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Athens Family Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
2526 Franklin PikeNashville, TN 37204
Neighborhood: 12 South
(615) 383-2848
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 7 am - 10 pm
Thu-Sat 7 am - 7 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
85 reviews for Athens Family Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The hummus has been consistently delicious." In 14 reviews -
"My new favorite these days is the chicken souvlaki sandwich." In 5 reviews -
"Bacon lamb burger was awesome - Guy was right." In 3 reviews
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85 reviews in English
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Review from Kendyl S.
Nashville, TN
5/21/2012
Athens!
Athens is good. NOT GREAT. but really good. The food is consistent. They're open late, for those of you looking for a late night nosh, or munch, what ever you're into. The Greek food is pretty outstanding, though I'm not Greek and I've never been to Greece so im not an authority on that. The spanikopita is really tasty though. But really how can you put cheeses and spinach between buttery phllyo and have anything but deliciousness?
Go check it out! But probably not on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or be prepared to wait!
Also that douche with the backwards glasses, Guy Fierri, went there. I love his show. But he's really douchey. Its the hair. -
Review from Chris M.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2012
Went here on our way to Florida last week. Saw the Diners Drive-Ins & Dives episode and my wife and I love Greek food so we couldnt pass it up!
I got the lamb burger wrapped in bacon b/c it was on the show. The burger was dry and overcooked (I ordered the burger MR). My wife had the gyros sandwich.....I've had much better gyros.
I wanted to like this place more than 2 stars, but unfortunately didnt. :( I think the quality of the food could be a lot better than it was. -
Review from Lisa G.
Updated - 2/7/2012
I have to upgrade Athens to 4 stars.
The more I eat at other Greek places the more I realize how great Athens is. I have been taking them for granted, I'm terribly sorry, and I'll never do it again. I don't think I've been to one other Greek place in Nashville without comparing something to Athens... Just read the other reviews on my Greek list you'll see it.
The atmosphere still gets me a little, but the food makes up for it.Listed in: 2012 Yelp 100 Challenge!, I Hate Eating Lunch In My…, Greek Food!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/2/2011
I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars... so consider this 3 star rating to actually be a 3.5,… Read more »
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Review from Kristen Z.
Nashville, TN
5/25/2012
Athens has it all! It doesn't look like much, but it's worth a shot!! We've gone late, after a night on the town. and we've done brunch there. Everytime, it hits the spot!
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Review from dustin b.
Mount Pleasant, SC
5/10/2012
We went to this place because of the D3 review. Food was ok- lamb burger is good. Service sucked- waitress on her cell phone trying to stop a car repo or something. Yelling at the cook because he forgot something- food sat on self and we had to ask waitress to get it....not impressed with this place... Nashville has other places much better..
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Review from Kate B.
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
When you first walk in to this place, you think - oh dear what have I got myself into. Nevertheless I was pleasantly surprised. It has the feel of a cheap diner but once the food comes you forget about the decor. I got the crab cake burger which was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. I highly recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice because it has a better atmosphere. The price is right and the food and service were perfect!
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Review from Eliza R.
1/28/2012
I work late shifts, so when I get off work and don't feel like cooking, there are rarely decent restaurants open. So thank goodness that Athens is open 24 hours on the weekend and had great food & service to boot!
I had originally wanted the vegetarian mousaka, but the late night menu is limited, so instead I ordered the veggie pita with a side order of fries and a hummus appetizer. The pita bread was AWESOME - fluffy and flavorful - and the homemade hummus was just as good as the stuff I make at home. I am pretty discerning about french fries since they are my favorite guilty pleasure food, but these was all kinds of yummy. Obviously fresh and homemade, they are thin and and crunchy, and topped with Greek seasoning and feta cheese crumbles. Lip-smacking good.
The only issue I had was the pricing on the hummus. A small dish of hummus and two pitas was $6 which seems outrageous compared to my veggie pita sandwich and fries that were fairly priced at around $8. I just feel like I should have gotten more bang for my buck as far as the hummus appetizer went, but otherwise this place is solid and deserves all of the positive hype! -
Review from Rob Y.
Haslett, MI
12/30/2011
I saw the Triple D story about the bacon Lamb burger and my dining companion and I just had to visit. I love lamb... and lamb PLUS bacon? Crazy talk!!!!!!
So I had one today and it has to be.. no doubt either the best or the second best 'burger' I've ever had. The burger was so juicy and so tasty! The spices mixed in were a fab sweet addition to the meal. Honestly, the burger overwhelmed the bacon. I don't even think you need it. Tasty Tasty Tasty... I've been in a great mood all day just thinking about this lunch I had.
That said.. my gf had a chicken gyro and she didn't think that much of it. It didn't have a lot of taste. She thought (and I agree) the dressing on the small greek salad didn't have a lot of flavor. But HOLY MOLY... lamb burger!!!!!! who cares about dressing.. or chicken???
The owner could have set my car on fire while I was dining and I still would have given it four stars. -
Review from Janet Y.
1/2/2012
I have to admit when I first came to Athens, I wasn't too impressed. I felt it had been hyped up but didn't quite deliver.
However, upon my most recent trip I was pleasantly surprised by the upbeat vibe and pleasant service. I actually looked through the menu this time and appreciated the wide array of options... from a nice All-American breakfast to Greek cuisine. I ended up ordering crab cakes benedict that were both filling and flavorful.
I wouldn't say this is the place to come for a romantic brunch spot or intimate gathering, but if you want good hearty food at any hour of the day... Athens is a reliable place to go! For that, I'm a fan.Listed in: I heart BRUNCH
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Review from Jourden V.
Hermitage, TN
1/14/2012
My husband and I had the opportunity to dine at Athens earlier this afternoon, and were very impressed with our meals, the atmosphere, and pleasant service.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted warmly and seated right away. Our waitress Stevie was very attentive, and brought our beverages quickly.
We both ordered a cup of the lemon rice soup to start. It came out soon after, and was hot and absolutely delicious. My husband's family is Greek, so we can be tough critics when it comes to Mediterranean food, Greek in particular. The soup was definitely homemade, authentic, and tasted EXACTLY like his grandmother's recipe! I would go back just to eat that.
For entrees, my husband had a very generous lamb platter with potatos and Greek salad. The presentation was lovely for a family diner, and we both felt the lamb was seasoned nicely.
I ordered the dolmades, which also came with potatoes and roasted vegetables in tomato sauce. The entree comes with two (very large) dolmades, so I was only able to eat one, but it was delicious. The meat was tender and well-seasoned, and the grape leaves were coated with just enough olive oil. However, I really enjoyed the veggies the most. The zucchini was perfectly cooked, and the tomato sauce was the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
Overall, I found that Athens was well worth the price (under 30 dollars for two), and authentic compared to so many restaurants in Nashville that claim to be Greek, but fall short. Nothing will ever be as good as my husband's grandmother's cooking, but Athens sure gave us a taste of home. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Nashville, TN
12/3/2011
Oh, let me count the ways I love thee!
I heard about Athens Family on a Nashville food blog. So of course I turned to my husband and said, "Honey, how would you like to try Greek food?" My husband isn't the world's most adventurous eater, but he usually caters to my whims, so off we went.
We were both duly impressed. The calamari appetizer we ordered tasted fresh and crisp while the tomato sauce it was served with gave it just the right zest. I ordered the kotopita, which came in a gigantic portion I ended up halving and taking the rest home. The hubby ordered suzukakia, so I can't comment on that, but mine was delicious. It was creamy, flaky, and utterly divine.
Finally, we decided we couldn't go home without some baklava for dessert. I mean, who goes to a Greek restaurant and skips the baklava? Not us! We ordered some to go, and again, no disappointment.
Our server Sarah was attentive and friendly, which always makes for a pleasant visit. She was happy to help us choose something off the menu if we needed help (we didn't), and she kept our glasses full.
We'll go back to Athens Family again and again. Thanks for such an enjoyable restaurant experience! -
Review from Louis S.
Marietta, GA
3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Saw this on Food Network's show called Diners Drive-ins and Dives and I must say it lives up to the hype. Great food and authentic atmosphere and food. Real Greek people work there and prepare the food. Was great and will definitely go back when I come back to Nashville.
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Review from Lyndi S.
11/14/2011
Mousakaaaaa.... Mousaka Mousaka Mousaka! (Lion King reference, anybody?)
That's right. Delicious, diner-style Greek food, with a variety of other dishes thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed sharing a plate of hummus, thinly sliced pita, and scarfed down half of the mousaka, before boyfriend had to jump in and save me from myself, because I would have eaten that entire plate! So delicious, and that eggplant was perfect!
This is definitely your late-night diner spot, and even includes a breakfast that's been featured on Food Network, which I will definitely be testing soon.
The wait staff was great, and everything came out right on time. I was a little bit sad that I didn't get to try the souvlaki, but like I said, I'll be back for more of this goodness!
Until then, Athens... -
Review from TC C.
BAYSIDE HILLS, NY
3/6/2012 3 photos
Watched an episode on "Diners, drive in and dives" I had to check out this place when I'm in town at Nashville . Yummy! Delicious! The food is greek authentic. I'm from New York City. The food here ranks with the great greek restaurants in Astoria Queens, NYC. The food is great. Staff is friendly. The food really is dynamite, check it out, you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Cesar A.
Nashville, TN
2/29/2012
We've been going to Athens for years and think that they've grown to the point where quality is beginning to lack. I swear they had more flies hovering around than people. Also they've hiked the prices within the past year. You think that they would be able to afford a bug zapper. We'll start to bring our business to other places.
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Review from Rick C.
Columbia, TN
2/20/2012
Athens is the best Greek food in Middle Tennessee. Period!
I met the owners, Adel and Mohammed, 5 or 6 years ago, not long after they opened the original location on Franklin Pike. It immediately became my favorite Nashville restaurant. Now, they have a location in Bellevue on Highway 70 near Old Hickory. Twice the opportunity to indulge!
The food at Athens is incredible. Chef Adel is painstakingly meticulous from the selection of fresh ingredients, to the recipes from his grandmother's Greek country kitchen, to the preparation... on and on I could go.
This is why Athens has been voted Best Breakfast by the readers of the Nashville Scene for several years running. This is why Guy Fieri featured Athens on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in the summer of 2009 (Episode, "Burgers and More").
Oh, and you simply *MUST* have a lamb dish sometime at Athens. I don't care if love lamb, hate lamb or have never tried it. There's just no way to tell you. It's incredible. Try it and see for yourself!
The ambiance at both locations is very down-to-earth, but never shabby. You feel like you are in the welcoming dining room of your best friends. The wait staff and kitchen staff are just wonderful. They always go out of their way to make our dining experience extraordinary.
I've taken literally hundreds of people to Athens for the fist time. Everyone of them loves Athens. Those who are in the area come back, many of them over-and-over-again... just like us! I've hosted family dinners, business luncheons and dinners, quiet meals with friends and even our wedding reception at Athens! All with nary a regret.
Athens is Dining Done Right... -
Review from Simon K.
7/29/2011
Dining experience is all about the expectations you have when you walk in the door. I thought I had no expectations, but turns out that I at least expected a Greek Restaurant. Well... if the place was called something like "Nina's Diner" I would have given it 4 stars.
I spent 6 years serving in the military, so trust me when I say that the food taste straight out of an Army mess hall. Don't get me wrong, that's not necessarily a bad thing. I've never complained about the food during my service.
Just know what you're getting into. The portions are large, the texture is a variety of mushy, and a bit on the salty side. Warning: I did get a headache from the MSG, probably from a meat tenderizer seasoning. But this kinda stuff is what makes Diners great.
The service was exceptional. Truly top-notch. Not to mention that it's very family friendly. But don't go in looking for Greek food. Calling this food "Greek" is like calling purple Kool-Aid "grape juice."
Still it's not a bad place to find yourself. And if you just got out of the military it may bring moments of nostalgia. -
Review from Emily E.
Nashville, TN
12/2/2011
Athen's.............how doth thee do such wonders time and time again??
I will never choose between your best dish and your best dish, but I will name some ultimates, for the purpose of making this a useful and not just lustful post.
Oh, where shall I begin?
- FRIED CALAMARI!!!!
- Bifteki Burger
- Chicken Souvlaki Platter
- DINA'S POTATOESSSS!!!!
- Duh, Fries!...Homemade holla!
- Baklava
- Rice Pudding
- AVGOLEMENO SOUP!!!!
- Shrimp Bisque
- Pancakes
- Pastitsio
- Grilledddd Piiittttaaaaa (....and Hummussss)
Enough about me and my drooling mouth...some other very well known faves from folks I so gratefully know:
- Mousaka
- Horiatiki Salad (possibly with fish!)
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Ok, I'm about to name the entire menu, so I clearly must peel my fingers off of the keyboard now with one final message:
GO TO ATHEN'S AND LIVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN BLISSFUL HARMONY!!!
Mohammed, Adel, Dina, and the whole families of all these wonderful cooks & owners couldn't have come together more beautifully!
(Wow, if only I could profess my love like this in real life, I'd be a real winner, eh?)
P.S. BYOB (At least the original on Franklin is...not sure about the new one in Bellevue)! -
Review from Joel M.
Mt Juliet, TN
1/15/2012
I'd eaten here prior to becoming a yelper, but I wanted to give it another try. So, today some friends and I had brunch at Athens Family Restaurant. Expedient seating, good service. And now the food: it's fair. I had the Athenian Skillet -- not Greek (or even remotely Mediterranean) -- just common incredients used in Greek cuisine piled on hash browns and then covered in eggs. Two questions: if this is a Greek restaurant, why do they offer toast with breakfast instead of pita? (and why is there a .075 cent upcharge for substitution?) Secondly, why isn't the cheese on the skillet feta and not processed cheddar? Blah.
I had one suzukaki (Greek meatball) -- which was actually like a meat finger (as it was oblong and not round), which was served with rice and a very nondescript tomato sauce. The flavoring was good but not pronounced enough which brings me to their Avgolemono. No thank you. Not enough lemon, too much rice and it was too thick with constarch or flour. It really didn't taste freshly prepared but probably sitting in a vat waiting to be doled out. The best Avgolemono I ever had was the consistency of broth with nice shreds of chicken and a big punch of lemon and oregano (it was not in Nashville but in Greektown in Detroit). Their tzatziki was very good (one diner thought it was flavorless but I disagree). I would have preferred more (some? any?) mint. The biggest disappointment was, however, that they don't offer Saganaki on their menu. That should be a cardinal rule in a restaurant which purports a Greek heritage -- but, alas, it's not really, truly *authentic* Greek; it's more of a Greek-lite place (though it is head and shoulders above the god-awful Taziki's on West End). The second biggest disappointment were the prices. Erm....rethink your price point, Athens. $6.99 for a side of tzatziki? No. Yes, I realize you think you have a monopoly on the Greek food in Nashville....(well, you kinda do, but stop acting like it with the price-gouging). I'm sure I'll go back because I love Greek food -- even food masquerading as Greek food. But, I will also tell you about it. -
Review from Wayne H.
Nashville, TN
8/16/2011
A straight-up Nashville institution.
First off, it is really not Greek food. While there are Greek-influenced dishes, the food is definitely Americana: pastas, sandwiches, eggs and omelets, burgers and seafood, the list goes on and on and on for some 120 different meals, including breakfast served all day. The variety is impressive, and honestly a little daunting. Athens is more like a greasy spoon diner and it is reflected in the ambiance: plain blue and white cafeteria decor, pictures of Greece are inter-spliced with community postings and some navy memorabilia.
That's not to say it's a bad thing.
The service is excellent; the waiters/waitresses are nice, friendly, and a quite chatty bunch, and can help you work through the daunting four-page menu. The food is minorly expensive and not haute cuisine by any means, but it is quite sizable, pretty good, and filling. I especially like the Kotopita, a mix between a shepherd's pie and a chicken pot pie, with chicken breast meat added to feta cheese and vegetables in a filo crust. It has a bit of a stronger taste than normal meat pies and the filo makes the pie almost dissolve in your mouth. The cost is about $12.
In sum, this is a nice and friendly, if somewhat expensive diner with a wide menu selection. The late closing times of Athens make this place especially appreciated for someone working with odd schedules, and while not especially worth going out of the way for, Athens is definitely a familiar and favored neighborhood meal spot.
Final note: The water always tastes strange-seriously, order a drink.Listed in: International cusine, Hangouts
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Review from Lulu J.
Nashville, TN
6/15/2011
I've thought about this one a lot. I have really held off on writing this because I have been wanting to be fair because I love it there. But it's been hard.
You see, I am an Athens patron from pre-Diners, drive-ins and dives. I feel like something happened when they were featured on there.
I remember the days of going in drunk at 2am and stuffing my face with delicious, hot, gooey, comforting greek food and feeling sober-ish when I was carted off by friends. I remember the portions being huge and amazing and decently priced. Solo eatting I never left with a tab less than $15 without tip. Eatting as a couple we never leave owing less than about $33 pre-tip. We have sampled everything under the sun and have favorites.
But something happened once they went mainstream and popular. Things changed. I don't see the same faces there. It was always common to see the owner or his wife or the one manager-ish guy who ran things. It was always good to see the tall funny cook with no teeth yelling at a waitress. I have a favorite male waiter who is kind and funny and does things the good way. And back to the large, awesome portions of ooey, gooey delicious greek food.
Things now are weird. There's always the mean waitress who rushes me now, I never see the waitress with the tattoo on her neck or the cook who yells at her. The food has changed. It's been hit or miss for us. We went last night and it was AMAZING. We went 2 weeks ago before my surgery as a "last supper" kinda thing and I left sad. I told hubs that I never wanted to go back.
I don't understand that. The worst part is the menu has expanded. If things are shakey which the originals, why make new stuff? I get the Athenian Skillet when we go for breakfast. It's about $10. Normally huge. Not anymore. I just wish things could go back and that DDD never happened. It messed with a good thing.
I find if we go during the week it is better and never too early and never too late anymore. I will always go back because I love the food. But now I go back and I am cautious of what I order because I hate leaving there sad.
The one thing that stays the same? That weird and horrible smell in the bathroom. When will that get fixed?!? Call a plumber with all the DDD money. I love this place, I will always be a patron but I just need my old Athens back. Please come back to me! -
Review from Jeremy E.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went for lunch and grabbed a gyro plate. Meat was tender and full of flavor. Rice was good and the salad was solid. Only real complaint was the price. $11 for lunch was a little much. Will still go back.
Listed in: 12 South-ish
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Review from Julia H.
Chicago, IL
12/30/2011
As good as it gets when it comes to authentic Greek. I've actually come here three times (twice about three years ago now). I'm bummed to see they closed the drive thru because that was fantastic after a late night out, but they ARE indeed still open 24 hours on the weekends. On the positive side, they have built a patio with outdoor seating where the drive-thru was.
The atmosphere is bright inside, and slightly mundane, but that is predictable because the focus is on good food.
Today we ordered the Tatziki for a starter - it was creamy with small pools of golden olive oil and topped with dill leaves. The pita was served warm, and slightly crisped with brushed butter. Perfection.
For my main entree, I chose the crab cake sandwich, a recommendation from my good friend Tom, a regular Athens patron.
The crab cake was quite large, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with lump crab meat, carrots and onion and mild spices. For toppings, simple tomato and lettuce - and everything sat between a little toasted bun. I made sure to ask for the Thousand Island dressing on the side so my burger wouldn't be drowned in a sea of calorific goodness.
I also managed to nab a couple of Tom's handout fries, topped with feta cheese - a great twist on an American classic.
Athens has to be up there in my top favorites for Greek cuisine.
Yum. Yum.
Oh... and not to forget: The spanikopita is also very addicting. -
Review from Jemina B.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here several times due to the proximity of Melrose Pub, and it's good Greek food. Not "oh my gawd ah-mazing", but the prices are pretty fair.
The inside of it is set up more like an old IHOP or something, so I usually choose the patio. The hummus is worth getting, but it's not that hard to mess up hummus. I'm a little confused by their giant menus offering a plethora of Greek/American fare, and I almost wish they'd pare it down to what they do best.
I recently got the lamb souvlaki sammie for lunch and wasn't mad about it. I think I still prefer the Greek offerings at Chicago Style in the Farmer's Market Foodcourt. -
Review from C S.
Clarksville, TN
1/2/2012
I think this place suffers from a very narrow slice of fame. The food was not that good (Bacon Lamb burger), nor was the service but the place was packed because of the "featured on...." marquee. I will not go back as I think there was no real value or quality there. To keep it short- go if you must because you can say you did, but I doubt if an intellectually honest person would describe this place as "good".
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Review from Amanda W.
Y'know those times where you've been out all night, perhaps have imbibed too much in the process and forgot to eat dinner? Select fast food chains are really the only thing open and it's either stomaching greasy fries or driving clear across town (which isn't a good idea) for some IHOP pancakes.
Bless Athens for giving Nashville another option.
A beacon of light for hungry night owls, Athens has a huge menu of delicious Greek fare.
Menu items worth noting: Spanakopita and the Feta & Olive Medley. If I'm in a breakfast-y mood? The egg-white spinach and feta omelet! I'm totally obsessed with their potatoes, too... mashed and fried on a griddle.
As if that wasn't enough, the service is fantastic! During our last visit with our boisterous party of 6 for brunch, the waitress was jumping right in and laughing with us. We loved it.
Parking is decent but limited (read: fills up quick during lunch/brunch rushes). Can't find a spot? Head out of the lot and take a left, parking in the old movie theater lot. The block-long walk will be good for you.
Oh, and did I mention Athens is located right across the street from Melrose Pub? I think I just dictated your Friday night plans.Listed in: Locavore Eats, Music City Standards
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Review from Marilee S.
Nashville, TN
3/20/2011 1 photo
Never ever judge a restaurant by it's exterior/location, especially in Nashville. If it's survived when there are other options around, there's a reason and that reason is the food is probably worth trying.
I would never have gone in here. Never. I'd heard that it had good food, great breakfast, but never even considered it because well, it didn't have the cool vibe of Fido's or Frothy Monkey or Sky Blue Cafe. I assumed Athens would be a little greasy and offer just standard fare.
Hands down, one of the best, most reasonably priced breakfasts I've had in years.
YEARS.
You gotta understand, breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out (unless of course you're talking sushi). But sometimes, breakfast can be expensive. Seriously, we're talking eggs, flour, veggies, potatoes - staples with costs that can't be compared to fresh fish or butcher's meat. Sometimes, we don't want to pay crazy prices for breakfast. Sometimes we just want some place where the food is good, service is fast, and prices are reasonable.
Athens is definitely the place.
We each had the corned beef hash with two poached eggs on top. Husband had fruit on the side. I had sliced tomatoes. We both chose rye toast.
Great hash. Perfectly cooked eggs - not too runny, not with all that slimey egg guck attached. Perfect.
Food was hot. Service, excellent and the interiors, clean.
Oh, and the parking? Plenty.
We will be back again and again and again. You can count on that.Listed in: Brunchers Unite!
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Review from Jennifer N.
Madison, TN
3/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The epitome of a greek diner-restaurant, complete with breakfast anytime and several classic greek dishes, Athens is a great place for stopping in anytime.
It is not frilly, hip or fancy- just a diner. And that's why I like going here. Prices are cheap, you get what you'd expect and there is a huge menu.
Be prepared to wait if it's a late-night party-hard kind of holiday- the place was jam packed with scantily clad ghosts and goblins on Halloween.
It's late night and all night (Sat) hours make it the best place in town for after-hours dining.Listed in: Best Brunch, Best Late Night Eats
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Review from Sarah C.
2/18/2011
It's like going to Greece but staying in Nashville.
Athens, a 24hr diner was selected for a late evening dinner and I couldn't have been more thrilled. Savory flavors of olive oil and hummus with dill poured into my mouth upon description and I had to make it a reality.
Surprisingly at 9:30p.m. Athens was super packed but obviously family run which I love. I ended up ordering the hummus plate ($6.95) with the most delicious homemade pita bread I've ever eaten in my life. Manna from the gods--literally. The hummus was supreme and fresh, no doubt. I also ordered the Greek salad, well I guess here it would just be the salad. Blizzarded (yup that is the word I think of, can you see it too) with crumbled, salty feta cheese; my life was seriously complete ($8.95).
All in all, I'll be back. It is chic to be Greek. -
Review from Steph H.
10/7/2011
Athens will always have a special spot in my heart for being one of the first late-night dining options in Nashville that I discovered. I love, love, LOVE that they are open 24-hours Thursday through Saturday, and that their whole menu is on offer pretty much any time of day. Whether you want an eggs benedict or lamb souvlaki at 4 pm or 2:30 am, Athen's will fill your tummy and put a smile on your face. The food is really tasty and the portions are very hearty, so be sure to bring your appetite! Also, although there are quite a few "naughty" dishes that may bust your diet for the day, many of the "greek-style" dishes are actually quite healthy and can be enjoyed with minimal guilt. If you're craving "diner" fare or Greek-inspired cuisine, you'll likely find it at Athen's as every time I go, they seem to have added something new to the menu... Pretty soon their menu may wind up in "Cheesecake Factory" phonebook territory!
HOWEVER, along with your appetite, be sure to bring your wallet, because prices have SKYROCKETED here in the past few years. I guess now that they've been featured on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, they feel like they've got the power to charge whatever they want, which is a real shame. I'd say most dishes are going to set you back at least $10, but it's not unusual to pay something more like $12 - 13 instead. I personally think that paying $8 for plain cheese omelet is too much, so I almost always order the gyro sandwich as it's only $5.95 and is one of the cheapest things on the menu, but maybe you'll feel differently. As I said, quality and quantity of the food isn't really an issue, it just seems that given the type of food their serving and the ingredients needed, the prices are perhaps a bit high, especially if you just want a late-night snack and remember that we're in Nashville, not New York City. I will say that I always leave Athens with a content smile on my face and a full belly because the food is good.
Tip: The tzatziki here is some of the best I've ever had! So creamy and heavenly! Don't miss it!Listed in: Passport to Deliciousness
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Review from Matthew S.
Nashville, TN
Our family had a wonderful dinner here tonight! Among the highlights were the Reuben, the Gyro platter, the Pastichio, the Baklava, and our awesome server, Stevie! The Reuben had a wonderful smokiness to the corned beef, and the Baklava was so buttery and heavenly! If you can get it warm out of the oven, you owe it to yourself! Thanks, Stevie for all your help :) We'll be back!
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Review from Lauren A.
Houston, TX
1/5/2011
I came to Athens around noon for a New Years Day brunch with some friends and was very impressed with the amount of breakfast items on the menu. A Greek resturant didn't strike me as the kind of place that would have eggs done up anyway but I was happy -- nothing sounded better than breakfast after a night of partying.
I ordered the Western Omelette with home fries and white toast and it was awesome. The sheer size of the omelette was awesome as well. I also tried the hummus and I think it's some of the best I've had. -
Review from Brian R.
I'm not going to lie to you, I find myself hungover on occassion. My favorite remedy for having too much fun the night before, is breakfast at Athens. Those Yelpers looking for a cure of their own would be wise to try to eggs benedict with home fries.
The food at Athens is pretty much your classic Ameri-Greek diner fare you can find in most cities. The place is clean, well lit and smoke free. There is a small patio for outside dining. The service is decent, sometimes a little slow when they are busy. This place is a real diner, so in general they move pretty fast.
For those looking to keep the party rolling, Thursday through Saturday Athens is open 'round the clock. Which means you can serve a preemptive strike on that hangover and have your eggs benedict when the clubs close at 2:00 a.m.Listed in: Rock-n-Roll Night Out.
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Review from Brandt F.
Indianapolis, IN
1/2/2012
This place was absolutely terrible. My friend and I wanted take-out and had heard good things about Athens so we decided we'd go with the greek salad and one of the platters. MAN were we disappointed! this "authentic greek food" turned out to be an absolute joke! The greek salad came with mayonnaise tasting "greek dressing" and our tzatziki sauce tasted like sour cream! DO NOT EAT HERE!! I LOVE greek food and I've never had a worse dining experience. The prices were too high for the disgusting food.
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Review from Mitch S.
Nashville, TN
3/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Awesome souvlaki, menu is good something for everyone.little loud late at night but bearable.fair priced,service is ok.4 used to b open 24 but no more.New schedule
Tinafto scata!!!!!! -
Review from Mel V.
10/18/2011
Meh, we came here b/c it was featured on Triple D, and all the reviews we've seen. I wasn't really a fan, They gyros were ok, the pita was the best part of that whole plate, I expected a little more from a Greek diner. The home fries were the best part of my meal. I think maybe I went in with high expectations. I wanted to like it, I really, really did. Maybe we'll go back for breakfast one day.
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Review from Edwin W.
Nashville, TN
12/15/2010
I brought my super chowhound friend from San Francisco here. He was raised on Souvlaki in Buffalo, NY and had to sniff the place out before he would step foot in there.
The result? He totally loved it. Great chicken souvlaki, well done fries and a good, diner atmoshphere, if a bit bright.
They also have some good greek fare like Melitzanosalata - a slightly less creamy version of Baba Ghannoush, which you would not find anywhere.
Definitely recommended. -
Review from Paul K.
10/19/2010 3 Check-ins Here
The food has always been good when I've been there. The service varies by time of day and waiter. The atmosphere not consistently good
I should address that last statement - usually the atmosphere is quite nice, however when it starts to take a turn they do not do anything to fix it. From drunks with their drunk voices still going full tilt after wandering over from the Melrose, to drugged out guitar players singing to slightly coked up compatriots, to the teens who come in and play (throw stuff, yell, generally horse around) loudly with their friends across multiple tables. Basically if someone's going to monopolize the restaurant's space and audio, they don't do anything to politely ask for their other diners that the offenders tone it down a bit.
That said - if you're looking for a place that serves up some vegetarian edible foodage late night, this is it. They can make a mean omelet, of which I was never a fan until this place. The hummus has been consistently delicious. The coffee has been hit or miss... usually hit, but man when it missed it missed.
I remember the day we went in and Guy Fiere's horrid logo was splattered across the wall. I felt as though I had lost a friend, or at least a good place to eat. Now the place is even more popular and I'm worried the motto "if it's popular, it's crap", which is not just a judgment but also a warning, will come to pass on the place as I'm already reading negative reviews from people who saw Diners, Drive-ins and Dives which just aired recently.
So yeah, if they get the obnoxious patrons in control I think it's a place you can recommend to anyone at any time. As it is though, I would not send my relatives there at night or on Hangover Sunday Morning.
I love you Athens, don't suckListed in: Places you can take your…
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Review from Dan G.
Ballwin, MO
10/11/2011
Another place we stopped at because we saw it on triple D. I had the Lamb Burger and my wife had the Mousaka. Both items featured on triple D. The burger was good but nothing I'd ever pay 12 bucks for again. My wife like her Mousaka and it was a generous portion. I'm glad we stopped on the way down to Florida but won't go out of our way to hit it again on the way back.
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Review from Robin S.
Nashville, TN
Updated - 1/18/2011
Realized I've gotta update this one. I go to Athens ALL the freakin' time these days. Not only is it 5 minutes from my house, but it's open 24 hours a day Thursday - Saturday, and till 10 other nights. I have been for breakfast, lunch, dinner, 4:00pm "snack", 3:00am "get sober" meal, etc. etc. FANtastic every time.
My new favorite these days is the chicken souvlaki sandwich. Or platter. Delicious grilled seasoned chicken in a pita-type sandwich, and I always get the creamy potatoes that are to die for.
You've gotta get the hummus too. I think it's the best I've found in Nashville.
Expect a wait on Saturdays and Sundays, especially around breakfast/brunch time. The line will move quickly though and it's totally worth it!Listed in: Mmmmm Sunday Brunch
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5/19/2008
I'm generally a little sketched out at first by any restaurant on 8th Avenue. Although, it is home… Read more »
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