Locally linked

As its name suggests, food and drink are the main event at Chops & Hops, a member of the dining scene along Watkinsville’s South Main Street since 2010. But it’s the generous helping of Southern hospitality served on the side that truly sets this neighborhood restaurant experience apart, says owner Mellony Adkins.

Adkins operates the downtown restaurant alongside husband Stephen. The Walton Gas customers were employees before becoming the owners. Stephen was a sous chef. Mellony, who grew up working in her family’s local restaurant, joined the staff as a hostess soon after Chops & Hops opened.

“My life was centered in Oconee County,” Mellony said. “We’ve stayed here because we love this community and believe in it.”

“We’ve stayed here because we love this community and believe in it.”

The restaurant’s windows provide a streetside view, giving the Chops & Hops team a front row look at the growth and change occurring in downtown Watkinsville.

“It’s been amazing to be a part of this,” Mellony said, adding that she’s proud to serve on the town’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board. Activated in 2022, the DDA is transforming the historic city center into a vibrant, walkable mixed-use area focusing on local dining, boutique retail and residential growth. Chops & Hops is one of 16 dining establishments in the area.

On the menu

A dining destination for visitors, pre-game stop for Bulldogs fans and an everyday favorite with locals, Chops & Hops is known for its hand-crafted, locally sourced and seasonal dishes served for lunch and dinner.

“We work with farmers from the area to curate our menu.”

“We work with farmers from the area to curate our menu,” Adkins explained.

Vegetables are fresh from the farm. “We don’t know what we’ll have from week to week, so our talented chef is always being challenged to create new dishes from what our farmers bring us,” she said.

The restaurant’s rotating seasonal menu also features locally sourced meats, including lamb, bison and beef.

“Local farmers provide the beef for our burgers, which are a popular menu item,” the proprietor said. To highlight the community connection, meat suppliers get to name the burgers.

The contributions of area farmers are also spotlighted during the restaurant’s special creative events. Participants can learn a new skill, such as candle painting or making stained glass, while enjoying a chef-prepared, locally sourced dinner.

“It’s a way to let our local farmers shine,” Adkins said.

With a name that includes “chops” it’s not surprising that hand-cut steaks and pork chops are favored entrees. But Adkins encourages newcomers to not overlook the seafood dishes on the menu.

“Seafood has emerged as a specialty for us,” she said, crediting the culinary skills of head chef Amanda Scott who hails from coastal Maryland. Regular diners are especially fond of the cast iron-seared Lemon Garlic Trout and the Creole-inspired Seafood and Grits made with shrimp and salmon.

For lunch, Adkins recommends trying her personal favorite, The Sweet Heat. The fried chicken sandwich comes topped with mixed greens, bacon, mozzarella and a habanero honey mustard.

Drink up

The beverages share equal billing with plated fare at Chops & Hops.

Head bartender Elizabeth Buck is a longtime employee who began working at the restaurant just after high school. Now she’s the chief mixologist with a talent for making tasty cocktails and mocktails. The flavor profile of her signature concoctions often feature pureed fruits like raspberries, peaches, blueberries and strawberries.

The restaurant’s beverage lineup also includes an extensive selection of beer — the “hops” connection — as well as whiskey, scotch and wine. Peach State Lite and Classic City Lager, both made in Athens, are examples of the craft beers offered. Bourbons, such as ASW Fiddler Union and Wild Turkey 101, are also Georgia-made libations.

Connecting with community

No matter what the order, every dining experience at Chops & Hops includes the restaurant’s distinctive laid-back, friendly standard of service. The restaurant’s servers— many who are students at the University of Georgia in Athens — are a special source of pride for Adkins. She believes they set the restaurant apart from others.

“We make customers feel like family.”

“We make customers feel like family,” Adkins said, adding the friendliness is often reciprocated. “Our regulars know the servers by name. When one graduates from college, it’s not unusual for our customers to celebrate the achievement with cards, little gifts and well wishes. And when the graduate moves on to a new career, customers often maintain the friendship. That’s not something you experience at most restaurants.”

Though May graduations can signal the departure of some beloved team members, Adkins says it’s worth it.

“We love having college students as employees,” she said. “Really, it’s so cool to get to be a part of their lives.”

The family feel is also apparent on Tuesday nights when kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Children’s meals often come with special treats such as a tub of Play-Doh. Locals also look to the restaurant’s private dining spaces when celebrating milestones such as birthdays, graduations and bridal or baby showers.

The connection with community extends beyond the dining room, too. Chops & Hops employees are known for their community volunteerism. The Adkins support their team’s participation in activities that benefit a variety of causes in Oconee County.

Locals might see some of the restaurant’s employees lending a helping hand at the upcoming Watkinsville America 250 Celebration on Friday, July 3. Mellony is serving as the coordinator for the signature tribute — just another way she’s showing love for the community that has supported her family business.

Chops & Hops is located at 2 South Main Street in downtown Watkinsville. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit their website at www.chopsandhops.com.