Traveling Treats: Weaver D’s – Automatic for the People

Guest Post by Larry Hahn, Southern Correspondent

Nestled inconspicuously among modest homes and gravel parking lots just east of downtown Athens, GA is Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods, perhaps one of the finest eating establishments that the Classic City has to offer. Until you eat at Weaver D’s, you have no idea what fried chicken is really supposed to taste like.

Founded by Dexter Weaver, AKA Weaver D, this small, green shack, furnished with only four or five picnic tables, serves up soul food the way it was meant to be. For about $8, you get a couple pieces of fried chicken, your choice of two sides – I recommend the mac ‘n’ cheese and potatoes, but you can choose from several options including string beans, rice, sweet potatoes and squash casserole – and a corn muffin. For an extra dollar, you can get all white meat chicken. As soon as you take your first bite, your personal fried chicken bar will be reset for the rest of your life.

Weaver D’s has become synonymous with its slogan, “Automatic for the People.” Rock band R.E.M., natives of Athens, GA, and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, named their Grammy-nominated 1992 album Automatic for the People in honor of the restaurant. Dexter Weaver is also a published author. His book, Automatic Y’all: Weaver D’s Guide to the Soul, shares several delicious recipes along with some of Weaver’s philosophies on life.