McDonough: Chalo Fast Food

FALL 2024

By: Cristy McAbee

It seems I’m on a roll with spotlighting and reviewing restaurants connected to convenience stores, so I’ll keep that theme alive for this issue by reviewing the highly-rated Chalo Fast Food off Highway 155 in McDonough. This spot is truly a hidden gem that I only discovered through compiling the Stars of HENRYeats listing, (and I’m so glad I discovered them!) This authentic Mexican joint has an astounding 4.7 star rating on Google with over 500 reviews!

They offer a wide gamut of true Mexican cuisine ranging from burritos and empanadas to tacos and even a few American staples like burgers and wings. This visit required me to order tacos, so I opted for the birria tacos (the same order placed by a construction worker in front of me). Full disclosure, this was my first time ordering birria tacos, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Within 10 minutes of ordering my food, I was handed a red basket with three birria tacos, accompanied with a stew, homemade sauce, and limes.

The actual taco was very crispy and came pan-fried (similar to a quesadilla) with shredded beef that was moist and tender. The tacos came topped with grilled onions, cilantro, and melted white cheese (reminded me of mozzarella).

The tacos were served alongside their birria consome (stew), and a homemade green sauce. Everything melded really well together and the stew was a nice pairing for the tacos that were plentifully stuffed with beef and cheese. If you’ve never had birria, it’s much different than a traditional ground beef taco. It’s similar to shredded roast beef and was surprisingly mild (not spicy at all), but still very flavorful. This particular taco would be a great comfort food when the weather chills down; think taco Tuesday in January!

I did dine -in for my visit, but do note, Chalo Fast Food offers limited indoor seating, so it’s advised to be prepared to order as takeout. On a pretty day, diners could also choose to sit at one of their picnic benches conveniently located under a shade tree.

Stockbridge: Guacamole Restaurant

FALL 2024

By: Jerry Belcastro

Our theme for this issue is tacos, so, my journey took me to a hidden gem in Henry County, Guacamole, located at 697 Davis Road in Stockbridge, just adjacent to the Walmart Shopping Center off 138. I was pleasantly greeted when I walked in and was seated promptly. The seating area was nice and clean, and the place had a nice Latin flair to it!

I placed my order for a variety of tacos, and minutes later, I had a beautiful plate of homemade authentic tacos! The corn tortillas were doubled, which I liked and they were absolutely delicious! I started with an Asada taco, and the meat was nice and tender. Then I tried the Chorizo filled taco which had great flavor. On to the shrimp-filled taco, which was cooked to perfection. Finally, I tried the chicken taco, and it was also very tender and had great flavors. The tacos were accompanied by a side of homemade tomatillo salsa that I really enjoyed and a red salsa that had a nice kick of heat. All the tacos were topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, a drizzle of crema, and freshly sliced limes. Guacamole’s tacos reminded me of the street tacos available in Cancun! You could tell they were freshly prepared homemade tacos and were full of crunch and flavor. Since the tacos were so tasty, I decided to order something else and asked them to surprise me. They brought out a Chicken Enchilada plate topped with green tomatillo salsa, melted cheese, and drizzled crema. The enchiladas were accompanied by their homestyle rice and refried beans. The enchiladas were incredible! I will definitely be taking my wife back for this dish!

Guacamole has a nice variety of menu items, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the breakfast choices that caught my eye were the Country Fried Steak, the Breakfast Bowl, the Huevos Rancheros, and the Breakfast Burrito!

They also have various types of Omelettes, which were a nice surprise. The lunch and dinner choices were extensive and looked very appetizing. They included all the dishes you would expect at a Mexican restaurant, including fajitas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and other combination plates. What I can guarantee is that you will not go wrong with anything you choose as everything is made from scratch and is the real deal! They also have a nice kid’s menu that includes popular items like cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, and Chicken Fingers. They offer lunch specials and also have a full bar. Their hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm and Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.

McDonough: Macon Street Tacos

FALL 2024

By: Toye Wheeler

Located on the thriving McDonough Square, family-owned and operated Macon Street Tacos serves fresh street tacos, cold beer, hand-made Sangria, and creamy ice cream. The owner, Katy Bell, made Georgia her home years ago, and she opened up her small family-owned and operated eatery in August of 2018.

She derived the fast, casual concept of a counter restaurant offering cooked to order a-la-carte options while completing a research project at Clayton State University. Her desire was to provide her community a place to enjoy moderately priced Mexican- American dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

As a long-time taco enthusiast, I enjoy finding new restaurants that offer a twist on traditional Mexican fare close to home. Macon Street Tacos is quaint with limited seating indoors, but offers additional outdoor seating and an indoor event area for private and on-going events, including live music.

What I appreciate most about the concept is the fresh quality and the upfront service. Here, the food is cooked to order and is always hot, tasty, and fast.

My family and I frequent Macon Street Tacos and usually opt to dine in. We find the atmosphere and ambiance to be laid-back and enjoyable.

As for their food, the menu offers twelve taco flavor mainstays, including the Cajun fish taco, the chorizo taco, the fried brussels sprouts taco, and my personal favorite, “The Kurt”. The Kurt is a buffalo chicken taco that is dressed in lettuce, cotija cheese, ranch, and both hard and soft taco shells. It is so delicious that I can never eat just one!

Their other menu items include flautas, quesadillas, taco salads, burritos, nachos, loaded fries, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. Most tacos are under $5 each, and several menu items are under $10. Patrons can also enjoy a reasonable priced cocktail or beer.

Additionally, most kid offerings, including the popular “The Luke” (a specialty taco), are priced under $10.

For a family-friendly dining experience stop by Macon Street Tacos Tuesday through Saturday.

McDonough- Sweet Auburn BBQ

By Toye Wheeler

In Henry County, we have a nice selection of barbecue options, but one restaurant in McDonough has added a unique twist to this popular Southern staple. At Sweet Auburn BBQ they’re serving up BBQ with an Asian flare, offering unique menu items like pimento cheese wontons and brisket egg rolls .

My family and I decided to dine at Sweet Auburn BBQ around 8 p.m. one evening to grab dinner after a dance recital. During our first (and not our last) visit, we were blown away by the prompt service, the unique food, and the affordability. Patrons have the option to dine on the full patio or indoors. Inside you will find a modern, hip, and fun design that gives subtle nods to a popular Atlanta rap group from the early 2000s. (Curious who the rap group is? Press the button in the women’s restroom.)

Sweet Auburn BBQ attracts a variety of diners but is a family-friendly establishment. Included on the menu is a full kids’ menu with several non-alcoholic beverage selections for kids and adults alike..

Our server, Lynn, was top-notch and explained to us the daily dish while being prompt, knowledgeable, and accommodating. All dishes, including generously portioned appetizers, are served on a metal platter, and this detail adds to the authentic and industrial vibe Sweet Auburn BBQ abodes. At Sweet Auburn BBQ, the menu prices are affordable and reasonable. Most plates cost under $25, and all sides cost $5 flat.

Now, let’s talk about their delicious dishes! Sweet Auburn BBQ offers sizable appetizers “for the table” that include brisket egg rolls with sweet Thai chili sauce for dipping, smoked wings served with a generous portion of seasoned French fries, and some of the most scrumptious jalapeno cheddar cornbread and sorghum butter that my amily has ever tasted! Diners looking for a lighter option can choose between two full-size salad options, the Bulgogi Salad, and the smoked chicken garden salad. Both are served with your choice of dressings. All six sandwiches are served with a tasty side dish. The main entrees, also known as “plates”, include BBQ pulled meat plates, pulled pork bowls, veggie plates, and even shrimp and grits topped with charred corn relish and scallions.

Additionally, there are six kids’ options that include favorites such as mac and cheese, BBQ chicken sliders, and veggie plates. The affordable yet generous sides include pear coleslaw, bourbon beans, mac and cheese, and jerk spiced collards. The meats were moist and full of flavor, and the mac and cheese rivals my own! There is no wonder why this restaurant has earned many awards, including the Atlanta Magazine Best of Atlanta in 2021. My family and I will be dining here again and again! For more information on Sweet Auburn BBQ visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com.