Jackie M's and Son Cafe and Catering

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Augusta is a true culinary gem — Jackie M's & Son Cafe and Catering. This family-run establishment, which has become a legend in the state of Georgia, offers travelers visiting the USA a unique blend of Philadelphia tradition and Southern hospitality. Founded in 2001, it is famous for its authentic sandwiches and soulful atmosphere.

The cafe is located in a modest, unassuming building, which only highlights its status as a "secret spot" for those in the know. There is no pretentious interior or indoor dining area — all orders are taken through a window, and the wait itself becomes a bit of a ritual. In 2020, Yelp recognized this place as one of the best in the country, placing it in the Top 100 Restaurants in the USA, making it a must-visit for any foodie.

The cafe's musical character adds a special charm. The walls are decorated with murals featuring legends like James Brown, while the sounds of jazz, gospel, and classic soul pour from the speakers. The smell of freshly baked Italian rolls and the warm attitude of the owners make you feel like you've dropped in on old friends who prepare food with love and expertise.

For menu details or to place a pre-order, you can use the official contact information below.

The main goal of any visit here is, undoubtedly, the Philly Cheesesteak. This sandwich is considered one of the most authentic outside of Philadelphia. The secret lies in the thinly sliced beef, tender cheese, and special Italian rolls delivered straight from the famous Amoroso Bakery. If you're particularly hungry, try the "gut buster" version with an extra portion of meat.

In addition to the steaks, be sure to check out the signature Soul Rolls and crispy wings. All dishes are served piping hot, carefully wrapped in foil to preserve the aroma and juiciness. While your order is being prepared, you can enjoy the "musical velvet blanket" — a selection of great R&B and jazz that creates the unique vibe of this place.

Don't forget to take a look at the murals on the building dedicated to musical legends. Since you won't be able to sit inside, many tourists set up an impromptu picnic in their cars or head to nearby parks. To avoid standing in line, especially during peak hours, it is recommended to call and place your order in advance — this will allow you to get your lunch without an unnecessary wait.

You can find this "hidden treasure" at 3308 Milledgeville Rd. The establishment is located in a rather unassuming building at the intersection of Milledgeville Road and Wylds Road, near Daniel Field. Because it is tucked away from the popular tourist paths, the cafe is easy to miss, so be sure to use a GPS.

The most convenient way to get here from downtown Augusta is by car or taxi. The trip will take about 10–15 minutes. Parking is available right on-site for visitors arriving by car. Keep in mind that public transport in this area is infrequent, making a personal vehicle or a ride-share your best bet.

Upon arrival, look for the designated walk-up window for order pickup. Since the cafe is exclusively take-out, you will need to collect your food and, as many regulars do, enjoy it in your car or head to one of the nearby parks.

The story of this place began in 2001 when a couple from Philadelphia, Jackie and Clinton McCall, decided to move south and bring a piece of their hometown with them. Their primary goal was to introduce the people of Georgia to the authentic Philadelphia sandwich. Back then, their son Clinton Jr. was still a student, but even then, he was already helping his parents with their new venture.

The road to success wasn't easy: the establishment is located "in the middle of nowhere," far from busy shopping centers, and the couple had to put in a lot of effort to get the local public used to their signature Soul Rolls and authentic hoagies. However, their commitment to quality and the use of original ingredients, including the famous rolls from Amoroso Bakery, gradually paid off.

A real explosion in popularity occurred in 2020, when Yelp included Jackie M’s & Son Cafe and Catering in its Top 100 Places to Eat in the US. Lines instantly stretched for an entire block, and the number of orders tripled. Today, the founder Jackie has retired, passing management to her son Clinton Jr., who, after receiving a professional culinary education, continues the family traditions with the same passion and attention to detail.

You should set aside 30 to 60 minutes for a visit. It is important to understand that this is not typical fast food: every dish is prepared individually and only after you place your order. The wait for preparation usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on how busy the kitchen is.

Since there is no dining room inside the cafe, the time spent on the property itself is minimal — you simply pick up your order at the window. To save time, many experienced visitors prefer to call ahead and arrive just as their food is ready.

Please take note of the operating hours, as the establishment follows a traditional family schedule and takes breaks during the day. The cafe is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

From Tuesday through Saturday, Jackie M's & Son Cafe and Catering operates on the following schedule:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Since the cafe is take-out only, picking up a delicious lunch can be a great excuse for a walk around the neighborhood. Exploring this area will allow you to see the city from a quieter, more "non-touristy" perspective.