Choo Choo Grill Express Introduce
For those living in or visiting Athens, Georgia, and seeking a quick yet flavorful meal with a Japanese or Korean flair, Choo Choo Grill Express offers a convenient option. This establishment aims to provide fast-casual dining, specializing in popular Asian dishes that are designed for efficiency. While aiming to cater to a diverse clientele, it's important for local Georgia residents to be aware of the experiences shared by other diners to set realistic expectations for their visit.
Choo Choo Grill Express is located at 1055 Gaines School Rd, Athens, GA 30605, USA. This address places it in a accessible area of Athens, making it relatively easy to reach for locals across the city and surrounding communities in Georgia. The restaurant is situated in a commercial area, which typically offers parking convenience for patrons. Its location on Gaines School Road provides a straightforward route for those looking for a quick meal without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Choo Choo Grill Express primarily focuses on a fast-casual dining model, with a strong emphasis on takeout and quick service. Their menu aims to bring popular Japanese and Korean flavors to their customers. Here’s a general overview of the types of services and dishes you might find:
Hibachi Bowls and Entrees: They offer hibachi-style dishes, often served as bowls or entrees with your choice of protein like chicken, steak, or shrimp, usually accompanied by fried rice and mixed vegetables. This provides a quick way to enjoy the flavors typically associated with hibachi.
Teriyaki Dishes: Teriyaki chicken and shrimp are commonly found on the menu, offering a sweet and savory option for those who enjoy classic Japanese flavors.
Korean Specialties: Reflecting their dual Japanese and Korean identity, they also offer Korean dishes such as Bulgogi (marinated beef) and Korean Spicy Ramen, adding variety to their Asian offerings.
Noodle and Rice Bowls: Customers can find various noodle dishes like Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with choice of protein) and rice bowls with different toppings, providing quick and satisfying meal options.
Appetizers: A selection of appetizers is typically available, including items like Gyoza (fried or steamed dumplings), Spring Rolls, Edamame, and Tempura Shrimp.
Takeout and Delivery: Choo Choo Grill Express is particularly geared towards takeout orders, aiming for quick preparation times. Many customers utilize this service for convenience. Delivery options are also available through various food delivery platforms in the Athens area.
Dine-In (Casual): While primarily a quick-service spot, there is typically space for casual dine-in for those who prefer to eat on-site.
Based on the general model of a "Grill Express" type of establishment, here are potential features and highlights, keeping in mind that customer experiences can vary:
Quick Service Model: The "Express" in their name suggests a focus on speed. For customers in a hurry, the aim is to provide a fast turnaround for orders, especially for takeout.
Variety of Asian Dishes: The menu often spans both Japanese (like hibachi and teriyaki) and Korean (like Bulgogi and spicy ramen) influences, offering a broader range of options than a purely Japanese or Korean restaurant.
Casual Dining Environment: It's designed for a relaxed, no-frills dining experience, suitable for a quick meal rather than a formal sit-down occasion.
However, it is important to acknowledge that recent customer reviews indicate some significant concerns that local users in Georgia should be aware of:
Portion Size Concerns: Recent customer feedback mentions dissatisfaction with portion sizes, particularly regarding the amount of protein (e.g., shrimp) and vegetables (e.g., broccoli) provided relative to the price. This suggests a potential change from previous experiences for some customers.
Value for Money: Some reviews express that the pricing, when considered against the perceived portion sizes and quality, did not represent good value, leading to disappointment and a feeling of being "ripped off."
Consistency Issues: A customer noted a change in quality from a previous positive experience in 2018, indicating potential inconsistencies over time.
Information regarding specific, ongoing promotions for Choo Choo Grill Express is not always widely publicized on general review sites. However, many fast-casual Japanese and Korean establishments often offer various deals. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any potential promotions, such as lunch specials, combo deals, or seasonal offers, Athens, Georgia, locals are advised to check the restaurant’s official website if available, their social media pages, or to call them directly. Local businesses frequently run specials that are only advertised through their own channels or in-store, so direct inquiry is the best way to discover current savings.
If you wish to contact Choo Choo Grill Express or place an order, here is their information:
Address: 1055 Gaines School Rd, Athens, GA 30605, USA
Phone: (706) 543-8888
Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM
For residents of Athens, Georgia, Choo Choo Grill Express positions itself as a convenient option for a quick Japanese and Korean meal. Its primary suitability for locals lies in its fast-casual model and focus on efficiency. When you're in a rush and need a quick bite that offers flavors like hibachi, teriyaki, or Korean specialties, the "express" nature of the service is intended to be a significant advantage. Its location on Gaines School Road also provides easy access for many in the community, making it a simple choice for a spontaneous meal.
However, it's crucial for Georgia locals to manage their expectations based on recent feedback. While previous positive experiences are noted, more current reviews indicate concerns regarding portion sizes and overall value for money. For those who prioritize speed and a broad menu of popular Asian dishes, Choo Choo Grill Express remains an option. Yet, locals are encouraged to consider the recent customer experiences regarding portion sizes and perceived value when making their dining decision. It offers a quick solution for Japanese and Korean cravings, but understanding recent patron experiences is key for a truly informed choice.
Choo Choo Grill Express Food & drink
Side Orders
- Side Of Hibachi Shrimp US$8.99
Grilled, soy-sauce shrimp. Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of LA Ribs US$10.99
Korean style marinated beef, BBQ ribs! Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of Grilled Salmon US$9.99
Comes with 1 teriyaki sauce!
- Miso Soup US$2.99
Our style of miso soup! Includes tofu and green onions. (Seafood allergy****)
- Side Of Fried Rice US$2.49
Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of Vegetables US$2.49
Steamed cabbage mix (mostly cabbage, carrots, onions, zucchini and broccoli) with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of Brown Rice US$2.99
Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of Bulgoki US$7.29
Beef marinated in our traditional, Korean marinade. Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Side Of White Rice US$2.49
Comes with 1 yellow sauce!
- Kimchi US$2.99
Korean, spicy fermented cabbage and onions!
- Side Of Tofu US$7.49
2 pieces of fried tofu (steamed upon request) that comes with 1 teriyaki sauce.
- Side Of Teriyaki Chicken US$6.99
Diced chicken breast. Comes with 1 teriyaki sauce!
- Side Of Teriyaki Steak US$7.99
Diced hanger steak. Comes with 1 teriyaki sauce! (Not Cooked to preference)
Kid's Meals
- Kid's Shrimp US$7.99
Grilled, soy-sauce shrimp, your choice of rice, and your choice of 1 sauce.
- Kid's Steak US$7.99
Diced teriyaki hanger steak, your choice of rice, and your choice of 1 sauce.
- Kid's Chicken US$6.99
Diced teriyaki chicken breast, your choice of rice, and your choice of 1 sauce.
Side Sauces
- Teriyaki Side Sauce US$0.35
Imagine sweet, savory, and salty had a baby... Jokes aside, this sauce is very aromatic and bold!
- House Side Sauce US$0.35
Our house-made wasabi, mayo sauce! (Highly recommended for shrimp tempura and zucchini fries)!
- Duck Side Sauce US$0.35
4-5 packets of Kari-Out Co.'s Duck Sauce!
- Sriracha Side Sauce US$0.35
The classic, Asian hot sauce to hit the spot!
- Soy Side Sauce US$0.35
4-5 packets of Kari-Out Co.'s Soy Sauce!
- Ginger Side Sauce US$0.35
The upgraded soy sauce! With blended in ginger roots and onions, this sauce sure is the better looking brother of regular, ol' soy sauce!
- Gyoza Side Sauce US$0.35
The ultimate dipping sauce! It isn't too sweet, nor is it too salty, just right!
- Spicy Teriyaki Side Sauce US$0.35
Feeling a little daring? It's like a little, flavorful fire! Savory and spicy!
- Yellow (Yum-Yum) Side Sauce US$0.35
Our creamy, savory sauce that balances and compliments just about everything! CAUTION: Very Addictive!
Drinks
- 32 OZ Fountain Drink US$2.99
Choice of coca-cola, orange fanta, pibb xtra, mello yello, minute maide lemonade, sprite, diet coke, and coca-cola zero
- Powerade US$2.99
A combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates that provide effective hydration and energy.
- Dasani US$2.99
Enhanced with a proprietary blend of minerals to give it the clean, fresh taste you want from water.
- 20 OZ Fountain Drink US$1.99
Choice of coca cola, orange fanta, pibb xtra, mello yello, minute maid lemonade, sprite, diet coke, and coca cola zero sugar.
- Vitamin Water US$2.99
20 oz. choice of energy tropical citrus, revive fruit punch, power-c dragonfruit, and xxx acai-blueberry-pomegranate.
Bowls
- Choo Choo Tofu Bowl US$8.99
2 pieces of fried, teriyaki glazed tofu, your choice of rice, and your choice of 2 sauces.
- Teriyaki Steak Bowl US$10.99
Diced teriyaki hanger steak, your choice of rice, and your choice of 2 sauces.
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl US$9.49
Diced teriyaki chicken breast, your choice of rice, and your choice of 2 sauces.
- Hibachi Shrimp Bowl US$11.99
Grilled, soy-sauce shrimp, your choice of rice, and your choice of 2 sauces.
Entrée
- Steak And Chicken Entrée US$13.99
Teriyaki steak and chicken, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Vegetable Deluxe Entrée US$9.49
Vegetarian's favorite! Stir-fried cabbage mix (mixed vegetables) in soy sauce, your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Teriyaki Steak Entrée US$12.99
Diced teriyaki hanger steak, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Grilled Salmon Entrée US$14.99
Teriyaki glazed salmon, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Choo Choo Tofu Entrée US$10.99
3 pieces of fried, teriyaki glazed tofu, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Shrimp And Chicken Entrée US$14.49
Grilled soy-sauce shrimp and teriyaki chicken, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Teriyaki Chicken Entrée US$10.99
Diced teriyaki chicken breast, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- LA Ribs (Galbi) Entrée US$17.49
Korean BBQ beef ribs, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Bulgoki Entrée US$11.99
Traditional Korean-style marinated beef. Served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Hibachi Shrimp Entrée US$13.29
Grilled, soy-sauce shrimp, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- The Special (Steak, Chicken, And Shrimp) US$16.29
Teriyaki chicken and steak, and hibachi shrimp, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
- Steak And Shrimp Entrée US$15.49
Grilled soy-sauce shrimp and teriyaki steak, served with cabbage mix (mixed vegetables), your choice of rice, and your choice of 3 sauces.
Noodles
- Korean Spicy Ramen US$8.99
Made to order, served with 2 fish cake slices and 1 egg!
- YakiSoba US$11.49
Stir-fried Somen noodles, your choice of protein, and cabbage mix, wok-tossed in our homestyle sweet and savory sauce!
Water
- 32 OZ Water US$0.50
- 20 OZ Water US$0.25
Appetizers
- Edamame US$5.49
Classic, steamed and salted Japanese soybeans!
- Choo Choo Gyozas US$8.49
8 piece, meat and vegetable dumplings, served with our Gyoza sauce!
- Choo Choo Chicken Rolls US$5.99
2 piece, chicken and vegetable rolls, served with Duck sauce packets!
- Zucchini Fries US$5.99
Thinly cut, breaded zucchini, served with our House sauce!
- Spring Rolls US$5.99
5 piece, vegetable spring rolls, served with our Gyoza sauce!
Choo Choo Grill Express Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great tea selection
- Sport
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- University students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Choo Choo Grill Express Photos










Choo Choo Grill Express Location
Choo Choo Grill Express
1055 Gaines School Rd, Athens, GA 30605, USA
Choo Choo Grill Express Reviews
$15 for scraps!!! Save your money and go elsewhere. I loved to at Choo Choo back in 2018 I don’t know what they doing in there now because this is HIGHLY disappointing! Order teriyaki chicken and shrimp & only got approximately 6 shrimp. Pissed isn’t the word!!
January 07 · ForbiddenDiamonds _Really? More than $30 for take out. 2 chicken and shrimp plates. I'm not lying, I got a nickel size piece of broccoli. Just one! What a rip off! Won't be going back!
April 25 · LauraI ordered 3 teriyaki chicken bowls at 10:45 pm on a Saturday, I wanted to love it because I’ve had similar dishes with the Yum Yum sauce (not that I ate all the food by myself of course) and with the exception of maybe one other place with the same or mostly similar dish, this was not my favorite. Maybe I should’ve just used either the teriyaki or the Yum Yum sauce and not both -it was probably my fault, but it was just underwhelming to me. Other than that, they were very responsive with their feedback and on time with the food. I appreciate that. Next time, I’ll probably just get something else.
December 29 · Christina SteadmanWhen I ate here the other day there was a rude lady who doesn't really seem to care about customers and her attitude ranges from really bad to worse. I think they probably have the worst customer service and I didn't have a good experience the two times I came here recently. I am not sure who the owner is but they might want to give some of their staff serious counseling.
February 10 · Alex WolfGreat food including enough for left overs! They serve in to-go containers to make it easy. Your choice of meat and sauces with rice is a staple of local college students but other menu items are available.
April 05 · Teresa Cox
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