had a nice crunchy outside. The horseradish mustard dipping sauce was pretty good. The sweet tea was pretty sweet, and a nice tea flavor. The inside of the restaurant had quite a bit of nostalgic items from all the years of business, but could be updated a bit. Sadly, my experience and service was average at the very best.

Mo's Cleaning Services M.

Yelp

Ordered a salad to-go from Rookery today and they didn't have any silverware available. How am I supposed to eat my salad? Why are you all allowing people to still buy food if you all don't have silverware? I spent $17 on this salad and could not even eat it.

Victoria D.

Yelp

The Rookery is a favorite go to place for burgers. I usually get the Dr. John with the fried egg and it is always awesome! The fish and chips is good also. The appetizers are great, especially the soul rolls and fried mushrooms. I have never had a bad meal there. The service is excellent. I usually go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday because that's the day my son, Kyle Dreyer, works as the bartender. I guarantee a good time and great service if you have the pleasure of having Kyle as your entertainment for the evening. He's always busy, but he will make you feel like one of the regulars. If you have room, I recommend an adult milkshake. I usually get the Brandy Alexander and it is wonderful! Give The Rookery a try and you will love it. The staff is always friendly and very helpful! Vikki Dreyer (Known as Kyle's Mom)

Ellen F.

Yelp

Best burgers! Always nice service. I look forward to our next visit! My husband's fish & chips was tasty / onion rings cut too big tho. Wish they used organic ketchup since the burger is organic!

@travelleisure

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Georgia May Be Getting Its First National Park Soon — and It Has More Than Just Scenic Trails

https://www.travelandleisure.com/ocmulgee-mounds-national-historical-park-georgia-8629411

Rookery

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The Best Restaurants in Macon, Georgia | Eater Atlanta

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Rookery

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Day Trip to Macon, GA

Rookery

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

A downtown staple since 1976, famed for music-tribute burgers and thick shakes. Frequently recommended by Southern Living and praised by local critics for its role in Macon’s food-and-music fabric.

https://www.southernliving.com/macon-georgia-8600261

Best Restaurants in Macon (2025)

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Rookery

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https://www.rookerymacon.com/

Things to Do in Macon (2025)

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Rookery

Michael S.

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Christopher G.

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Erin T.

Google

I've seen ads for The Rookery while driving on I-75 for a few years and always wanted to try it. Now I've had two meals in two days and I'll be back. Fab food and great service!

Tyman

Google

Vonda Weaver S.

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Tiffany H.

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Uncle R.

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Jay H.

Yelp

Mick D.

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Chantel C.

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Rachel W.

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Shannon X.

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Lucky P.

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Eddy H.

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Suzanne H.

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Caroline B.

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J.R. B.

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Andre L.

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Theresa F.

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Aaron N.

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DO NOT EAT THE JALAPEÑO PEPPERS HERE. AS HOT AS THE GIRL IM WITH! Food is absolutely amazing other than I can't feel any type of feeling emotionally or physically. 7/10

Kat S.

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Ray N.

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Tasha M.

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Jennifer K.

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Ciara C.

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Jennifer F.

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Kaylee G.

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Sam M.

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Phoenicia S.

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Really good atmosphere, pleasant service, and the food came out quickly. I enjoyed the buffalo chicken wrap/sandwich. The sauce was not as spicy as I would have liked but it was savory.

Michelle C.

Yelp

Located in a great spot in downtown Macon. However, the food was not the best. My meal included the collard greens dip, fried fish, and onion rings.

Lindsay G.

Yelp

Had the Jimmy Carter burger and the Jimmy Carter milkshake. Both were incredible. I'm in Macon often, but will definitely stop here anytime I'm in town.

Tracy H.

Yelp

The service was great! The fish and chips was not that great. The adult milkshake didn't impress me unfortunately.

Terry F.

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Frank W.

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we had the pot roast French dip sandwiches which were very tasty. service was good, waiter was very attentive and responsiv.

Greg H.

Yelp

Excellent burgers and fries. Service was prompt and friendly. Great beer selection. Fun environment. What's not love?

Bob S.

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Thomas T.

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Sheryl G.

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Mark B.

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Nice Restaurant for a first Date . Drove from Dublin Ga and brought Quinn my mini schnauzer. Had a few drinks and a chicken sandwich. Got a second date on New Year's at the wagon wheel in Haddock Ga.

Faith P.

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Melissa A.

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Robin J T.

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Very good patty melts & onion rings. Great rock'n roll atmosphere w/fantastic music to match. Service was great. Downtown Macon is very nice & cozy place with odd back in, angled parking.

Linda F.

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Austin L.

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Food was very good, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was clean and comfortable.

Emily E.

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Courtney B.

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Wayne G.

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Good beer selection. They are known for the burgers. The Burger menu is above par and the burgers are cooked to order. No complaints !!!

Christi B.

Yelp

Great food, great servers, great ambiance. Its very cool being where the Almond Brothers used to hang, and being in a place with such history. The shakes are especially good.

Catherine M.

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Angela C.

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Susan P.

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Adam B.

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David S.

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Mo's Cleaning Services M.

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Victoria D.

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Ellen F.

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Best burgers! Always nice service. I look forward to our next visit! My husband's fish & chips was tasty / onion rings cut too big tho. Wish they used organic ketchup since the burger is organic!

The Rookery

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