There are many ways to enjoy Southern cooking in a small town. But few experiences compare to discovering Byron’s hidden culinary gems—the kind of places where fried chicken crackles with history, barbecue sauce tells a family story, and every biscuit feels like a warm welcome. Here are the ten spots doing it best right now.
Denny’s
$ | (478) 956-2322 | WEBSITE
In case the pancake pups on the menu aren’t a giveaway, this 24-hour breakfast spot can turn into a cozy refuge that spills out with warmth at any hour. As the regulars would indicate, a lot of folks love the hot, just-right meals. We do too. They’re satisfying, and the service from staff like Denise and Amanda feels like it’s genuinely happy to see you. If you want to start your day with a smile, take some of those friendly suggestions that come with it.
That’ll get you a pleasant dining experience for a good chunk of your morning.
LisaMae Cakes
$$$ | (478) 654-6161 | WEBSITE
This little bakery in Byron is quite easy to spot thanks to an exterior that sports the unmistakable pink and white of classic confectionery. The custom cakes are consistently one of our favorites in town—with smooth fondant exteriors decorated with elegant details. The slices are generous, but the seating area is limited, so consider this more of a pickup spot for celebrations.
478 Country Buffet
$ | (478) 654-6877 | WEBSITE
478 Country Buffet has been a local favorite for years. The classic Southern spot serves our favorite versions of so many comfort food dishes. It’s great for takeout, but we like eating in the dining room and enjoying the friendly atmosphere while loading up our plates. On its best days, the fried chicken tenders are crispy and the meatloaf holds the perfect amount of savory flavor. On its worst days, the refills might be a touch slow, but still pretty good.
Drugstore Deli
$ | (478) 654-6037 | WEBSITE
Drugstore Deli’s Reuben sandwich is sneaky. It starts with a whiff of corned beef and then creeps across your taste buds. The tender meat and warm rye bread lull you into a sense of comfort before the sauerkraut gets you. For the full experience, be sure to dip the sandwich into their Henry Bain sauce, which is made with the drippings from the meat. Proceed with caution, though, or your palate will feel like an old speedbag at a boxing gym.
Prominent Bar and Restaurant
$$ | (478) 654-5000 | WEBSITE
This Byron spot makes an excellent shrimp taco—both a standard version as well as in wrap form, and shredded in pasta. But their traditional shrimp taco is the move. It’s got a bold flavor to it, tender shrimp that’s perfectly cooked, and a garlic-cheese blend that goes heavy on the seasoning. The sides—like guacamole ranch and soul cooking specials—are on point too.
But do yourself a favor and look at the rest of Prominent’s menu before you check out, because they have other great dishes too, like chicken Alfredo and Philly steak wraps.
Roots Plant-Based Cafe
$ | (478) 219-2415 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in a small strip in Byron, you’ll find Roots Plant-Based Cafe, a cozy and mostly takeout spot with a few indoor tables. Roots Plant-Based Cafe is a plant-based restaurant, which explains why their chickpea and lentil burritos are so excellent. You’ll also find pretty classic dishes here, like some very good lasagna that’s never too heavy. Grab a side of tahini sauce on your way out, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic lunch or dinner.
Casa Mexico Restaurant LLC
$ | (478) 956-3044 | WEBSITE
Casa Mexico Restaurant LLC serves up some of the most satisfying Mexican food you’ll find in Byron. This spot is in a strip mall and feels like a genuine neighborhood favorite. The chicken and steak house special here is excellent, but the real standout is the tamales. Order those and you’ll get perfectly steamed masa filled with tender meat, all wrapped in a corn husk. The whole dish tastes homemade and is one of the best comfort food options around.
Waffle House
$ | (478) 845-2237 | WEBSITE
On a busy morning, if you’re even remotely in the mood for classic diner fare, head to Waffle House. But even if you don’t have time to linger in the bright, clean dining room—where there’s plenty of seating, friendly chatter, and the comforting sizzle of the grill—this place is still worth the stop, especially if you’re looking for waffles. Waffle House’s version is very good, perfectly crisp, and quite fluffy since they use their signature batter.
It comes with coffee, and we usually go with the All-Star meal featuring hashbrowns, a sunny side up egg, and ham.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (478) 956-9755 | WEBSITE
Chick-fil-A does not feel like the rest of the fast food on this guide. The experience coming from this Byron location feels more like a proper restaurant, very polished and a little elevated. You can sense some whispers of fast food—maybe a little convenience, quick turnaround, and drive-thru hanging out in the background—but don’t expect a typical rushed feel like you might get with other versions.
Whatever you want to call it or not call it, it’s incredibly smooth, pleasant, and just really, really good service. The food is piping hot and made neatly, with crispy fries and divine lemonade, and Jacob at the point of sale was incredibly patient and friendly, making the order taken with care and attention. His positive attitude and commitment to excellent customer service are what keep customers coming back.
Sharks Fish & Chicken Chicago Style byron
$ | (478) 654-5998 | WEBSITE
It’s not technically in Chicago, but you can practically taste the fryer oil from the parking lot. A team of cooks wearing aprons huddles over sizzling fry baskets that send golden steam into the air. Your fried options at this counter-service spot are fish, chicken, and gizzards—plus some lunch specials like chicken livers. But flaky, seasoned flounder is what Sharks does best, so make that most of your order.
Just be sure to grab a handful of tartar sauce packets on your way to the small seating area, give everything a squeeze, and let it all settle during your meal.