Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Augusta's refined Southern kitchen and oyster bar, offering a modern take on classics with farm-to-table ingredients and exceptional service.
Highlights
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Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Augusta's refined Southern kitchen and oyster bar, offering a modern take on classics with farm-to-table ingredients and exceptional service.
Make Reservations
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy times or special events.
Bar Seating for Sociability
Opt for bar seating to enjoy a sociable experience with attentive bartenders who offer menu guidance.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
$$$
Phone
(706) 738-6491
Address
Surrey Center, 491 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30909, USA
Website
abelbrownaugusta.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oyster Bar Excellence
Indulge in a variety of fresh oysters with detailed flavor profiles, expertly shucked and served.
Farm-to-Table Southern Fare
Experience refined Southern cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients and innovative twists on classics.
Decadent Desserts
Conclude your meal with unique and indulgent desserts, such as the highly recommended chocolate bourbon bread pudding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make Reservations
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy times or special events.
Bar Seating for Sociability
Opt for bar seating to enjoy a sociable experience with attentive bartenders who offer menu guidance.
Ask for Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations, especially if you're new to raw oysters or seafood.
Come Hungry
Reviewers suggest coming hungry to fully enjoy multiple courses, from appetizers to dessert.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make Reservations
Secure your table by making reservations, especially during busy times or special events.
Bar Seating for Sociability
Opt for bar seating to enjoy a sociable experience with attentive bartenders who offer menu guidance.
Ask for Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask staff for recommendations, especially if you're new to raw oysters or seafood.
Come Hungry
Reviewers suggest coming hungry to fully enjoy multiple courses, from appetizers to dessert.
Check Happy Hour
Take advantage of happy hour deals for discounted appetizers and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar is lauded for its exceptional service, delicious farm-to-table Southern cuisine, and impressive oyster selection. Diners frequently highlight the attentive and friendly staff, the perfectly cooked steaks, and decadent desserts, making it a top choice for special occasions. While generally praised, some find the dishes a bit rich, and one reviewer noted an overpowering spinach topping on the Oysters Rockefeller.
"I’ve never visited this restaurant before but I’m glad I finally did so! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff were very friendly and most of all the food was very delicious. I did not like the Caesar salad and the butter for the bread was not ideal but everything else was flawless. I loved my oyster Rockefeller and the broiled oysters as well! My pork chop was tender and juicy and that corn bread was better than any I’ve ever tasted! I’ll definitely visit again. Might I add , when you visit , do not go if you’re on a budget lol"
Shing Lee
"Wow. The staff at Abel Brown truly make the magic happen. My friend and I had dinner here recently for her 18th birthday and it was absolutely wonderful. From the moment we were greeted by the hostess, to the time we left we experienced nothing but true hospitality. They gifted us a complementary entree, in which they made into two mini portions for us to split. The oysters were phenomenal and the desserts were delicious. Our waiter, Billy, took exceptional care of us and made sure we felt comfortable the whole evening. If you dine here request for Billy or Michael. We will definitely be back!"
Darius Jones
"The one time I didn't take pics before we started picking!! The food was great- steak was even cooked correctly. The wait staff was awesome- I didn't catch her name but the sandy-blonde lady (that handled the business meeting on 3/4/25) was great-- sweet, friendly, & prompt. Can't comment on price because my meal was covered by someone else- but it looked expensive! And I have to say- the Old Fashioned (cocktail) was one of the better ones I've ever gotten at a restaurant."
BRANDY QUARLES
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many guests rave about the fresh oysters, pork chop, shrimp and grits, and the chocolate bourbon bread pudding dessert. It's always worth asking about off-menu specials.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak hours or for special events like the Masters tournament.
Consistently praised for its upscale and attentive service, the staff, including specific bartenders and waiters, are frequently mentioned for their hospitality.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance, suitable for romantic dinners or lively gatherings. It can get a bit loud during peak times.
While known for seafood and meat dishes, the menu often features sides and appetizers like Brussels sprouts and beet salad that can accommodate vegetarians.
Yes, the restaurant offers happy hour deals, which are a great opportunity to try different appetizers and drinks at a discounted price.
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Featured in these publications
10 Best Restaurants in Augusta, GA | Restaurants : Food Network
Photos courtesy of Lauren Carnes Photography, Eric Kinlaw, Abel Brown, Joe White, The Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery, Frog Hollow Tavern
Top Date Night Restaurants Augusta GA for a Parents Night Out
Abel Brown is a southern kitchen and oyster bar and is a delicious date night restaurant in Augusta, GA. They pair clean and modern Southern cuisine with the charm & tradition reserved for high company. Authentic yet refined, their ingredient-driven dishes are prepared and served with thought and respect. Abel Brown strives to support local and regional farmers, oystermen, and producers to provide the freshest seasonal ingredients.
The Top Restaurants in Augusta, GA
The best restaurants in Augusta, GA are Frog Hollow Tavern, The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery, Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Whiskey Bar Kitchen, Calvert's Restaurant, Sole Augusta, Cucina 503, Finch & Fifth, Beck's, Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen, Farmhaus Burger, Craft & Vine, TakoSushi, Nacho Mama's, Laziza Mediterranean Grill, Bodega Ultima, Chef's House, Hawaiian Style BBQ, Noble Jones, and Mellow Mushroom.
14 Best Restaurants In Augusta GA You Must Try
Named for a sea shanty about an ordinary sailor, Abel Brown Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar is a restaurant that celebrates Augusta’s cultural roots with a mix of fine dining. Their inventive dishes make Abel Brown Southern Kitchen one of the best places to eat in Augusta. When you stop in, you have the option to taste test a variety of oyster combinations, share small plates, or go for a full meal.
The Complete Fine Dining Guide for Augusta, GA (2023
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar is one of Augusta’s newer fine-dining restaurants. It quickly made a name for itself when it opened in 2015, though, as folks realized that the owner, Todd Schafer, is the same chef behind Bistro 491, which he closed to focus on Abel Brown. It has become a local favorite for a multi-course meal or just oysters and drinks at the bar.
The 31 BEST Restaurants in Augusta, Georgia That Locals Love
Abel Brown is a southern kitchen and oyster bar nestled in Augusta, Georgia's Surrey Center. They charm guests with their stylish, comfortable ambiance, and impress with their modern interpretation of classic Southern cuisine including their famous shrimp and grits or pork chop. When you visit Augusta, be sure not to miss the unforgettable experience offered by Abel Brown.
The 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in Augusta, GA
Located on Highland Avenue, Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar is a fantastic option for those who want an intimate, romantic dinner. There is a sophisticated main dining room as well as private dining rooms that you can book in advance. The menu consists of polished interpretations of New American fare, and the oyster bar is a popular feature of the restaurant.
Best Restaurants & Bars in Augusta, GA During Masters Week | Blog
Located in Surrey Center, just south of Augusta National, Abel Brown promises a brilliant brooding ambiance and an elegant twist on Southern classics. With a thoughtfully curated oyster program, fresh seafood, and standout plates like Deviled Eggs, Smoked Chicken Thighs, and Prawns & Grits, this a sophisticated option for Southern Fare.
31 Things to Do in Augusta, Georgia (That Aren't Golf!)
We saved Abel Brown for our last dinner out in Augusta and it did not disappoint. If you’re seeking something a little fancier or fun things to do in Augusta, GA, for adults, here you go. Start with oysters if you don’t compare them to boogers like I do, and follow that up with chicken wings and the Johnnycake.
Best Eats in Augusta for the Masters
706.738.6491 www.abelbrownaugusta.com Chef Todd Schafer has been a staple on the Augusta restaurant scene for many years and Abel Brown is his latest venture. The oysters are excellent but so is everything else we’ve tried. We think it’s well-deserving of the phenomenal reviews it’s received over the years.
19 Best Restaurants in Augusta, Georgia to Try Today
Abel Brown is widely known as one of Augusta’s best restaurants. Here, you can relish authentic Southern cuisine that blends together a home-cooked feel with refined ingredients. This charming eatery has a raw bar menu that contains just about every type of oyster preparation you can imagine.
Highest-rated Southern restaurants in Augusta by diners
- Rating: 4.4/5 (378 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 491 Highland Ave. Augusta, Georgia - Categories: seafood, southern, bars- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Rasha Aly, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 143 metros.
The 14 Best Things To Do In Augusta, Georgia
Chef-owner Todd Schafer changes his menu daily, working with local producers to get the freshest ingredients. Try the Anson Mills Johnny Cake, topped with Andouille, pimiento cheese, and chives. abelbrownaugusta.com; 491 Highland Ave., Augusta, GA 30909; 706-738-6491
7 Best Restaurants in Augusta, GA
This restaurant is ideal for a romantic date and fine dining with your significant other. The restaurant opened in 1999 and is officially known as the Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar. The decor mixes a sleek oyster bar and a cozy country kitchen.
Restaurants to Try in Augusta, GA
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen and Oyster Bar features a seafood-heavy menu, including oysters. If you aren’t a seafood lover, you’re still sure to find something to your taste on the menu, and with a cocktail and wine menu to complement your meal.
The 2025 Visitor Guide to Augusta, Georgia: Eat, Stay & Play
Enjoy the Southern-inspired dishes and fresh oysters at Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar in the Surrey Center. Menu highlights include the Georgia White Shrimp and Grits, best enjoyed with a local craft beer or classic cocktail.
Best Places to Eat in Augusta
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar blends Southern tradition with refined craftsmanship. Named after a folk ballad celebrating the everyday man, the restaurant delivers an experience that is both timeless and elevated.
15 Best Restaurants in Augusta, GA for 2025 (Top Eats!)
491 Highland AveAugusta, GA 30909(706) 738-6491 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. The Abel Brown, which opened in 1999, is officially known as the Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
21 BEST Hotels with HOT TUB in Room in Augusta ❤️ 2025
For Couples: Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar – With walls decorated with framed images of soulful musicians, this spot serves upscale coastal cuisine and an impressive oyster selection.
Masters Golf Tournament Restaurant and Bar Guide in Augusta, Georgia
Distance from Course: 3 miles 491 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30909 Southern American; Oyster SelectionCraft Cocktail and Beer Bar, Great Appetizers Phone: 706-814-6159. Website Yelp Reviews
Our Guide to Restaurants in Augusta
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar is also a top pick for romantic Augusta restaurants. It's very upscale and intimate, with private dining rooms.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Augusta by Diners
- Rating: 4.4/5 (394 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 491 Highland Ave. Augusta, Georgia - Categories: Seafood, Southern, Bars- Read more on Yelp
Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar / Pub & bar, Seafood, Restaurant. #2 of 312 seafood restaurants in Augusta.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit