Top Fives: Vegetarian

By Ashley Scott

• The Grit
  • You can’t have a top five veggie list without mentioning the Grit. The Grit is an Athens institution, and one of the few places in the city that caters solely to vegetarians and vegans. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner every week day, and brunch and dinner on the weekends, there’s never a bad time to get your fix. The Grit is legendary for their tofu, which they bring to the table in all shapes and sizes. Their menu relies heavily on  and entrees with mediterranean and asian influences, like the popular Golden Bowl with tofu, brown rice, and veggies.
  • Hope you have a sweet tooth, because if there’s one thing that excites me, it’s a long dessert menu. The Grit’s list of cakes and pies is wide, and they’re here to show you that “health food” can be fun too. Offered as daily specials, traditional flavors from coconut cream cake to key lime pie frequent the list, and many options are vegan and gluten free. You can take it from me, the vegan Chocolate Death cake is a favorite among veggie lovers and omnivores alike.

• Maepole
  • Mae Pole is a fast casual health food spot that was created by local legend, chef Peter Dale. Dale is the man behind other Athens hot spots, Condor Chocolates, The National, and Sea Bear Oyster Bar. He added Mae Pole to his list of sought after spots at the beginning of August, and the buzz has been constant. At Mae Pole you make your own bowls, choosing from a list of bases, sides, proteins and sauces. Sides range from the cool light spring pea salad, to decadent mac n cheese, and proteins come expertly seasoned. Though tempeh is the only option for non meat eaters, it’s a refreshing change from an otherwise tofu/veggie burger filled town. Mae pole also features a drink menu with beer and wine options, in addition to their signature cocktail, the Maepole Spritz.

• The National
  • Often times the best vegetarian food comes from cultures where meat isn’t the main priority. This brings me to The National. Another Peter Dale brain child, The National takes fresh local ingredients and gives them a mediterranean twist. The menu changes every week, but given their greek, middle eastern, and Spanish influences, you can guarantee there will always be fine veggie options. Tapas like savory cheese stuffed dates, chickpea fritters with red beet taziki, and homemade hummus are highlights, and often ordered with a cocktail from their wide drink menu. However, if you are looking for more authentic mediterranean food, you may have better luck at Mediterranean grill. The National is an upscale dining experience for those looking for a mediterranean with a southern twist. (See grits and Vidalia onions as ingredients in some of their show stopping mains.

• White Tiger
  • You may be surprised to find a barbeque restaurant on a list of vegetarian spots, but White Tiger isn’t all about the meat. The vegetarian section of their menu is just as wide as the rest, and refreshing to see at any restaurant, let alone barbeque and burgers. The menu features tofu sandwiches like the popular Tofu Q, a tofu sandwich smothered in one of White Tigers signature sauces. They, too, are known for their amazing tofu, which is also featured in specials like the Panda Bite,  perfectly season tofu over a bed of veggies. Collared greens, broccoli and cauliflower make up a basket that’s spiced to perfection. White Tiger, with its eclectic atmosphere and all inclusive menu, is the perfect spot for large groups looking for a place with lots of options. And no matter what you choose, the food is guaranteed to impress.

• South Kitchen
  • Okay, I know, another pick seemingly from left field. I went back and forth about including South on this list for some time, but realized I’d be betraying myself if I didn’t include it, because South Kitchen has the BEST veggie burger in Athens and I will fight anyone who disagrees. First of all, it’s decadent– a word that’s rarely used to describe veggie dishes. I’ve found there’s this big misconception that just because someone doesn’t eat meat they’re looking for something light, and thankfully, with this burger it’s just not the case. I’m all for health, but sometimes you just need some comfort food people! The burger itself is made from spicy kidney beans and tempeh on the butteriest roll. It’s then topped with special sauce and a fried green tomato to make your southern heart sing. South’s specialty is trendy southern food, and while this means they don’t have much for the vegans, (heavy cream and all that) they really go all out on their side items. Fried Brussel sprouts. *a moment of silence* may be the best thing i’ve ever put in my mouth. They, however, may also be the greasiest, so if you’re trying to stick to that diet, South may not be the place for you. But if you’re looking for southern comfort, a place to go with meat eating friends AND a wide cocktail menu. Go to south, have the veggie burger, and thank me later.