Hello dear
The Place - Athens is a cozy gem located across from the University of Georgia, offering a welcoming atmosphere in a charming brick setting. Known for its exceptional Southern comfort food, the restaurant serves up delectable dishes like the highly praised shrimp and grits and crispy fried veggies. Diners rave about the tender shrimp burger and the perfectly seasoned onion rings, all delivered with friendly service. Whether you're enjoying brunch or a casual dinner, The Place promises a warm experience that feels like gathering with family. With a thoughtful menu and a commitment to quality, it’s a must-visit spot in Athens.
About
Welcome to The Place - Athens, an inviting and cozy restaurant nestled in a charming old brick building at 229 E Broad St, Athens, GA. Just a stone's throw from the University of Georgia campus, The Place not only serves as a delightful dining spot but also radiates a warm, welcoming vibe that makes patrons feel right at home. With a menu that beautifully captures the essence of Southern cuisine, this establishment offers dishes that tantalize the palate and warm the soul.
The highlight of The Place is undoubtedly their Shrimp and Grits. Reviewers rave about its perfect consistency, creamy texture, and the delightful kick provided by the andouille sausage. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel nurtured, reminiscent of family gatherings filled with hearty, flavorful meals. And let’s not forget the crispy onion rings and fried whole okra, which have also received commendations for their perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Beyond the enticing offerings, what truly sets The Place apart is the friendly and efficient service that every customer comes to appreciate. From a casual dinner to catering for large events, the staff is dedicated to making every experience a memorable one. A satisfied customer quickly noted how seamless the catering process was for a banquet of 215 guests, highlighting the quality of the food as a major talking point amongst attendees.
With options ranging from Nana's Salad to a kid-friendly menu, there's something for everyone here. Whether you’re stopping by for a light lunch, a casual dinner, or a fulfilled catering experience, The Place - Athens promises to deliver comfort food with a side of Southern hospitality.
If you find yourself in Athens, this spot is certainly worth a visit. The combination of excellent food, a cozy atmosphere, and attentive service will surely leave you swooning for more. So grab your friends, family, or even head over solo—because at The Place, every meal feels like coming home.
“ We stopped by the Place for dinner and I had a lovely experience. The waitress was super nice and wait wasn’t too long. I ordered the shrimp burger which was very tender with a side of mac and cheese. The other burger was also really good (my friends) and not too pricey. Also the onion rings were very good, super crispy and light. ”
“ Catering with The Place was an absolute breeze! Their team adjusted to our numerous changes we made to the order in the weeks leading up to our alumni banquet, and were overall super helpful. The food was delivered hot, and they brought plenty of staff to setup everything on time! We catered for 215 people, and the high quality of the food was a major talking point from our attendees. Can't recommend enough! ”
“ The Place is a cozy little restaurant right across from the University of Georgia campus, set in a charming old brick building. There’s seating both upstairs and downstairs, and the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming without trying too hard. I had the shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, and it was genuinely delicious. The grits were creamy, the shrimp cooked just right, and the sausage added a nice kick. It’s a solid comfort food dish—hearty and flavorful. Service was friendly, and the whole vibe was relaxed. If you're in Athens and looking for a casual spot with good Southern food, The Place is definitely worth checking out. ”
“ Excellent southern food. The fried veggies were very good. I love the fried whole okra. It pairs with a perfect ranch source. It looks runny but it tastes just right, not too heavy and still yummy. I like the shrimp and grits too. Although I think it can be a little more creamy, it is not as salty as South City Kitchen. ”
“ Best Shrimp and Grits I've had in a long time! Perfect grits, sausage, and a barley spicy sauce warmed my insides from bottom to top! The Place makes you feel like you're just visiting relatives around a meal. The food quality, atmosphere, and prices make this restaurant really worth the wait! ”
“ The food was very good here. We're talking Southern Comfort food with a good selection of beer and cocktails. The Burger and The Shrimp Burger are both highly recommended. There is also a pretty big selection of southern sides to pick with your entrees. The service was top notch! We went on a Friday night and it was packed. Although we did have to wait a few minutes beyond our reservation time, we were greeted quickly and there is a bar area (upstairs) to grab drinks and wait. Our server was incredible. Very friendly, quickly took out drink order and got our food, and was very attentive throughout the night with drink refills, etc. They even entertained making one of our party a cocktail that was not on the menu. There is a downstairs seating area and also an upstairs with additional seating and bar area. Really cool brick interior and tall and cool ceilings! An entree, cocktail(s) and shared apps will probably run you in the 30-50 range per person. We were a party of 5. There is not a ton of space here, but they were able to seat a pretty large party upstairs. ”
“ The perfect lunch spot! The food was delicious and very reasonably priced. Highly recommend the shrimp and grits if you like a little spice. Onion rings, french fries and black-eyed peas were excellent. I ordered the peanuts and Coke cocktail and it was delectable! ”
“ Visited for about the fourth time yesterday. This is our favorite restaurant to visit when we are in Athens, and our UGA student loves it equally. The fried chicken breast was nicely cooked although a bit thin (nice crunch but easier to dry out), best mashed potatoes we've ever had with sauteed onions on top! The black-eyed peas had good flavor. Husband had the Waldorf salad, an unusual choice but he said it was delicious and refreshing! Daughter enjoyed the Gouda mac & cheese with her chicken. The service was amazing, our waiter was so friendly and attentive. We sat upstairs in the bar area for the first time and, while not as nice as a front downstairs booth, the ambience was still good for a Saturday afternoon and we had a nice view. Highly recommend!! ”