Reviews
14 Spoon-Approved Athens Restaurants, as Voted on by UGA Students
Athens, the city which gave the world R.E.M., Widespread Panic, and the B-52s, has also given us some of the best food known to [wo]mankind.
If you need proof, report immediately to one of the restaurants below-or order delivery, so you don’t need to leave the comfort of your house slippers.
To find out which restaurants are the best of the best, we surveyed over 150 UGA foodies. Check out the list below to see which of your favorites made the cut.
1. Best Pizza
Transmetropolitan won the pizza prize, narrowly beating out Ted’s Most Best. Mellow Mushroom and Your Pie also made strong showings, but it is hard to compete with toppings like oven-roasted red potatoes and blackened tofu.
2. Best Coffee Shop
Thanks to @saintudioathens for our sharp new display stand.
A photo posted by Jittery Joes Coffee (@jitteryjoescoffee) on
For those who live in the MLC, this will come as no surprise, but Jittery Joe’s won the coffee contest with Two Story coming in a close second and Walker’s taking the podium in third place.
Pro Tip: If you are a Jittery Joe’s die-hard and haven’t downloaded Hooked, do it now. They are constantly running size-upgrade offers. Which means more coffee. Which means more peace and tranquility in the world.
3. Best Pub Food
A photo posted by Trappeze (@trappezepub) on
Trappeze wiped the competition off the playing field in this contest.
Order the rosemary and garlic fries and descend into an alternate universe where your paper is not due Monday and that midterm just got cancelled.
4. Best Asian Food
A split vote may have hurt the chances for Taste of India, Suri Thai, Yumi Pho, and Just Pho, but Thai Spoon still took the lead to win.
We promise there was no Spoon-bias, but we do love this place and its enormous portions.
5. Best Value
I love you, Taco Stand. #athensga #tacos #instagramisforfood
A photo posted by bekaburke (@bekaburke) on
Taco Stand beat out The Grill for the gold medal here.
#TacoTuesdays, here we come. Check out Flagpole’s ranking of their locations.
6. Best Burgers
Photo by Mollie Simon
Clocked! knocked out Grindhouse and Five Guys in its pursuit of the best burger award.
With a small but fun design, you can go for the burgers but stay for the quirky interior. Don’t forget to order a shake.
7. Best Brunch
Blissful benedict brunching @bigcitybread. #athensEATS #sundayfunday #thebrunchbunch
A photo posted by guide2athens ? (@guide2athens) on
The votes are in: Big City Bread or bust.
Get your eggs any style…even in a slice of sourdough bread.
8. Best Dessert
The delicious trinity #cookie #icecream #brownie
A photo posted by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookiesofficial) on
Not exactly local fare, but Insomnia Cookies won this one. It might have helped that they are never closed for those moments when midterms eat away at the soul.
9. Best Late Night
#thegrill #downtown #athens #athensbucketlist #lunch #ideserveit
A photo posted by Carlee Alexander (@princesscarleeanna) on
The Grill. The feta fries. The craving is real.
For more late night favorites, check out this rundown.
10. Best Southern Food
A photo posted by The Place (@theplaceathens) on
The Place gets to share this title with Dawg Gone Good BBQ. Two different styles of Southern, but both worth it.
11. Best Place to Go with Parents
Last Resort Grill. Cheesecake. ‘Nuff said.
Seriously though, whether you are thinking brunch, lunch, or dinner, this is the place to take them. Or for them to take you.
12. Best “South of the Border” Cuisine
Fish tacos! I already finished one of them… 🙁 #athens #georgia
A photo posted by Albert Trieu (@n4n45h1) on
Cali ‘n Tito’s is the only restaurant that comes complete with a parrot and wooden boat outside. Get the Cuban food fix you didn’t even know you needed here.
13. Best Vegetarian-Friendly
Thai Tofu Tacos! #vegan #glutenfree #thai #athensga #tacos #fusion #foodporn #foodie
A photo posted by The Grit (@gogrit) on
We were not sure whether a vote was even necessary on this one. The Grit was the clear winner. You can even bring your carnivorous friends along to this joint.
14. Best Breakfast
A photo posted by Miranda Legg (@thegetfitgirlmiranda) on
Mama’s Boy biscuits swayed the minds and stomachs of voters.