Covington, Georgia, is basically the Hollywood of the South. If you’ve spent any time on the historic town square, you know the vibe. It’s charming. It’s leafy. It’s also the place where fictional vampires spent about a decade brooding over bourbon and blood. But for those of us who aren’t immortal, the real draw is the food. Specifically, people flock here to see if the Mystic Grill Covington Georgia menu lives up to the cinematic hype or if it’s just a tourist trap riding the coattails of The Vampire Diaries.
Honestly? It’s surprisingly grounded. You might walk in expecting a gimmick, maybe some fake fangs or "The Salvatore Salad." Instead, what you get is a menu that leans heavily into upscale Southern comfort. It feels more like a polished bistro that happens to be in a very famous building than a theme restaurant. The building itself, the Robert Franklin Wright building, has been there since 1883. That history seeps into the dining experience. You’re sitting in a place that served as a bank and a retail store long before Elena Gilbert ever "stepped foot" in it.
The Reality of the Mystic Grill Covington Georgia Menu
Most people arrive searching for a connection to the show. They want to sit where Damon sat. But once they open the menu, the conversation usually shifts to the Mystic Burger. This isn't just a standard patty slapped on a bun. It’s a custom blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck. They top it with pimento cheese—the real kind, chunky and sharp—and bacon jam. It’s messy. It’s heavy. It’s exactly what you want when you’re leaning into a Southern lunch.
But let’s talk about the Fried Green Tomatoes. In the South, this is a litmus test. If a kitchen messes these up, you can basically write off the rest of the meal. At Mystic Grill, they serve them with a spicy remoulade and goat cheese. The goat cheese is the kicker. It adds a creamy tang that cuts through the grease of the cornmeal crust. It's a solid appetizer, though arguably, the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is the actual star of the show.
💡 You might also like: The St Helens Oregon Halloween Reality: What Most People Get Wrong About Halloweentown
Southern Staples with a Twist
The kitchen here seems obsessed with the idea of "refined Southern." Take the Shrimp and Grits. Almost every restaurant in Georgia has a version. At Mystic Grill, they use Logan Turnpike grits—a local staple from Blairsville—and load it with andouille sausage and a roasted tomato gravy. It’s smoky. It’s not overly salty, which is a common pitfall.
You’ve also got the Coca-Cola Braised Short Ribs. It’s a nod to Georgia’s most famous export. The soda breaks down the meat until it basically dissolves when your fork touches it. It sounds sweet, and it is, but they balance it with root vegetables and a savory jus. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to take a nap immediately afterward.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Prices
There’s this persistent rumor that because of the TV fame, the prices are astronomical. That's not really true. Is it more expensive than the local diner down the street? Yeah, a bit. But it’s comparable to any mid-to-high-end bistro in Atlanta or Savannah. You’re looking at $15 to $20 for most lunch items and $25 to $45 for dinner entrees like the ribeye or the salmon.
The value isn't just in the food, though. It’s the rooftop. If you can get a seat on the rooftop bar, do it. You get a bird’s-eye view of the Covington square and the clock tower. It makes the $14 cocktail taste a lot better when you're looking at the sunset over the "Mystic Falls" courthouse.
The Seasonal Rotation
One thing the Mystic Grill Covington Georgia menu does well is seasonal adaptation. They don't just keep the same heavy stews on the menu in the middle of a 95-degree Georgia July. They rotate in things like peach-glazed pork chops or summer berry salads. They source a lot from local farms, which is a nice touch for a place that could easily survive just on tourist foot traffic.
- The Burger Factor: Stick to the Mystic Burger if you're undecided. It's the safest and most consistent bet.
- The Rooftop Strategy: They don't always take reservations for the roof. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or you'll be waiting two hours.
- The Gift Shop Gap: There’s a shop downstairs. It’s separate from the restaurant. Go there for the vampire merch; stay in the dining room for the actual culinary experience.
Navigating the Drink List
The bar program is surprisingly sophisticated. They have a solid selection of local Georgia brews on tap, like Creature Comforts from nearby Athens. But the cocktails are where they lean into the "Mystic" theme just a tiny bit. You’ll find drinks with names that tip the hat to the local filming history, but the ingredients are legitimate. They aren't just sugary neon syrups. They use house-made bitters and fresh infusions.
The Blood Orange Manhattan is a fan favorite for obvious reasons (the name, mostly), but the craftsmanship is there. It’s balanced. It’s boozy. It’s what you want after a long day of walking the "Vampire Stalkers" tour.
📖 Related: Salem: What Most People Get Wrong About the Witch Trials
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Reality
If you’re a vegan, the South can be a minefield. Butter is a food group here. However, the Mystic Grill is surprisingly accommodating. They have a Veggie Burger that isn't just a frozen puck, and they can modify several salads and sides. For the gluten-sensitive, the menu is clearly marked. The staff actually knows what’s in the sauces, which is a relief.
The Local Perspective vs. The Fan Perspective
If you talk to people who actually live in Newton County, they have a love-hate relationship with the square because of the traffic. But they still eat at Mystic Grill. That’s the ultimate endorsement. When a "tourist" spot maintains a local clientele, you know the kitchen is doing something right. Locals usually skip the photo ops at the front door and head straight for the bar or the back booths.
They come for the Turkey Club or the Grilled Salmon. It's reliable. In a town that has seen dozens of film crews come and go, the Mystic Grill has become a permanent fixture of the community. It’s where people go for anniversary dinners or business lunches, not just to pretend they’re in a supernatural drama.
Why the Location Matters
The Robert Franklin Wright building wasn't chosen by the TV producers by accident. Its architecture is striking. When the restaurant owners took over, they did a massive renovation to ensure the structure was preserved. You’ll notice the original brickwork and the reclaimed wood. It creates an atmosphere that is cozy rather than kitschy.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare on weekends. Try the parking lot behind the courthouse or the street parking a block away. Don't fight for a spot right in front of the door.
- Timing: Lunch is much more casual. Dinner gets a bit more "dressy-casual."
- Side Dishes: Do not skip the smoked gouda mac and cheese. It’s probably the best thing on the entire menu, tucked away in the "sides" section.
Final Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip specifically to see the Mystic Grill Covington Georgia menu in person, manage your expectations regarding the "vampire" aspect. The restaurant is a restaurant first. The decor is tasteful and historic, not a movie set.
Check the hours before you go. They often close for private events or filming. Covington is still a very active filming location, and sometimes the square gets shut down for a production you won't even know about until you’re staring at a "Road Closed" sign.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Daily Specials: The kitchen often runs off-menu items based on what’s fresh at the local market. Ask your server immediately.
- Visit During the Week: Tuesday through Thursday is the sweet spot for avoiding massive crowds while still getting the full menu experience.
- Book a Reservation: Use their online system at least a week in advance if you want a prime dinner slot on a Friday or Saturday.
- Explore the Basement: Don't forget to check out the "Alley" area and the gift shop below the restaurant for the full experience.
- Try the Pecan Pie: If it’s on the dessert rotation, get it. It’s a Georgia staple and they do a version that isn't cloyingly sweet.