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Last Resort Grill

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A beloved Athens institution serving eclectic Southern cuisine with Southwestern and Mediterranean flair in a vibrant former music club.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Good ambiance

Last Resort Grill

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved Athens institution serving eclectic Southern cuisine with Southwestern and Mediterranean flair in a vibrant former music club.

"This place is the most consistent restaurant I’ve ever been to. The food and service are spot on every single time."

TIP

Save room for dessert

Indulge in the mouthwatering cheesecakes; they are a must-try and highly recommended.

Expect a service charge

Be aware of a potential surprise 3.5% service charge added to your bill.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Southern, Southwestern, New American

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(706) 549-0810

Address

174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Eclectic Southern Cuisine

Eclectic Southern Cuisine

Savor Southern comfort with Southwestern and Mediterranean twists, featuring dishes like shrimp quesadillas and pecan-crusted blue trout.

The Best Restaurants In Athens GeorgiaRestaurants in Athens
Dessert Extravaganza

Dessert Extravaganza

Don't miss the impressive dessert case, overflowing with a variety of cheesecakes and other sweet treats.

The 18 Best Restaurants In Athens, Georgia, To Try NowGoogle Review
Vibrant Atmosphere

Vibrant Atmosphere

Dine in a lively space, formerly a legendary music club, now adorned with local artwork and offering a great vibe.

17 Best Restaurants in Athens, Georgia to Try Today (2024)The 35 Best Athens, Georgia Restaurants | A Travel Guide for Food Lovers
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save room for dessert

Indulge in the mouthwatering cheesecakes; they are a must-try and highly recommended.

Expect a service charge

Be aware of a potential surprise 3.5% service charge added to your bill.

Embrace the wait

Reservations aren't accepted, so enjoy a cocktail at the bar while you wait – it's worth it!

Patio dining is pleasant

Consider the covered patio for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Save room for dessert

Indulge in the mouthwatering cheesecakes; they are a must-try and highly recommended.

Expect a service charge

Be aware of a potential surprise 3.5% service charge added to your bill.

Embrace the wait

Reservations aren't accepted, so enjoy a cocktail at the bar while you wait – it's worth it!

Patio dining is pleasant

Consider the covered patio for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Last Resort Grill is consistently praised for its delicious and creative Southern cuisine with global influences, exceptional service, and a vibrant atmosphere. While many rave about dishes like hanger steak and the praline chicken, and can't get enough of the cheesecakes, some diners note potential long waits even with available tables and mention a surprise service charge on the bill.

"Great service and a great meal. Grabbing a drink and sitting outside before the meal was nice. The food was excellent, but make sure to save room for dessert. The fried green tomatoes was delicious. Stuffed pork tenderloin was unbelievable flavor and unique dish."

Christopher Gillespie

"We were visiting from out of town and the concierge at the hotel recommended Last Resort Grill. I can honestly say I can't think of a negative thing to say. Our waiter, Aaron, was beyond fabulous, we are pretty sure he was reading our minds. There wasn't a bite of food on the table we didn't enjoy. My partner ordered the hanger steak and it was spot on cooked to order. The desserts were off the chain! They don't take reservations because they are worth the wait. Just enjoy a cocktail while you are waiting, they have an indoor and outdoor bar. If we are back in the area we will definitely return!"

Elaine C

"Service was great, we sat outside on the covered patio and had Jackson who was very wonderful. Food was good, the special soup of the day roasted pepper tomato bisque was wonderful. Biggest issue was the 3.5% surprise service charge on the bill. Not sure if this is an Athens thing? Would still recommend just be prepared for it."

Bri West

What People Like

Consistently excellent food
Friendly and attentive service
Decadent cheesecakes

What People Dislike

Long wait times despite empty tables
Surprise service charge

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Last Resort Grill does not accept reservations. It's recommended to arrive early or be prepared for a wait, which can be enjoyed at their indoor or outdoor bar.

Google Review+1

Popular choices include praline chicken, fried green tomatoes, hanger steak, salmon and grits, and any of their signature cheesecakes.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for diverse dietary needs.

Gamecocks Guide to Athens, GA

The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, set in a former music club and adorned with local art, offering a great vibe for dining.

17 Best Restaurants in Athens, Georgia to Try Today (2024)The 35 Best Athens, Georgia Restaurants | A Travel Guide for Food Lovers

There is no strict dress code mentioned, but guests generally dress in smart casual attire to match the upscale casual dining experience.

Parking can be challenging in the area due to street parking. Arriving early or considering ride-sharing might be helpful.

Google Review

Diners should be aware that a surprise 3.5% service charge may be added to the bill.

Google Review

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Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, $ Last Resort Grill was built out of the ashes of a legendary music club that has brightened up Athens’ social scene since 1966. Today, the restaurant continues the club’s mission to keep the city well and lively, but does so with its tasty and eclectic dishes rather than with basses and guitars. Enjoy the fantastic shrimp quesadillas with roasted jalapeno sauce, the pecan crusted blue trout topped with dijon honey butter or the Last Resort’s praline, the restaurant’s signature dish.

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A favorite of locals and tourists alike, the Last Resort is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. For brunch, entrées like shrimp and grits, stuffed French toast, and breakfast enchiladas please a variety of palates. Lunch and dinner are equally appealing, featuring Southern cooking with a Southwestern and Mediterranean bent.

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Last Resort Grill celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, and the downtown restaurant is still serving up local favorites that have garnered it “number one” for many. Some of its most-ordered dishes include its popular praline chicken, fried green tomatoes, and anything from its impressive dessert case, which includes many different mouthwatering flavors of cheesecake. lastresortgrill.com, 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601

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Well, this humbly named establishment really shouldn’t have to be a last resort!. Last Resort Grill creates spectacular dishes with the help of fresh ingredients from local farmers, growers, and bakers. Step into this awesome Southern restaurant, located in a former music club (dating back to 1966), and admire art from local creators while you enjoy some good ol’ fashioned comfort food!

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It's been over 30 years of serving up dishes for Last Resort Grill. Located at 174-184 W Clayton St., it serves dinner 7 days a week and brunch on the weekends. "Some of its most-ordered dishes include its popular praline chicken, fried green tomatoes, and anything from its impressive dessert case, which includes many different mouthwatering flavors of cheesecake," the article stated.

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For those interested in vegetarian and vegan options The National, White Tiger Gourmet, or Last Resort Grill are also great choices. Those sweet cravings are put at ease with a visit to Condor Chocolates to indulge in Ecuadorian chocolates or coffee. Another cool sweet spot is the Lil’ Ice Cream Dude’s Cool World, which offers delicious ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes and more!

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Of all the “parent restaurants” located downtown, this is probably the most common one people turn to. Last Resort calls their food southwestern-inspired, but it’s hard to truly describe one of Athens’ hottest restaurants. Whether it’s weekend brunch or dinner all week, you’re going to be drooling from the time you walk in until you finish licking the remnants from your plate.

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Last Resort Grill is an integral part of Athens, Georgia's dining scene, serving an eclectic mix of Southern and Southwestern cuisine. The restaurant, housed in a former music club, exudes a warm, friendly ambience, making it a preferred spot for both locals and tourists. With a menu that changes daily, Last Resort Grill ensures that each visit is a unique culinary adventure.

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I was approached at the airpot a few years back by a Cheap Eats fan who insisted I come to do a show in Athens just to try the Last Resort Grill. Had I known they served Posole and I may have changed my flight on the spot. Posole is a dish you either grew up with, most likely in a Mexican or Mexican American household or you absolutely remember trying for the first time.

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The Last Resort Grill serves southwestern-inspired cuisine with so much flavor and zest. The menu is filled with exciting dishes that consistently showcase the distinctive tastes the restaurant is known for. The brunch menu has a variety of light to hearty meals that you can choose from depending on how hungry you are.

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Last Resort Grill is a southern cuisine restaurant that prides itself on serving high-quality food provided by its local vendors. Over a traditional open-fire grill, they prepare their food with flavor and excellence in mind. For an experience you will not forget, dine in their outdoor wine and beer garden.

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A music club and bar, The Last Resort began in 1966 down the street from three finance companies. It was said that if you were turned down by all three, the bar was your “last resort”. This pre scene bar and music club mostly featured bluegrass, folk, jazz bands and stand -up comedy, such as Steve Martin.

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Founded as a music venue in 1966, Last Resort hosted acts like Jimmy Buffett and Towns Van Zandt before it started serving its signature southern fare. Steaks, praline chicken and crab cakes are all on offer, but don’t leave without a slice of white chocolate cheesecake.

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Southwestern inspired southern food served in the former space of an iconic music club. Enjoy their jalapeno honey mustard dressing on salads or with their fried green tomatoes or potato onion pancakes. Be sure to save room for dessert.

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probably one of the most loved restaurants in the downtown area or all of Athens for that matter. They have really good dinner items but you have to stay for the dessert. The cheesecake is the best I've ever had.

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Last Resort Grill – A higher scale restaurant that serves all meals, but their brunch is very popular. I recommend trying something Southern like crab benedict or shrimp & grits!

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