Popeyes (Athens, GA)

 3160 Atlanta Hwy, Athens, GA 30606

 

 

Popeyes is a US fast food chain that specializes in "Louisiana-style" (i.e. cajun) fried chicken. It currently has more than 3,000 locations, the vast majority of them in the US, but mow extending to some 30 countries too. Simply stated, it is a spicy KFC. I have eaten at various Popeyes since coming to the US, but have never been a fan. Most fried chicken is lukewarm and stale by the time you order it and the fries and sides are mediocre. 

However, the last two times I got sandwiches, in particular the Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($3.99) and the, new, Cajun Flounder Sandwich ($4.49). When prepared fresh, both are great sandwiches. The chicken sandwich is a serious challenger for then Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich -- crust is thicker and it has a spicy sauce -- while the Flounder sandwich had a good amount of fried fish with cajun seasoning (the tartar suace was weak). Both definitely among the better fast food sandwiches that any of the major US chains serve.

 

VERDICT: 78 (87)

Fast food is always tricky. Much depends on how long your food has been waiting for a customer. Overall, Popeyes is fairly average, but these two specific sandwiches are affordable and tasty!

 

Doughnut World (Winder, GA)

 235 N Broad St, Winder, GA 30680

Doughnut World is a donut shop in a fairly rundown strip mall just outside of downtown Winder. Surprisingly, it is run by an Indian family and they also sell Kolashes.

I get 3 donuts for $3.50 in total. All donuts are quite and light, in terms of both the dough and the taste of the toppings. The maple bacon bar has maple and bacon crumbs on it (from jar, I bet), the chocolate coconut is underpowered, as is the strawberry sprinkles.

VERDICT: 73/100

Fairly light donuts but weak on flavor.

Casey's (Winder, GA)

 53 N Jackson St, Winder, GA 30680

Casey's is a small, unpretentious burger place in downtown Winder, Georgia, which serves homemade burgers, hot dogs, and fries in a decent amount of variety. They also have some sandwiches (philly cheesesteak and smoked chicken). The food is fresh and mostly homemade, while they have a condiments bar with lettuce, tomato, onion, relish, jalapeños, and sauces.

I get one of the specialty burgers, the Hells 1/2 Pounder ($7.75), and a Hot Dog ($2.50) with Chili ($1), while my son gets a side of French Fries ($2.50). The Hells burger is two quarter pound patties covered with a thin spicy (habanero?) sauce and a whole grilled jalapeño. The patties are thin but done medium, perfect and tasty. It’s a great old-school burger. The Hot Dog is standard but the chili is really good. The fries are thin but have excellent potato flavor. Some of best skinny fries I had.

Verdict: 92/100

This is how an old-school local burger place should be. Do the classics and do them well!