Athens, GA: Best Route & BBQ?
 

My wife and I will be in Athens, GA to attend a friend's wedding on Saturday, Oct. 23rd. There seems to be at least two possible routes from the Atlanta airport (one goes east on I-20 through Madison and the north, the other goes northeast on I-85 to Route 316 East).

Which route is faster and/or more scenic? Also, are there any good restaurants for lunch (BBQ or traditional Southern dishes) in or around the town of Athens?

Has anyone been to Daddy-Dz Barbeque in Atlanta? Is this conveniently located to either I-20 or I-85?

Daddy D's is convenient to I-20, in a nasty neighborhood. It's good, but not great.

I've always taken I-85 (from downtown Atlanta) to Athens, but Madison is a very nice southern town. I'm sure there's better bbque in Madison or Athens. Anyone?

I've never driven from the ATL airport to Athens but I would vote for the path of least resistance (to avoid as much traffic as possible) which would be to go through Madison. Beautiful homes there as well.

As for BBQ in Athens, some that are recommended (but I haven't been to) are: Weaver D's on Broad Street; Wilson's Soul Food on N. Hull Street; Barbeque Shack on Lexington; and JB Ribs and BBQ on Broad.

I highly recommend a Cuban restaurant on Tallassee Road just outside the perimeter. My daughter took me there a couple of weeks ago and I loved it! You stand in line to order and they give you a number on a table-top stand. You then find a table out in the woods strung with lights. There's bridge that crosses a creek to a 'beach' area. They bring your food to your table. Great setting (if it's not raining) and the food was fabulous! It's BYOB so you don't run up a tab on beer/wine. I can't remember the name (some Spanish word) but someone can give you directions. You can't miss it - there's a painted school bus out front and lots of broken down TVs (sounds lovely, huh?).

Also, there are a number of VERY nice, trendy, hip restaurants downtown. I've eaten at 'The Last Resort' which was also very good.

Thanks for the great suggestions. Has anyone ever tried the following places?

1) Blue Willow Inn Restaurant (Social Circle, GA: just north of I-20). I think it's more a buffet style restaurant with fried chicken, not BBQ

2) Crowe's Open-Air BBQ (Madison, GA on Hwy 441). This is conveniently located on the road from Madison to Athens.

I've never eaten at the Blue Willow but have heard lots of people rave about it. It's a large old house converted into a nice restaurant. Did you look at their website? www.bluewillowinn.com. They've won lots of awards. I've never heard of Crowe's.

Would anyone recommend the following BBQ places in Atlanta? We may decide to go there before driving to Athens.

1) Pig-n-Chik (Sandy Spring/N. Atlanta)
2) Swallow in the Hollow (Roswell)

The ambiance at the Swallow at the Hollow is far superior. Very good pork, stew, banana pudding. Live music in a rustic barn setting. Large portions. Not sure Swallow is open for lunch [which we call dinner in these parts].
Pig-n-Chik is in a strip shopping center on a very busy road, Roswell Road, with no atmosphere [the restaurant interior. The atmosphere on Roswell Road is visible, especially in summer rush hour traffic]. It is a favorite of the local newspaper critic, though I do not share his opinion. While the pork can be quite good, the stew is too sweet and watery. Quality varies immensely. We've been disappointed enough by P-n-C that we've had our fill. Neither restaurant is particularly close to Athens.

According to accessatlanta.com Swallow at the Hollow is open for lunch Wednesdays through Sundays. Couldn't imagine returning to work after a meal there. It's difficult enough making it back to the car.
Also, addressing another of your questions: there is nothing scenic along highway 316 between Lawrenceville (where you'd leave I-85) and Athens. Traffic during "rush hour" in Lawrenceville [there are about 7 traffic lights along that stretch] is bothersome. Athens is a lively town on Saturday nights, though not geared primarily to people over tweny-five.

Thanks for the comments. One final option is to drive straight to Athens, and have lunch there! We're looking for something simple (burgers and sandwiches OK) and delicious. Southern cooking is a plus, but not required. Does anyone have any thoughts on the following?

1) Ye Olde Colonial Restaurant (Madison)
2) Baldwin's Pharmacy (Madison)
3) East/West Bistro (Athens)
4) Five and Ten (Athens/dinner only?)
5) Harry Bissetts New Orleans (Athens)
6) Weaver D's (Athens)

If you are in a hurry, grab real Southern cookin' at Pascal's in the airport (either at the food court in Terminal A or in the Atrium at ticketing/baggage claim) and then take 85N to 316 to Athens.

If you have some time to enjoy the route, take 20 East, stop in Social Circle for Southern food at the Blue Willow and then on to Madison to see the beautiful southern town with antebellum homes and then north on 441 to Athens.

A BBQ chain that's pretty good is Sonny's. There's one in Athens and maybe other ones along your routes.

I would highly recommend driving straight to Athens. There's no place to eat BBQ in Atlanta that it worth the traffic hastle you'll get tangled up in! There are probably 20 small, non-chain, great restaurants in downtown restaurants that you'd be happy with.

Thanks for the very helpful advice. We'll probably take the longer route on I-20 toward Athens. Does anyone else recommend the Blue Willow Inn? The website suggests it's a nice place, but I hesitate when the place says "Bus Parking Available". Also, the best reviews seem to be from 1996-1999, which could be a sign that quality has deteriorated. The lunch buffet is $15 per person - is this worth the stopover on our way to Athens?

There is absolutely no reason to drive through Madison to get to Athens, unless you want to visit Madison. That is the long way around, and nobody I know of drives from here to the Atlanta airport that way.

The best way from the Atlanta Airport to Athens is a function of the time of day you will be driving it.

Fortunately, the Dawgs are out of town that weekend! (good planning).

Therefore I suggest you take I 85 north from the airport and follow it until you reach the exit for Georgia 316.
It is well marked. When you see the sign for Beaver Ruin, start moving to the right because 316 exits right in two lanes. After you pass the Pleasant Hill exit, you should be in one of the two right hand lanes.

You will then follow 316 all the way to Athens. Depending on where you want to go in Athens will dictate your exit point. If you will tell me where it is you are headed, I can pinpoint it for you.

Gilber20,

From a locals perspective may I suggest the following:

1. Take the I-20 to GA 138 to 78 directions. Much quicker and stoplight free drive as compared to I-85 to GA316.
2. If time allows absolutely eat at the Blue Willow Inn. You will not leave hungry or dissapointed.
3. For lunch in town The Last Resort, East West, Basil Press, and Harry Bissets all offer delicious food(salads, pastas and sandiwiches) in the $10 and under range. All are pricey at night but far cheaper at lunch. Five and Ten is dinner and Sunday brunch only. If you want the best burger in town, hit the Blind Pig Tavern close to campus and downtown.
4. If you want Soul Food, visit Weaver D's or Five Star Day.
5. I have not found good bar-b-que in this town. Please let me know if you do.
6. If you do not have a place to stay my first recommendation is the Foundry park Inn, after that there are your standards (Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Courtyard Marriott) all of which are walking distance to downtown.
7. The Cuban Restaurant 'Parker' recommended is Caliente Cab and is excellent but as he mentioned is BYOB and CASH ONLY. So is Weaver D's.

Have a wonderful time here in Athens!