There’s more to Athens, Georgia, than football. Even die-hard University of Georgia Bulldog fans can admit that Athens’ famed music scene, responsible for the formation of R.E.M. and The B-52s, deserves some credit for its “cool town” billing.
Then there’s the food. With a solid foundation of classic, decades-old restaurants still operating, a new class of chefs, bakers, brewers, and roasters is finding both inspiration and support in the college town. Athens’ flirtation with new cuisine isn’t exactly new, but the appetite for even more exciting and diverse options has increased. Athens now boasts dozens of restaurants, cocktail bars, breweries, and a host of experimental pop-ups from James Beard nominees, Top Chef contestants, and other notables from Atlanta and beyond.
To top it all off, the growing brewery scene, spearheaded by Creature Comforts, is garnering attention from a whole new market. Once home to the longest running beer fest in Georgia, the Classic City Brew Fest, Athens is now host to the Classic Center Cultural Foundation’s Athens Beer Fest. These and other newcomers on the culinary and beverage scene are equipped and willing to carry on this cool town’s tasty legacy.
Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Explore
Top of the Class: Puma Yu’s
The seamless blending of traditional Thai nam prik and tom kha with regional ingredients like Bradford Farm blue crab and red drum is but one area Puma Yu’s excels. Explore thoughtful cultural expression throughout the former pop-up led by Pete Amadhanirundr, James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast (2024) and bar program lead Ally Smith.
Oldest and Best: Five and Ten
Athens’ flagship fine dining restaurant founded 25 years ago by James Beard Award-winner Hugh Acheson is now in the capable hands of former apprentice Peter Dale (The National, Condor Chocolates, Maepole, Seabear Oyster Bar). Dale, more than most, understands the assignment to honor Five and Ten’s Southern culinary legacy.
Most Glutinous: Independent Baking Co.
Perhaps milling its own flour is the secret to this bakery’s dozen successful years, or it could be its bakers’ pedigrees, with stints at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the NoMad Hotel, and more. Likely a combination of quality ingredients and training have led to their ability to put out both impressively flaky croissants and crusty baguettes.
Best-Kept Secret: Hidden Gem
The musical programming of this local favorite spans Debussy, Dvorak, DJs, and demos, and the themed specialty cocktails fall in line. Never a dull moment and always inclusive, this quirky 21+ bar defies categories in the best way.
Most Riveting: Osteria Olio
Tucked away inside the Rivet House boutique hotel but worthy of its own identity, the latest modern Italian concept from the Indigo Road Hospitality Group is a true scratch kitchen Nonna could appreciate. Even their off-menu gluten-free pasta and pizza dough are made in-house.
Broadest Culinary Range: Cali N Tito’s
The original Five Points location draws a lively university crowd, but don’t let that be a deterrent to enjoying some real Latin American standouts across multiple regions. Burritos, fish tacos, ceviche, and lomo saltado are only a handful of highlights worth the hype.
Most Palate-Pleasing: White Tiger Gourmet
A celebrated barbecue spot in North Georgia might not be groundbreaking in terms of genre, but the relative ease with which a meat-heavy kitchen churns out convincing vegetarian fare might be the biggest surprise. Even vegan palates are welcome here.
Most Recognizable: 1000 Faces Coffee
This retro soda fountain and diner in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood, serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, is a nostalgic spot where locals gather for good food and sweet treats. The biscuits are incredible— they taste like someone’s grandma is in the kitchen making them.
Claim to Fame
Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods
Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods has stood the test of time—nearly 40 years—as not only an Athens staple for soul food but also the city’s most internationally recognized restaurant, thanks to local rock band R.E.M.’s taste in Southern cooking. Owner Dexter Weaver’s iconic slogan, “Automatic for the People,” that bandmembers must have heard dozens of times in the 80s, is the title of R.E.M’s Grammy-nominated album released in Since then, Weaver D’s has attracted alt-rock fans along with fried chicken enthusiasts.
Where to Shop
No need to return home empty-handed from an Athens visit. For the entertainer, Athens Cooks has the staff expertise and stock to meet nearly any kitchen utensil or gadget need.
For turophiles and oenophiles, Birdies offers a selection of cheese and wine that meets even a critical Parisian’s standards.
Next door to Birdies, Nest Athens offers a curated abundance of vintage glassware, embroidered napkins, candles, books, and art from local and regional artisans that make for perfect hostess gifts or souvenirs.
Where to Stay
Being a Bulldog isn’t a requirement to stay at The Athenian, the mid-1800s former residence of UGA grad and Bank of Athens founder Stevens Thomas. But a fair warning is in order for those not yet ready to yell “Go Dawgs” intermittently: The Ares suite fully embraces the collegiate red and black while others include more subtle nods with a blend of Grecian and Southern inspiration. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you’ll find the location—steps from The National restaurant and Creature Comforts Brewery—particularly invaluable.
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