What? H&H Restaurant
Where? 807 Forsyth St.
The Story: In 1959, Inez Hill opened H&H Restaurant with her goddaughter and cousin Louise Hudson. H&H opened in a racially segregated Macon, making its location in the heart of the Cotton Avenue business district ideal. Everyone from barbers and hairstylists to lawyers and dentist could walk from their offices and shops for breakfast or lunch at H&H.
Despite its prime location in a thriving African American business district, H&H Restaurant is perhaps best remembered today for its connections to Macon’s rich music heritage. Recently discovered and recording right up the street, the Allman Brothers Band supposedly pooled their money together to share two meals at H&H one afternoon because that was all they could afford. “Mama” Louise felt sorry for the boys and brought them their own individual meals and told them to pay her when they had the money. The band did not forget Mama Louise’s kindness and came back to visit her after they “made it.” Partially remembered for being an integrated band during a time of racial tension and segregation, the Allman Brothers Band is also remembered in this spot, making the restaurant a landmark of both food and music history. An old H&H table is even featured at the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House.
Other bands connected to music giants Redwal and Capricorn also stopped at this iconic meat-and-three restaurant, making it a popular tourist stop. Celebrities, out-of-towners, and locals alike love this delicious comfort food.
Want to taste some H&H? The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30AM to 3:00PM. Historic Macon Foundation and the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center will also be serving H&H style breakfast at the walking tour brochure unveiling and reception on Saturday, February 27. That event begins at 10:00AM and will be held in the Women’s Center at 626 Spring St. with a trolley tour of the Cotton Avenue District to follow. The event is free and open to the public, but space on the trolley is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis at the reception.
Check back each Friday in February to learn a little bit about Macon’s rich African American history surrounding the Cotton Avenue District. Each site featured is a stop in the Cotton Avenue District Walking Tour Brochure, which will be unveiled on Saturday, February 27 at 10:00AM at the Ruth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center. The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a free trolley tour of the area. Seating on the trolley is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at the reception.