I came here for brunch, and enjoyed it! Inside is a little cramped, but there is a lot of outdoor seating! We only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, and the staff was quick and efficient. Before my table got our meals, they brought out chocolate chip scones that were delicious! For my meal I got pancakes that were so fluffy and yummy! My friend got an omelet, which she said was good, but was underwhelmed with the biscuit. My other friends got the burger (great!) and the chicken salad sandwich (so good!!) Overall, the food was delicious and I felt there was a good bit of variety for a not so large menu. There were also a lot of vegetarian options, which is always nice! Overall, great spot!
(4)
Diva J.
Heirloom has become my favorite place in Athens for weekend brunch. I've gotten the Love on a Biscuit a few times -- always delicious! The homemade chocolate chip scones are fabulous especially with their seasonal strawberry jam. The service is overall good, but usually it takes a couple minutes before we are greeted at the door. Several servers will walk by without anyone acknowledging that we are there, but once seated the wait staff is very helpful. If you sit at the bar, Celeste is really sweet and provides excellent service.
(4)
Sara P.
Their lentil pecan burger is the best veggie burger I have ever had in my life (and I was vegetarian for five years). Made fresh, with just the right amount of hot sauce and cheese. Definitely recommend it.
(4)
Licca K.
The biscuits really are that good. It was a Sunday, and a weekend brunch rush made Heirloom packed. We finally got our table, ordered, and was queued into another long wait. This stop-and-go persisted as the waitress dropped one of our entrees.... It was a sunny Sunday afternoon and a brunch rush left Heirloom packed. The wait was no mind, and the bustle of waitresses was only additive to the experience of a morning cafe. Then the breakfast burrito dropped. It was quickly replaced with a kind apology, and everything was peachy---including the jam. But really, the biscuits are that good, the grits were pretty satisfying, and the pimento cheese rocked some socks. Though my tofu scramble was heavily laden in olive oil, it was still fresh and delicious with herbs and local veggies. Just hold back on the oil some~
(4)
Megan R.
Had scrambled eggs, fruit and biscuit for brunch with coffee. All were delicious. Eggs were fluffy, biscuit was not dry like many served in restaurants, and the small fruit bowl had a little bit of everything. I like that most of their food is sourced locally, and they try to avoid artificial ingredients. I took away one star because the service was not really top notch. When the hostess seated us, she sat us at a table indoors in the direct sunlight (it was 95+ that day!). Had there not been any other tables available, I would've understood, but there were many in cooler, more shady areas of the restaurant. But the waitress did move us when we asked. Overall, the waitress was nice, but kind of nonchalant.
This is my favorite restaurant so far in Athens. I love how their food is farm fresh, love the options for restricted diet, and love the atmosphere. My last visit here was brunch. I ordered chocolate chip gf pancakes and scrambled eggs. The pancakes were delicious! You couldn't even tell they were gf. The chocolate chips were the perfect punt, not overkill but enough to get a couple on each bite. I was so full after my second one but kept eating. (You get three). That is the best feeling, when the food is so good you don't stop until you want to explode. My boyfriend ordered the bacon pancakes. He's not very descriptive but told me to report that they were "good. Great. Really good." I've been here for dinner too and no complaints. I also love their patio, and they have a small bocce ball court as well. The service here is super friendly and informative. I definitely recommend this spot!
(5)
Eddie P.
We visited here for brunch and were not impressed with the service. The wait was approximately 45 minutes. Once seated we ordered drinks from the bar and our food made it out before our drinks! The service here is very slow and nonchalant. When I confronted the server she said the bar was "backed up". I looked over and bartender was talking to other servers! Lastly, the same server was waiting on another table and brought their appetizer with the meal and said "I forgot to put this in. . . " WHATEVER! Food was good.
(2)
Kenneth H.
I've never reviewed anything, but felt the need to complain. We ordered quiche and a chicken salad sandwich. Both are items that have been pre made and only need to be heated or placed on bread. Nonetheless, it took about an hour to get our food. The atmosphere is great if you are wanting to sit around, chat, and drink. But, if you are hungry go somewhere else because you will get irritated with the wait. Also, the portions are small. I literally consumed my grits in two spoonfuls and the side of fruit consisted of 1/8 of an apple and orange.
(2)
Kelsey F.
Heirloom is a place I keep coming back to. As someone who isn't a resident of Athens, I've probably eaten at Heirloom 5 times over the last 2 years. This could be in part because a friend lives about a block away, but it is mainly because of their delicious food and cozy, casual atmosphere. I've only been to Heirloom for brunch and there is always a wait after about 10:30 as is the case with most good brunch places in Athens. They do take reservations if you don't like waiting. Personally, I enjoy waiting around at Heirloom. The hostess will bring you coffees or mimosas, they have comfy gliders for sitting in the sun and a bocce ball court if you are feeling a quick game. I much prefer the outside patio seating. The tables feel a little cramped inside and I also think it can get a little hot in there. Outside is breezy and you are surrounded by neat plants. One time, a friend started talking to the waiter about how much he liked one of their sage plants and they let him take it home! Such nice people. The farm fresh food is always delicious. Your meal typically starts with a bread basket of the day, scones of some sort most of the time. On my most recent visit, I ordered the arugula, onion and goat cheese quiche with home fries and a biscuit. Their quiche is SO creamy and the pie crust is amazing. They always have one vegetarian option and one meat option (that usually sells out fairly early). I also tried one of my cohort's Bloody Mary's that was extra tasty. Heirloom is a little off the beaten path at the far side of Chase street by Boulevard. Parking is available in their lot or on the near by streets. If you walk there, you get a discount. Service is relaxed and the whole experience is always enjoyable.
(4)
Josh M.
About as good as it gets. I won't normally eat fried porkchops in a restaurant because they can't come close to my mom's fried porkchops, but these were amazing! You could tell this meat didn't come from Kroger and they gave you two! It was paired with the fluffiest mashed sweet potatoes I've ever had and some really good collards. It was a great meal. My date had the lentil burger and she enjoyed it as well. The drinks deserve their own section because they were just as great. I had a couple Rosemary Old Fashioneds and everything about it was great. Very smooth and delicious. I also tried the Boulevardier and it was good as well, but the Old Fashioned is the way to go. I can't wait to go back and try more of their cocktails. It was a great experience.
(5)
Dana K.
Solid place for brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu is constantly changing with a wide range of locally grown/sourced items. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, and the outdoor seating is a personal fave. Highly recommended for weekend brunch.
(4)
David S.
NEVER had a bad meal here, kids love the brunch, always creative and all meat is ethical! Yay! Love the soups and ever-changing creativity. The service is always nice too. Their commitment to farm-to-table keeps it pretty pricey, but you know you are helping the environment and the local economy when you can afford to patronize them. Unlike other places that source only some meats organically and locally, they are 100% which is pretty great. I think only Farm255 can share that attribute and frankly their cooking just isn't ever as interesting as Heirloom's. One of our faves, and we are locals.
(5)
Amanda D.
Such a cute little place, I can't wait to go back! I good bit on the pricey side, so it won't be that often that I get to go, but our waitress was so helpful (I asked about gluten free items and she went to the kitchen and double-checked everything for me) Basically their burgers are gluten free and you can leave the bun off, I got some bratwurst on top of a bed of red peppers and onions (not really my thing, I wish it'd been something edible...) but I was envying the burgers everyone else got. Whatever cheese they put on it was "rill guud". I would like to see this organic little market do some more specifically gluten free stuff.
(4)
Melissa M.
My brunch group has eaten here a few times, and it's been a good experience every time. They are very accommodating for large groups, but I do think we usually call ahead. The menu changes slightly from week to week. I didn't find it overly expensive, but I've never eaten dinner here. As a vegetarian, I found plenty of options here and they're willing to tweak dishes to suit your needs. Although the one thing I wasn't particularly crazy about was the vegan tofu scramble. I'm a pretty big fan of their bread basket, which gives you a sampling of biscuits, scones, and breads that work well for a group with different tastes. I've only had dessert once, but it was amazing and well worth it. The space is adorable and fits really well in the Boulevard neighborhood.
(4)
Mack M.
Great Breakfast. My wife can be kinda picky but she loved the tofu...which I tasted it and was impressed too.
(4)
Bill G.
Sitting outside under the trellis is always a pleasure, especially during the long Spring and Summer evenings. Diverse menu with good vegetarian and meat options, I love the Shrimp and Grits. There have been a series of chef changes and each brings something new, the baked chicken with Indian inspired peanut sauce is delicious. Heirloom keeps-on-keeping-on, here's to them for providing a great local Restuarant with sustainably sourced local ingredients, and proving a discount for those who walk.
Okay so I'm taking home some of Bengi's sausages... I hate this expression... But I think it's true... their sausages are " to die for!" Heirloom uses seasonal Foods so their meat purveyor may change from time to time but whoever they get the sausage from right now, well... the sausage was delicious with a great combo flavors... and it accompanied "The Omelet" which was made with smoked cheddar, mushrooms and maybe something else but it was pretty awesome. The biscuit was good but the apple marmalade(?) that they serve with the biscuit, was quite delicious. The coffee had a nice hardy flavor. Service: the waitress and the hostess very good and attentive. And I love the vintage-inspired tablecloths . All In all, a lovely experience for a Sunday afternoon in Athens.
(5)
Diana Z.
Such a cute restaurant filled with bright colors and kind staff. I ordered the lentil/walnut burger and requested to not have the hot sauce on it. It came out anyways with hot sauce and yikes. It was almost too much. If you're a spicy lightweight like me, definitely don't get it with the hot sauce and send it back if it comes out with it on the burger. Otherwise the burger was great!
(3)
Melissa K.
The food here is either deliciously good with generous portions or seriously lacking with scarce ingredients. Now, I'm not expecting heaped over the plate portions by any means so most of the time I'm completely satisfied with slowly savoring my food at Heirloom but when I order a $9 salad that consists of somewhat slimy greens with maybe a tablespoon of advertised ingredients but a bucket of lemon juice based dressing then, well, not so much. After 5 tries at various salads, with an honest desire to eat healthy at lunch despite my companion tearing into something with full-o-fat delicious pimento cheese, I've given up. Last time I got a 1/4 of a peach diced to oblivion, a sprinkle of cheese, a few nuts and a LOT of dressing. There will be no 6th time for salads here. Another miss for Heirloom is that the wait times are way too long. Unless I have about 2 hours to spare, I don't eat here. 2 hours for 4 courses is beyond fine but 2 hours, after seating, for a salad and a cookie and to pay is not feasible for me. That said, the brunch is very tasty, specialty desserts are great and the service is always friendly and informative. I also love that they hold various events at the establishment that foster a sense of community. The outdoor seating is setup in a way that you don't feel like you're on a busy corner and the parking is ample but it does fill up during peak hours. Beer and wine is available, and the selection is moderately priced and served at the right temps, but I don't know if they have a full bar or not. Great for smaller groups since the place isn't too big. Crowd makes for great people watching - townies, country club set, students, parents.
(3)
Vivian W.
Great food, with a revolving menu based on farm fresh ingredients. I've never had a bad meal here, and service is always delivered with a smile. The restaurant is committed to a farm-to-table philosophy and their meats are organic and local which is phenomenal. A large group of us (25 people) came here for a celebratory lunch the other day. They were ready for our large group during the busy lunch rush (Saturday early afternoon), and got our food and drink orders out without stress. The food was fresh, and cooked beautifully. We were all thrilled with the meal. You know I'll be back next time I'm in Athens.
(4)
John A.
I wish the food had more flavor. Sometimes farm to table concept means they skip seasoning as well. Took a long time for the food - so not recommended if you have less than 45 minutes for breakfast.
(3)
Shannon H.
A group of six of us went here for brunch today. They let us call ahead to set up a table and we were seated immediately. But the service was quite pokey after that and there were several hiccups with our order. The staff was very nice about it, but I echo sentiments that the service is a little spotty. Everyone loved the bacon though, and the muffin baskets were delicious. Note: they don't have decaffe espresso so no lattes for those of us that don't do caffeine.
(3)
Gill B.
The food was supremely delicious, but the service was a bit of a disappointment. I came on a Sunday morning with three of my friends to indulge in some brunch munchies. We were seated right away at a cozy table by the front window overlooking the precious patio. The dining room was decorated with bright colors and charming art pieces from talented local artists. I especially liked the whimsical little chain of colored paper triangles strung across the windows. I was impressed with the farm fresh ingredients and offerings on the menu. The wait for our food was a bit long (30-40 minutes), but I didn't mind too much bearing in mind that I would be getting a fresh, quality meal. We patiently sipped our coffee and water while we waited for our food to arrive. We were a bit disappointed when we did not receive the customary bread basket that was bestowed upon the tables around us. Did we lose the bread basket lottery? None of us had the courage to inquire about it. I ordered "the Happy Vegan" (a delightful tofu scramble) with a side of fresh fruit. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the scrumptiously sweet sesame sauce was the perfect compliment to the veggie-tofu combo. The fruit was incredibly crisp and tasty. When our waters ran low, our server refreshed two of the four glasses, and we then struggled to flag him down to top off the remaining two. He also forgot to include my friend's side of bacon with her meal. She reminded him, and did not receive it until she was halfway through her meal. I really enjoyed the food, but I wish that our server had been a bit more attentive. That would have put this cute and funky little place in the 4-5 star range.
(3)
Toni B.
Food was amazing, thought it took a while to come out. Service was great ! First time to Athens, i would recommend to a friend.
(4)
M S.
The quiche was good. The "salad" that came with it was not a salad. It was lettuce and lettuce only. The worst part was the service. It was awful! My waitress Catherine was completely matter of fact with me. I felt like I wasn't welcomed at all. There was no line, no wait to get in. It is Tuesday afternoon and more than half the restaurant is empty. I should've just gone to Starbucks or Jittery Joe's. I will never be back and would never recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)
Cheezwhiz R.
This place rocks...the only reason I'm giving 4 is the service was very slow. We also had to ask for a muffin basket but when we got it I was in heaven. The quiche was something to write home about and the potatoes. Yes! Bunch is good and I will be back
(4)
Colleen B.
I was excited to try this place but was disappointed in my experience. The atmosphere is great. And I love all the artwork for sale. It was a rainy day and the wait to be seated inside was 30 minutes. We ordered coffees and hot chocolates. I'm not sure if the weather dampened the hostesses spirits, but she was very short with me and my family. We did our best to stay out of her way. We got seated and were ready to order right away as we had ample time to decide on our orders while waiting. Waitress came by with waters and smiles but disappeared before taking out order. It took about 15 minutes for her to swing by again. From ordering to food delivery was a further 45 minutes. It's always frustrating to see people seated after you served before you. I also had a hard time getting refills on my coffee. I'd skip this place next time I'm in town. Food was okay but not worth the rest of our experience.
(3)
Andrew W.
Restaurant is really cool but the service is weird - server seemed out of it the whole time, and I didn't get helped for quite while. Cool place, def come here for the food and drinks.
(4)
Adriana G.
Sorry, poor service trumped good food! Our waitress, one of two women on duty (not the one working the bar) at lunch today had no sense of timing whatsoever. Attention owners! She needs to go. Every step of the process took 5-10 minutes longer than it needed to, and no I don't think it was the kitchen that was running slow.
(1)
Ankit P.
Love this place. It's a nice place with great food and service. I'm on the paleo diet and they had grass fed beef which was delicious. They also have a decent gluten free options as well.
(5)
Michael D.
I hope the food is good here. Two friends and I just waited 45 minutes to be seated at a table that we saw was empty the entire team we waited. The service, to this point, has been horrendous. The waitstaff seems to have no sense of urgency on this Sunday morning/afternoon. I'll update the review if the food is amazing. Upon further review, the food was very good, although we had to wait an additional 30 minutes before receiving it and the eggs were cooked incorrectly at first. Overall, pretty good food and abysmal service.
(2)
Taylor S.
I wouldn't give any stars if I could. My husband and I waited to be seated for over 30 minutes while there were 4 empty tables. After being seated we waited again for over 20 minutes without one person coming to our table to take any sort of order, so we left. So disappointing because we have heard good reviews about the food. We will not be going back.
(1)
Becky C.
One of my favorite places to eat in Athens. The food is mostly locally grown and of high quality. Though seating is very limited, they do take reservations and call-aheads. The shrimp and grits, hamburgers, and brownies are "to die for!"
(4)
Josh W.
Great brunch, great coffee, great service, great patio area. Love the bread basket before your meal arrives. Reminded me a lot of Poole's Diner for the Raleigh folks reading this. Would come again next time I'm in Athens.
(4)
Joshua F.
I can't say enough good things! The food here is outstanding. The menu regularly rotates depending on seasonal ingredients, and always features interesting fare. On a recent trip to Athens, we had lunch at Heirloom, and enjoyed it so much we went back the following night for dinner. For lunch, I had a prosciutto, fresh sliced apple and brie sandwich that was excellent. For dinner, I had pasta that was clearly fresh and perfectly cooked. We took a group of 14 in, and everyone was very impressed. They have a nice wine list at affordable prices, and a very good craft beer selection as well. This is a great new spot, and very much needed in the culinary scene of Athens!
(5)
Jen F.
Had lovely brunch here on my last visit to Athens. Heirloom is a welcome addition to the Athens food scene. Adorable dining room, bright and cheery decor. Focus on locally grown/produced food. They serve 1000 Faces coffee (one of my faves), and have soy milk for us vegans. Our server was very knowledgeable about which menu options were/could be vegan. She was friendly and attentive, which you don't necessarily get at brunch in Athens. My only two complaints would be the lack of vegan options (I'm always shocked when a place that emphasizes local produce actually has few dishes that feature ONLY local produce), and poor descriptions of menu items. I ordered the Happy Vegan, which was described as a tofu scramble with veggies. What I got was more of a stew - cubed tofu w/ mushrooms, onion, and squash in a rich mushroom broth. It almost tasted like beef stew! I mean that in a good way. It was absolutely umami-filled and delicious, but in no way would it pass for a tofu scramble. I happily sopped up every last bit of broth with my generous serving of toast, but my dining companion was a bit disgruntled. We also shared a panzanella salad (sans cheese), which was tasty and full of heirloom tomatoes. Summary - cute place, potentially good service (if you get my waitress at least), fresh local food, and at least one good vegan option at each meal of the day. Definitely worth trying. I'll be back for dinner or lunch next time I'm in town.
(4)
Laura B.
Heirloom used to be one of my favorite places to eat, with the complimentary bread basket and seasonal items but it has since fallen to a somewhat disappointing experience. The bread basket is no longer offered and service is a hit or miss. Sometimes the waiter is friendly, sometimes you're ignored and made to feel like a nuisance. The food keeps changing, which I understand has to do with the seasonal nature of the restaurant, but I definitely preferred the old sausage and cheese grits before the changes were made. I will continue to occasionally visit Heirloom in hopes that the experience will get better, because I know that it can be!
(3)
David R.
I was stopping over in Athens, GA without realizing there would be hundreds of outsiders visiting for a music and arts festival this weekend. Looking around for breakfast this Sunday morning was a chore because of the 45+ minute waits at all the local restaurants. I stopped at Heirloom Cafe because of how courteous the manager was, despite the fact that they were overwhelmed with customers. He was quite clear on their seating situation and made us feel very comfortable while we waited to be seated. He personally served us drinks during our wait. When we did get our seats, staff was exceptionally kind and attentive. I have never had such pleasant service from staff who were so busy. Our coffee was served with a beautiful presentation. It tasted just as amazing as it looked. The food, country fried chicken and poached eggs on buttermilk biscuits with spinach and red eye gravy, was to die for. The trick is the food served at Heirloom comes straight and fresh from a local farm. The fried chicken was tender and juicy. Its breading was light, yet flavorful. The eggs were perfectly poached. The gravy added just the right flavor without being too heavy. We also had a salted toffee cookie and lemon poppy scone for dessert. The next time I travel through Athens, GA, I will make certain to stop in to Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market, and I recommend you do the same.
(5)
Matt J.
The food looks great. Too bad the service was so rude that we left before we even sat down. We showed up at about 11:30 AM on a Sunday morning to a restaurant that didn't seem that crowded. There were at least half a dozen empty tables and plenty of waitstaff. We walked up to the register where a gentleman was furiously scribbling on a notepad, ignoring us and the three other individuals waiting there to ask about a table. After a few minutes and many annoyed glances at us, he raised his head and began informing us that it would be at least 45 mins to sit. After snapping off his response in short order, he then eyes each of the prospective diners to see if they would bite. Most put their names down but then walked promptly to their cars and left, the tables going unfilled. When it came to me I asked for a party of 4 and he said, of course, 45 mins. I noted the large unfilled tables outside as well as the bar counter space which was empty, and the four-top by the kitchen. He replied "Sir, we are a very busy restaurant and all of these tables are spoken for." He then narrowed his eyes and went back to scribbling. A) Who takes reservations for brunch in a college town after a football game the night before? B) We figured they were doing so well they didn't need our business, so we put our names down then left. They could be serving free caviar and I wouldn't put up with that attitude. Good luck to this place. Hopefully the food is good enough to overcome the self-absorbed, too cool for school, waitstaff. I'm comfortable never finding out.
(1)
Janet G.
I had lunch here with friends a few days after it opened, and it was just lovely. The neighborhood is thrilled that the owners have taken what was an eyesore (an old gas station-turned-car service lot) and made it a beautiful, walkable destination. The decor is lovely, the recipes are really well thought-out, and the selections are interesting. I was especially impressed with how one of the owners took all the neighbors' points of view in consideration when establishing the restaurant and making the plan. The prices do seem high, yes, but we as a whole need to get a better grasp on the "real" price of food. The ingredients are mostly (or all?) local and super-fresh, and I'm willing to pay more for that. The chicken salad sandwich was just so-so, but it appears I was the odd man out: my 3 lunch dates loved their food. The sweet tea had just the right touch of sugar (not sickeningly sweet like I'm used to) and the service was good despite the overwhelmingly large crowd trying to get in there to eat. I expect that this place will get even better once the owner and staff get into more of a routine. Once the next paycheck comes in, I'm hoping to go for dinner--the reports are excellent!
(5)
John C.
The food is great, the staff is friendly, the building is beautiful, and the location is very convenient. My wife and I enjoy brunch and have had brunch pretty much everywhere in town. There are several local brunches that we love (Mama's Boy and Last Resort for examples), but Heirloom has become our regular brunch spot because it is consistently wonderful while offering new dishes every week. Anyway, we love the place and look forward to getting up (late) every Sunday so that we can go and eat at the Heirloom Cafe!
(5)
Laura P.
We have tried to like this place but am just really disappointed with it all together! You can order something one day and come back the next and it's a completely different portion size! We find the staff very unfriendly and not very put together! Not sure if we will even try to eat there again.
(3)
Marie M.
I went twice so to give the restaurant a fair shot. The first time I has a po'boy sandwich and a side of fruit. The food was good, but I didn't think it was worth the price. The second time I went I had the chicken salad and fruit. It was mediocre this time and I was disappointed that my $2 fruit side came in a small ramekin. The chicken salad was nothing special at all for $10. It truly looked like I made it in my kitchen. I know all the food is locally grown but it was priced too high for my taste.
(2)
Hap C.
I came here for my birthday dinner with a friend and my girlfriend. First of all, to my surprise they had Pumking Ale on draft, from Southern Tier. Let me say, if you have not tried it yet, please do. It is the most amazing fall beer I have tasted to date. That being said, be cautious; it's about 8% alcohol and will leave you with a killer hangover if you enjoy too much of it. Now that's out of the way, the restaurant was quaint, and the waiter was attentive and talkative, knew the menu, and was able to tell us a fair amount about how the restaurant sources its food supply (all within 100 miles of Athens). The food was flavorful in a full spectrum, and not your typical salty/sweet/sour/bitter combinations. You could tell that care was taken to prepare the meals. On the other hand, it can be a bit pricey (which is why I gave them 4/5), even for vegetarian dishes. Sitting outside on the patio made the meal even more special, as it was the perfect fall temperature--not too hot, not too cold.
(4)
Vincent S.
The food was exceptional as was the service. The restaurant was very clean and we observed several different employees cleaning the tables between customers. The hostess, as well as, our waitress were both very friendly and courteous. They checked on us throughout the meal to ensure we had everything we needed and were satisfied with the food. I had the two eggs over easy, with bacon and rye toast. My son had two eggs sunny side up with bacon and rye toast and my wife had the yogurt with granola, caramel and vanilla. Each dish was very well prepared and worth the price. We liked the fact all their food is purchased from local farmers and organic. I would rather pay a little more to get good food and keep the locals employed. Since my son will be attending UGA next fall, we will definitely put this restaurant on our list of places to eat when in town!!!
(5)
Brandon C.
Uh yea, I went to Heirloom for lunch because my girlfriend lives very close and we wanted to try something new. I ordered the hummus plate ($ 10) and my girlfriend got the bahn mi tofu ($ 9). We had heard nothing but good things and were expecting a show of culinary expertise. However, when we received our meal we were surprised to find anything but...especially at these prices. The hummus was good...but the portion was the size of an egg....a small egg. I received sliced radishes, carrots, and one pita.....at other restaurants (in town) I could have gotten more veggies and hummus for 7 bucks and organic. My girlfriend's sandwich was tofu, sauce, and cabbage...on Luna bread (that was good)...the sandwich lacked....sorry Heirloom. I will not take a chance on you again....but at least you have a pretty place.
(2)
Kathy O.
Have been to Heirloom Cafe several times and never disappointed. Took a group yesterday, and while the food was fabulous, the service was not. We couldn't find the waiter most of the time, and had to ask for refills on beverages and for our checks. Didn't spoil our day, and that is why I gave a good review. Tips would have been better with a little attention. Sorry!
(4)
Anna Q.
We went here last night for Valentines Day - typically the worst night ever to go out to eat and it was fabulous. It was a wonderfully relaxed evening, the service was great, the food was fantastic, just a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. I must say that the Cream of Beet Soup was delightful and I loved the Pork two ways. The presentation on the coconut tres leches cake was also beautiful - and most importantly it was delicious too. We opted to add the wine flight for $15 and it was definitely a deal - these were full pours of wine, not tastings. Bravo Heirloom!
(5)
William H.
Maybe I came to Heirloom on an off day, which is a shame because I was really looking forward to the perfect opportunity to try it out. I was standing at the counter to order lunch more than a half hour before they closed but they were well on the way to having the place shut down. The cashier let us know she was less than amused to see us with a stern look cutting out from below harsh bangs. Looking to share a light lunch with my boyfriend, we were disappointed to find a menu whose most commonly listed ingredient was ground beef. We settled on the French Country Lunch Basket (sandwich), the prosciutto, apple and brie hoagie another reviewer mentioned, and a coffee each. A rather flat "Do you need cream?" from Bangs before being directed towards the multi-liter vat, open pint box of Half & Half in hand. Twelve or so vigorous pumps of the airpot each rewards us with a couple cups of tepid, stale coffee that I'm sure was great hours ago. Our meal arrives quickly, but the sandwich left a lot to be desired. The crusty fresh baguette from Luna was my favorite part. I was hoping the apples would be a crisp, tart, thinly sliced compliment to the salty ham and creamy brie. Instead, the thick mealy slices dissolve into a mush on the second chew and overwhelm the other flavors formerly present. Checked out the items in the market for a few minutes before managing to slip out unnoticed and unacknowledged. Super fun decor!
(2)
Kathy L.
We ate here twice recently, once for dinner and once for brunch. Dinner was quite nice, the outdoor seating is delightful in nice weather and the service was attentive, informed and refreshingly polite! The fig salad is absolutely dreamy, the tempura like appetizer not so impressive. My burger was large and full of flavor - my husbands fish special was very good. At brunch I went on a limb and tried an unusual style of eggs benedict without the sauce and combined with kale and pickled watermelon rind. It was a little over the top - wouldn't order again - but it was presented very nicely. Our son had a hearty typical eggs meal and my husband had shrimp and grits with an edgy addition of butternut squash. It was very good and I would definitely recommend it. All in all, we will go back and enjoy future meals at this lovely little gem.
(4)
J D.
I love having this restaurant in my neighborhood! The food is consistently tasty and I appreciate their use of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Last night I had the delicious cream of mushroom soup which was perfection in a tiny cup. I also had the lentil walnut burger with Sriracha ketchup which was extremely satisfying. I tried the regular burger that one of our dining party ordered and it was perhaps the best in town. The burgers came on these fantastic buns that I am still thinking about today. Also, the pickled green tomato was awesome! My only tiny criticism would be that for the upcharge to get the soup as a side with the burger, I would have liked a slightly larger serving. Which really is a complement because the soup was so darn good! On another visit, I had the housemade tagliatelle, which was really great and perfectly made, and the fig salad, which was incredible! Would have had it again yesterday but they didn't have it available. They also have Wild Heaven Invocation, which is currently my favorite beer, and a nice selection of other beers to choose from. I will definitely go back.....and often!
(4)
Kelly B.
Good place to take parents for brunch if they're visiting in town. The pimento cheese is bomb and the tofu/veggie scramble thing is delicious. Service can be a pit of a pain sometimes. Went for brunch on the weekend with a couple friends one time and ended up sitting there for 2.5 hours. A bit too leisurely pace, but the food is usually spot on.
(4)
Matthew S.
My sister and I visited this restaurant last night and were pleasantly surprised. We had heard good things about the place and I had read the other reviews on Yelp, but my mind is never made up until my personal experience. I arrived a little early and was waiting on my sister and the staff was very pleasant while I waited at the bar. After we were seated, a very pleasant and professional waitress came and took our order. We both had the Polk burger, which was yummy. I could not figure out whether the chips were homemade or not, but it did not matter. The vegetarian burger was large and excellent. There was something spicy that provided quite a bit of heat, but I believe it was my own fault for putting the ketchup on my burger liberally thinking it was regular homemade ketchup. It ended up being very spicy, but still good. We will be coming back. It is a little bit loud due to the concrete walls. P.S. The tempura broccoli with the cheese sauce for a starter is EXCELLENT!
(5)
Rick E.
We arrived early for dinner with a bunch of young kids and were a little worried about the combo of restless kids and a nice-ish restaurant, but it couldn't have worked out better. They put us in a comfortable corner where we wouldn't disturb any other diners, brought us plenty of bread, and the kids could take periodic breaks to run around the quiet paved area outside. We were a combination of vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores, but everyone found the food delicious, with lovely combinations and touches (a few candied pecans tossed in with the feta on a fresh spinach salad). We appreciated the focus on local food--as well as some helpful recommendations on the wine. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff. We couldn't have had a better meal, or a better time. I'm looking forward to going back.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dana K.
I came here for brunch, and enjoyed it! Inside is a little cramped, but there is a lot of outdoor seating! We only had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated, and the staff was quick and efficient. Before my table got our meals, they brought out chocolate chip scones that were delicious! For my meal I got pancakes that were so fluffy and yummy! My friend got an omelet, which she said was good, but was underwhelmed with the biscuit. My other friends got the burger (great!) and the chicken salad sandwich (so good!!) Overall, the food was delicious and I felt there was a good bit of variety for a not so large menu. There were also a lot of vegetarian options, which is always nice! Overall, great spot!
(4)Diva J.
Heirloom has become my favorite place in Athens for weekend brunch. I've gotten the Love on a Biscuit a few times -- always delicious! The homemade chocolate chip scones are fabulous especially with their seasonal strawberry jam. The service is overall good, but usually it takes a couple minutes before we are greeted at the door. Several servers will walk by without anyone acknowledging that we are there, but once seated the wait staff is very helpful. If you sit at the bar, Celeste is really sweet and provides excellent service.
(4)Sara P.
Their lentil pecan burger is the best veggie burger I have ever had in my life (and I was vegetarian for five years). Made fresh, with just the right amount of hot sauce and cheese. Definitely recommend it.
(4)Licca K.
The biscuits really are that good. It was a Sunday, and a weekend brunch rush made Heirloom packed. We finally got our table, ordered, and was queued into another long wait. This stop-and-go persisted as the waitress dropped one of our entrees.... It was a sunny Sunday afternoon and a brunch rush left Heirloom packed. The wait was no mind, and the bustle of waitresses was only additive to the experience of a morning cafe. Then the breakfast burrito dropped. It was quickly replaced with a kind apology, and everything was peachy---including the jam. But really, the biscuits are that good, the grits were pretty satisfying, and the pimento cheese rocked some socks. Though my tofu scramble was heavily laden in olive oil, it was still fresh and delicious with herbs and local veggies. Just hold back on the oil some~
(4)Megan R.
Had scrambled eggs, fruit and biscuit for brunch with coffee. All were delicious. Eggs were fluffy, biscuit was not dry like many served in restaurants, and the small fruit bowl had a little bit of everything. I like that most of their food is sourced locally, and they try to avoid artificial ingredients. I took away one star because the service was not really top notch. When the hostess seated us, she sat us at a table indoors in the direct sunlight (it was 95+ that day!). Had there not been any other tables available, I would've understood, but there were many in cooler, more shady areas of the restaurant. But the waitress did move us when we asked. Overall, the waitress was nice, but kind of nonchalant.
(4)Catherine B.
Stopped for a late lunch and really enjoyed the warm wheat berry salad. I rarely order a salad as an entrée and this was such an unexpected treat. Instead of the salad being served with all the tasty bits I wanted piled smack dab on the top of too much lettuce, this salad had all the bits I like integrated throughout the lettuce. I didn't pick off all the "good stuff" and then leave a large mound of lettuce behind. What a concept! The serving was more than generous enough to satisfy my hunger. I even asked for a box (because there were still plenty of the tasty bits left) so I could finish the rest with dinner at home that night. Ended my meal with the lemon, blueberry and buttermilk creme brulee...of course. It was wonderful but just a tad soupy toward the bottom which I didn't mind at all since the overall taste overshadowed that. It was a very nice finish to my lunch. All in all it was a very pleasant midweek meal that felt more like a guilty pleasure.
(4)Cassie B.
This is my favorite restaurant so far in Athens. I love how their food is farm fresh, love the options for restricted diet, and love the atmosphere. My last visit here was brunch. I ordered chocolate chip gf pancakes and scrambled eggs. The pancakes were delicious! You couldn't even tell they were gf. The chocolate chips were the perfect punt, not overkill but enough to get a couple on each bite. I was so full after my second one but kept eating. (You get three). That is the best feeling, when the food is so good you don't stop until you want to explode. My boyfriend ordered the bacon pancakes. He's not very descriptive but told me to report that they were "good. Great. Really good." I've been here for dinner too and no complaints. I also love their patio, and they have a small bocce ball court as well. The service here is super friendly and informative. I definitely recommend this spot!
(5)Eddie P.
We visited here for brunch and were not impressed with the service. The wait was approximately 45 minutes. Once seated we ordered drinks from the bar and our food made it out before our drinks! The service here is very slow and nonchalant. When I confronted the server she said the bar was "backed up". I looked over and bartender was talking to other servers! Lastly, the same server was waiting on another table and brought their appetizer with the meal and said "I forgot to put this in. . . " WHATEVER! Food was good.
(2)Kenneth H.
I've never reviewed anything, but felt the need to complain. We ordered quiche and a chicken salad sandwich. Both are items that have been pre made and only need to be heated or placed on bread. Nonetheless, it took about an hour to get our food. The atmosphere is great if you are wanting to sit around, chat, and drink. But, if you are hungry go somewhere else because you will get irritated with the wait. Also, the portions are small. I literally consumed my grits in two spoonfuls and the side of fruit consisted of 1/8 of an apple and orange.
(2)Kelsey F.
Heirloom is a place I keep coming back to. As someone who isn't a resident of Athens, I've probably eaten at Heirloom 5 times over the last 2 years. This could be in part because a friend lives about a block away, but it is mainly because of their delicious food and cozy, casual atmosphere. I've only been to Heirloom for brunch and there is always a wait after about 10:30 as is the case with most good brunch places in Athens. They do take reservations if you don't like waiting. Personally, I enjoy waiting around at Heirloom. The hostess will bring you coffees or mimosas, they have comfy gliders for sitting in the sun and a bocce ball court if you are feeling a quick game. I much prefer the outside patio seating. The tables feel a little cramped inside and I also think it can get a little hot in there. Outside is breezy and you are surrounded by neat plants. One time, a friend started talking to the waiter about how much he liked one of their sage plants and they let him take it home! Such nice people. The farm fresh food is always delicious. Your meal typically starts with a bread basket of the day, scones of some sort most of the time. On my most recent visit, I ordered the arugula, onion and goat cheese quiche with home fries and a biscuit. Their quiche is SO creamy and the pie crust is amazing. They always have one vegetarian option and one meat option (that usually sells out fairly early). I also tried one of my cohort's Bloody Mary's that was extra tasty. Heirloom is a little off the beaten path at the far side of Chase street by Boulevard. Parking is available in their lot or on the near by streets. If you walk there, you get a discount. Service is relaxed and the whole experience is always enjoyable.
(4)Josh M.
About as good as it gets. I won't normally eat fried porkchops in a restaurant because they can't come close to my mom's fried porkchops, but these were amazing! You could tell this meat didn't come from Kroger and they gave you two! It was paired with the fluffiest mashed sweet potatoes I've ever had and some really good collards. It was a great meal. My date had the lentil burger and she enjoyed it as well. The drinks deserve their own section because they were just as great. I had a couple Rosemary Old Fashioneds and everything about it was great. Very smooth and delicious. I also tried the Boulevardier and it was good as well, but the Old Fashioned is the way to go. I can't wait to go back and try more of their cocktails. It was a great experience.
(5)Dana K.
Solid place for brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu is constantly changing with a wide range of locally grown/sourced items. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, and the outdoor seating is a personal fave. Highly recommended for weekend brunch.
(4)David S.
NEVER had a bad meal here, kids love the brunch, always creative and all meat is ethical! Yay! Love the soups and ever-changing creativity. The service is always nice too. Their commitment to farm-to-table keeps it pretty pricey, but you know you are helping the environment and the local economy when you can afford to patronize them. Unlike other places that source only some meats organically and locally, they are 100% which is pretty great. I think only Farm255 can share that attribute and frankly their cooking just isn't ever as interesting as Heirloom's. One of our faves, and we are locals.
(5)Amanda D.
Such a cute little place, I can't wait to go back! I good bit on the pricey side, so it won't be that often that I get to go, but our waitress was so helpful (I asked about gluten free items and she went to the kitchen and double-checked everything for me) Basically their burgers are gluten free and you can leave the bun off, I got some bratwurst on top of a bed of red peppers and onions (not really my thing, I wish it'd been something edible...) but I was envying the burgers everyone else got. Whatever cheese they put on it was "rill guud". I would like to see this organic little market do some more specifically gluten free stuff.
(4)Melissa M.
My brunch group has eaten here a few times, and it's been a good experience every time. They are very accommodating for large groups, but I do think we usually call ahead. The menu changes slightly from week to week. I didn't find it overly expensive, but I've never eaten dinner here. As a vegetarian, I found plenty of options here and they're willing to tweak dishes to suit your needs. Although the one thing I wasn't particularly crazy about was the vegan tofu scramble. I'm a pretty big fan of their bread basket, which gives you a sampling of biscuits, scones, and breads that work well for a group with different tastes. I've only had dessert once, but it was amazing and well worth it. The space is adorable and fits really well in the Boulevard neighborhood.
(4)Mack M.
Great Breakfast. My wife can be kinda picky but she loved the tofu...which I tasted it and was impressed too.
(4)Bill G.
Sitting outside under the trellis is always a pleasure, especially during the long Spring and Summer evenings. Diverse menu with good vegetarian and meat options, I love the Shrimp and Grits. There have been a series of chef changes and each brings something new, the baked chicken with Indian inspired peanut sauce is delicious. Heirloom keeps-on-keeping-on, here's to them for providing a great local Restuarant with sustainably sourced local ingredients, and proving a discount for those who walk.
(4)l b.
I'll sadly give this place 3 stars with hopes for improvement. I am a lover of farm-to-table restaurants and prefer to support local business efforts. However, this restaurant has not yet met the mark. We came here for a late brunch with our dog, who was welcome to sit with us on the patio. :) I appreciated the giant planters on the perimeter of the patio with different herbs growing. I loved the bay door connecting the patio to the restaurant, creating an open air style restaurant. An even though this restaurant is on a street corner, close to traffic, you don't feel that way. The setting is cozy and intimate, yet still casual. My fiancé loved his peppery Bloody Mary garnished with pickled veggies. He likes strong flavors so both of those tastes were perfect for him. My dogwood cocktail was refreshing and delicious! An excellent alternative to mimosas which I've never truly loved, it's a combination of vodka, St. Germaine, and grapefruit juice. Both of our cocktails had the very nice, Tito's vodka. The complimentary chocolate chip scones were good. I'm not really a scone person but I'd say I've had better scones. My fiancé's omelette with mushrooms and house-made sausage was not as flavorful as you'd expect. The sausage was nothing special and the eggs seemed to have minimal seasoning, if any. :/ The home fries were very well seasoned and tasty. Seemed a but mushy without any sign of crisp, and maybe sat in the oil a bit too long... The biscuit was fantastic! Very dense with the perfect crisp on top and flakiness inside. The bacon was good an additional side; perfectly cooked. My granola was delicious! Loved the golden raisins and the cinnamon and spices. The Greek yogurt was very creamy, which I love. My pimento cheese grits were sticky and dry. I'm all but convinced that this was because they had been setting around for many hours. They tasted like regular cheese grits, although I did spy 2 pimentos in the grits. We were both very full when we left. All of this cost is $40. The prices are higher than I'd like to pay for what we got. I just don't think the omelette was top notch and the grits and bacon sides were small portions and expensive. The cocktails were worth the price. Our server was great! She was friendly and had a contagious smile. She was prompt, professional, and sociable. Overall, I think their flavors could use some improvement. I suspect their current menu is a mixture of some really tasty and some mediocre dishes. But you'll think the prices are too high if you unfortunately order a mediocre dish. This place could become great I think. They've got the ingredients, location, decor, and a few good dishes. I'd like to try this place again in the future to see how they grow.
(3)Anne F.
Okay so I'm taking home some of Bengi's sausages... I hate this expression... But I think it's true... their sausages are " to die for!" Heirloom uses seasonal Foods so their meat purveyor may change from time to time but whoever they get the sausage from right now, well... the sausage was delicious with a great combo flavors... and it accompanied "The Omelet" which was made with smoked cheddar, mushrooms and maybe something else but it was pretty awesome. The biscuit was good but the apple marmalade(?) that they serve with the biscuit, was quite delicious. The coffee had a nice hardy flavor. Service: the waitress and the hostess very good and attentive. And I love the vintage-inspired tablecloths . All In all, a lovely experience for a Sunday afternoon in Athens.
(5)Diana Z.
Such a cute restaurant filled with bright colors and kind staff. I ordered the lentil/walnut burger and requested to not have the hot sauce on it. It came out anyways with hot sauce and yikes. It was almost too much. If you're a spicy lightweight like me, definitely don't get it with the hot sauce and send it back if it comes out with it on the burger. Otherwise the burger was great!
(3)Melissa K.
The food here is either deliciously good with generous portions or seriously lacking with scarce ingredients. Now, I'm not expecting heaped over the plate portions by any means so most of the time I'm completely satisfied with slowly savoring my food at Heirloom but when I order a $9 salad that consists of somewhat slimy greens with maybe a tablespoon of advertised ingredients but a bucket of lemon juice based dressing then, well, not so much. After 5 tries at various salads, with an honest desire to eat healthy at lunch despite my companion tearing into something with full-o-fat delicious pimento cheese, I've given up. Last time I got a 1/4 of a peach diced to oblivion, a sprinkle of cheese, a few nuts and a LOT of dressing. There will be no 6th time for salads here. Another miss for Heirloom is that the wait times are way too long. Unless I have about 2 hours to spare, I don't eat here. 2 hours for 4 courses is beyond fine but 2 hours, after seating, for a salad and a cookie and to pay is not feasible for me. That said, the brunch is very tasty, specialty desserts are great and the service is always friendly and informative. I also love that they hold various events at the establishment that foster a sense of community. The outdoor seating is setup in a way that you don't feel like you're on a busy corner and the parking is ample but it does fill up during peak hours. Beer and wine is available, and the selection is moderately priced and served at the right temps, but I don't know if they have a full bar or not. Great for smaller groups since the place isn't too big. Crowd makes for great people watching - townies, country club set, students, parents.
(3)Vivian W.
Great food, with a revolving menu based on farm fresh ingredients. I've never had a bad meal here, and service is always delivered with a smile. The restaurant is committed to a farm-to-table philosophy and their meats are organic and local which is phenomenal. A large group of us (25 people) came here for a celebratory lunch the other day. They were ready for our large group during the busy lunch rush (Saturday early afternoon), and got our food and drink orders out without stress. The food was fresh, and cooked beautifully. We were all thrilled with the meal. You know I'll be back next time I'm in Athens.
(4)John A.
I wish the food had more flavor. Sometimes farm to table concept means they skip seasoning as well. Took a long time for the food - so not recommended if you have less than 45 minutes for breakfast.
(3)Shannon H.
A group of six of us went here for brunch today. They let us call ahead to set up a table and we were seated immediately. But the service was quite pokey after that and there were several hiccups with our order. The staff was very nice about it, but I echo sentiments that the service is a little spotty. Everyone loved the bacon though, and the muffin baskets were delicious. Note: they don't have decaffe espresso so no lattes for those of us that don't do caffeine.
(3)Gill B.
The food was supremely delicious, but the service was a bit of a disappointment. I came on a Sunday morning with three of my friends to indulge in some brunch munchies. We were seated right away at a cozy table by the front window overlooking the precious patio. The dining room was decorated with bright colors and charming art pieces from talented local artists. I especially liked the whimsical little chain of colored paper triangles strung across the windows. I was impressed with the farm fresh ingredients and offerings on the menu. The wait for our food was a bit long (30-40 minutes), but I didn't mind too much bearing in mind that I would be getting a fresh, quality meal. We patiently sipped our coffee and water while we waited for our food to arrive. We were a bit disappointed when we did not receive the customary bread basket that was bestowed upon the tables around us. Did we lose the bread basket lottery? None of us had the courage to inquire about it. I ordered "the Happy Vegan" (a delightful tofu scramble) with a side of fresh fruit. The tofu was cooked perfectly, and the scrumptiously sweet sesame sauce was the perfect compliment to the veggie-tofu combo. The fruit was incredibly crisp and tasty. When our waters ran low, our server refreshed two of the four glasses, and we then struggled to flag him down to top off the remaining two. He also forgot to include my friend's side of bacon with her meal. She reminded him, and did not receive it until she was halfway through her meal. I really enjoyed the food, but I wish that our server had been a bit more attentive. That would have put this cute and funky little place in the 4-5 star range.
(3)Toni B.
Food was amazing, thought it took a while to come out. Service was great ! First time to Athens, i would recommend to a friend.
(4)M S.
The quiche was good. The "salad" that came with it was not a salad. It was lettuce and lettuce only. The worst part was the service. It was awful! My waitress Catherine was completely matter of fact with me. I felt like I wasn't welcomed at all. There was no line, no wait to get in. It is Tuesday afternoon and more than half the restaurant is empty. I should've just gone to Starbucks or Jittery Joe's. I will never be back and would never recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)Cheezwhiz R.
This place rocks...the only reason I'm giving 4 is the service was very slow. We also had to ask for a muffin basket but when we got it I was in heaven. The quiche was something to write home about and the potatoes. Yes! Bunch is good and I will be back
(4)Colleen B.
I was excited to try this place but was disappointed in my experience. The atmosphere is great. And I love all the artwork for sale. It was a rainy day and the wait to be seated inside was 30 minutes. We ordered coffees and hot chocolates. I'm not sure if the weather dampened the hostesses spirits, but she was very short with me and my family. We did our best to stay out of her way. We got seated and were ready to order right away as we had ample time to decide on our orders while waiting. Waitress came by with waters and smiles but disappeared before taking out order. It took about 15 minutes for her to swing by again. From ordering to food delivery was a further 45 minutes. It's always frustrating to see people seated after you served before you. I also had a hard time getting refills on my coffee. I'd skip this place next time I'm in town. Food was okay but not worth the rest of our experience.
(3)Andrew W.
Restaurant is really cool but the service is weird - server seemed out of it the whole time, and I didn't get helped for quite while. Cool place, def come here for the food and drinks.
(4)Adriana G.
Sorry, poor service trumped good food! Our waitress, one of two women on duty (not the one working the bar) at lunch today had no sense of timing whatsoever. Attention owners! She needs to go. Every step of the process took 5-10 minutes longer than it needed to, and no I don't think it was the kitchen that was running slow.
(1)Ankit P.
Love this place. It's a nice place with great food and service. I'm on the paleo diet and they had grass fed beef which was delicious. They also have a decent gluten free options as well.
(5)Michael D.
I hope the food is good here. Two friends and I just waited 45 minutes to be seated at a table that we saw was empty the entire team we waited. The service, to this point, has been horrendous. The waitstaff seems to have no sense of urgency on this Sunday morning/afternoon. I'll update the review if the food is amazing. Upon further review, the food was very good, although we had to wait an additional 30 minutes before receiving it and the eggs were cooked incorrectly at first. Overall, pretty good food and abysmal service.
(2)Taylor S.
I wouldn't give any stars if I could. My husband and I waited to be seated for over 30 minutes while there were 4 empty tables. After being seated we waited again for over 20 minutes without one person coming to our table to take any sort of order, so we left. So disappointing because we have heard good reviews about the food. We will not be going back.
(1)Becky C.
One of my favorite places to eat in Athens. The food is mostly locally grown and of high quality. Though seating is very limited, they do take reservations and call-aheads. The shrimp and grits, hamburgers, and brownies are "to die for!"
(4)Josh W.
Great brunch, great coffee, great service, great patio area. Love the bread basket before your meal arrives. Reminded me a lot of Poole's Diner for the Raleigh folks reading this. Would come again next time I'm in Athens.
(4)Joshua F.
I can't say enough good things! The food here is outstanding. The menu regularly rotates depending on seasonal ingredients, and always features interesting fare. On a recent trip to Athens, we had lunch at Heirloom, and enjoyed it so much we went back the following night for dinner. For lunch, I had a prosciutto, fresh sliced apple and brie sandwich that was excellent. For dinner, I had pasta that was clearly fresh and perfectly cooked. We took a group of 14 in, and everyone was very impressed. They have a nice wine list at affordable prices, and a very good craft beer selection as well. This is a great new spot, and very much needed in the culinary scene of Athens!
(5)Jen F.
Had lovely brunch here on my last visit to Athens. Heirloom is a welcome addition to the Athens food scene. Adorable dining room, bright and cheery decor. Focus on locally grown/produced food. They serve 1000 Faces coffee (one of my faves), and have soy milk for us vegans. Our server was very knowledgeable about which menu options were/could be vegan. She was friendly and attentive, which you don't necessarily get at brunch in Athens. My only two complaints would be the lack of vegan options (I'm always shocked when a place that emphasizes local produce actually has few dishes that feature ONLY local produce), and poor descriptions of menu items. I ordered the Happy Vegan, which was described as a tofu scramble with veggies. What I got was more of a stew - cubed tofu w/ mushrooms, onion, and squash in a rich mushroom broth. It almost tasted like beef stew! I mean that in a good way. It was absolutely umami-filled and delicious, but in no way would it pass for a tofu scramble. I happily sopped up every last bit of broth with my generous serving of toast, but my dining companion was a bit disgruntled. We also shared a panzanella salad (sans cheese), which was tasty and full of heirloom tomatoes. Summary - cute place, potentially good service (if you get my waitress at least), fresh local food, and at least one good vegan option at each meal of the day. Definitely worth trying. I'll be back for dinner or lunch next time I'm in town.
(4)Laura B.
Heirloom used to be one of my favorite places to eat, with the complimentary bread basket and seasonal items but it has since fallen to a somewhat disappointing experience. The bread basket is no longer offered and service is a hit or miss. Sometimes the waiter is friendly, sometimes you're ignored and made to feel like a nuisance. The food keeps changing, which I understand has to do with the seasonal nature of the restaurant, but I definitely preferred the old sausage and cheese grits before the changes were made. I will continue to occasionally visit Heirloom in hopes that the experience will get better, because I know that it can be!
(3)David R.
I was stopping over in Athens, GA without realizing there would be hundreds of outsiders visiting for a music and arts festival this weekend. Looking around for breakfast this Sunday morning was a chore because of the 45+ minute waits at all the local restaurants. I stopped at Heirloom Cafe because of how courteous the manager was, despite the fact that they were overwhelmed with customers. He was quite clear on their seating situation and made us feel very comfortable while we waited to be seated. He personally served us drinks during our wait. When we did get our seats, staff was exceptionally kind and attentive. I have never had such pleasant service from staff who were so busy. Our coffee was served with a beautiful presentation. It tasted just as amazing as it looked. The food, country fried chicken and poached eggs on buttermilk biscuits with spinach and red eye gravy, was to die for. The trick is the food served at Heirloom comes straight and fresh from a local farm. The fried chicken was tender and juicy. Its breading was light, yet flavorful. The eggs were perfectly poached. The gravy added just the right flavor without being too heavy. We also had a salted toffee cookie and lemon poppy scone for dessert. The next time I travel through Athens, GA, I will make certain to stop in to Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market, and I recommend you do the same.
(5)Matt J.
The food looks great. Too bad the service was so rude that we left before we even sat down. We showed up at about 11:30 AM on a Sunday morning to a restaurant that didn't seem that crowded. There were at least half a dozen empty tables and plenty of waitstaff. We walked up to the register where a gentleman was furiously scribbling on a notepad, ignoring us and the three other individuals waiting there to ask about a table. After a few minutes and many annoyed glances at us, he raised his head and began informing us that it would be at least 45 mins to sit. After snapping off his response in short order, he then eyes each of the prospective diners to see if they would bite. Most put their names down but then walked promptly to their cars and left, the tables going unfilled. When it came to me I asked for a party of 4 and he said, of course, 45 mins. I noted the large unfilled tables outside as well as the bar counter space which was empty, and the four-top by the kitchen. He replied "Sir, we are a very busy restaurant and all of these tables are spoken for." He then narrowed his eyes and went back to scribbling. A) Who takes reservations for brunch in a college town after a football game the night before? B) We figured they were doing so well they didn't need our business, so we put our names down then left. They could be serving free caviar and I wouldn't put up with that attitude. Good luck to this place. Hopefully the food is good enough to overcome the self-absorbed, too cool for school, waitstaff. I'm comfortable never finding out.
(1)Janet G.
I had lunch here with friends a few days after it opened, and it was just lovely. The neighborhood is thrilled that the owners have taken what was an eyesore (an old gas station-turned-car service lot) and made it a beautiful, walkable destination. The decor is lovely, the recipes are really well thought-out, and the selections are interesting. I was especially impressed with how one of the owners took all the neighbors' points of view in consideration when establishing the restaurant and making the plan. The prices do seem high, yes, but we as a whole need to get a better grasp on the "real" price of food. The ingredients are mostly (or all?) local and super-fresh, and I'm willing to pay more for that. The chicken salad sandwich was just so-so, but it appears I was the odd man out: my 3 lunch dates loved their food. The sweet tea had just the right touch of sugar (not sickeningly sweet like I'm used to) and the service was good despite the overwhelmingly large crowd trying to get in there to eat. I expect that this place will get even better once the owner and staff get into more of a routine. Once the next paycheck comes in, I'm hoping to go for dinner--the reports are excellent!
(5)John C.
The food is great, the staff is friendly, the building is beautiful, and the location is very convenient. My wife and I enjoy brunch and have had brunch pretty much everywhere in town. There are several local brunches that we love (Mama's Boy and Last Resort for examples), but Heirloom has become our regular brunch spot because it is consistently wonderful while offering new dishes every week. Anyway, we love the place and look forward to getting up (late) every Sunday so that we can go and eat at the Heirloom Cafe!
(5)Laura P.
We have tried to like this place but am just really disappointed with it all together! You can order something one day and come back the next and it's a completely different portion size! We find the staff very unfriendly and not very put together! Not sure if we will even try to eat there again.
(3)Marie M.
I went twice so to give the restaurant a fair shot. The first time I has a po'boy sandwich and a side of fruit. The food was good, but I didn't think it was worth the price. The second time I went I had the chicken salad and fruit. It was mediocre this time and I was disappointed that my $2 fruit side came in a small ramekin. The chicken salad was nothing special at all for $10. It truly looked like I made it in my kitchen. I know all the food is locally grown but it was priced too high for my taste.
(2)Hap C.
I came here for my birthday dinner with a friend and my girlfriend. First of all, to my surprise they had Pumking Ale on draft, from Southern Tier. Let me say, if you have not tried it yet, please do. It is the most amazing fall beer I have tasted to date. That being said, be cautious; it's about 8% alcohol and will leave you with a killer hangover if you enjoy too much of it. Now that's out of the way, the restaurant was quaint, and the waiter was attentive and talkative, knew the menu, and was able to tell us a fair amount about how the restaurant sources its food supply (all within 100 miles of Athens). The food was flavorful in a full spectrum, and not your typical salty/sweet/sour/bitter combinations. You could tell that care was taken to prepare the meals. On the other hand, it can be a bit pricey (which is why I gave them 4/5), even for vegetarian dishes. Sitting outside on the patio made the meal even more special, as it was the perfect fall temperature--not too hot, not too cold.
(4)Vincent S.
The food was exceptional as was the service. The restaurant was very clean and we observed several different employees cleaning the tables between customers. The hostess, as well as, our waitress were both very friendly and courteous. They checked on us throughout the meal to ensure we had everything we needed and were satisfied with the food. I had the two eggs over easy, with bacon and rye toast. My son had two eggs sunny side up with bacon and rye toast and my wife had the yogurt with granola, caramel and vanilla. Each dish was very well prepared and worth the price. We liked the fact all their food is purchased from local farmers and organic. I would rather pay a little more to get good food and keep the locals employed. Since my son will be attending UGA next fall, we will definitely put this restaurant on our list of places to eat when in town!!!
(5)Brandon C.
Uh yea, I went to Heirloom for lunch because my girlfriend lives very close and we wanted to try something new. I ordered the hummus plate ($ 10) and my girlfriend got the bahn mi tofu ($ 9). We had heard nothing but good things and were expecting a show of culinary expertise. However, when we received our meal we were surprised to find anything but...especially at these prices. The hummus was good...but the portion was the size of an egg....a small egg. I received sliced radishes, carrots, and one pita.....at other restaurants (in town) I could have gotten more veggies and hummus for 7 bucks and organic. My girlfriend's sandwich was tofu, sauce, and cabbage...on Luna bread (that was good)...the sandwich lacked....sorry Heirloom. I will not take a chance on you again....but at least you have a pretty place.
(2)Kathy O.
Have been to Heirloom Cafe several times and never disappointed. Took a group yesterday, and while the food was fabulous, the service was not. We couldn't find the waiter most of the time, and had to ask for refills on beverages and for our checks. Didn't spoil our day, and that is why I gave a good review. Tips would have been better with a little attention. Sorry!
(4)Anna Q.
We went here last night for Valentines Day - typically the worst night ever to go out to eat and it was fabulous. It was a wonderfully relaxed evening, the service was great, the food was fantastic, just a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. I must say that the Cream of Beet Soup was delightful and I loved the Pork two ways. The presentation on the coconut tres leches cake was also beautiful - and most importantly it was delicious too. We opted to add the wine flight for $15 and it was definitely a deal - these were full pours of wine, not tastings. Bravo Heirloom!
(5)William H.
Maybe I came to Heirloom on an off day, which is a shame because I was really looking forward to the perfect opportunity to try it out. I was standing at the counter to order lunch more than a half hour before they closed but they were well on the way to having the place shut down. The cashier let us know she was less than amused to see us with a stern look cutting out from below harsh bangs. Looking to share a light lunch with my boyfriend, we were disappointed to find a menu whose most commonly listed ingredient was ground beef. We settled on the French Country Lunch Basket (sandwich), the prosciutto, apple and brie hoagie another reviewer mentioned, and a coffee each. A rather flat "Do you need cream?" from Bangs before being directed towards the multi-liter vat, open pint box of Half & Half in hand. Twelve or so vigorous pumps of the airpot each rewards us with a couple cups of tepid, stale coffee that I'm sure was great hours ago. Our meal arrives quickly, but the sandwich left a lot to be desired. The crusty fresh baguette from Luna was my favorite part. I was hoping the apples would be a crisp, tart, thinly sliced compliment to the salty ham and creamy brie. Instead, the thick mealy slices dissolve into a mush on the second chew and overwhelm the other flavors formerly present. Checked out the items in the market for a few minutes before managing to slip out unnoticed and unacknowledged. Super fun decor!
(2)Kathy L.
We ate here twice recently, once for dinner and once for brunch. Dinner was quite nice, the outdoor seating is delightful in nice weather and the service was attentive, informed and refreshingly polite! The fig salad is absolutely dreamy, the tempura like appetizer not so impressive. My burger was large and full of flavor - my husbands fish special was very good. At brunch I went on a limb and tried an unusual style of eggs benedict without the sauce and combined with kale and pickled watermelon rind. It was a little over the top - wouldn't order again - but it was presented very nicely. Our son had a hearty typical eggs meal and my husband had shrimp and grits with an edgy addition of butternut squash. It was very good and I would definitely recommend it. All in all, we will go back and enjoy future meals at this lovely little gem.
(4)J D.
I love having this restaurant in my neighborhood! The food is consistently tasty and I appreciate their use of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Last night I had the delicious cream of mushroom soup which was perfection in a tiny cup. I also had the lentil walnut burger with Sriracha ketchup which was extremely satisfying. I tried the regular burger that one of our dining party ordered and it was perhaps the best in town. The burgers came on these fantastic buns that I am still thinking about today. Also, the pickled green tomato was awesome! My only tiny criticism would be that for the upcharge to get the soup as a side with the burger, I would have liked a slightly larger serving. Which really is a complement because the soup was so darn good! On another visit, I had the housemade tagliatelle, which was really great and perfectly made, and the fig salad, which was incredible! Would have had it again yesterday but they didn't have it available. They also have Wild Heaven Invocation, which is currently my favorite beer, and a nice selection of other beers to choose from. I will definitely go back.....and often!
(4)Kelly B.
Good place to take parents for brunch if they're visiting in town. The pimento cheese is bomb and the tofu/veggie scramble thing is delicious. Service can be a pit of a pain sometimes. Went for brunch on the weekend with a couple friends one time and ended up sitting there for 2.5 hours. A bit too leisurely pace, but the food is usually spot on.
(4)Matthew S.
My sister and I visited this restaurant last night and were pleasantly surprised. We had heard good things about the place and I had read the other reviews on Yelp, but my mind is never made up until my personal experience. I arrived a little early and was waiting on my sister and the staff was very pleasant while I waited at the bar. After we were seated, a very pleasant and professional waitress came and took our order. We both had the Polk burger, which was yummy. I could not figure out whether the chips were homemade or not, but it did not matter. The vegetarian burger was large and excellent. There was something spicy that provided quite a bit of heat, but I believe it was my own fault for putting the ketchup on my burger liberally thinking it was regular homemade ketchup. It ended up being very spicy, but still good. We will be coming back. It is a little bit loud due to the concrete walls. P.S. The tempura broccoli with the cheese sauce for a starter is EXCELLENT!
(5)Rick E.
We arrived early for dinner with a bunch of young kids and were a little worried about the combo of restless kids and a nice-ish restaurant, but it couldn't have worked out better. They put us in a comfortable corner where we wouldn't disturb any other diners, brought us plenty of bread, and the kids could take periodic breaks to run around the quiet paved area outside. We were a combination of vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores, but everyone found the food delicious, with lovely combinations and touches (a few candied pecans tossed in with the feta on a fresh spinach salad). We appreciated the focus on local food--as well as some helpful recommendations on the wine. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff. We couldn't have had a better meal, or a better time. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)