Athens has a lot going on outside of academia. It is home to a thriving music scene, beautiful art, and great-tasting cuisine. Whether you’re a burger lover or a taco fanatic, there is something for you here in the Classic City. Check out the suggestions below for places to get instagram-worthy shots during your next foodie adventure.
Tlaloc
Yelp Rating: 4.5
Tlaloc is traditional Mexican cuisine at its finest. It’s hard to be disappointed at this local favorite. Tlaloc in a quaint building and has a very casual atmosphere. You seat yourself and a staff member brings you a menu pretty soon after that. You can’t go wrong with a good ole’ cuban, but I also recommend the fajitas. They come out on a sizzling skillet accompanied by beans, veggies, and flour or corn tortillas. The servings are big and sure to fill anyone up. There may even be some left over to take home for later.
Five & Ten
Yelp Rating: 3.9
This classy but cozy joint can be found off Milledge Avenue. Although the prices are a little on the higher side ramen night is on Tuesdays and is very attractive to college students because it’s one of the least expensive things the restaurant has to offer. They are sure to sell out, so make sure to get there earlier on in the evening.
Manaweenta
Yelp Rating: 4.8
This hole-in-the-wall joint is one of the few, if not only places in Athens to get a taste of authentic Ethiopian and Eiritrean Cuisine. You can choose between a large or small plate. You use injera ( a sponge like bread) to dip into your choice of wonderful selection of meat and vegetable items. Try scooping up Kei Wot beef with your injera. It is a spice lovers dream.
South Kitchen and Bar
Yelp Rating: 4.0
South Kitchen is a taste of gourmet American cuisine with a twist. Duck fat tater tots to shrimp and grits is just a taste of the great food that South has to offer. They have a wide range of prices that cater to all the girls in your gang, and they’re rumored to have a killer date night deal. Their brunch is particularly good, and the mimosas aren’t so bad either. It is good for any time of day with awesome dinner selections as well.
Trapeze
Google Rating: 4.4
Going to a movie at Cine? Stop by Trapeze before your film to fill your belly with good food that is sure to come with a visit to this place. Try their fish and chips and don’t forget to pair it with some of their unique killer condiments like raspberry ketchup
The Grit
Yelp Rating: 4.0
A town staple for vegetarians/vegans, The Grit also attracts meat-eaters galore. They take vegetarian food to a whole new level. With a great focus on fresh ingredients,The Grit wants it’s customers to really enjoy every bite. They have regular specials that are always worth trying and killer breakfast food that is served up until 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday! You can’t go wrong with the Golden Bowl at this hip joint.
Cali N’ Titos
Yelp Rating: 4.5
Cali N’ Titos is very popular among the college crowd. This restaurants serves up casual Cuban at its best. El Sandwich Cubano is probably the most common crowd pleaser and what the restaurant is known for. However, they cook up some mean fish tacos. Add maduros ( fried ripened plantains) to any entree for a complete and authentic experience. There are two locations in Athens. The smaller location off Lumpkin Street accepts cash only so keep that in mind when making your way over.