BAXTER STREET
The Farmcart • $–$$
A family-run business that started as a farmers market food truck, The Farmcart expanded into a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Baxter Street in 2019 thanks to the popularity of their flaky biscuit sandwiches full of local ingredients.
The Table Bistro • $$
This “new American bistro” serves hearty salads, sandwiches, soups and pasta with a focus on seafood and Southern influences. Their dishes are beautifully plated and packed with colorful produce.
DOWNTOWN
Chuck’s Fish • $$$
Operating in a renovated former Greyhound station, this upscale restaurant features seafood fresh from the owner’s Destin, Florida dockside wholesale market. Along with daily specials, Chuck’s serves sushi and classics like seared scallops and stuffed shrimp.
Clocked! • $
This American diner on Washington Street is approaching 25 years in business. Eclectic decor and retro branding adorn the dining room and patio, while the menu ranges from burgers and hot dogs to fried pickles and blackberry milkshakes. Plus: they can make almost anything vegetarian.
Dawg Gone Good BBQ • $
Serving recipes passed down from his grandmother, owner William “B.J.” Hardy keeps things simple but tasty at his restaurant on West Hanco*ck Avenue. Chow down on classics like pulled pork, mac and cheese and brisket inside the shop or on the outdoor patio.
Lindsey’s Culinary Market • $
Farm-fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and soups are highlights at this North Thomas Street spot. Family meals and weekly specials are available for takeout.
The National • $$–$$$
This Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on West Hanco*ck Avenue was co-founded by Hugh Acheson and Peter Dale. With serene decor and stellar service, it’s ideal for lunch meetings and family celebrations. Check out the expanded patio.
Paloma Park • $$
Happy hour deals and daily menu discounts make this stylish Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar on Washington Street a popular spot for date nights and group outings, while its large indoor space and outdoor beer garden often house private events and live music.
Pauley’s Crepe Bar • $
Another popular going-out spot that doubles as an event venue, Pauley’s has been making sweet and savory crepes in the heart of downtown Athens for over 15 years. They also serve sandwiches, salads, co*cktails and a limited menu of late night snacks for patrons between bars.
The Place • $$–$$$
Located on Broad Street just steps from North Campus, The Place serves “refined Southern fare” for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Their menu includes customizable meat and veggie plates alongside entrees like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and bourbon glazed salmon.
Porterhouse Grill • $$$
Voted by our readers as the best restaurant to eat at when your parents are visiting, Porterhouse Grill is a “casual fine dining” steakhouse on Broad Street. A downtown fixture since 2000, their menu features a variety of certified Angus beef steaks, as well as Southern staples like crab cakes and fried green tomatoes.
South Kitchen + Bar • $$–$$$
This Washington Street spot was once the Hotel Georgian, which hosted visitors to Athens from 1909 to 1975. South Kitchen now occupies the ground floor, while the original ballroom has been converted into a private event space. The menu features modernized Southern comfort food like Nashville hot chicken and biscuits and gravy as well as beer, wine and co*cktails.
Ted’s Most Best • $
Families flock to this casual pizza and pasta place with one of the best patios in town featuring a sandbox. Pizzas are light with thin crusts and salad dressings are made in house.
Thai Spoon • $–$$
Voted best family-owned international restaurant by our readers, Thai Spoon is nearing two decades in business between Little Italy and The Globe. Their extensive menu features dozens of authentic Thai rice, noodle, soup and curry dishes.
Trappeze Pub • $$–$$$
Famous for its enormous craft and imported beer selection, this pub at the corner of Hull and West Washington streets serves superior bar fare, catering to carnivores with dishes like the Double Pig (braised pork plus bacon), with plant-based options like the veggie Reuben. Don’t leave without trying the signature raspberry ketchup.
The World Famous • $
“This is it!” proclaims the sign above the door of this tiny bar with a massive following thanks to its eclectic interior, thoughtful food and fun co*cktails. The chicken and waffles has devoted fans.
EAST SIDE
Cali N Tito’s East at La Puerta del Sol • $–$$
The sprawling East Side sister restaurant of Cali N Tito’s houses arcade games and rides as well as huge family-size tables. While students might prefer the BYOB policy and patio seating at the Five Points location, the friendly bar service and in-house gelato counter at the East Side location are a plus.
Mama’s Boy • $–$$
Consistently voted Best Brunch in Athens by Red & Black readers, Mama’s Boy serves indulgent breakfast fare like salmon cakes Benedict and Georgia peach French toast. There are two locations in Athens and one in Watkinsville now, too.
Mannaweenta • $
The idea to open Mannaweenta came to owner Haregu Bahtu in a dream, and now the Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant is nearing a decade in business. Praised as one of the best international eateries in Athens, the menu includes meat and veggie plates featuring chicken, lamb, beef, lentils, chickpeas and more. It’s also a great place to try injera or Ethiopian coffee and tea.
Rashe’s Cuisine • $–$$
Founder Rashe Malcom has perfected Jamaican comfort food after serving it for over three decades. The meat and veggie plates feature jerk chicken, jerk pork, curry chicken, mac and cheese, rice and peas, collard greens and more.
Taste of India • $–$$
This East Side restaurant has been serving authentic Indian food since 2005. Entrees include korma, saag, curry, tikka masala and biryani with your choice of protein served with basmati rice. Their menu also features a huge selection of starters, sides, vegetarian and specialty dishes.
FIVE POINTS
Baddies Burgers • $–$$
The menu at Baddies, from Joe Nedza, is simple: burgers, fries and banana pudding. With a recent expansion into UGA sporting events, Baddies Burgers are now available at Stegeman Coliseum, soccer and softball games, and starting this fall, you’ll see them at Sanford Stadium too.
El Barrio • $
This casual taco and tequila bar is popular for daily specials and outdoor seating. Choose from steak, chicken, pork, fish or shrimp tacos, burritos, nachos and more. Margaritas, co*cktails, beer and pitchers are also available.
The Café on Lumpkin • $–$$
This breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is located in a historic home with indoor and a patio out front. The french toast and huge breakfast burritos are favorites, while the lunch menu features salads, sandwiches and wraps. Make a reservation for afternoon tea to enjoy scones, deserts, finger sandwiches and a pot of tea.
The Expat • $$$
This venture from Jerry and Krista Slater, housed in a cozy Five Points cottage, emphasizes inventive co*cktails and an Italian cafe-inspired menu, with dishes like cacio e pepe and salads full of seasonal produce.
Five & Ten • $$$
Before “Top Chef,” Hugh Acheson made his name here with innovative takes on Southern fare (think fried catfish with saffron beurre blanc and cornbread with fennel pollen). Located in a historic home on South Milledge Avenue, this is a popular spot for special occasions. It’s also available for private event booking.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers • $–$$
The Athens location of this Atlanta chain serves fresh ground beef, turkey, veggie and Impossible burgers made your way or in one of their eight signature styles. Beer, co*cktails and milkshakes in over a dozen flavors are also available.
Kelly’s Authentic Jamaican Food • $$
An Athens classic and Jamaican-style meat-and-three, Kelly’s serves heaping plates of curry chicken, jerk pork and specials like grilled salmon and curried goat, alongside mounds of veggies, rice, plantains and cornbread.
Marker 7 Coastal Grill • $$-$$$
Owner Chris Lloyd had a longtime dream to bring the relaxing atmosphere of coastal bars in his hometown of Tampa Bay to Athens. Marker 7, Hilltop Grille’s sister restaurant is the result. They have a huge menu of seafood, salads, vegetarian sides and local beer.
Mediterranean Grill • $$
A local branch of the small metro-Atlanta group of restaurants, this spot pleases vegetarians and carnivores alike with specialties like hummus, falafel and gyros. Everyone’s a fan of the rice pilaf and crispy potatoes.
The Royal Peasant • $$
Watch the week’s top Premier League matches while dining on bangers and mash or “proper plates” like fish and chips at this British pub with a stellar beer list.
Slater’s Steakhouse • $$$
This classic, upscale steakhouse and co*cktail lounge is one of the newer restaurants from (who else?) Jerry and Krista Slater. They promise “fine steaks and stiff drinks” for nights out, special occasions and private events alike.
ZZ & Simone’s • $$$
In this upscale, design-forward space (a blush pink bar, saddle-leather booths), the folks behind the former Dinner Party put forth elegant renditions of classic pastas, pizzas and seafood.
HAWTHORNE AVENUE
Em’s Kitchen • $
Owner Emily Ullrich started working at the Hawthorne Drugs soda fountain in 1998, and expanded it into a restaurant 12 years later. A true hidden gem, Em’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and it’s definitely worth a morning visit. Swing by for biscuits, omelets, grits, salads, sandwiches or homemade desserts.
NORMALTOWN
Agua Linda • $$
This Mexican restaurant has been an Athens institution for 25 years. Enjoy the rooftop patio at the Prince Avenue location, or head to the sister location on Timothy Road if you’re on the West Side of town.
Automatic Pizza • $
Get giant slices (and even bigger pies) at this charming corner joint, which was a former filling station. Italian subs, salads and cannolis are also available.
Hi-Lo Lounge • $
A neighborhood favorite thanks to a cozy vibe with a sizable beer list and creative co*cktails. There’s a huge selection of sandwiches, hot dogs and customizable fries, but the chili and tofu sandwich are favorites.
Marti’s at Midday • $
Huge salads and hearty sandwiches are the draw at this cheery cafe with a small indoor area and sunny patio. You also can also pick up entrees and salads to go.
Square One Fish Co. • $$$
This Florida-style seafood restaurant and oyster bar is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Their menu ranges from blackened mahi tacos to fried shrimp to salmon pesto pasta.
NORTH CHASE/BOULEVARD
Maepole • $$
At the laid back Maepole — a brainchild of Peter Dale, the chef/owner behind the likes of Seabear and The National — diners select from bases, sides and proteins to create new twists on meat-and-three standards.
Osteria Olio • $$–$$$
Located inside the Rivet House boutique hotel, Osteria Olio is a brand new upscale Italian restaurant. Their menu features regionally inspired dishes, wine, beer and co*cktails. Stop by or make a reservation for dinner or weekend brunch.
Pulaski Heights BBQ • $–$$
Locally sourced pork and brisket are the stars here, where meat is smoked daily and served until it runs out. Vegetarian dishes are also on offer, like hearty smoked cauliflower and a smoked tofu sandwich. Enjoy the patio at this former factory building on Pulaski Street next to the train tracks. Plus: It’s BYOB.
Puma Yu’s • $$–$$$
This Thai-inspired restaurant by Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith packs a big punch in flavorful small plates like pork dumplings and eggplant agebitashi. Stop by their stylish space in the historic Southern Mill complex for lunch, dinner or one of their creative co*cktails featuring Japanese gins and whiskeys.
Tlaloc • $
This beloved family-owned restaurant serves Mexican and Salvadoran food in a bright orange building on North Chase Street. Keep an eye out for drink specials and taco Tuesdays.
White Tiger Gourmet • $
Located in Boulevard, White Tiger serves up smoked pork, tofu barbecue, veggies and simple soups. Locals congregate in the side yard and take advantage of the BYOB policy.
PRINCE AVENUE
Farm Burger • $
This chain (which originated in Athens) sources meat and other ingredients from local farmers for a menu of grass-fed beef hamburgers, vegan burgers, salads and fries. Farm Burger opened its new Prince Avenue location in January 2023.
Poquitos • $-$$
Birria, carnitas, posole and more are available in the former Go Bar space from the former owners of The Grit and Pedro de Paz of Ted’s Most Best. Bonus: A sunny corner patio.
Punta Cana Latin Grill • $
This Dominican restaurant and bar has daily drink and lunch specials. Their huge menu features churrasco, empanadas, burritos, mofongo and plantain pizza.
Seabear Oyster Bar • $$
Go for the namesake shellfish; stay for the fried clam strips, lobster roll and fish po’boy. Sit at the bar or the outdoor patio; a drinks ledge allows you to set your co*cktail down while you wait for a table.
Taqueria del Sol • $
The Athens location of this Atlanta-based chain has been serving Mexican food with a “cross-cultural flair” since 2008. Tacos, enchiladas, sides, soups and chili are all on offer, with lunch and dinner specials changing weekly.
WEST BROAD STREET
Food for the Soul • $
This soul food restaurant has a $14 all-you-can-eat buffet with a rotating menu, but you can always expect staples like chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread.
Hilltop Grille • $$–$$$
A locally-owned steak and seafood restaurant opened in 2002, Hilltop Grille is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, serving southern classics.
Ideal Bagel Co. • $
Operated by Luna Baking Co., Ideal Bagel serves a variety of bagels loaded with house-made cream cheese spreads. Add-ons like eggs, lox and bacon are also available.
Saucehouse Barbecue • $–$$
Owned and operated by UGA alumnus Christopher Belk, this restaurant serves a wide range of barbecue styles and sauces from all over the country. Nearing a decade in business in Athens, Saucehouse also offers a full catering service and hosts private events at The Venue on Broad.
Tamez Barbecue • $–$$
At Alejandro Tamez’s Texas-style barbecue spot with retro decor, homemade tortillas and brisket take center stage. Breakfast burritos with bacon and eggs are also a hit.
This article was originally published in The Red & Black fall/winter 2024 Visitors Guide.
