
Last Resort Grill
A beloved Athens institution serving eclectic Southern cuisine with Southwestern and Mediterranean flair in a vibrant former music club.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Last Resort Grill

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

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern, Southwestern, New American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Vibrant Atmosphere
Dine in a lively space, formerly a legendary music club, now adorned with local artwork and offering a great vibe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Popular choices include praline chicken, fried green tomatoes, hanger steak, salmon and grits, and any of their signature cheesecakes.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for diverse dietary needs.
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.
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.
Diners should be aware that a surprise 3.5% service charge may be added to the bill.
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The Best Restaurants In Athens Georgia
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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The other Athens restaurants listed in Thrillist.com’s “20 Best” include The Place, El Barrio, The Expat, The Table Bistro, Home Made Catering, South Kitchen & Bar, The National, Last Resort Grill, Mama’s Boy, Pulaski Heights BBQ, Georgia Theatre Rooftop Bar, Five & Ten, Trappeze Pub, The Grit, The World Famous, Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Seabear Oyster Bar, Cali N Tito’s, and Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar.
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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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For southwestern-style southern cuisine, head to the acclaimed Last Resort Grill, which is housed inside a former iconic music venue. Athens is also home to Porterhouse Grill, which earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its spectacular wine list and offers a premier selection of steak and seafood.
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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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Last Resort Grill is the ideal dinner stop — unless it’s the weekend and you choose to pop in to fill up on a delicious brunch instead. Last Resort was originally a 1966 music club. These days, it’s a vibrant southern restaurant that sources food from local farmers, growers, and bakers.
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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!
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Many locals would argue that this is the absolute best restaurant in Athens. The wait for dinner each night and brunch on the weekends will further prove that it’s a top favorite. It’s in downtown Athens, and you can’t miss it with the iconic mural on the side of the restaurant.
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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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The Last Resort Grill: Located in the historic district, this grill offers an upscale dining experience with a menu that blends traditional Southern flavors with international twists. It's a great spot for those looking for a sophisticated meal in a picturesque setting.
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Among all the other incredible restaurants to choose from is Athens’ most iconic: Last Resort Grill. Located at 174-184 W. Clayton St., it serves southwestern inspired Southern cuisine, and it has been a staple of the city since 1966, when it opened as a music club.
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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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Photo by Anne Braly / The shrimp quesadilla at the Last Resort Grill in Athens, Ga., is prepared with the ingredients piled on top instead of inside the tortilla. It’s one of several appetizers that can easily make a meal.
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Or perhaps you’re looking for some bar food from Trappeze Pub, some vegetarian options from The Slutty Vegan, or even some seafood from Last Resort Grill. Whatever you’re craving, chances are Athens, Georgia, has it.
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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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A photo posted by annaleah (@annnaleah) on Jul 12, 2015 at 11:12am PDT. Last Resort may be known for their lunch and dinner, but their brunch is on point. Tired of your typical OJ and champagne?
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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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Elevated southern cuisine is all the rage at the Last Resort Grill. Locally-sourced dishes flow from the kitchen, while skyscraper cakes wait patiently behind glass.
Highest-rated Southern Restaurants in Athens by Diners
- Rating: 4.0/5 (775 reviews)- Price: $$- Address: 174-184 W Clayton St Athens, GA 30601- Categories: Southern, American (New), Wine Bars- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit