The Southern Table — Restaurant in Athens

I'm disappointed to share this restaurant didn't really land for me.

I came on Tuesday as I had the day off and I promised my mom we'd go on a mini road trip together. I'd had this spot on my list for a while and it seemed like the perfect fit, so off we went.

Located in downtown Athens, we were able to find parking on the square, though we arrived at like 11:15 for an early lunch.

To our surprise, the restaurant is connected via one door to U.G. White Mercantile, which we've visited before. They have cute gifts and such.

The interior of the restaurant was fine; I remember reading about it and feeling like it didn't quite hit the fancier vibe the menu was bringing, but it was ultimately okay. I liked the exposed brick but didn't care for the straight line of paintings on the opposing wall. The health score posted was in the high 80s, which seems a little low for a restaurant of this caliber, but not a dealbreaker for me personally.

Our server was nice enough but was also just adequate. Some of the other waiters helped ensure our drinks were always full, and she took a very long time between when we were actually done with our meal and when we got to pay, which was strange because it wasn't super busy.

They have lunch specials that change daily, in addition to sandwiches/burgers and quite expensive entrees -- can't imagine ordering one of those for lunch but to each their own! Mom and I both decided on the fried chicken with chili honey for our meals; I wanna say it was $14, which is reasonable I feel for the food/atmosphere/service.

I enjoyed the sweet tea to drink; mom said it was a little too sweet for her but if you're like me and enjoy some extra sweet tea this'll hit the spot. For our sides, I selected garlic mashed potatoes and added the crispy Brussels sprouts for an upcharge. Mom also got the mashed potatoes and she chose charred grilled beans as her second.

The chicken we were served was a wing and I believe a deboned thigh. This is not at all my preference and I wish the menu had said what to expect. I also probably should've asked...but oh well. I will eat chicken thighs at least, but this one happened to be heavy on the qualities of a thigh I don't like -- lots of dark meat, and a sort of slippery/greasy quality. Meat aside, the breading didn't feel like it was super well bound to the chicken (ie, it sort of sloughed off) and didn't have much of a crunch, even the bits that didn't have the honey on it. The honey was fine but not very chili-forward (good for my mom, not so for me). I also thought the breading was not super flavorful. Lastly, the portion felt a little small for the price paid, but it is a lunchtime portion I suppose.

The sides were fine. The garlic mashed potatoes were whipped super creamy; I like mine a little more rustic, with potato skin and chunks still in there. Unobjectionable but not remarkable. Mom's charred green beans were actually pretty good and probably my favorite thing I tasted here. The crispy Brussels were definitely crispy; however, most of them had fallen apart into individual leaves, which took on a sort of unpleasant charred quality and didn't provide much to bite into. The pearls of what I think was goat cheese were not particularly appreciated and, again, I wish this had been described on the menu. Didn't hate it, but could've done without it.

All in all, I didn't hate it but it certainly didn't reach the high heights I was imagining/hoping for. If I were to return, I'd try a burger or pimento grilled cheese, or something else other than what I...

Our dining experience at Southern Table in Athens, AL, was a delightful adventure through Southern flavors that left us craving more. The ambiance was warm and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Starting off with the Fried Green Tomatoes, we were treated to a crispy exterior that perfectly complemented the tangy green tomatoes. This classic Southern dish earned a solid 4 out of 5 – a great start to our culinary journey.

Next up were the Wood Fire Grilled Lamb Chops, a succulent dish that showcased the chef's mastery of the grill. The chops earned a well-deserved 4 out of 5, providing a juicy and flavorful experience that left us satisfied.

However, the real star of the evening was the Wood Fire Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Quail. This dish was an absolute masterpiece, earning a perfect 5 out of 5. The bacon wrapping added a smoky richness to the perfectly grilled quail, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on our taste buds.

Moving on to the drinks, we explored the Bourbon Mash, a concoction that, while enjoyable, landed a 3 out of 5. The Old Fashioned and Cuban, on the other hand, stole the show with a well-balanced mix of flavors, earning a solid 4 out of 5 each.

Service was attentive and friendly, enhancing our overall dining experience. The Southern Table in Athens, AL, is a gem that beautifully captures the essence of Southern cuisine. With its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that boasts culinary craftsmanship, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the rich and diverse flavors of the South. We left Southern Table with satisfied palates and a newfound appreciation for Southern culinary...

tried the pork belly potatoes for appetizer. They were tasty and well cooked. The pork belly, while good, did not resemble the burnt ends as described. Had the duck breast, which came with a smoky cauliflower mash and asparagus. The sauce was cherry, with what appeared to be pickled mustard seeds. Asked for the duck to be between rare and MR. The cauliflower mash was a strange brown color and the smokiness was just a tad strong for me. The mustard seed seemed a bit of a mismatch for the cherry sauce, but jumped in for the experience. The cherry sauce had nice balance of tartness. The duck breast was small, but crispy skinned and tender. Was more medium, as there were no rare notes anywhere to be found, but was still tasty. Asparagus was not too thick as to be fibrous and was grilled well. I also got a lemon crush with extra juice from the bar. It was quite good. Not sure what the dark, dried lemon wheel does if it not an edible part of the drink. It was rock hard. Maybe a candied lemon wheel instead? Overall, service was good. I got there early to avoid the crowd. Staff was very pleasant. Side note: whoever designed the bench along the wall needs to be fired. It is barely wide enough to sit on and very uncomfortable. Made the sitting part of the stay not something I wish to re-do. I have a bad back and cannot sit in a regular hard chair, so I had hoped the 'padded' side would be better. I was in pain by the time I left. Since it is so narrow, the edge cuts into the backside of the leg at a very awkward place, and forces one to sit in a very strange posture. I will be coming back though to try other items on the menu and will bring a pad...