The Critical Consumer

I just realized I’m about to publish two brunch reviews in a row, but sometimes that’s the way the cookie crumbles….or, the way the croissant crumbles, if we’re talking breakfast. As much as I enjoyed the free mimosa at Cantina Laredo, sometimes this local favorite hits the spot. The Athens Family Restaurant, located on Franklin Pike (same as 8th Ave South), is a Nashville staple for traditional American breakfasts in the morning and authentic Greek meals for lunch and dinner. Open almost 24/7, this spot also caters to the late night/early morning crowd who need a little something to soak up the night (if ya know what I mean).

My most recent visits have been Sunday mornings for either their Eggs Florentine or Greek Omelet. A word to the wise: Get there early on Sunday. Like before 10 if you can. If you show up much after then, you’ll be waiting in line for a table. I’m not talking a Pancake Pantry line, but still standing nevertheless. The line moves fairly quickly, but you could easily be waiting up to 15-20 minutes. Additionally, they close on Sundays at 2:00pm, so if you come on the later side of brunch, give yourself enough time to make it at least by then.

You only have to see the outside to know this place is not a fancy joint. The inside doesn’t help much either. Tables are tight, the furniture is a bit dingy (like the chair next to me that had no cushion, which, I’m assuming, could only be used to hold a baby carrier), and the kitchen is visible just beyond the cashier counter. You still pay at the counter here, but at least they do accept credit cards (god forbid!).

The quality of breakfast is not what I’d call “amazing” or much to write home about, but it does the trick on an early morning. Service is so-so, they do what they can with as busy as they are, but I wouldn’t go as far to say they are attentive and pro-active. You get coffee refills when they walk around with the coffee carafe and you may have to catch someone’s eye to get an additional napkin or silverware. However, the prices are on par with this level of service, like $7.60 for Eggs Florentine or 3 buttermilk pancakes with sausage for $6.55. They even have a selection of “Healthy Choices”, but, as someone who normally looks for that page in the menu, even I usually go to Athens to help recover from the night before.

I must admit I’ve never been during the times in which one would eat lunch or dinner, so I can’t speak to their Greek cuisine. Although, they have been otherwise praised for the quality, quantity and authenticity of that fare and I imagine it would behoove me to try it out sometime soon. Now, if I only had the desire to go there on a weeknight or at lunchtime….but that make take some convincing. For now, I’m sticking to breakfast.