Mid-Day Munchies – what’s for lunch?
The best part of lunch is the break it gives you in the middle of the day! But it’s even better when you’re enjoying a meal as well. Like any city, there are literally hundreds of dining options in Athens from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. The more time my daughter spends there, the more places to eat we have discovered. Food is a big draw for us, can you tell?
Your lunch choices will often depend upon whether you are touring with a prospective student, which will probably be in a dining hall or at a fast-food restaurant or making a visit to your established Dawg, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait at some of the more popular lunch spots – even with a reservation – during a game weekend, official tour dates, or graduation. Many of the restaurants on our breakfast, brunch, and dinner blogs also serve lunch, so be sure to check them out as you refine your lunch plans.
ADD Drug Store: This is yet another pharmacy lunch counter that brings all of the joys of an old-fashioned soda fountain to Athens.
Ahi Hibachi & Poke: This is a quick, but delicious grab and go hibachi place in downtown Athens. It is known for its wide variety of sauces and the fabulous poke bowl creations available.
Athens Wok: This place delicately combines Chinese and Thai food into a huge variety of different dishes and options to choose from.
Automatic Pizza: Normaltown’s best pizzeria is for sure Automatic Pizza, the have made in house dough, cannolis, and insane alcohol selection makes it popular among students and guests who desire to get away from the downtown feel of things.
Brett’s Casual American: This is a Texas-based eatery that has every kind of food you can think of on the menu. It is a little bit farther away from campus than some of the other options, but is a great place and is well worth the drive. The chili cheese fries are a fan favorite among UGA students.
Blind Pig Tavern: The Bling Pig is an Athens local restaurant that has grown so much in popularity that they actually have 3 locations just in Athens! They offer a wide range of American food which results in a huge menu, so you are destined to find something new every time you go.
Cali N Titos: This restaurant offers a Tex Mex Cuban blend in an eclectic setting like you have never had before. It is BYOB and is inside of an old gas station, so be prepared to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Most Athenians swear by the amazing food at Cali N Titos.
Charlie Graingers: This is one of the most favorite BBQ, brisket, and hotdogs restaurants in Athens because of all of the different ways you can personalize your meal. With 20+ different hotdog options, you are guaranteed to find your ideal dog here.
Clocked: This is a local diner that has some of the best burgers and grilled cheeses that Athens has to offer, and if you are a feta fan, you have to get their feta sauce with your fries, it is life-changing.
El Barrio: This is a fabulous Mexican restaurant in Athens that is just as much about the food as it is the experience. Centered around “tacos and tequila”, this place has some great food but also allows customers to play putt-putt and cornhole while eating or waiting for a table.
Em’s Kitchen: This little cafe is in the middle of Hawthorne Drugs and is the perfect stop for a classic pharmacy lunch and some amazing homemade dessert.
Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen: This is by far the best pizza place in Athens that combines wings, pizza, and subs to make one big iconic Italian restaurant. It is also one of the most popular spots to watch the NFL on Sundays!
Golden Sun: If you are in the mood for the largest selection of Chinese food Athens has to offer, this is the place for you. They also have an option for Family Meals where they provide an entire spread of food for you and your family to enjoy.
Grindhouse Burgers: This place is best known for their boozy milkshakes and amazing rooftop patio seating. Located on Lumpkin Street, you are sure to get a mix between both campus and 5 Points vibes.
Just Pho: This is the first Vietnamese restaurant to open in Athens and has everything from noodle soup to Pho to banh mi sandwiches and even Boba! They are considered to be both vegan and vegetarian because of their unlimited options for both of those health restrictions.
LRG Provisions: This Southern Style restaurant is best known for their meat and 3 style offered Tuesday-Thursday every week. They also have an amazing Sunday brunch that is to die for.
Marti’s at Midday: If you are in the mood for a gourmet eatery, this is the place for you. Marti’s is off of Prince Avenue in Normaltown and offers a cheery dining area, sunroom, and patio to enjoy both your company and your amazing food.
Mediterranean Grill: This authentic Meditteranean Grill has nothing but amazing greek entrees, sides, and desserts.
Mother Pho: Downtown has recently added its own Vietnamese restaurant that has grown to be highly popular among students. They have a wide variety of bubble teas, so whether you want a whole meal or just a snack, this place is the place for you!
Pauley’s Crepe Bar: You have never had a crepe like Pauley’s, their ability to combine sweet and savory will leave you with a craving no amount of Pauley’s will ever be able to satisfy. This place is one of the local’s favorites as well as a tourist favorite, so be ready to wait in line!
Peking Chinese: This place is most widely known for their moo shu pork and their garlic chicken, they are also super popular since they are available on Bulldawg Food and can be delivered straight to your door.
Pulaski Heights BBQ: This is a hidden gem BBQ place in Athens that is very close to campus. It is most widely known for its Wednesday Ramen Night, so if you are in Athens and want to try this place, come on a Wednesday and you will not be disappointed.
Saucehouse BBQ: This is by far the most popular BBQ joint among students because of the casual atmosphere, live music, and amazing drink selection. You are for sure guaranteed a good BBQ plate here.
Siri Thai: This authentic Thai experience on the Eastside of Athens offers a great indoor/outdoor vibe combined with a chef that uses all-natural ingredients and is best known for his “noodles n rice” dish.
Starland Pizza: This is an Athens local pizzeria that is a fan favorite for a casual and chillaxed atmosphere. They offer a $6 salad and slice any time of the day that is a hit with everyone in Athens.
Sr. Sol: If you are in need of good, homestyle Mexican food, this place is for you. Their homemade margaritas, salsa, and guacamole are amazing options for anyone looking for comfort food.
Taste of India: The coolest part of this restaurant is the beer and wine that is imported all the way from India to give you the full experience, as well as spirits from Argentina, Italy, Chile, and France… this place is destined to give you the full international experience as well as authentic appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts straight from traditional Indian recipes.
Ted’s Most Best: This is an Italian cafe that has both indoor and outdoor seating, their original twists on authentic Italian dishes make it a very popular spot in Athens. They also sell desserts from local Athens businesses, that make it a hot spot for a meal and dessert.
Thai Spoon: This place only employs the best of the best cooks who are trained in Thailand and only prepare food from authentic Thai recipes made from the freshest of ingredients. It is family owned and they care about their customers and providing stellar service.
The Taco Stand: Both the Eastside of Athens and Milledge Ave are home to this amazing fast food taco joint that has been an Athens favorite forever. They are most popularly known for their slogan, “mild, hot, or extra hot” and the flavors that come with.
Tlaloc: If you are a flan fan, this place has both regular and chocolate flan and if cinnamon is more your style, they also have amazing churros. Along with a wide selection of Spanish dishes, this place is a big-time local foodie place.
The Cafe on Lumpkin: Athens’ newest cafe edition is open in 5 Points and is in the coolest old historic home. They offer a selection of pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads, and other light options. The coolest part about this restaurant is the afternoon tea that is offered daily which is a 3-course fare that is both amazing in taste and experience.
The Grill: This place is open 24 hours and will curb your greasy cravings. It is an old fashioned diner with retro flooring, decor, and booths, and people from all over the state of Georgia drive to Athens just to eat the Grill.
The Office: This is a sports bar feel with great food and a great atmosphere to catch up on any game at any time. Make sure you try their extremely popular buffalo shrimp while you’re in!
The National: This European and Mediterranian feel allows for patrons to try foods from all around the world while never leaving Athens. One of the most popular parts about this restaurant is the InterNATIONAL Wednesday’s where they have a completely different menu each week with new foods, fusions, and dishes.
The Sultan: Thie vegetarian and Middle Eastern combined restaurant is an amazing place and is a favorite of the Athens locals.
The Table Bistro: This is a nicer, New American style restaurant with an Asian spin. This is one of the local favorites and is known for its always-changing menu style. It also has both an outdoor and an indoor vibe.
The Royal Peasant: This London themed restaurant is sure to make you feel like you have been dropped right in the middle of England. They have an amazing menu full of European style dishes, but the local favorite is by far the authentic fish and chips.
Trapeze Pub: This pub is probably the most popular in Athens for both their amazing and creative takes on food as well as their on-tap selection of local and imported beers.
Utage Sushi Bar: This sushi bar downtown is super popular for fast takeout options as well as sit down options. A fan favorite here is the mochi ice cream that has 5 different flavor options that are all delicious.
Viva! Argentina Food: If you need to satisfy your cravings for empanadas, papa frita, and soups, this is the place for you. They also have some of the best homemade cupcakes that Athens has to offer.
If your goal is to try all of the restaurants Athens has to offer, then you need to download our Food Scavenger Hunt for the Classic City.
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