With a city filled with restaurants from seemingly every ethnic group in existence, it is up to Athenians to differentiate between the big food chains and the family-owned, authentic cooking. The nostalgic settings of these restaurants will permit one to find a home away from home.

Cali ‘N Tito’s

This restaurant reasonably can be mistaken as a junk yard at first glance – everything from woven baskets to empty rice bags to suggestion sheets hangs from the ceiling while Christmas lights dangle from every available spot. Authentic Spanish music booms from the speakers, and televisions that only sometimes work stand in the corners. The covered patio, space heaters and gravel floor allow customers to enjoy an outdoor setting while eating in this relaxed environment. The plates are served with an excessive amount of food.

But the best things about this family-owned eatery: the tacos are less than $3, and for a $2 fee, customers can bring as much alcohol as they wish to enjoy with their meal.

Verdict: Hands down, this place has an irresistible environment, and the blended Cuban and Tex-Mex cuisine will make you feel a part of the culture.

Wilson’s Soul Food, Inc: The outside of this establishment shows its age. The restaurant has been standing since 1979 and is located right next to the barber shop on Hull St.

Dusty lace curtains cover the windows, stained wallpaper plaster the walls, but there’s a bottle of hot sauce on every vinyl covered table – which can only mean one thing: home-style, Southern cooking.

Typically, there are two meats available, and customers can choose from half a dozen vegetables for their side items.

Wilson’s Soul Food, Inc. will remind diners that they are in the South – from the deep drawl of the employees to the good, traditional recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Verdict: This is the quintessential model of genuine, Southern cooking, and the price isn’t too shabby at an estimated $10. Just remember to always order sweet tea, disregard the décor that has been around since the restaurant opened and try not to judge this restaurant by its cover.

Jot ‘em Down BBQ: A gargoyle sits on the roof of this shack-style establishment on Macon Highway, and from the first impression, customers know this is the type of place where one orders sweet tea.

There are a number of different barbecue items to choose from, and Southern-style sides come with the plates. More than a dozen barbecue sauces are arranged on every table. The meat is savory and, the service Verdict: Unless you’re looking for a particularly relaxed atmosphere with pleasant Southern service, Jot ‘em Down BBQ is very similar to Sonny’s Bar-B-Q. Sonny’s, however, offers more variety in its meal choices.

Kelly’s Jerk: This authentic Jamaican food joint can easily be missed if it weren’t for its bright yellow walls and green trims. The motto is “One Love, One Heart,” and Bob Marley croons from overhead while employees with Jamaican accents greet customers.

The service technique is buffet style, and diners choose which items they want. Kelly’s offers four side options and more than a dozen entrees. The choices of tender meats are set depending on the day of the week.

Verdict: It doesn’t matter if you like Jamaican food – this restaurant can be your meal ticket to being a well-rounded, culturally experienced diner. All dishes are under $10 and come with cornbread, sweet tea and a choice of two sides.