Universal Joint Clayton — Restaurant in Clayton

Nestled in the heart of downtown Clayton, Georgia, Universal Joint offers a laid-back yet lively atmosphere that combines great food, cold drinks, and a welcoming Southern charm. Whether you’re a local or a traveler winding through the North Georgia mountains, this casual eatery is a must-stop destination for comfort food lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike.

Housed in a converted gas station, Universal Joint (often referred to simply as “U-Joint”) blends historic character with a modern pub vibe. The open-air layout—with roll-up garage doors, a large patio, and a dog-friendly environment—makes it a perfect spot for enjoying Clayton’s fresh mountain air. The outdoor seating area, complete with picnic tables and string lights, has a community feel that’s ideal for relaxing with friends or family.

The menu strikes a satisfying balance between classic American fare and inventive twists. Burgers are a staple here, and rightly so—they’re juicy, generously portioned, and come with a range of toppings that appeal to all tastes. The “UJ Burger” with pimento cheese and bacon is a local favorite, as is the “Steinbeck,” which features blue cheese and fried onions. Their tacos are surprisingly good as well, especially the BBQ pork and fish options, which deliver bold flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Vegetarian options aren’t an afterthought either. Dishes like the black bean burger or portobello sandwich hold their own and show that Universal Joint takes dietary preferences seriously. The appetizers deserve praise, particularly the smoked wings—available in multiple flavors—and the loaded nachos, which are easily shareable and perfect for starting a meal.

Universal Joint’s drink selection is another highlight. With a rotating tap list featuring local and regional craft beers, there’s always something interesting to try. They also have a solid range of bottled beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic choices. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to make recommendations or let you sample a brew before you commit.

Service is generally efficient and personable. Despite the casual setting and often busy weekends, staff members are attentive without being overbearing. The kitchen runs smoothly even during peak hours, and the wait for food is usually reasonable. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious—come as you are, whether it’s after a hike, a day on Lake Burton, or just strolling through town.

Pricing is fair considering the portion sizes and quality. While it’s not the cheapest spot in town, it offers excellent value for money. You’re paying for fresh ingredients, a fun atmosphere, and reliable service.

In summary, Universal Joint in Clayton excels at what it sets out to do: offer a welcoming, tasty, and relaxed dining experience. With its vibrant setting, hearty food, and strong community feel, it’s no surprise that it’s a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, beers, or just a good time with friends, U-Joint...

I'm actually kind of disappointed in the u joint. The food tasted really good, but the portion sizes are really not up to par with what we would expect for such prices.. we eat a lot in Clayton, we've eaten it all the restaurants, and I can confidently say that you have better value for your money at the rusty bike.

I hate to say this though because the rusty bike is extremely crowded pretty much all day long everyday. we came down to Clayton eat at the rusty bike but we weren't willing to wait for 25 minutes, so we drove through town and thought we would give U joint another try.

it has been a while since we've eaten there, but I remembered that they had really tasty burgers. The food was cooked very well, it was very fresh, but it's a pretty small burger.

I think this restaurant is pretty popular and they make most of their money off of booze I'm pretty sure, but I do think they could make their burgers a little bit bigger, maybe increase their portion sizes a little bit, just so there's more value there for the money.

it's not that I want really huge plates of food, but we paid close to $12 for a hamburger with tater tots and it was probably a half pound burger I'm not sure about the weight though but you can see the size of the burger in the picture.

For us I can't see going back to this restaurant. It's just not...

Tuesday, April 23 2024, 520pm The hostess waited two minutrs to acknowledge our party; apparently her conversation with the non-busy waitstaff was more important, even though we were within clear view, 5 ft away.

We asked for a table for five, preferably in the sun because it was getting cold.

Literally nobody at the restaurant, and they refused to allow us to sit at the table for nine.

So it took us a minute to make a decision on whether we wanted to sit at 2 tables for four, or 1 table that would seat all five of us.

Hostess copped a crappy attitude, seated us at the table for five, then proceeded back to her wait staff friends table. I noticed that she was looking at me while talking to them, and then they looked over at our table at the same time.

I absolutely do not understand a hostess with this type of attitude. She is literally is on the front line at the restaurant and represents the restaurant and sets the tone for the patron's experience.

This is the second time I've been to this restaurant and the employees had poor attitudes, I normally do not encounter staff like this, especially two times in a row. We will absolutely not come back. And the food isn't that great.

We spent our $100+ at Mama G's where the hostess was pleasant and our waitress...