University of Georgia - Off-Campus DiningCollege Prowler3.85

Off-Campus Dining:

B+

(explain this grade)

Comparable Schools'
Off-Campus Dining Grades:

Quick Stats

Best Pizza

  • DePalma's Italian Café
  • Transmetropolitan

Best Breakfast

  • mama's boy

Best Asian

  • Happy China Buffet
  • Peking Restaurant

Best Healthy

  • Bluebird Café
  • Farm 255
  • The Grit

Best Wings

  • Wild Wing Café
  • Wingster Café

Best Place to Take Your Parents

  • DePalma's Italian Café
  • East West Bistro
  • RuSan's
  • Shokitini Sushi, Grill & Lounge
  • Siri Thai Cuisine
  • The National
  • Transmetropolitan

College Prowler Take

Athens has many options for off-campus dining. While many places are inconstant and hit-or-miss, there are many great local restaurants at varying price points. There are also many chain restaurants for the less adventurous. Downtown definitely has the best spots for food. There are quite a few ethnic restaurants in the downtown area, and it is not hard to find a great sushi restaurant, memorable pizza and Italian dishes, tasty Tex-Mex, or a great little Chinese spot. Most places downtown close pretty early to accommodate the mass influx of barhoppers, but there are quite a few bars that offer food and some restaurants downtown stay open past 12 a.m.

Since Athens is a college town, many restaurants stay open late. Many fast-food joints around town stay open until 2 a.m. and for those on campus, Gumby’s Pizza and their dubious “Pokey Sticks” are popular, as are Jimmy John’s and Pita Pit for late night delivery sandwiches. Not too many places are open past 3 a.m., though, except for Waffle House, IHOP, The Grill, and all of the McDonald’s around town. New places are always opening, and students have been going crazy for a new place called Cheeseburger and Cheesesteak Factory, which features something called “Fried Paradise.” There, you can get nearly anything deep-fried, including Twinkies, Twix, coca-cola, cheese, donuts, and even an entire hamburger.Overall, if you know where to look, Athens undeniably has some of the best categorical food in pizza, Thai, sushi, and American classics anywhere.

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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

UGASW says:

University of Georgia 2010

Communication and Journalism

Downtown Athens is located at the...

Downtown Athens is located at the very edge of campus, typically a 10-minute walk or a five-minute bus ride from wherever you are. The food is great, and there are a lot of different places to eat. Two of my personal favorites are Taco Stand and the Grill. Taco Stand is a fast food Mexican place that has delectable burritos and to-die-for cheese dip. It's super cheap and really quick. The Grill is a local place that's been around forever. It's 50's style, open 24 hours a day everyday, and has some of the most amazing milkshakes I've ever tasted. You must try the hand-cut fat fries with feta cheese!

Off-Campus Dining: March 20, 2009
Report

UGALK says:

University of Georgia 2011

English Language and Literature

The restaurants are amazing in...

The restaurants are amazing in Athens. I don't think I'll ever go hungry here. There are so many different options ranging from Japanese, American, vegetarian/vegan, Thai, Italian, and American fare. There are about a dozen little coffee shops and also big chains like Starbucks and Mellow Mushroom. My favorite place is the Grit on Prince Avenue. If I had every day to eat out at a restaurant, I would probably pick the Grit every time. Their desserts are to live for, especially the hummingbird cake.

Off-Campus Dining: March 20, 2009
Report

UGAJB says:

University of Georgia 2010

Communication and Journalism

The restaurants are about how you...

The restaurants are about how you would expect a typical college town's restaurants to be: mostly affordable, unhealthy food available until late. There's a wide variety of places downtown, like Five Guys, The Grill, Transmetropolitan, Five Star Day Café, Last Resort Café, Farm 255, etc. Some of these are better than others. The Grill is the only place within walking distance from campus that's open 24 hours a day, but its food is sub-par. By the dorms you have Gumby's Pizza, Papa John's, Dominos, Jimmy John's Subs, and Wingster, all of which are easily within reach and affordable. So are Raising Cane's and Loco's Deli. But for a healthy meal, you'd be better off going to the grocery store and buying some healthy food yourself.

Off-Campus Dining: March 06, 2009
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UGAAV says:

University of Georgia 2011

Communication and Journalism

Downtown Athens can be reached...

Downtown Athens can be reached easily by bus or by foot so restaurants off campus are convenient and great. What's especially delicious is pizza. You got, Mellow Mushroom, TransMet, Little Italy, and a few more. Then there's places like The Grill that stay open 24 hours and are amazing just because.

Off-Campus Dining: March 22, 2009
Report

amoore09 says:

University of Georgia 2013

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

All You Can Eat Delicious and Affordable

A+

4 dining halls. Each with a variety of food. Each dining hall has a combination of self-serve and made to order stations. Food is top notch. Meal plan includes 24/hr service all you can eat for either a 7 day or 5 day plan depending on what the student chooses. All for a reasonable price.

Off-Campus Dining: March 10, 2010
Report

Facts

Student Favorites

  • Five Star Day Café
  • Little Italy Pizzeria
  • Shokitini Sushi, Grill & Lounge
  • The Burger & Cheesesteak Factory
  • The Grit
  • Waffle House

Other Places to Check Out

  • Basil Press
  • Carino's Italian Grill
  • Chili's Bar & Grill
  • Doc Chey's Noodle House
  • Domino's Pizza
  • Five Guys Burgers & Fries
  • Gyro Wrap
  • Kelly's Jamaican Foods
  • Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Panera Bread
  • Papa John's Pizza
  • Quiznos
  • Raising Cain's
  • Starbucks
  • Taco Stand
  • Uncle Otto's European Eatery
  • Which Wich

24-Hour Dining

  • IHOP
  • The Grill
  • Waffle House

Grocery Stores

Kroger
2301 College Station Rd.
(706) 353-854

Piggly Wiggly
484 North Ave.
(706) 548-4171
www.pigglywiggly.com

Publix Super Market
3620 Atlanta Highway
(706) 208-3700
www.publix.com
Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Restaurant Listing

IHOP
Breakfast
1180 Baxter St.
(706) 354-1356
www.ihop.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 24 hours

Inoko Japanese Steak and Seafood House
Japanese
161 Alps Rd.
(706) 546-8589
Price: $10–$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Siri Thai Cuisine
Thai
367 Prince Ave.
(706) 548-7667
sirithaicuisine.com
Price: $10–$25
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.

Shokitini Sushi, Grill, & Lounge
Sushi
251 W. Clayton St., Suite 117
(706) 353-7933
Price: $5–$25
Hours: Monday–Saturday 5 p.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 5 p.m.–12 a.m.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Sandwiches
265 E. Clayton St.
(706) 613-6500
www.jimmyjohns.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Harry Bissett's New Orleans Café & Oyster Bar
Steak and seafood
279 E. Broad St.
(706) 353-7065
Price: $15–$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
www.harrybissetts.net

Last Resort Grill
Southern
184 W. Clayton St.
(706) 549-0810
Price: $20–$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.lastresortgrill.com

Gumby's Pizza
Pizza
496 Baxter St.
(706) 543-5000
www.gumbyspizza.com
Price: $10–$15
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Happy China Buffet
Chinese
2301 College Station Road
(706) 552-3388
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Wingster Café
American
521 Baxter St.
(706) 583-9611
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Thursday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m.–3 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–1 a.m.

Wild Wing Café
Wings
312 E. Washington St.
(706) 227-9464
Price: $5–$15
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2:30 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.
www.wildwingcafe.com

Waffle House
Breakfast
1255 S. Milledge Ave.
(706) 549-8132
www.wafflehouse.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 24 hours

The Varsity
American
1000 W. Broad St.
(706) 548-6325
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–12 a.m.
www.thevarsity.com

Pita Pit
Wraps
123 N. Jackson St.
(706) 552-0052
www.pitapitusa.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10:30 a.m.–3 a.m., Thursday–Saturday 10:30 a.m.–4 a.m.

RuSan's
Asian
196 Alps Road
(706) 552-0488
www.rusans-athens.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

Transmetropolitan
Italian
145 E. Clayton St.
(706) 613-8773
www.transmetonline.com
Price: $5–$15
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Thursday–Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Peking Restaurant
Chinese
2725 Atlanta Highway
(706) 549-9333
Price: $15–$20
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.pekingathens.com

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Mexican
3640 Atlanta Highway
(706) 543-2299
www.ontheborder.com
Price: $10–$15
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m.–10 p.m.

McDonald's
Fast food
1124 Prince Ave.
(706) 543-0522
www.mcdonalds.com
Price: $2–$8
Hours: Daily 24 hours

The Grit
Vegetarian
199 Prince Ave.
(706) 543-6592
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.thegrit.com

Five & Ten
American gourmet
1653 S. Lumpkin St.
(706) 546-7300
Price: $15–$25
Hours: Monday–Thursday 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
www.fiveandten.com

Farm 255
Fresh, local, organic
255 W. Washington St.
(706) 549-4660
www.farm255.com
Price: $10–$20
Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m, 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

The Grill
American
171 College Ave.
(706) 543-4770
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Daily 24 hours
www.thegrillathensga.com

Five Star Day Café
Gourmet soul food
229 E. Broad St.
(706) 543-8552
Price: $8–$15
Hours: Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
www.fivestardaycafe.com

The Burger & Cheesesteak Factory
Sandwiches
227 Prince Ave.
(706) 546-0177
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2:30 a.m.

Broad Street Bar & Grill
American, full bar
311 E. Broad St.
(706) 548-5187
Price: $8–$15
Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

Bluebird Café
Vegetarian
493 E. Clayton St.
(706) 549-3663
Price: $8–$15
Hours: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Amici Italian Café
Italian
233 E. Clayton St.
(706) 353-0000
www.amici-cafe.com
Price: $5–$15
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Little Italy Pizzeria
Take out, pizza
125 N. Lumpkin St.
(706) 613-7100
Price: $5–$15
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–3 a.m.

Loco's Grill & Pub
Sandwiches, salads, wings, bar
581 S. Harris St.
(706) 548-7803
Price: $10–$15
Hours: Daily 11 a.m–12 a.m.
www.locosgrill.com

Mellow Mushroom
Pizza
320 E. Clayton St.
(706) 613-0892
www.mellowmushroom.com
Price: $10–$15
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

The National
Mediterranean
232 W. Hancock Ave.
(706) 549-3450
www.thenationalrestaurant.com
Price: $10–$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–11 p.m.

mama's boy
Southern
197 Oak St.
(706) 548-6249
www.eatatmamasboy.com
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Thursday–Friday 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturday–Sunday 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.

Casa Mia
Latin cuisine and tapas bar
269 N. Hull St.
(706) 227-4444
www.casamiatapas.com
Price: $8–$15
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–12 a.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.–1 a.m.

Clocked Restaurant
American
259 W. Washington St.
(706) 548-9175
Price: $5–$10
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

DePalma's Italian Café
Italian
401 E. Broad St.
(706) 354-6966
www.depalmasitaliancafe.com
Price: $15–$25
Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–12 a.m.

East West Bistro
Fusion cuisine, Northern Italian, Seafood
351 E. Broad St.
(706) 546-9378
Price: $20–$30
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11a.m–10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
www.eastwestbistro.com

Did You Know?

The Grit is owned by REM’s Michael Stipe, who got the name for the band’s album “Automatic for the People” from the slogan of another Athens restaurant, Weaver D’s.

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