The Grit
Permanently Closed
Meat-free diner with tofu Reuben, chili, loaded nachos
Meat-free diner with tofu Reuben, chili, loaded nachos
"A much loved vegetarian and vegan restaurant is shutting its doors after 36 years in Athens next month, when the Grit closes on October 7. An announcement posted to Facebook Thursday afternoon indicates continuing struggles stemming from the pandemic were making it difficult to keep the restaurant afloat. For many Athens residents, University of Georgia alumni, and local musicians, the Grit represents more in their lives than just a restaurant with good food. For some, their introduction to tofu, hummus, and a broader range of vegetarian and vegan foods happened at the Grit, giving the restaurant crossover appeal in Athens. This includes serving sandwiches like the grilled tofu Reuben on rye and a falafel pita stuffed with hummus and vegetables tossed in tzatziki dressing. The Golden Bowl garnered several mentions in the comments. The dish features tofu cubes sauteed in soy sauce and nutritional yeast served over brown rice with the option to add cheese and vegetables." - Beth McKibben
"Housed in a weathered brick building on the outskirts of downtown, The Grit feels lived-in and comfortable. It’s been an Athens institution since the 1990s, when non-vegetarians were a little wary of an all-vegetarian restaurant. It still sports the faded brick, turquoise trim, and a chalkboard of rotating specials, but it’s won a voracious following of carnivores as well as non-meat eaters. With seating in two indoor rooms and a few outdoor tables, there’s almost always a wait, whether you come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, but it's worth it. The black bean chili makes appearances in several dishes, including an overstuffed burrito and the loaded nachos with melted cheese and homemade salsa. The tofu Reuben is so well seasoned you might forget it doesn’t actually contain pastrami." - Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Esmé
Bella P.
Monica Riefkohl B.
Jeff W.
jaideep S.
Dirty Souf Y.
Emalve J.
B K.
