The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/9/07 Section: Variety

Media Credit: JENNA FINDLAN Josh Lott (left) drinks some coffee from behind the counter of The Grit while talking with patrons Renee Hodnett and Lawson Grice. The Grit has become a staple of Athens known, for its vegetarian foods. Many touring bands such as Against Me! make the trip to Prince Avenue every time they play in Athens. [Click to enlarge]

The on-campus meal selection is less than fruitful when it comes to planning a tasty or healthy vegetarian diet, unless unsweetened tea, dressing-less salads and dry cereal sound appetizing … every day.

However, there are places nearby that will make any non-meat lover's mouth water.

"The Grit is the quintessential vegetarian restaurant," said Mary Catherine Register, a recent University graduate from Athens.

"It's not snooty, but offers the wonderful gift of wholesome, extremely tasty good food without meat."

The Grit, or "Greatest Restaurant In Town," doesn't take its name lightly.

Their menu consists of many delectable bites including cheesy loaded nachos containing anything one's heart desires.

"(The Grit) has a really good atmosphere. You can eat outside or inside. The service is wonderful and the food is amazing," said Lola Robertson, a senior from Lookout Mountain.

Bluebird Cafe's black bean burrito filled with much more flavor than the mundane selection found at Taco Bell.

Many non-vegetarian restaurants have dishes that are still very good, yet also very meatless.

The hummus salad at The Last Resort Grill is like none other. Surrounded by a huge helping of crisp flatbread and fresh fruit, this plate is a deal at only $5.50.

Big City Bread offers more than just bread. Their breakfast menu is a great way to start any day.

"I love their continental breakfast where you pick three options from their menu," said Aislinn Hundley, a University graduate from Cary, N.C.

"I usually get fruit, yogurt and a slice of currant swirl French toast, which is divine, and I am not a fan of French toast."

A great lunch spot is Cookies & Company Cafe.

"I like Taste of India. They have a fairly inexpensive lunch buffet every day, which is always half, if not more vegetarian," said Zach Anderson, a junior from Athens.

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