The Plainsman’s Choice award for Best New Restaurant is going to Botanic. Their slogan is“OF AND FOR EARTH,” and Auburn has fallen head over heels in love with its market, cafe, grille, patio bar, greenhouse and garden shoppe.
Botanic was long dreamt of, planned and awaited; and its grand opening occurred in fall 2022. Stacy Brown, founder of Chicken Salad Chick, and former Auburn business owner King Braswell wanted to enable guests to partake in, "passions and along with all life’s experiences in one amazing place.”
It was exactly what the Auburn family needed. The authentic, natural setting is perfect for formal dinners, afternoons trips, wistful mornings or special occasions; and people have been flocking to its grounds all year.
"I was very taken with not only the taste of everything, but also the detail in the decorations. The scenery was beautiful, same with the weather," said Anna Varnon, sophomore in early childhood education.
On top of the dining and shopping options, Botanic hosts several events every week. From live music to game nights to wine tastings, this classy joint has quickly become a timeless Auburn staple.
It has everything anyone could want in a night on the town, and it is sustainable, natural and purposeful. Auburn loves not only what it gives, but also everything it stands for.
The Market partners with local artists and creators from all over the Southeast. That’s where the cafe is, and it is bursting with local art and farm-to-table goodies.
"The atmosphere was very light if that makes sense. It was a Saturday morning when I went and although it was busy, it was quiet and peaceful," said Varnon.
The Garden Shoppe’s main purpose is to nourish. Plant moms, home decorators and even gardening novices all find what they need in this helpful and natural outlet.
The Grille is the main eating spot, and reservations can be made on the website. Whatever ingredients they can't grow themselves, Botanic gets from local suppliers. Guests can eat in the Evergreen room, the Orchid room or outside on the beautiful patio.
The Patio Bar is open to walk-ins, and it is the perfect balance of charisma and calm — an essential spot for all those who are of age.
The Greenhouse and Garden Center are a place to enjoy nature or receive advice for how to manage a personal garden. Their goal is to help customers, “create a space worth spending time in.”
"You have to go see the flowers and walk in the Greenhouse," said Varnon, "It makes the experience so much more unique."
With everything it offers and how strongly people support it, Botanic is certainly deserving of the Plainsman's Choice award for Best New Restaurant.
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Sami Grace Donnelly, junior in English literature, began writing for the Plainsman in the Fall of 2021. She has served as a columnist, the Opinion Editor and is now a writer abroad during her exchange program in Spain.
