Backdropper Josie Donohue shares her favorite places in Athens to get a hot meal that feels like home.

The holidays have finally arrived. Whether you’re going home or staying in Athens, I believe an important part of the holiday season is eating delicious comfort foods.

Growing up in Meigs County, my family often drove to Athens to eat at its charming restaurants to spend time together. Through the years, I’ve tried a lot of eateries in the area, so this is a list of local restaurants that make me feel like I’m getting a home-cooked meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Miller’s Chicken

Miller’s Chicken is a great local spot if you’re craving an American-styled fried chicken meal. The restaurant has home-style food such as chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, green beans, mac and cheese and more. There is a seating area inside that is intimate and gives off the feeling of eating in a kitchen dining room, or you can take it to go.

When I was young, my grandparents and I would pick up Miller’s Chicken and have picnics at Strouds Run and Dow Lake in the fall. After eating that delicious chicken, we’d search for buckeyes in the colorful leaves. Today, my mom and I will occasionally pick up some chicken and rolls and make a drive through Amesville to visit the picnic spot.

Located at 235 W. State St., this eatery is located near West Green not far from Heritage Hall.

Little Italy Pizza

A veggie pizza from Little Italy Pizza in The Plains, Ohio. Located at 10 S. Plains Road, a short walk if you get dropped off at the Plains Library.

If you’re craving a taste of Italy, look no further than this underrated Italian eatery located in The Plains. Little Italy’s menu features pizzas, subs and salads. Take out and eat with friends at home or eat inside for a home-cooked meal atmosphere.

For one year when I was homeschooled in second grade and my mom worked in The Plains, she would take me to get Italian subs from Little Italy to eat at home for dinner. They were always so fresh, steaming hot and delicious even after we got home.

The restaurant is a quick drive from campus, and students without a car on campus may use the Athens Public Transit on Line 6 with pickups on Court Street, West Union and Columbus Road. It is located at 10 S. Plains Road, so if you get dropped off at the Plains Library, it is a short walk away.

Gigi’s Country Kitchen

Gigi’s breakfast in The Plains, Ohio. Located at 105 N. Plains Road. Students can use the Athens Public Transit on Line 6 for a drop-off at Poston Road.

This comforting spot is little known to Ohio University students but popular among locals. Rumored to be one of Joe Burrow’s favorite spots to eat when he attended Athens High School, there are various homages to the Heisman Trophy winner at the restaurant such as banners on the wall and a menu item named “The Burrow.” This order was once called “The Western,” and is an omelet “stuffed with ham, cheddar jack cheese, onions, and green peppers,” according to Gigi’s menu.

The menu also features breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles and biscuits and gravy and lunch specialties like sandwiches, salads and burgers. Recently, I tried out one of the specials which was a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with French fries and it was delicious and hot. Many people like to come here with their families to catch up and get food that fills them up.

The walls are adorned with a chalkboard with the daily special written and signs that give off a country kitchen vibe. There are tables, booths and a bar onlooking a TV to emulate the feel of a diner. Located at 105 N. Plains Road, students wishing to visit can use the Athens Public Transit on Line 6 for a drop-off at Poston Road, which is a two minute walk to Gigi’s.

Larry’s Dawg House

Every small town should have a delicious burger, fries and ice cream restaurant. In Athens’ case, Larry’s Dawg House has all that and more while being served hot daily. With the speediness of fast food but the quality of homemade food, Larry’s is an Athens staple. On Weenie Wednesday’s, you can even stop by and grab a hotdog for a dollar. .

My favorite thing at Larry’s is the ice cream. Get it in a cup, in a cone with sprinkles, in a milkshake, with toppings for a sundae, with specialty flavors in an arctic swirl and more. My sister and I like to share a banana split on a hot summer day with some French fries or onion rings. Bonus points if you dip your French fries in the ice cream!

This place has a strong hometown vintage vibe where people of all ages enjoy the American fried food that we all crave. Larry’s is not far from campus, located at 410 W. Union St.