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    The Rookery

    4.2 (981 reviews)
    ModerateBars, American
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    The Rookery Photos

    Business Info

    THE ROOKERY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Rookery

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    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Kelsey C.

    Great experience here on a work trip! Burgers were delicious and service was quick. Our waitress was kind and this was a cool stop.

    Fried Green Tomato BLT
    Griffin T.

    I am a local here in Macon and have tried many of their burgers and other entrées at this restaurant. Hopefully I will go back soon and get some more pictures but this is the fried green tomato BLT with pimento cheese and a side of beer battered fries. The beer battered fries are so out of this world! (Get the jalapeño ranch!)

    Rookery Burger*
    Anthony L.

    There's a certain kind of downtown Macon place that doesn't bother trying to impress you with chandeliers or words like "curated." It just opens the door, turns the lights on, and says, "You hungry or not?" It is designed for food and drink not ambiance. This was one of those spots. The drinks showed up quick enough to make you think they might've already known your order before you sat down. The food was solid in that dependable way--nothing trying to reinvent itself, nothing apologizing for being what it is. Just honest plates doing honest work. Kyle the bartender is a study in modern Southern service industry diplomacy. Not exactly the kind of fellow you'd invite to Thanksgiving, but he kept things moving, kept things correct, and occasionally tried to lace the proceedings with a bit of entertainment--like a man juggling while also reading the room and half the room's thoughts. In the end, it's not a place you'll write home about in glowing, poetic letters. But it is a place you'll walk out of thinking, "Well... that did just fine." And in downtown Macon, that's sometimes all a man really needed in the first place.

    David W.

    Stopped in for dinner after work midweek. Sat at the bar which felt like being in a little piece of history with its polished wood and dim lighting. Bar tender was funny, friendly and accommodating. Burger was on point and the onion rings fire. Ordered the James Brown's Black & Blue which was fantastic paired with Horse's Neck.

    Jon F.

    Great beers and burgers. If you can ask to be seated on the second. Birdseye view of the restaurant and more privacy. Great selection of sides that come with the burgers

    Kimberly M.

    A historic joint in the middle of downtown Macon was a great spot to enjoy a meal during Cherry Blossom Festival. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the company of other diners. Our bartender was very intense. He was nice but also behaving like the bar was 2 or 3 layers deep. I honestly was worried about him. The burgers were good, and I liked the house made chips. The drink special was a beautiful pink to go with the festival. It was cool to hang out with locals and travelers alike. I definitely recommend stopping into The Rookery.

    Jimmy Carter shake.  Don't knock it until you try it!
    Dea F.

    After 12 years, I reckon it's time to update my review. This is still one of "THE" places to go in Macon, whether you're a local or a tourist. It does draw a crowd on evenings and weekends, and for good reason. The food is delicious, let's get that clear. However, I think it's the vibe that keeps people coming back. Perfect for date nights, hanging out, Tuesday lunch, birthdays, etc., it's just the place to be. They're clean, have a unique history, friendly staff, tantalizing menu, rotating monthly specials and active on social media. Check it out for yourself!

    Pimento Grilled Cheese & fries
    J P.

    What a pleasant discovery to happen upon The Rookery, a friendly old fashioned tavern that serves outstanding Southern fare. While they are famous for their burgers, we opted for the chicken tenders platter and the pimento grilled cheese. The tenders were perfectly seasoned and fried by a real expert, with no residual grease. The slaw was fresh and well flavored, and the onion rings were among the best I have ever had. My wife's pimento grilled cheese was tasty, and the soda were bottomless. Our server was sweet, efficient, and super friendly, as were all of the other members of the Rookery team. Don't let the dark interior fool you: this is a warm and friendly place to eat and drink.

    Doug R.

    11/12/25, first visit with a buddy. Very cool place with some nice history. Place was busy and we arrived just before the rush. Service was great from entry to seating and throughout our visit. Braxton was our server, he was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We bought decided on a specialty burger that was fantastic! I enjoyed the Ray Charles Burger with chips and we shared the fried mushrooms. Fantastic dinner!

    Cheeseburger at the Rookery
    Greg C.

    Though visiting during the busy Cherry Blossom Festival Weekend, I was able to get a seat at the Bar , I ordered the legendary Cheeseburger, it arrived hot and juicy, very flavorful, and on a nice fresh bun, along with hot , slightly crispy fries, although this place was slammed the bartender had everything under control, this place was spacious, but filled, a local hangout for bands like the Allman Brothers, back in the day.. I enjoyed eating there..

    Seating
    Angela R.

    We loved it here. Quick, helpful service, love the upper deck seating and secreted booths beneath. Locally sourced beef for delicious burgers with creative toppings.

    Pamela S.

    Visiting Macon, Ga and came across The Rookery. A party of three we were seated immediately. A very cool atmosphere warm and friendly. People are allowed to write all over the tables and walls. Most of the furniture is made out of wood so it's easy to write on. Our waitress took our order and was very sweet. We started with Solid Gold Egg Rolls three of them for $11.00 delicious! I ordered the Club Salad $17.00 fresh and tasty. My husband and son had the black and blue burger and the Allman burger. Both enjoyed! We also ordered Moon pie milkshake $7.00. Thick and creamy. Music and the vibe was spot on.

    Sign in the waiting area of the restaurant
    Clarissa W.

    On our way home from vacation, we needed to find a place to stop for lunch. I did some research online and found The Rookery close to off the highway. It was off Highway 16 in the downtown Macon area. We were seated in an area near the large television and the stage. The place is large and spacious, but it feels comfortable and home-like. They had all types of burgers (including a black bean burger for vegans), and the names of the burgers were unique. Our waitress, Casey, seemed happy to help us. I asked for her opinion on two burgers that sounded good, and I went with her recommendation on the Allman burger (a mushroom and Swiss burger) with fries. My husband went with the black and blue turkey burger -which I cannot remember the name of - along with fries. Both of our burgers were very tasty. They cooked them as we requested and perfectly seasoned. Since we still had several hours of driving to go, we did not get dessert. Casey said, "Then you'll have to come back and see me for dessert another time!" We definitely will, because Casey was an excellent server and made the visit to The Rookery great! If you are in the Macon area or stopping through like we were, please go to The Rookery and ask for Casey. She will take excellent care of you and recommend something that you will enjoy!!

    Grand historic entrance

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    We enjoyed our experience a lot. Our food was both delicious and quick! We would return when in Macon again.

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    This was a nice dining experience. The food was delicious and the staff was kind to our kids.

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    Page 1 of 25

    Ask the Community - The Rookery

    Do they have gluten free options?

    Hello! They don't have a menu, however there are options ask your waitress or waiter and they'll be able to help you. Have an amazing time !

    Would you bring children here?

    Yes! Get them a milkshake 😃

    Good place to watch Sunday NFL games?

    No, but really good food.

    Stopped off and found it closed for renovations. When are they planning on reopening?

    They are back open now. They've upgraded the kitchen, dining, restrooms and waiting area!

    What is the average price of a plate?

    About$15 average.

    View All 7 Questions

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    Churchills On Cherry

    Churchills On Cherry

    4.6
    (11 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Churchill's on Cherry is the definition of an elevated experience, tucked away in downtown Macon…read more When we first walked in downstairs, I honestly questioned if we had the right place. It felt understated, almost too quiet. Then we spotted the staircase, and those steps just kept going. Once we reached the top, all doubt disappeared. What awaited us was an elegant, thoughtfully curated cigar lounge that immediately impressed. I don't smoke cigars and typically avoid smoking establishments altogether because the smell lingers in my hair and clothes. To my surprise, Churchill's is extremely well ventilated. When we left, I didn't smell like I'd been in a cigar lounge at all, a huge win in my book. My husband is a bourbon lover and has been searching for a spot worthy of inviting "the fellas" when they're in town. I won't say his friends are pretentious, but they are gentlemen, and this is absolutely a place for men with class and prestige. Churchill's boasts a vast selection of premium liquor, easily the largest and most impressive bourbon and whiskey collection I've personally seen. The photos online truly don't do this place justice. The ambiance has a moody, blues-club vibe, upscale, sexy, and refined. I almost forgot I was in Macon. Smooth jazz instrumentals played in the background, setting the tone perfectly. Every detail was intentional, even down to the restroom, which was immaculate and elegant. Customer service was stellar. Genesis, our bartender, was jovial, attentive, and incredibly skilled. Despite the bar being filled to capacity, she made every guest feel like they had her undivided attention. One of the owners also made a point to greet each guest personally, welcoming us with warmth and genuine hospitality, a touch that never goes unnoticed. Since we had just come from dinner, we stuck to drinks. I ordered my favorite cocktail, a strawberry lemon drop martini, and it was made perfectly. My husband enjoyed an Old Fashioned that was equally well executed. No matter how premium your liquor selection is, it means nothing without quality ingredients and knowledgeable bartenders -- Churchill's has both. I can't wait to return so we can try the food. A few things to note: there is a 20% gratuity automatically added to each bill, which was well deserved in our experience. They are card-only, no cash accepted. And lastly, make sure you're sober enough to make it back down those stairs when you leave. Churchill's on Cherry is a gem for Macon. Classy, refined, and done right. This is how it's supposed to be.

    Excellent experience. I had the salmon with crab rice and it was really good. Waitress was nice and…read moreinformative(especially in helping us select cigars). We will be back.

    Photos
    Looking at the bar from the far end (street side).
    Looking at the bar from the far end (street side).
    Salmon Bites and Mashed Potato's
    Salmon Bites and Mashed Potato's
    Private Select Makers

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    Private Select Makers

    The Rookery - bars - Updated August 2026

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