Best Restaurants in Athens GA | Where to Eat in Athens Like a Local

Named one of the 16 Best Foodie Cities in the South by NewsBreak, Athens GA restaurants are making waves with a mix of classic Southern cuisine and creative contemporary fare. This vibrant city is quickly becoming a top destination for food lovers. 

Where to Eat in Athens GA: Local Favorites & Must-Try Spots

We love talking food, and drink! The food scene is one of the very best ways to get a sense of place and the true local flavors of where you are visiting, and we're excited to share the best restaurants in Athens, GA with you. 

If you like to seek out award-winning chefs and local food, Athens has you covered with our top places to eat.

• Chef Pete Amadhanirundr of Puma Yu's was a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: South in 2024. Puma Yu's is an exciting, vibrant spot that specializes in small plate Thai food and an excellent cocktail program led by Ally Smith. 
   
• Chef Kenny Nguyen had a banner year in 2024. After competing on Top Chef, he opened Pretty Boy in the historic Bottleworks complex and serves up Vietnamese-inspired small plates.
   
• 5&10 is the spot where two-time James Beard-Award winner Hugh Acheson first drew national attention to Athens as a food destination. It continues to be a favorite under native Athenian Peter Dale's ownership. 

Check out more award-winning restaurants in Athens, GA,

What Food Is Athens GA Known For? Southern Staples, BBQ & More

• Get your soul food fix AND some local Athens music history at Weaver D's Delicious Fine Foods on West Broad St. in downtown. Dexter Weaver's mantra, "Automatic For the People," became the title of one of R.E.M.'s best-selling albums, and of course Dexter was on hand when R.E.M. was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Weaver D's  is a James Beard winner in the "American Classics" category.
   
• How many of us are sure to sample local BBQ at least once everywhere we travel?  In Athens GA check out Dawg Gone Good BBQ downtown, Tamez Barbeque on Broad, or The Butt Hutt off South Milledge.
   
• Where's the best burger in Athens GA? Always as much up for debate as favorite BBQ, but give Clocked! a try not only for their wide range of burger creations, but also their excellent fries, onion rings, and dipping sauces. Don't forget to save room for a decadent milk shake.

Best Rooftop & Patio Restaurants in Athens GA

• Athens restaurants take full advantage of our area's nice weather. There are so many great patios!
  • Try Ted's Most Best downtown for personal wood fired pizzas and top notch sliders and salads, plus a huge shaded patio complete with sandbox for the kids.
  • Last Resort, also downtown, is a long-time Athens favorite that serves southern and southwestern fare.
  • Big City Bread, off Baxter, is also known for its lovely shaded patio. They are known not only for breakfast but also for fresh sandwiches at lunch and great daily specials at any meal.
  • White Tiger Gourmet, in the Boulevard neighborhood, is known not just for BBQ but also amazing burgers and other sandwiches. Set in an old corner grocery, you can dine in or sit at the picnic tables underneath old oaks.
     
• Athens rooftop restaurants also strike the right notes.
  • The Georgia Theatre has super views. Check out our concert calendar, grab your tickets to a show inside, then head over early to have dinner and drinks on the rooftop.
  • On the other end of downtown Athens, Hybar atop Hyatt Place Athens also offers a great vista.
  • Agua Linda is a fun, laid-back spot in Normaltown.

More Athens Insider Food and Drink Tips from our Blog

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