If you suffer from food allergies or dietary restrictions, you’ve probably been asked, “Well, what can you eat?” You might have even asked yourself that question a few times. However, when it comes to Athens eateries, you’re in luck.
Athens is filled with restaurants of various cuisines with menu items that exclude common allergens like eggs, nuts and shellfish. Here are a few restaurants around town with allergy-friendly menu items that definitely don’t skip out on flavor.
Independent Baking Co.
1625 S. Lumpkin St.
Looking for something both light and sweet to start the day? This small independent bakery in Five Points serves gourmet, made-from-scratch croissants and morning rolls daily that melt in your mouth.
The croissant is made up of multiple layers of pastry and butter that’s baked until golden-brown and flaky. The morning roll uses the same croissant pastry, rolled and covered in sweet cinnamon sugar.
Both items are safe for those with nut allergies, as the dough is made with four simple ingredients: flour, water, eggs, sea salt and leavening. You can enjoy this simple breakfast on-the-go or at its quaint outdoor seating area.
Bruxie
311 E. Broad St.
If you are tired of missing out on chicken tenders and fried foods due to the egg component in most batters, Bruxie is the place for you. This newer addition to downtown Athens offers a classic Southern combination: chicken and waffles.
The made-to-order waffles are light on the inside and crispy on the outside. The savory chicken tenders are golden-brown and seasoned to perfection. Both the waffle batter and buttermilk chicken tenders are egg, peanut and shellfish free.
The “Naked Bruxie Waffle” makes for a safe and sweet treat. The waffle is served with maple syrup, butter and your choice of powdered or cinnamon sugar.
If you’re in the mood for a savory and spicy meal, order the tenders with “Kickin’ Hot” seasoning or Buffalo sauce. Both are free of peanuts, shellfish and eggs.
Gyro Wrap
114 College Ave.
If you have a taste for Mediterranean cuisine, Gyro Wrap is the place for you when you’re looking for a quick bite. It serves flavorful gyros along with cheese steaks and salads.
The 40-year recipe for the original “Gyro Wrap” contains lamb, red onion, lettuce and tomato, wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread. The combination of flavors makes for a rich, savory meal, which is safe for those with shellfish, egg and peanut allergies.
Tzatziki sauce creates a tangy and creamy addition to the fresh flavors of the gyro wrap. However, it is not safe for those with an egg allergy. You can also watch the lamb meat get sliced right off of the vertical rotisserie and enjoy your meal in the upstairs or downstairs seating.
Mama’s Boy
197 Oak St.
Mama’s Boy is the perfect spot for a light lunch or a hearty meal. This charming diner has been serving southern breakfast and lunch staples in Athens for 17 years.
While BLT’s are very simple, Mama’s Boy’s “BLT Sandwich” does not skip out on good flavor. Its simplicity also ensures that it’s a safe option for those that are allergy-conscious. The meal consists of thick cuts of applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, served on toasted sourdough.
PONKO Chicken
529 Baxter St.
American, Japanese and allergen-free cuisine collide at PONKO Chicken. The peanut-free menu is filled with various chicken and vegan options, with an allergen sheet for each item on display at the Athens location.
Instead of peanut oil, this award-winning restaurant prides itself on its use of brain oil– a brain-boosting fat that’s extracted from coconut– in place of alternative cooking oils, setting it apart from a variety of other restaurants serving Asian cuisine.
Its classic “PONKO Chicken” plate includes crispy chicken tenders that are egg, shellfish and milk-free, with your choice of two sides.
Meatless protein options include “Tofu Tenders” and a vegan patty, which can be enjoyed solo, on top of a salad or in a taco.
For a comforting and inclusive meal filled with refreshing Asian flavors, PONKO Chicken gets the job done.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
1553 S. Lumpkin St.
Grindhouse has been changing the burger-joint game, offering build-your-own burgers as well as specialty burgers, salads, desserts and more. Its extensive ingredients list allows those with allergy and dietary restrictions to customize their ideal meal.
Its 100% beef patty is gluten-free, consisting of a blend of ground chuck and brisket. As a plant-based option, you can order the “Impossible Burger,” which is both vegan and gluten-free.
Gluten free and vegan buns are an option as well, and you have the freedom to pick and choose which toppings you would like, catering to your individual allergy needs.
What would a burger be without a side of fries, and Grindhouse offers well-seasoned “Crinkle-Cut French Fries,” which are peanut, egg and shellfish-free.
For allergen and food intolerance-friendly burgers that taste like the real thing, Grindhouse ensures that you’re never missing out on flavor.