There’s a new dining option in town for any day except Monday.  Yes, even Sundays right after church.  And that’s saying a lot when you are across the street from one of the largest churches in Athens.  Ro’s Grille at 300 E. Hobbs St. now occupies the building that was formerly the original Lawler’s Barbecue.  It is named for owner Seth Stanfield’s baby daughter, Caroline Ro, and has a fresh vibe all its own.  The ceiling, flooring, and lighting are new, along with crisp paint colors and updated restrooms.

Exterior of Ro’s.

A lunch menu is served on weekdays and consists of burgers, sandwiches and a salad bar.  Evenings and weekends feature hand-cut steaks and chicken entrees.  They also offer an item known as “Ro’s Bowl” — cute play on words, wouldn’t you say?  Ro’s menu is ambitious.  There are appetizers, a children’s menu, and desserts such as fried cheesecake.  Oh my!

Ro’s Bowl – chicken, rice, onions, mushrooms, cheese.

Caribbean chicken with wild rice.

A friend and I had lunch at Ro’s last Saturday.  The service was friendly and timely, and the food was good.  We stayed for a long time, just chatting and catching up.  Our server checked on us often, but we didn’t feel rushed at all.  We didn’t sample any of the desserts, but the ones I saw on display looked amazing.

The hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30-4:00 p.m. on Sundays.  They are closed on Mondays.

There was only one disappointment with our visit to Ro’s, and it had nothing to do with the food, service or decor.  As we were paying at the cash register when we got ready to leave, I said, “I bet you have a lot of Baptists in here on Sundays.”  The hostess made a slight face and said, “Truthfully, they are the worst customers we have all week.  So rude and impatient.”  Since I am a member of that church, I was embarrassed and apologetic.  So, I’d just like to take a step away from my travel blogging role and spend a moment encouraging my fellow church members, as well as those from any of the churches in the area.  When we go into restaurants on Sunday, obviously wearing our “church clothes,” let’s don’t leave the restaurant employees wondering what good it did us to attend that Sunday.  Let’s be kind and generous.  Let’s smile and do our best to make things better at a very busy time for all concerned.  Can I get an “Amen?”

Owning and running a restaurant takes an endless amount of work.  I wish them much success in Athens.