Dining:
Give Yourself a Treat
The creative energy of Athens, Georgia is alive and well in local Athens restaurants, with masterful artwork on both the walls and the plate. Dozens of unique, independent eateries offer a distinctive culinary experience, from traditional southern soul food to trendsetting nouveau southern cuisine. Relax in ambient settings from sidewalk and courtyard cafés to dining rooms overlooking the University of Georgia's historic North Campus, with menus that feature exceptional wines and Italian, Sushi, Steak, Cajun, and farm fresh offerings from local Athens growers.
Award-Winning Athens Georgia Restaurants
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| A Tavola! | |
| Authentic Italian fare from Naples native Salvatore Bianco and executive chef Cosimo Altamura, who is from Puglia in Southern Italy. On the menu: Bianco family recipes including breads, pasta, risotto, and fresh seafood specials. | |
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| A-OK Cafe | |
| Deli-style sandwiches, salads and soups. | |
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| Add Drug Store | |
| Old-fashioned drugstore lunch counter | |
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| Allen's | |
| Athens' oldest Bar and Grill is now better than ever with a great selection of new menu items to choose from as well as the all time classics. | |
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| Amici Italian Cafe | |
| Specialty pizza, Salads, Pasta, and Sandwiches | |
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| Angelo's Italian Restaurant | |
| Italian fare. $$ | |
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| Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar | |
| Eatin' good in the neighborhood, from coast to coast. | |
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| Arby's | |
| Arby's. $ | |
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| Athens Sushi Bar | |
| Athens Sushi Bar. | |
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| Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina - Downtown | |
| This Southwestern-style quick serve restaurant features fresh ingredients made-to-order right in front of you. In addition to serving only the best tasting burritos, Barberitos also offer delicious tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. | |
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| Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina - Eastside | |
| This Southwestern-style quick serve restaurant features fresh ingredients made-to-order right in front of you. In addition to serving only the best tasting burritos, Barberitos also offer delicious tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. | |
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| Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina - Epps Bridge | |
| This Southwestern-style quick serve restaurant features fresh ingredients made-to-order right in front of you. In addition to serving only the best tasting burritos, Barberitos also offer delicious tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. | |
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| Barberito's Southwestern Grille & Cantina- Five Points | |
| This Southwestern-style quick serve restaurant features fresh ingredients made-to-order right in front of you. In addition to serving only the best tasting burritos, Barberitos also offer delicious tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. | |
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| Big City Bread Cafe | |
| Breakfast and lunch selections make wonderful use of fresh-baked goods. Lovely year-round patio dining. | |
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| Blind Pig Tavern | |
| Great pub food in a great environment with several big screens to catch all the sports action. | |
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| Bombay Cafe | |
| Indian cuisine. | |
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| Brett's Casual American Restaurant | |
| A comfortable, casual restaurant with high-quality menu items and convenience for on-the-go families and others looking for a "fast casual" meal. | |
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| Buffalo's Southwest Cafe | |
| Buffalo's Southwest Cafe is the home of world-famous Buffalo-style chicken wings, plus a menu filled with tasty southwest-flavor inspired favorites. | |
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| Burger and Cheesesteak Factory | |
| Try a dozen types of hefty burgers with a unique flair or a Philly Cheesteak, cheesy tots and fried pickles on the side, and top it off with a Coke-battered candy bar for dessert. Yummmmm! A great new offering in the lovely Bottleworks complex. | |
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| Cali N Tito's | |
| Authentic Lain American fare, with fish tacos that those in the know go back for again and again. An expansive outdoor patio provides authentic atmosphere to go with the authentic food. Lines out the door and raves on TripAdvisor.com attest to this restaurant's popularity with both locals and visitors. | |
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| Casa Mia | |
| Casa Mia is a Latin Cuisine and Tapas Bar located in downtown Athens. | |
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| Checker's Burger Fries & Cola | |
| Checker's Burger Fries & Cola. | |
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| Chick-fil-A | |
| Chick-fil-A | |
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| Chili's Bar & Grill | |
| Chili's Bar & Grill | |
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| Chonell's Home Cooking | |
| Breakfast and lunch. Price code: $$ | |
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| Clocked | |
| This hip restaurant features huge burgers, pasta, fish and chips, and vegetarian and vegan items. | |
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| Copper Creek Brewing Company | |
| Behind the copper brewery kettles lies a selection of hearty food that is just right with the beer. | |
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| Cups Coffee Caffe | |
| Cups is a cozy coffee shop with lots of space; free internet; delicious coffee, tea, breakfast, dessert, and light lunch items. | |
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| DePalma's Italian Cafe | |
| DePalma's has been serving Athenians for almost 20 years. Though we are strictly an Italian restaurant some of our dishes are truly unique, not to be found any where else. | |
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| Doc Chey's Noodle House | |
| Doc Chey's Noodle House | |
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| Dondero's Kitchen | |
| Donderos' Kitchen | |
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| Earth Fare Cafe | |
| The natural foods store boasts a fresher-than-fresh salad bar, hot bar, and sushi. | |
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| East West Bistro | |
| East-West fusion, with an emphasis on Asian and Mediterranean. | |
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| El Azteca | |
| El Azteca Mexican | |
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| Espresso Royale Cafe | |
| Espresso Royale Cafe | |
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| farm255 | |
| Farm255 is a downtown Athens restaurant that serves local, seasonal & sustainable food. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean & Southern influences and changes daily. And, the music is as homegrown as the food! | |
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| Five & Ten | |
| Five & Ten merges soul food with old world cuisine. This restaurant blends contemporary American food with French and Italian influences. | |
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| Five and Ten | |
| Chef/Owner Hugh Acheson regularly receives national attention as one of the region's best chefs. | |
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| Five Points Deli & More | |
| The specialty sandwiches include three chicken salad varieties. Save room for dessert! | |
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| Five Star Day Cafe | |
| Daily meat, sides, and vegetarian choices. | |
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| Fresh Air Barbecue | |
| Fresh Air Barbecue arrived in Athens in 1997 and offers dining as well as catering. | |
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| Gardenside Cafe at the State Botanical Garden | |
| The Gardenside Cafe on the lower level of the Conservatory reflects its botanical surroundings, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The cafe offers a menu of sandwiches, salads, and daily lunch specials. Shade-grown coffee and plates and spoons made from bamboo and sugar cane keep an eco-friendly focus. | |
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| Golden Dragon | |
| Mandarin Chinese and buffet. | |
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| Gyro Wrap | |
| This is NOT your mall store gyro! | |
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| Harry Bissett's Bayou Grill | |
| The newest offering from Harry Bissett's, an Athens favorite. | |
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| Harry Bissett's New Orleans Cafe & Oyster Bar | |
| Offering a variety of traditional Cajun/Creole fare along with original dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. | |
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| Hilltop Grille | |
| American style restaurant located on W. Broad Street | |
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| Hilltop Grille | |
| A variety of steak and seafood specialties, plus fun blue plate and early-bird specials. | |
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| Hodgson's Pharmacy | |
| Blame inflation that the famous 25-cent cones are now a whopping 50 cents! Still the best deal in town, served from a nostalgic pharmacy soda fountain. | |
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| Hoyt House Restaurant | |
| Fine dining in an historic setting. Winner of the People's Choice Award at Taste of Athens. | |
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| Ice Cream Club | |
| Over 100 flavors! | |
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| Inoko Japanese Steak House | |
| Inoko chefs put on a show creating their hibacki grilled dinners. | |
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| Jason's Deli | |
| The Jason's Deli francise focuses on well-made sandwiches and fresh ingredients. Also offering catering. | |
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| Jewel's Buffet All You Can Eat | |
| Soul food buffet, three times a day. | |
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| Jigsy's Old Forge Pizza | |
| Old Forge Pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, full bar. | |
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| Jittery Joe's Coffee Roasting Co | |
| The Athens coffee roasting company specializes in fine Arabica coffees from around the world. Stop by for a tour and education on coffee roasting. Jittery Joe's serves fresh roasted and brewed coffee at the roaster and at locations throughout town. | |
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| Jittery Joe's Five Points | |
| Specializing in fine Arabica coffees from around the world. Athens' favorite cup of Joe is spreading throughout the South! | |
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| Johnny's New York Style Pizza | |
| Your neighborhood pizzeria. Also offering catering for your next event. | |
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| Jot Em Down Store and Barbecue | |
| The popular barbecue spot moved from Whitehall Rd. to Macon Hwy. in September 2008 to accommodate more customers, but the vintage memorabilia remains as well as the awesome 'cue. | |
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| Just Pho . . . and More | |
| Vietnamese noodle soup restaurant featuring soups prepared individually for each order. | |
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| Krispy Kreme of Athens | |
| America's Favorite Doughnuts! Serving fresh doughnuts daily! Make sure to keep an eye out for the "Hot Now" sign. | |
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| La Dolce Vita | |
| Traditional Italian fare including homemade pastas and carpaccio. | |
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| La Fiesta #1 | |
| Fresh, simple Mexican fare. | |
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| La Fiesta #2 | |
| Fresh, simple Mexican fare. | |
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| Larry's Giant Subs | |
| New York Style Deli / Sandwiches /Subs | |
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| Little Italy | |
| Athenians appreciate the value and quick service for custom pizza, subs and stromboli. | |
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| Locos Grill & Pub Campus | |
| Locos offers a variety of items including appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, award-winning wings, burgers, entrees, kids meals and delicious desserts. Also offering catering. | |
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| Locos Grill & Pub Eastside | |
| Locos offers a variety of items including appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, award-winning wings, burgers, entrees, kids meals and delicious desserts. | |
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| Locos Grill & Pub Westside | |
| Locos offers a variety of items including appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, award-winning wings, burgers, entrees, kids meals and delicious desserts. | |
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| Longhorn Steakhouse | |
| Longhorn Steakhouse | |
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| Lumpkin Cafe | |
| Delectable sandwiches, salads and soups in the Southern tradition in a lovely cottage setting. | |
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| Mama's Boy | |
| Mama's Boy is a locally owned and run Athens restaurant. We offer freshly prepared meals at an affordable price. We are conveniently located near Downtown, The Classic Center, and the North Oconee Greenway. Mama's Boy has indoor and outdoor seating available and we are BYOB. Visitors can buy a great bottle of wine from one of Athens many Wine Boutiques and share it in a comfortable and fun environment with no corkage fee. Also offering catering services. | |
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| Marble Slab Creamery | |
| Marble Slab Creamery ice cream. Price code: $. | |
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| Marti's at Midday | |
| This gourmet eatery is a supper club salvation filled with southern charm. | |
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| Mayflower Restaurant | |
| Classic meat and three, from the Vaughn family who's provided hearty meals to Athenians for over half a century. | |
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| McAlister's Deli | |
| Soups, salads, and sandwiches with attention to healthy eating. | |
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| McDonald's | |
| McDonalds. | |
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| Mellow Mushroom | |
| Founded in Atlanta by Georgia Tech roomates in the 70s, but the pizza is so good, Athenians dine there anyway! | |
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| Melting Point | |
| Eat. Drink. Listen Closely. This intimate music venue hosts a variety of music styles and is a favorite of a wide range of fans. Recently named one of America's 40 Best Music Venues by Paste magazine. Open at 3 p.m. with a diverse menu of food and drink. | |
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| Mexicali Grille | |
| This Athens favorite serves up American-style Mexican fare and a killer margarita. | |
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| Mirko Pasta | |
| Select from more than a dozen pastas and sauces, made fresh daily. Uncooked pasta is sold by the pound for customers to cook at home. | |
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| Moe's Southwestern Grill | |
| Southwestern food and catering. | |
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| Molly O'Shea's | |
| The Irish Pub offers classics like corned beef and cabbage, plus pub fare of pizza and wings. Of course Guinness, Barr, and Killians are on tap. | |
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| Pauley's Original Crepe Bar | |
| Create-your-own crepes, plus biscuits, sandwiches, salads, dessert crepes, cake slices, coffee, soft drinks and a full bar. | |
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| Picante's Mexican Grill | |
| Picante's Mexican Grill is a delicious mexican restaurant located across from the arches on Broad Street | |
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| Piedmont College Cafe on Prince | |
| The cafeteria-style cafe is open to the entire Athens community and offers custom-built sandwiches and a daily special. | |
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| Planet Smoothie | |
| Smoothie chain offers various "blasts" mixed into the yummy concoctions. | |
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| Planet Smoothie | |
| Smoothie chain offers various "blasts" mixed into the yummy concoctions. | |
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| Porterhouse Grill | |
| Excellent namesake cut, plus seafood and other signature selections. | |
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| Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers | |
| Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is known for its use of fresh (never frozen!) chicken tenderloins marinated for at least 24 hours, then hand-battered. | |
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| Red Eye Coffee | |
| This locally-owned and operated coffee shop features fresh coffee and espresso, plus loose leaf tea and gelato. | |
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| Red Lobster | |
| Red Lobster seafood. | |
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| Reds Southern Tavern | |
| The variety of entrees include traditional Southern fare plus Lowcountry and coastal foods. Rob and Sarah Lee serve up tried and true family recipes. | |
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| Saladworks | |
| Fanatic'ly Fresh! Chopped in-store daily. Build your own salad or choose one off the menu. | |
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| Schlotzky's Deli and Cinnabon | |
| Schlotzsky's Fresh Catering can take care of all of your catering needs - from a small get-together to a large corporate event. For individual tastes, our box lunches feature your choice of our great sandwiches, toasted wraps, and pizzas. To please a large group, you can put together a party tray with a variety of wraps and sandwiches. Schlotzsky's also offers individual or party-size salads as well as soups to complement the meal. And of course, don't forget dessert! Choose from our fresh-baked cookies, New York-style cheesecake, and carrot cake. | |
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| Siri Thai Cuisine | |
| The best family authentic Thai cuisine in town: Thai spring rolls, noodle dishes, curry, and fresh fruit and seafood arrive daily. | |
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| Smoothie King | |
| There's a health-centric beverage to suit whatever's ailing you, including plain 'ole smoothie cravings. | |
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| Sonny's Real Pit Barbecue | |
| Barbecue restaurant also offering catering services. | |
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| Sons of Italy | |
| Stone-baked pizza, calzones, subs and pasta, plus traditional hangout fare of chicken fingers, wings, and burgers. | |
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| Speakeasy | |
| Tapas overlooking UGA's historic North Campus. | |
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| Square One Fish Company | |
| Square One Fish Company features fresh "Floridian" and Caribbean cuisine with a Southern flair. Specialties include a wide range of fish and shellfish, plus expansive raw bar. Non-seafood fare features steaks and game. The seaonal menu focuses on in-season offerings. | |
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| Starbucks | |
| Starbucks coffee. Price code $. | |
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| Subway | |
| Subway sandwiches. | |
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| Subway | |
| Subway sandwiches. | |
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| Taco Stand | |
| A favorite of the college crowd and Athens natives alike for three decades. Price Code: $. | |
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| Taco Stand | |
| A favorite of the college crowd and Athens natives alike for three decades. Price Code: $. | |
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| Taco Stand | |
| A favorite of the college crowd and Athens natives alike for three decades. Price Code: $. | |
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| Taqueria del Sol | |
| The Mexican sensation in Atlanta is now open in Athens. Specialities include fish tacos, Memphic pork barbecue tacos, and cross-cultural tacos and enchiladas. | |
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| Thai Cafe | |
| Authentic Thai, including curries and vegetarian options. | |
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| Thai of Athens | |
| Wide selection of both Thai and Chinese cuisine, including many vegetarian options. | |
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| The Georgian Southeastern Chophouse | |
| Specializing in a rich variety of meats from traditional to exotic, all food is either smoked or wood-fire grilled inspired by Spanish and Brazilian techniques. The smoking imbues the food with a mouth-watering subtle smoke that enhances the flavor of everything from savory bison strips to center cut sirloin steaks and whole roasted fish. Catering and private dining room available. | |
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| The Globe | |
| Irish-style pub with hearty sandwich, burgers, fish and chips fare. Extensive selection of beers, wine, and single malt scotch. Hours: lunch and dinner, 7 days. Price code: $. | |
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| The Grill | |
| 50s diner nostalgia with a true Athens flair, featuring huge burgers, thick milkshakes, and surprising vegetarian options. Stop by after the clubs for breakfast! Open 24 hours, 7 days. | |
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| The Grit | |
| Delicious homemade vegetarian food delivered for more than two decades. | |
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| The Last Resort Grill | |
| Nouveau Southern cuisine with a distinctive culinary point of view. Hours: Lunch and dinner, 7 days. Sunday brunch. | |
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| The National | |
| A gathering spot inspired by Mediterranean cafes, including a focus on locally produced goods. The National is the newest venture by chef Peter Dale and Hugh Acheson, chef of the acclaimed Five & Ten. | |
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| The Pita Pit | |
| Wide selection of well-appointed pitas, gyros, falafel, deli meats and chicken. Good vegetarian options. Hours: Lunch and dinner, 7 days. Price code: $. | |
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| The Savannah Room | |
| Fine dining, located inside the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel. Whether you crave a light, casual luncheon or a formal dinner, The Savannah Room offers a range of gourmet entrees, vegetarian and special selections, and superb desserts in a relaxed, yet elegant atmosphere. A full bar is available. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Friday. Early Evening Specials! | |
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| The Varsity | |
| An Athens tradition. Also offering catering services. | |
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| Transmetropolitan | |
| Hip pizza joint featuring upstairs bar with microbrews and build-your-own-Bloody-Mary bar. | |
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| Transmetropolitan | |
| Italian Restaurant serving pizza, pastas panini sandwhiches, traditional italian entrees and salads. | |
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| Uncle Otto's European Eatery | |
| Uncle Otto's European Eatery | |
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| Waffle House | |
| Price Code: $ | |
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| Walker's Coffee & Pub | |
| Check out this hot spot that offers top-notch coffee, brews, plus top shelf liquor selections, in the heart of the action on College Square. | |
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| Weaver D's Fine Foods | |
| This Athens institution's slogan, "Automatic for the People," was immortalized by R.E.M. and in 2007 was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation. Also offering catering services. Price Code: $$ | |
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| Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches | |
| This modern day sandwich shop blows away the competition, with over 50 wiches, which shakes, wich chips, and cookies. | |
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| White Tiger Gourmet | |
| Fresh selections made from local and organic products, plus home made chocolate and art from local artsy people! | |
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| Willy's Mexicana Grill | |
| Tex-Mex, California-style burritos and other fresh Mexican favorites. | |
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| Wilson's Soul Food | |
| Price Code: $ | |
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| Zaxby's | |
| Price Code: $$ | |
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