The Grill has been one of my favorites since I went to school here in the late 90's. We stopped in Athens this weekend and were looking forward to a good burger, Feta fries, and milk shake. We walk in and there are only about 4 tables occupied, so I am thinking how lucky we are (I have been there many times over the years when it has been packed and there was a wait for a table). I see two employees standing near the back. Well they look at us come in and they have a brief conversation, evidently, about which one would come seat us. One girl even appeared to roll her eyes before coming up. Well we were seated and the girl tells us our waitress will be with us shortly. Nope. After 15 minutes of waiting, we got up and went to another restaurant. I was under the impression that it is a pretty straightforward process. We speak to someone and tell them there are things in the menu we would like to purchase. Those things are prepared and then brought to us. We pay for those things. That money is then used to cover the cost of the food and the labor to prepare the food and the labor to bring it to us. We can even pay additional money, known as a "tip", if the person bringing us said food is polite and attentive. Unfortunately, step one was never achieved and we were not even able to tell anyone that we would like to pay money for stuff. Oh, the restaurant we ended up at greeted us , took our order and we paid them. So it is possible. read more

The Grill is apparently a UGA staple and open 24 hours. Which usually I would run away from for fear of indigestion, but on the night me and my ATL biddies went, we were preternaturally hangry and nothing else was open so we thought we would give this ol' place a try. I got a triple cheeseburger, which really hit the spot. The fries were lackluster to me--they seem like the frozen kind. And probably are. But if you're looking for American diner grub that's not Majestic-priced, with reasonably-paced service, AND you happen to be in Athens, Georgia, this is the go-to. I especially like that they have coloring page options for the little ones. Even kidults can partake in the crayon craze. All told, I'm sure that where The Grill comes most in handy and moonlights as your baeff... is on nights of extreme carousing where all you want to do is to stuff your face with a million gallons of grease and ketchup and engage in pseudo-philosophical repartee on the calamitous effects of post-tourism, especially in places like Berlin. I do not speak from experience. Merely conjecture. Standby. read more

The Grill - Triple cheese burger - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

I can't come to Athens with out coming to the grill . It's one of my favorite late night dives to grab a bite to eat at after a late night out partying . The decor is unique to say the least . It's like a grunge diner atmosphere . The servers are tattooed pierced hygiene is questionable but the burgers and fries are insane good or at least they are at 3am after all the bars have closed and you have the munchies . Their is nothing like a nice thick juicy cheese burger fries and a chocolate shake to make a good night out with friends even better . If you come on a game weekend and you wanna give this place a try I suggest you get there early because they accumulate quite a wait on game day . read more

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Late Sunday night in Athens and this is what was available. Gave it a try and was happy I did! Bacon cheeseburger, fries, chocolate shake and I was satisfied. Burger was "real" and the fries were fresh. read more

Okay honestly the grill would get a five star review from me if it weren't for the absolutely h o r r e n d o u s service. I mean literally so slow and inefficient it hurts me. The staff always looks low key strung out and I don't think they really care about their sucky service or you as a paying customer. But oh whale like I said their food is super good. Veggie burger exceeded my expectations and their fries are soooOooO good. read more

The Grill - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Always in search of a real deal diner in the south...and this is it! Totally got our diner fix here! We wanted milkshakes and asked some UGA folks who had the best milkshakes and one gal shot out " Oooooo, the grill!" So to the Grill we went and left happy ! Bonus; we asked for Disco Fries aka Cheesy fries with gravy ( brown gravy) and the fries are GIGUNDA delicious home fries that were even more delicious with cheese and gravy. Perky, attentive waitress made the whole experience awesome . Will certainly come back! read more

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EDIT 2/19/08 $5 for a milkshake?! Even at 3am, it's not THAT good. Minus another star. ---------- My freshman year, my roommate and I would frequently get dressed up to go "downtown" or to some lame frat party. We would get wherever we were going, and then realized that we didn't have fake ids....so there was pretty much no point in trying. So, to make our nights "out" not such a complete waste, we often ended up at The Grill at the "late" hour of 11pm to drown our sorrows in....chocolate milkshakes. And the milkshakes are definitely one of the highlights of this 24 hr dive. Hand dipped with real ice cream and milk, their limited flavor choices are made up for with their old fashioned presentation and excellent taste and consistency. The rest of the food? Eh, it tastes better when nothing else is open. The fries and feta dressing are greasy logs of wonderfulness, and their burgers are pretty good. They do have a variety of vegetarian options. The service can be hit or miss. They are open 24 hours a day, so they can't exactly be that picky about the type of people that work there. You may sit for 20 minutes before your drink order is taken, or you may have your food brought to the table 10 minutes after you sit down. You can never tell. The big minus for this place is the cleanliness. Don't look at the ceiling while you're eating. Don't use the bathroom. And don't be shocked when you are brought to a table that still has the crumbs of the previous diners scattered about. But hey, that's all a part of the charm when you need a late night repast after a bar crawl. read more

The food is always top rate at this restaurant!!! As someone else stated THE "MANAGER" SUCKS!!!! HER ATTITUDE IS THE WORST!!! My wife asked about her hamburger 20+ plus minutes after ordering it. She came over with her attitude and insteaded of just saying it takes a while to cook, she had to go off the rails!!!! Her attitude was completely uncalled for and unneeded. Life is too short lady!!!! Our waitress, Fox, was great and the food was good however they last me as as a customer and I have been visiting this place since I was 16 years old --- I recently turned 60. read more

I've been a fan of The Grill for a while but that changed last night. I understand that times are tough because of COVID but what happened last night was inexcusable. It was the night of UGA's postponed graduation so The Grill should've known that there would be an influx of people coming to eat downtown soon after the event was over. They only had one cook in the back, one host, and two servers that were all trying their best to keep up with the orders. The manager seemed to be high on drugs and wasn't doing a whole lot to help anyone. She also took a smoke break several times during our visit. Needless to say, this doesn't end well. Shortly after my girlfriend and I sat down, a displeased group complained about the service as they left the restaurant and other group left before their food came out because it was taking so long. They gave me the wrong burger but I ate it anyway because they were struggling so much and it would've taken ages to get another one out to me. I probably should've checked if it was undercooked or not because I ended up with food poisoning to top the night off. Never ever going back here. It's a disgusting, dirty restaurant with poor management. read more

Let's start with the fries - so so good. Chicken tendies were also tasty. And there was too much food on the chicken tenders platter - very good portions. I had the veggie pita and enjoyed the feta sauce they served with it. All that was good, but the restaurant itself was dirty. Also our food took a really long time to come out, even though we were the only table seated for a late lunch. Our waitress was super nice. So I would give 3 stars for slow service and dirty dining room, but the fries level this place up to 4 stars. read more

My family recently went there for lunch. We got burgers and fries and onion rings. To my disappointment the burgers were well dine and had no favor. Fries were lukewarm and buns were cold. Onion rings didn't come out with food. This is not the same grill that Athens had 20 years ago when I was at UGA. There are other burger places much better. read more

The highest compliment I can pay to a burger and fries is not to use any ketchup!! This burger and fries is THAT good! The meat was of the highest quality on The Molly Burger, it was cooked to Perfection and I didn't even tell them how I like it cooked! I know you will find it difficult to believe but the french fries were the best I have ever eaten. Unfortunately I cannot describe why... you just have to come and try them. You can get them with the side of feta cheese dip, and it is indeed delicious dip, but you do not need it with these fries! Finally the service by Reagen was extraordinary... Low-key but always there when you needed her! This place is a must stop! read more

A disappointing experience. Appealing old school diner on the outside and that is where the goodness ends. Plenty of people employed, only a few working. There were only four other tables seated in the diner and it took 70 minutes for the burger orders to come out for a party of four. I would not recommend this diner as there are plenty other places to eat within a one block radius. It's a shame, great concept and this could really be a throwback experience with a little TLC and pride in performance by the owner/operator. Stay away until reviews improve. read more

I probably have syphilis now. Pretty sure everyone that works there was hired that day. Just awful food that was cold and took forever to make. We had to do the math for the person who rang us up. Will I be coming back? Yes. This place is like a grungy ex-boyfriend you just can't quit. read more

The Grill - Grungy but nostalgic. - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Looking for a quite spot to grab a quick bite during a UGA game. All I can say is WOW. Food was delicious, staff was super friendly and attentive, atmosphere was awesome.I will definitely be back. read more

Place is a joke. Workers are very rude. Poor customer service. Was told to go buy a mask for two minutes- the time it would take for us to be seated and asked what we would like to drink. No one in the restaurant, 3 feet away from a booth to be seated but had to wear a mask to walk 3 damn feet. Don't get excited about having a craving for a hamburger or milkshake from this place if you don't have a mask because they won't let you walk 3 feet to a booth to sit and take the mask off as soon as you sit. Have an amazing day! read more

Apparently, my beloved Brothers and Sisters of color may noy be treated with respect in this establishment. Two different groups of my friends were not treated well today. This is intolerable. Proceed with caution. read more

The food is just your old fashioned dinner food. I have ordered the fries with the feta sauce several times, which is really good, but it's really the sauce that makes the fries taste good. The milkshakes here are ok, but not something I would run back for again. This is probably just the place to go at 2AM after a night out in downtown, otherwise not bad, but nothing special. I will say the do charge you for using a card here; so use cash! read more

The Grill - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

Very bad food, good milkshakes with a side of nostalgia. No one comes here sober -- if you are, you may be the only one. It always feels like 3 AM here, even in the middle of the afternoon. The Grill alone can provide the retro Athens feel, but honestly, it also reminds you why modern-day Athens is so much better. Regardless, not a bad spot to split a malt with your date to conclude the night. read more

The restaurant is old and grungy, the food is ok, and the staff act like they could care less if they have your business.

Still on top of my list for late night food action in the Classic City. Delicious burgers, sandwiches, malts/milk shakes, fountain Coke w/ cherry &/or vanilla, and incredible fries w/ Feta dressing. I particularly enjoy the classic Coca-Cola memorabilia and old-time diner feel. They also use syrup for cherry or vanilla cokes. This is an Athens late night tradition and one of my local favorites! UPDATE: Now offering seasoning on the fries! Even better! read more

The Grill - Crinkle-cut fries w/ creamy Feta dressing - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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I usually LOVE it here but they have decreased in service the last couple of years. My last time going is the last time for good. I ordered the turkey burger and ended up really disliking it. The meat was VERY dry (drier than a normal turkey burger). I took two bites and asked for my money back and they declined. I understand their a struggling business but they would have more customers if they had better service. Despite that, the scenery is good. read more

Burgers are great! Very juicy and flavorful. The BLT said it comes with three pieces of bacon, which does not seem like a lot but it was. My friend described it as "Thicc bacon with two C's." The marinara sauce was cold for the cheese sticks. read more

The Grill - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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Forget the 3 D's of food network, I got the Spot for your Best Burger search. The Grill in Athens is a Dive by appearance, but the food is 5 stars. If your coming home from class for them bulldogs are coming home from a bar this affordable food will make your day or night. The 50's theme makes me think happy days reruns but the staff looks like folks from Hackers. This is one place where you don't judge the book by it's cover or until you've read the whole MENU Must haves at the Grill: Feta and Fries!!! This is a dipping sauce that will make you slap your momma. The Milkshake. It brings all the guy's (and Girls) to the yard. Regular cheese burger. read more

Greater was rude when asked how long of a wait. The staff of two attitudes. Two hours for food, and hour to get a glass of water. One worker sat on his ass while two tried to work. I would not recommend this place for my pet dog. read more

SO IMPRESSED with the vegetarian options here! Tofu dogs, fakin' bacon BLT, veg burger, veg melt, etc in addition to all the "usual" diner offerings. Make sure to try the feta dressing to dip fries in as menu suggests... Excellent place! Open 24 hours, too! read more

Quite possibly one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life - I hope it was the server's first day on the floor or there is literally no excuse for how terrible the service was. We ordered multiple items that were not delivered until the server was reminded. The "first out" items of our order hit the table less than 2 mins before the rest of the meal. The food was flavorless and completely subpar. Unless you are completely wasted and don't care about your food this is not the place for you. I would never return here - waffle House is a better choice. read more

My favorite post bar drunk munchy fix. How can anyone not love the Grill? The place is centrally located downtown and is open 24 hours with their vintage 50's theme that I love. My usual order consists of the chicken finger platter with fries and their famous feta dip and a classic thick strawberry milkshake. Maybe a little over priced for a burger joint but they know how to make drunk people happy. I love coming here with my gang of hooligans putting together a couple of tables, tossing a quarter in the juke box and just relaxing until I sober up to drive home. read more

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One star is too many. The food was greasy, cold and tasteless. The staff was rude and inattentive. The restaurant was dirty, the bathrooms worse. Do yourself a favor and pass this one by. There are many much better places to eat in Athens. read more

Do NOT waste your time or money. HORRIBLE service and food. My omelet sat under the heat lamp for 20 min while two people stood at counter and chatted. I wasn't able to eat the egg bc it was rubbery. The cook finally came around and started delivering everyone's food. read more

Very mediocre food, not the classic diner food wise but interesting decor. Was thinking it would be a great little diner in downtown Athens, GA, but was very disappointed in the service and the food. Would not recommend. read more

Stay away. Lifelong Athens resident that's eating here since High School in the early 90s. Ordered out, told 20 minutes to pick up. Food took over an hour. Received the wrong food. Called to inquire about order and was hung up on twice. Good luck with your future endeavors. You'll never get another penny from me or anyone that I know. read more

The Grill is an Athens staple. You can't get better than their hand cut fries with feta dressing. The service is hit or miss, but never terrible. I also like their spicy chicken sandwich. It's usually good enough to earn 4 stars from our family. read more

Absolutely terrible service. We waited 1 hour to place our order and 1 more hour to receive our food. We had to refill our own drinks and supply our table with napkins and utensils. Don't come here. The feta dip isn't even good. read more

Requires you to wear a mask for two seconds while you walk to the table. Which I would have no problem with but now no one requires masks so we obviously did not have them. They told us to walk to target and get masks from ANOTHER business. So we gladly did that, came back. We then asked if they could turn on the fan & the waitress told us no. They were very rude about the mask and keep in mind when we waited to talk to someone to seat us, we were standing inside for over 30 seconds without masks on. They have good food but this service has gone down hill so fast compared to the first time I came here a couple years ago. Disappointing what this business has turned into. read more

Paul is a jerk! He needs to cut his hair and he is MEAN! I love sour waitress Leanne! She is an angel and she can get it! I loved her! But Paul had an attitude. Good food tho..... loved the feta dressing! read more

The Grill - I'm ready to throw hands b*tch! - Diners Near Me - Athens, Georgia

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Literally was scared after eating here. This black lady came in without a mask and the white manager threatened to call the police on her. Then continued to pace around outside the restaurant to see if she'd come back. She sent the big cook guy out to be intimidating too. And continued to imitate and mock her. I thought i was gonna witness a hate crime. And they forgot my milkshake!!!!! Like i watched her write it down and somehow she still forgot it only serving one other table. read more

The cook did not wash his hands after going outside. We asked him to and he got an attitude. Needless to say, we did not eat there.

If I could leave zero stars I would. This place isn't worth your time and money and isn't at all what it was when I was living in Athens. As others have said the staff were rude hipster type people who harassed my friend who can't wear a mask due to a legit medical condition (her doctor even said don't wear a mask due to her condition). After being interrogated as to what the medical condition was (HIPAA violation and none of their business) we still were told to wear it or leave so my friend asked to speak with the manager. We're told 'oh he's busy right now, but you can call the owner'. My friend calls the owner and of course gets voicemail. Finally, my friend pulls a face cloth out of her bag and asks can she hold it over her nose and mouth until we're seated. Mind you every table of people in there weren't wearing masks and we watched their staff take their masks off while getting drinks for people, which we pointed out. Told no, the covering must also go over your ears. Wrong. This place isn't federal property so the whole ear thing doesn't even apply. The hostess admitted she didn't even read the city ordinance that she was erroneously interpreting. City ordinance allows for people with a medical condition to go mask less. Hostess heaves a dramatic sigh and lets us sit down throwing menus down on the table with an attitudinal flair and stomps to the kitchen. Then some greasy-looking fellow walks up and tells us he doesn't feel like serving us after the scene we made, and we can come again tomorrow and try this again. We weren't making a scene, they were the ones making a scene in harassing my friend. That's also a very nice way to speak to customers who could sue you for discrimination. Again we have no clue who this guy is. We ask him 'who are you?' He replies sharply 'I'm the manager.' To which we simply reply well then you don't need our business. Go somewhere else that doesn't discriminate against your friends or family that have serious medical conditions as The Grill interprets the city ordinance as they see fit, not what it actually says. read more

I feel like your expectations need to be in line before you go to the Grill. In terms of food and service you're probably not going to have "the most amazing experience ever." But it is a downtown staple with solid food 24/7. You'll probably want to avoid Friday and Saturday late night (i.e. after the bars close and it's overrun with drunken college students). But that being said it's a great place for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. You can also order alcohol which is a nice touch (you can't do that at WAHO). I think it's well worth a look, just be realistic about your expectations. read more