Eat Athens: This restaurant's upscale comfort food options include crispy deviled eggs

When the Banner-Herald checked out Preacher Green's restaurant a few weeks ago, we made a point to mention that the eastside Athens eatery was packed out on opening day because their entire setup was based on a no-frills southern lunch counter experience. The great thing about the local food scene is that there's something for every taste. So why mess with what works?

By contrast, taking risks is what Southern Prospect is all about. Located in Watkinsville's Wire Park development, the restaurant is one of many new businesses in the outdoor mall-like environment that seems designed to welcome innovation. The city's culinary scene is already rich with variety, so putting a modern spin on foods that people are used to eating makes the concept a standout in the area.

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Open for dinner Monday through Wednesday and lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, Southern Prospect offers a full bar, indoor and patio seating, and a cool-looking interior to match the presentation of the food. When the Banner-Herald stopped in, there was a 30-minute wait for a table as area residents flocked to be among the first to sample the menu.

Southern Prospect's dinner vibe might push the "eatery and apertifs" theme forward, but the atmosphere at lunch time felt like any bustling new local spot, and wait times for appetizers stretched out another half hour. The drink menu features brown liquor, cocktails, wine and beer, and there are more alcohol-free options than expected. Our $6 "Over Yonder" zero-proof cocktail came out quickly, and was creative blend of juices and syrups over club soda.

Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to Southern Prospect's signature "Table Feeds," which are appetizers designed to share. The Banner-Herald chose $8 crispy deviled eggs and $9 "Corndoggers," and the portions could easily satisfy parties up to four people. Battered instead of the traditional cornmeal, the angus beef flavor of the dogs popped through nicely, but the eggs were the winners with a perfect marriage of tried-and-true flavor and innovative texture.

Rather than go for larger main courses like chicken, steak or fish, the Banner-Herald took our server's recommendation from the sandwich menu and ordered the "Dirty South," a burger-and-fries combo that signified the crossroads of old comfort and new creation. The smash-style chuck beef patties topped with smoked gouda mac & cheese felt like an entire picnic on a bun, especially when bacon and apple butter barbecue sauce were piled on. The only things missing were watermelon and fireworks.

To view the full menu at Southern Prospect, visit southernprospect.com. Want to see your restaurant, bar or food truck featured in a future Eat Athens article? Email story details to ashearer@onlineathens.com.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Eat Athens: Watkinsville restaurant offers upscale comfort food