If you’re a UGA student, you know Athens is a lively college town featuring a variety of restaurants, bars, shops and places to visit. Throughout your four years here, exploring the city and wanting to discover new places is inevitable.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living in Athens, GA
When living at Rambler, you’re only steps away from all that Athens has to offer. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of what we consider to be the best of Athens, including:
- Best places for coffee
- Best places to drink
- Best places to eat
- Best places to study
- Best places to take pictures
- Best places to tailgate
- Best activities
Best Places for Coffee
Hendershots Coffee
Address: 237 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Hendershots is a popular spot among UGA students, particularly for studying, working, and meeting with friends. They offer a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, free Wi-Fi, and live music on Friday nights!
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Photo Courtesy of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Address: 1540 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30605
Bitty and Beau’s is a unique coffee shop, employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There are plenty of study spots both inside and on the patio, which is also pet-friendly!
1000 Faces
Photo Courtesy of 1000 Faces.
Address: 510 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
1000 Faces is the perfect spot to relax or hang with friends at their convenient downtown location. Featuring coffee grounds from all over the world for purchase, 1000 Faces stays true to their mission of connecting coffee producers to consumers. With no shortage of seating, you can grab a coffee, a tea, or a baked good and stay awhile.
Read the full article: The 7 Best Coffee Shops in Athens, GA Near UGA
Best Places to Drink
Going Out
HYBAR (Hyatt Place Rooftop)
Address: Rooftop, 412 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
Have a birthday coming up? Looking for the perfect photo-op for formal? HYBAR is your place. This rooftop offers gorgeous views of Athens along with craft cocktails to celebrate any occasion. Plus, the downtown bars are only a few minutes walk away to keep your night going.
Double Barrel
Photo Courtesy of doublebarrelathens Instagram
Address: 429 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
If you’re in the mood to socialize, check out Double Barrel. As a UGA student hotspot, you’re sure to meet new people. This laid-back bar is the perfect spot to cap your night out or stay for a chill night.
Emporium
Photo Courtesy of empouriumathens Instagram
Address: 364 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
Emporium is the new place to be for UGA students. Between the air-conditioned indoor bar, rooftop bar, and super cute photo-ops, you have to stop by Emporium on your night out!
Read the full article here: 10 Best Bars in Athens, GA
Happy Hour
El Barrio
Address: 1331 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
El Barrio, located in Five Points, is a popular place to frequent before UGA football games or a night out. Their happy hour occurs every day of the week from 2-5pm, and includes:
- $6 House Margaritas
- $10 Dos Equis Amber Pitchers
- $12 Sol Mexican Lager Buckets
- $32 Large House Margarita Pitchers
Magnolias
Address: 312 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
Located downtown, Magnolias is also a popular game day spot, as well as a fun place to hang out with friends. Plus, they offer free games of pool everyday! You can enjoy these drinks on happy hour:
- Mondays: ½ off wells and $10 wine bottles with The Bachelor on the projector at 8 p.m.
- Tuesdays: $2 Tequila shots, $5 Mags Margaritas, $3 off any tequila
- Whiskey Wednesday: $3 Slane, $4 Jack Daniels, $4 Jameson
- Thursdays: Half off seltzers, $3 Beers or Well Liquor
Saucehouse
Address: 830 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
If you’re looking to enjoy some delicious BBQ and drinks, visit Saucehouse. Although a great spot to visit anytime, you can indulge for a great deal during happy hour, which features:
- Wednesday – Sunday: Reverse happy hour! 9-11 p.m. with $2 wells
- Wednesday: ½ fried rib basket with trivia at 7 p.m.
- Thursday: $2 off seltzers, ½ off champagne bottles, buy one get one ½ off boneless wings
- Sunday: $5 off Mimosa and Bloody Mary pitchers, ½ off rib tips and egg rolls
Read the full article here: 8 Best Happy Hours near The University of Georgia
Best Places to Eat
Brunch
Big City Bread
Photo Courtesy of Big City Bread.
Address: 393 N Finley St Studio C, Athens, GA 30601
Big City Bread is an iconic breakfast and lunch place in Athens, offering specialty, made-to-order brunch items on Saturdays and Sundays and homemade pastries and breads. With an emphasis on healthy eating, they serve organic, locally-grown produce, meats and cheeses daily. Plus, their outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to start your morning.
Five Bar
Photo Courtesy of Five Bar.
Address: 269 N Hull St #100, Athens, GA 30601
Five Bar, like the name implies, offers a simple five menu items and five signature cocktails. They make everything from scratch from locally-sourced ingredients. Don’t miss out on their fairly new “Jazz Brunch” on Saturdays and Sundays where you can enjoy your meal and some great music.
Last Resort Grill
Photo Courtesy of The Last Resort Grill.
Address: 174-184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
Originally opened as a music club in the ‘60s, Last Resort Grill is now a staple restaurant in Athens. Their weekend brunch offers the most delicious, southern-inspired plates cooked from high-quality ingredients. Whatever the occasion, you can’t go wrong visiting Last Resort.
Read the full article here: 10 Best Brunch Spots in Athens, GA Near The University of Georgia
Lunch + Dinner
Taqueria Del Sol
Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Magazine
Address: 334 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Taqueria Del Sol is another Mexican place near UGA, offering a simple but delicious lunch and dinner menu. They are open for lunch Monday through Saturday and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, so be sure to plan accordingly if you plan to stop by!
Chuck’s Fish
Photo Courtesy of Open Table
Address: 220 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
Featuring some of the best sushi in Athens, Chuck’s Fish is a must-try for anyone. This popular spot tends to get crowded, so you may have to wait a bit to get a table since they don’t take reservations. However, the food is totally worth the wait!
Clocked
Photo Courtesy of The Plasencia Group.
Address: 259 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
Clocked offers yummy and affordable burgers to everyone in Athens. Conveniently located downtown, this burger-joint is especially popular among UGA students. They feature an indoor and covered patio that’s pet-friendly, so it’s perfect for anytime of year.
Read the full article here: The 15 Best Restaurants in Athens, GA
Best Places to Study
On-Campus
Miller Learning Center (MLC)
Photo Courtesy of UGA Libraries
Address: 48 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30602
The Miller Learning Center is a UGA student favorite because of the ample study space available throughout its four floors. Plus, it’s open 24 hours during the week for those late-night exam reviews.
Main Library
Photo Courtesy of Dreamstime
Address: 320 S Jackson St, Athens, GA 30602
Also on-campus is the Main Library, which hosts nine floors of study rooms and individual areas. Between study breaks, you can visit the Einstein Bros Bagels on the first floor for a quick pick-me-up.
Off-Campus
Jittery Joe’s
Photo Courtesy of Jittery Joe’s Coffee.
Address: 297 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
If you’re looking for a local Athens spot to grab a coffee and study, Jittery Joe’s is your place. With outdoor and indoor seating, this coffee shop accommodates both solo and group study sessions.
Starbucks
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest.
Address: 100 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Starbucks is the perfect place to go if you need to study in between classes or grab a pick-me-up. The North Campus location is a convenient spot that keeps you close to campus so you can get to your next class quickly!
Read the full article here: 10 Best Study Spots Near The University of Georgia
Best Places to Take Pictures
Greetings from Athens
Address: 230 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
The iconic “Getting from Athens” mural is a must-visit while in Athens. The mural is composed of community landmarks and famous musicians from Athens, celebrating the rich history of the city.
“I love you” Wall at El Barrio
Address: 1331 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 3060
Outside of one our favorite restaurants, El Barrio, lives the “I love you” wall. This mural offers a cute backdrop for photos, a cute IG story, and a great place to take visitors.
Herty Field Fountain
Address: Herty Dr, Athens, GA 30602
Located on UGA campus, Heart Field Fountain is a gorgeous spot for photos. Whether you’re taking graduation photos, formal pics, or just having a photoshoot with friends, the greenery and gorgeous trees make for a beautiful backdrop.
Read the full article here: 12 Best Instagrammable Places in Athens Near the University of Georgia
Best Places to Tailgate
Paloma Park
Address: 235 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601
Paloma Park is the place to be on UGA game days. Lots of students come here if they don’t have tickets to the game, or stop by before the game to grab a drink and a bite to each off their delicious brunch menu.
Pauley’s Crêpe Bar
Photo Courtesy of Pauley’s Instagram
Address: 134 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601
Pauleys is only a 15-minute walk to Sanford Stadium, making it the perfect spot to visit before a game. Although it’s typically crowded on game days, you can’t miss their cocktails, appetizers, and of course, crepes! Be sure to arrive early if you want to snag a table.
Cali N Tito’s
Address: 1427 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30605
On game days with gorgeous weather, check out the outdoor seating at Cali N Tito’s. This BYOB joint is a great spot to enjoy your drink of choice (and save a few bucks!) in the company of fellow Dawg football fans.
Read the full article here: 10 Best UGA Tailgates in Athens, GA
Best Activities
Creature Comforts Brewery
Photo Courtesy of Creature Comforts Brewing Company.
Address: 271 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
If you’re getting a little bored with just “grabbing a drink,” you need to stop by Creature Comforts. You can choose from a multitude of craft beers, enjoy live music, and take a tour of the brewery free of charge! Or, spend the afternoon at the Athens Farmers Market on the brewery’s patio that takes place every Wednesday.
Georgia Theatre
Address: 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601
Whether you live in Athens or just stopping by, you can’t miss the historic Georgia Theatre. Hosting football watch parties on game days and lively concerts, this spot is full of fun and gorgeous photo-ops!
Ciné
Photo Courtesy of Ciné.
Address: 234 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601
Ciné in downtown Athens triples as a cinema, a bar and an event space. With showtimes everyday and monthly art exhibits, you can spend both a Friday night or a chill Sunday here. Plus, The Red & Black, a UGA student-run newspaper, voted Ciné as the Best Date Spot!
Read the full article here: 15 Best Things to Do in Athens, GA
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Athens, GA. If you have any more questions about living near UGA, contact the Rambler leasing team. We’re always happy to help!
