The only time I ever feel inclined to write a review is if I am blown away and want everyone to know- so here it is. Donderos is like a breath of fresh air from what feels like the never ending emergence of chain restaurant after chain restaurant. We are starved for distinctively exceptional places to linger long. Donderos is unique and they clearly take pride in the fact. -The staff is very friendly and thoughtful -Plenty of space and seating -Great vibes and ambiance, especially for a slow morning or a place to go and get some work done (lots of natural light) -VERY reasonable prices $$$. The food and pastries are unique and fun, and you get a good amount of food for what you pay for -Everything on the menu is good, really no competition. They also have lots of fun pastries for fall (pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, etc), which I am a sucker for :D -They pay their employees double the minimum wage, so they don't have to rely solely on tips -Convenient location, right on Milledge Love this spot so much. Really shows off the eclectic and community-based vibe that Athens is all about. Donderos I love you!!! Never change
Overview
Located in the heart of Athens, Georgia, Donderos' Kitchen has become a beloved spot for those craving hearty, flavorful Southern cuisine. Situated at 590 N Milledge Ave, this local gem offers a dining experience that combines warm hospitality with a menu full of mouth-watering dishes, making it a must-visit for both residents and visitors of Athens.
The moment you step into Donderos' Kitchen, you’re welcomed by the rich aroma of freshly prepared food. The cozy and rustic atmosphere adds to the charm, making it the perfect setting for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this restaurant never disappoints.
One of the standout features of Donderos' Kitchen is its diverse menu, which caters to a variety of tastes. From Southern comfort food to fresh, creative twists on classic dishes, there’s something for everyone. The restaurant is particularly known for its flavorful fried chicken, served with crispy skin and tender meat that keeps patrons coming back for more. Alongside this, their shrimp and grits is another crowd favorite, perfectly balanced with a rich, creamy sauce that adds depth to every bite.
But the menu doesn’t stop there. For those seeking something lighter, the restaurant offers a selection of fresh salads, made with locally sourced ingredients. The smoked salmon salad, in particular, stands out for its fresh greens, perfectly cooked fish, and a light dressing that complements the dish wonderfully. The daily specials are also worth checking out, as they often feature seasonal ingredients and dishes that highlight the best of what’s available at the time.
While the food at Donderos' Kitchen is exceptional, the experience goes beyond just the meal. The staff here is known for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and well cared for. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular, the service is always top-notch, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Donderos' Kitchen has also received rave reviews for its commitment to quality. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the authenticity of the dishes and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The attention to detail in each dish is evident, and it’s clear that the chefs take great pride in their work. This is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to enjoy a memorable meal.
For those wondering about the restaurant’s location, the setting is ideal for both casual dining and special occasions. It’s conveniently located near downtown Athens, making it easy to swing by for a meal while exploring the city. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or celebrating a special event, Donderos' Kitchen offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes any occasion feel just a little bit more special.
If you’re in Athens and craving delicious Southern comfort food with a modern twist, Donderos' Kitchen is the place to be. From the fried chicken to the shrimp and grits, each dish is crafted with care, ensuring that every meal is a satisfying experience. The friendly service, combined with a cozy, welcoming environment, makes this restaurant a standout choice for anyone in the area.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo dining âś“ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Historic âś“ Quiet âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free parking lotPhotos
Location
Reviews
Staff SO nice and accommodating! Good coffee, large portions, some stellar cookies, granola and yogurt, egg breakfasts, and burrito lunches. Recommend the frozen curry and chili to buy and take home, not cheap but worth it! Cool old mansion with high ceilings and airy rooms, comfortably scruffy, local art on the wall, what a local coffee house with food should be but rarely is. Open weekends till 2:00 now—wish it didn’t close at 2:00 on weekdays but stayed open forever! Thank you, Donderos!
What a great surprise. We didn’t want the standard fast chain restaurant fare for lunch. We loved the unique menu, well prepared items and the relaxed setting. Staff was friendly and welcoming. You order at the counter towards the rear of the house and they bring it out to you. My wife had a chicken salad sandwich with an ice tea and I had the Bahn Mi , coffee and a raspberry jam bar. They have a great house coffee and nice complement of pastries. Parking could be challenging at busy times but you can park off the main road.
A cafe with a new frame of mind. Boasts twice the Georgia minimum wage for baristas and therefore they don't take tips. Local art is all over the walls and they emphasize reusable cups. You even get a discount if you walked, rode a bike, or took a bus here. My only set back was I went in late August and it was just a smidge warm inside. Nothing crazy uncomfortable but enough to be a constant reminder. Overall though it's worth it for the mindful way this cafe puts it's best foot forward.
We got the vegan pumpkin bread for $2.25, which was perfectly moist and delicious. We got the gluten-free grit bowl with fried tomatoes, goat cheese and red pepper sauce. We added a fried egg for $1. The ingredients definitely made the bowl, because the grits themselves were very bland—nothing to write home about. Good amount of food though. The french toast special was blueberry french toast. It was very sweet and was definitely not enough for a meal, which is why we we were glad we got the potatoes on the side. The DK scramble on flatbread was delicious. It was a good amount of food, though I would have preferred more eggs in it. I was going to get the quiche special (goat cheese, tomatoes and spinach) for my meal, but we decided to get it for the whole table, and I’m glad we did because it wasn’t a whole quiche! It was maybe 1/4 of a quiche, which was not advertised. For $5, that wasn’t worth it. It was nice that I got a free coffee because I’m a teacher. They offer deals for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others, so make sure to check out their website. The place itself is cute—wooden tables and chairs, art for sale and cute little decorations. One plus was there was not wait for brunch on a Saturday morning! We were all satisfied with our meals, but because some portions were small, I’m giving it 4 stars.
Great environment. Tasty butter chicken sandwich. Good coffee
Ordered just their butter chicken for lunch with a side of the soup of the day (tomato). While the chicken could have been a bit more tender, overall, I quite liked how the dish came together. Hope to go back to try some of their other dishes sometime.
I almost don't want to do this review because I love this place so much and I don't want it to be overrun with people. This is the place I love to take somebody to talkand have either a snack and coffee or breakfast and lunch. The atmosphere is so warm and comfortable. Always met by somebody with a smile and a hello. It's that small town charm. nice ,warm and cozy. It's worth trying to find. Put it on your list of have to visits. They do have frozen meals to take away with you but that is something I have not done yet but plan to do soon.