This came from somewhere on the interwebs and it’s not even worth sourcing, just take a look at it:
I notice a lot of chains listed on here, and I refuse to believe that the best spot to grab some wings is a chain, in any college town. Not that Oklahoma State is listed as a KFC. And, of course, there might be some good local places on here but that would open up an argument that there is somewhere better, and that the listed on is overrated.
Anyway, today’s Roundtable is about this: what’s the most overrated thing about Athens or maybe Georgia gamedays?
To get the conversation going, I’ll throw a few out there:
- Overrated: Dining Experiences – I say this only because I’ve been to places that people deemed to be the “best of…” something, whether it’s the atmosphere, wait staff, or the cuisine, and I’ve walked away spending a butt load of money and not with a sense of satisfaction. It feels there’s lots of overpriced and trendy “theme” places that have popped up, and many of the new ones just weren’t that impressive.
- Underrated: Dining Options – Don’t get me wrong, I’m not Anthony Bourdain and maybe I miss the point or don’t have the palate, so there’s that. What Athens, to me, is great for is having so many dining options in such a small area. A range of domestic and international cuisines are in the downtown area alone, with some other goodies maybe a long walk or short drive nearby. There’s definitely not a time where you’d be “I can’t think of anything I’d like tonight” if you’re in Athens.
- Overrated: Bulldog Clothing from the neck down – People used to get super pumped about the release of new Nike UGA shoes, and whenever I’m in the bookstore or any other place that sells Georgia apparel, it seems like we’ve gone far too wide and not too deep. Lots of styles and options out there, but I’m a pretty simple guy and like my standard red or black polos and not much else. I wear the same kit until it’s melting off my body or until someone tells me it’s becoming indecent, or both, but I’ve never been a big variety guy when it comes to this.
- Underrated: Bulldog Hats and Caps – This, again, is mostly personal, since I’m more of a hat guy and I can appreciate a nice and unique hat. While I loved my old 90’s snap back, big letter UGA cap and wore it until it fell to pieces. Still, every time I went back to get a new hat, I was so impressed by the new choices, I couldn’t stop with just one, sometimes two. Not sure why this only applies to my headwear and not my main body, but I love the variety of caps available.
These are just my humble opinions, so don’t take this to mean I’m preaching the gospel, just getting the conversation going.
Have at it in the comments.
Overrated, chicken wings. I eat them, reluctantly, and yes some are better than others of course, but none are worth the fanfare, effort, and mess. I’ll say the same thing about crab legs and oysters. As far as clothing, I’m not a fan of all the tailored fit shirts that are available these days. but that’s a personal problem I guess, because I do like a lot of other foods besides wings, crab legs, and oysters!
I second the crab legs.
Kudos on the crab legs. I just returned to town after two weeks in Alaska. I watched numerous people purchase buckets for crab legs well north of $350 for a bucket. Seems like a lot of money to spend most of dining time foraging for the meat.
The girlfriend and I paid $50 for half a dungeness crab which we split. It was good but I have bought whole dungeness in Atlanta for less than that price. It ended up the same preparation so not sure if the “fresh” out of the water appeal makes it taste all the better.
However, I paid $20 for a half dozen of Alaskan oysters at lunch. They are one of the best oysters I have eaten in my life. Cold, briny, good size and nice flavor.
Very true, there are definite exceptions, especially in the right place at the right time and of the right quality.
Hats and caps. I have so many, red, black, white with all different styles of Dawgs. Wear all of them at different times. Some more favored than others, but definitely do not have the “new” dog. Looks like a clown. The old dawg head, power G, and standing Dawg are it to me!!
Another underrated … the gear available at the UGA golf course. They carry a lot more brands than Nike and the course logo is good (both clothing and golf accessories).
I still think UGA should have carried a version of that cap with the Power G as the G.
Overrated – I’m going to be controversial here. Tailgating in today’s Athens … it just doesn’t look worth the money to get a reasonable parking space and worth the effort to put it together and take it down especially for an early game.
Underrated – A game day at Creature Comforts. Good cold beer and generally good food truck options. Yeah, it’s a walk to the stadium, but games are on TV and someone else does the cleaning.
Could not agree more with both of these takes. I love the ease and convenience pregaming downtown and CC is a great place to spend some time. Hard to beat a cold Tropicalia. Been bootlegging it back to Alabama for years.
LOL, once one of the kids that worked there comped me a beer when I told them I got a flat fixed at Snow Tires back in the day.
Agree with the tailgating these days.
I’m going to wreck this for myself sharing this but CC’s Cocktail Lounge next to Rook & Pawn is a hidden gem (so far). CC beers on tap and cocktails made with their new spirits. It’s been slow enough the mixologists have tried out some new ones and samples for me. They’re cool about bringing in outside food and always have the Dawgs on. Priced right, especially if you’re used to big city draink prices.
We do all of our tailgating these days downtown at Cutters – with a slice of pizza from Little Italy’s. Hard to beat that combo, and they have plenty of cold Classic City Lager on tap, and a shot of bourbon for the walk down to the stadium.
The resurgence of the classic Game caps has been great. Still sharp decades later.
Underrated – the assholeishness of the decision to close the bridge on game day and turn it into a ticket gate.
It’s a Berlin Wall between north and south campus on game days now.
Jere Morehead, tear down that wall…GO DAWGS!!
Making the game day experience in Athens worse has become a tradition.
Underratted: Mike “spawn of satan” Adams impact on tailgating and open container on gamedays. FTMF.
I hate to speak ill of the departed, but sometimes the departed deserve it.
Are you speaking ill, or speaking truth?
World Famous is a solid choice for Athens. Gonna have to try Pelicana and StrikeOut. I imagine JR Crickets would be disappointed being left off both lists (also surprised GSU didn’t get Magic City over the line).
I’m sure the wings are good there, but if you’re getting chicken wings at The Chimes in Baton Rouge, you’re Louisianaing wrong.
THE World Famous is seriously underrated. Dave runs a great bar. The drinks and the food are sneaky good.
Talkin’ ’bout clothes, what ever happened to good old cotton(The Fabric of Your Life” shirts??? Petroleum belongs in the gas tank, not on the body!
No Poly Across My Back!
Perfect! Cotton is the best! No tree hugger but l love farmers. Cause l like to eat real food. peta( people eating tasty animals)!
Overrated…Onward Reserve. Very nice stuff but ridiculous price.
Underrated…Alumni Hall. Wide and good selection at all reasonable price points. Not downtown and a chain but I got better stuff there than downtown or the bookstore.
I disagree on OR. Yes, their stuff is expensive, but everything I have from them in my closet is well made. The UGA Barn Sign natty t-shirt I have from the ‘21 championship is a prized possession I wear at every opportunity.