McIntosh County Eats

June 20, 2018

When traveling, I love to find hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve good food at fair prices. For almost 30 years, we’ve owned property in Townsend, Ga., in McIntosh County, and have enjoyed two restaurants there that fit this description.

Hunter’s Café is just a little wooden shack on a dirt lane across from the marina at Shellman’s Bluff. Try the hamburgers for lunch, and the fried pickles and fried seafood for dinner. The locals hang out here and the bar area can get a little loud when there’s live music. You’ll be out of place unless you are in your flip flops and t-shirts.

Our other "must visit" restaurant is Speed's Kitchen, located at the end of Speed's Kitchen Road in what appears to be two trailer cobbled together. All of the reviews warn you to expect a wait of at least 30 minutes for your food. This is no joke. We always get the dried fried seafood, which is delicious. My daughter-in-law swears by the broiled scallops. Service is friendly and efficient. Ask your server to bring you the delicious sweet cole slaw while you wait for dinner. Try it on butter crackers that are on the table. Speed's serves no beverage stronger than sweet tea, but you can bring in your own adult beverages if you behave yourself.

When traveling, always ask the locals where they eat. They are usually happy to tell you where to go, what to order, and give you inside tips about the restaurant.