We loved this place! We were in town for a tennis tournament and checked in with Yelp. What a find! Our waitress was Caitlyn and she was wonderful! She gave great recommendations on food and beverages. The chicken and waffles, bouborn salmon with grit cakes, buttermilk chicken sandwich, shrimp and grits were all divine! The grits are creamy and yummy. The friend vegetable appetizer was great! Drinks including margaritas and a fruity little cocktail were spot on! If you are in Athens stop by and enjoy!! read more

i can't believe we have driven right past The Place so many times without stopping in. Very pleased that we did today. Really nice atmosphere with plenty of room at the table for visiting with friends and family over a meal. Friendly and attentive staff were helpful and efficient. We started with the fried southern vegetables which came quickly and were hot fresh and plentiful. Three of us had the famous buttermilk chicken sandwich, fried (picture attached), and they were terrific. One of us had the shimp burger. We could hear and smell our food being cooked and it arrived immediately from the kitchen. Everything was delicious including the homestyle sides, gouda grits, mac&cheese, fries, and onion rings. We'll be back another day to try more of The Place's fantastic menu. read more

The Place - Buttermilk chicken sandwich at The Place - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

This is what I would define as the perfect pork chop! It was cooked to perfection, fork tender, a little crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The Mac and cheese, collards and the potatoes were good as well. It's also the perfect definition of a hole in the wall that will amaze you. Very friendly and fantastic service! I'm not sure I'll eat anywhere else while I'm Athens. Thanks again for the great food and service! Thanks Haley great service and recommendation on the cheesecake. I've spent a large portion of my career on the road and I appreciate places like this that make you feel at home! read more

The Place - This was a by definition the perfect pork chop! - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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We went for dinner on a Saturday night and everything was wonderful. We neglected to call ahead but luckily were able to be seated at the bar. We never felt abandoned by the bartenders even though they were busy, and the host was super polite and friendly as well. I ordered the grilled bone-in pork chop and my boyfriend got the shrimp and grits. We both ate our plates clean. Everything was wonderful- it tasted great, the portion sizes were spot on, and prices were reasonable. We will definitely be back! read more

The Place - Grilled marinated bone-in pork chop with apricot glaze. Served with grilled asparagus, caramelized onions, and mashed potatoes. - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Fantastic lunch menu. I had the southern bruschetta and my friend had a shrimp salad. Delicious and fabulous service. We sat outside with our dogs and they even brought us water for them. We'll be back! read more

Come. Eat. Leave. I visited this restaurant for the first time last weekend and although the food and drinks were decent I would never go back after we were asked to leave after being there for not even two hours because they needed to make room for another party. When we arrived the restaurant was pretty empty and we ordered several drinks, appetizer, entree and dessert. We had just ordered another round of drinks as a party of nine people gathered around us and waited while got up to leave. The "general manager" Matt explained that they are a small restaurant and needed to turn over tables quickly. The experience was frustrating and embarrassing. He offered to serve us drinks on the house outside. We accepted and left our table without making a fuss about it but I would never return or recommend this place to anyone. There is nothing posted on their website or in the restaurant, because we asked, that guest would be asked to leave or are expected to dine in only for a certain amount of time. I live in the heart of Atlanta and would consider myself quite the foodie. I have sat in some of the most popular restaurants until the kitchen closed and NEVER have I been asked to leave because they needed to give my table to other guest. It really made for a horrible experience. I was born and raised in Athens so I know how quickly these downtown restaurants come and go. They should commit to offering a better experience and maybe they will stick around for a while longer. Additionally, there is no regard for COVID in this restaurant as they are obviously only focused on making money. The bar is packed and crowded tables pushed close together. Something to consider should you visit. read more

Good food but no vegetarian/vegan options besides salads. It took a long time to get our apps and entrees but it was obvious everything was cooked fresh. Our server was very nice. Fried pickles were delicious! I also got the grilled pork which was okay, but I'm not a huge pork fan. In general I felt like there were not a lot of options. read more

Great food, atmosphere and service. Loved this place for lunch with friends or even alone!!! Get the bruschetta and beer!

Best chicken sandwich I've ever had, hands-down. Done brunch here as well as lunch. Both times have been amazing. First visit was told to try the chicken sandwich--no regrets here. There's no adequate way to describe The Place, but it is the place you want to bring your friends from out of town if they're looking for local Southern food. The bruschetta is amazing as well. I love the fact that pimento cheese has been elevated into a starter. The Place's take on it is next-level. read more

The Place is THE place to go in Athens! Sunday brunch menu is full of variety and yumminess. Starting with a mimosa (why not) I ordered chicken and waffles with a berry compote on top. It was a huge piece of chicken, seasoned well and a thick and fluffy waffle. It came with maple syrup, that was used sparingly because the chicken and waffles was so great without it. You are welcome to cover it in syrup! The restaurant has a lot of historical charm. Lots of tables downstairs and upstairs so plenty of room to bring a big crowd! There is a full bar upstairs that is super cool. Service is excellent and servers are very friendly. I highly recommend THE Place! read more

Came here on a Friday night before a show at the Georgia Theatre, which is just a few blocks away. Waited about 30 minutes. FOOD: I ordered the Chicken & Waffles ($14) -- it caught my eye because of the tabasco bacon and blueberry compote (like what?) and HOLY MOLY I loved it. I really like creative dishes that I wouldn't be able to create myself and this definitely fits the bill, in addition to being delicious. SERVICE: Quite good, no complaints. AMBIANCE: Nice! Pretty normal, classic. OVERALL: Would come by for the Chicken & Waffles for sure. read more

Came here for dinner and it was okay. I got a shrimp burger which was delicious, but the side of mac n cheese was bland and not very good. Boyfriend got a bourbon glazed salmon which came with greens and grit cakes. Salmon was okay, didn't really taste like bourbon and only okay on its own, but paired very well with the grit cake. Service was prompt, but I didn't like that the server just brought us the check while my boyfriend was still finishing his food. I think that's rude and he didn't offer dessert. The menu is small and not a very memorable experience. read more

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This place is a joke... I went in there at 4:00 and ordered at 4:05. The menus changed right when we ordered, so we had to order different things which is whatever at this point it is 4:10. The lady doesn't even put in our order until 4:20 so we waited and watched all the surrounding tables that came in 10-15 min after us get there meals before us, than the waitress blatantly lied when she said she put are food in when she didn't even do it...We left after 1h or waiting. read more

The chicken and waffles isn't on the menu too often, but this is why The Place gets 5 stars in my book. I'm not huge on chicken an waffles; I've never really thought the flavors blend that well. But I tried them here, and it was one of the most flavor meals I've had in quite a while. The chicken was juicy and crispy, and added just the right amount of spicy kick. The waffles came with a blueberry reduction that went so well with the chicken. I also added the brown sugar cured bacon, which added a nice texture and complemented the salty/sweet dish very well. The Place is also very reasonably priced, which makes it a perfect spot for a nice but casual lunch. Will definitely be back. read more

Yelp never steers us wrong. We were in Athens on a crisp fall day and ready to pause for a nosh. Since the app said "Southern", we were in! Hubs ordered salmon with a side of black eyed peas and collard greens, but I was feeling not my usual southern veggie self and ordered the Southern Bruschetta, a wonderful pimiento cheese on toast points with perfectly cooked and crumbled bacon and green onions. It was delish! For my entree, I ordered the Slaw Bowl, an oil & vinegar slaw with toasted almonds & sesame seeds. plus crunchy noodles and topped with parmesan cheese. I have to say, I would have deducted half a star because of the overrun of Kraft-style Parmesan. It was saturating any other flavor on what would have been a great salad. Fortunately, I decided at the last minute to try a Down-Home Old-Fashioned. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino, sour cherry juice, Angostura and Smoked Orange bitters. May I say that this was the BEST Old Fashioned I had ever had? I believe it was the smoked orange flavor, or the famous cherries, or maybe the cut glass, crystal old fashioned glass, but whatever it was, it was fabulous. We will be back...with friends!! read more

The salmon was good but chicken and waffles were lackin. Some would even say they were dogwater but not everyone would agree.

came to the place on saturday after the uk/uga bball game. our friends rave about this place so we wanted to try it. crowded, but short wait and as soon as we sat down, our server greeted us with water and asked for drink orders. this place was packed, but our server took care of us in a timely manor and the entire staff was hustling! According to our receipt, our server was Avery and she was absolutely fantastic---I'd ask for her every time ! read more

Absolutely, hands down, the BEST chicken and waffles! The staff is amazing inside and out! My #1 choice each time I go or call in and order for pickup! read more

My family went here after visiting UGA for a college visit and the food was superb. We ordered the southern bruschetta for an appetizer and love the pimento cheese on it. As a table we ordered the shrimp burger, salmon, shrimp and grits, and regular burger. Every dish was delicious! The salmon was cooked and seasoned perfectly and the French fries were amazing. Shrimp and grits were a tad spicy. The place is small so be prepared to wait but it is worth it! read more

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We went again, and things were definitely better. Fries vegy app was delicious. Zucchini sandwich was good and healthy. Chicken dumplings great. My son ordered delivery for the chicken and waffles just now and omg.....soooo good!! Never had better chicken and waffles. The burger was probably one of the best flavored burgers I've eaten (outside of my own). The fries and corn were not great. Soggy dry fries, corn needed to be reworked. Fix those, and it's a five! read more

The Place is great! While visiting Athens I visited The Place. The bar tenders upstairs are attentive and know what they are doing. I had the steak and eggs for brunch. Very good and perfect portions. But, the highlight is how good the Tropicália Margarita is. Not too sweet, smooth, and very good. Highly reccomend this drink and this place! read more

The Place - Tropicália Margarita - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Only being "home" for a couple of days and trying to choose which of my old favorites were within walking distance from our hotel - and open during a pandemic - but craving chicken & waffles, my partner made an executive decision that we'd try someplace new. She told me that the reviews she read said "the best chicken & waffles I've ever had" so we had to try it. She's not from Athens, and balls at paying more than $7-8 for lunch, but I reminded her that $14 isn't a bad price for good LOCAL food, and we're on semi-vacation and splitting the entree anyway. Y'all - I've eaten a LOT of chicken & waffles in my 41 years - it's one of my favorite comfort foods. This is LITERALLY the BEST I've ever had. I wish I'd taken a picture of our son's plate so I could really do the entree justice and show you exactly how much food you get for a measly $14 - but I was too excited, and I only remembered to take a picture of mine (which is also something I NEVER do). I also had the Tropicalia Margarita - and I'll tell you that our precious server must have been reading my mind, bc as I was looking over the cocktail menu, and my eyebrows involuntarily raised as I read the description for this most refreshing margarita - she simultaneously recommend it, and within minutes brought me the drink with the most beautiful salt ring - turning the corner with an emphatic "Oh yeah!" Within less time than it took me to get down three sips of this delicious margarita, our food was served, with my partner's and mine already split for us (BEAUTIFUL!). Long story short - food was amazing, drinks were amazing, service was top notch - where has this place been all my life?!? Well - they're only 5 years old... Athens - y'all please help keep The Place going strong - I'd like to visit every time I come "home". read more

Little over hyped but a very good restaurant with great staff. Lovely place to take visiting family.

Amazing southern restaurant right on campus. Amazing food, good service, great beer selection. $5 for fried veggies and ranch. $10 for fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and a side of your choice (go with Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes). Nice little outdoor seating. Overall an excellent spot for Southern food and beer right near campus! read more

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The food, service and ambiance were all great. Started with the pimento cheese, and then the fried chicken meat + 3, as well as the Shrimp & Grits Would definitely go back. read more

Great service. Got there at a busy lunch time and was still out in 45 minutes. Ambiance good. Food was Exceptional!!!! Bourbon glazed salmon is wonderful! They live up to the claimed "Refined Southern Fare". read more

The place ambience was great service was good. Ordered a tuna MELT and the cheese was cold the tuna was cold and the bread was toasted basically a tuna sandwich. Waiting along time food which I expected due to it being a small place but to wait along time and then the food comes out cold is disappointing. Grits were cold cheese on top wasn't melted and it never did. I don't think I will go back if they can't handle a tuna melt.other then the food the drinks were good beans were good . Maybe an off day I hope but I love downtown Athens read more

Food was mid. Burger was dry and not much flavor. Sawmill Benedict sounded good, but also bland. The food felt like the restaurant ran out of spices. Soda machine also broken and service was lacking. read more

great service, good food. We have been coming here often. Shrimp and grits on the menu is what I always get. You can also try chicken waffles but I love the grits. read more

"Ok, I'll meet you at the place near the thing where we went that time." -- Broadcast News (1987) Really, this is a 3.5 star experience. I would recommend his place for apps and cocktails and maybe a progressive dinner takes you elsewhere for entrees. We made a weekend trip to Athens for the Fourth of July and finding someplace open on the 3rd was not easy. We found The Place and made a reservation. We walked in at 7pm and got a large corner booth that fit us perfectly. We reviewed the cocktail and appetizer lists and immediately ordered. Clayton (our server) asked if we were ready or order dinner and we did and asked that he wait to put them in - we didn't want to rush thru the meal. The most interesting cocktail on the menu was called the Peanuts & Coke - this included peanut infused Bourbon, Coca-cola and a honey rim with peanut garnish. My Gramps would have invented this had he been a mixologist. All his favorites in a glass. Simply delicious. Quickly our apps came from the kitchen and we chose wisely. For just $5, the fried veggies were the best deal. All your Southern favorites in a bowl. Whole fried okra, halved tomato slices and whole pickle slices. The breading was light and crispy paired with a thin ranch dressing - not enough for 5 by itself. Luckily we ordered two other apps. The bruschetta was not really bruschetta. The bread was not toasted - which it really should be. The pimento cheese was tangy and rich and the bacon on top was a great addition. But the bread being fresh was weird (5 to an order). The bean cakes were my favorite and I would order these again. The crispy outside, soft inside and sour, spicy chow chow on top made a great upscale app (4 to an order). We finished the appetizers and about 10 minutes later our entrées came. Point of order - when I ordered my pork chop, I was not asked how I wanted it cooked. That being said, it was well grilled, but served a smidgen past medium well. Personally, pork should be served medium. It was still juicy. The asparagus was well seasoned and not overcooked. Also, the potatoes were okay - nothing stood out about them, so I only ate a little of them. The asparagus and pork were finished. The entrée was good, but not a reason to come back. We opted for dessert because they have Cakes by Cecilia on hand. We shared a Slice of red velvet pound cake. Holy crap that's a damn fine cake! Our service was great, my tree but allergy was well handled (only the Waldorf salad has tree nuts, but he put a note in the POS and informed the kitchen anyway). Clayton kept drinks filled and checked in just enough to not be annoying or leave us wanting. A solid place to eat downtown for sure. read more

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What a great name! While 3 of us were trying to pick where to eat, I felt a little like we we were doing a "who's on first" routine. Let's go to the place. What place?, the place called the place...lol. Genius! The place was just as cool as its name. It was a bit trendy and upscale without being pretentious. The atmosphere and ambience was light and airy, sleek and modern. The menu wasn't run of the mill at all. It contained lots of different items and everything was just delightful. The pimento cheese bruschetta made a nice shareable appetizer, as did the fried green tomatoes. My entree choice was the shrimp burger (4 friend shrimp in a tangy marinade and garnished (loaded down with) with a fresh cole slaw. I ordered the spicy corn for the side item. Next time I'm in Athens, I'll be sure to head back to The Place. read more

The Place - Shrimp Burger - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Hanging out with some friends in town for a game. We got hungry and decided to hit this jank up before the game. Awesome decision! The shrimp and grits was amazing and so flavorful!! Worth the price ($17). The shrimp were pretty big and juicy!! The andouille sausage was pretty good too. My friends got the burgers and they looked really good. They really liked them. The atmosphere is cool in here. It's located right in downtown Athens. The waitress we had and the staff was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu and beer selections. read more

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Amazing food, presentation and service! Delightful evening in a beautiful setting. Gotta say this is my favorite restaurant since moving to Athens and we will definitely be back! read more

Good was great - service was polite and fast - great Downtown local restaurant feel as expected!

You need to get the shrimp and grits. Great meal and even better service. 5 star would highly recommend

Good food and pleasant environment. It can sometimes be too busy, leading to a long wait. I wish The Place were larger.

Check out and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: YouTube.com/MiamisEntourage to watch our dining experience at The Place! Overall, The Place was definitely one of the highlights of our road trip to Georgia. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious!!! If you're in Athens, GA you MUST try out The Place! You will not regret it. read more

The Place - Hanger Steak with Mashed Potatoes, Corn Bread and Broccoli. - Southern Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Food was awesome!!! Definitely will go bk. Service was great food was great. Just need a little more room in there and it will be one of the greatest restaurants in Athens read more

Been to The Place several times and always enjoy it. Had an awesome experience tonight! Michael did an unbelievable job taking care of us and everyone else. He had all the tables downstairs and did an awesome job making sure everyone was taken care of. Our food came out quick and everything was great. Big props to the kitchen as well on a busy night. The food was incredible! The chicken and waffles is one of my favorite meals in Athens. A man (I assume the owner or manager) also did a great job handling things on a busy night. To top things off, the table next to us bought us a cheesecake which was fantastic. 10/10 experience. We will be back! read more

I dined here on a Friday night and it was pretty busy when we arrived at 7. We were told it was a 10 minute wait. Once we were seated we ordered dinner. I ordered the salmon. I subbed the collards with brussel sprouts & they were very good. It also came with grit cakes, which I am not really a fan of grits but these were amazing. the texture and taste was excellent. the service was good for as busy as they were. this restaurant is next to the starbucks downtown & has some nice seating outside. there is also upstairs seating. i would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a nice dinner! read more