Griffin Nelson

Photography by Jane Kortright

The legacy continues at 211 10th Street in downtown Augusta. The space formerly known as the Bees Knees has been brought back to life. Embracing the same popular tapas-style restaurant, Lenox on 10th features menu items that include vegan and vegetarian options and major crowd pleasers like their signature wings, roasted brussels sprouts, macaroni and cheese and seasoned corn ribs.

“We only have 14 items on the menu, but we do them all well.” The confidence of owners Airs Reed and Robert Stokes is founded in years of experience in the food and beverage industry. They’ve also built relationships with adjacent businesses like Second City Distilling Co. and Tapped 33 Craft Brewhouse to help make Lenox on 10th a smashing success from the beginning. “These [business owners] are helping sustain our economy. Small business makes up a lot of the employment in the city. If we have a question or idea we can run it by someone who can make it happen.”

These connections extend to the space and entertainment as well. The couple bonded early on about their mutual love for music from all genres and decades. One whole wall depicts a vintage amp and the miniature stage is wrapped in a mural by local artist Aort Reed.

The vaulted ceilings of the 137-year-old building provide ideal acoustics for the various DJs and musicians. “You never know what you might catch on the stage on a Friday or Saturday,” says Stokes. “You might even find some music you didn’t know you liked!”

Favorites include bands like ATL DreamVision and New Age Soundz. Reed gives a “shout-out to Dave Mercer! He’s soulful — one of Augusta’s gems.” Their love of music even extends to the drink menu with practically every cocktail named after a line from a famous song, such as “Sorry Ms. Jackson” and “Purple Haze”.

Brunch at Lenox on 10th is just as popular as dinner! Visit Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for brunch items like crisp and fluffy Chicken and Waffles, Crab Cake and Grits, Lenox Lamb Chops, breakfast tacos and more. The in-house DJ helps create the perfect vibe for enjoying a Breakfast Shot, Michelada or Man-Mosa (made with Good Googly Moogly Juicy IPA).

The cozy space that has been so loved over the years is filled with life again. Reed and Stokes have created the ideal combination of tasty food, good music and festive drinks — all things to help provide good times in the heart of Augusta.