Taste the best of Athens with our guide to local eateries, fine dining, comfort food, and hidden culinary treasures.
№ 001Big 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.
№ 002Sweet 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.
№ 003Opened 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.
№ 004A 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.
№ 005Popular 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.
№ 006A brewpub combining craft beer and upscale dining in a converted Athens landmark building. Opened in 2017, Akademia produces award-winning beers on-site while offering a menu of elevated pub fare using locally-sourced ingredients. The spacious interior features exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and brewing equipment visible from the dining area, creating an atmospheric setting that honors both brewing traditions and Athens' creative spirit.
№ 007Cookie 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.
№ 008Athens-area restaurant.
№ 009A staple of Athens dining since 1993, Amici combines Italian favorites with southern hospitality in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for their hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes, the restaurant occupies a historic downtown building with exposed brick walls and warm lighting. Their signature wings with house-made sauces have developed a cult following among locals and UGA students. The restaurant's commitment to consistent quality and community involvement has helped it expand to multiple locations while maintaining its Athens roots.
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