12 Best Southern Restaurants in Athens

“My son and I were in town for orientation this week and decided to stop by here and we were pleasantly surprised. I chose the shrimp and grits and it was fantastic. Our server Cooper was great and answered all of our questions we had about UGA.“

“My favourite out of a bucket full of great restaurants in Athens. It's a counter top order but someone delivers your meal in quick time and hot. But the food is why you come here. Southern through and through. There is not a thing on the menu I wouldn't bring home for dinner or just can't wait and order in. We ordered Christmas dinner from the Preacher and everyone said AMEN! The fried chicken is mouthwatering juicy good. The Pot Roast is just like your grandmother cooked it for hours. The Collard Greens, sweet potatoes, black eyed peas are scrumptious. Just go there. It's terrific.“

“Great food and wonderful service. A must when visiting Athens.“

“The service was on point, fast, and very knowledgeable. The appetizers and main entrees were very elevated. The drink menu and desserts were just as elevated as well. You have to try the Blueberry 🫐 Cobbler Cheesecake. The absolute best ever. Highly Recommend and ask for Ben. He was great.“

“Ok, we go here a lot. A great place for soups, salads and sandwiches. Friendly place.“

“One of my favorite places to eat in Athens. Charming ambience, great food, and friendly knowledgeable wait staff! Just wish they took reservations!“

“The condition of the actual building leaves a lot to be desired, but that food and the service are awesome. If you are craving some of the best soul food around, you've got to try it.

Diners can opt for the all-you-care-to-eat buffet plus drink and a dessert for about $16. There's also a to-go option, but you would be depriving yourself of many great options by doing that.

Meat options vary a little, but the main ones are fried chicken, fried fish, fried porkchops, baked chicken, etc. Hot sides are plentiful: mashed potatoes, gravy, lime beans, baked beans, cabbage, greens, green beans, etc. Cold sides include a small salad bar (basics only), deviled eggs, vole slaw, potato salad, etc.

Dessert is a slice of cake that comes pre-wrapped on a plate. Drink options are sweet tea, lemonade, and water.

Don't be a doofus and try to go on Mondays or Tuesdays because they will be closed and your tummy won't forgive you for it.“

“Yummy! I had the Dirty Bird with the sausage gravy on the side“

“The food and service were fantastic! The coffee wasn’t the best, but that isn’t what I went for. The staff is TOP NOTCH! Don’t go by the online menu though; it is completely outdated! I read the menu link on trip advisor when choosing the restaurant and it was very misleading. All in all a 10 out of 10 experience! Would go again!“

“Its always a quick sit down. I usually always get seated quickly and get the food fast and fresh. They have the best chicken tenders. They are so incredibly crispy and breaded well. Get them tossed in honey hot and get some ranch to dip them in and your golden. This place knows how to fry chicken. Better than any other spot ive been too. Very inexpensive too.“

“I am not a fan of corporate BBQ.....but I do enjoy theirs. The people are friendly and the food is the same. The ribs were juicy and tender, the pulled pork (my personal favorite) is always a good choice. I am from the south but my taste buds are all over the place, I like a spicy sauce and a mustard base here you can make that happen.“

“I love Cracker Barrel. 90 % of the time we get a great meal. However every time I order mash potatoes they are cold and lumpy. Someone needs to learn how to make mash potatoes. A little milk and butter will solve your problem.“