Grapes & Beans

Going off the beaten path doesn’t mean you have to give up a great meal. 

If you’re cruising past the main drag of fast food joints and traveler trappings in Clayton, Ga., be sure not to miss the heart of the downtown district along a slower paced Savannah Street (U.S. 76 west). After a stroll through antique shops and galleries in the folk art epicenter of North Georgia, (Rabun County is where the Foxfire program earned national household acclaim), why not whet your whistle with a cup of joe or some fruit of the vine? 

With its mix of wines and coffee and an unpretentious organic lunch menu, Grapes & Beans cures those lunchtime hunger pangs with soups, sandwiches, and delicious desserts at a reasonable price. 

Enjoy a portabella pita with sautéed mushrooms, a crunch of carrots and creamy herb tofu, or a roasted turkey sandwich with apple chutney, greens and spicy mustard. There’s also a dreamy baked eggplant with havarti cheese. If a little zing is your thing, try the Southwest chicken fajita sandwich with hot chipotle, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers on whole wheat. Or keep it simple with a PB&J, pita and hummus, or a melted cheese sandwich. 

Seat yourself and stay as long as you wish. The cafe proudly stays “open ‘til we close.” Dangling stuffed animal frogs and spunky paintings of animals help soften the dark brick walls and dim lighting. High overhead, clusters of bubbly fish, a stingray, and a giant turtle float in pastel-painted ceiling murals. 

The patio out back (empty in winter months) is perfect for spring days when you want to lose a few hours solving that newspaper crossword or philosophize with friends in a game of chess or checkers. Inside, the back corner tables offer a lamp-lit intimacy for couple conversations, doodling and daydreams. 

The plastic colored serving cups look like tumblers used at the Mos Eisley Cantina (a nod to the Star Wars generation), while plate portions are just enough so you can save room for that slice of chocolate cake or an Annie’s Natural snack to go. 

If it’s coffee you crave in your mid-day respite, the java station features certified organic beans from Mexico with individually styled coffee mugs you might find in your own cupboard. Along the side wall is a plethora of wines ranging from dry whites to rich reds. The bottles hail from Australia and Napa Valley as well as Rabun County’s very own Tiger Mountain Vineyards, whose award-winning wines make it into four- and five-star restaurants.

Grapes & Beans is located at 42 E. Savannah Street in Clayton Georgia and is open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 706-212-0200 or visit www.grapesandbeans.com.