Want to take mom to a locally-owned restaurant for Mother's Day? Here are five options.

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald

We're not in the business of telling anyone to disobey their mom's orders, especially on Mother's Day, and if she wants to put the family's name in at a national chain restaurant and wait a couple hours for a table, that's what should be done.

For those looking to enjoy more of what the Athens area culinary scene has to offer, the Banner-Herald has put together a list of options that will be open for lunch and dinner on Sunday. It's a great way to experience a variety of flavors and environments and support locally-owned businesses.

Punta Cana Latin Grill co-owner and chef Frank Cambero holds sample plates featuring empanadas, fried yucca, tostones, maduros, and a variety of Dominican seasoned meats.
Punta Cana Latin Grill co-owner and chef Frank Cambero holds sample plates featuring empanadas, fried yucca, tostones, maduros, and a variety of Dominican seasoned meats.

Punta Cana Latin Grill

  • LOCATION: 367 Prince Ave, Suite 1 (Bottleworks)

  • MOTHER'S DAY HOURS: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • MENU: This family-owned Dominican restaurant offers a wide variety of Latin and Caribbean dishes that range from tacos, burritos and quesadillas to steak, chicken and vegetarian entrees. There's always lively music playing, and guests who are new to the cuisine can order Bandeja (sampler) trays in colorful combinations.

The Gumbo Ya Ya at George's Lowcountry Table.
The Gumbo Ya Ya at George's Lowcountry Table.

George's Lowcountry Table

  • LOCATION: 420 Macon Hwy.

  • MOTHER'S DAY HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • MENU: For Southern-style seafood dishes in a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere, George's has been a neighborhood "hidden gem" for more than a decade. With plenty of parking and indoor seating, the Cajun kitchen magic and hospitality shine in every dish from gumbo and crawfish to mussels and oysters.

This photo taken on May 27, 2022 shows the covered patio dining area at White Tiger Deluxe in Watkinsville, Ga.
This photo taken on May 27, 2022 shows the covered patio dining area at White Tiger Deluxe in Watkinsville, Ga.

White Tiger Deluxe

  • LOCATION: 64 N. Main St. (Watkinsville)

  • MOTHER'S DAY HOURS: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • MENU: Less than 10 miles from downtown Athens, the one-of-a-kind décor at this BBQ and cocktail spot will instantly brighten any mood. The wide variety of menu choices for vegetarians, kids and those seeking lighter fare make White Tiger an ideal place to take picky eaters and "I don't know what I want to eat" companions.

Kelbourne "Kelly" Codling is shown in this photo taken on Apr. 25, 2022. Codling is the owner and chef at Kelly's Authentic Jamaican Food, which has been in business in Athens, Ga. since 1998.
Kelbourne "Kelly" Codling is shown in this photo taken on Apr. 25, 2022. Codling is the owner and chef at Kelly's Authentic Jamaican Food, which has been in business in Athens, Ga. since 1998.

Kelly's Jamaican Foods

  • LOCATION: 1583 S. Lumpkin St. (Five Points)

  • MOTHER'S DAY HOURS: Noon to 8 p.m.

  • MENU: Up for something hearty and spicy? Let Kelly's load your plate with hit-the-spot comfort dishes like barbecue, curry and jerk chicken with sides options that include green beans, mac & cheese, collard greens, fried plantains and more. Kelly's is also known for its cake-like cornbread that goes with absolutely anything.

Bun bo Hue is one of the authentic Vietnamese dishes at Crab Hut in Athens, Ga. on Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2024.
Bun bo Hue is one of the authentic Vietnamese dishes at Crab Hut in Athens, Ga. on Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2024.

The Crab Hut

  • LOCATION: 1860 S. Barnett Shoals Rd. (Eastside)

  • MOTHER'S DAY HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • MENU: Yes, Crab Hut's traditional fried and grilled seafood options are still available, but a recent change in ownership has transformed this eastside eatery into a full-fledged Vietnamese restaurant that offers pho (noodle soups), grilled chicken and beef dishes, Korean BBQ and an tableside menu of exotic specials.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: 5 locally-owned restaurants for Mother's Day meals

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