The Grill

The Grill on College Avenue is one of those Athens institutions that everyone who has spent time in this city has a story about. Open since the late 1970s, the diner has been feeding UGA students, late night crowds, and downtown regulars for decades. With over 1,300 reviews at 3.9 stars, it carries a reputation that is built more on nostalgia and accessibility than culinary ambition, and that is perfectly fine. The menu is classic diner fare: burgers, sandwiches, breakfast plates, and sides that come out fast and fill you up. The Grill is not trying to win any James Beard Awards. It is trying to serve a decent meal at a low price to people who need one, whether that is at noon or 2 AM. The $ price range reflects that mission. The College Avenue location puts The Grill directly on the campus edge, within stumbling distance of every bar on the downtown strip. The late night hours are a major part of its identity, as generations of UGA students have ended their evenings with a plate from The Grill. The atmosphere is no frills, the service is fast, and the booths have stories to tell. The Grill is open daily with extended late night hours. The diner does not take reservations and operates on a first come, first served basis. For visitors looking for a piece of Athens history that is not a music venue, The Grill delivers in its own unpretentious way.