To savor the food at Cheeseburger Bobby's is a real treat, especially the homemade hamburgers and the frozen custard—creamier than ice cream. In 2007, the first Cheeseburger Bobby's was opened in Hiram by brothers Richard and Bob Stoll. Now there are five locations with two more coming—all in Georgia. Besides Hiram, Cheeseburger Bobby's can be found in Canton, Flowery Branch, John's Creek and Marietta with additional stores coming to Acworth and Dawsonville. In February 2008, the Stoll brothers sold their Stevi B's Pizza Restaurants to Atlanta-based Argonne Capital Group. At that time, Stevi …

In 1974, Mellow Mushroom was formed by three local college students—Marc Weinstein, Mike Nicholson and Earle Reeves—near Georgia Tech on Spring Street. Now there are more than 100 of the restaurants in 15 states. When you first walk in to Mellow Mushroom's only Paulding location in Hiram, most cannot help but view the huge tree before your server offers to seat you inside or out. Whenever we have dined at Mellow Mushroom in Hiram, we not only have enjoyed their pizza and salads but also their welcoming, accommodating staff and their trivia nights (7-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and …

An overwhelming number of Mexican restaurants are available in Paulding County. Another option has opened in the northeast corner of the county, La Bamba Mexican Bar & Grill. La Bamba restaurants are franchised, so the food should be consistent with any previous La Bamba that you might have visited. Advertising as “always fresh, always friendly,” our local La Bamba Mexican Bar & Grill was very friendly. We were promptly greeted and seated without a wait. The dining room is clean and airy with high ceilings and spacious area. Whereas in other Mexican local restaurants, the dining room has been…

Since my dad retired from 35 years with the fire department, one of his favorite things to do is discussing and debating politics or news of the day with his fellow retirees at the corner café in a quiet little North Georgia town where he now lives. I have found such a café in downtown Dallas, Charlie’s Corner Café. Nestled in a corner shop, behind the former Dallas courthouse, amongst the renovated storefronts is a quaint, clean and comfortable café, serving breakfast and lunch. Owner Charlie cooks all items to order, while charming Darleen keeps the coffee cups full. Visiting for breakfast…

Over the past decade, Gabriel’s Desserts has become a Marietta legend. Owner Johnnie Gabriel and her husband Ed began their foodie journey preparing baked goods to supplement their income. What once was a weekend venture has grown to a full-time, fully staffed award-winning profession. Now, relocated, Gabriel’s offers a full breakfast and lunch menu. Eating lunch at Gabriel’s for the first time, I was astonished by the crowd on a weekday afternoon. Preparing sandwiches and salads, made to order, patrons can taste the fresh ingredients and homemade breads that are served with southern …

Plenty of Mexican restaurants are scattered throughout Paulding County, so Los MaGueys can be easily overlooked. Hidden in a small, strip center in north Paulding, Los MaGueys Mexican Restaurant is worth a visit. The Maguey plant is grown in Mexico. Taking years to mature, the plant’s fermented sap is used to make Agave Tequila, the traditional drink of Mexico. Authentic to its namesake, Los Magueys offers a variety of Tequila brands from which your favorite margarita can be composed. The dining area of the restaurant is quite small and can feel cramped on a busy Saturday; nevertheless, meals…

Looking for a couple’s night to get out and let your hair down? Henry’s Uptown is just the place! Located in Acworth, just 15 minutes east of Paulding County, Henry’s Uptown is a fun atmosphere for a Friday night out while staying close to home. Just upstairs, above Henry’s Louisiana Grill (see previous review), Uptown is a large open space with a full-service bar, though smoking is not permitted. Local musicians set up and patrons are encouraged to dance the night away. While waiting for your dinner table downstairs, customers can visit upstairs at no charge and a courteous hostess will come…

Good old Southern hospitality is what you will find at Stilesboro Biscuits. Located only 10 minutes from the Paulding/Cobb County line, owner Lynn has been serving up some of the best homemade biscuits for 17 years. Her vivacious charm will welcome you into her quaint, small establishment; however, don’t let the size of her restaurant fool you—it is full of warm, friendly faces as countless regulars call her by name. Biscuits can be adorned with sausage, bacon, grits, chicken, steak, egg, cheese or gravy. Lynn uses her German grandmother’s recipe for warm cinnamon rolls, which are huge and …

Finding an exciting, authentic restaurant can be a daunting task; however, downtown Acworth has a locally owned eatery that fits the bill like no other. Henry’s Louisiana Grill is a Mardi Gras party every night. Owners Henry and Claudia Chandler have established somewhat of a legendary landmark along Main Street in Acworth. Patrons come from all over the metro area to dine at this Cajun kitchen. On a weekend, expect a wait of up to an hour; however, the food is well worth it. Chef Henry has developed a mouthwatering menu with a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Chef Henry’s relaxed, …

For those local diners who have eaten at Caper’s, they have actually relocated from downtown Kennesaw to a strip center at Old Highway 41 and Barrett Parkway, but remain in Kennesaw. I had to visit to see if the quality would also move to the new location. Known as Capers On Main, owner Veronica Dudley may have moved to a new location, but rest assured, the same rustic, Tuscan charm still exists at this locally owned restaurant. Priding herself on savory food with a Mediterranean atmosphere, I cannot think of better food, better service and hospitality than I have received on my two visits to…

Located just 30 minutes northeast of Dallas, Cartersville can lay claim to one of the most quaint, romantic steak house restaurants in this area. The Appalachian Grill offers all standard cuts of beef (rib-eye, strip, filet, and sirloin) prepared in their own special way, with signature flavor and spices. Also on the menu are various fish and pasta entrees, with a small kids menu available. However, the steaks are what most patrons come for. The rustic, mountainous charm presented in this small, cozy restaurant nestled in downtown Cartersville is an unsuspecting delight in suburbia.  The …

With a shiny, chrome exterior and a warm, chestnut interior, the Marietta Diner serves pancakes at midnight, or pasta for breakfast, possibly a slice of delectable cheesecake anytime of the day. More than 150 items offered on the menu, customers with the most finicky taste buds can find something to please their palate. On a Saturday morning, hungry for fluffy pancakes and bacon, I paid a visit to The Marietta Diner. Greeted warmly, we were seated without a wait. Although on a Saturday early morning, the restaurant was not yet busy. Our friendly server allowed us the extra time to peruse the …

A local buzz has been circulating about the Oyster Cafe, located north of Kennesaw at 3060 N. Cobb Pkwy.  The family who owned the original Oyster King (destroyed as the result of a fire) reopened under the Oyster Cafe name.  Being a seafood fan, I was not timid about trying it out, especially since the Paulding-West Cobb area lacks an authentic, good seafood restaurant. Seafood is a delicate item to master. A chef must use fresh ingredients to make any noteworthy seafood dishes. But the Oyster Cafe has ensured that freshness is not an issue–it deep-fries almost everything. Upon arrival, my …

Skeptical about Asian cuisine, I was timid about trying a new restaurant. Nevertheless, lunch at Atami Steak & Sushi was a pleasant surprise. Entering the quiet, casual dining room, the restaurant was neat, clean and comfortable. This particular weekday for lunch, there was no wait and we were immediately seated at one of the six hibachi grills. Booths, tables and a small bar had available seating as well. Walls painted a serine sunset orange with black furniture enhance the Asian décor.  The service staff was friendly and prompt with beverages. Beer and wine are available, as well as the …

Fusco's is on historic Main Street in downtown Acworth among antique stores and other bistros, and I was expecting quaint, intimate, classic Italian food. Ambience, service, food taste and quality, besides price, are my areas of concentration while judging a restaurant. Entering the family-owned Fusco's, high ceilings, vintage furniture and exposed brickwork are reminiscent of rustic Italy. The Tuscan décor stimulates appetite, which works in this case; however, the small dining area presented an uncomfortable air temperature for patrons. The menu was overwhelming. Too many items and …

Wanting a quick, local lunch, the Hiram Coffee House seemed the logical choice. Conveniently located in downtown Hiram, they offer salads, cold sandwiches or grilled sandwiches. Also offered is a soup of the day and a few breakfast items. Of course, being a coffee house, various lattes, cappuccinos and gourmet teas are available. Iced beverages, including flavored smoothies are on the menu. Everyone should be able to find something appealing on the menu. Greeted immediately upon entering, the staff is friendly and welcoming. Although a small dining area—only eight tables are available—patrons…

Always looking for a good steak, this cuisine critique takes us to an exclusive, upscale steak house, Stoney River Legendary Steaks. Although they have locations in six cities throughout the country, their motto is "a collection, not a chain." From the moment you enter the restaurant, patrons realize this is not just an evening out for dinner; it is an elegant sanctuary.  Location menus can vary from city to city; however, all locations offer pasta, fish, soups, salads, and of course, signature steaks. The appetizer list is very diverse with something for everyone. Delicate desserts paired …

Living only 20 minutes west of the historic Marietta Square, I decided to try a 30-year-old establishment, Shillings on the Square. Dining late on a Friday evening (9 p.m.), my husband and I were looking forward to a romantic atmosphere with a certain level of comfort. Realizing entrees would be a little more expensive than the average sit-down restaurant, I was not surprised by the typical $20-$30 entrees offered; however, I was surprised by the conservative menu.  Upscale, gourmet plates are what I expected; typical, unexciting choices are offered. No descriptive, elegant sauces, no …

Concerned another Mexican restaurant has opened in Hiram, I was apprehensive about trying it. However, I was intrigued by the name, Huey Luey’s Fine Mexican Food. Skeptical fine Mexican food could mean higher prices and gourmet style, I was definitely apprehensive. Typically, I try to research restaurants before I dine; however, I was unable to discover much information beyond location and menu. Emails to the “partner” have not been answered as of posting time. Nevertheless, I decided to try on a Thursday evening for dinner. Promptly seated, the casual, bright dining room, filled with …

Coffee houses are becoming more popular in the Paulding/West Cobb County area. The Daily Grind serves specialty coffees, croissants, sandwiches and sweet treats. To catch a quick, relaxing lunch, the quaint, rustic coffee shop is perfect. The shop offers a variety of lattes, signature espressos and other hot beverages; the Sinful Delight was silky, sweet and calorie-ridden delicious. A concoction of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, espresso and steamed milk, Sinful Delight is a cozy beverage on a rainy afternoon. For my lunch break, I enjoyed the Unwind Club Panini Sandwich. Turkey breast, ham, …