Lunch at George & Louie’s

I never carry cash.  Never. The first time I went to George & Louie’s I had no idea they were a cash only restaurant.  I learned this fact when I reached the front of the line and had to sprint across a parking lot to a nearby bank.  After that, I did not go back.  Not because the food was not any good, but because I could not use my trusty debit card.  Recently, they started accepting plastic, and one afternoon while cruising through Thomasville I suggested to Becky we stop in for lunch.  She agreed, and we pulled into the parking lot.

George & Louie’s has been open since 1981 and has become a Thomasville institution.  While they specialize in seafood they also offer a wide variety of sandwiches and burgers that make attractive lunch time options.    The restaurant is located on Remington Avenue across from the Episcopal Church.  A large sign stands in front of a low slung grey building that is covered in windows.  The restaurant was relaxed and gave a strong seacoast vibe.  It would be at home on the coast surrounded by seagulls and salt air.

With the kids in tow we headed inside.  The interior of the restaurant is bright and airy.  They walls are painted white.  A Greek Orthodox icon hangs over one doorway.  Black ceiling fans spun  overhead.  Heavy light stained wooden tables are arranged though out the space with booths lining the edges.  Galvanized metal chairs surround the tables with wooden benches anchoring the booths.   The black floors were spotless and shined.

Towards the rear of the restaurant a long counter stretched almost the full length of the interior.  The top was rimmed with stainless steel and a girl sat behind neatening up.  The menu hung overhead on several large chalkboards.  Becky and I attempted to coral Miss Julia and Mason as we looked things over.  I decided to go with their gyro, a small Greek Salad and some fries.  Becky ordered the fried green tomatoes, while the little ones got chicken fingers.

We were the only patrons in the restaurant and selected a booth against the left side wall.  Patiently we waited for our drinks.  After five minutes the kids started asking for a drink and I went back up to the counter to see what happened to our cokes.  The girl told me she forgot and profusely apologized.  I told her not to worry, and by the time I sat down she appeared from the back with our drinks.  A couple of minutes later our meals arrived.  A pile of fries partially covered the gyro to the left.  At the back was the salad.  I plucked the pepperoncini out and snacked on it while I looked for a fork.  The server forgot to include one, and after another short trip to the front I was armed with utensils and ready to eat.

The salad  consisted of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese and a kalamata olive.  A light Greek dressing covered the top.  It was a bit heavy on the olive oil and gave the salad a slightly greasy feel.  Despite this I enjoyed the salad.  The fries were hot, crispy on the outside and chewy  on the inside.  I had a few before four little hands systematically claimed them for their own.   I moved my attention to the gyro.  Slices of meat were laid upon lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and wrapped in a warm pita.  The contents were doused with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.  I picked the gyro up.  All of the ingredients melded together well.  The vegetables were fresh, the pita was soft, and the meat has a nice flavor.

While Becky was tending to Miss Julia who was attempting to cover herself in ketchup I snagged a piece of her fried green tomato.  The tomato was covered in just the right amount of batter and had a nice tangy flavor.  I was able to cut off another small piece before she swatted at my fork and I retreated to the remainder of my gyro.

Our food was very good.  Becky liked her green tomatoes and the kids enjoyed their meals (and 1/2 of mine).  Despite forgetting our drinks and utensils the server was attentive.  She was also very friendly which made it hard to be upset with the minor service glitches.  I would love to come back for dinner one evening and sample some of their seafood.  Since they now accept credit/debit cards I think we will do so in the very near future.

Sweet Tea & Bourbon’s Rating:
Atmosphere: A
Taste: A-
Presentation: B
Service: B
Cleanliness: A
Price: $