Ted's Most Best
Location: 254 W Washington St., Downtown
Style: Italian/Pizza
Bring the whole family to Ted’s Most Best for a meal that lives up to its name. Known for high-quality food and a fresh atmosphere, this Downtown Athens favorite is hard to miss—its lively ambiance spills right onto the street. Housed in a former gas station, Ted’s retains its retro character with pull-up window bays, a spacious outdoor area, and a sand court where you might spot a pickup game of bocce or some impromptu sandcastle building, depending on the time of day. While Ted’s is best known for its creative, personal-sized wood-fired pizzas, regulars will tell you the salads and sliders are just as worthy of the spotlight.
Situated right next to Rook & Pawn boardgame cafe and behind Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Ted's is a great casual stop in your Athens adventure.
Cali N Tito's
Location: 1427 S Lumpkin St., near Five Points & UGA Track
Style: Cuban/ Latin American
Colorful, casual, and full of personality, Cali N Tito’s is a go-to spot for relaxed outdoor dining—no matter the weather. Located on Lumpkin Street just steps from Five Points, this beloved Athens staple offers a mix of heated, covered patio seating alongside open-air tables for those who don’t mind a little chill. The vibe is playful and eclectic, perfectly matching a menu that celebrates Cuban and Latin American flavors in the most deliciously unexpected ways. Don’t skip the plantains, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the arroz chaufa is a must—equal parts comforting, bold, and unforgettable.
Last Resort Grill
Location: 184 W. Clayton St., Downtown
Style: Southern & Southwestern
In 2020, Last Resort Grill transformed its former side parking lot into a spacious, tree-filled patio that doubles as an outdoor wine and beer garden. During the cooler months, the patio becomes especially inviting thanks to individual greenhouse-style tables that keep guests warm while still enjoying the open-air experience. With picnic tables, a full-service bar, and a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere, this downtown spot is ideal for everything from a cozy date night to a celebratory dinner. Located just steps from downtown shopping and the Georgia Theatre, Last Resort’s patio proves that outdoor dining in Athens is just as magical in winter as it is in summer.
Big City Bread
Location: 393 N Finley St., at the edge of downtown
Style: Breakfast, Bakery, Cafe
With trees overhead and twinkly lights setting the scene, Big City Bread Cafe is a go-to for relaxed outdoor dining any time of day. The spacious, pet-friendly patio makes it especially popular for lingering brunches with friends or an easy lunch with mom. Known for excellent brunch and lunch offerings, Big City Bread delivers comforting favorites alongside standout baked goods—don’t miss the tomato soup, a local favorite.
Marti's at Midday
Photo courtesy of Marti's at Midday
Location: 1280 Prince Avenue
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.
Taqueria del Sol
Location: 334 Prince Avenue
Style: Mexican
Taqueria del Sol does a great job of bringing the indoors, outside. No matter the temperature, your dining experience will be no less than perfect. The space also has a clean, colorful feel. Order some of Taqueria del Sol most famous dishes, including the salsa trio starter, fish tacos, and the shrimp corn chowder. The size and price point of the tacos makes it great fun to sample a range of flavors on one plate.
Marker Seven Coastal Grill
Location: 1195 S. Milledge Avenue
Style: Seafood
Marker Seven Coastal Grill has the authentic look of a beachside cottage, right on the corner of Five Points. The minute you arrive, you will feel as if you made a short trip to the coast. Take a seat on their cozy porch and order one of their great drinks and some of the finest seafood, including oysters from the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy a game of corn hole as you wait for your food at Marker Seven Coastal Grill.
Automatic Pizza
Location: 1397 Prince Avenue, in Normaltown
Style: Casual Pizza Place
Automatic Pizza was originally a gas station, and continues to fuel this cool neighborhood. Though the restaurant went through a total transformation, the pizza place still incorporates a lot of the original retro gas station look, with picnic tables where cars used to fill their tanks,, which makes the place feel very authentic. It fits right in with the aura of the area. And the pizza is some of the best in town!
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
Location: 1553 S. Lumpkin Street, Five Points
Heated: Yes
Style: Burgers
Grab a burger and a boozy shake with friends at Grindhouse Killer Burgers, where comfort food meets fresh air. The restaurant boasts one of the largest patios in the Athens area, making it an easy go-to even in the cooler months. Bundle up, settle in under the covered patio, and enjoy the Five Points atmosphere—just a short walk away—while staying warm and well fed.
Pretty Boy
Location: 247 Prince Avenue
Style: Vietnamese
Located right next to Bottleworks lies the amazing Vietnamese restaurant, Pretty Boy! The menu offers a variety of choices from noodles and pho to dessert cocktails and dragonfruit panna cotta. Head out to the large patio surrounded by a beautiful, rustic brick wall and planted trees for a taste of something delicious.
The Royal Peasant
Location: 1675 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
Style: English Pub
Nestled snugly in the middle of the Five Points neighborhood, The Royal Peasant is the perfect place to gather with friends, kick back with a pint, and cheer for your favorite 'football' team. A British pub with a great beer selection and a menu that includes a lamb burger to die for, The Royal Peasant is a cozy spot with an enclosed porch perfect for chilly weather.
Five & Ten
Location: 1073 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
Style: Creative, contemporary Southern
Located in a charming historic house overlooking South Milledge Avenue, it’s hard to beat a meal on Five & Ten’s beautiful outdoor porch. With heaters keeping things cozy in cooler weather, the porch offers an inviting setting for enjoying seasonal dishes and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Now owned by acclaimed restaurateur Peter Dale, Five & Ten delivers an exceptional dining experience whether you stop by for weekend brunch or settle in for an evening dinner.
Seabear Oyster Bar
Location: 297 Prince Ave STE 10, Athens, GA 30601
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.
ZZ & Simone's
Location:1540 S Lumpkin St Suite 4
Style: Upscale Italian
Elegance and charm meets modern Italian fare at ZZ & Simone's. Located just steps from Five Points, ZZ & Simone's is a lovely neighborhood spot for a nicer sit down dinner. Imagine twinkly lights swaying above your head, warmth emanating from a nearby heater, and the best pasta of your life sitting before you. Ideal.
The National
Location: 232 W Hancock Ave
Style: Mediterranean
A cozy Mediterranean spot with fun flavor pairings from a divine menu, The National is one of Athens' top spots. Though their patio is small, it's still a pleasure to dine al fresco. Situated downtown on Hancock Street, right across the street from Creature Comforts and in the same building as Cine, it's a lovely spot if you want to have dinner as part of your Athens exploration itinerary.
