15 Best Restaurants In Athens, Georgia

These are the best places to eat in the Classic City, from barbecue and fried chicken to fine dining.

No matter if you're headed to Athens, Georiga, for a football-rival meeting between the hedges or a concert at the Georiga Theatre, be sure to make time for all the things that make it one of the most unique college towns in the South. Home of the University of Georgia, some of the things that make Athens one of our favorite college towns go beyond school, football, and even the notorious music scene. Being a robust Southern place full of creatives, it's no surprise that the food scene in Athens is bar none.

WIth many restaurants located in the bustling walkable downtown and surrounding university area, you'll hardly be left hungry and without abundant options. Venture a little further out, and you'll find some of the town's most beloved bites, ranging from fine dining to comfort food to international delicacies—including a British-style pub with phenomenal fish and chips.

Here are some of the best restaurants to try on your next visit to the Classic City, ranked in no particular order.

Puma Yu's

Puma Yu's

Puma Yu's opened in the Southern Mill complex in 2022, but it's already a local favorite for its Southeast Asian-inspired menu and creative cocktails. Run by Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith, the menu is small, but each dish is a standout, from the Eggplant Agebitashi (lightly fried eggplant, kombu dashi, ginger, scallion, chili crisp, and sesame), to the Sapelo clams with red curry butter, to the simple yet memorable chocolate mousse for dessert. Grab a seat on the lively patio or intimate dining room and get ready for a good time.

Puma Yu's, 355 Oneta Street Suite D 400 A Athens, GA, 30606

Weaver D’s

Head to iconic Athens spot Weaver D's for a meat-and-three meal. You won't meet a church lady or frat boy from the past three decades who hasn't had a meal there. The owner's tagline "Automatic for the People!" later became the album title for one of R.E.M.'s most famed records. Weaver opened the restaurant in 1986, dishing out fried chicken and comforting side dishes with his trademark flair. Upon the first bite, you can easily see how the place would inspire an album name.

facebook.com/WeaverDs, 1016 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601

Last Resort Grill

Last Resort Grill celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, and the downtown restaurant is still serving up local favorites that have garnered it “number one” for many. Some of its most-ordered dishes include its popular praline chicken, fried green tomatoes, and anything from its impressive dessert case, which includes many different mouthwatering flavors of cheesecake.

lastresortgrill.com, 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601

Mama’s Boy

Known for its fresh biscuits, raspberry jam, and long lines, Mama’s Boy is a breakfast spot that is beloved in many ex-college students’ and locals’ hearts. In fact, it was opened in 2006 by two former University of Georgia graduates and has been serving up comforting diner-style breakfasts since. Make sure to order one of the massive cinnamon rolls for the table to split. Trust us.

mamasboyathens.com, 197 Oak St, Athens, GA 30601

Cali N Titos

This beloved BYOB, Latin-Caribbean-inspired cafe is in a prime spot within walking distance of South Campus and tailgates alike. Cali-N-Tito's makes for the perfect spot to grab lunch on the patio, but make sure to bring cash. No credit cards allowed. The most popular item on the menu is the Original Cubano sandwich, which we recommend getting with a side of plantains.

1427 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30605

The National

Venture downtown to West Hancock Avenue for dinner at The National. Although the globally inspired menu changes to reflect the seasonal bounty of northeast Georgia farmers, you’ll never be disappointed. Amongst the Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the vegetable plate is a unique standout. Across the street is Creature Comforts Brewing Co., a favorite local brewery. Grab a seat, and order the famed Tropicália IPA.

thenationalrestaurant.com, 232 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601

White Tiger Gourmet

White Tiger is an easy pick for barbecue and burgers, but the vegetarian offerings are impressive too, such as the tofu-based barbecue sandwich. Located in Athens’ Historic Boulevard District, the restaurant is housed in a 100-year-old building that once served as a grocery store, so the charm goes far beyond the smoked meats. Plus, you can add pimiento cheese to anything on the menu. Just ask.

whitetigerathens.com, 217 Hiawassee Ave, Athens, GA 30601

Condor Chocolates

Influenced by their mother's Ecuadorian roots, brothers Nick and Peter Dale launched Condor Chocolates on Lumpkin Street to make their chocolate confections. Their selection of artisanal truffles, bars, and other delights is vast, but their sipping chocolate and affogato are especially standout indulgences. You can even order their specialty sweets to be shipped as gifts.

condorchocolates.com, 1658 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606

The Royal Peasant

The Royal Peasant, a British-style pub, is a great spot to catch a different kind of “football game,” which stream almost every day of the week, or relax on the patio with their Bits and Bobs, like baba ghanoush or house-made chips and garlic oil. You’ll find British staples such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Toffee Pudding; and the bar features U.K. brews along your usual options.

royalpeasant.com, 1675 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606

Independent Baking Co.

You’ll thank yourself later for embarking on an early outing to Independent Baking Company for a croissant or cinnamony Morning Roll. Popular items regularly sell out, especially on weekends. Right next to the historic five-point intersection, locals line up for fresh loaves, coffee, and pastries to go. The bakery also supplies bread to restaurants throughout town and mills its own flour at a facility nearby.

independentbaking.com, 1625 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606

Maepole

Maepole, known for its plant-forward and gluten-free menu, lets you choose a base—like mashed sweet potatoes or quinoa— a protein, two sides, and a sauce. It approaches Southern food in a healthy, wholesome way that many students appreciate between late-night fried food and dining hall wares. Don’t worry, there are still Southern classics, such as mac-and-cheese and chow chow.

maepole.com, 1021 N Chase St, Athens, GA 30601

Seabear Oyster Bar

At Seabear Oyster Bar, a dozen bivalves on the half-shell are best accompanied by seasoned oyster crackers. Even better, before 6 p.m. and after 10 p.m., all oysters on offer sell for $1.50. Each day also features unique specials, such as Thursdays’ Lowcountry boil and Sundays’ peel-and-eat shrimp.

seabearoysterbar.com, 297 Prince Ave STE 10, Athens, GA 30601

Food For The Soul

Mosey over to Food for the Soul for lunch, especially if it's Sunday. This eatery makes some of the best fried chicken and slow-cooked vegetables outside of Atlanta, and they’re only open four days a week, so plan your visit accordingly. The cozy restaurant feels like you’re eating at your mother’s house in the best way. You can have it as you like it.

1965 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30606

Five & Ten

Acclaimed chef Hugh Acheson’s flagship restaurant, Five & Ten is nestled right on Milledge Avenue next door to the University of Georgia’s sorority row. Housed in a charming historic home, it’s a fine-dining concept that makes the most of Southern cuisine, but with exciting flair. While it’s an ever-changing menu, it’s become known for creative dishes such as Frogmore stew, pork chop with fennel jam, and cast-iron cornbread of course.

fiveandten.com, 1073 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605

The Expat

In the Five Points neighborhood near campus, The Expat features a menu of Italian favorites, and the cleverly crafted cocktail list and friendly service keep locals coming back. It’s situated in a quaint 1930s cottage and is walkable to many other shops and restaurants. Make sure to order the bread service, which is supplied by a neighboring bread shop and served with Georgia olive oil.

theexpatathens.com, 1680 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606

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