Guidebook for Athens
Food Scene
Nestled between the Chase Street package store and the power substation, upwind from the chick processing plant, this spot may not look like much, but looks are deceiving! Not only is this well established Mexican restaurant cozy and clean on the inside, but the food is authentically amazing and the service is friendly and attentive. You can't go wrong here!
37 locals recommend
Tlaloc
1225 N Chase StNestled between the Chase Street package store and the power substation, upwind from the chick processing plant, this spot may not look like much, but looks are deceiving! Not only is this well established Mexican restaurant cozy and clean on the inside, but the food is authentically amazing and the service is friendly and attentive. You can't go wrong here!
Just around the corner from our place in the Leathers building by the train tracks and the old depot, this classy yet affordable BBQ place has great food and a fun atmosphere, with gluten free and veggie options, indoor and outdoor seating.
31 locals recommend
Pulaski Heights Barbecue
675 Pulaski StJust around the corner from our place in the Leathers building by the train tracks and the old depot, this classy yet affordable BBQ place has great food and a fun atmosphere, with gluten free and veggie options, indoor and outdoor seating.
Our FAVORITE celebration spot for a fine dining. The food and service are top notch, with a local seasonal menu. Athens at it's best: you can enjoy black tie food in jeans and and a tee shirt and no one will bat an eye, or you can wear your ball gown!
113 locals recommend
The National
232 W Hancock AveOur FAVORITE celebration spot for a fine dining. The food and service are top notch, with a local seasonal menu. Athens at it's best: you can enjoy black tie food in jeans and and a tee shirt and no one will bat an eye, or you can wear your ball gown!
Oysters in Athens? Yes! Simple menu, small plates, great drinks. Charming local favorite.
93 locals recommend
Seabear Oyster Bar
297 Prince AveOysters in Athens? Yes! Simple menu, small plates, great drinks. Charming local favorite.
Another Athens institution, this indulgent vegetarian restaurant has something for everyone, daily specials, ample portions, and the cakes are ridiculously fun.
97 locals recommend
The Grit
199 Prince AveAnother Athens institution, this indulgent vegetarian restaurant has something for everyone, daily specials, ample portions, and the cakes are ridiculously fun.
This is one of those rare, special restaurants where the owner personally cooks all of your food himself and checks in with you during your meal. Come here for a peaceful meal from a menu of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes including lovely hummus, olives and grape leaves. There is also a small grocery section with some staples you can't find anywhere else in town such as pomegranate molasses and sumac.
The Sultan
1074 Baxter StThis is one of those rare, special restaurants where the owner personally cooks all of your food himself and checks in with you during your meal. Come here for a peaceful meal from a menu of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes including lovely hummus, olives and grape leaves. There is also a small grocery section with some staples you can't find anywhere else in town such as pomegranate molasses and sumac.
Essentials
Small enough for a truly quick and easy grocery trip with excellent staples, fresh produce, ready to eat goodies, beer and wine. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
38 locals recommend
Daily Groceries Co-Op
1190 Prince AveSmall enough for a truly quick and easy grocery trip with excellent staples, fresh produce, ready to eat goodies, beer and wine. Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available.
Pharmacy: Established as family owned downtown pharmacy in 1961. You will get nothing but old-fashioned, genuine service at this place.
53 locals recommend
Ted's Most Best
254 West Washington StreetPharmacy: Established as family owned downtown pharmacy in 1961. You will get nothing but old-fashioned, genuine service at this place.
Parks & Nature
Great local route for hiking, jogging, and walking. Dogs okay on leash.
8 locals recommend
North Oconee River Greenway
139 Ruth StreetGreat local route for hiking, jogging, and walking. Dogs okay on leash.
This not-so-secret-anymore urban waterfall - with swimming hole and sandy beach offers a feeling of whimsy and adventure for sure. I can't vouch for cleanliness, but is it still a magical spot to find, especially if you catch it when it's quiet. Or if you like beer pong go on a hot weekend afternoon.
Redneck Beach
This not-so-secret-anymore urban waterfall - with swimming hole and sandy beach offers a feeling of whimsy and adventure for sure. I can't vouch for cleanliness, but is it still a magical spot to find, especially if you catch it when it's quiet. Or if you like beer pong go on a hot weekend afternoon.
More than 300 acres of gardens and hiking trails. This is a beautiful spot year round.
96 locals recommend
Botanical Gardens station
More than 300 acres of gardens and hiking trails. This is a beautiful spot year round.
This creek "beach" is well maintained, affordable and can be really relaxing.
47 locals recommend
Sandy Creek Park
400 Bob Holman RdThis creek "beach" is well maintained, affordable and can be really relaxing.
Arts & Culture
this giant pink house from 1844 hides in plain site. It was moved out of town, them moved back! More than just an elementary school field trip destination, this historic monument appeals to art and history buffs with a sense of curiosity and ennui.
TRR Cobb House
175 Hill Stthis giant pink house from 1844 hides in plain site. It was moved out of town, them moved back! More than just an elementary school field trip destination, this historic monument appeals to art and history buffs with a sense of curiosity and ennui.
Enjoy rotating contemporary exhibits in the main gallery, or take a time machine to the early 20th century at the attached Ware-Lyndon House historic museum. Thoughtfully curated and admission is free!
32 locals recommend
Lyndon House Arts Center
211 Hoyt StEnjoy rotating contemporary exhibits in the main gallery, or take a time machine to the early 20th century at the attached Ware-Lyndon House historic museum. Thoughtfully curated and admission is free!
Drinks & Nightlife
This world famous Athens music venue does not disappoint. It is a very memorable, intimate spot to see a special show. If your favorite band is playing here, you should really go!
91 locals recommend
40 Watt Club
285 W Washington StThis world famous Athens music venue does not disappoint. It is a very memorable, intimate spot to see a special show. If your favorite band is playing here, you should really go!
Entertainment & Activities
Awesome arthouse movie theatre with snacks, great drinks and coffee and a super cool and comfortable lobby area. Generally a limited but amazing choice of movies showing, look out for live music and other events in the lobby or the lab.
62 locals recommend
Ciné
234 W Hancock AveAwesome arthouse movie theatre with snacks, great drinks and coffee and a super cool and comfortable lobby area. Generally a limited but amazing choice of movies showing, look out for live music and other events in the lobby or the lab.