Photo: The Collegiate hamburger and hot dog from AndysBurgerQuest
Those of us who live in Gainesville know that The Collegiate has always had some of the best burgers, fries and milkshakes in the area. But did you know that USA Today picked The Collegiate the best burger joint in the state of Georgia?
Yep, you heard that right! In 2013, USA Today released the 51 top burger joints in the country and The Collegiate represented the state of Georgia! What a great representation of the food served on our downtown Gainesville square.
The Collegiate has been a mainstay on the square since 1947s and that’s reflected in the décor. From the black and white checkered floor to the old, diner-style stools at the counter. The old photos on the walls serve as a photo history of Gainesville, which just adds to the ambiance. This burger joint is the kind of place when you walk in that the owners, Jeff and Donna Worley know you by name and your favorite items on the menu.
Jeff actually worked as The Collegiate as a child and purchased the restaurant in 2008 after it had been closed down. Since then he has carried on the traditional of original owners George and Margene Brown and their historic diner.
Photo: Yelp.com
A recent Yelp review from R.K., who hails from Macon, said “Hardest working, most efficient wait staff you’ll ever see. Excellent service and food…This is a real throwback; restaurants like this are fading quickly. Menu is quite limited: burgers, fries, slaw, real hand-made milkshakes, BLTs…Memorable, different and excellent.”
We would have to agree The Collegiate is a special diner that we are lucky enough to enjoy in Gainesville. Make sure to stop in soon and support this great restaurant and local business owners!
The Collegiate is located on 220 Main St. in Gainesville. For more information of hours call 678-989-2280.
