The Grit

File Under: Something Different, Vegetarian-Friendly. Features: Beer & Wine, Take-Out, Outside Seating, Checks/CC. Hours: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, 7 days. Weekend Brunch. The Look: Arty but unpretentious. A local landmark because it incontrovertibly captures a bit of the Athens grit and character. Menu: The entirely vegetarian offerings have inspired a cookbook and attracted national attention. The stalwart star is the much ballyhooed Golden Bowl (tofu cubes, soy sauce, nutritional yeast and rice), while faux-meat items like the Tofu Reuben, Chik'n Parmesan and Big Daddy Burger pass muster with carnivores and vegetarians alike. The menu takes an international turn with a selection of Indian, Italian, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. Breakfast burritos, omelettes, pancakes, mimosas and more in the a.m. Dessert case filled with yummy cakes, pies and cookies made in-house.

$ ($7 & under)