Eat & Drink Athens, GA | 2024

TEA TIME

Have afternoon tea at The Café on Lumpkin

LOCALLY-OWNED

Meet Savie Arnold and Krista Slater

THE PERFECT CHAI

The top 5 chai lattes in Athens

PICNIC GUIDE

Where to get food, drinks and set up

EDITORIAL

GUIDES AND MAGAZINES SUPERVISOR Maddie Daniel

SENIOR EDITOR Ellis Goud

ASSISTANT EDITORS Anna Kapustay, Samantha Hurley

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

CHIEF DESIGNER & PHOTOGRAPHER Sidney Chansamone

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Samantha Hurley, Tim O’Brien, Libby Hobbs, Liz Rymarev

ADVERTISING

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carter Webb

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Maggie Bruce, Cole Doherty, Cameron Ellison, Hayden Galbraith, Ethan Lail, Emily Williams

ADVERTISING INTERNS

Madeline Dickinson, Sara Mahmud, Bailey Nathan, Jane Ransome

BUSINESS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Varnum

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Melissa Mooney

DISTRIBUTION ASSISTANTS Ethan Cone, Cate Jones, Gracie Owens

more expert guides from

Eat & Drink Athens, GA: Favorite Recipes from the Classic City

This guide includes dozens of recipes from local favorites including Mama’s Boy, The National, Weaver D’s, Sweetie Pie by Savie and Rashe’s Cusine. This gorgeous book is a great gift for anyone who’s a fan of the Athens food and drink scene. redandblackstore.com

Visitors Guide

Published twice a year, this guide is packed with insider recommendations on what to see, do, eat and experience in Athens for visitors and locals alike. Read the digital edition online at redandblack.com/guides/athens

Our annual guide for freshmen and transfer students helps newcomers settle into campus life with guidance from true experts: their fellow students. UGA 101 covers essentials like dorm life, study tips and advice for finding your niche. redandblack.com/uga101

Tailgate Guide

In town to cheer on the dawgs? Our annual fall guide covers all the essentials for Georgia fans, with plenty of insider tips on setting up your tailgate and feeding your guests in style. redandblack.com/guides/tailgate

UGA Dining Services is looking for new team members to join our family. In addition to competitive wages, all positions offer:

• flexible schedules at locations on campus

• free meal for every shift

• advancement opportunities

Positions available include full-time, part-time and student opportunities

dining.uga.edu/employment

meet the team

Maddie Daniel, Supervisor

Maddie Daniel graduated from UGA in 2023 with a degree in journalism.

Favorite place to eat & drink: Bubble Cafe

Ellis Goud, Senior Editor

Ellis Goud is a third year journalism and ecology double major.

Favorite place to eat & drink: Thai Spoon

Anna Kapustay, Assistant Editor

Anna Kapustay is a third year public relations major with a double minor in general business and communication studies.

Favorite place to eat & drink: Trappeze

Samantha Hurley, Assistant Editor

Samantha Hurley is a third year journalism and Spanish double major.

Favorite place to eat & drink: Cali N Tito’s

Sidney Chansamone, Chief Designer & Photographer

Sidney Chansamone is a fourth year journalism and interdisciplinary art and design double major.

Favorite place to eat & drink: The Rook & Pawn

Savie Arnold

Talks her Thai-influenced bakery, Sweetie Pie by Savie

BY SAMANTHA HURLEY

Savie Arnold is a lifelong baker, educator and owner of East Side Asian-infused bakery, Sweetie Pie by Savie. Originally from Bangkok, she moved to the United States over 10 years ago to pursue research for her doctorate degree in Science Education. Arnold was a university professor in Thailand, where she baked at home for friends and events.

When she relocated to Athens, she was sure not to leave her passion for baking behind. After a stint at Donderos’ Kitchen, Arnold decided to open her own bakery, Sweetie Pie by Savie, in 2015.

However, starting a business single-handedly in the United States required more capital than in Thailand, according to Arnold.

“I learned from scratch,” she said. “It’s a learning curve. I’m still learning to this day.”

Arnold is helping others learn too, continuing to teach even her new career. She recently began welcoming small groups into her bakery for private scone baking and cake decorating classes.

Her background in science education continues to empower her as a baker, too. “I’m still using my science, you know, in every day of baking here. You adjust the recipe to see the result of the baked goods, and you start to question why’d it turn out this way?”

Savie Arnold | All photos by Samantha Hurley

In the early days of her business, Arnold noticed how much sweeter American desserts are, and the lack of Thai spices like turmeric, ginger and lemongrass. Back then, a batch of croissants may have featured only a few red bean pastries, with the majority being vanilla or chocolate. However, the Athens community has been receptive to Sweetie Pie’s wider range of flavors.

Alongside running the bakery, Arnold has also embraced the Athens dance community. After seeing the University of Georgia Ballroom Performance Group’s annual Ballroom Magic Showcase, she knew she had to get involved.

“If the food is good, it’s good, it’s just something they’ve never tried.”

— SAVIE ARNOLD

“If the food is good, it’s good, it’s just something they’ve never tried,” Arnold explained. Now she offers tofu bamboo curry quiches, taro cake and various other Thai-influenced baked goods. “It just comes from my idea of food, and what I grew up with,” she said.

“It’s not just the moment that you dance, it’s the community of dancers that we have in town,” Arnold said.

Between baking, teaching, dancing and raising her 14-yearold daughter, Arnold definitely has a lot on her plate, but she takes it all in stride. “I set a goal and I go get it. I reach my goal, I set the next one,” Arnold said. “I always accept different challenges that come into my life, to do something different.”

Krista Slater

Talks her fourth Athens business, Nighthawks Lounge

BY SAMANTHA HURLEY

Krista Slater, certified sommelier, traveler and Athenian, co-runs four unique businesses in the Athens area with her husband Jerry. The newest is Nighthawks Lounge, an art-deco inspired bar promising “cocktails and conversation.” The Expat is an upscale Five Points spot with an Italian focus, while The Lark is a wine shop and tasting room on Prince Avenue. They opened in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

Slater’s, their eponymous steakhouse and cocktail lounge opened in late 2022.

However, these questions reach far beyond cuisine for Slater. “For us, going out is a full sensory experience, not just what we’re doing,” she said, adding that the vibe of each space is of great emphasis when bringing their business concepts to life.

“For us, going out is a full sensory experience, not just what we’re doing.”

— KRISTA SLATER

“What do we love to eat? What do we love to drink? Where would we like to go? What do we crave?” Are among the questions the Slaters ask themselves when assessing how they can contribute to the taste of Athens.

Slater’s, for example, relies on red velvet curtains, low lighting and jazz music to create the atmosphere of a classic Steakhouse before guests even take their first bite.

Nighthawks was another exercise in world-building. In a town known for its endless bars and breweries, the Slaters set out to create an elegant space for a casual cocktail, inspired by nights spent visiting old walnut and marble clad hotel bars.

Krista Slater | All photos by Samantha Hurley

It was also the first of their businesses to be in a new construction building. “The other spaces told us what it wanted to be,” Slater said. “This one was up to us.”

The name is a reference to frequent hawk sightings that would happen on Krista and Jerry’s many walks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’d be talking, having these really serious conversations, and he would just stop me in the middle of a sentence like, ‘do you see that hawk?’” Slater recalled.

The other source of inspiration is the obvious one. “Nighthawks,” the 1942 oil painting by Edawrd Hopper, “perfectly personifies, to us, the beautiful loneliness of travel,” Slater explained.

Sustaining their fleet of Athens household names is not just a two-person job. “We get a lot of the credit but we have an incredible team of people that do such an amazing job and represent our businesses in a way that we are so proud of,” Slater said. “It’s hard work, long hours and slim margins.”

“Giving people food and drink is the shell, but I think that the real joy I get out of my line of work is just seeing people really happy. It’s a rush,” Slater said.

Build-a-picnic

Where to go for the perfect Athens picnic

BY ELLIS GOUD

Choose a food

Independent Baking Co.

1625 S Lumpkin St.

This small bakery mills their own whole-grain flours just down the road. With a focus on quality ingredients, Independent Baking Co. offers a diverse selection of breads, pastries, sweets, scones and sandwiches to add to your picnic. They also have snacks like granola and shortbread.

Athens Cooks

100 Prince Ave. Suite 103

Established in 2022, this kitchen store has everything you need if you want to prepare food before your picnic. On top of cooking supplies, they have a variety of baking mixes, sauces, pesto, jams and spices. If you want something on the go, check out their cafe or pick up one of their pre-made charcuterie boards.

Piedmont Provisions

585 Barber St. Suite E

If you’re looking for sides, Piedmont Provisions has you covered. This specialty shop handcrafts preserves, mustard, pickles, vinegar and more. From carrot bourbon orange marmalade to strawbanero pepper preserves, you can select your preferred topping for bread, crackers and cheeses. They also offer meats, cheeses and herbs by the ounce, as well as cocktail and mocktail ingredients.

Ideal Bagel Co

815 West Broad St.

At Ideal Bagel, it’s all in the name. You can find a wide selection of bagels, shmears and deli sandwiches. Build your own bagel or choose from their menu for a delicious brunch or lunch spread. To expand your picnic platter, check out their breads, sliced meat, housemade pickles and fresh fruit.

Choose a drink

Bubble Cafe

154 College Ave.

Bubble Cafe has creamy and refreshing drinks like milk tea, fruit tea and herbal teas. They also have matcha, cloud cream, milk swirl and snow drinks. If it’s a hot day, bring their bingsu shaved ice or fruit smoothies on your picnic to cool down.

Kate Arnold Wines

325 N. Milledge Ave.

This family-owned wine company sources from vineyards in California, Oregon and Washington, where they form lasting relationships with their growers. The founders, Kate and Jean Arnold, are based in Athens, and you can find their wines at bottle shops around town.

Arden’s Garden

184 College Ave.

For a fresh addition to your spread, head to Arden’s Garden. Choose from a colorful variety of cold pressed vegetable juices, fruit juices, smoothies and wellness shots. This shop also offers raw vegan snacks like kale, peanut butter energy bites and “fuzzy kisses,” a snack made of fruits and nuts.

Creature Comforts

271 W. Hancock Ave.

Founded in 2014, Creature Comforts is a craft brewery based in Athens whose drinks can be found in restaurants and grocery stores across the state. Choose from IPAs, lagers, pilsners, ales, stouts and Berliner Weiss beers to-go. Try their seasonal series with a Belgian-style white ale for spring and a lemon shandy for summer.

Choose a location

North Campus

Walk through (or around) the arch and set up on the sprawling lawns to enjoy a pocket of calm between downtown Athens and the campus crowds. For a picture-perfect environment, take a short walk to the Founders Memorial Garden.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

To picnic surrounded by nature, head to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Admission and parking is free, and the 313-acre attraction has seven different gardens, including the Shade Garden for hot summer days and the International Garden for an educational experience.

Ben Burton Park

This 32-acre wildlife preserve has open fields and a hardwood forest for both hot and cool days. If you don’t have a setup, Ben Burton Park has 14 picnic tables and two charcoal grills. If you’re bringing your own blanket, sit right along the Middle Oconee River and take in the view. After your meal, walk the 1.2 mile loop trail or spend the afternoon fishing.

Memorial Park

At Memorial Park, there are 72 acres of nature trails, picnic areas and a small lake to enjoy. Set up under a pavilion to stay out of the heat or by the pond to watch ducks and geese swim by the fountain. Visit Bear Hollow Zoo afterwards to see black bears, bobcats, whitetailed deer, owls and other animals.

Photo by Sidney Chansamone

Something Special Gourmet and specialty grocery stores

Achachi International Market

Milledge Avenue

A newer addition to Athens, Achachi International Market is located on Milledge Avenue and stocks a wide variety of products from Indonesia, Pakistan, West Africa and Asia. Check out the variety of fresh produce, seafood and halal meats.

Athens Cooks

Prince Avenue

When they’re not busy hosting interactive cooking classes or serving breakfast and lunch, the Athens Cooks team is dedicated to stocking the highest quality local goods. Find Athens favorites like Condor Chocolates, home.made and New Creation Soda Works alongside kitchen tools and homeware.

Birdies

Prince Avenue

The newest addition to Prince Avenue is Birdies, a gourmet grocery with a deli and coffee bar. Browse the shelves lined with expertly curated pantry staples, charcuterie board ingredients and specialty snacks, stock up on fresh meat and cheese or grab a sandwich and a latte to enjoy at the counter with a view of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Costa de Jalisco

Barber Street

This Barber Street store stocks a wide range of packaged and canned products from Mexico and Central America as well as exquisitely displayed produce. The real highlight is the meat, seafood and poultry counter.

Daily Groceries Co-Op

Prince Avenue

This beloved community-owned grocery store that opened in 1992 on Prince Avenue stocks organic foods and produce from over 60 local farms and businesses. Last year, the co-op moved to a new location in the Prince Park shopping center, now occupying the iconic space age circular building.

Earth Fare

Five Points

The Athens location of this North Carolina-based supermarket chain offers high quality products, a salad and hot food bar, and, most importantly, ample parking in Five Points. Stop by for lunch, gourmet snacks and healthier or allergen-free grocery staples.

Fooks Foods

Milledge Avenue

Karen Fooks’ shop on South Milledge Avenue stocks a wide range of essentials from various Asian cuisines. Fooks sources harder-to-find Asian produce and packaged goods from around the world alongside local goods like eggs from Creekline Farms and pastries from Claire’s Filipino Kitchen and Basquia Bakery.

Orient Mart

East Side

Offering a selection of foods from China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, Orient Mart prioritizes sustainable sourcing and high-quality products. Find fresh produce, canned goods, candy, frozen foods and more.

Birdies | Sidney Chansamone

Piedmont Provisions

Barber Street

Like a modern-day apothecary, Piedmont Provisions features a wall of spices and herbs available to purchase by the ounce, surrounded by shelves full of house-made preserves, condiments and teas. Cocktail and mocktail ingredients are also available, while the cooler houses fresh meats and cheeses.

The People’s Pantry

Baxter Street

Located inside Figment Kombucha, this shop is a great place to find unique snacks, beverages and gourmet foods. Sip on Figment’s seasonal flavors while browsing their selection of goods from Athens and beyond, from PET PET spice mixtures and 1000 Faces coffee to Fishwife tinned fish and Ghia non-alcoholic apéritifs.

Prince Market

Prince Avenue

This locally-owned one-stop shop opened in November 2023. Prince Market offers a huge assortment of grocery staples, local foods and fresh produce. It also has a deli serving sandwiches and pizza, an ice cream counter and Starbucks coffee.

Supermarket El Camino Real

North Avenue

This store offers a wide selection of groceries, produce and freshly baked goods. If you get hungry while shopping, it doubles as a Mexican restaurant with an extensive yet affordable menu.

Sidney Chansamone

Sidney Chansamone

Samantha Hurley

Vegan and Vegetarian

Our favorite plant-based menu items in Athens

Veggie Tacos

Cali N Tito’s

Cali N Tito’s has a wide variety of vegetarian mains and sides, but the veggie tacos include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, cilantro, tomatoes, red cabbage, cucumbers and avocado, all for $3 each. Don’t forget a side of maduros or tostones.

Korean Fried Cauliflower Taco

Taqueria Tsunami

This taco combines Latin and Asian flavors with fried cauliflower, cabbage, guacamole and chipotle sour cream, topped with cilantro and sesame seeds and drizzled with Korean pepper sauce.wThe avocado cilantro egg rolls and fried yucca are other favorites.

Flying Vegan Harvest

Jinya Ramen

A ramen chain with a menu ranging from noodle dishes to rice bowls and curry to mini tacos, Jinya has a solid selection of plant-based menu items. The Flying Vegan Harvest is served with thick noodles in a vegan miso broth with Impossible meat, tofu, bean sprouts, broccolini, green onion, corn, red onion, crispy garlic and chili seasoning.

Yemisser Wot

Mannaweenta

Praised as one of the best international restaurants in town, this Ethiopian and Eritrean spot serves many vegan and vegetarian dishes like yemisser wot: red lentils cooked with onion, tomatoes, berbere, fresh garlic and ginger.

Amritsari Chana

Taste of India

This East Side restaurant offers over a dozen vegan and vegetarian entrees, appetizers and sides, including amritsari chana, which features Punjabi-style chickpeas cooked in a tomato-ginger-onion sauce. They also serve Indian desserts, beer, wine and fruit juice.

Tofu Bowl

Maepole

The crown jewel of Athens’ ever-growing list of customizable bowl restaurants, Maepole offers an almost entirely vegetarian menu. Start with a base like sweet potato or seasoned quinoa, then add side dishes like the mac and cheese or braised kale. Top it with sauce and tofu, which is marinated in tamari and tossed in nutritional yeast to create a savory, smokey flavor profile.

Tofu Q Sandwich

White Tiger

White Tiger’s Tofu Q Sandwich features grilled tofu, coleslaw, red barbecue sauce and field greens. You can customize it with an egg or pimento cheese, make it vegan or add sides like mac and cheese, a cup of soup or banana pudding.

Black Bean Sandwich

Big City Bread Cafe

A perfect brunch spot, Big City Bread Cafe offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and vegetarian sides. The black bean sandwich has spicy black beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mixed greens and house-made vegan cashew aioli on a grilled ciabatta bun.

Cali N Tito’s | Samantha Hurley

Farm Fresh

Farmers markets around Athens

Athens Farmers Market

athensfarmersmarket.net

Every Saturday morning, more than 40 vendors set up shop on the tennis courts at Bishop Park to sell seasonal produce, meats and cheeses, baked goods, fresh flowers and handmade crafts. The weekend market runs all year, but Creature Comforts hosts a smaller market downtown on Wednesday nights from March to November.

The Culinary Kitchen of Athens

culinarykitchenathens.com

Founded by Rashe Malcolm of Rashe’s Cuisine, The Culinary Kitchen hosts seasonal markets at local businesses. Its mission is to support the Athens food industry, from restaurants to farmers to entrepreneurs. Keep an eye on their social media pages for market announcements.

West Broad Farmers Market

athenslandtrust.org/wbfm

Operated by the Athens Land Trust, the West Broad Farmers Market provides seasonal products and artisanal goods, including produce grown at some of the land trust’s own community gardens. It’s open every Saturday starting April 20 at 300 S. Rocksprings Street and the first and third Tuesday of every month at Athentic Brewing Company in Normaltown. Online ordering, drive-thru pick up and a digital directory of vendors are also available if you’re short on time or like to plan ahead.

Try Something New

The best new places to eat and drink in Athens

Cafe Racer

West Broad Street

Cafe Racer got its start as a popular food truck in Oglethorpe County. Its new location on West Broad Street has a drive-thru and walk-up window serving Counter Culture Coffee alongside their signature potato donuts and a variety of breakfast food. They recently introduced a dinner menu as well, which includes burgers, fries, chicken tenders and more.

Happy Lemon Downtown

The Athens location of this Taiwanese bubble tea chain is the newest addition to our ever-growing boba scene, which features over half a dozen restaurants serving the popular drink. The Happy Lemon menu includes milk teas, lemon teas, slushies, smoothies and their signature salted cheese teas.

Hidden Gem

North Chase/Boulevard

This brand new Barber Street spot was designed to look like an old dive bar, complete with random antiques, wood-paneled walls and a photo of the bathroom inside of the bathroom. Their menu features cocktails, beer, wine and perhaps the greatest of bar snacks, a cup of vegan ramen.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Five Points

This gourmet ice cream brand has over 65 locations across the U.S. and has become a staple of the pricier end of the freezer aisle. One of its newest scoop shops is in a pastel-colored cottage in Five Points, where you can try their unique flavors like Wildberry Lavender, Texas Sheet Cake and Brown Butter Almond Brittle.

Nighthawks Lounge

North Chase/Boulevard

The newest culinary venture from Jerry and Krista Slater (see page 12) is an art deco bar on Tracy Street with cocktails, wine, beer and old-fashioned snacks like pimento cheese and tinned sardines on the menu. Keep an eye out for their dinner pop-ups; previous offerings include smash burgers, Chicago dogs and patty melts.

Sunroof Coffee Company

North Chase/Boulevard

Athens’ newest coffee shop was voted Best New Beverage by our readers in 2023. Sunroof’s co-founders dreamed of opening their own business as roommates at UGA, and now they serve coffee, chai, matcha affogato and more out of their walk-up window in the Mill District.

“

Jumbo Chicken Tenders

Cafe Racer | Sidney Chansamone

Classic City Classics

Beloved Athens restaurants that have stood the test of time

ADD Drug • $

Athens Discount Drug opened in 1961, and the pharmacy and old-fashioned lunch counter are both still serving patrons today. Swing by in the morning or early afternoon any day but Sunday for egg sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes and more.

DePalma’s Italian Cafe • $–$$$

DePalma’s has been serving pizza, pasta and other Italian classics since 1988, with a different menu to try at each of its three Athens locations. Pizza is served by the slice or by the pie, but make sure to save room for the gelato flavor of the day.

The Globe • $$

Closed for two years during the pandemic, this Irish-style bar was refurbished during the downtime and reopened in mid-2022. Traditional pub menu items like fish and chips are complemented by vegetarian options like elote corn ribs and a hummus bowl. The selection of whiskeys has been a hallmark since it opened in 1989.

The Grill • $–$$

The Grill is back! The downtown diner first opened its doors in 1981 and reopened them last year after pandemic closures. Come dine on burgers, feta fries, malts and milkshakes among vintage memorabilia and the iconic red neon lights.

Last Resort Grill • $$–$$$

Opened as a music venue in 1966, Last Resort hosted acts like Jimmy Buffett before it started serving its signature southern fare. Steaks, praline chicken and crab cakes are all on offer, but don’t leave without a slice of Cecilia Villaveces cake — an Athens classic in its own right.

Little Italy

• $

Regularly open until 3 a.m., Little Italy has been serving thick and thin crust pizza to Athens’ late-night diners since the ‘90s. Calzones, Italian subs and stromboli are also available.

Strickland’s Restaurant • $

Opened on Broad Street in 1960, the family-owned restaurant eventually settled on Atlanta Highway in 1995. Specializing in southern favorites like ribs, catfish and green beans, Strickland’s is open for breakfast, lunch and all your catering needs, with a rotating menu of specials that changes daily.

Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods • $

Made famous for owner Dexter Weaver’s slogan, “Automatic for the People,” which became an R.E.M. album title, this bright green restaurant on East Broad Street is popular for juicy fried chicken and signature meat-and-three plates. Try the sweet potato souffle or broccoli casserole.

Weaver

BAXTER STREET

The Farmcart • $–$$

A family-run business that started as a farmers market food truck, The Farmcart expanded into a brickand-mortar restaurant on Baxter Street in 2019 thanks to the popularity of their flaky biscuit sandwiches full of local ingredients.

The Table • $$

This “new American bistro” serves hearty salads, sandwiches, soups and pasta with a focus on seafood and Southern influences. Their dishes are beautifully plated and packed with colorful produce.

DOWNTOWN

Chuck’s Fish • $$$

Operating in a renovated former Greyhound station, this upscale restaurant features seafood fresh from the owner’s Destin, Florida dockside wholesale market. Along with daily specials, Chuck’s serves sushi and classics like seared scallops and stuffed shrimp.

Clocked! • $

This American diner on Washington Street is approaching 25 years in business. Eclectic decor and retro branding adorn the dining room and patio, while the menu ranges from burgers and hot dogs to fried pickles and blackberry milkshakes. Plus: they can make almost anything vegetarian.

Dawg Gone Good BBQ • $

Serving recipes passed down from his grandmother, owner William “B.J.” Hardy keeps things simple but tasty at his restaurant on West Hancock Avenue. Chow down on classics like pulled pork, mac and cheese and brisket inside the shop or on the outdoor patio.

Lindsey’s Culinary Market • $

Farm-fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and soups are highlights at this North Thomas Street spot. Family meals and weekly specials are available for takeout.

The National • $$–$$$

This Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on West Hancock Avenue was co-founded by Hugh Acheson and Peter Dale. With serene decor and stellar service, it’s ideal for lunch meetings and family celebrations. Check out the expanded patio.

Paloma Park • $$

Happy hour deals and daily menu discounts make this stylish Tex-Mex restaurant and tequila bar on Washington Street a popular spot for date nights and group outings, while its large indoor space and outdoor beer garden often house private events and live music.

Pauley’s Crepe Bar • $

Another popular going-out spot that doubles as an event venue, Pauley’s has been making sweet and savory crepes in the heart of downtown Athens for over 15 years. They also serve sandwiches, salads, cocktails and a limited menu of late night snacks for patrons between bars.

The Place

• $$–$$$

Located on Broad Street just steps from North Campus, The Place serves “refined Southern fare” for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Their menu includes customizable meat and veggie plates alongside entrees like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and bourbon glazed salmon.

Porterhouse Grill

• $$$

Voted by our readers as the best restaurant to eat at when your parents are visiting, Porterhouse Grill is a “casual fine dining” steakhouse on Broad Street. A downtown fixture since 2000, their menu features a variety of certified Angus beef steaks, as well as Southern staples like crab cakes and fried green tomatoes.

The National | Sidney Chansamone

South Kitchen + Bar

• $$–$$$

This Washington Street spot was once the Hotel Georgian, which hosted visitors to Athens from 1909 to 1975. South Kitchen now occupies the ground floor, while the original ballroom has been converted into a private event space. The menu features modernized Southern comfort food like Nashville hot chicken and biscuits and gravy as well as beer, wine and cocktails.

Ted’s Most Best

• $

Families flock to this casual pizza and pasta place with one of the best patios in town featuring a sandbox. Pizzas are light with thin crusts and salad dressings are made in house.

Thai Spoon

• $–$$

Voted best family-owned international restaurant by our readers, Thai Spoon is nearing two decades in business between Little Italy and The Globe. Their extensive menu features dozens of authentic Thai rice, noodle, soup and curry dishes.

Trappeze Pub

•

$$–$$$

Famous for its enormous craft and imported beer selection, this pub at the corner of Hull and West Washington streets serves superior bar fare, catering to carnivores with dishes like the Double Pig (braised pork plus bacon), with plantbased options like the veggie Reuben. Don’t leave without trying the signature raspberry ketchup.

The World Famous

• $

“This is it!” proclaims the sign above the door of this tiny bar with a massive following thanks to its eclectic interior, thoughtful food and fun cocktails. The chicken and waffles has devoted fans.

EAST SIDE

Cali N Tito’s East at La Puerta del Sol • $–$$

The sprawling East Side sister restaurant of Cali N Tito’s houses arcade games and rides as well as huge family-size tables. While students might prefer the BYOB policy and patio seating at the Five Points location, the friendly bar service and in-house gelato counter at the East Side location are a plus.

Mama’s Boy • $–$$

Consistently voted Best Brunch in Athens by Red & Black readers, Mama’s Boy serves indulgent breakfast fare like salmon cakes Benedict and Georgia peach French toast. There are two locations in Athens and one in Watkinsville now, too.

Ted’s Most Best | Sidney Chansamone

Ted’s Most Best | Sidney Chansamone

The UGA community, guests, and public are welcome to stop by and have a delicious meal at any of our five dining commons. You can also pop into one of our many coffee shops, restaurants, or market locations across campus.

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to sign up for a UGA Meal Plan

Mannaweenta • $

The idea to open Mannaweenta came to owner Haregu Bahtu in a dream, and now the Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant is nearing a decade in business. Praised as one of the best international eateries in Athens, the menu includes meat and veggie plates featuring chicken, lamb, beef, lentils, chickpeas and more. It’s also a great place to try injera or Ethiopian coffee and tea.

Rashe’s Cuisine • $–$$

Founder Rashe Malcom has perfected Jamaican comfort food after serving it for over three decades. The meat and veggie plates feature jerk chicken, jerk pork, curry chicken, mac and cheese, rice and peas, collard greens and more.

Taste of India

• $–$$

This East Side restaurant has been serving authentic Indian food since 2005. Entrees include korma, saag, curry, tikka masala and biryani with your choice of protein served with basmati rice. Their menu also features a huge selection of starters, sides, vegetarian and specialty dishes.

FIVE POINTS

Baddies Burgers • $–$$

The menu at Baddies, from Joe Nedza, is simple: burgers, fries and banana pudding. With a recent expansion into UGA sporting events, Baddies Burgers are now available at Stegeman Coliseum, soccer and softball games, and starting this fall, you’ll see them at Sanford Stadium too.

El Barrio • $

This casual taco and tequila bar is popular for daily specials and outdoor seating. Choose from steak, chicken, pork, fish or shrimp tacos, burritos, nachos and more. Margaritas, cocktails, beer and pitchers are also available.

The Café on Lumpkin • $–$$

This breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is located in a historic home with indoor and a patio out front. The french toast and huge breakfast burritos are favorites, while the lunch menu features salads, sandwiches and wraps. Make a reservation for afternoon tea to enjoy scones, deserts, finger sandwiches and a pot of tea.

DAILY GROCERIES CO-OP

now at 1190 Prince Avenue.

Open 7:30 am - 10 pm daily, featuring local produce, as well as organic, natural, and eco-friendly products.

Athens’ only community owned grocery store, everyone welcome.

Thai Spoon | Sidney Chansamone

459 E Broad St, Athens, GA | (706) 369-0990 | porterhousegrillathens.com

Monday - Saturday | Lunch @ 11:30 | Dinner @ 5:00

Sunday | Dinner @ 4:00

Em’s Kitchen |

The Expat • $$$

This venture from Jerry and Krista Slater, housed in a cozy Five Points cottage, emphasizes inventive cocktails and an Italian cafe-inspired menu, with dishes like cacio e pepe and salads full of seasonal produce.

Five & Ten • $$$

Before “Top Chef,” Hugh Acheson made his name here with innovative takes on Southern fare (think fried catfish with saffron beurre blanc and cornbread with fennel pollen). Located in a historic home on South Milledge Avenue, this is a popular spot for special occasions. It’s also available for private event booking.

Grindhouse Killer Burgers • $–$$

The Athens location of this Atlanta chain serves fresh ground beef, turkey, veggie and Impossible burgers made your way or in one of their eight signature styles. Beer, cocktails and milkshakes in over a dozen flavors are also available.

Kelly’s Authentic Jamaican Food • $$

An Athens classic and Jamaican-style meat-and-three, Kelly’s serves heaping plates of curry chicken, jerk pork and specials like grilled salmon and curried goat, alongside mounds of veggies, rice, plantains and cornbread.

Mediterranean Grill • $$

A local branch of the small metro-Atlanta group of restaurants, this spot pleases vegetarians and carnivores alike with specialties like hummus, falafel and gyros. Everyone’s a fan of the rice pilaf and crispy potatoes.

The Royal Peasant • $$

Watch the week’s top Premier League matches while dining on bangers and mash or “proper plates” like fish and chips at this British pub with a stellar beer list.

Slater’s Steakhouse • $$$

This classic, upscale steakhouse and cocktail lounge is one of the newer restaurants from (who else?) Jerry and Krista Slater. They promise “fine steaks and stiff drinks” for nights out, special occasions and private events alike.

ZZ & Simone’s • $$$

In this upscale, design-forward space (a blush pink bar, saddle-leather booths), the folks behind the former Dinner Party put forth elegant renditions of classic pastas, pizzas and seafood.

HAWTHORNE AVENUE

Em’s Kitchen • $

Owner Emily Ullrich started working at the Hawthorne Drugs soda fountain in 1998, and expanded it into a restaurant 12 years later. A true hidden gem, Em’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and it’s definitely worth a morning visit. Swing by for biscuits, omelets, grits, salads, sandwiches or homemade desserts.

NORMALTOWN

Agua Linda • $$

This Mexican restaurant has been an Athens institution for 25 years. Enjoy the rooftop patio at the Prince Avenue location, or head to the sister location on Timothy Road if you’re on the West Side of town.

Tim O’Brien

Automatic Pizza • $

Get giant slices (and even bigger pies) at this charming corner joint, which was a former filling station. Italian subs, salads and cannolis are also available.

Hi-Lo Lounge • $

A neighborhood favorite thanks to a cozy vibe with a sizable beer list and creative cocktails. There’s a huge selection of sandwiches, hot dogs and customizable fries, but the chili and tofu sandwich are favorites.

Marti’s at Midday • $

Huge salads and hearty sandwiches are the draw at this cheery cafe with a small indoor area and sunny patio. You also can also pick up entrees and salads to go.

Square One Fish Co. • $$$

This Florida-style seafood restaurant and oyster bar is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Their menu ranges from blackened mahi tacos to fried shrimp to salmon pesto pasta.

NORTH CHASE/BOULEVARD

Maepole • $$

At the laid back Maepole — a brainchild of Peter Dale, the chef/owner behind the likes of Seabear and The National — diners select from bases, sides and proteins to create new twists on meat-and-three standards.

Pulaski Heights BBQ • $–$$

Locally sourced pork and brisket are the stars here, where meat is smoked daily and served until it runs out. Vegetarian dishes are also on offer, like hearty smoked cauliflower and a smoked tofu sandwich. Enjoy the patio at this former factory building on Pulaski Street next to the train tracks. Plus: It’s BYOB.

Puma Yu’s • $$–$$$

This Thai-inspired restaurant by Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith packs a big punch in flavorful small plates like pork dumplings and eggplant agebitashi. Stop by their stylish space in the historic Southern Mill complex for lunch, dinner or one of their creative cocktails featuring Japanese gins and whiskeys.

Tlaloc • $

This beloved family-owned restaurant serves Mexican and Salvadoran food in a bright orange building on North Chase Street. Keep an eye out for drink specials and taco Tuesdays.

White Tiger Gourmet • $

Located in Boulevard, White Tiger serves up smoked pork, tofu barbecue, veggies and simple soups. Locals congregate in the side yard and take advantage of the BYOB policy.

Breakfast Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 10:30 am

Lunch Hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 3:00 pm

https://emskitchenathawthorne.com

975 Hawthorne Avenue Athens, GA 30606

PRINCE AVENUE

Farm Burger • $

This chain (which originated in Athens) sources meat and other ingredients from local farmers for a menu of grass-fed beef hamburgers, vegan burgers, salads and fries. Farm Burger opened its new Prince Avenue location in January 2023.

Poquitos • $-$$

Birria, carnitas, posole and more are available in the former Go Bar space from the former owners of The Grit and Pedro de Paz of Ted’s Most Best. Bonus: A sunny corner patio.

Punta Cana Latin Grill • $

This Dominican restaurant and bar has daily drink and lunch specials. Their huge menu features churrasco, empanadas, burritos, mofongo and plantain pizza.

Seabear Oyster Bar • $$

Go for the namesake shellfish; stay for the fried clam strips, lobster roll and fish po’boy. Sit at the bar or the outdoor patio; a drinks ledge allows you to set your cocktail down while you wait for a table.

Taqueria del Sol • $

The Athens location of this Atlanta-based chain has been serving Mexican food with

Puma Yu’s | Sidney Chansamone

a “cross-cultural flair” since 2008. Tacos, enchiladas, sides, soups and chili are all on offer, with lunch and dinner specials changing weekly.

WEST BROAD STREET

Food for the Soul • $

This soul food restaurant has a $14 all-you-can-eat buffet with a rotating menu, but you can always expect staples like chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread.

Hilltop Grille • $$–$$$

A locally-owned steak and seafood restaurant opened in 2002, Hilltop Grille is open for brunch, lunch and dinner, serving southern classics.

Ideal Bagel Co. • $

Operated by Luna Baking Co., Ideal Bagel serves a variety of bagels loaded with house-made cream cheese spreads. Add-ons like eggs, lox and bacon are also available.

Saucehouse Barbecue • $–$$

Owned and operated by UGA alumnus Christopher Belk, this restaurant serves a wide range of barbecue styles and sauces from all over the country. Nearing a decade in business in Athens, Saucehouse also offers a full catering service and hosts private events at The Venue on Broad.

Tamez Barbecue • $–$$

At Alejandro Tamez’s Texas-style barbecue spot with retro decor, homemade tortillas and brisket take center stage. Breakfast burritos with bacon and eggs are also a hit.

Tamez Barbecue | Tim O’Brien

Campus Cafes

You don’t have to be a student to eat on campus

Bulldog Bistro

This restaurant within the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel complex offers a range of food for hotel guests and visitors, from coffee and ready-made salads and wraps to a full lunch and dinner menu updated each week.

Campus Market Express

These self-serve micro markets feature grab ‘n go meals, snacks, drinks and drugstore-type basics anytime the academic buildings are open. You can also find frozen foods and treats. There are eight locations scattered around campus, including at the Division of Biological Sciences, Hugh Hodgson School of Music and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

FujiSan

While FujiSan sushi is available in various campus markets and UGA dining halls, the main location in Joe Frank Harris Commons on East Campus offers the full range of rolls, poke bowls and gyoza. It’s also the only place to get boba tea on campus.

Niche Pizza Co.

This personal pizza kitchen originated in the Niche Dining Commons in Normaltown, but the location in the Tate Student Center offers the same oven-fired thin crust pizzas as well as Sambazon acai bowls and craft sodas.

Tate Student Center

The Tate food court features familiar brands like Starbucks, Panda Express and Chickfil-A. The Market at Tate on the other side of the building hosts Barberitos, an Athens chain offering burritos, tacos and other Southwestern fare.

Rothenberger Cafe

Located on the second floor of Amos Hall in the Terry College of Business, the Rothenberger Cafe serves sandwiches, salads and grab ‘n go snacks. Breakfast offerings range from pastries and muffins to a peanut butter and banana sandwich, while lunch options include a grilled chicken caesar salad, a turkey sandwich and a grilled cheese. Thanks to a recent revamp, they also now offer a limited Starbucks coffee menu.

Sweet Tooth

Where to get sweet treats in Athens

BY ANNA KAPUSTAY

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This new Five Points scoop shop has a flavor for everybody, with unique combinations, seasonal offerings and modern twists on the classics. The well-deserved favorite is Gooey Butter Cake, but try it paired with a scoop of Brown Butter Almond Brittle for a more dimensional flavor.

Insomnia Cookies

Open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, Insomnia Cookies is a popular late-night snack destination downtown. They’ll even deliver fresh, warm cookies directly to your doorstep. Try the s’mores flavor to go beyond the realm of chocolate chip and snickerdoodle.

Pauley’s Crepe Bar

The only crepe restaurant in Athens is a downtown staple. Pauley’s boasts an extensive menu with both sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches and specialty cocktails. The Strawberry and Nutella crepe perfectly balances fruit and chocolate, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar.

Condor Chocolates

Condor makes their products entirely in house, starting with Ecuadorian cacao beans and turning them into decadent chocolate. Both their Five Points and Downtown locations offer multiple sweet treat options, like brownies, sipping chocolate and chocolate bark. Their beautifully-decorated truffles are a must-try, especially the raspberry.

Bees Knees Bakery

Stop by Bees Knees Bakery for cupcakes, cakes, gooey bars, double chocolate brownies, decorated cookies, cake pops and petit fours. One of the most delicious offerings is the almond confetti cupcake, which adds depth to a classic flavor.

Mochinut

This Mochi donut spot off Barnett Shoals Road has the most colorful sweet treats in Athens. There are a variety of flavors to pick from, each one brighter than the next. The Ube donut is a beautiful dark purple and tastes just as good as it looks, like a delectable mix of coconut and vanilla.

Baddies Burgers

While a burger joint in Five Points may seem like an unlikely destination for a sweet treat, Baddies Burgers actually sells homemade banana pudding in a variety of flavors. Alongside a regular banana, they have chocolate, Reese’s and birthday cake, which adds another layer of sweetness.

Alumni Cookie Dough

If you wish you could eat the whole bowl of cookie dough when baking cookies, Alumni Cookie Dough lets you do it safely. Athens’ first cookie dough cafe carries a wide variety of flavors that guests can enjoy on their own, paired with or infused in ice cream, in a milkshake or in the form of pretzel bites. The specialty flavor menu is extensive, but it’s hard to beat classic chocolate chip.

Condor Chocolates | Sidney Chansamone

Bar Crawl

Where to drink in Athens

Bar Bruno

A newer addition to the Five Points food scene is described as a wine-and-aperitivo-focused bar led by wine expert Greg Smolik and the team behind ZZ & Simone’s. Menu items include Italian wines, cocktails and tapas-style dishes.

Blue Sky Bar

With a (sort of) secret entrance, this bar has a speakeasy vibe and boasts more than 100 beers and a serious whiskey list. If you bring a vinyl on Wednesday nights, they’ll spin it for you and take a dollar off your drink.

Clarke’s Collective

Known for its specialty cocktails, Clarke’s is good for socializing and enjoying live music. It was renovated in 2021 to include two full-service bars.

HYBAR

This rooftop bar at the Hyatt Place hotel offers spectacular 360-degree views of the UGA campus and downtown Athens from 100 feet above, as well as craft beers, cocktails, frozen drinks and appetizers.

Hi-Lo Lounge

This Normaltown spot is a neighborhood favorite thanks to a cozy vibe, sizable beer list and creative cocktails. Plus, enjoy a delicious meal from their full lunch and dinner menu. The TLT (tofu lettuce tomato) sandwich is a favorite.

Little Kings Shuffle Club

Catering to the local crowd, this bar has plenty of craft beers and a spacious outdoor area. Keep an eye out for special events like craft markets and dance parties.

Magnolias

This classic college-town bar at the edge of campus is known for happy hour specials, Long Island iced tea and shots.

Manhattan Cafe

One of Athens’ best-kept secrets, this hidden gem is a local favorite thanks to the chill atmosphere and cocktails served with zero pretentiousness. Plus: There’s always free popcorn.

Normal Bar

A mellow bar catering to Normaltown locals, this spot has an enormous main room and a small outdoor area perfect for date night. Don’t miss trivia every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Insider Tip: Order from Automatic Pizza next door for inbar delivery.

Nowhere Bar

Laid-back and known for darts, pool and live music, this bar was opened by Craig “Sky” Hertwig, a former Georgia All-American who returned to Athens after a stint in the NFL.

The Old Pal

Wood-paneled and serious about mixology, this Normaltown bar has a nice selection of whiskeys. Always wanted to try Absinthe or Pastis? This is the Athens destination for it.

Oglethorpe Garage

Built in an old service station, this West Side neighborhood bar gives you plenty

of space to warm up near fire pits on an extensive patio. You might watch some motorcycle repairs while you’re there.

The Pine Bar

This upscale Five Points bar offers a substantial selection of wine, as well as tapas, charcuterie and entrees like wood-fired oysters.

The Rook & Pawn

Have a house cocktail and a snack while competing with friends at this downtown board game cafe. Their impressive selection of over 600 games ranges from classics like Scrabble and Clue to strategy challenges like Catan and Ticket to Ride. Cranium and The Chameleon are favorites for larger parties.

Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market

The concept is in the name: wine on tap. Not sure what to have? With 24 different wines on offer, Tapped lets you try a little bit of everything.

Tropical Bar

Patrons can enjoy merengue, bachata and more at this downtown Latin bar. Upbeat music elevates this space for dance lovers. Stay posted for regular events with drink specials and DJs.

Wonderbar Athens

Grab some friends to play classic arcade games and drink creative cocktails at this popular bar in downtown Athens. You can also play multiplayer video games projected on the wall.

Oglethorpe Garage | Liz Rymarev

you might say we put the er in everything we do. after all, you can’t spell barberitos without it.

Raise Your Glass

Breweries, wine bars and distilleries in Athens

BEER

Akademia Brewing Company

In addition to over two dozen original beers and guest brews, Akademia serves wine, cocktails, brunch, lunch and dinner at its combination restaurant and brewery just off Atlanta Highway. The taproom opens up into a spacious bar and dining area, but patrons can also sit outside on the large patio. Don’t skip the giant pretzel with ale cheese and honey mustard.

Athentic Brewing Company

This newer addition to Athens’ brewery scene is located in Normaltown and offers a variety of beers, from Irish stouts to tropical IPAs. Athentic features indoor and patio seating and also sells cans of beer to take home. They regularly host trivia nights, food trucks and local restaurant pop-ups.

Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

With a decade of success behind them, Creature Comforts was a local favorite long before it was featured in “Avengers: Endgame.” Behind the windows of the old Snow Tire Co. factory is their downtown tasting

room, where you can find year-round favorites like Athena or Bibo, or try the spring (cherry, raspberry and cranberry) and summer (passion fruit and guava) editions of Athena Paradiso. Patrons can buy a 4- or 6-pack to go, sit outside under the brewery’s large covered patio or do a yoga class there on the occasional weekend.

Normaltown Brewing Co.

This small-batch brewery in the historic Chase Street Warehouses offers a constantly changing selection of beer on tap and the occasional live set from a local artist. It was the fifth brewery to open in Athens and the first in the Normaltown neighborhood. They also occasionally host local chef pop-ups, so keep an eye out for the chance to grab drinks and dinner.

Southern Brewing Company

This Highway 29 brewery opened in 2015 with an emphasis on Southern hospitality and culture. Patrons can try their staple beers, like the Hobnail IPA and the Red and Black sour, as well as seasonal brews in the taproom or huge outdoor space. Southern Brewing also has a packed events calen-

dar, with TV trivia, music bingo and board game nights happening every week.

Terrapin Beer Co.

Since it opened its doors in 2002, Terrapin has become Athens’ most widely distributed beer. Stop by this Newton Bridge Road brewery with a lush greenspace to find popular beers like Hopsecutioner and Luau Krunkles or sample unique seasonal creations like coffee-infused stouts. The recipient of multiple sustainability awards, the solar panels on their roof provide all the energy used during the brewing process.

WINE

The Lark Winespace

Both a tasting room and a wine shop, this Prince Avenue store from Krista Slater (see page 12) specializes in sustainable wine and cocktail ingredients. Its rotating menu showcases a variety of foreign and domestic wines, while appetizers like charcuterie boards and tinned fish help round out any cocktail party.

Tapped Athens

Putting a futuristic twist on your typical wine bar, Tapped allows you to buy wine by the ounce from soda fountain-style dispensers. They stock over 200 labels to choose from with a rotating selection of 24 wines on tap to try before you buy. Recurring events in-

clude Wine 101, a tasting class for beginners and mimosas and house-made biscuits the first Saturday of every month.

SPIRITS

Oak House Distillery

Founded in 2020 by UGA food scientists, Oak House is the first legal distillery in Athens since the 1860s. Located in the historic Henry Bishop House on Macon Highway, the distillery produces botanical gins and Jamaican-style rums in a relaxing space featuring a cocktail bar and lounge. Classes on distilling and mixology are also offered.

Akademia | Sidney Chansamone

Give it a Chai

The top 5 chai lattes in Athens

#5 — Buvez

This coffee shop is worth a trip across town for its cool atmosphere and European-influenced menu. Buvez uses loose leaf tea from 3 Porch Farm for their chai lattes, which make up for the lack of sweetness with their strong tea flavor.

#4 — Jittery Joe’s

If you’re looking for a chai latte close by, head to your nearest Jittery Joe’s. Choose between vanilla or spiced chai that has a thicker, sweeter consistency than other cafes thanks to their powdered chai formula.

#3 — Poindexter Coffee

Located off the lobby of The Graduate hotel, Poindexter Coffee is just a short walk from downtown Athens. Their chai lattes

BY ELLIS GOUD

have a concentrate that creates a spicy base for your drink, with the perfect level of sweetness to balance out the flavor.

#2 — Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

If you’re in the Five Points area, this coffee shop offers good chai and a good message. Using a concentrate, Bitty & Beau’s creates a bold chai latte with a good balance of sweetness and flavor. Before you try it, check your cup for a kind message from your barista!

#1 — 1000 Faces Coffee

Located downtown, 1000 Faces uses batches of steeped loose leaf tea from 3 Porch Farm for their chai lattes, creating an authentic flavor fit for any tea fanatic. This refreshing drink is perfect for the warmer months with its light, tea-forward taste.

Coffee & Tea

Where to get caffeinated in Athens

@local. Coffee House & Study Lounge

Inspired by ‘90s coffee shops, this newer downtown cafe offers coffee, tea, soda, snacks and more than 40 flavors to customize your drink. Located on the corner of College Avenue and East Clayton Street, @local. also hosts live music, trivia and open mic nights.

1000 Faces Coffee

Backed by its founder’s decades of traveling the world, this fair-trade roasting company prioritizes relationships with countries of origin and sustainable coffee consumption. The cafe on North Thomas Street has become an Athens staple, offering artisanal brews and baked goods.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Bitty & Beau’s is a North Carolina-based chain dedicated to employing people with disabilities. The Five Points location serves coffee, tea, matcha, frappes and smoothies. They also offer custom flavors like spiced brown sugar and toasted marshmallow, as well as a selection of baked goods.

Buvez

This Euro-style cafe on Barber Street serves coffee, tea and craft sodas during the day, then cocktails, wine and beer at night. Their breakfast bagel menu is also a highlight. Buvez doubles as a music venue, hosting local bands and improv shows every week.

Choco Pronto

When this Baxter Street cafe opened in December 2022, it immediately began connecting and collaborating with the community. Alongside its selection of Ecuadorian coffee, Choco Pronto also serves Independent Baking Co. pastries and Figment Kombucha. Keep an eye out for vintage clothing pop-ups.

Hendershot’s

This Prince Avenue staple is a coffee shop by day, bar by night and a popular spot for live music, comedy and open mics. The

menu features coffee roasted in-house, specialty lattes and dozens of tea flavors. Breakfast and lunch is available until 12:30 p.m., after which cocktails, mocktails, local beer and appetizers are served.

Jittery Joe’s

The Classic City’s best known coffee brand has expanded to over a dozen locations since 1994. Jittery Joe’s serves a full range of coffee (hot, iced and frozen), chai, matcha and baked goods. They also carry a range of custom blends in colorful tins, made in collaboration with local bands, businesses and even the Georgia Bulldogs.

Molly’s Coffee Company

This cafe on Macon Highway offers a place to linger and enjoy your coffee away from the bustle of downtown. Molly’s serves coffee from 1000 Faces and pastries from Kiki’s Bakeshop as well as specialty mochas, matcha and chai.

Poindexter Coffee

The Graduate hotel’s lobby-level cafe is open to the public daily until 1 p.m. Enjoy coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch surrounded by Wes Anderson-level ecclectic decor. Their menu includes breakfast plates, waffles, avocado toast, burgers, veggie wraps and more.

Sips Espresso Café

Located in Normaltown across from the UGA Health Sciences Campus, Sips has both a patio and take-out window. Their offerings include seasonal specialty drinks, latte art and a selection of baked goods.

Walker’s Coffee and Pub

A popular bar across from the Arch on College Avenue, Walker’s doubles as a coffee shop during the day. It has a selection of coffee, tea and baked goods, as well as a covered patio. Wednesday night bingo is a regular occurrence.

Poindexter Coffee | All photos by Samantha Hurley

Lumpkin

Sidney Chansamone

Tea Time

Dine like royalty at The Café on Lumpkin

BY ANNA KAPUSTAY

If you’re craving a cup of tea, celebrating a special occasion, or watching too much BBC TV, head to The Café on Lumpkin in Five Points for their afternoon tea service.

This quaint brunch restaurant is housed in a historic 1920’s home, where you can enjoy a tower of treats on blue willow china in their charming dining room or on their garden patio.

Guests can choose between Low Tea and Royal Tea. Low Tea comes with three finger sandwiches, two scones, clotted cream, jam and three desserts.

To take it up a notch, Royal Tea offers four sandwiches, lemon curd for the scones, four desserts and a glass of bubbly. For a lighter course, Cream Tea includes scones and a pot of tea. Kid-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options are also available.

The finger sandwiches have familiar fillings of pimento cheese, chicken salad and cucumber and cream cheese. The scones are fluffy while the jam and cream are rich, and the desserts are plentiful. Red velvet cupcakes, chocolate cranberry cookies, blood orange macarons and fresh strawberries are all gathered at the top of the tower.

Each service also comes with a pot of tea, cream and sugar. The Café on Lumpkin boasts an extensive tea menu featuring over 20 flavors, both hot and iced, from English breakfast to minty peach. The South Lumpkin Tea is a must-try — it’s a black tea with notes of vanilla, cream and cocoa, brewed with the café’s 1700 Blend coffee.

Afternoon tea requires a reservation, which can be made on The Café’s website. If a cup of tea isn’t your cup of tea, their regular breakfast and lunch offerings are worth a visit on their own (see page 28).

Not Drinking?

Three locally-made nonalcoholic beverages

Bright Side from Figment Kombucha

Bright Side is a Strawberry Meyer Lemon Kombucha that adds a bit of summer to a tailgate with flavors from local fruit. Figment Kombucha offers cans in 12 and 24 packs ($54/$107).

Hopscotch Dry-Hopped Ginger Ale from New Creation Soda Works

This ginger ale from New Creation Soda Works in Bishop is bright and refreshing, with just the right bite of ginger. New Creation sodas are canned and sold in 4 packs ($10).

Greaterade from Maepole

Maepole’s take on a sports drink, Greaterade is made with watermelon juice and a touch of sea salt. It comes in 12 oz. compostable plastic bottles with pink and green packaging ($3.50).

Figment Kombucha | Sidney Chansamone