Bring on the dinner mint...

Well, I've been at this for about four weeks now. From finer dining to diners and dives, I've hit up some of the best restaurants that Athens has to offer. But alas, it's time to bring this culinary experiment to a close.

I hope these posts have been helpful. I've tried to include as many useful links and information as possible in the space provided. After a bit of a formal start, I loosened things up a bit in recent posts and tried to convey a sense of my voice.

If it wasn't already apparent, I'm a guy who loves to eat. What's more, I'm a guy who loves this city. If you can remember way back when, I started this blog as an effort to inform readers about the locally-owned food options in town. I think I've done a decent job in this regard. It wasn't all that difficult really. Athens has more local culinary gems than a single blog could cover. With that in mind, don't constrain yourself within the options listed here. Check out the links directly to the right of this post for a more complete list of restaurants, and let your taste buds do some exploring. After a steady diet of monotonous chain fare, they deserve it!

Diners and Dives

Looking for some great grub in a no-frills setting? Look no further...

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An ethnic gem

While scrolling through this blog the other day, a roommate stopped and asked me, “So what’s your favorite restaurant.”

Without hesitation, I replied, “Salaam.”

Tucked inconspicuously down an alley next to World’s Best Bagels on Court St., Salaam offers some of the most unique and delicious food in the city, while boasting the best ambiance to boot.

I first encountered this restaurant back when it was primarily marketed as a hookah bar. Because of legislation banning smoking in public settings, however, the owners had to pack away the pipes and rely solely on a fantastic menu inspired by foods of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.

And thank God they did.

Salaam’s cuisine is, simply put, out of this world. Their hummus is spot on—a perfect consistency and flavor—and their “sandwiches”—think wraps—are better than anything offered on uptown. My favorite is the Moroccan Lamb Wrap, which combines mildly spiced lamb and beef and fresh spinach with a titillating yogurt harissa sauce.

Just last week, I tried the Chicken B’ateeya for the first time. One of five “House Specialties,” this dish—a savory sweet crisp phyllo enveloped surrounding chicken, egg, toasted almonds and spices—was the best thing I’ve eaten this month. It was a fresh, juicy, steaming pocket so succulent that I was legitimately upset when the healthy portion was gone.

But as good as the food is, Salaam’s ambiance is even better. The space is a converted basement-type area, with exposed brick and an industrial ceiling painted black. Exquisite Oriental rugs line the floor from wall to wall while exotically woven silks hang from the wall. The lights are always dim—perfect for either a casual meal with friends or more romantic evenings spent sitting closely to a loved one on one of many cushy couches.

Go for the food. Go for the experience. But most importantly, just go.

Salaam:

33 N. Court St.

Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30a.m.-2:30p.m.
Dinner: Wednesday-Saturday 5:30p.m.-9:30p.m.

Deep-fried Goodness

After four long years, I've finally done it. I've finally gone to Miller's Chicken!

This local dive is somewhat under the radar for most newcomers. Located a bit down W. State Street, it's not exactley on the forefront of dining options for many locals either. For those who do indulge, however, the deep-fried comfort food of Miller's is a greasy taste of euphoria.

Looking over the menu - think fried chicken and sides such as onion rings or "potato chunks" - I finally settled on some chicken nuggets, a breast, and a side of rings. The nuggets were decent, but a bit on the processed side. The breast was rather small, but absolutely delicious. (Next time I go, I think I'll opt for the five-piece meal.) And the rings were as good as any I've ever had.

The dive also offers a great selection of preportioned sides such as potato and pasta salad.

Granted, Miller's probably shouldn't be a regular stop for anyone who values functional arteries. But for an occasional fat-riddled, mouth-watering splurge, this is a must visit.

Miller's Chicken

235 West State Street
Athens, Ohio 45701

Call ahead for Carry Out
(740) 593-6544

Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am-7:00pm
Closed on Sunday

How 'bout I schmear that for ya?

From breakfast staple to dinner delight, there's no food as versatile as the bagel—and perhaps no feed I eat more. I have one every day, usually for breakfast. What better way to start your morning than with a toasted round multigrain? On one side, I slap on a cream cheese schmear, oftentimes topped with jelly. The other—good old-fashioned peanut butter. Usually, the bagel itself is store bought from any local grocer. Thomas' New York style are a reliable choice. Yet every now and then, I crave something made fresh. Luckily, Athens has a fair share of options...

There are two schools of thought in this regard. On the one hand, there's Bagel Street Deli, a cool little spot built in what was originally an alley. The resulting space is long and narrow, with expose brick walls decorated with chalk signatures and tin-foil art from local patrons. BSD features a great menu of no-nonsense creations such as the Flaming Moe (smoked turkey, spicy cream cheese, provo, onion, banana peppers), My Big Fat Greek Bagel (steamed mushrooms, onions, olives, spinach, and feta cheese) and the Bobcat (fresh roast beef, smoked chedder).

My favorite would have to be Kim's Kraving (smoked turkey, bacon, any cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo).

The bagels here are a little on the small size and a little harder than some might like. The sandwiches are always packed with tons of meat and toppings though, so bring your appetite.

On the other hand, there's also World's Best Bagels. Whether or not these bagels are actually the best in the world is debatable. They are great though.

Unlike BSD, the bagels at World's Best are big, plump, and fresh-baked soft. Their menu is slightly more limited, featuring classic fare such as cream cheese and bagel varieties as opposed to lots of sandwich options.

The sandwiches they do have are positively delicious though. Try the classic New York Melt (thin sliced roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, red onion and thin sliced green peppers) or my fave, the Turkey Runnin' Thru the Garden (sliced turkey breast w/ avocado, sprouts, tomato, provolone and honey mustard sauce). These sandwiches don't have as much meat as those at BSD, but they're just as good.

Though I love both, I'd have to choose World's Best Bagels if pressed. Though it doesn't have the character or ambiance of BSD, they're superior bagels and amazing sandwiches make it the consistently better choice.

But as always, check out both for yourselves...

Bagel Street Deli:

27 South Court Street
740-593-3838

Open at 8:00 am weekdays (10 am weekends)


World's Best Bagels:

31 North Court Street, Athens, OH 45701

Monday-Thursday 7:30am-9:00pm.
Friday 7:30am-2:30am
Saturday 8:30am-2:30am
Sunday 8:30am-9:00pm

Finer Dining Slideshow

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Finer Dining: Toscano’s

Located right next to Lui Lui Restaurant, Toscano’s offers the best Italian cuisine in Athens. I first came across this restaurant when accompanying a friend on a restaurant review. Though the ambiance is hardly laudable, one taste of the Chicken and Brie was enough to bring me back three times in the next month and a half.

Think that’s a bit excessive? Toscano’s great selection of daily specials is enough to bring you back seven days a week. Mondays and Tuesdays are Spaghetti and Meatball Nights, where visitors are treated to a heaping portion of pasta and juicy meatballs for only $5.99. Wednesday offers Family Pasta Night, with complete meals (salads, bread, and second helpings all included) for families of two through 5 people (prices range from $10.99 to $22.99). On Thursdays, try “A Tour of Italy for 2” — Manicotti, Ravioli Florentine with Alfredo, and Linguini with Meat Sauce, Salad, bread and 1 Dessert to split for $19.95. Fridays bring Friday Happy Hour, where $5.00 buys you a pitcher of Bud Light or Miller Lite to wash down delicious ½ priced appetizers from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.

If you’re hungry for a quick lunch, Toscano’s also offers a great pasta lunch buffet for $5.95. Stock up on as much pasta, sauces, salad, soup, bread, fruit and other offerings until you want from 11:30-1:30pm.

Toscano’s
4 Depot St
Athens, OH 45701

(740) 594-3484

LUNCH
Monday thru Friday 11:30am till 2:00pm (Pasta Buffet 11:30am - 1:30pm)

DINNER
Monday thru Saturday 5:00pm till 9:00pm

Finer Dining: 7 Sauces

7 Sauces is as traditional a fine dining experience as one will find in Athens. Just take a look at the menu. First courses range from the always-reliable Sanakopeta (baked filo pastry filled with spinach and Feta cheese) to Mussels Dijon (broiled with Dijon mustard, sweet pepper, and scallion topping). The “Seasonal Specialties” offers a juicy ten-ounce center-cut New York Strip Steak (note: spend the extra two bucks for the mushroom sauce) and succulent Filet Mignon. Of the “Trattoria Selections,” the Garlic Crusted Tilapia is my favorite, and I’m not much of a fish-person! Still, the Parmesan garlic crust and fresh herb marinade makes my taste buds jump for joy.

If you’re thinking on going all out for a meal at 7 Sauces, bring your wallet. In addition to offering some of the best culinary fodder in the city, it’s also one of the most expensive. Also, reservations are a good idea. The dining area is a small, unassuming space, and seating space can be limited.

7 Sauces

66 N Court St
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 592-5555

Open for dinner nightly at 5:00pm including Sundays

Finer Dining: Purple Chopstix

For those already familiar with this funky new-age bistro, putting Purple Chopstix in a series marked “Finer Dining” may seem an odd choice. But truth be told, trying to place its organic and locally grown fare in any category will always be a bit odd.

Still, Purple Chopstix is a fantastic collaboration of earthy sensibilities and upscale culinary dishes. Walking inside, visitors will first be struck by the homely nature of the place. Potted plants abound, and oversized paper Mache flowers adorn the restaurant’s interior. Look on a worn windowsill and note the strange lizard statue. Stroll through the backyard garden patio and gaze upon its still tranquility.

When it’s finally time to order, don’t expect a lot of options. Chopstix offers a limited, ever-changing collection of delicious regional food. But where it may lack in choice, it more than makes up for in taste. These dishes are perhaps the freshest in all the city. Bavarian, Indian, Thai, and Italian dishes burst with the intensity that only locally grown ingredients can produce.

For the first timer, try my favorite: Sunday Brunch. Homemade granola and hummus, fresh fruit, mouth-watering omelets and steaming home fries are just a few of the options laid out in this humble tablescape. For those who prefer the more traditional dinner fare, be wary. Purple Chopstix has incredibly limited hours. Also, bring your wallet; fresh ingrediants don't come cheap.

Purple Chopstix
371 ½ Richland Ave.
Athens, OH 45701

Open 5pm Wednesday-Saturday only
Sunday Buffet Brunch 11:00-1:30

Finer Dining: Lui Lui Restaurant

I have already included a Lui Lui Restaurant slideshow in an earlier post, but thought this humble little eatery deserved further recognition. Located in the Station St. plaza just minutes from uptown Athens, Lui Lui offers one of the most interesting mix of international entrees in the city. Start the night off with Salmon Rolls or Artichoke and Spinach Crostini and a glass of over 20 varied wines. For the main course, try the Pepper Seared Rare Tuna or Caribbean Chicken. For the inner pizza lover inside all of us, the restaurant also offers a great selection of vegetarian, traditional, and more eccentric (see: Mongolian Beef Pizza or Thai Style Pizza) pies cooked to perfection in its wood-burning oven.

My personal favorite? General Tso’s Chicken: tender pieces of boneless chicken that are deep fried and tossed in General Tso’s spicy sauce.

While the décor may be somewhat muted — plain walls are occasionally splashed with ill-fitting pieces of oriental art — Lui Lui Restaurant is still nice enough to accommodate your Sunday’s best.


Lui Lui Restaurant
8 Station St
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 594-8905

Sunday-Thursday 11:30am- 9:00pm

Saturday & Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm

Finer Dining: Stephen’s

Located on W. State St. in uptown Athens, Stephen’s offers satisfying fare for both the stomach and eyes. Their menu — which offers a decent array of Italian, Regional American and Mediterranean dishes — is complimented wonderfully by the snazzy pop art that hangs conspicuously from the restaurants walls and ceiling. The gallery-like interior is great for a dressy night on Court St. or casual sit-down with an out-of-town guest.

For the past four years, Stephen’s has become my defacto date night favorite. The mood is chic and classy, and you can bring in a bottle of wine for a small carrying fee. Some may complain that their meals or a tad heavy on the garlic — a faux pas for close, candlelit conversation — but not so much as to take away from the flavor. Although their menu is subject to change based on regional offerings, my consistent favorite is the Shrimp Scampi Florentine. For those with heartier appetites, try the Honey Baked Brie appetizer, a mouth-watering hunk of cheese so creamy that it easily spreads on the accompanying pieces of fresh baked bread.

Stephen's
24 W State St
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 594-7132

Lunch Hours:
Monday-Friday 11:30am-1:30pm

Dinner Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm
Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm

Closed on Sundays

Finer Dining

Let’s face it: despite the eclectic offerings that Athens has to offer, the city lacks the four-star culinary experiences that abound in chic urban settings. But that’s okay. While fine dining may be scarce, there are plenty of restaurants that feature quality finer dining. Over the next few days, I will be highlighting the best of the best in this regard.

So put on a tie or lay out that dress — this week, we’re hitting up the most refined eateries that Athens has to offer.

If more ethnic cuisine is what you're after, look no further than Lui Lui Restaurant...

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Welcome to The Flaming Wiener

I'll admit it — I’m a guy who loves good food. Nah…make that great food. That's why when an unsuspecting peer of mine suggested that we go to Applebee’s for dinner about a month ago, I replied with disgust:

“Why the hell would you want to go to an Applebee’s here in Athens?!”

Sure, I may have been a bit harsh. His bewildered expression certainly made that much clear. But seriously, Applebee’s? With all the locally owned culinary gems in this wonderful city, why would anyone want to visit a tired national chain?

And that’s when it hit me: maybe he just didn’t know all that our city had to offer.

Enter “The Flaming Wiener.”

This blog is a beginner’s guide to the best restaurants, dives and roadside hot spots that Athens has to offer. You won’t necessarily find typical reviews here; my goal is to simply highlight some of the best aspects of the best food places in town.

Take O’Betty’s Red Hot Dogs and Sausages… This unsuspecting dive serves crispy fries for $2.00 and plump, succulent dogs for $3.00 a pop. Ask a local, and he’ll be hard-pressed to recommend a better frankfurter in town. Open late night, it’s the perfect spot for a post-bar treat or casual rendezvous with friends.

That’s how I first came across it anyways. Over four years ago, I called a friend and asked if he wanted a midnight bite. “Sure!” he proclaimed enthusiastically. When I asked where, he suggested “that hot dog place with the flaming wiener in the window.” Since then, the “flaming wiener,” as we’ve come to call it, has remained one of our local favorites — and as this blog will point out, one of many great restaurants in Athens.

O’Betty’s Red Hot!
15 W. State St., Uptown Athens
Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m