It’s no secret that Athens offers plenty of restaurants, each having their own unique features that make them stand out. So, which of these seemingly endless options offers the best brunch?
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When living at Rambler, you are located minutes away from Athens’ remarkable restaurants, and we know it can be difficult to choose! For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best brunch spots in Athens, GA for students to try during their time at UGA.
Top 10 Places for Brunch in Athens, GA near UGA
1. Big City Bread
Area: Prince Ave
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute walk
Address: 393 N Finley St Studio C, Athens, GA 30601
For over 20 years, Big City Bread has been fueling the Athens breakfast and lunch scene. They even offer specialty, made-to-order brunch items on Saturdays and Sundays. BCB is a short walk or drive from Rambler, and their outdoor courtyard is perfect for a sunny Athens morning. All of their pastries and breads are homemade. They serve organic, locally-grown produce, meats and cheeses daily until mid-afternoon. We recommend trying their specialty quiches!
2. Five Bar
Area: Downtown
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute walk
Address: 269 N Hull St #100, Athens, GA 30601
If you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what to get, everything sounds good!,” then Five Bar is for you. They offer five simple menu options and five signature cocktails (though there are some extras you can add on if you’re craving more)! Five makes everything from scratch, and uses locally-sourced ingredients. Their latest addition of Jazz Brunch makes for a peaceful weekend afternoon spent indulging in chicken ‘n’ waffles and listening to the classics.
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3. Last Resort Grill
Area: Downtown
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute walk
Address: 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
Last Resort Grill first opened as a music club in 1966, hosting performances from Doc Watson, Jimmy Buffet, Steve Martin and many more. After a handful of years in showbiz, they decided to turn the Last Resort into a restaurant. Now an Athens staple, we couldn’t thank them enough! Weekend brunch is a recent addition to the Last Resort menu, and it offers nothing short of mouthwatering, southern-inspired dishes with quality ingredients.
4. South Kitchen + Bar
Area: Downtown
Distance from Rambler: 15-minute walk
Address: 247 E Washington St Suite 101, Athens, GA 30601
South Kitchen + Bar, located in the old Georgian Hotel, delivers the perfect southern ambiance and classic comfort dishes. From shrimp ‘n’ grits to crabcake eggs benedict, you won’t be disappointed by any plate on the menu. South is open for brunch on the weekends, and we recommend getting there early as this spot is an Athens favorite.
5. Mayflower
Area: Downtown
Distance from Rambler: 10-minute walk
Address: 171 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
Mayflower, which has been family owned and operated since 1948, is a classic Athens brunch spot. Mayflower is a UGA-themed diner where you’ll feel right at home as you seat yourself across from the Arch. Make sure to stop by before one of your classes for a breakfast biscuit or Sunday after a Dawgs win.
6. The Place
Area: Downtown
Distance from Rambler: 11-minute walk
Address: 229 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30608
The Place offers brunch downtown on Sundays. Owners Ryan and Alan Pope are UGA alumni and opened this casual spot to bring their family recipes to light. For brunch, they offer biscuit sandwiches, chicken ‘n’ waffles, stuffed french toast and the scramble of the day, to name a few. If you’re missing grandma’s cooking, this is your spot!
7. The Farm Cart
Area: Alps Village
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute drive
Address: 1074 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30606
The Farm Cart, named after its start as a farm cart that served biscuit sandwiches at the local farmer’s market, is a casual restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Their mission is to use locally-sourced, fresh ingredients to create wholesome, delectable biscuits served all day, accompanied by burgers and sandwiches later in the day.
8. ADD Drug Lunch Counter
Area: Five Points
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute drive
Address: 1695 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
The ADD Drug Lunch Counter has been around since 1961 and never disappoints. This casual spot is a quick drive or walk from Rambler. Greeted by smiling faces, you will find your jaw on the floor as you read their menu (and prices!), including all day breakfast, diner burgers and homemade milkshakes.
9. Marker 7
Area: Five Points
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute drive
Address: 1195 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
Marker 7 is a coastal-themed, classically renovated historic home that serves all-things seafood, including oysters and crab cakes. From Rambler, Marker 7 is a short walk or drive down Milledge Avenue, a flat path lined with historic southern houses that are now home to Greek Life, campus organizations and many businesses. Their mission is to duplicate coastal dining in Athens, and they do it right! With grouper nuggets, refreshing salads, affordable mimosas and much more, this spot is a must for a Sunday afternoon.
10. The Café on Lumpkin
Area: Five Points
Distance from Rambler: 9-minute drive
Address: 1700 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
Located in Five Points, The Café on Lumpkin is a short walk or drive from Rambler, allowing you to take in the history of Athens as you travel down this road of historic homes. Upon arrival, you will see the Café’s charm as a renovated 1920’s home with a walk-up to order window. The Café on Lumpkin serves light, healthy food and beverages, and their specialty is tea! They homemake all their own sauces, pastries and jams, and they locally source as much as they can. They serve breakfast burritos, bowls, sandwiches and baked-goods every day.
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We hope this article gives you some inspiration for your next brunch in Athens, GA! If you have any questions about Rambler or Athens in general, feel free to contact our leasing staff!