South Kitchen + Bar

South Kitchen + Bar occupies one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Athens, and the food matches the setting. The restaurant is housed in a historic building on E Washington Street with original marble columns, stained glass windows, chandeliers, and Greek tile flooring. Walking in feels like stepping into a different era, but the menu is firmly modern Southern with a creative edge. The culinary team, led by Chefs Jacob Blackwell, Amanda Scott, and Robert Abney, turns out dishes that honor Southern traditions while pushing them forward. The Iron Skillet Tots tossed in duck fat have won awards. The Shrimp and Grits are among the best in Athens. The Bone In Berkshire Pork Chop is a signature for good reason. The kitchen treats every plate with intention, and it shows across the entire menu. The beverage program is equally serious. South Kitchen has two sommeliers on staff and craft beer experts who keep the tap list interesting. The cocktail menu rotates with the seasons and complements the food naturally. What makes South Kitchen work as well as it does is the balance between the elegance of the space and the accessibility of the experience. Pricing is surprisingly affordable given the quality and the setting. Lunch entrees are well under $20, and dinner remains reasonable for what amounts to one of the best dining experiences in downtown Athens. South Kitchen is open daily, with brunch service on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The E Washington Street location is in the heart of downtown, walkable from campus and most downtown hotels. Reservations are recommended for dinner and essential on game day weekends.