It’s a fact: Athens, GA, with its diverse, vibrant culinary culture, is one of the best places for foodies on the planet. USA Today agrees, calling Athens one of the most underrated food cities in the South. With so much fantastic fare, you might need a lifetime to try it all. So, we’ve stuffed our faces for you in the name of research. Here are our top Athens restaurant recommendations, for any and every time of day.
BREAKFAST
Start your day the Athens way at one of the Classic City’s breakfast destinations. Head to Mama’s Boy for Southern staples like Georgia peach french toast and biscuits & gravy. Or stop into Donderos’ and receive 5% off breakfast, including grit boats and their iconic Ath-hash!
MID-MORNING COFFEE
Need a mid-morning pick-me-up? Of course you do — you’re human. Sidle up to Sips Espresso Cafe for a Mexican mocha and raspberry crumb cake. Or head to Hendershot’s, an award-winning coffee roaster/bar, and grab their sugar cookie latte and vegan zucchini bread. Maybe even an espresso martini, if it’s that kind of day.
LUNCH
Breakfast may get all the love, but there’s no shortage of great lunch spots in Athens. Head to The Place for unique takes on comfort food, from pimento cheese bruschetta to the fried shrimp burger. Or swing by either Cali-N-Tito’s location for a lively Latin lunch, banana shake, and squawking parrot (for entertainment, not eating). Los fish tacos are an absolute must-try!
AFTERNOON SNACK STOPS
No one gets hangry on our watch. Assuage that afternoon appetite with an unforgettable chicken crepe-a-dilla at Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar, or devour some Alabama redneck tacos or Jorge’s nachos at Athens’ very own Taco Mama location!
HAPPY HOUR
Good things come in small serving sizes. Lower price points don’t hurt either. Those in the know go to Ted’s Most Best, where a mere $3 will score you sliders or a PBR during a daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Snag a classy classic cocktail done right for 50% off at South Kitchen + Bar from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays. But wait, there’s more happy hour to be had. Head to The Pine Bar between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. every day to wash down $1 oysters with $15 bottles of wine.
LATE-NIGHT EATS
Some of the best grub around is late-night food in Athens, GA. Head to The World Famous for some tofu or lamb shawarma and a no-frills libation, like the whiskey/ginger/peach thirst-n-howl. Or ditch your cozy pillow for comfort food and craft beer at Hi-Lo Lounge, where you can feast on an array of hot dog options (seven, to be exact, including vegan dogs).
FOOD EVENTS
Prefer your food with a side of friends and fun? Mark your calendar and attend one of Athens’ many culinary events, including the annual, unforgettable Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival, as well as the El Carretonero Food Truck Fest, which highlights some of the best food trucks in Athens, GA! And don’t miss the Classic City Brewfest or Wine Weekend to find beverages that will pair perfectly with your favorite dishes.
FOODIE TIPS
A little planning goes a long way. While not every restaurant we’ve mentioned accepts reservations, the majority do, and it’s never a bad idea to reserve your table in advance. Other than that, bring your appetite, open mind, manners, and comfy clothing for when you inevitably eat more than you anticipated.
As you can see (and taste), Athens offers a captivating culinary culture that caters to every palate, at any hour. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve worked up an appetite writing this article, and we’re going to go grab a bite to eat.
