Top Local Eats
One of our guests’ favorite pleasures is stepping off the front porch of Twelve Oaks and taking a leisurely stroll to the town square. Along the way, you’ll pass stately historic homes and charming streets that invite you to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Once you reach the square, spend a little time browsing the local shops before settling in for lunch or dinner at one of the town’s favorite restaurants. And no visit is complete without something sweet—be sure to stop by Scoops, FRIO, or Chocolate Moonshine Co. for the perfect ending to your outing.
It’s a simple, unhurried experience that captures the charm of staying at Twelve Oaks.
Mystic Grill
Walking Distance | Walk-in Dining | Price $$
A guest favorite, this restaurant occupies a beautifully restored historic building whose exterior appeared as a restaurant in the TV show that inspired its name. Its Southern menu includes sweet potato shrimp fritters, sweet tea fried chicken, steak, and burgers. Enjoy a drink at the bar or dine on the rooftop. Some evenings feature live music.
City Pharmacy
Walking Distance | Accept Reservations | Price $$$
Set in a beautifully renovated former drugstore, City Pharmacy pairs chef-driven dining with a thoughtfully crafted bar menu. It honors its past as a neighborhood gathering place, inviting guests to linger over good food, drinks, and conversation. You’ll find it in the heart of downtown Covington.
Innkeeper’s Tip:
Fantastic Raw Bar
The Social Goat Tavern serves Southern dishes, craft beers, and creative cocktails overlooking Covington’s historic square. Fans of The Vampire Diaries can sip themed drinks with views of the iconic clock tower. Head upstairs to Vinny’s Attic for live bands, karaoke, and a lively night out.
The Social Goat
Walking Distance | Walk-in Dining | Price $$
Bar Oscar
Walking Distance | Trendy | Price $$$
Bar Oscar brings handmade pasta, cocktails, and wine to an intimate neighborhood setting in downtown Covington. Created by the couple behind Root Baking Co., it’s a lovely spot to settle in for dinner and drinks.
Innkeeper’s Tip:
Wings honey hot, double X, extra wet w/ garlic.
Town House Cafe
Walking Distance | Walk-in Dining | Price $$
Walking Distance | Casual Dining | Price $$
Amici
Amici’s is a family-friendly Italian pizzeria serving pizzas, calzones, and wings, including creative specialties like the Seared Ahi Tuna Pie Bread. Stop by for Wednesday Wing Night, Thursday trivia, or live music Fridays.
Family-run since 1964, The Town House Cafe serves Southern comfort food just off Covington’s historic square. Stop in for a hearty breakfast or a meat-and-vegetable plate with traditional flair.
Your Pie
Pizza
Walking Distance | Casual Dining | Price $
Your Pie serves brick-oven personal pizzas with your choice of toppings, including gluten-free crust and vegan cheese. Its restored historic storefront offers craft beers.
Innkeeper’s Tip:
The Great White
Bradley’s
Real Pit BBQ
Walking Distance | Accept Reservations | Price $
If you are craving some down-home-style BBQ, Bradley’s makes theirs smoked over real hickory wood. And their pork, beef and chicken with in house prepared side items.
Billy's Bites & Brews
Walking Distance | Walk-in Dining | Price $
In spring and summer, Jim’s lush planters turn the area outside this restaurant into a little urban garden. It’s a lovely spot to sit outside, relax, and enjoy lunch.
Bread & Butter Bakery
Walking Distance | Fine Dining | Price $$
This bakery makes its breads and flavored butters fresh daily, with no preservatives or additives. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, with options like spicy tuna sandwiches and five-cheese pizza. Save room for a giant cookie or slice of cheesecake.
MaddLuLu
Walking Distance | Accept Reservations | Price $
Chic rustic family own coffee shop and Tea House that serves as a stage of specialty coffee shop with unique latte experience. It features ongoing monthly rotating Coffees, exotic organic mix Tea drinks and light bites to it's patron.
Lily & Sparrow Mercantile
Walking Distance | Walk-in Dining | Price $
Lily & Sparrow is a family-owned coffee shop and mercantile serving artisan coffee roasted on site. Browse fresh baked goods, local produce, specialty foods, and handmade gifts while you sip and shop.
Scoops
Walking Distance | Dessert | Price $
Scoops has been sweetening downtown Covington since 2005 with ice cream, homemade fudge, and chocolates. Choose from classic and creative ice cream flavors for a refreshing treat while exploring town.
Chocolate Moonshine Co.
Walking Distance | Dessert | Price $
Chocolate Moonshine specializes in small-batch gourmet fudge, truffle bars, and handcrafted chocolates. Explore flavors like Belgian chocolate or sea salt caramel for a sweet treat or thoughtful gift.
FRIO Rolled Ice Cream offers a sweet stop on Covington’s historic square, serving rolled ice cream in a variety of flavors. Stop by for a cool treat while exploring downtown.
FRIO Rolled Ice Cream
Walking Distance | Dessert | Price $
Don’t Mind A Short Drive?
Then here are some great experiences you don’t want to miss! Each of these locations are about 20 minutes away.
Short Drive | Fine Dining | Price $$$
La Flores
Las Flores serves Mexican favorites, including fried guacamole and fried yucca—both loved by the Twelve Oaks staff. Try the Angus steak taco with salsa verde or the calamari taco with jalapeño ranch crema. Pair your meal with one of their delicious margaritas.
Location: Old Town Conyers
Milazzo’s Risorante
Short Drive | Fine Dining | Price $$$
Milazzo’s Ristorante serves Italian cuisine in downtown Porterdale, with an atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations. Christina Milazzo created the restaurant in honor of her grandparents and their love of bringing people together.
Location: Porterdale
Short Drive | Walk-in Dining | Price $$$
Town 220
Chef De La Torre’s French-inspired restaurant pairs a historic setting and soaring ceilings with thoughtfully prepared dishes. From garlic-baked escargot to duck à l’orange, the menu reflects the chef-owner’s passion for food.
Location: Madison