Athens enjoys great weather, which is key to being able to spend an enjoyable meal al fresco, on a scenic outdoor patio. Add some twinkly lights and idyllic weather, and you've got yourself the perfect location for everything from a family hangout to a romantic first date or anniversary meal. The ambiance definitely factors into a perfect culinary experience, and Athens has plenty of ambiance at our restaurants with outdoor patios and dining

 Here are some favorite patios in Athens, GA to dine outdoors. For complete listings, see our outdoor dining page.

Ted's Most Best

A family at Ted's Most Best, on the patio.

Photo credit: @mstro05 on Instagram via Crowdriff

Location: 254 W Washington St., Downtown

Heated: Yes

Style: Italian/Pizza

Bring the whole family to Ted's Most Best for a delicious meal. This restaurant goes perfectly with its name; it is indeed the "Best." The food is high quality and their atmosphere is fresh and green. It is extremely hard to miss when driving or walking by, as its ambiance radiates to the streets of Downtown Athens.  Depending on the time of day or night, there may be either ball or sandcastle building in the sand court. You'll notice the building's origins as a gas station with the large outdoor space and retro pull-up window bays. Ted's may be best known for creative, personal-sized wood-fired pizzas, but the regulars will also swear by the salads and sliders, too.

 

The Café on Lumpkin

Tables and chairs sit on the heated patio of Cafe on Lumpkin in Athens, GA.

Image courtesy @thecafeonlumpkin

Location: 1700 S. Lumpkin St., in Five Points
 

Heated: Yes

Style: Light fare, coffee, traditional tea service

You couldn't ask for a more serene spot in the heart of Five Points than the Café on Lumpkin. Housed in an historic 1920's bungalow, the setting is perfect to experience a traditional Afternoon Tea, or other light breakfast and lunch fare.  British scones with housemade clotted cream & jams, and Battenberg Cake, oh my!

 

Cali N Tito's

A couple eating at Cali N' Tito's outdoor seating in Athens, GA.

Location: 1427 S Lumpkin St., near Five Points & UGA Track

Heated: Yes

Style: Latin American

Cali'n Titos is a go-to restaurant for families, UGA students, and locals! We love the quirkiness of the space. The fish tacos and Cubanos are to die for at Cali N' Titos and their pet parrot greets us every time. If you are looking for an ultimate stay-cation weekend, this restaurant should be top on your list. You'll feel as if you made a short trip to Central America. 

 

Last Resort Grill

Last Resort Grill, Patios

Image courtesy @lastresortgrill

Location: 184 W. Clayton St., Downtown

Heated: Yes

Style: Southern & Southwestern

Athens' newest patio is at a longtime favorite restaurant, Last Resort Grill. In the summer of 2020, Last Resort repurposed its side parking lot into a spacious and resplendent patio as its outdoor wine and beer garden. You'll find trees, picnic tables, and a full-service bar! The restaurant (inside and out) accepts only cashless payment and adds a 16% service charge to all tabs. To limit interaction, wait staff only visits a table when a numbered flag is put up by the guest. Patio seating starts at 5 p.m. and is available Wednesday through Sunday.

 

Big City Bread

Big City Bread patio in Athens, GA.

Image via Crowdriff @liveathensga

Location: 393 N Finley St., at the edge of downtown

Heated: Yes

Style: Breakfast, Bakery, Cafe

Trees and twinkly lights - enough said! Big City Bread is the perfect spot for brunch with your girlfriends or your mom. Make sure to try their amazing tomato soup along with their delicious baked goods. The space is also great for a photo moment, so be sure to get your camera and Instagram ready. 

 

Marti's at Midday

The patio at Marti's at Midday is shown. five tables, each with customers, are arranged on the cement patio. Each table has a colorful umbrella.Photo courtesy of Marti's at Midday

Location: 1280 Prince Avenue

Heated: Yes

Style: Southern Style Breakfast & Lunch

Nestled in the cutest house in Normaltown lies Marti's at Midday. This gem is a favorite because of the incredible entrees, salads, and Southern classics that fill customer's plates. From pimento cheese to chicken salad and more, Marti's knows how to make a Southerner's mouth water. Be sure to snap a picture with one of the restaurant's murals as well.

 

Seabear Oyster Bar

A group of friends cheers on the patio at Seabear Oyster Bar in Athens, GA.

Location: 297 Prince Ave STE 10, Athens, GA 30601

Heated: Yes

Style: Seafood and cocktails

If you are craving fresh oysters, a delicious cocktail or great outdoor seating vibes then you should definitely try Seabear. They also serve small plates excellent for sharing and entrees that are to die for. If seafood isn't for you, they have many other options including one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Athens.  

 

Honorable Mention: College Square Plaza

An image of college square (the area of College ave that's closed in for pedestrians only) shows several picnic tables with patrons.

 

Location: College Avenue, in between Broad and Clayton Streets.
Style: Open air seating

College Square was closed in for pedestrians in 2020, and is now officially staying a traffic-free area, perfect for dining, relaxing and events. Surrounded by restaurants like Ben & Jerry's, Walker's Coffee & Pub and Starbucks, with all of downtown surrounding you, it's a great place to bring lunch or dinner to relax outside. 

 

 

 

 

Map of Athens Restaurant Patios

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Looking for more amazing al fresco dining spots in Athens? Check out all of our outdoor dining listings.