This restaurant looks good on paper. Good but not great. I have dined here many times hoping for good things but everything falls flat across the board. Service is mediocre. Specials are weak and uninspired. I have tried their mussels on three occasions and have received unopened mussels, dead mussels, and dry mussels. Three tries and three strikes. Entrees read delicious and then taste average or bland. I feel like the concept is fine but the execution is lacking. The East/West fusion leaves the door open for countless techniques and combinations and the staff doesn't seem to take full advantage of the magnificently huge scope of culinary tradition available to them. Servers are often completely unaware of what they set in front of you or simply absent. I have often received the wrong dish, been given a dish that is visibly not acceptable(yes, mussels again), or have been given a server who disappears for almost twenty minutes without a trace. I lived in Athens for ten years and simply feel that what was once a very good restaurant has grown comfortable and complacent. East/West needs a good shake or a wake-up call. This is not the place for someone who loves food and has high standards for the food they eat. One upside: they make a decent cocktail and the wine selection is decent.
(2)
Elizabeth H.
Somehow a trip to Athens for the football game this weekend turned into shopping and lunch downtown! We stopped by East West for lunch, the UGA game was still going on, and the place was packed! Luckily we snagged a quaint little table outside- this worked out perfect since we could people watch! Plus they had outdoor heaters which kept us warm.... For lunch I had a Terrapin Ale (Athens local brewery) and the fish tacos with sweet potatoe fries! The tacos we're great- kind of messy with all the chipotle sauce and the fries hit the spot. Lunch was around $12 with tip included. Definitely check out East West for good food & great service!
(4)
Mustard Mayo I.
Pros: Great mix of ingredients, nice atmosphere, super friendly service, affordable. Cons: Parking around this area is a pain. I was surprised to find that a place with such good food was so affordable. We ordered the Chicken Coconut soup and Salmon BLT. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, I can't wait to come back and try other items.
(4)
Scott A.
After an initial not so great review, I returned for lunch by request of others. Lunch was great. My wife returned also with someone else and had the fried goat cheese for an appetizer. She raved about it. So this past week we returned for lunch with a coupon that we had. I had the tuna sandwich, she had a chicken sandwich and together we shared the fried goat cheese. It was out of this world. Another great sandwich is the Sweet Georgia Brown. I'll definitely be returning for lunch.
(4)
Emily G.
I was highly unimpressed. My aunt and I both ordered the Shrimp Pesto but when we got our food (45 minutes after ordering) hers looked normal and mine looked like soup because it was so watery. Neither of them tasted good, I felt like it had a slightly sewery taste and no one at the table actually finished their meal. The noise level was also so loud that it felt like we were yelling just to talk to the person next to us. They also gave us two bottles of wine that were more expensive than the one's we had ordered and then charged us for the higher price. I am really not sure why the place was so packed.
(1)
Christine K.
I had dinner here the other night and was shocked at how amazing it was. I had the Trout Tempura with Grits. It was absolutely delicious! Also, their service is incredible. I had half my trout left over so they took it back to box it for me. The waitress later came out and said that they had accidentally thrown away my food and that they would fry me a new filet of trout to take home! I definitely will be heading back for more goodies!
(4)
David M.
East West Bistro should be on your short list for dining while in Athens. Their dishes are great and prices reasonable. The restaurant itself possesses great decor and from the dining area you can look into the kitchen and attractive bar. Service is great and the management pays attention to details. There is a good wine list and impressive desserts as well. 5 stars!
(5)
Gabrielle G.
Went here for graduation brunch with family & friends from Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi, and it was a wonderful choice. There was something for everyone, from trendy burgers and tacos to grilled salmon... all of it was enjoyed. Very nicely put-together as far as layout, decor, and vibe is concerned.. elegant, modern, and comfortable. It's perfect for a celebratory occasion.
(4)
Lu R.
A very pleasant surprise during my first trip to Athens. Now, I was only there for business but can say that my whole experience here was great (aside from a sub-par special and calamari). Food: I ordered the pomegranate marinated hanger steaks and ostrich parmesan. My food-sharing colleagues ordered the sweet potato chips, calamari (which just okay, but still good), crab cakes, the waldorf salad, pork chop entree, scallops and a sweet potato ravioli special (which was definitely a disappointment). I can, without reservations, highly recommend the hanger steak, pork chop, crab cakes, and salad. I didn't eat enough of the rest of the items but remember them being good and my colleagues being very happy --- not a bite was left. service: we were a large group and were seated upstairs, which was nice since the night was a blend of business and pleasure. Our drinks were always full and our amusingly sarcastic waitress was very helpful in describing the dishes and being attentive to empty plates and inquiring into our needs. ambiance: really cool --- reminded me of vibes similar to that you would find in Cambridge/Boston, Atlanta, Philly, Providence, or parts of NYC. Great location and building with a lot of character. Good proximity to music, coffee houses and other places or interest. I look forward to my next visit.
(5)
Adelina Z.
The chickpea stew and salad with crispy chickpeas and asparagus were both very good. I had the special upon the waiter's recommendation (seared scallops) and it was average. I feel the waiter should have warned me about the price ($30!)--definitely not worth it. The crispy tofu and broccoli was also way overpriced--$15 for tofu, broccoli, white rice and chili oyster sauce. Atmosphere and service was excellent though. And they get points for being open on Christmas eve.
(3)
Kat B.
One night in Athens we were having a tough time finding a place to eat. I cannot recall what was happening that night but that was the deal. We went by East West and noticed there were almost no people there so we gave it a try. The food was pricey so be prepared if this is an issue for you. Everything from the fried lobster to the chocolate cake was wonderful! There were many items to choose from. At the time salad was separate but should never be with a dinner considering how in-expensive a little salad can be. The service was great and the atmosphere different like most all the places in Athens. Every where has it's own personality.
(5)
Bjorn G.
I've been to East-West a few times now, and it has been a good experience for me. I guess I'm a fan of the bistro in general, and their particular riff on that theme works for me. I like their tapas selections, and their sandwiches are quite good too. I wouldn't necessarily want to come here for a dinner entree, but for lunch or a snack it's great. They also have a reasonably good beer selection on draft.
(4)
ticia p.
So after being blown away several weeks ago by the roasted chick pea/fennel/arugula salad (that I was recommended to be topped w/ blackened salmon, to heavenly results), I returned to East West (all the way from Atlanta, and for my birthday), only to be terribly disappointed. The salad was a complete let-down this time around, (I ate it b/c, well, I was hungry, but it was far from the mind-blowing quality that I'd had b4) and my husband's "medium-rare" hamburger was a cinderblock. I've eaten there on a number of occasions in the past and have always been one to praise the service, ambiance, and quality of food, so I'm hoping this past visit was a one-off.
(3)
Emmy S.
Wonderful! The menu is fantastic and delicious!
(5)
Laura P.
This is one of the places I will miss most in Athens. It's the first place I knowingly ate goat cheese--and my life was changed. So, not surprisingly, I would say that you have to try the fried chevre. It is not greasy like fried mozzarella. The four, fried circles of the breaded cheese sit on top of their basil aioli vinaigrette with four slightly toasted sourdough slices. If you are not ready for that much goat cheese, the spinach salad comes with the same dressing and one piece of the fried cheese on the side. As their name indicates, the food has Eastern and Western influences, so there is a lot to choose from. The Thai coconut chicken soup is great; it's a creamier version of the traditional soup. The tables outside are a fun place to sit, drink cocktails, and watch people walk down Broad street at night. Upstairs is a more swank Italian restaurant, which feels a little like a bordello--this is actually the part of the restaurant called "Uptown," but it doesn't compare in selection to the more affordable restaurant at ground level.
(4)
robert b.
My girlfriend and I ate here tonight for the first time. We found it to be truly outstanding. The service was great. My girlfriend had the pork chop, which she noted was one of the best pork chops she has ever eaten. Those are good props coming from a very well traveled person. I had the cuban style chicken. I forget the exact name, but it was a chicken breast. Very tasty and unique. Both dishes also had a type of mashed potatoes that was very good, as well as green beans, which were fresh and well cooked. Additionally, all entrees come with salads with homemade dressings. Mine was citrus ginger and hers was basil poblano. Both delicious! The price all told was very reasonable. We believe this is one of the two best restaurants in athens, the other being siri thai.
(5)
Dan M.
Pretty good food even if the dishes are a little on the plain side.
(4)
Tonia D.
To say I'm a fan is an understatement. However, I have admittedly been three times and still only had the same two tapas dishes...black bean and rice cakes & crab cakes. I can't help it. I just can't get enough of them! I love that bottles of wine are half price in the summertime, too. If only they'd bring back the Butterfinger Cheesecake, it'd be heaven.
(4)
Timber W.
I love seared tuna, so that's what I ordered here. It was good, but not remarkable in any way. I sat outside on a very pleasant day and found the service to be exceptional, though, so I may return eventually.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Josh S.
This restaurant looks good on paper. Good but not great. I have dined here many times hoping for good things but everything falls flat across the board. Service is mediocre. Specials are weak and uninspired. I have tried their mussels on three occasions and have received unopened mussels, dead mussels, and dry mussels. Three tries and three strikes. Entrees read delicious and then taste average or bland. I feel like the concept is fine but the execution is lacking. The East/West fusion leaves the door open for countless techniques and combinations and the staff doesn't seem to take full advantage of the magnificently huge scope of culinary tradition available to them. Servers are often completely unaware of what they set in front of you or simply absent. I have often received the wrong dish, been given a dish that is visibly not acceptable(yes, mussels again), or have been given a server who disappears for almost twenty minutes without a trace. I lived in Athens for ten years and simply feel that what was once a very good restaurant has grown comfortable and complacent. East/West needs a good shake or a wake-up call. This is not the place for someone who loves food and has high standards for the food they eat. One upside: they make a decent cocktail and the wine selection is decent.
(2)Elizabeth H.
Somehow a trip to Athens for the football game this weekend turned into shopping and lunch downtown! We stopped by East West for lunch, the UGA game was still going on, and the place was packed! Luckily we snagged a quaint little table outside- this worked out perfect since we could people watch! Plus they had outdoor heaters which kept us warm.... For lunch I had a Terrapin Ale (Athens local brewery) and the fish tacos with sweet potatoe fries! The tacos we're great- kind of messy with all the chipotle sauce and the fries hit the spot. Lunch was around $12 with tip included. Definitely check out East West for good food & great service!
(4)Mustard Mayo I.
Pros: Great mix of ingredients, nice atmosphere, super friendly service, affordable. Cons: Parking around this area is a pain. I was surprised to find that a place with such good food was so affordable. We ordered the Chicken Coconut soup and Salmon BLT. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, I can't wait to come back and try other items.
(4)Scott A.
After an initial not so great review, I returned for lunch by request of others. Lunch was great. My wife returned also with someone else and had the fried goat cheese for an appetizer. She raved about it. So this past week we returned for lunch with a coupon that we had. I had the tuna sandwich, she had a chicken sandwich and together we shared the fried goat cheese. It was out of this world. Another great sandwich is the Sweet Georgia Brown. I'll definitely be returning for lunch.
(4)Emily G.
I was highly unimpressed. My aunt and I both ordered the Shrimp Pesto but when we got our food (45 minutes after ordering) hers looked normal and mine looked like soup because it was so watery. Neither of them tasted good, I felt like it had a slightly sewery taste and no one at the table actually finished their meal. The noise level was also so loud that it felt like we were yelling just to talk to the person next to us. They also gave us two bottles of wine that were more expensive than the one's we had ordered and then charged us for the higher price. I am really not sure why the place was so packed.
(1)Christine K.
I had dinner here the other night and was shocked at how amazing it was. I had the Trout Tempura with Grits. It was absolutely delicious! Also, their service is incredible. I had half my trout left over so they took it back to box it for me. The waitress later came out and said that they had accidentally thrown away my food and that they would fry me a new filet of trout to take home! I definitely will be heading back for more goodies!
(4)David M.
East West Bistro should be on your short list for dining while in Athens. Their dishes are great and prices reasonable. The restaurant itself possesses great decor and from the dining area you can look into the kitchen and attractive bar. Service is great and the management pays attention to details. There is a good wine list and impressive desserts as well. 5 stars!
(5)Gabrielle G.
Went here for graduation brunch with family & friends from Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi, and it was a wonderful choice. There was something for everyone, from trendy burgers and tacos to grilled salmon... all of it was enjoyed. Very nicely put-together as far as layout, decor, and vibe is concerned.. elegant, modern, and comfortable. It's perfect for a celebratory occasion.
(4)Lu R.
A very pleasant surprise during my first trip to Athens. Now, I was only there for business but can say that my whole experience here was great (aside from a sub-par special and calamari). Food: I ordered the pomegranate marinated hanger steaks and ostrich parmesan. My food-sharing colleagues ordered the sweet potato chips, calamari (which just okay, but still good), crab cakes, the waldorf salad, pork chop entree, scallops and a sweet potato ravioli special (which was definitely a disappointment). I can, without reservations, highly recommend the hanger steak, pork chop, crab cakes, and salad. I didn't eat enough of the rest of the items but remember them being good and my colleagues being very happy --- not a bite was left. service: we were a large group and were seated upstairs, which was nice since the night was a blend of business and pleasure. Our drinks were always full and our amusingly sarcastic waitress was very helpful in describing the dishes and being attentive to empty plates and inquiring into our needs. ambiance: really cool --- reminded me of vibes similar to that you would find in Cambridge/Boston, Atlanta, Philly, Providence, or parts of NYC. Great location and building with a lot of character. Good proximity to music, coffee houses and other places or interest. I look forward to my next visit.
(5)Adelina Z.
The chickpea stew and salad with crispy chickpeas and asparagus were both very good. I had the special upon the waiter's recommendation (seared scallops) and it was average. I feel the waiter should have warned me about the price ($30!)--definitely not worth it. The crispy tofu and broccoli was also way overpriced--$15 for tofu, broccoli, white rice and chili oyster sauce. Atmosphere and service was excellent though. And they get points for being open on Christmas eve.
(3)Kat B.
One night in Athens we were having a tough time finding a place to eat. I cannot recall what was happening that night but that was the deal. We went by East West and noticed there were almost no people there so we gave it a try. The food was pricey so be prepared if this is an issue for you. Everything from the fried lobster to the chocolate cake was wonderful! There were many items to choose from. At the time salad was separate but should never be with a dinner considering how in-expensive a little salad can be. The service was great and the atmosphere different like most all the places in Athens. Every where has it's own personality.
(5)Bjorn G.
I've been to East-West a few times now, and it has been a good experience for me. I guess I'm a fan of the bistro in general, and their particular riff on that theme works for me. I like their tapas selections, and their sandwiches are quite good too. I wouldn't necessarily want to come here for a dinner entree, but for lunch or a snack it's great. They also have a reasonably good beer selection on draft.
(4)ticia p.
So after being blown away several weeks ago by the roasted chick pea/fennel/arugula salad (that I was recommended to be topped w/ blackened salmon, to heavenly results), I returned to East West (all the way from Atlanta, and for my birthday), only to be terribly disappointed. The salad was a complete let-down this time around, (I ate it b/c, well, I was hungry, but it was far from the mind-blowing quality that I'd had b4) and my husband's "medium-rare" hamburger was a cinderblock. I've eaten there on a number of occasions in the past and have always been one to praise the service, ambiance, and quality of food, so I'm hoping this past visit was a one-off.
(3)Emmy S.
Wonderful! The menu is fantastic and delicious!
(5)Laura P.
This is one of the places I will miss most in Athens. It's the first place I knowingly ate goat cheese--and my life was changed. So, not surprisingly, I would say that you have to try the fried chevre. It is not greasy like fried mozzarella. The four, fried circles of the breaded cheese sit on top of their basil aioli vinaigrette with four slightly toasted sourdough slices. If you are not ready for that much goat cheese, the spinach salad comes with the same dressing and one piece of the fried cheese on the side. As their name indicates, the food has Eastern and Western influences, so there is a lot to choose from. The Thai coconut chicken soup is great; it's a creamier version of the traditional soup. The tables outside are a fun place to sit, drink cocktails, and watch people walk down Broad street at night. Upstairs is a more swank Italian restaurant, which feels a little like a bordello--this is actually the part of the restaurant called "Uptown," but it doesn't compare in selection to the more affordable restaurant at ground level.
(4)robert b.
My girlfriend and I ate here tonight for the first time. We found it to be truly outstanding. The service was great. My girlfriend had the pork chop, which she noted was one of the best pork chops she has ever eaten. Those are good props coming from a very well traveled person. I had the cuban style chicken. I forget the exact name, but it was a chicken breast. Very tasty and unique. Both dishes also had a type of mashed potatoes that was very good, as well as green beans, which were fresh and well cooked. Additionally, all entrees come with salads with homemade dressings. Mine was citrus ginger and hers was basil poblano. Both delicious! The price all told was very reasonable. We believe this is one of the two best restaurants in athens, the other being siri thai.
(5)Dan M.
Pretty good food even if the dishes are a little on the plain side.
(4)Tonia D.
To say I'm a fan is an understatement. However, I have admittedly been three times and still only had the same two tapas dishes...black bean and rice cakes & crab cakes. I can't help it. I just can't get enough of them! I love that bottles of wine are half price in the summertime, too. If only they'd bring back the Butterfinger Cheesecake, it'd be heaven.
(4)Timber W.
I love seared tuna, so that's what I ordered here. It was good, but not remarkable in any way. I sat outside on a very pleasant day and found the service to be exceptional, though, so I may return eventually.
(4)