Ballenger's

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  very different and the food is very good. Limited menu and not an everyday place but good date place

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  Posted on 01.03.13 Robbie G.

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  first time to ballingers..food was good..but way overpriced considering the very rural location..charged for water and it was not bottled.  (60 cents a glass).  the waitress appeared to be a little overwhelmed with the questions i asked her about the menu..will not be back any time soon!

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  Posted on 08.19.12 Dana E.

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  Excellent food and atmosphere. A bit out of the way but that only adds to the charm. Staff does an excellent job of making you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Lasagna was excellent. Steak was perfect.

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  Posted on 05.13.12 Mitchell L.

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  When your off the beaten path in Summerville, Georgia don't miss an opportunity to eat at Ballenger's. The chef Herb Ballenger keeps a perennial menu of italian and steakhouse favorites along with a weekly menu as diverse as seafood and mediteranean faire. The desserts are all home baked by Martha Ballenger. The restaurant is housed in an antique store built by their relatives in the 1930's.
  
  Reservations are required.
  
  Ballenger's
  4400 Highway 27
  Summerville, Ga 30747
  7068576980

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  Posted on 03.15.11 Paul L.

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  My father and I have this long tradition of coming to Ballenger's if we are celebrating anything.  His 50th birthday was here.  I even asked if we could go to Ballenger's for my "Santa Clause" gift last year.  I'm rarely home, so this place is a treat to go to.
  
  First of all, important info: this place is BYOB.  So, bring your cooler.  I honestly can't remember if they offer wine glasses... I think they might, but I don't think there's a corking fee.  Mrs. Ballenger is cool as hell... she'll always be around to check on tables, and she's usually the one at the register when we've paid up.  She always asks how we're doing and asks about a family or friend who isn't with us who normally is... it's got that nice touch of southern hospitality in that way.
  
  The decor is hilarious in a good way... a mix of Italian wine bottles (the front room) and Greek busts scatter the place.  The back door has a beautiful stain glass, and it all seems quite eclectic.  Just a warm, nice atmosphere, and very group friendly.  
  
  Warning:  CALL AHEAD.  You need a reservation.  Seriously.
  
  My favorite part of this place is the food.  My Dad and I always get the same thing with little variation: I get the Worcestershire marinated steak with potato, and he gets the bourbon marinated steak.  They're both ribeyes, and no you can't ask for a NY strip or for any variance on ounces.  The steaks are big and flavorful.... no A1 required.  Meals like this one come with a huge family sized salad and bread beforehand.  I prefer the ranch, but the rest of my family is loyal to the house dressing.  
  
  Dessert is amazing and simple.  I really love the chocolate cake with ice cream, and there has been a cheesecake topped with caramelized pecan on the menu before that my Dad loved.  
  
  If you live in this area, or if you're traveling through, I'd recommend this place anytime.  They're only open Thursday - Saturday, but it's worth it to stick around for it.  Certainly a unique experience and a meal you won't forget!

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  Posted on 10.10.09 Jamie B.

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  The hidden secret of Northwest Georgia!
  
      Ballenger's is a small-sized, fine dining restaurant located in rural Summerville, GA.  It is located 14 miles north of Mount Berry Square Mall/ Berry College in Rome, GA.
      Ballenger's is one of the most memorable restaurants I have eaten at.  From the outside, it looks like an old home & if you are driving fast you'll miss it.
      They serve a variety of weekly changing menus from tiramisu to lasagna to Spanish dishes to Africian stew.  They also have regular items, such as pizza & steak, on the menu.
      Because the county is a dry county, you can bring your own beer or wine.  Most bring their own wine.  Ballenger's will supply you with glasses & a wine cooler.
      I usually order something from the menu that changes weekly.  I enjoy eating something I normally would never order.  Dress is casual.  You will see locals that are in shorts and some people will be in business casual.
      I was a student at Berry College & would take my parents and an occasional date here.  
      Balenger's is open Thursday - Saturdays, 5 PM until the seating list is full for the night.  Reservations are a requirement to be seated.
  
      I would give Ballenger's 5 stars because their atmosphere and historic setting offer an experience far & few between.  They present a fine dinning food in a casual manner.  Each customer generally feels they have found a true hidden secret of Northwest Georgia.  I am taking one star away because Ballenger's make little effort to clean & repaint the outside of their building.

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  Posted on 04.13.09 John C.

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