If you’re on the hunt for a lunch spot in Athens that blends Southern charm, quality ingredients and a laid-back vibe, Marti’s at Midday is a gem well worth featuring on your “Athens Eats” site.
Location: 1280 Prince Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30606.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed on weekends.
What to Expect: A locally-owned café situated in what’s described as an “86-year-old house” in the Normaltown neighborhood, offering gourmet sandwiches, salads and “scoops” of cold-salad sides (think chicken salad, pimento cheese, etc.).
What Makes Marti’s Stand Out
- Authentic Southern lunch fare with flair: Marti’s elevates what might otherwise feel like “standard” lunch café fare the cold-salads and sandwiches get special treatment, using fresh ingredients and generous portions. For example, reviewers rave about the chicken salad and pimento cheese services.
- Charming setting & local vibe: The location in Normaltown gives it that “neighborhood” feel rather than being purely campus-oriented. The historic-house ambiance, sunroom and patio seating make it visually appealing exactly the kind of place a design-and-new-media-savvy audience would appreciate.
- Excellent for both dine-in & take-out: Whether you’re grabbing lunch before class/meeting or taking it to go, Marti’s works. The size of portions and quality make it a go-to for local workers, students, and visitors alike. Reviews note that even a half sandwich is “plenty.”
- Catering plus presence: Beyond just being a café, Marti’s has a catering arm and has been in operation for over 20 years in the community. That suggests stability, local recognition and a strong brand story.
Must-Try Items & Menu Highlights
- Pimento cheese sandwich – widely praised as a standout.
- Chicken salad (“Jay’s Favorite”, etc.) – several reviewers call it the best in Athens.
- Half sandwich + side of fresh fruit + pita chips – a typical combo that many guests seem to favor.
- Mint sweet tea – those in the know mention it as “could drink a gallon” level.
Visiting Tips & Considerations
- Time your visit: If you’re going during peak lunch hours, plan for potential wait or limited seating since the space is charming but not huge.
- Parking & access: Since it’s in a mixed residential/commercial area (Normaltown), mention street parking and maybe arrive a little early if you’re meeting someone.
- Take-out possibilities: Good for when you’re grabbing lunch before class or work convenient packaging and quality food.
- Budget & audience fit: It’s slightly more upscale than the cheapest lunch stop, but remains very accessible for students and locals.
- Visual content tip: For your website or Instagram, photograph the half-sandwich with pita chips and fruit side, the interior patio sunroom, and maybe a “highlight” of the mint sweet tea for a unique detail.