Breakfast in Athens: Five Star Day Cafe

On those mornings that Honey Nut Cheerios in vanilla Silk just won't cut it, I simply walk across the street from my office in the austere Terrell Hall on the North Campus Quad at the University of Georgia, and head to Five Star Day Cafe.

Five Star is conveniently located on Broad St. Broad is the closest thing to a main drag that Athens, GA has. There is outside seating, that greets you first, followed by the scintillating scents that waft outside from the visible kitchen within the restaurant. A self titled, 'Gourmet Soul' cafe that was founded in 1998, it's slogan, 'come and get your love' couldn't be any more fitting for this wonderfully quaint eatery perfectly situated in the middle of a bustling college town.

Admittedly, the entryway is a bit cramped. It must be because the door has to be the original, and unlike many other doors in Athens that once allowed for hoop skirts, this one is pretty narrow. Either way, if people are trying to leave and enter at the same time, there's a small traffic jam.

Normally, I've already ordered ahead, and that order could be anything from the Southern Fried Chicken sandwich, Five Star Benedict, True Grits, or my personal favorite, the Bacon Egg'n Cheese. On weekends, during their brunch menu which is available all day, it's the Scramble of the Day.

The mission is simple; good food at an affordable price. The tables are a bit cramped there, and you may share a large table with someone you don't necessarily know, but hey, it's Athens.

The wait for your food is never long, and before you know it, while enjoying your water, Cheerwine or perfectly blended sweet tea, there it comes from that little window near the back. The best seat in the restaurant has to be the window seat that seats four, and overlooks Broad St. and UGA's North Campus. It's a beautiful view, and great reading light, and people watching.

Whenever you're in town, and particularly not on a game day, I highly recommend a morning visit to Five Star Day Cafe to fill you up and get you going to a wonderful day ahead.