We had yet ANOTHER AMAZING meal at The Expat tonight. They were kicking off their holiday extravaganza with over 18 MAGICAL COCKTAILS (plus an additional 3 zero proof options) .... We tried ALL of them believe it or not! Everyone involved with this restaurant is classy! We highly recommend an evening experience at The Expat!!
Overview
If you're looking for a spot that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a hearty meal, The Expat in Athens, Georgia, is a must-visit. Located at 1680 S Lumpkin St, this diner stands out with its welcoming vibe and exceptional food, making it a local favorite among both residents and visitors. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, the experience here is always memorable.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that The Expat offers something special. The cozy yet vibrant setting strikes a perfect balance between casual and contemporary, with walls adorned with local art and a menu full of comforting options. You’ll often find people enjoying everything from a quick bite to a leisurely meal with friends or family, making it a perfect place for both types of visits. But what really sets this diner apart is its commitment to quality food. The menu is diverse enough to cater to all tastes, whether you're craving a classic diner breakfast or a more adventurous lunch or dinner option.
One of the standout features of The Expat is their breakfast menu, which is served all day. If you're someone who loves a good breakfast, this is the place for you. The pancakes are fluffy, the eggs cooked just right, and the bacon? Crispy perfection. But what really steals the show is their homemade biscuits, often paired with a sausage gravy that has a bit of a kick, setting it apart from your average diner fare. I’ve had the chance to visit numerous times, and I can tell you with confidence that it’s hard to go wrong with any of the breakfast options here.
For lunch and dinner, The Expat offers a range of hearty comfort foods. The burgers are made from fresh, high-quality beef, cooked to your preference, and served with a generous side of fries. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the salads here are fresh and well-balanced, with plenty of toppings to make them feel like a full meal. The fried chicken is another crowd-pleaser, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, paired perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. These dishes are staples for a reason - they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.
But beyond the food, what really makes The Expat shine is the service. The staff are always friendly, attentive, and quick to make sure your dining experience is top-notch. Whether you’re popping in for a solo meal or gathering with friends, you’ll feel like you’re being treated like family. The restaurant’s reputation for excellent service has been consistently praised in numerous local reviews, reinforcing the idea that it’s not just about the food, but the experience as a whole.
The location on 1680 S Lumpkin St. is convenient for anyone in Athens, and the easygoing atmosphere makes it perfect for both a casual meal or a celebration. It's not just about eating out; it’s about enjoying the experience of great food in a warm and inviting environment. It’s easy to see why The Expat has become a staple for locals. It’s the kind of place where you can drop by for a quick meal, but you’ll probably end up lingering longer because it just feels like home.
For those who enjoy a good drink with their meal, The Expat offers a nice selection of craft beers and cocktails that pair perfectly with their food offerings. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to unwind after a busy day, and with the variety of options available, there’s something to suit every taste.
In terms of value, The Expat really delivers. The prices are reasonable, especially given the quality of the meals. The portions are generous, ensuring you get your money’s worth with every visit. It's the perfect spot for anyone who wants a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Expat at 1680 S Lumpkin St. is a must-try. With its fantastic food, welcoming atmosphere, and top-notch service, it’s no wonder why it’s become a beloved destination in Athens. If you’re looking for a place where you can relax, enjoy a great meal, and feel at home, you’ll find it here.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Every visit has been wonderful. The pasta is delicious! We miss the rotating foccia bread choice but the boards are a good addition! The tiramisu is my favorite!
This is my favorite nicer restaurant in Athens! The food is always so good, the service is amazing, and the portions are a good size. I always come here for special occasions and have the best experience!
I had a wonderful experience dining at the Expat. We ordered the bread service and charcuterie board which came with an assortment of cheeses and meats. The board was absolutely delicious, and the bread was nice and crispy. We also got different pastas, including the Tagliatelle, Black Ink, and the bacon one. They were all very good. Service was good and a decent wait time for the food.
The pork chop was the best we have ever eaten! Service impeccable and delightful staff. If dining with a group we highly recommend the locally sourced charcuterie.
Wonderful casual vibe. Excellent food, unexpected variations on old favorites. The risotto was a delicious mix of unexpected flavors; the halibut was cooked to tender perfection; the pasta had an interesting spicy punch. Great wine list. Attentive service. Everything you want for happiness.
Cute place in the heart of Five Points. One of the houses on Lumpkin that have nicely converted to a restaurant. Our friends tell us that the Expat has tweaked the menu over the years and seems to have a neuvo Italian vibe now. Great date spot or nice dinner with friends. Food was hot and flavorful. Interesting flavors and colors that were quite attractive and tasty! Service was great with nice recommendations and no pressure for time Some cool artwork and nice architectural touches like a 2 sided fireplace. There are some outdoor dining spots too. A good experience that we will try again. Downsides - well if you get lucky, there is parking in back...if you don't get that...good luck. It is not a huge place so might get loud..but was fine for us early dining old folks. Owners have a couple of places..so they know the right way to run a place.
Had been here a couple of years back and thought it was decent but not a place I’d try to come back soon to. Then I kept hearing rumors that it’s improved so I decided to come by. Turns out the rumors were true. Definitely better than how I remember it. Didn’t order too much but enjoyed what we did. Some dishes were nice and inspired, for example, the strawberry bruschetta. The other dishes were nice too.