The Hound

I had heard about the Hound since it's opening a year and a half ago, but hadn't found myself in the Auburn area--until last night.

My husband, sister, seven cousins and I made the trek down from Lake Martin for the finest dining experience the area has to offer. And it did NOT disappoint. Having spent my last 10 years in San Francisco, New York and now Nashville--a culinary destination in its own right--I feel I have pretty high standards for restaurants. And the Hound surpassed them all.

While the Hound is known for its burgers, we had grilled out on the lake the previous two nights (burgers and steaks) so I wanted something different. We had the homemade cream cheese and pepper jelly appetizer (fantastic), the pork rinds (delicious) and then I went for the pork chop as the main, a recommendation from the owner. O. M. G. It was the best pork chop of my life, bar none, dressed up with onion jam and lain atop a bed of polenta and green beans. My husband had Mama Kate's Meat Loaf and several of our group ordered the Bison Burger. If the silence that resulted as we gobbled up all of our plates was any sign, everyone was happy with his/her choice.

But don't forget to save room for dessert. Even though we were already going to have to waddle home as full as we all were, since we had such a large group, we were able to order and share several desserts. My favorite would have to be the bread pudding with the bourbon caramel sauce, but I was also quite partial to the apple pie.

The Hound also has a great bar scene with 20+ beers on tap, dozens of fine bourbons, cocktails, wine and the like. There's live music some nights (a cover charge if you weren't already eating there for dinner), and they're adding a coffee shop, which will debut in August.

As someone who grew up going down to Auburn for games, I'd say the Hound definitely filled a void missing in the local dining scene, and I'm glad to see it's so beloved already by the local community. We will be back--hopefully at some point for the amazing brunch the Hound offers, complete with $1 mimosas. Yum....

This is and has been a personal favorite for food, drink, meeting friends or clients. They change up the menu a couple of times per year and rarely, if ever, do they have a "miss."

My only knock against them, and it's not enough compared to all the great things they do, is they don't have Guinness on tap. Otherwise, they feature rotating beers which rivals the selection of all but a Taco Mac or Yard House.

You must try the pork rinds, scotch eggs, pork belly sliders, BTA sandwich and the chili when it is in season!

My favorite place to eat in Auburn. Having moved from Atlanta, this place reminds me of somewhere I would have been known by name in Decatur, GA. Great, trendy atmosphere - perfect for the hipster in all of us. Half price bottles of wine on Tuesday nights. The bread pudding? Um...amazing. And free on Tuesday nights with the purchase of 2 entrees. Burger is great. Bacon, turkey, and avocado sandwich is amazing (I like to add a little cheese). My husband can't get enough of the meatloaf sandwich (careful, it's got a little kick). The only "meh" thing I've had is the Hot Chick sandwich. The chicken was dry which made the whole sandwich dry. I definitely wouldn't get that again but I love this place enough that it's not impacting my review or my desire to return again...and again...and again. Also the only place in Auburn that I've found a decent brunch (Waffle House doesn't count).