As football season comes to a close, many look for other ways to spend their weekends in Athens. Instead of hanging with friends, watching the away game, or actually studying, why not invite your folks up for an Athens brunch?
Tired of waiting an hour for a table at Mama’s Boy every Sunday morning? Luckily, there are other hidden gems for Athens brunch spots.
1. Last Resort Grill
The first time I came across Last Resort’s Sunday brunch, I expected the regular lunch menu. Instead, it greeted me with extensive list of brunch options. I had to return the following week just to try another.
The expansive menu at this spot makes it perfect for bringing the ‘rents, with options ranging from simple pancakes and quiche to huevos rancheros and pasta. And you can’t miss out on morning mimosas with mom.
2. The Grit
Every time my parents come to town we end up at The Grit. The vegetarian-friendly restaurant serves breakfast options Monday through Friday, 8 to 11 AM and brunch on weekends from 10 AM to 3 PM. Open in Athens from 1986, it’s also great nostalgia for UGA alumni.
Despite the lack of bacon and sausage, their breakfast bagel sandwich and biscuits and gravy won’t let you leave hungry. If you’re looking for something more sweet, try their daily specialty pancakes or a slice of humble vegan pie.
3. Mama’s Boy
An Athens brunch guide would feel incomplete without including Mama’s Boy, the notoriously busy-but-ultimately-worth-it brunch spot. Despite long lines and limited parking, I still always look forward to their savory southern comfort food.
Offering classic biscuits and gravy and egg scramblers. They’re also famous for more southern varieties like Georgia peach french toast and pulled pork and potato hash.
4. The Place
Keeping to southern roots, The Place serves country style brunch every Sunday morning. Classic dishes such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes will please even the most southern relatives in your family.
Located on downtown Broad street, The Place serves brunch every Sunday starting at 10 AM. While it runs a little on the pricier side, the dedication to gourmet southern cooking makes it a treat.
5. South Kitchen & Bar
Located on downtown Washington street, South Kitchen & Bar serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 3PM. With curry lentil hummus, papaya guacamole, and tofu bowls, they put the “lunch” in brunch.
On the other hand, if you’re craving something more breakfast-y, try one of their famous breakfast skillets. Just make sure to come after 12:30 if you want a Bloody Mary.
6. J Christopher’s
Located in Athens Five Points, J Christopher’s is ultimately the best spot if you’re trying to please younger siblings or turn your brunch into an afternoon outing. Known for their skillets served five ways, they also serve up omelettes, waffles, eggs Benedict, and pancakes…basically any brunch item one could ever want.
7. Five & Ten
Often confused for a frat house, Five & Ten sits on Milledge Avenue near the intersection of Lumpkin street. Owner and famous chef Hugh Acheson describes the cuisine as “an open interpretation of Southern food, melding Georgia cookery with French and Italian influences.” Known for their eclectic dishes and Ramen Tuesdays, they also serve select brunch options every Sunday.
If you’re in the mood for classic brunch dishes served with a twist, such as oatmeal with chai spice and buttermilk, avocado toast with chili oil, or an Asian-inspired braised lamb hash, find them at Five & Ten Sundays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Just keep in mind their dishes hold some of the heftiest prices in Athens (but will surely impress the relatives).
8. Donderos’ Kitchen
A local, family-owned café, Donderos’ serves weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Set up more like a cozy antique shop rather than a brunch spot, this kitchen will evoke feelings of home to even the farthest out-of-state travelers.
Serving eggs in almost any medium imaginable, from burritos to sandwiches, skillets, scrambles, quiche and more, they also carry more lunch options such as their hot Italian sandwich and fried green tomatoes.
9. Home.made
Although home.made closes their doors Sundays and Mondays, they serve brunch every Saturday morning from 11 AM to 2 PM. Located on Baxter street, this spot is great if your folks aren’t fans of tricky downtown parking.
Emphasizing local ingredients and homemade meals, their brunch dishes range from sweet and savory breakfast options like monkey bread and side egg sandwiches.
10. Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market
Also celebrating local food, Heirloom sits on Chase street off Prince avenue. The menu rotates seasonally, meaning that the menu listed on their website may vary depending on what food is in season at the time.
They a variety of egg dishes served with home fries, as well as challah french toast, walnut pancakes, and white bean shaksuka (eggs baked in a tomato stew, pictured above). Despite the high quality ingredients, Heirloom manages to keep their prices relatively low, with dishes ranging from $7-13.