Ted's Most Best
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 is perfectly named — 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 into the streets of Downtown Athens. You'll notice the building's origins as a gas station with the large outdoor space and retro pull-up window bays. Depending on the time of day or night, there may be either ball or sandcastle building in the sand court to entertain the kiddos. Ted's may be best known for creative, personal-sized wood-fired pizzas, but the regulars will swear by the salads and sliders, too.
Creature Comforts
Location: 271 W. Hancock Ave., Downtown
Heated: No
Style: Craft beer, light snacks
With a spacious taproom, expansive outdoor patio, laid-back atmosphere, and lots of communal seating, Creature Comforts craft brewery is a great place to relax, grab a drink, and catch up with friends (or make new ones!). On sunny days, the Creature Comforts patio is the place to be. It offers covered and uncovered seating, accessible entry, and open space for kiddos to play. It's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening before heading to dinner in downtown Athens!
Cali N Tito's
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 we visit. If you are looking for an ultimate stay-cation weekend, this restaurant should be at the top of your list. You'll feel as if you made a short trip to Central America.
Last Resort Grill
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
Photo Credit: @styleblueprint on Instagram via Crowdriff
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
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 customers' 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 adorable murals as well!
Seabear Oyster Bar
Location: 297 Prince Ave STE 10
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
Location: College Avenue, in between Broad and Clayton Streets, downtown
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 Gyro Wrap, with all of downtown surrounding you, it's a great place to bring lunch or dinner to relax outside.
