Sometimes, you don't go to a restaurant just for the food. Weaver D's as made famous by R.E.M.'s album "Automatic for the People" is one of those exceptions. It's not just about the food here - it's about connecting with history, creating memories and experiencing - becoming even - a part of Athens.
Located off Broad Street, it's almost impossible to miss Weaver D's in its bright, lime colored building. On this particular day, I met my old friend Brandon for lunch. I'm not sure if it was school in general, different majors or some other reason but even though we go to the same school, 2 years had passed since our last meeting. It was good to see that he was doing well and still the same, big, friendly giant I knew years ago.
Inside the bright green building is a simple yet uniquely decorated place filled with posters, memorabilia and overall - history. Nothing's pretentious about Weaver D's - it's food at a reasonable price that's made for the people. You'll find Weaver as soon as you enter the door and after a warm, prompt greeting, he'll run though the daily special. Brandon got the meatloaf special and I chose to get the dark meat friend chicken with a side of greens and mac & cheese.
For the price you pay, you get a good bit of food. An extremely large drink (think 64oz. cup), 2 sides, whatever your main was plus a piece of cornbread. Not that bad of a deal especially in a college town. In general, the food at Weaver D's is okay. It won't blow your mind away, they won't have the best fried chicken or sides around but it's not bad food either. If I have to be technical for the sake of the blog - the skin on the fried chicken could've been crispier, greens needed a tad more seasoning and the macaroni was missing the cheese that makes the side so great. But like I said earlier - Weaver D's is more than just food and a restaurant. It's an Athens landmark and a piece of this town's history.
While the food's not phenomenal, it's a cozy and humble location where
you can catch up with a friend and/or experience a bit of Southern
hospitality. This girl I know always tells me that it's not about how good the food is - it's about what you make out of the whole experience. And Weaver D's is no exception
- Thanks for being a good friend Brandon, we have to do a FIFA night real soon just like the old days.
3 comments:
I know places like that...to which you frequent not particularly because of their stellar food, but because it's a landmark of that location, and it's nostalgia. The ambience and history plays a huge factor!
I love places like this, especially when traveling. I love to find that local place with tons of history that happens to have the best pizza in West Virginia or something. I must be a bad Athenian, though, because I've never been to Weaver D's! I need to remedy that soon...
What a good friend you have there... :) The food looks delish!
Post a Comment