The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: JOSH D. WEISS Laura Beck, 26, tends to the needs of (left to right) Teresa, Todd and Ashley Andrews after delivering the family their drinks at the newly reopened Allen's Bar and Grill on Hawthorne Avenue. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: JOSH D. WEISS Originally located on Prince Avenue, Allen's Bar and Grill closed in 2003 after 48 years of serving diners in Athens. [Click to enlarge]

With a blend of 1950s charm and 21st century appeal, the once dormant Allen's Bar and Grill is again ready to capture the spirit of Athens past and present.

The new Allen's, located less than a mile from the original location, re-opened in August after closing in 2003.

"The new Allen's Bar and Grill is more upscale," said Melissa Moree, marketing director for the restaurant. "It has an old vibe but with a new and fresh look."

The original Allen's was located on Prince Avenue and opened in 1955, beginning as a simple hamburger joint that captured a good deal of Athens history. Former U.S. Sen. Zell Miller was an employee at the grill while attending the University. The B-52's brought nationwide attention to the grill and Athens in their song "Deadbeat Club."

During the demolition of the old building, several pieces of memorabilia were kept to preserve some of the ambiance of the grill.

"We really tried to mimic the old grill," Moree said. "A lot of the posters and pictures that were saved and donated by patrons of the restaurant are framed and on the walls."

Elements of the old grill also are found in the vast menu selection. Although the majority of the menu contains new entrees, old favorites such as Allen's Burger, Steak Sandwich, The Mad Dog, Danny's Homemade Chili and Fanny's German Potato Salad have been resurrected for new generations of diners.

"We tried to take the core items from the old menu that people remembered the most. One of the original chefs, 'Fast Eddie,' still makes some of the sandwiches, which helps with authenticity," Moree said.

Hilp Moree and Mark Hammond, two University alumni who missed the dining establishment, decided to take on the challenge of re-opening the restaurant - much to the delight of younger Athenians who never experienced the original Allen's.

"It's great to have another restaurant to choose from when I want to go out. You can never have too many options," said Emily Peagler, a sophomore from Alpharetta.

In addition to their charcoal grilled hamburgers, steaks and sandwiches, Allen's provides weekend entertainment for visitors to enjoy a weekend night in the fall. On Fridays and Saturdays, Allen's features live entertainment for its patrons. Some acts in October include Rachel Priddy, The Grunttones and The Marquee Blues.

Of course, Allen's also offers plenty of TVs for football fans to get their fix on Saturdays in the fall, with a consistent gameday crowd playing pool and enjoying the ambiance.

"Gamedays are always packed with people watching the game, but the atmosphere is very laid back," said Elaine Maldonado, Allen's bar and server manager.

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