The Grit

The Grit is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Athens, Georgia, U.S.

The restaurant opened in the early 1990s, in a 19th Century structure that was, at that time, located within Athens' red light district. The neighborhood has since become much more upscale and now contains several older structures that have been transformed into modern commercial or residential spaces as was The Grit.

Although it attracts a diverse clientele The Grit is perhaps best known for its relationship to the Athens music scene. It is located on the edge of downtown, near Athens' "Bar-muda Triangle", site of numerous performance venues. The Grit is a popular stop for touring performers as well as local musicians. Although he is not involved in the operation of the restaurant the building that houses it is owned by R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe. In 2001 the restaurant published The Grit Cookbook: World-Wise, Down-Home Recipes, which contains testimonials from many of The Grit's fans in the music industry and elsewhere. Admirers included Stipe, Kate Pierson, Kevn Kinney, Vic Chesnutt and Spalding Gray, along with members of Pylon, Widespread Panic, Fugazi, The Jayhawks, Counting Crows, and even Hee Haw's Marianne Rogers. The Grit's menu is entirely vegetarian, and a significant portion of items are vegan.



The Grit is located at 199 Prince Avenue in Athens.