Bartender
Winner: Bain Mattox at Normal Bar
1365 Prince Ave. · 706-548-6186
He’s got his finger on the pulse of the Normaltown scene, and he knows exactly what you want to drink. Craft cocktails and cold drafts, served with a smile.
Runner Up: Daniel Ray at The Old Pal
1320 Prince Ave. · 706-850-4340
Specialty Drinks
Winner: Highwire Lounge
269 N. Hull St. · 706-543-8997
Trappeze’s homey sister establishment focuses on the hard stuff done right: Terrific designer cocktails and an extensive whiskey list will keep you and your friends coming back.
Runner Up: The Old Pal
1320 Prince Ave. · 706-850-4340
Margarita
Winner: Agua Linda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
1376 Prince Ave. · 706-543-1500
2080 Timothy Rd. · 706-543-0154
Sometimes you just need a big, frosty ‘rita to go with that queso, and by “sometimes,” we mean “every time.” Agua Linda serves ‘em up right, frozen or rocks.
Runner Up: Taqueria Del Sol
334 Prince Ave. · 706-353-3890
Bloody Mary
Winner: Allgood Lounge
256 E. Clayton St. · 706-549-0166
Need a reviver after a night out? Pick up right where you left off with one from this Clayton Street watering hole’s build your own Bloody Mary bar.
Runner Up: Five Bar
269 N. Hull St. · 706-543-5515
Beer Selection
Winner: Trappeze Pub
269 W. Washington St. · 706-543-8997
The Trappeze beer book is an encyclopedia of tastes and styles, and the staff will knowledgeably guide you through your selection and let you taste your way to the perfectly crafted brew for you.
Runner Up: Blue Sky
128 College Ave. · 706-850-3153
Wine Selection
Winner: The National
232 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-549-3450
You can hardly go wrong, because all your choices have been pre-selected for your enjoyment and paired with the menu and your pocketbook.
Runner Up: Five & Ten
1073 S. Milledge Ave. · 706-546-7300
Place to Dance
Winner: Little Kings Shuffle Club
223 W. Hancock Ave. · 706-369-3144
When the DJ starts up in the corner and the music mixes with the tasty drinks and your friends push closer, only the Tin Man wouldn’t feel the urge to shuffle.
Runner Up: 9d’s
400 Clayton St. · 706-254-3998
Place to Play Games
Winner: Wonder Bar
240 E. Washington St.
Play old-school arcade games and newer fare alike—while you imbibe!—at this cozy, creative hideaway.
Runner Up: Hi-Lo Lounge
1354 Prince Ave. · hiloathens.com
Photo Credit: CD Skehan
Favorite Trivia, Favorite Karaoke and Runner Up Favorite Place to Play Games – Hi-Lo Lounge.
Happy Hour
Winner: Normal Bar
1365 Prince Ave. · 706-548-6186
The young professionals gather on Prince Avenue after work every day of the week to unwind with some darts and a glass of something or another. Join ‘em, won’t you?
Runner Up: Seabear Oyster Bar
297 Prince Ave., Ste. 10. · 706-850-4367
Trivia
Winner: Hi-Lo Lounge
1354 Prince Ave. · hiloathens.com
Test your skills every Tuesday. Play for bragging rights, or make it interesting. Plus, a rare chance to go to the bar and walk away smarter than before!
Runner Up: Blind Pig Tavern
485 Baldwin St. · 706-548-3442
2440 W. Broad St. · 706-208-7979
Karaoke
Winner: Hi-Lo Lounge
1354 Prince Ave. · hiloathens.com
“The King” does his thing most Wednesdays at the Normaltown hotspot. Grab some pals and sing along.
Runner Up: Shokitini
251 W. Clayton St. · 706-353-7933
College Bar
Winner: Allgood Lounge
256 E. Clayton St. · 706-549-0166
It’s not just for college kids, but youngsters make up the majority of the crowd at this downtown spot. The cavernous interior and rooftop patio are a perfect fit for dancin’ and drinkin’ the night away.
Runner Up: Boar’s Head Lounge
260 E. Washington St. · 706-369-3040
Place to Meet Someone You Would Not Bring Home to Mom
Winner: Max
243 W. Washington St. · 706-254-3392
Mom might not like somebody you meet here, but, given the chance, she’d probably like Max.
Runner Up: Sister Louisa’s Church
254 W. Clayton St. · 706-850-3668
Place to Meet Your Future Spouse
Winner: Normal Bar
1365 Prince Ave. · 706-548-6186
It’s not a meat market. The music isn’t too blaring. It’s just a great place in Normaltown to grab a drink and strike up a conversation with the guy or gal sitting next to you and start planning your proposal.
Runner Up (Tie):
The Globe
199 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-353-4721
Allgood Lounge
256 E. Clayton St. · 706-549-0166
Place to Watch the Dawgs Play
Winner: Georgia Theatre
215 N. Lumpkin St. · 706-850-7670
Once you’ve seen the Dawgs on the big screen with your favorite libation in hand and surrounded by friends and fellow fans with the temperature just right, you’ll never go back to the stadium.
Runner Up: Locos Grill and Pub
1985 Barnett Shoals Rd. · 706-208-0911
2020 Timothy Rd. · 706-549-7700
Uniquely Athens Bar
Winner: The Manhattan Café
337 N. Hull St. · 706-369-9767
Indoors and out, you want to head for the Manhattan any time you need reinforcement for your conviction that this is the best town in the world, and this is where you should be.
Runner Up: The World Famous
351 N. Hull St. · 706-543-4002
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