< Guide to Athens

Coffee for coffee obsessives, roasted in tiny batches and ideally prepared as pour-over but with more elaborate preparations than previously; hipster vibes with lots of plants at both locations. Also: tea, other drinks, bags of coffee, coffee accessories and light snacks. Coffees on offer change out frequently.

Standard bowling alley food inside Showtime Bowl: chicken fingers, fries, pretzels, wings, pizza. Beers by the bucket include local and craft brews, or you can do hard seltzers in bulk.

Big college bar with pool tables that gets its name from the year UGA was chartered. Occasional DJs. Also serves food (fried apps, burgers, flatbreads, wings in a lot of flavors, wraps, tacos), which means it's open Sundays. Margarita towers, pitchers of domestics. Poker Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays.

Sweet family-run Caribbean restaurant is a great reason to visit the dying mall food court, with lots of veggies. Fresh juices, tangy escovitch snapper, HOT hot sauce, excellent curry goat and macaroni and cheese.

College kids sweat it out on the dance floor to (mostly) ’90s jams. Occasional DJs. Buy a tallboy, shot or mixed drink for dancing fuel. Also: Zima to go with the theme.

Opened in 1961, this soda fountain and lunch counter inside a Five Points pharmacy hasn’t changed much since then. Grab a stool and watch the cooks make your fries and bitty burgers. Real cherry and vanilla sodas, plus malts, milkshakes and floats. One of the few real bargains left.

A mix of Americanized Mexican and more authentic stuff in a family atmosphere. Normaltown location has a gorgeous rooftop bar with a mural and nice views, plus breakfast Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m.

Popular poke place is moving down the block downtown (opening date TBD). Poke is reasonably priced with loads of topping choices (raw and cooked). Vegetarian options, hibachi, fried rice, noodles and basic soups and salads.

A wide variety of house-brewed beers that is always changing (more than two dozen on tap at any given time), plus a full restaurant, not just bar snacks. Beer features in many dishes, and there are vegan and vegetarian options. Flatbreads, a giant pretzel, burgers, salads, biscuits at brunch. Cocktails, wine, shots and cider, too.

A big bar for everyone, with two floors plus a rooftop tiki bar, pool and lots of TVs. Hundreds of drink options, 20 rotating beers, 55 whiskeys, 18 tequilas and over 200 bottled beers (including some nonalcoholic choices). Opens earlier than most.

Cookie dough specially formulated to be safe to eat raw, available in many flavors. Jittery Joe’s coffee, milkshakes (with cookie dough), ice cream sundaes and toppings. Some vegan, gluten-free and keto choices. Find the dough for sale around town.

Cookie dough specially formulated to be safe to eat raw, available in many flavors. Jittery Joe’s coffee, milkshakes (with cookie dough), ice cream sundaes and toppings. Some vegan, gluten-free and keto choices. Find the dough for sale around town.

Regional chain serves pizza with a wide variety of toppings, renowned wings, sandwiches, pasta, salads and soup. Good craft brews.

Regional chain serves pizza with a wide variety of toppings, renowned wings, sandwiches, pasta, salads and soup. Good craft brews.

Big biscuits with lots of classic fillings and breakfast plates in an old-school atmosphere with reasonable prices.

Big biscuits with lots of classic fillings and breakfast plates in an old-school atmosphere with reasonable prices.

Excellent bagels boiled and baked in-house in a wide variety of flavors. You can also get them as a breakfast or lunch sandwich with lox, pastrami, egg and more. Cream soda? Yessir.

Fancy cooking store retails plenty of kitchen goods, but also does classes and serves refined breakfast and lunch. Charcuterie boards to go, housemade granola, coffee from 1000 Faces with housemade syrups, beautiful soups and well-presented, tasty sandwiches.

Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. all year long at Bishop Park pavilion and Wednesdays, 5–8 p.m. March through November at the Creature Comforts patio downtown. SNAP is accepted and doubled. Locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, flowers, artisan crafts and prepared foods. There is live music, kids activities and food trucks on site.

Athens' newest Vietnamese restaurant does fresh juices as well as a variety of pho, other soups like oxtail, banh mi (including egg), cóm, crispy noodle dishes and massive goi cuon that make for a perfect hot-weather snack.

Locally owned pizza place with a wide variety of toppings, plus pasta (baked ziti, lasagna), subs, wings, calzones, salads and meatballs à la carte. Lots of desserts, including baklava in a case on the counter.

Small brewery with lots of offerings in the historic Boulevard neighborhood. Sixteen different taps, changing often, with sours, pilsners, wheat beers, ales, stouts, build-your-own hard seltzer and more, plus a big patio that hosts tons of events and food pop-ups.

Thursdays, 4–6 p.m. at Athentic Brewing Co. Locally made baked goods, seasonal produce, honey and artisanal crafts. Some vendors accept pre-orders for CSA pickups. Food trucks on site plus a variety of rotating events.

Big slices of New York-style pizza made in pans brushed with garlic oil, plus delish but not giant subs, salads and cannoli all with quality ingredients. Vegan-friendly + gluten-free options.

Burgers, chicken, flatbreads, hot dogs, funnel cake fries and the like, available for munching while you watch a movie or play trivia or bingo in the lobby on Wednesdays. Movie-themed cocktails and mocktails.

Instagrammable, with lots of neon, disco balls and a light-up dance floor, ’90s music, karaoke. Choose from domestic and local standbys, or order a house specialty like the disco lemonade, jello shots or 1.5-gallon Moscow mule.

Small menu done well: smashburgers topped with caramelized onions, cheese, housemade pickles and zippy house sauce; fries; banana pudding in a few different flavors. Watkinsville location has a drive-thru. Normaltown location newly opened.

ZZ & Simone's sister business is a wine bar first and foremost, but has expanded its food options to heartier stuff like baked ziti and meatballs. Wine and aperitifs over beer and shots, plus bowls of olives, pretty desserts, fancy toasts, etc. Occasional throwback pop-ups of the Chinese-American restaurant that preceded it in the space.

Roomy bar beloved by Barstool Sports with TVs, pool tables, darts and foosball. Beer and mixed drinks across a wide range of taste and budget. Pool and beer-pong tournaments, plus cornhole and shuffleboard; boozy snow cones in the summer. Karaoke on Tuesdays.

Locally owned burrito chain has expanded throughout the Southeast but remains Athens-y. Serves health-oriented Mexican-ish fare, highlighting low-fat options. Everything is customizable to your taste/dietary needs: burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, nachos and salads, lots of veggies; vegetarian and vegan options.

Locally owned burrito chain has expanded throughout the Southeast but remains Athens-y. Serves health-oriented Mexican-ish fare, highlighting low-fat options. Everything is customizable to your taste/dietary needs: burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, nachos and salads, lots of veggies; vegetarian and vegan options.

Prince Avenue, Epps Bridge Parkway, Highway 29, Jefferson Road (Oak Grove) and Atlanta Highway (under construction) locations are Dunkin' only.

Korean fried chicken chain serves tenders, wings, tteokbokki and sides from pickled radishes and cheese sticks to onion rings.

Cute independent bakery does cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies, cake pops, gooey bars and box lunches with a sandwich, cheese straws or chips and a cupcake.

Cute independent bakery does cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies, cake pops, gooey bars and box lunches with a sandwich, cheese straws or chips and a cupcake.

Cute independent bakery does cupcakes, custom cakes, cookies, cake pops, gooey bars and box lunches with a sandwich, cheese straws or chips and a cupcake.

Sister restaurant to Bubble Cafe offers quick-service, mostly Korean food: bento boxes with a protein, rice, two dumplings and a side; snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and seaweed salad; wings, noodles and fried rice.

Longtime Athens favorite has a great patio popular with dogs and kids. Biscuits, French toast, continental breakfast, omelets, great sandwiches, quiche, soups, burgers (veggie and non), small but good selection of beer and wine. Baked goods galore, including for special order. Friday evening dinner service.

Old-school hot doggery in the country makes a steamed dog with coleslaw on a toasted bun like no other. Also grilled cheese, corned beef and chicken salad.

Birdies retails Rancho Gordo beans, amazing cheese, specialty meats and much more. It also has a coffee bar, Independent Baking Co. pastries and makes pretty, local produce-driven soup, salads and sandwiches, all of which change out frequently. Order online for pick-up or come in and linger at a table.

Southern lunch counter inside a neighborhood convenience store is well known for its biscuits with sausage, ham, eggs, tenderloin, cheese, gravy and more. Grits, eggs or hashbrowns on the side. Lunch items rotate and include corn dogs, chicken fingers, pork chops and fish on Fridays.

Thursdays, 4–7 p.m. June through August. Location changes seasonally. Fresh produce, flowers, honey, homemade baked goods and beverages, crafts, handmade goods, prepared foods and more.

Wings and chicken fingers to go, with 16(!) different sauces and a wide variety of customizations (extra wet, extra crispy, etc.). Also: burgers, corn dogs, meaty salads, fried shrimp, onion rings, fries and fried apple pies on the side. Other locations are in Statham, Lexington, Commerce, Elberton, Hartwell and Royston. Online ordering.

Longtime Athens sports bar has several locations and a big menu including many vegetarian choices. Beer on tap and in bottles, including local brews. Each location has its own specials.

Cozy bar on the second story of a historic building, for students and townies with a nice view and a rooftop patio. Big drink selection: 300+ craft beers, 100+ scotches, a wide selection of whiskeys and wine from all over. Occasional vinyl nights where you can bring your own tunes.

Big, divey, multi-level student bar. Pool, beer pong, popcorn machines and more inside. Regular specials on already inexpensive drafts and wells. Open mic nights.

Small boba shop in a cute little house with the chimney painted to look like a tea, straw and all. Fewer flavors than some shops, but friendly staff and local baked goods. More parking in the back.

College bar encourages you to chug through Power Hour and party New Orleans-style all night. Pool upstairs. Cheap beer and champagne, nightly specials and liquor drinks, including hurricanes and fishbowls.

Family-oriented restaurant with a huge menu, great deals on kids meals and something for everyone, including celiac folks. Big salads, fried apps, tacos, burgers, grilled seafood and more. Second location opening in Watkinsville this year.

Family-oriented restaurant with a huge menu, great deals on kids meals and something for everyone, including celiac folks. Big salads, fried apps, tacos, burgers, grilled seafood and more. Second location opening in Watkinsville this year.

Family-oriented restaurant with a huge menu, great deals on kids meals and something for everyone, including celiac folks. Big salads, fried apps, tacos, burgers, grilled seafood and more. Second location opening in Watkinsville this year.

Bubble tea, of course, in a wide variety of flavors (almond milk for the lactose intolerant; milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, cloud cream, matcha), but also fun snacks, dumplings, good soups, rice and poke bowls and more, all in an Instagrammable interior. Good vegetarian options.

Less zen, more sake bombs that involve pounding on the table to make the shot fall into the drink. Skee-ball in the back, pitchers of specialty craft cocktails known as Buddha Juice, shots and beer. Lots of sports.

National wings chain/sports bar is geared to the fantasy and real football crowd. Burgers, salads, hefty desserts, wraps, dips and tots as well as wings and tendies. Kids menu. Expected to open in 2025.

Some of the biggest pizzas in town, plus wings, hot and cold subs, calzones, fried apps, pasta, salads, breadsticks and dessert. Gluten-free options. Open as late as 3 a.m. Take-out and delivery only.

This restaurant inside UGA’s Georgia Center does grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, hot breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, sandwiches) and a classic hot line that dishes up hamburger steak with mushroom gravy, buttered corn, pot roast and the like. Coffee all day.

The rare barbecue place that has both good smoked meats (especially pork and ribs) and a full bar. Sides like chicken mull, corn nuggets, fried okra, meat skins and a meaty potato salad are legit. Desserts are well thought of. Kids menu.

Boo-vay, not booves, as in the French for "you drink." European-style cafe with a lot of different beverages all through the day: coffee, tea, cool sodas, craft cocktails, wine, beer and aperitifs. PBR + a howdy for $8. Healthy snacks, some sandwiches (breakfast, lunch and dinner), plus alcoholic and booze-free snoballs. Popular with kids and grown folks alike.

Worth the drive a bit outside of Athens to Nicholson for some of the best barbecue around, Friday through Sunday. Also: chicken mull, Sunday buffet with Southern standards and cobbler for dessert. Holiday specials.

Potato donuts that rotate flavors seasonally, good coffee, big biscuits, breakfast burritos and tacos until 2 p.m., then a break and a switch to dinner with smashburgers, chicken and excellent fries and soft-serve. Drive-thru or walk-up. There's also a food truck for catering and pop-ups. Another Athens location, on the Greenway on Oconee Street, is in the works.

Both locations of this Athens original do Latin American food with a Peruvian influence: lomo saltado, big sandwiches, plantains (sweet and savory), yuca, tacu tacu (rice and beans topped with eggs) and much more. Lots of veggie choices. Eastside location is bigger with an eclectic atmosphere fun for adults and full of quarter-operated rides for kids. Lumpkin has a small fee to BYOB.

Family-run spot gives you free soup instead of chips and salsa and has a menu that ranges all over Latin America: quesabirria, bandeja paisa, lomo saltado, pupusas, sweet and savory empanadas, arepas. Delightful breakfast, kids meals and an array of coffee drinks.

Drive-thru/walk-up coffee chain.

Drive-thru/walk-up coffee chain.

Gastropub that welcomes "thirst seekers, hop gazers, palate pushers" and plays fast and loose with flavors like sriracha and blue cheese. Good beer selection, regular specials, street tacos, lots of fusion and a food truck that pops up at bars and breweries.

Gastropub that welcomes "thirst seekers, hop gazers, palate pushers" and plays fast and loose with flavors like sriracha and blue cheese. Good beer selection, regular specials, street tacos, lots of fusion and a food truck that pops up at bars and breweries.

Longtime Athens bakery offers cupcakes and cakes made to order, including for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. Popular flavors include lemon, tres leches, hummingbird, mocha, caramel, coconut and red velvet. Purchase only. No seating.

Donuts, tamales and an absolute rainbow of Mexican sweet breads (conchas that resemble jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween and much, much more), all well priced and nicely made.

Weed-themed sandwich shop is really committed to the bit, but the food ain't bad. Sandwiches with a wide variety of fillings, including a bunch of vegetarian options, are your best bet. Also: salads, snacks, sweets, drinks.

Weed-themed sandwich shop is really committed to the bit, but the food ain't bad. Sandwiches with a wide variety of fillings, including a bunch of vegetarian options, are your best bet. Also: salads, snacks, sweets, drinks.

Healthier-than-average strip-mall Chinese, focusing on Cantonese standards. Hot pot, seafood, Singapore noodles, roast duck and lunch specials. Online ordering.

Filipino food as well as classic American deli sandwiches, coffee, bubble tea (milk only), ice cream and light and colorful slices of cake. Pick up a pack of cracker nuts and some noodles while you're at it.

Filipino food as well as classic American deli sandwiches, coffee, bubble tea (milk only), ice cream and light and colorful slices of cake. Pick up a pack of cracker nuts and some noodles while you're at it.

Mostly to-go food, available fast, but a better selection than your standard stir-fry eatery: lo mein, pancit, teriyaki, sweet and sour, moo shu and meat entrees, plus chef’s special Cantonese dishes.

Large AYCE buffet with many Chinese, American and Japanese dishes, including crab legs sometimes. You can also order off the menu of mostly Americanized Chinese standards or get take-out priced by the pound.

Americanized quick-service Chinese dishes, including chop suey, lo mein, mai fun, moo shu, et al., make up the primary order of business in this small restaurant that mostly does to-go.

Americanized quick-service Chinese dishes, including chop suey, lo mein, mai fun, moo shu, et al., make up the primary order of business in this small restaurant that mostly does to-go.

The Dale brothers' coffee shop is neat as a pin, with a simple menu (coffee, tea, Montane seltzer, Figment kombucha, chocolate milk) and a focus on sustainability. A few snacks include pastries and Condor Chocolate brownies.

Quick-service hibachi basics, wings, spicy ramen, plus some Korean specialties like bulgogi.

Quick-service hibachi basics, wings, spicy ramen, plus some Korean specialties like bulgogi.

Steak and beer, but also seafood, chicken, salmon tacos and burgers at this somewhat upscale Watkinsville restaurant. Tap takeovers, mocktails, Southern veggies for sides and gluten-free items. Kids menu.

Steak and beer, but also seafood, chicken, salmon tacos and burgers at this somewhat upscale Watkinsville restaurant. Tap takeovers, mocktails, Southern veggies for sides and gluten-free items. Kids menu.

Upscale place with an emphasis on Gulf seafood, including a large, well-executed sushi menu. Land animals, too. Signature cocktails with sake or Japanese whiskey as well as standards. Big for date night.

Upscale place with an emphasis on Gulf seafood, including a large, well-executed sushi menu. Land animals, too. Signature cocktails with sake or Japanese whiskey as well as standards. Big for date night.

Yes, it's a movie theater, with a wide variety of indie flicks and classics, but you can also go hang out in the bar and drink movie-themed cocktails or good beer, wine and liquor. Coffee, tea, sodas, local baked goods and fresh-popped popcorn, plus an art gallery run by ATHICA.

Long-running college bar has big-screen TVs in a historic space with marble accents and chandeliers. Daily drink deals, plus the usual selection of beer, seltzers and trendy shots.

Brought to you by an entrepreneur who runs food halls in Gainesville, Orlando and West Palm Beach, this new space in the second phase of the giant apartment complex should open fall 2025.

An event space and college bar, with a frozen drink machine, Creature Comforts beer for $3, more cocktails than usual, a disco ball, a game room with Skee-ball and a covered back patio.

Sports-bar vibes and big menu with an emphasis on fried snacks and chicken (a good half-bird fried to order, chicken livers, wings), plus pizza. Games for grown-ups (Golden Tee, pool) and kids (an arcade side room). Bar has draft, canned and bottled beer plus makes beachy drinks.

College bar with a big "How Bout Them Dawgs" light-up sign for photo ops. Espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes, champagne and prosecco specials.

College bar with a big "How Bout Them Dawgs" light-up sign for photo ops. Espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes, champagne and prosecco specials.

Local favorite does beef and veggie burgers (made with good ingredients and creative toppings: bacon jam, peanut butter, gouda, etc.) plus grilled cheese, tater tots and milkshakes (including boozy ones). Gluten-free options and a big patio.

Rainbow-lit bubble wall bar and a light-up dance floor has a club vibe, with a VIP section. Spacious layout, pool, TV and laser lights. Full bar with all the shots and bombs you could ask for, plus boozy slushies and DJs playing thumping music.

Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Farmer's Market Building. Locally grown produce, eggs, prepared foods, pottery, jewelry and handmade goods. There is live music and kids activities.

Locally-based small-batch chocolate shop offers truffles, chocolate bars, coffee bars and more, plus drinking chocolate, coffee, gelato, ice cream sandwiches, toffee, etc. Vegan options. Downtown location has big windows to watch the chocolate elves at work, or you can book a tour.

Cheery spot in Watkinsville decorated with bright colors and ocean theme does a lot of seafood: shrimp, oysters, fish, octopus, ceviche, aguachile. Land animals, too, if you prefer. Also: margaritas, buckets of beers, palomas.

Cheery spot in Watkinsville decorated with bright colors and ocean theme does a lot of seafood: shrimp, oysters, fish, octopus, ceviche, aguachile. Land animals, too, if you prefer. Also: margaritas, buckets of beers, palomas.

Big, beautiful brewery with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Popular year-round offerings include Tropicalia and Classic City Lager, but there are lots of seasonal and limited-edition beers and a new line of vodka seltzers. Purchase cans, bottles and merch on site to take home. Food trucks and pop-ups for eats.

Big, beautiful brewery with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Popular year-round offerings include Tropicalia and Classic City Lager, but there are lots of seasonal and limited-edition beers and a new line of vodka seltzers. Purchase cans, bottles and merch on site to take home. Food trucks and pop-ups for eats.

Creature Comforts' spirits bar is accessible from Washington Street, next to the Rook & Pawn, despite its Hancock address. It serves spirits distilled onsite and current Creature beers and seltzers, and is available for rent plus open to the public Thursday through Saturday.

One of the largest bars in town, with a more grown-up, less college-heavy crowd than many bars around it. Pool, Skee-ball, Golden Tee, foosball, darts, a photo booth and football on TV. Huge whiskey selection, befitting its Irish branding, Guinness on tap. Coconut Pat's is a tiki bar located in the mezzanine.

One of the largest bars in town, with a more grown-up, less college-heavy crowd than many bars around it. Pool, Skee-ball, Golden Tee, foosball, darts, a photo booth and football on TV. Huge whiskey selection, befitting its Irish branding, Guinness on tap. Coconut Pat's is a tiki bar located in the mezzanine.

Grilled meats cooked on your table, either in pre-set portion sizes or all-you-can-eat (within 2 hours), plus banchan (free snacks that vary frequently). It's not inexpensive, but it is good. Also: vegetarian options, Korean ramen, kimchi stew. Japanese whiskey, shōchū and other unusual selections at the bar.

Grab-and-go sandwiches (lots of vegan and vegetarian options), sides (kale pesto, mac and cheese, tuna salad), salads and soups, plus slices of cake from the baker who used to be at The Grit. Eat on the patio or take home. Custom-order cakes, too.

Cheerful, Black-owned barbecue joint that does ribs, chicken, pork and sausage, plus Southern-style veggies (available in small, medium and large) and fruit cobblers. Picnic tables out front plus seating inside.

Atmospheric coffee chain inside a student apartment building is aesthetic. Lots of tea as well as coffee, steamed milk drinks and some sodas. No cash.

This Athens favorite has been in business for decades doing classic Italian, from pizza and standard red-sauced pasta to eggplant florentine and grilled salmon. Each location has a slightly different menu, but all have vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options; kids menu. Long wine list with many Italian reds and plenty of beers.

Bubble tea: milk, fruit or classic tea-based drinks.

Something for everyone: brunchy-lunchy hot food made to order until 2 p.m., with lots of veggies; stuff in the fridge and freezer any other time, and lots of weekly specials, ranging all over the world in influences. Holiday special orders. Walkers, bikers and bus riders get a 5% discount. Great with dietary restrictions.

Restaurant/bar combo serves grilled cheese, fried stuff, salads and smash burgers, with an upstairs bar that also has darts and a pool table. Kids menu. Taco Tuesday. Kitchen closes at 11 p.m.; bar stays open late.

Americanized Mexican staples: tacos, burritos, nachos, fajitas, quesadillas, big burritos, enchiladas, queso, fish tacos, fried ice cream. Margaritas, lots of tequilas.

A college bar named for Athens’ famous non-working piece of Confederate memorabilia. TVs to watch sports and low prices ($2 Tuesdays). Occasional DJs. What you’d expect for drinks plus a cocktail named for UGA grad golfer Bubba Watson.

New line dancing and country bar in a big, big space. Don't know how to boot scoot? They'll teach you. Gameday specials.

Hot bar inside grocery store includes veggie and vegan stuff, plus chicken, fish, soup and salad.

Hot bar inside grocery store includes veggie and vegan stuff, plus chicken, fish, soup and salad.

You can get Tex Mex or Americanized Mexican stuff here, but the better bet is to dig into the seafood section of the menu. The siete mares soup is particularly good.

Most of the restaurant is outside, and the lawn is often busy with a Five Points crowd. Tacos (including veggie and vegan choices) that change out regularly, plus other Mexican-ish standards, kids menu and a serious bar with lots of tequilas, a selection of mezcals, beer buckets and build-your-own margs.

Large regional chain Tex-Mex restaurant features murals and elaborate hanging lights, plus a big bar in the middle. You can find some gems among the standard burritos and taco salads: tableside guacamole, chile colorado, large selection of tequilas and margaritas in over a dozen flavors.

Large regional chain Tex-Mex restaurant features murals and elaborate hanging lights, plus a big bar in the middle. You can find some gems among the standard burritos and taco salads: tableside guacamole, chile colorado, large selection of tequilas and margaritas in over a dozen flavors.

Family-run eatery inside Hawthorne Drugs does a surprisingly good Cuban sandwich as well as Southern lunch standards (pimento cheese and the like), plus breakfast plates, milkshakes, hot dogs and more. Kids menu and a super family-friendly atmosphere.

Fancy Detroit-style pizza franchise can make you a gluten-free pie. Also serves burgers, salads, mozzarella sticks, soy and sesame marinated cucumbers, family-style banana or chocolate pudding for dessert.

Go love on cats while enjoying some snacks and beverages. This partnership with the Georgia-based animal rescue organization Circle of Friends Animal Society serves Pawfee, yogurt purrfait, cake pops and a few other treats.

Refined and intelligent restaurant with a beauteous bar has an Italian focus to its food, with anitpasti, burrata, housemade pasta (can be gluten-free), risotto and more. Offerings change regularly. Nonalcoholic cocktails made with as much love as the boozy ones, plus nice wines.

Locally originating burger chain does patties with 100% grass-fed, no-antibiotics, locally-raised beef, pasture-raised pork, ground chicken or vegan ingredients. Lots of toppings, sides, kids menu, shakes and floats, burger + beer combos.

Primarily biscuits, served all day, but not just traditional egg and cheese varieties. Nice ingredients like housemade pickles and jam. Lunch adds non-biscuit sandwiches and burgers plus specials and cocktails. Baked goods in a case at the counter, good coffee.

The tasting room for Figment Kombucha features its small-batch drinks made with high-quality local ingredients, available on tap, canned or by the growler (half or full), plus a rotating selection of snacks, nonalcoholic drinks and fermented goods. Specific flavors change regularly. Get a kombucha float with housemade sorbet for a grown-up treat.

The tasting room for Figment Kombucha features its small-batch drinks made with high-quality local ingredients, available on tap, canned or by the growler (half or full), plus a rotating selection of snacks, nonalcoholic drinks and fermented goods. Specific flavors change regularly. Get a kombucha float with housemade sorbet for a grown-up treat.

The tasting room for Figment Kombucha features its small-batch drinks made with high-quality local ingredients, available on tap, canned or by the growler (half or full), plus a rotating selection of snacks, nonalcoholic drinks and fermented goods. Specific flavors change regularly. Get a kombucha float with housemade sorbet for a grown-up treat.

Remains the gold standard for fine dining in Athens. The menu is Southern-ish but chef-driven and up to date, changing weekly depending on what’s in season. Wine list by James Beard nominee; unpretentious but smart cocktails; excellent after-dinner drinks. Look out for specials.

Five entrees, five desserts, five apps and so on. Seafood from Destin is a point of emphasis, but you can also get a ribeye or fried chicken. Jazz brunch on weekends. Five specialty cocktails from the bar.

Five entrees, five desserts, five apps and so on. Seafood from Destin is a point of emphasis, but you can also get a ribeye or fried chicken. Jazz brunch on weekends. Five specialty cocktails from the bar.

Brazilian steakhouse offers an all-you-can-eat model. Pay once, then go up to the meat window and/or the salad bar (which also has mashed potatoes, empanadas, etc.) as many times as you like. Vegetarians can do the buffet and grilled pineapple and still be happy. Lower prices for kids. Drinks and dessert are separate.

Longtime Irish pub Flanagan’s and its downstairs sister bar get packed with students on late nights and weekends. Pool, daily specials on everything from cocktails to shots to Ultra Right Beer. Lots of whiskey, both on special and just regularly.

Cult film nights, cool movie posters, karaoke and fun drinks at this chill townie bar. Art wall changes out monthly. Also: boozy slushies, retro cocktails, half pours on beer, mocktails, local tea, popcorn. Rent the side room for your private event.

Cult film nights, cool movie posters, karaoke and fun drinks at this chill townie bar. Art wall changes out monthly. Also: boozy slushies, retro cocktails, half pours on beer, mocktails, local tea, popcorn. Rent the side room for your private event.

Real-deal Southern food, available in meat-and-sides combos or as all-you-can-eat. Menu changes daily but could include pork chops, fried chicken livers, catfish, greens, yams, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese and more.

Real-deal Southern food, available in meat-and-sides combos or as all-you-can-eat. Menu changes daily but could include pork chops, fried chicken livers, catfish, greens, yams, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese and more.

This cozy hangout for plant lovers offers a space to learn about and purchase botanicals. The bar serves beer, wine, coffee, soft drinks and things like canned oatmilk lattes. Lots of classes.

Swanky coffee chain in a new apartment building also offers a selection of gelatos and affogatos, cold brew by the growler, baked goods and prepackaged snacks. Elaborate drinks.

Latin-accented neighborhood place with lots of steaks (the churrasco is a highlight) but also lots of other stuff, from the owners of Punta Cana. Do it up fancy and get a tomahawk with lobster tail on the side or just get a burger with your sweetie. Domestics and Mexican beer on draft, some classic cocktails and sangria.

Latin-accented neighborhood place with lots of steaks (the churrasco is a highlight) but also lots of other stuff, from the owners of Punta Cana. Do it up fancy and get a tomahawk with lobster tail on the side or just get a burger with your sweetie. Domestics and Mexican beer on draft, some classic cocktails and sangria.

Classics like chopped pork, Brunswick stew, baked beans and coleslaw, plus chicken tenders and banana pudding, kids menu, tailgating specials, meats and sides in bulk.

Locally owned pizza place that focuses on big slices with a wide variety of toppings. Also: wings, salads, subs, pasta, chicken fingers, cannoli, fried pickles and the Redneck Stromboli (a hot dog and cheddar baked in pizza dough). Kids menu. Normaltown location with rooftop bar coming soon.

This barbecue place in Crawford, which operates a drive-thru as well as a dining room, prides itself on brisket but also offers pork, chicken and ribs. Five different sauces, great green beans among the sides and a kids menu that offers grilled cheese or a hot dog.

Mexican place in Winterville has a big menu (with a section for kids) that includes your standard dips and quesadillas, fried and grilled fish, seafood soup, "tacos gringos" (hardshell with ground beef or chicken, lettuce and cheese), churros and lunch combos. Margs, aguas and horchata to drink.

Located in Wire Park, lots of things in bowls: hibachi, ramen, poke, plus some side snacks like seaweed salad, edamame, potstickers, bao and shrimp tempura. Ramune Japanese sodas to drink. Treats like Pocky and Hello Kitty marshmallows to wrap it up.

Controversy-courting downtown spot decked out in Civil War memorabilia. Southern-themed cocktails.

Gulf and low country classics: étouffée, shrimp and grits, sherry crab bisque, oysters (raw, fried, grilled), jambalaya, redfish and much more. Good wine list from all over, beer and Southern-accented cocktails.

Mexican-accented Continental/fusion restaurant does a not inexpensive but very popular all-you-can-eat brunch, plus dinner with steaks, seafood, pasta, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, escargot, chicken in a roasted garlic mushroom cheese sauce and more along the same lines. Specials change weekly.

An Athens classic, open since 1989, that hasn't lost a step. Huge beer selection, general literary atmosphere (poetry nights!) and lots of cool things to look at. On the menu, you'll find smart takes on pub food with lots of vegetarian options (hot tofu as well as hot chicken, veggie burgers alongside the beef) plus actual greens and fresh ingredients. Soccer on the tv upstairs.

Tons of standard Americanized Chinese options, including duck, seafood and some good tofu options. Dragon Dinners feature combinations of dishes for two to 10 people. Online ordering.

Countless classic options, loads of chef's specials and lunch specials. A lighter fare section offers steamed MSG-free meals low in sodium; lots of tofu choices.

Burgers (Impossible and meaty), fries (dunk 'em in feta dressing), classic milkshakes, sandwiches, kids menu in this longtime Athens institution that's been serving since 1981. No longer open 24 hours but still a classic, with lots of vegetarian options.

Small chain out of Atlanta does smashburgers with one patty or two (beef, turkey, beans and quinoa, or Impossible Burger), plus bar snacks, fried sides and boozy or virgin milkshakes. Nice upstairs outside seating.

Clever burgers (both meat and veggie), plus salads and hot sandwiches (pimento chicken, Italian beef), good sides (“street corn,” Brussels sprouts, fabulous onion rings) and milkshakes.

We know it's a chain, but it's our chain. Longtime Athens franchise, with its own identity and a cult following, has moved around the corner from its original location. Curly fries, gyros, salads, etc., plus a bar upstairs with a view of campus and wallpaper based on old Athens band posters.

We know it's a chain, but it's our chain. Longtime Athens franchise, with its own identity and a cult following, has moved around the corner from its original location. Curly fries, gyros, salads, etc., plus a bar upstairs with a view of campus and wallpaper based on old Athens band posters.

Coffee drinks, nitro coffee, teas and juices all day, plus baked goods. Lots of draft and bottled/canned craft beers, plus wine, craft cocktails and mocktails (some made with coffee). Breakfast includes beignets, sandwiches and burritos. Grab-and-go sandwiches and cheese plates, Italian pop-ups. Loads of events and art with a coffeehouse by day, club by night vibe.

Family-friendly tavern is all things to all people, with lots of food (including a kajillion vegetarian and vegan options) as well as a major bar selection. Noodles, soups, chili, hot dogs, grain bowls, falafel. Great beers; also whiskeys, classic cocktails and juice for kids.

Huge Asian buffet also does hibachi cooked to order. Tofu, Chinese dishes, sushi, American food, fruit, salad and desserts spread across the room. Open most holidays.

Wood paneling, thrift store art, funky lighting. Beer and wine, of course, but a focus on cocktails, with sodas made from scratch and good prices. Also: beer + shot combos, low-alcohol and no-alcohol cocktails, no TVs.

Country club-ish place does classic American food with a bit of a Southern accent, like meatloaf, steak sandwich, crab cakes and gumbo. A fair amount of fried stuff but salads, too. Big desserts. Nice patio. Earlybird specials.

Old-fashioned drug store with soda fountain counter. Dollar scoops of Edy’s ice cream in a cup or cone. Malts, shakes and floats, too. Sit on the hill outside for the best experience.

Old-fashioned drug store with soda fountain counter. Dollar scoops of Edy’s ice cream in a cup or cone. Malts, shakes and floats, too. Sit on the hill outside for the best experience.

Old-fashioned drug store with soda fountain counter. Dollar scoops of Edy’s ice cream in a cup or cone. Malts, shakes and floats, too. Sit on the hill outside for the best experience.

Fancy rooftop bar with great views of downtown Athens and TVs for gameday, atop the Hyatt Place hotel. Also: some snacks (charcuterie, dips, wings) and some heartier eats (burgers, fried chicken strips, salad). Specialty cocktails, including some made with champagne and billed as Hybar Pops.

New owners are still doing nice bagels, excellent house-smoked fish and sandwiches (either on bagels or on Luna bread) and made with meats sliced in front of you (capicola, roast beef, etc.). Also hummus, roasted veggies, sauerkraut and scrambled eggs. Kids meals.

Consistently delicious baked goods made by bread nerds with house-milled wheat. Also: delightful viennoiserie (the palmiers are particularly good), a few beautiful cookies, excellent sandwiches that show up around 11 a.m. in limited quantities (fillings change out seasonally). Coffee and hot chocolate, house-milled flour and grits. Products available at a few other places around town.

Quick-service hibachi includes steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu and “Ultimate Vegetarian” with fried rice, vegetables and two sauces.

Unlike its sister restaurant, this one focuses more on sushi than on hibachi, although you can get that, too. Choose among nigiri, maki and specialty rolls, then accessorize with katsu, edamame, seaweed salad, etc. Teriyaki and tempura, too.

Unlike its sister restaurant, this one focuses more on sushi than on hibachi, although you can get that, too. Choose among nigiri, maki and specialty rolls, then accessorize with katsu, edamame, seaweed salad, etc. Teriyaki and tempura, too.

Coffee shop inside Hotel Abacus does grab-and-go snacks, coffee and a small menu of breakfast things made to order: sandwiches, burritos, waffles.

Old-school Southern restaurant opened in the 1970s (and formerly known as Plantation Buffet) serves an all-you-can-eat weekday buffet. Expect fried chicken, steak and gravy, barbecue, meatloaf, turnip greens, black-eyed peas, fried okra and Southern desserts.

Open Friday through Sunday. Wander around the flea market inside and outside and find some eats while you’re there, especially Mexican and Latin American foods. Look out for La Michoacana es Natural's ice cream/paleta truck. Don't forget to cruise through the produce vendors for treats and supplies.

Open Friday through Sunday. Wander around the flea market inside and outside and find some eats while you’re there, especially Mexican and Latin American foods. Look out for La Michoacana es Natural's ice cream/paleta truck. Don't forget to cruise through the produce vendors for treats and supplies.

Open Friday through Sunday. Wander around the flea market inside and outside and find some eats while you’re there, especially Mexican and Latin American foods. Look out for La Michoacana es Natural's ice cream/paleta truck. Don't forget to cruise through the produce vendors for treats and supplies.

Open Friday through Sunday. Wander around the flea market inside and outside and find some eats while you’re there, especially Mexican and Latin American foods. Look out for La Michoacana es Natural's ice cream/paleta truck. Don't forget to cruise through the produce vendors for treats and supplies.

Drugstore soda fountain does milkshakes to order plus sells some prepackaged snacks.

Drugstore soda fountain does milkshakes to order plus sells some prepackaged snacks.

Drugstore soda fountain does milkshakes to order plus sells some prepackaged snacks.

Drugstore soda fountain does milkshakes to order plus sells some prepackaged snacks.

Highly reputed franchise does lots of ramen but also salads, tacos, rice bowls, curry, sides like crispy chickpeas, dumplings and takoyaki. Mochi ice cream and panna cotta for dessert. Kids meals, too.

The local coffee roaster now extends quite a bit beyond Athens, but the beans are still roasted in town. Lots of specialty roasts benefit different causes. Hot and cold drinks, premium teas and locally baked goodies.

Jittery Joe’s coffee drinks, biscuits and breakfast plates in the a.m. in an airy, open space. Lunch features classic sandwiches, soups, salads and kids menu. Baked goods, too.

Jittery Joe’s coffee drinks, biscuits and breakfast plates in the a.m. in an airy, open space. Lunch features classic sandwiches, soups, salads and kids menu. Baked goods, too.

Raw, organic, cold-pressed and unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices that are also delicious and pre-packaged for easy transporting.

Raw, organic, cold-pressed and unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juices that are also delicious and pre-packaged for easy transporting.

Plenty more, actually, in addition to the Vietnamese beef, chicken or vegetable broth-based noodle soup customizable with lots of additions. Other things on the menu include rice dishes with grilled meats, noodle dishes, banh mi sandwiches, goi cuon, tiramisu.

Serious bang for your buck, with hefty portions of jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, barbecue ribs, salmon, spicy cabbage, spicy squash, rice and peas, fried plantains, mac and cheese, patties, super-sweet tea and cornbread, served with good cheer.

Watkinsville bakery does a wide variety of cakes and pies (order whole ones in advance), plus cookies, scones, cheese straws, cupcakes, quiches, pimento cheese, bread, muffins and more. Holiday menus. Will accommodate dietary needs. Always trying something new.

Really good pizza by the slice or the pie, with specialty toppings including chicken and waffles. Also sandwiches and cannoli.

Fudge, caramel apples, ice cream and candies at this long-time chain.

Birria-focused, adorable, family-run restaurant does quesatacos, ramen, burgers, ceviche, plus the hearty meat stew that forms the basis of most of its menu. Kids menu. Aguas frescas made in house.

Sweet little cafe in Watkinsville does deli sandwiches (including pimento cheese, egg salad and hummus) and salads, both lettuce-based and mayo-based. Order ahead online if you like.

Sweet little cafe in Watkinsville does deli sandwiches (including pimento cheese, egg salad and hummus) and salads, both lettuce-based and mayo-based. Order ahead online if you like.

Americanized Mexican in a stone-walled interior (both locations). Queso, burritos, combo plates, fajitas, quesadillas and lots of lunch specials. Yes, you can get a margarita or a Mexican beer, as well as a pineapple topped with chicken, chorizo and cheese. Kids menu.

Popular Americanized Mexican fare: burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, taquitos, nachos, tacos and quesadillas. Special entrees and combo plates. Margaritas, Mexican beers, domestics and house wines.

Fast-casual Mexican, both drive-thru and dine-in, offers birria, quesabirrias, burritos, tortas, tacos and a few surprising options, like quinoa.

Hundreds of flavors of popsicles and ice cream in this shop attached to La Jalisco grocery store and taqueria. Also: street-food snacks like a grilled ear of corn encrusted with Hot Cheetos, agua fresca with ice cream, sliced mango with chile powder and a fruit cup topped with spicy gummy worms.

Astonishingly good Mexican ice cream shop that makes flavors fresh in-store daily (including queso, tequila, eggnog and more), as well as gorgeous paletas full of fruit, smoothies, aguas frescas and street-food snacks like Dorilocos and loaded potato chips. Its food truck shows up at the J&J on weekends with ice cream and savory stuff.

Big Americanized Mexican restaurant has a multi-page menu with all kinds of fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, lots of seafood. Grilled stuff is a highlight. Kids menu. Mariachi music sometimes.

Not to be confused with the locally-owned Taqueria La Parrilla, this new place in Beechwood Shopping Center is a Georgia-based chain. Tex-Mex, burritos, plenty of vegetarian options. Also: aguas frescas and margs. Kids menu and balloons.

Walk inside the grocery store to find this taco counter next to the butcher counter. Weekends usually find the tortilla press working hard. Tacos (including "American" style with lettuce, tomato and cheese), tortas, burritos and specials like shrimp cocktail and chiles rellenos. Horchata and aguas frescas to drink, or snag a Jarritos from the store.

Atlanta vibe at this Wire Park restaurant that brings you three salsas instead of one, and offers lamb and octopus in its tacos as well as chicken and steak. Order something interesting, and you'll be happier. Good vegetarian and pescatarian options. Mezcal in addition to tequila. Swanky cocktails. Kids menu.

The Expat’s Krista Slater's wine store and tasting room. Come taste before you buy (half or full pours, cool stuff described in an accessible and smart way), and have a snack while you're at it (tinned seafood, nuts, cheese, charcuterie, toasts and Condor chocolates). Food pop-ups sometimes.

The Expat’s Krista Slater's wine store and tasting room. Come taste before you buy (half or full pours, cool stuff described in an accessible and smart way), and have a snack while you're at it (tinned seafood, nuts, cheese, charcuterie, toasts and Condor chocolates). Food pop-ups sometimes.

Crowd-pleasing restaurant mixes Southern and Southwestern cuisine; veggie and vegan choices, plus fish and seafood are highlights. Large dessert case. Plan ahead for lines at brunch. Well-stocked bar, with a variety of single malts, as well as aperitifs/digestifs and a long list of wines, many available in half bottles. Large outdoor dining area.

Salads (chicken salad, pimento-less cheese and the like, plus bowls of greens and vegetables), soups, lots of veggies that change daily. Cookies, brownies, fancy chocolates, candy and gift items available, too. Holiday menus. Open until 6 p.m.

The Little City in question is Winterville, just outside Athens. Southern breakfast and brunch include biscuits, eggs, quiche and Red Mule grits. Lunch means sandwiches on housemade breads, burgers and salads. Good desserts, coffee and veggie options.

Classic New York-style pizzeria is fast and busy. Slices are big and floppy. Subs are ginormous (one of the best deals in town). Salads available, too.

Grown folks' bar hosts music, trivia and frequent private events. Big patio with cornhole. A variety of bottled beers and rotating drafts that include seasonal brews. Wine and cocktails, too. Pop-up food offerings occasionally.

This all-purpose performance/events venue has three stages—two inside and one in a large beer garden—and does a variety of events. A good assortment of craft and local beer, as well as budget-friendly options. Wine and cocktails, too. Tiki Taco Tuesdays.

Sports bar and grill in the middle of Five Points serves burgers, tacos, bowls, fried things like deviled eggs and mushrooms, kids menu. Also, Southern-themed cocktails. Heated outside dining.

Locally based sports bar chain has a big menu with lots of vegetarian choices, deli sandwiches, burgers, salads, grilled cheese and chili combo, wings and fish tacos. Trivia nights at Timothy Road location.

Locally based sports bar chain has a big menu with lots of vegetarian choices, deli sandwiches, burgers, salads, grilled cheese and chili combo, wings and fish tacos. Trivia nights at Timothy Road location.

One of the best Mexican restaurants around, with excellent tacos (filled with cilantro, onions and fish, al pastor, barbacoa or lengua), big tortas, menudo, tostadas de ceviche, caldo de siete mares, gorditas, sopes and more, plus a mangonada margarita. Oak Grove location is a little less atmospheric, but otherwise similar.

Something a little different, with nonalcoholic cocktails and coffee drinks that feature CBD/THC. Lots of plants inside and plenty of charging stations as well as other stuff like kava, kratom and mushroom products.

Hotel Indigo’s restaurant serves croissant sandwiches and omelets for breakfast, plus a full dinner, with steak, salmon, sandwiches, salads and even a kids menu. Nice cocktails.

Veggie-focused quick service, now franchised and under new ownership. Start with brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes or salad greens. Add a protein, two sides and a housemade sauce. Menu changes seasonally. Condor Chocolates and cookies for dessert. Kids meals. Gluten-free choices.

Two-story bar in a historic building keeps long hours, plays a lot of pop country, has free pool upstairs, a great view of downtown and campus and TVs for sports. The usual array of brews behind the bar; house drinks tend to be sweet and beachy, plus low-priced bottles of wine. Dog friendly, trivia.

This kava bar serves a nonalcoholic beverage that's made to chill you out. Also has board games, video games and pool so you can hang out. It offers traditional kava (in several varieties), kava by the growler, herbal tea made from kava, boba and kava mixed into cocktails, plus the promise of no hangovers.

Basic Chinese restaurant with pictures of the food you can order: chow mein, stir fry, fried rice, lo mein, egg foo yung, Mongolian chicken, Szechuan beef, Hunan shrimp and the like, all ready fast. Menu has a Weight Watchers section.

Delicate, not oversugary Thai food in the middle of downtown Watkinsville: satay, tom yum, curries, eggplant basil, noodles, Thai tea, boba. Cake from Sweetie Pie by Savie. Kids menu. Makku rice beer.

Casual, family-run pizzeria of long standing with budget prices, salads, subs, pasta, hot wings, calzones and more.

Southern breakfast and lunch all day: biscuits with lots of toppings, hash, egg plates, tacos, pimento cheese burger, chicken salad, strawberry lemonade. Lots of great sides. Very accommodating to those with special dietary needs. The Electric Avenue location in Wire Park is smaller, with a limited menu.

Eclectic decor in a dimly lit, divey interior popular with townies. Zapp's potato chips pair well with specialty drinks, including a whole selection of hot ones in cold weather, listed on handwritten signs. Cocktails, beer, wine, sangria and sake. Occasional DJs.

Athens' only Ethiopian restaurant serving what feels like a home-cooked meal. Beef, for sure, but also loads of vegan choices, all served with chewy, pancake-like injera bread. Ethiopian tea and coffee, plus cookies.

Athens' only Ethiopian restaurant serving what feels like a home-cooked meal. Beef, for sure, but also loads of vegan choices, all served with chewy, pancake-like injera bread. Ethiopian tea and coffee, plus cookies.

Mondays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. in the Historic Pittard Bank building and Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Pittard Park. SNAP is accepted and doubled. On Monday shop market goods, fresh produce, snacks, juices and prepared food. Online preorders are available. Local produce, cheese, eggs, meat, honey, home goods, plants and more. The Firefly Farm Stop is opening fall of 2025.

Coastal fish shack does Georgia and Gulf seafood with mostly open-air seating: lightly fried baskets, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters (raw or cooked), grilled or blackened entrees and sides like coleslaw and hush puppies. Burgers and chicken tacos, too. Beachy cocktails.

Longtime Athens lunch spot guided by the spirit of its late founder is popular for catering, too, as well as for take-home entrees and casseroles that are great for new parents or anyone who doesn't want to cook. Big salads, scoops of pimento cheese and chicken salad, sandwiches, sweets.

Family-owned, friendly local Italian place with lots of booth seating has all the stuff you'd expect: baked ziti, linguini pomodoro, veal marsala, tiramisu. Kids menu. Italian wine.

Family-owned, friendly local Italian place with lots of booth seating has all the stuff you'd expect: baked ziti, linguini pomodoro, veal marsala, tiramisu. Kids menu. Italian wine.

Grilled meats and veggies (lamb, chicken, kufta, gyros) and tons of vegetarian choices, like falafel, salads, dolmas, hummus and tabbouleh, all of which can be mixed and matched into good combos. Kids meals and business lunch specials. Baklava and other desserts.

Escape the downtown scene for the oldest bar in the area, built in 1952. The atmosphere is warm and unfussy with pool, video games and karaoke. Cold domestic beer and liquor drinks.

Lots of toppings and specialty pies, plus pretzels made with the same dough, salads, subs, calzones and munchies; good beer selection. Vegan options.

A grilled-cheese franchise that incorporates ingredients like ketchup-sriracha drizzle, plus burgers, phillys, loaded fries, chicken sandwiches and a whole "plant-based" section of the menu. Opening this fall.

Hearty meals from elaborate huevos rancheros and cookie butter waffles to meatloaf and fish and chips. Breakfast served all day.

Dip in for the rice-flour donuts and Korean corndogs. Stay for Chef V's delicious Indonesian dishes that are unique to this location. Good boba, rolled ice cream, matcha drinks.

Darling independently owned coffee place does drip coffee, cold brew, lattes, tea, kombucha, mochas, bagels, pastries from Kiki’s Bakeshop, all with an emphasis on sustainability. Latte art and pop-ups.

Sweet covered patio is a great place to sit at this Vietnamese restaurant. It has its titular beef broth-based noodle soup, of course, but also banh mi, crepes, summer rolls, claypots and rice dishes, with a good veggie-friendly selection. Vietnamese coffee, fruit slushies, bubble tea and coconut juice to drink.

This place always pleases, whether for date night or an upscale lunch. The menu is Spanish/Mediterranean-inspired, with lots of vegetables (try the "power lunch") and high-quality ingredients. Roasted chicken with za'atar, Portuguese custard tarts, pizzettes and a lot more. Great wine list and cocktails. Hosts occasional pop-ups from small operations.

Athens' source for authentic Chinese food. You don't have to drive to Duluth; just remember to ask for the Szechuan menu (or locate it on the website if you're ordering take-out). Dry pot dishes are a highlight. If that’s not your thing, there’s sesame chicken, too, plus Thai curries, sushi, steamed seafood and much more.

Athens' source for authentic Chinese food. You don't have to drive to Duluth; just remember to ask for the Szechuan menu (or locate it on the website if you're ordering take-out). Dry pot dishes are a highlight. If that’s not your thing, there’s sesame chicken, too, plus Thai curries, sushi, steamed seafood and much more.

This bar from Jerry and Krista Slater of The Expat features fancy cocktails, great wine and cold beer alongside a few snacks (chips, bologna sandwich, sardines) and occasional pop-ups offering pizza, hot dogs or patty melts. Chill DJs sometimes. 21 and up only.

Chill neighborhood bar in Normaltown with a great patio with firepits in the winter and a dimly lit interior with plenty of space. Craft and local beers and handcrafted cocktails, plus boiled peanuts for snackin'.

Chill neighborhood bar in Normaltown with a great patio with firepits in the winter and a dimly lit interior with plenty of space. Craft and local beers and handcrafted cocktails, plus boiled peanuts for snackin'.

Czech food and beer from some of the folks behind Hi-Lo, opening up in the Atlas Building in 2025.

Old-school dive bar with a big painting of its late founder, Sky Hertwig, is like traveling back in time. Darts, pool and lots of live music. Plenty of beers on draft, with the usual suspects behind the bar.

This distillery inside the historic Henry Bishop house focuses on gin, rum and vodka. Cocktails and tours of the space, plus some light bites (grilled cheese, charcuterie). Tons of outdoor space under huge oak trees. Open mic nights, classes, nonalcoholic drinks, too.

Fancy chain out of Charleston plans to open an Athens location in the former Bank of America building.

Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. April through October at Wire Park. Fresh produce, prepared foods, and arts and crafts vendors. There is a kids craft center and market-related education presentations plus live music.

A motorcycle bar, but not like in the movies. This is just a chill neighborhood spot for people who like to ride and/or fix bikes and enjoy an Aperol spritz. Non-riders welcome, too. Snacks, regular pop-ups/food trucks, ping pong and a nice patio. Sports on TV, fire pits outside in cold weather.

A cocktail bar intently focused on craft, mixing creativity with classics, and has the awards to prove it. Menu changes seasonally and includes nonalcoholic options. Deep list of good spirits, plus some judiciously chosen wines and beers. Occasional snacks or pop-ups.

A cocktail bar intently focused on craft, mixing creativity with classics, and has the awards to prove it. Menu changes seasonally and includes nonalcoholic options. Deep list of good spirits, plus some judiciously chosen wines and beers. Occasional snacks or pop-ups.

Located in Wire Park, gourmet hot dog franchise does things like the Taco Dog, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Dog, Sea Dog or more traditional like the All American or Detroit Coney.

Grown-up restaurant serving Italian standards with a nice view of UGA's North Campus out the second-story windows. Housemade pasta for primi; proper entrees for secondi; carpaccio among the antipasti. Gluten-free options. Italian beer and wine.

Fancy Italian with a Southern twist in the Rivet House boutique hotel is spendy but has some real highlights. Order a family-style tasting meal and let the chef decide what you eat, or pick and choose your own menu before wrapping it up with a chocolate hazelnut semifreddo. Craft cocktails, including nonalcoholic ones, and some crisp beers.

Fancy Italian with a Southern twist in the Rivet House boutique hotel is spendy but has some real highlights. Order a family-style tasting meal and let the chef decide what you eat, or pick and choose your own menu before wrapping it up with a chocolate hazelnut semifreddo. Craft cocktails, including nonalcoholic ones, and some crisp beers.

Burgers, chicken sandwiches, flatbreads and tacos with movie-themed names. Mostly domestics on draft, imports and domestics in the bottle, wine and cocktails.

Japanese restaurant with sushi (standard and specialty rolls), hibachi, ramen, fried rice, salmon tacos, soup and salad. Kids menu. Specials are a good deal.

Huge bar with DJs, live music, gigantic TV for football games also serves a creative, fun Tex-Mex menu: elote street corn "ribs," excellent smoke-fried wings, tacos with fresh corn tortillas, and more. Brunch involves fried egg tacos and "brunchos" and is a bit quieter. Craft cocktails, palomas and margaritas on draft, and lots of specials.

New Mexican restaurant by the tracks offers discounts on drinks when the train passes by, plus a large menu that features both Americanized stuff and things like lengua and birria. Taco Tuesdays. Dog-friendly on the patio.

Highway 29 location opening in 2025.

Highway 29 location opening in 2025.

Franchise does Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with pâté, pickled veggies, hot peppers, meats and seitan, plus versions of the same on croissants and hamburger rolls. Picturesque patisserie, top-notch bubble tea that tastes like more than sugar, a wide variety of snacks arranged on shelving for impulse buys. Encourages lingering.

Crepe-based restaurant by day (with savory and sweet options, plus non-pancake-based foods) turns into a busy bar by night with beer, wine and vodka-heavy cocktails.

Winterville barbecue restaurant has pulled pork, barbecue chicken, ribs and brisket, slaw, stew, chips and bread, plus frequently varying desserts: cakes (red velvet, Key lime, Devil's food, German chocolate), cobblers, banana pudding.

Elaborate decor and Chinese-American standards. Big menu with lots of vegetarian options. Sizzling rice soup comes with many of the pre-set dinners, and soups in general are more interesting than you would expect.

Elaborate decor and Chinese-American standards. Big menu with lots of vegetarian options. Sizzling rice soup comes with many of the pre-set dinners, and soups in general are more interesting than you would expect.

Owned by the same folks as Little Italy, so the food is similar (New York-style pizza, enormous subs), but the vibe is different and more family-oriented. Italian salads, pasta of the day, stromboli, tiramisu and cheesecake.

Don't feel like cooking? Check out this local company that makes home-cooked meals. Order ahead on the website or stop by to see what's on offer. Options change daily, but could include tomato pie, lasagna, salads, cheesecake, enchiladas, pork chops and anything else the owners feel like making.

Mostly a bar, with a nice wine list, spritzes, regular wine tastings and discounts for members of its wine club, but also a restaurant on some days. Weekend lunch and First Friday lunch pop-ups have a small menu with a burger, a couple of salads, a grilled cheese.

Mediterranean street food franchise located in Wire Park with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Lexington Road location expected to open in 2025.

Mediterranean street food franchise located in Wire Park with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Lexington Road location expected to open in 2025.

More refined takes on Southern standards, like shrimp and grits with gouda. Big salads, chicken and waffles (not just at brunch), shrimp burger, collard spring rolls. Cocktails that play on things like peanuts and Coke.

More refined takes on Southern standards, like shrimp and grits with gouda. Big salads, chicken and waffles (not just at brunch), shrimp burger, collard spring rolls. Cocktails that play on things like peanuts and Coke.

More refined takes on Southern standards, like shrimp and grits with gouda. Big salads, chicken and waffles (not just at brunch), shrimp burger, collard spring rolls. Cocktails that play on things like peanuts and Coke.

Poke bowls, boba, ramen and desserts.

Get an elaborate michelada preparada, a pambazo (a torta soaked in red sauce) and some wet wipes, and you'll be thrilled. Lots of taco fillings, including an array of vegetarian choices that go beyond beans. Good, cold tres leches cake. Beer buckets and margaritas.

Downtown steakhouse also does crab cakes, chicken, shrimp scampi and other things that aren’t red meat as well as a la carte sides. Lunch includes a fried green tomato sandwich, grilled salmon BLT and she-crab soup. Port and cognac for after dinner.

Chef-driven meat-and-three is fresher and lighter than the trad Southern plate of brown. Lunch features sandwiches, including an excellent smash burger, and some beautiful salads. Dinner lets you make your own plate of protein and veggies or veggies alone. Kids menu.

Modern Vietnamese, with lots of playful approaches and big flavors. Not too formal but good for special occasions or just happy hour snacking (good specials on food then. too). Gluten-free? This is one of the best places in town for you. Share plates are especially fun, with mushroom rice paper pizza and Viet street corn. Cute cocktails. Don't skip dessert.

Tiny craft roastery just off the main drag in downtown Watkinsville also serves up coffee and does live music.

James Beard Award-nominated little-bitty bar/restaurant with tons of personality and charm has a big covered patio with heaters in the winter. Menu is "Thai drinking food" but so much more than that, with big, complex flavors, a real love of veggies and a strong sense of fun. Cocktails change regularly but feature beautiful rums and unusual ingredients. Mocktails, too.

Darling Dominican resto serves typical rib-sticking fare featuring a lot of rice and meat, including mofongo (plantains mashed with tons of garlic and broth), tostones, seafood, empanadas and churros.

Traditional Southern cuisine with a rotating menu every weekday. Choose among pork chops, chicken, fish and more, grilled or fried, plus fried chicken livers and a host of vegetable sides (rutabagas, cabbage, carrot-and-raisin salad, turnip greens, hash-brown casserole). Homemade desserts.

Traditional Southern cuisine with a rotating menu every weekday. Choose among pork chops, chicken, fish and more, grilled or fried, plus fried chicken livers and a host of vegetable sides (rutabagas, cabbage, carrot-and-raisin salad, turnip greens, hash-brown casserole). Homemade desserts.

Bar with food, pool tables, dart boards, slot machines and big-screen TVs. Food includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, nachos and fries.

Bar with food, pool tables, dart boards, slot machines and big-screen TVs. Food includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, nachos and fries.

From meaty Jamaican food (oxtail, goat) to vegan plates, Rashe's covers it all: roti, coco bread, plantains, vegan and regular mac and cheese, fancy chocolates made in a collab with Condor. Food truck, too, and lots of community-driven activities.

Fancy new market/butcher also does breakfast and lunch every day, with biscuits, a brisket breakfast burrito, burnt ends hash, blueberry maple sausage, smash burgers, barbecue as a sandwich or by the pound, mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes and cobbler.

Humble gas station houses a fantastic Latin American restaurant in the back, with a few tables. Specials are posted on a whiteboard outside: wonderful pupusas with a wide variety of fillings, fried chicken, plastic baggies of excellent salsa, yuca, soups. Follow your instincts and enjoy.

This dive bar “serving hangovers since 1991” features neon beer signs and friendly bartenders.

Nightclub/music venue off the beaten path, focusing on Latin music. Ladies get in free regularly. Big dance floor, flashing lights, heavy bass, sometimes a mechanical bull.

Bar/restaurant on top of the historic Georgia Theatre is open during and just before shows, with food from pop-up restaurants.

Board-game café with plenty of food: hot and cold sandwiches, pizza made with pita, salads, cheese plates, bowls of salty and sweet snacks, kids menu, coffees, nonalcoholic cocktails. Games for rent or purchase, and drinks soft and hard.

This bar in the basement of The Pine has a particularly great selection of whiskey, including Scotch, and access to its big sibling's food menu. Plenty of craft beer (not just local stuff) and specialty shots.

English pub with a bitty kitchen does legit British food: housemade crisps, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, curries. Also, good burgers (lamb and beef). Soccer on the telly. U.K. beers, dry ciders, craft brews, wine, whiskey and cocktails.

Club-type scene, complete with DJ. Knock some shots off chopsticks and hit the dance floor. A neon menu offers over 20 types of sake bombs. Beer, too. Big TVs for sports.

Both locations serve a similar menu, from hibachi as entertainment to some of the better sushi in town to elaborately presented sashimi platters. Also: lunch specials, hot pots, yaki udon, dumplings, mochi ice cream, kids menu. Japanese beer, sake, cocktails and wine.

Fancy-ish Mexican spot has a huge menu, a rooftop bar and will flambé your cheese dip at your table with tequila. Lunch features some breakfast tacos and a patty melt with an egg. Signature sangria and cocktails.

Beach-themed college bar lets you take a shot off a surfboard or choose from buckets of alcohol, frozen drinks and all the refreshments you need. Darts.

Student-oriented bar has a lot of Georgia-themed decor, pool and a downstairs called The Grotto. Plenty of room to spread out. Beer pong tournaments and DJs.

UGA Hotel restaurant has been around for ages, serving strawberry ice-cream pie and celestial chicken, but also does shrimp and grits, salads, meatloaf, Southern vegetables and more.

UGA Hotel restaurant has been around for ages, serving strawberry ice-cream pie and celestial chicken, but also does shrimp and grits, salads, meatloaf, Southern vegetables and more.

Small Georgia ice cream chain with other locations in Madison and Monroe has lots of kid-friendly ice cream flavors, plus an excellent selection of candy, including vintage and obscure items. Located in Wire Park.

No website, no credit cards, just a family-owned place you might have seen on "True South" on the SEC Network. Barbecue pork, chicken, beef and ribs with beans, hash, slaw, potato salad, collard greens and seasonal vegetables. Sauce is hot and thin.

Longtime hip oyster bar, with a great selection that changes frequently. Also fun takes on seafood and more: scallop fried rice, scallion pancake, lobster roll, grilled cheese. Beer, wine, absinthe, sake, serious cocktails and frozen Negronis. Hire its mobile unit to shuck at your party.

Longtime hip oyster bar, with a great selection that changes frequently. Also fun takes on seafood and more: scallop fried rice, scallion pancake, lobster roll, grilled cheese. Beer, wine, absinthe, sake, serious cocktails and frozen Negronis. Hire its mobile unit to shuck at your party.

Longtime hip oyster bar, with a great selection that changes frequently. Also fun takes on seafood and more: scallop fried rice, scallion pancake, lobster roll, grilled cheese. Beer, wine, absinthe, sake, serious cocktails and frozen Negronis. Hire its mobile unit to shuck at your party.

Party sushi bar with private karaoke rooms. Lots of rolls and sashimi as well as surf and turf, noodles, fried tofu and apps. Hot and cold sake, saketinis, wine, mostly domestic beer but a few Japanese brews.

Not really western-themed, despite the name, just a classic college bar with a covered outdoor patio that's often dog friendly. Ten beers on tap, well drinks and daily specials, plastic cups shaped like a bone. Beer pong and cornhole tournaments and the Dawgs on TV. Darts.

Small, independent coffee shop makes caffeinated beverages (including trendy stuff) with local coffees, plus has a variety of treats and other snacks like scones (sweet and savory). Good smoothies and plenty of loose tea options.

Noodles (available with various proteins), rice entrees, soups, salads, curries and a Thai dessert selection. Spice level can be serious. A couple of Thai beers among the domestics, sakes and a section of organic wines.

Eclectic bar with velvet paintings, Pee-Wee Herman dolls and satirical religious art. Large patio hidden from street view. Dance or play ping-pong. Try the house sangria or check out a drag show.

High-end steakhouse with attentive staff and beautiful drinks (martini service comes with spirit of choice in a glass carafe on a bed of ice and is thoroughly customizable). Family-style sides aren't included but should be ordered. Not just steaks, but definitely meat-centric.

Franchise bakery does cupcakes (mini and regular), cakes, cake pops, brownies, cookie sandwiches, ice cream and more. Pupcakes for dogs and custom orders.

Franchise bakery does cupcakes (mini and regular), cakes, cake pops, brownies, cookie sandwiches, ice cream and more. Pupcakes for dogs and custom orders.

Located inside a historic former hotel with a menu of small and large plates, all with big flavors: sweet potatoes, chicken-fried tofu, duck fat tater tots, candied bacon, that kind of thing. Gluten-free stuff. Rotating draft beers in full or half pours, good wines by the glass (and bottle) and regularly changing craft cocktails with housemade ingredients.

Brewery in Watkinsville's Wire Park is dog- and family-friendly, with about 20 beers on tap, emphasizing IPAs. Plenty of events and a polished inside as well as outdoor seating. Feel free to BYO food, including from the numerous eateries right next door, but also food trucks sometimes.

Upscale Southern in Wire Park. Signature cocktails are cute and fun. Graze on apps like fried deviled eggs and crab fritters, dig into a big entree or go lighter in the "betweens" (i.e. sandwiches) section. No need to dress up unless you want to.

One location (the original) next to a gas station and the other in a much bigger space on Broad Street. Both serve reliably very tasty Americanized Mexican standards but also lengua and tripe tacos. Chilaquiles and surprisingly good hamburguesas.

A large, two-level bar with duckpin bowling lanes upstairs as well as other games. Domestic and import bottles and cans, tons of craft beer, wine and a good selection of bourbon, including some rare options. Grill and snack bar with burgers and dogs operates from 10 p.m. to close. Popcorn.

Franchise pizza fueled by weed puns. Whole pies, pepperoni rolls, breadsticks, wings (with and without bones), calzones, bowls, salads, gooey cookies and cheesecake stromboli. Eat-in or take-out. Open until 2 a.m. most nights, 4 a.m. weekends.

Open since 1960, this unassuming place out on Atlanta Highway serves some of the best Southern food in town. Menu changes daily but always includes fantastic biscuits. You might also get fried chicken, ribs, catfish, pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn and greens. Good desserts.

The grocery out of Cordele well-known for housemade sausage also does a hot bar for Southern breakfast and a meat-and-three-type lunch, priced by the pound. Pick up some snacks and drinks to round out your options.

Steamed bagel sandwiches containing meats, cheeses, pizza ingredients and some veggies, arranged into "legendary," "classic" and "healthy(ish)," plus a kids section.

As you'd expect from a breakfast place connected to a gas station, speedy service and big biscuits are characteristic, but there are bigger breakfast plates, too, plus meat-and-three Sunday lunch. Kids meals.

A rare Eastside bar, this no-frills watering hole has DJs sometimes, pool always. Ages 25 and up. A couple beers on draft and the usual domestics in bottle, wells behind the bar.

Sweet little kiosk coffee company in the Southern Mill development on Oneta Street has a few tables and chairs outside. Cold brew, hot brew, cutie-pie specials, pour-overs, tea, shaken espresso.

Sweet little kiosk coffee company in the Southern Mill development on Oneta Street has a few tables and chairs outside. Cold brew, hot brew, cutie-pie specials, pour-overs, tea, shaken espresso.

Sushi place in Watkinsville has a large array of rolls, entrees, bento boxes, kids meals, poke, noodles, desserts. Sake and Japanese whisky at the bar as well as Japanese beers and other stuff. Gluten-free choices and a wide variety of boba drinks.

Asian-inflected bakery in a historic grocery does Eastern and Western baked goods, either custom order or from a selection each day. Impressive and elaborate cakes, croissants, cupcakes, mini pies, bar cookies, scones, mini quiches and more. Espresso and drip coffee. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options available.

Ice cream shop with its original location in Jefferson offers unlimited toppings at no extra charge and frozen treats from a couple different Midwestern makers. Order ice cream nachos if you're feeling extravagant.

Fresh flavors, low salt cooking and lots of vegetables in dishes like pasta with creamy basil arugula pesto or coconut macadamia crusted fish at this restaurant tucked away on Baxter Street. Gluten-free and dairy-free options.

Taco bar franchise based in Alabama appeals to college kids, with not very spicy tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos, plus lots of drinks. Loads and loads of free toppings. Also: kids menu, family-pack take-out meals.

An Athens original. Not authentically Mexican but authentically us. Milledge location has been open since the 1970s, with very little in the way of change, as it should be. Burritos, veggie chili, quesadillas (nuked or grilled), gigantic nachos. Eastside has some different options.

Excellent traditional Mexican inside a former Huddle House (with a second location also opening in what was once a Huddle House) offers amazing values and delicious food: pollo, lengua, cabeza, al pastor, chorizo, carnitas, barbacoa, asada and tripa. Menudo on weekends, horchata and great sopes.

Desi restaurant attached to and owned by Achachi Market focuses on South Indian take-out but does have some tables inside and out. Highlights include dosai and intense, delicious coffee, but the menu is large and worth exploring.

Indian kulfi/ice cream shop next to Achachi serves up eight or so tasty flavors at a time: rose, pistachio, cardamom, butterscotch and more. Add chocolate syrup if you want to get fancy. Popsicles, ice cream bars and other Indian sweets await in the coolers.

Texas-style barbecue with a chef pedigree. Breakfast burritos in the a.m. on unbelievable housemade tortillas, pork and other meats in the p.m. (they're known for brisket), plus cornbread, beans, collards. Meats smoked daily. Watkinsville location has bingo night and soccer on TV as well as indoor dining with a/c.

Wine bar with 24 selections on tap, served from an Enomatic in various sizes or buy a bottle. Regular tasting events. Biscuits on the first Saturday of the month; snackies to accompany wine.

Chef-crafted taqueria with a focused menu. Pork, brisket, fried chicken, carnitas, fish and veggie tacos, plus weekly specials and a blue-plate special. Great selection of premium tequilas, build-your-own margaritas and bottled beers.

Great taqueria inside the Petro Express does tacos, sopes, gorditas and burritos with fillings including asada, chicken, al pastor, barbacoa, carnitas, desebrada (shredded beef), tongue, tripe, chorizo and buche (stomach), plus hot wings and really good soups. Excellent condiment bar.

Taqueria inside a full-service grocery store with a butcher counter. Menudo, carnitas, chorizo, tortas, al pastor and a few freshly made salsas. Great baked goods in the grocery section and paletas/helados next door.

Locally owned small chain Mexican restaurant has chips-and-salsa-type standards and will give you fried ice cream on your birthday, but also serves Mexican-style tacos and good tortas. Kids menu. Margaritas, Mexican beers, regular bottled stuff and pitchers.

Small Atlanta-based chain does Asian/Latin fusion tacos: bulgogi and shiitake, teriyaki chicken with pineapple pico de gallo, tofu with sesame-soy vinaigrette and more. Apps, bowls and salads. Margaritas, cocktails, sangria and craft beers.

Big menu of Indian standards, from samosas and pakoras to poori, chat, tandoori and many vegetarian and vegan options. Get your entree made with veggies, paneer, tofu, chicken, lamb, goat, fish or shrimp. Lassis, chai and Indian tea, wine and beer.

Mediterranean quick-service franchise does gyros, entree-size salads and "feasts" (grilled veggies or protein, salad, side). Soups, baklava, daily specials, family take-home meals, hummus and spicy pimento cheese, too.

Heavily football-themed place that does biscuits with sausage, bacon, bologna, steak, chicken, country ham, tenderloin, smoke-link or salmon. Beef, chicken, salmon and shrimp burgers. Wings available in large quantities geared to tailgating.

Personally sized pizzas with thinly sliced fancy toppings. Also other Italian-ish items and great salads. Gluten-free options. Desserts in the refrigerated case. Good beer in cans, on draft and bottles, a few wines by the glass. Large patio with a sandbox for kids.

Local brewer has a huge space, outside and inside, with live music, at which to taste craft beer. Dogs are welcome. IPA fiends are into Hopsecutioner, but you might also find a watermelon gose or the Wake-n-Bake coffee oatmeal imperial stout. Food trucks are sometimes present.

Local brewer has a huge space, outside and inside, with live music, at which to taste craft beer. Dogs are welcome. IPA fiends are into Hopsecutioner, but you might also find a watermelon gose or the Wake-n-Bake coffee oatmeal imperial stout. Food trucks are sometimes present.

Big menu runs from fresh Thai salads to satay, spicy basil duck, lots of seafood and vegan options, plus gluten-free stuff, with lots of eggplant, basil, chilis and curry, all customizable to your taste. Kids menu. Beer and wine, Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee.

Halal quick-service does burgers, phillys, chicken tenders, pasta, steak with a baked potato, Thai fried rice with basil—a real cornucopia of possibilities. Also: wings, soft-serve ice cream, vegetable sides. Truly something for everyone.

Kosher AND all-you-can-eat sushi at this relatively new place downtown. Order your rolls and everything else from the touch screen at your table. Lots of vegetarian choices plus some unusual garnishes, like potato chips. Hot and cold tea, plus Sapporo to drink, and a couple of cute desserts.

Central American and Mexican food at this cult favorite. Pupusas, massive tortas, regular specials and fantastic mole; lots of seafood options. Breakfast, which includes chilaquiles, starts at 10 a.m. and is served all day. Margaritas, beer and aguas frescas.

Quick-service hibachi and sushi, plus wings, bento box specials at lunch and dinner, hibachi, soup, edamame and some fried apps.

Athens’ finest and only strip club sometimes does a male revue. Full bar with prices for high rollers and budget drinkers alike.

Athens’ finest and only strip club sometimes does a male revue. Full bar with prices for high rollers and budget drinkers alike.

Not a downhome Southern restaurant, despite its name. Instead, it's a sweet Venezuelan restaurant and coffee shop that also sells crocheted clogging-style dresses. Arepas, empanadas, sandwiches, sweet Cuban coffee, bowls of rice plus beans and protein. Awesome deck and greenspace for kids to play.

Big menu of food and beer with lots of vegetarian choices: loaded mac and cheese, Southern fish and chips, tabbouleh salad, housemade pickles, a vegan Reuben, buffalo tofu taco, plus scores of unusual, well-described beers in the bottle and on tap. There's also wine and nice cocktails.

Ginormous two-hands-required burgers are the focus (bison, lamb, lots of toppings, regular specials), but you can also get other sandwiches, hot dogs, fried apps, wings and salads. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Kids menu. Cheesecake for dessert.

Athens' magical toy store Treehouse Kid and Craft also has an ice cream and candy shop, with vegan soft-serve (vanilla or a rotating fruit flavor) served in super-cool cones in unusual flavors, plus popsicles and both old-timey and imported candies. Think it's crazy to put salsa matcha on your ice cream? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

Downtown Mexican restaurant open late on weekends. Lots of specials that combine drinks and food, plus street tacos with lengua, tortas, cucumbers with Taijin and more.

Latin bar encourages guests to dance, drink and have fun listening to merengue, bachata, salsa and more. Bottle service, neon lights.

Smoothie franchise opening in 2025.

Food truck park, bar and event space, opening fall 2025, from the folks behind Paloma Park.

Extremely Gen Z college bar promises copious amounts of Zyn as decor, a disco ball, Busch Apple, UFC on TV, Red Bull, dollar beers and lots of cartoon dogs. Head downstairs to find Underdawg, an EDM space with live DJs and blacklight art.

You don't have to be a member to come enjoy this cash-only bar, which is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays (there's an ATM if you don't plan ahead). Dance floor, bottled and canned beer, wine and a full bar of liquor drinks.

Local coffee and light food until the early afternoon, bar by night. Six beers on draft and over 70 in bottles, including many microbrews.

A legend, in Athens and far outside it, and thankfully still open. Look for the bright-green cinderblock building and the sign that reads “Automatic for the People.” Fantastic fried chicken, squash casserole, mac and cheese, collards and the like, varying a bit daily.

A legend, in Athens and far outside it, and thankfully still open. Look for the bright-green cinderblock building and the sign that reads “Automatic for the People.” Fantastic fried chicken, squash casserole, mac and cheese, collards and the like, varying a bit daily.

Original location is in an old-timey grocery with high ceilings and a ton of outside seating under fairy lights. BYOB. Candy-colored "Deluxe" edition is in Watkinsville with cocktails, beer, wine and dance party bathrooms. Serves weekend brunch. Both serve amazing cheeseburgers, pork and tofu barbecue and veggie sides.

Locally owned simple chicken finger place that also has fries, toast and sauce. That's about it. Well seasoned and cooked to order.

Locally owned simple chicken finger place that also has fries, toast and sauce. That's about it. Well seasoned and cooked to order.

Wings, fried stuff, burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and a couple of salads. Kids meals include a cookie. Homemade cake.

Wings and chicken tenders are the bread and butter of this unassuming strip mall place near the dorms, but it also has a large menu of homestyle Korean favorites: dosirak, tteokbokki, soups, kimbap, bibimbap, manju, macarons.

Wings and chicken tenders are the bread and butter of this unassuming strip mall place near the dorms, but it also has a large menu of homestyle Korean favorites: dosirak, tteokbokki, soups, kimbap, bibimbap, manju, macarons.

Wings and chicken tenders are the bread and butter of this unassuming strip mall place near the dorms, but it also has a large menu of homestyle Korean favorites: dosirak, tteokbokki, soups, kimbap, bibimbap, manju, macarons.

Fast-casual made-to-order stir-fry. Pick a protein (steak, chicken, shrimp, pork, tofu), some veggies, a sauce and a base (rice, noodles, salad), and they’ll cook it for you right then and there.

Video games, board games and rock, paper, scissors tournaments, plus snacks. Sweet specialty drinks like a Yoohoo Mudslide, and shots flavored like Sour Patch Kids.

Craft and draft beer, specialty cocktails including Stiegl grapefruit soda mixed with vodka, TVs for sports. Dog friendly.

Half bar, half restaurant, with hearty, fun food (poutine, meatball banh mi, General Tso's tofu), lots of veggie choices and regular specials. Creative cocktails, well-priced beer (including lots of canned craft brews), wine, housemade nonalcoholic sodas and a great chalkboard.

Build your own Indian wrap, rice bowl or plate at this darling counter tucked inside Prince Avenue Market. Pile on the veggies and add a sauce. Lassis in the cooler. Soy chaap (a veggie protein) is a highlight. Lots of vegetarian options.

Locally-based franchise does personal- and full-size customized pizzas. Lots of topping, sauce and cheese choices, as well as several doughs. Vegan and gluten-free choices. Panini, pasta, bread bowl salads, gelato, beer and wine.

Country barbecue joint of long standing keeps long hours, has great atmosphere and is well known for its peppery, vinegary sauce. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, tots and slaw, too, but the barbecue sandwich is the real attraction. Slices of soda cake shrink-wrapped to plates.