The Collegiate Grill (Gainesville, GA)

 220 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501

 

The Collegiate Grill is an institution in Gainesville, Georgia. It is an old-school diner that serve American classics the same way they were made half a century ago. The menu is mostly hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, sandwiches, and shakes. The inside is also classic, although well-maintained.

 

I get a Small Hamburger ($3.59) and a Chili Dog ($3.19) and share a side of Fresh Cut Fries ($4.79). The place is packed and the wait is substantial, but it is worth it. The burger is old-school, i.e. lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, and mayonnaise (I hold te mustard), but very tasty. Similarly, the Chili Dog is old-school but tasty, mostly because of the a bit smokey chili on top. The fries are not overly crispy, but real potato and well-prepared.

 

VERDICT: 90/100

Great quality classic American staples in a beautiful old-school setting.