The epicenter of Athens culinary and bar scene is "Downtown". This area is roughly defined by Broad Street in the South and Dougherty Street (which becomes Prince Avenue) in the North. The majority of restaurants will be located in this area, just north of UGA's campus.
There is also a small collection of restaurants, bars and stores centered around the area called "Five Points", where Milledge Avenue and Lumpkin Street intersect.
Finally, the normal American chain restaurants are scattered throughout Athens, with concentrations of them around the Beechwood Shopping Center (at the intersection of Baxter Street and Alps Road), near the Georgia Square Mall (at the intersection of Athen's circumnavigating perimeter highway, Loop 10 and the Atlanta Highway), and finally at the College Station Shopping Center (near the corner of Barnnett Shoals Road and College Station Road).
Five & Ten, 1635 S. Lumpkin Street, (706) 546-7300, Dinner: Su-Th 5:30pm-10pm, F-Sa 5:30pm-11pm, Brunch: Su 10:30am-2:30pm, . $25+. One of the finest southeastern restaurants is located in the Five Points neighborhood of Athens. There are not too many places in Georgia that serve sweetbreads in the first place, but Hugh Acheson shows his respect for place by serving them atop a grits custard.
The National Recently started by the acclaimed chef at Five and Ten, the National offers inventive Tapas style dining. Next door to Cine, sample wine, cheese and meats before catching a movie.
Mama's Boy, 197 Oak Street, (706) 548-6249, Mon thru Sun 7am-3:30pm. . $8+. For a twist on Southern diner food, check out Mama's Boy. The crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast is served with a creamy bacon gravy. It is so good that you will sop it up with one of their dense, rich biscuits.
The Last Resort, 184 W. Clayton (Downtown). $12+. A diverse menu of newer takes on traditional southern classics is supplemented by daily soup, quiche, fish and pasta specials. Though the Last Resort is a great choice for dinner, it is perhaps the best Lunch spot in Athens. The Fried Green Tomato sandwich topped with Vidalia-bacon salad dressing is a lunchtime favorite, while the praline chicken provides an excellent sweet yet savory dinner. The wide array of cakes and pies are also of local fame and should certainly be sampled by visitors.
DePalma's An Athens institution that offers traditional (if unspectacular) Italian fare. Try the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer followed by mix and match pasta of your choosing. The calzones and pizza are also good. A good choice for a group, the waiters and waitresses will keep the wine flowing.
Weaver D's 1016 E. Broad. Meat and three vegetables, made famous by REM.
The Taco Stand 247 E. Broad. Quick Mexican that is thoroughly Athens. Less quirky than it once was, but still a great dive. Try their speciality, the Fried Chicken Tacos. There's also another branch at 670 N. Milledge and 2270 Barnett Shoals.
The Grit, 199 Prince Ave, ☎ (706) 543-6592, . M-F 11:00am-10:00pm, S-S 10:00am-3:00pm (brunch), 5:00pm-10:00pm (dinner). A few dishes of many cuisines: Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern, along with soups, salads, sandwiches, and many homemade desserts. Fully vegetarian with many vegan options. $6+. �
White Tiger, 217 Hiawassee Ave, ☎ 706-363-0713. �
Cali-N-Tito's A swanky mixture of Cuban and South American food, they have great sandwiches and other options. Their lunch special is a great deal, with a side and a drink. For drinks, they have good sweet tea or Coke. If you want beer or wine, you have to bring your own, this restaurant is BYOB. 1427 Lumpkin Street, this restaurant is located near the area called "Five Points".
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Athens (Georgia)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Athens (Georgia) - updated May 2024
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