Eat Athens: Townie comfort food makes its way to Oconee County
As chains and franchises continue to populate Athens, townies hold on tighter and tighter to their locally-owned and operated favorites. One of those is Maepole, a fast-service comfort food spot that opened on Chase Street back in 2018. Big city folks got a taste when Maepole 2 opened near Zoo Atlanta in 2021, and the gluten-free gospel recently spread to Oconee County.
Located in the Markets at Epps Bridge shopping center in suite 207 at 1850 Epps Bridge Pkwy., Maepole 3 is a great option for early lunch or late dinner, particularly for those looking for a health-conscious meal that incorporates familiar southern elements without compromising the best things about the way they taste.
Much like the menu at Maepole, the interior design reflects a commitment to functionality with flair. Customers have the option of placing their order at one of two kiosks near the front door or walking to the counter to customize their plate based on the sights and scents. Much like the way a sub sandwich shop works, the four-step ordering process is clearly marked with large-print signage, and the ingredients are visible behind glass.
Kiosk orders and online orders are picked up on a cart just outside a service window near the fountain drinks, and counter orders are completed and paid for cafeteria-style. In the post-COVID world of touchless ordering, the only hitch the Banner-Herald encountered on our visit was with ordering drinks using the kiosk system. As a courtesy, the staff member at the counter gave us our beverages on the house. Being patient with new businesses is never a bad idea.
For longtime Maepole customers and those with specific dietary needs, the build-your-own protein plate option allows for a tailored culinary experience that can range from, "I know what I like" to "let's see what it'll taste like to mix this with that." For others, seasonal chef plates are available with expertly-curated flavor combinations like the "Boxcar" staple (sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, green beans and pork with a Sriracha vinaigrette).
The Banner-Herald ordered a variation on the "Sunshine Daydream" plate, starting with a base of brown rice and pork and adding a double helping of bean salad covered in spicy avocado dressing. The portions are perfectly sized to serve one person, and creating a vegetarian version could be done easily with tofu or black bean fritters. Maepole's signature, food that tastes just as clean as is it presented, remains front and center.
For hours of operation, menu details and online ordering, visit maepole.com.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Third Maepole location brings gluten-free grub to Oconee County
