Stephanie’s Guidebook to Athens,
GA
Local Breakfast Musts...
If you need a quick cup of coffee and don’t want to make it at the cottage, you don’t want to miss stopping by Jittery Joe’s Coffee just up the street from the cottage. Jittery Joe’s is a local favorite serving fresh, locally roasted coffee’s, expresso’s and other bakery treats.
www.jitteryjoes.com 1480 Baxter St., Suite C, Athens, GA 30606 Phone: (706) 548-1099
131 locals recommend
Jittery Joe's Coffee
1230 S Milledge AveIf you need a quick cup of coffee and don’t want to make it at the cottage, you don’t want to miss stopping by Jittery Joe’s Coffee just up the street from the cottage. Jittery Joe’s is a local favorite serving fresh, locally roasted coffee’s, expresso’s and other bakery treats.
www.jitteryjoes.com 1480 Baxter St., Suite C, Athens, GA 30606 Phone: (706) 548-1099
The farmcart is located just minutes from the house and their biscuits are unique and very tasty! Their goal is to provide wholesome foods using local meats, eggs and organic vegetables, from the farm, in a thoughtful way.
www.thefarmcart.com 1074 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606 Phone: (706) 850-8150
15 locals recommend
The Farm Cart
1074 Baxter StThe farmcart is located just minutes from the house and their biscuits are unique and very tasty! Their goal is to provide wholesome foods using local meats, eggs and organic vegetables, from the farm, in a thoughtful way.
www.thefarmcart.com 1074 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606 Phone: (706) 850-8150
What better place to get breakfast or sleep in and enjoy brunch in Athens than Mama’s Boy? This local spot is perfect for showing your date around the Classic City. You can both appreciate this eclectic spot that Athens has to offer. Try the tried and true bacon, egg and cheese scrambler or get the daily special to spice things up.
www.mamasboyathens.com 197 Oak Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 548-6249
154 locals recommend
Mama's Boy Restaurant
197 Oak StreetWhat better place to get breakfast or sleep in and enjoy brunch in Athens than Mama’s Boy? This local spot is perfect for showing your date around the Classic City. You can both appreciate this eclectic spot that Athens has to offer. Try the tried and true bacon, egg and cheese scrambler or get the daily special to spice things up.
www.mamasboyathens.com 197 Oak Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 548-6249
Since 1998, Big City Bread Cafe has served house-made breads, pastries and cakes, plus organic and locally-grown produce, meats and cheeses. They also serve fine wine and beer and locally roasted Jittery Joes and 1000 Faces coffee and espresso drinks. Enjoy their beautiful interior dining area and bar as well as now-famous outdoor courtyard for dining under the shaded elms.
www.bigcitybreadcafe.com 393 N Finley Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 353-0029
73 locals recommend
Big City Bread Cafe
393 N Finley StSince 1998, Big City Bread Cafe has served house-made breads, pastries and cakes, plus organic and locally-grown produce, meats and cheeses. They also serve fine wine and beer and locally roasted Jittery Joes and 1000 Faces coffee and espresso drinks. Enjoy their beautiful interior dining area and bar as well as now-famous outdoor courtyard for dining under the shaded elms.
www.bigcitybreadcafe.com 393 N Finley Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone: (706) 353-0029
From their award-winning creamy, dreamy Shrimp & Grits to our heavenly French Toast, the Flying Biscuit cafe is the perfect place to breakfast or brunch! My personal favorite is their smoked salmon omelet, creamy dreamy grits, and a mimosa. Yum!
Flying Biscuit Cafe - Athens, GA
1180 Prince AvenueFrom their award-winning creamy, dreamy Shrimp & Grits to our heavenly French Toast, the Flying Biscuit cafe is the perfect place to breakfast or brunch! My personal favorite is their smoked salmon omelet, creamy dreamy grits, and a mimosa. Yum!
Local Lunch Musts...
Welcome to Marti's at Midday, Athens' favorite gourmet eatery, where you'll find savory entrees, salads, and Southern staples. Located in Normaltown, the restaurant's cheery dining area, sunroom, and patio offers a place to relax and enjoy your company, as well as your food.
www.martisatmidday.com 1280 Prince Avenue, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-3541
21 locals recommend
Marti's At Midday
1280 Prince AveWelcome to Marti's at Midday, Athens' favorite gourmet eatery, where you'll find savory entrees, salads, and Southern staples. Located in Normaltown, the restaurant's cheery dining area, sunroom, and patio offers a place to relax and enjoy your company, as well as your food.
www.martisatmidday.com 1280 Prince Avenue, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-3541
The Grit is an Athens staple. It is such a wonderful change of pace. It can be so hard to find vegetarian friendly cuisine out and about. If you or anyone in your group is a vegetarian (or vegan) this is the place to go. There are so many options, that even if you typically eat meat, there is something everyone will love. Try the noodle bowl --a steaming bowl of noodles served with a variety of vegetables and specially seasoned tofu or tempeh and tossed in a revolving roster of Asian-inspired sauces (Steph’s fave).
www.thegrit.com 199 Prince Avenue, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-6592
97 locals recommend
The Grit
199 Prince AveThe Grit is an Athens staple. It is such a wonderful change of pace. It can be so hard to find vegetarian friendly cuisine out and about. If you or anyone in your group is a vegetarian (or vegan) this is the place to go. There are so many options, that even if you typically eat meat, there is something everyone will love. Try the noodle bowl --a steaming bowl of noodles served with a variety of vegetables and specially seasoned tofu or tempeh and tossed in a revolving roster of Asian-inspired sauces (Steph’s fave).
www.thegrit.com 199 Prince Avenue, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-6592
Maepole is a unique, fast-casual place on Chase Street, between Boulevard and the Loop, softly open, from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday). Essentially, you pick a base (brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, salad greens), then add veggies, protein and a sauce. If you're indecisive, there are pre-set combos. Also: beer, wine, spritzes, kombucha and La Michoacana paletas for dessert. The space itself is super cute and cozy!
www.maepole.com 1021 North Chase Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 850-3600
40 locals recommend
Maepole
1021 N Chase StMaepole is a unique, fast-casual place on Chase Street, between Boulevard and the Loop, softly open, from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday). Essentially, you pick a base (brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, salad greens), then add veggies, protein and a sauce. If you're indecisive, there are pre-set combos. Also: beer, wine, spritzes, kombucha and La Michoacana paletas for dessert. The space itself is super cute and cozy!
www.maepole.com 1021 North Chase Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 850-3600
Local Dinner Musts...
From the open grill at the Last Resort Grill, flames can be seen as chefs prepare menus inspired by southern ingredients with their own unique twist. They use traditional methods like open fire, grilling, brining, pickling and preserving. The Last Resort Grill has a long-standing commitment to serving the local community the highest level of quality food and service, but it is in the relationships with the guests that truly distinguish this restaurant. They also serve fantastic homemade cheesecakes!
www.lastresortgrill.com 184 W Clayton Street, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 549-0810
153 locals recommend
Last Resort Grill
174-184 W Clayton StFrom the open grill at the Last Resort Grill, flames can be seen as chefs prepare menus inspired by southern ingredients with their own unique twist. They use traditional methods like open fire, grilling, brining, pickling and preserving. The Last Resort Grill has a long-standing commitment to serving the local community the highest level of quality food and service, but it is in the relationships with the guests that truly distinguish this restaurant. They also serve fantastic homemade cheesecakes!
www.lastresortgrill.com 184 W Clayton Street, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 549-0810
It wouldn’t be the South without BBQ, and Saucehouse offers a number of ways to customize your BBQ! Upon each visit, customers are able to choose between a variety of sauces, slow-smoked meats, a selection of “vessels” for the meat, as well as an assortment of homemade sides. The restaurant provides rustic southern charm in a family friendly setting that’s perfect for any gathering! Enjoy the beer garden, great outdoor seating and fun games for the whole family. If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Thursday, be sure to tap into your competitive side and play a game of cornhole or trivia for a prize!
www.saucehouse.com 830 W Broad Street, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 363-3351
12 locals recommend
Saucehouse BBQ
830 W Broad StIt wouldn’t be the South without BBQ, and Saucehouse offers a number of ways to customize your BBQ! Upon each visit, customers are able to choose between a variety of sauces, slow-smoked meats, a selection of “vessels” for the meat, as well as an assortment of homemade sides. The restaurant provides rustic southern charm in a family friendly setting that’s perfect for any gathering! Enjoy the beer garden, great outdoor seating and fun games for the whole family. If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Thursday, be sure to tap into your competitive side and play a game of cornhole or trivia for a prize!
www.saucehouse.com 830 W Broad Street, Athens GA 30601 Phone (706) 363-3351
If you’re in the mood for one of the best burgers in Athens, Clocked in downtown Athens has you covered! Clocked is known for its out-of-this-world, unique and tasty hamburgers. This diner has some of the most unique burgers with vegan and gluten free options. Feeling frisky? Slap some peanut butter on that burger – your tastebuds will thank you! Take in the downtown atmosphere while enjoying a burger, onion rings and their signature sweet potato fries on their patio area.
www.clockeddiner.com 259 West Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 548-9175
57 locals recommend
Clocked
259 W Washington StIf you’re in the mood for one of the best burgers in Athens, Clocked in downtown Athens has you covered! Clocked is known for its out-of-this-world, unique and tasty hamburgers. This diner has some of the most unique burgers with vegan and gluten free options. Feeling frisky? Slap some peanut butter on that burger – your tastebuds will thank you! Take in the downtown atmosphere while enjoying a burger, onion rings and their signature sweet potato fries on their patio area.
www.clockeddiner.com 259 West Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 548-9175
Local Craft Breweries...
Creature Comforts was made famous recently by the new Avengers movie with Thor featuring the fave CC beers Tropicalia and Athena. They are also extremely involved in their community and raise $$$ every year for local non-profits through their “Get Comfortable” campaign. Fun for the whole family – bring your kids and enjoy their wonderful indoor/outdoor space complete with food trucks and cornhole toss. Grab a “Get Comfortable” beer and support the local charities (Steph’s included 😉) !
www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com 271 W HANCOCK AVE. ATHENS, GA 30601 Phone (706) 410-1043
149 locals recommend
Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom and Brewery
271 W Hancock AveCreature Comforts was made famous recently by the new Avengers movie with Thor featuring the fave CC beers Tropicalia and Athena. They are also extremely involved in their community and raise $$$ every year for local non-profits through their “Get Comfortable” campaign. Fun for the whole family – bring your kids and enjoy their wonderful indoor/outdoor space complete with food trucks and cornhole toss. Grab a “Get Comfortable” beer and support the local charities (Steph’s included 😉) !
www.creaturecomfortsbeer.com 271 W HANCOCK AVE. ATHENS, GA 30601 Phone (706) 410-1043
In 2007, Terrapin Beer Co. moved into its current location on Newton Bridge Road in Athens, and set out to share its unique beers with its hometown and the rest of the Southeast. Inspired by the creative culture of Athens, Terrapin began to add to its beer line up, with unique beers like W-n-B, Hopsecutioner, and so many others. Today, Rye Pale Ale is accompanied by six other year-round beers, four seasonal sessions, and at least a dozen special projects, side projects, and collaborations.
www.terrapinbeer.com 265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30607 Phone (706) 549-3377
68 locals recommend
Terrapin Beer Company
265 Newton Bridge RdIn 2007, Terrapin Beer Co. moved into its current location on Newton Bridge Road in Athens, and set out to share its unique beers with its hometown and the rest of the Southeast. Inspired by the creative culture of Athens, Terrapin began to add to its beer line up, with unique beers like W-n-B, Hopsecutioner, and so many others. Today, Rye Pale Ale is accompanied by six other year-round beers, four seasonal sessions, and at least a dozen special projects, side projects, and collaborations.
www.terrapinbeer.com 265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30607 Phone (706) 549-3377
Generations of folks building a legacy of hospitality. Inviting front porches. Sweet tea brewing in the sun. Potlucks and picnics. “Hey y’all” at every turn. They’ve worked hard to bring that same culture into the beer they make and the atmosphere they cultivate. Open a Southern Brewing beer and enjoy all the best parts of the South.
www.sobrewco.com 231 Collins Industrial Blvd, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 548-7183
38 locals recommend
The Southern Brewing Company
231 Collins Ind BlvdGenerations of folks building a legacy of hospitality. Inviting front porches. Sweet tea brewing in the sun. Potlucks and picnics. “Hey y’all” at every turn. They’ve worked hard to bring that same culture into the beer they make and the atmosphere they cultivate. Open a Southern Brewing beer and enjoy all the best parts of the South.
www.sobrewco.com 231 Collins Industrial Blvd, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 548-7183
This full-service restaurant and brewery — a brewpub — launched in the Classic City of Athens, Georgia, in October 2017, to give craft beer fans a place to eat, drink and call home. They are dedicated to the mission of crafting distinct and consistent ales with unique twists that provide balanced and enjoyable flavor profiles and tantalize your taste buds. And because no beer is complete without a side of food, at Akademia, you can rest assured that you’ll leave with a belly full of pub fare inspired by seasonal ingredients.
www.akademiabc.com 150 Crane Drive, Athens GA, 30606 Phone (678) 726-2288
26 locals recommend
Akademia Brewing Company
150 Crane DrThis full-service restaurant and brewery — a brewpub — launched in the Classic City of Athens, Georgia, in October 2017, to give craft beer fans a place to eat, drink and call home. They are dedicated to the mission of crafting distinct and consistent ales with unique twists that provide balanced and enjoyable flavor profiles and tantalize your taste buds. And because no beer is complete without a side of food, at Akademia, you can rest assured that you’ll leave with a belly full of pub fare inspired by seasonal ingredients.
www.akademiabc.com 150 Crane Drive, Athens GA, 30606 Phone (678) 726-2288
Local Nightlife...
Trappeze Pub has a vibrant warm interior with intimate booths, plenty of bar and outdoor seating. The Pub is a great place to sit with friends and enjoy a few beers before (or after) the football game. We love their large selection of Belgium beers and their sweet potato fries with the roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce are to die for! They also have a wonderful brunch menu on Sundays from 11am-2pm .
www.trappezepub.com 269 N Hull Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-8997
74 locals recommend
Trappeze Pub
269 N Hull St
Trappeze Pub has a vibrant warm interior with intimate booths, plenty of bar and outdoor seating. The Pub is a great place to sit with friends and enjoy a few beers before (or after) the football game. We love their large selection of Belgium beers and their sweet potato fries with the roasted garlic aioli dipping sauce are to die for! They also have a wonderful brunch menu on Sundays from 11am-2pm .
www.trappezepub.com 269 N Hull Street, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 543-8997
Of course no visit to Athens is complete without taking in a show at the iconic 40 Watt Club! Did you know the famous song “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish was named by a fan attending a concert at the Georgia Theatre?! Who knows, you could be next 😉
www.40watt.com 285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 549-7871
91 locals recommend
40 Watt Club
285 W Washington StOf course no visit to Athens is complete without taking in a show at the iconic 40 Watt Club! Did you know the famous song “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish was named by a fan attending a concert at the Georgia Theatre?! Who knows, you could be next 😉
www.40watt.com 285 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 549-7871
Of course no visit to Athens is complete without taking in a show at the iconic the Georgia Theatre! Did you know the famous song “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish was named by a fan attending a concert at the Georgia Theatre?! Who knows, you could be next 😉
www.georgiatheatre.com 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 850-7670
169 locals recommend
Georgia Theatre
215 N Lumpkin StOf course no visit to Athens is complete without taking in a show at the iconic the Georgia Theatre! Did you know the famous song “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish was named by a fan attending a concert at the Georgia Theatre?! Who knows, you could be next 😉
www.georgiatheatre.com 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601 Phone (706) 850-7670
LumberJaxe is a unique, fun, and thrilling way to Throw The Night Away. Quickly and safely learn how to throw axes, stick targets, and challenge yourself. Serving only Athens' finest beers in a spacious venue and lounge, conveniently located in downtown Athens on the corner of N. Lumpkin and E. Dougherty St.
www.lumberjaxe.com 510 N Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 995-7405
6 locals recommend
Lumberjaxe - Axe Throwing
510 N Lumpkin StLumberJaxe is a unique, fun, and thrilling way to Throw The Night Away. Quickly and safely learn how to throw axes, stick targets, and challenge yourself. Serving only Athens' finest beers in a spacious venue and lounge, conveniently located in downtown Athens on the corner of N. Lumpkin and E. Dougherty St.
www.lumberjaxe.com 510 N Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 995-7405
Clarke’s Collective offers captivating cocktails in an inviting space. They are fully equipped with one of the longest bars in Athens, as well as a back bar and covered patio space. They are located right next to the Georgia Theater on Lumpkin Street.
clarkescollective.com 225 N Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 850-5152
Clarke's Collective
225 North Lumpkin StreetClarke’s Collective offers captivating cocktails in an inviting space. They are fully equipped with one of the longest bars in Athens, as well as a back bar and covered patio space. They are located right next to the Georgia Theater on Lumpkin Street.
clarkescollective.com 225 N Lumpkin St. Athens, GA 30601 (706) 850-5152
Local Kid-Friendly Attractions...
Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited attractions. Numerous themed display gardens include the Flower Garden, International Garden, Heritage Garden, Shade Garden and more.
Five miles of nature trails extend into the natural areas typical of the habitats and plant communities found in the Georgia Piedmont.
The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center & Conservatory contains a collection of tropical and semi-tropical plants providing a backdrop for concerts, lectures and art exhibitions and is “an exploration, a journey, not something you just walk through,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, director of the State Botanical Garden. “Everything is designed with attention to detail and an educational component.” The children's garden is free and open to the public and is an interactive outdoor classroom for hands-on education. Unlike any other in the Southeast, it is an experience crafted in layers, for children to explore under, around and through.
www.botgarden.uga.edu 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605 Phone (706) 542-1244
96 locals recommend
Botanical Gardens station
Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural, educational and recreational facility and is one of Athens' most-visited attractions. Numerous themed display gardens include the Flower Garden, International Garden, Heritage Garden, Shade Garden and more.
Five miles of nature trails extend into the natural areas typical of the habitats and plant communities found in the Georgia Piedmont.
The Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center & Conservatory contains a collection of tropical and semi-tropical plants providing a backdrop for concerts, lectures and art exhibitions and is “an exploration, a journey, not something you just walk through,” said Jenny Cruse-Sanders, director of the State Botanical Garden. “Everything is designed with attention to detail and an educational component.” The children's garden is free and open to the public and is an interactive outdoor classroom for hands-on education. Unlike any other in the Southeast, it is an experience crafted in layers, for children to explore under, around and through.
www.botgarden.uga.edu 2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605 Phone (706) 542-1244
Bear Hollow Zoo is home to a variety of non-releasable wildlife residents. These animals have encountered a challenge that they could not overcome, either physical or behavioral, and have been placed here to live out their lives serving as ambassadors for their species. They are here to educate our visitors about the wonderful wildlife with which we share space.
23 locals recommend
Bear Hollow Zoo
Bear Hollow Zoo is home to a variety of non-releasable wildlife residents. These animals have encountered a challenge that they could not overcome, either physical or behavioral, and have been placed here to live out their lives serving as ambassadors for their species. They are here to educate our visitors about the wonderful wildlife with which we share space.
Bear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park are facilities of the ACC Leisure Services Department. Memorial Park is open from 8 AM to sunset on weekdays and 9 AM to sunset on weekends and holidays. Bear Hollow Zoo is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Only service animals are allowed to enter Bear Hollow Zoo.
www.athensclarkecounty.com/2757/Bear-Hollow-Zoo 293 Gran Ellen Dr. Athens Phone (706)613-3580
49 locals recommend
Memorial Park
293 Gran Ellen DrBear Hollow Zoo and Memorial Park are facilities of the ACC Leisure Services Department. Memorial Park is open from 8 AM to sunset on weekdays and 9 AM to sunset on weekends and holidays. Bear Hollow Zoo is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Only service animals are allowed to enter Bear Hollow Zoo.
www.athensclarkecounty.com/2757/Bear-Hollow-Zoo 293 Gran Ellen Dr. Athens Phone (706)613-3580