The Place
The Place
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About The Place
The Place sits directly across from the Arch on E Broad Street, which gives it one of the best locations in downtown Athens. But it is the food and the family behind it that make the restaurant worth knowing. Owned and operated by UGA graduates Alan and Ryan Pope, The Place serves refined Southern comfort cuisine built on a collection of family recipes that have been passed down and reworked with a modern touch. The menu covers the full range of Southern comfort. Buttermilk Chicken and Shrimp and Grits are standouts at dinner, while lunch features hand pressed burgers and traditional meat and three platters that feel like a weekday meal at your best friend's parents' house. Dinner entrees run $12 to $25, and lunch stays in the $8 to $10 range, making this one of the better values in downtown Athens dining. The building has the kind of character that cannot be manufactured. Old lights, wood floors, exposed brick walls, and seating that makes the space feel like it has been around for generations. Upstairs, an intimate dining area with a full bar stays open late and gives the restaurant a second personality after dark. The downstairs is family friendly and relaxed during the day, while the upstairs draws a crowd looking for drinks and a more social atmosphere in the evening. The Place is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, with Sunday brunch from 10 AM to 2 PM and dinner from 4 PM to 9 PM. No reservations are needed for most visits, but the restaurant fills up quickly on game days and weekend evenings.
Specialties
Athens Scoop says: The meat and three at lunch is the best deal in downtown Athens. Ask what the sides are that day and trust the kitchen.
Jordan Forsyth
a month ago
My family and I really enjoyed our experience at The Place. We sat upstairs and all ordered different dishes. Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, Bourbon glazed Salmon, and the Burger. Everyone enjoyed their food and I must say the bacon on the chicken and waffles really made the experience. To top it all off the Cheesecake was dense and delicious! Our server Sam had helpful suggestions, was attentive with good conversation. Before we were done we all knew we’d be back.
Isabel Yanes
5 months ago
*Delayed post from April ‘25 I was pleasantly impressed with The Place! It was recommended by a few friends and I’m glad we stopped in for Saturday night dinner, though I’ve also heard brunch is delicious, albeit busy. The service includes typical southern hospitality and is mostly run by college age students as expected. I loved our window seats that looked out at north campus with the Arch in view. Perfect for alumni in town looking to reminisce over a meal. Food wise, I was concerned with what appeared to be stereotypical southern style food like fried chicken and shrimp and grits, but boy was I wrong!! The modern take on these meals satisfied my craving for familiar comfort foods, while elevating the quality and presentation to something I was proud to share with someone “not from ‘round these parts.” I highly recommend the Southern Bruschetta because the Pimento Cheese is ON POINT. Also the Shrimp and Grits, which has unbelievably delicious flavor and texture. If you’re not hungry enough for an appetizer, a good combo would be the Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich because it also comes with the Pimento Cheese. The chicken was beautifully fried and seasoned well. Can’t go wrong here!
Mariya Dan
a month ago
The Place exceeded my expectations. Let's be real, most American cuisine restaurants are pretty formulaic. I expected the same here, but i was met with a $10 hefty portion of a delicious, tangy, buttery sandwich with perfect mashed potatoes. The workers are so nice and attentive, and it's definitely being added to my list of places with good tuna melts. Can't wait to be back for dinner!
1550 reviews