People who know me often say one thing about me- I can eat. My roommate constantly marvels at how I not only finish my own meal but often finish hers too, saying that I don't eat my own leftovers (because I never have any) but that I'll eat anyone else's. My aunt describes me as a "foodie" and loves taking me out and recommending new places to go.
Athens is a city known for its great eats, so when my dad found out I rarely ate outside the dining hall Fall semester, he told me to take at least one day a week and get a meal somewhere new downtown. As my journey through the restaurants of Athens continues, I've come up with a few favorites that I can't help but get over and over again.
1. The Chicken Sandwich from The Place
Located right on Broad Street practically right across the street from The Arch, The Place not only has a great location (and outdoor and window seats that offer the best people watching) but also has my favorite sandwich of all time. I first had it when I toured UGA in October 2017, and I've had it again when I came back for another tour in April 2018, at orientation, during move in, when my mom visited, when my dad visited, and when my dad visited again. It comes grilled or fried with the usual toppings (lettuce and tomato) and caramelized onions. You can add bacon and pimiento cheese for an extra dollar or two (I highly recommend at least adding the cheese) and comes with a side (my favorite is the gouda mac 'n cheese).
2. Fries from Gyro Wrap
Just on the other side of the crosswalk from The Place, Gyro Wrap is known for its wraps and pita sandwiches. I love the buffalo chicken wrap, but the fries are by far my favorite thing. They're curly fries (which are the alpha of all fries) and have optional seasoning salt (say yes to the seasoning). The fries themselves are good enough to make my potato-hating roommate love rave about them, but add a side of feta dressing and you will be heaven.
3. The Cinnamon Roll from Mama's Boy
Mama's Boy is a little further from campus, but it is definitely worth the short trip and the wait (especially on weekend mornings). Mama's Boy serves breakfast/brunch all day, and there is not a single thing on the menu that isn't incredible. That being said, the cinnamon roll "appetizer" is a must-have. It is gigantic and absolutely amazing. It literally drips cinnamon and frosting. If you have a sweet tooth, it can definitely be your whole meal, but I'd recommend getting it to share with the table so you can try something else too.
4. Asian Nachos from Taqueria Tsunami
Taqueria Tsunami is just a few minute walk from North Campus and is an Asian-Mexican fusion. I've gotten something different each time I've been, alternating between bowls and tacos, and every single thing has been fantastic. The best thing, however, is the Asian Nachos appetizer. The "chips" are fried wontons and are delicious on their own but the toppings are out of this world. You get to choose between ground beef or BBQ short rib, and I highly recommend the short rib.
5. Duck Fat Tater Tots from South Kitchen and Bar
South is a little fancier than the rest of these restaurants and has a unique menu. The main courses are delicious, but the duck fat tater tot appetizer/side is phenomenal. Don't let the "duck fat" part gross you out because they are truly little pieces of fried potato heaven. You can choose between three dipping sauces- orange marmalade mustard, house-made ranch, or sweet red pepper dip- or pay a little extra for all three. My personal favorite sauce is the orange marmalade mustard, but I alternate between all three because they're all great.