Dovetail: A Macon Favorite

When a much anticipated Dovetail opened in the Fall of 2012, it was just the type of restaurant Macon needed.  From unique culinary creations to hand-crafted beverages, this new hub carried with it a contemporary appeal coupled with a fond 1920’s nostalgia making it unlike any other dining experience in Macon.
Through the revitalization of our dear downtown, many more fun and exciting restaurants have opened and graced us with their own respective charm—and delicious menu offerings.  While all of our fantastic downtown restaurants should be supported and frequented, I’d like to take this time to highlight why Dovetail has remained my favorite little spot.

1. Dovetail offers menu items that use only fresh, local, and organic ingredients. As a follower of the organic foods movement, I find such comfort in dining with Dovetail because I know exactly where my food is

coming from.  From the brightest produce to the freshest meat, I remain a loyal customer because I know I’m not only enjoying just about the healthiest food money can buy, but I’m also helping support local farms.  How fantastic is that?

2. Dovetail changes its menu items seasonally.  Even with my most favorite and frequented restaurants, I can get tired of the typical menu offerings.  Something I love about Dovetail is that they offer menu items based on what produce is in season.  You can always count on light, fresh offerings in the heat of the Summer, while the menu is peppered with hearty stews and savory pork chops during the colder months.  Dovetail approaches the notion of a small menu in just the right way: special-occasion visitors and regular fixtures alike have just enough time to taste the whole menu before it changes into something equally as spectacular.

3. Dovetail has the most diverse bar with the most creative bartenders.  Never before have I been able to go into a bar and say, “Surprise me.”  But with Dovetail, that’s always an option and I’m rarely disappointed.   Plus, as an avid bourbon connoisseur, the whiskey offering there has expanded my pallet and exposed me to even more knowledge of my most treasured spirit.    My favorite bartender among the Dovetail lineup, Ryan Smith, is a true artist of his craft.  He makes his own syrups, infuses the finest bourbons, and composes some of the most imaginative, elegant and complex beverages I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste—err—drink four of.   While he can certainly make you any drink you ask for, Ryan is one of those rare souls who can cook—and in his case mix—by feel; and, I think that makes all the difference in my most favorite Dovetail drinks.  No matter what mood I’m in, he always seem to have just the thing.  Speaking of, Ryan was just nominated for Best Macon Bartender 2015 by the 11th Hour.  Cast your vote for him here!

4. Dovetail will do anything for their customers, especially their regulars.  While I’d never get special treatment, because they are great to ALL of their patrons, they certainly take note of who their regular attendees are.  Their staff is so accommodating, always speaking to me when I come in, taking note of where I prefer to sit, and even asking me what I’d like to see on the next menu (I’ll say it again: LOBSTER ROLLS).  There’s nothing worse than going in to a restaurant twice a week for several weeks and having the staff act as if they’ve never seen you.  Rude much?   Dovetail always makes sure that I have a seat at the bar and that my friends and I are having a good time.  As a patron who believes that service can make or break a dining experience, the positive attitudes I see from every member of their staff are just the icing on the cake of an already wonderful dining adventure.

In conclusion, I think Dovetail has a special place in all of our hearts.  It’s the sister-share of our beloved Rookery; the home of healthy, delicious culinary crafts; the mecca for bourbon and rye; and the cozy space where you can relax after a long week with one-of-a-kind drink to go with your local Georgia dinner.  Dovetail may not be the newest place on the block, but it sure is one of the best.