Restaurants in Athens
Best Restaurants
Italian • $$
Seafood • $
“We eat here quite often, love the bacon wrapped shrimp most. This could be the best if TV’s were removed, a little more decorations a d low lighting. We still go, wait staff is always top notch. We will be back.”
American • $
“First time at their new location. Just a hamburger and fries for lunch but they were very good. My friends eat here all the time and enjoy their daily meal specials. Go give them a try.”
Pubs • $$
“The Bubbles and Squeak was one the most delicious things I have ever had. I’m sooo glad I decided to give it a try!!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Mexican • $
“The best, from Manager to chip girl, the very best. Great, friendly waiters. Great bar tender.. The food is excellent. Thank you so much for being in Athens and having tremendous and friendly service, Rene is a fantastic manager!”
Seafood • $
“Great Delicious food! Our waitress was Myah and she kept our tea glass filled, and made sure we had anything we needed. Myah made the dining experience wonderful. The food was fresh and delicious. A family friendly atmosphere with great food, great service for a great price.”
Burgers • $
“The food is amazing the service is normally great tonight I spoke with Mary Marrone she was very friendly did an excellent job with customer service”
Restaurants with Delivery
Italian • $$
“Lil Mazzara’s Italian is a local favorite for delicious, authentic Italian food and warm, welcoming service. Perfect for client dinners or casual team outings—we love supporting this amazing spot in our community!”
Mexican • $
“The best, from Manager to chip girl, the very best. Great, friendly waiters. Great bar tender.. The food is excellent. Thank you so much for being in Athens and having tremendous and friendly service, Rene is a fantastic manager!”
Seafood • $
“Great Delicious food! Our waitress was Myah and she kept our tea glass filled, and made sure we had anything we needed. Myah made the dining experience wonderful. The food was fresh and delicious. A family friendly atmosphere with great food, great service for a great price.”
Burgers • $
“The food is amazing the service is normally great tonight I spoke with Mary Marrone she was very friendly did an excellent job with customer service”
Brewery
“Had a few beers, grabbed takeout, in cluding growler's. Service and beer was great. The burgers we took out exceeded our expectations in size and flavor. Would definitely recommend.”
American • $
“My son and I stopped by the Hwy 31 location for lunch. I ordered the small catfish meal. It comes with fries which I exchanged for turnips and Cornbread. The catfish was cooked to perfection and the fresh turnips were spot on turnips. The Cornbread muffin was light and fluffy. The meal was a great value and made my tastebuds happy. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend Ramona J's to anyone who wants great food for a great price. Go ahead and tantalize your tastebuds.”
Fast Food • $
“Chick-fil-A Athens is always a bright spot in our day—delicious food, kind service, and a consistent commitment to the community. We’re grateful to have them right here in town!”
Mexican • $
“We have been going here for more than a year and they consistently have great food and the people there are so nice. They never get our order wrong and they are so accommodating!”
Deli • $
“we came) to dinner for the first time this evening, I've been trying for a while to get my husband to go with me, we were pleasantly surprised how good everything was. Our steaks were perfectly cooked and hot and the veggies perfect. we had the sweetest two servers upstairs. we will be back to try something new next time. Thanks for a fantastic evening!”
Brewery
“Had a few beers, grabbed takeout, in cluding growler's. Service and beer was great. The burgers we took out exceeded our expectations in size and flavor. Would definitely recommend.”
American • $
“My son and I stopped by the Hwy 31 location for lunch. I ordered the small catfish meal. It comes with fries which I exchanged for turnips and Cornbread. The catfish was cooked to perfection and the fresh turnips were spot on turnips. The Cornbread muffin was light and fluffy. The meal was a great value and made my tastebuds happy. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend Ramona J's to anyone who wants great food for a great price. Go ahead and tantalize your tastebuds.”
Fast Food • $
“Chick-fil-A Athens is always a bright spot in our day—delicious food, kind service, and a consistent commitment to the community. We’re grateful to have them right here in town!”
Online Reservation Available
Southern • $$
“If you’re craving authentic Southern flavors served with warmth and hospitality, The Southern Table is the place to be. A true community favorite where every meal feels like home. We’re proud to support them!”
Japanese • $
“My friends and I dined here recently for an early dinner. We decided to try quite a variety of dishes from sushi to hibachi. The food was delicious along with excellent service. I would recommend the Bento Box and Sushi Rolls. The servings were generous, so my family was also able to enjoy them as well. Mmmm!”
Chinese • $
“The food is good and the gals keep good check on drinks or other needs.”
Chicken Wings • $
“Love coming up here with Anissa. Always a good time with great service 💕”
24 Hour Restaurants
Coffee Shops • $
“An alternative to Starbucks coffee. I don't think it's as strong as Starbucks. The men's bathroom is always dirty. the trash is always overflowing. Even when it's slow in the store the help just stands around talking to each other instead of checking on the bathroom. What a shame because it's such a nice store.”
Dessert • $
“If I could give them 100 stars I would, my family and I had the best experience, the owner is as good as you will ever meet! He took the time to come too our house and serve my little girl and it made her day!”
Breakfast • $
“We eat at this place usually once a week. Staff is friendly and food is good and inexpensive. Just small so if you come at the wrong time you may as well not bother.”
Breakfast • $
“We first went to Waffle House on 72. 1st issue we weren't greeted when we arrived. They only had 3 staff 2 men and a woman. So we weren't bothered by it. We waited for 3 tables that needed busted. Before we could be seated. The left side of the room wasn't being waited on. The right side was being waited on by a woman. We waited for a table the male waitress finally cleaned one of the tables. We set for 10 minutes waiting patinetly with no acknowledgement, or drinks so we left. Not because they were busy, but because of the environment. We went to Waffle House on 31 we were greeted, waited on, and received our order promptly. The food was great, and all 3 employees cooks and waitress completed their servicees greatly!”
Mexican • $
“We have been going here for more than a year and they consistently have great food and the people there are so nice. They never get our order wrong and they are so accommodating!”
Takeout Restaurants
Seafood • $
“We eat here quite often, love the bacon wrapped shrimp most. This could be the best if TV’s were removed, a little more decorations a d low lighting. We still go, wait staff is always top notch. We will be back.”
Pubs • $$
“The Bubbles and Squeak was one the most delicious things I have ever had. I’m sooo glad I decided to give it a try!!”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Kreme Delite is an Athens classic! From ice cream cones to chili dogs, it’s the perfect spot for a treat and a trip down memory lane. We love supporting this hometown favorite!”
Diner • $
“Food is delicious. This is my new favorite breakfast place in town. There is limited seating, but it is as you would expect in a small restaurant just off the Town Square. We consider it part of the overall ambiance of the diner. The biscuits and gravy with fried bologna and sliced tomatoes are some of my favs.”
Coffee Roasteries • $
“Stopped in and bought some came home made a cup and I loved it great taste very smooth”
Hamburger • $
“Dubs Burgers (We just discovered ) is the kind of classic spot you hope never disappears. Open since 1961, and you can feel that they’ve had decades to perfect what they do. Their “slug burger” smash-style burger absolutely stands out from any national fast-food chain out there—crispy edges, a super soft bun, and packed with that old-school flavor you can’t fake.
The vibe is totally laid-back, nothing fancy, just honest, tasty comfort food done right. They’ve got all the classics—hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, grilled cheese—and everything coming off the grill has that nostalgic diner charm and grub love. You can ask for a plate, but I don't think they have any, everything is served on wax paper and then stuffed in a paper bag, which is perfect!
Huge shoutout to the waitress who walked us through the menu and helped me pick the perfect burger. Loved it. Can’t wait to go back.”
Sports Bar • $
“Great food and drinks, home town people and friendly environment.”
Bar & Grill • $
“We’ve been visiting the Barge for a couple years now and love the vibe. The service is fantastic! We love seeing our favorite bar ladies & servers. The view is beautiful. Music is great and it’s a fun place to hang with friends.”
Deli • $
“we came) to dinner for the first time this evening, I've been trying for a while to get my husband to go with me, we were pleasantly surprised how good everything was. Our steaks were perfectly cooked and hot and the veggies perfect. we had the sweetest two servers upstairs. we will be back to try something new next time. Thanks for a fantastic evening!”
Chicken Shop • $
“It was delicious ive never ate at bojangles this was my very first time nd the breakfast was amazing ty”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Mexican • $
“I always order the chicken & steak rice and it's gone hit Everytime!!!! The drinks are phenomenal update those stars because they never disappoint EVER ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Health Food • $
“Great service, great nutrition drinks and great prices. Love coming here”
Chinese • $
“Good price for the amount of food you get. I can go in there after a long day at work, order a large amount of food and have it ready and all packed in a neat box to take home in less than 10 minutes”
Barbecue • $
“Big Thank you.. Catered my grandaughters wedding. Food was awesome..And the caters where so nice..Good job girls..ty again. Athens LawLers Barbecue”
Chicken • $
“We had a bad experience when the Madison location opened and when we got one here in Athens my husband and I decided to give it another chance. We are SO glad that we did! It’s now one of our favorite places to eat, every staff member we have encountered has been extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is so relaxed!”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Fast and friendly customer service. My order was made to perfection.”
Bakery • $
“Suzanne’s Bakery is a local gem! Everything is baked with love, and the flavors are always amazing. Whether it’s for an event, client gift, or just because—it’s one of our favorite places to stop in Athens!”
Juice • $
“Great service, great nutrition drinks and great prices. Love coming here”
Pizza • $
“Pizza was great, ordered easily on the app, but got a text two minutes after ordering saying it was done. Called and the girl who answered told me someone was playing around with the buttons. Also $50 for 1 medium and 1 small seems a bit high, won't be able to order from there too often”
Cafe
“Quality products with great prices located near downtown Athens. They provide weight loss and health products. Yea bombs and milkshakes made with water.”
Juice • $
“Smoothie King is one of my favorite places to go to in Athens. Their Smoothies are delicious, and their Açaí bowls are off-the-chart good! They take time to carefully prepare each item that goes into the bowl, which looks like a work of art upon completion! I can never wait until I get home to eat one…I drive into the parking lot and devour it! They are not only delicious and filling, but very healthy. My son in Wisconsin always wants to go there when he comes to visit. He says this Smoothie King is better than any he’s ever been to. Thank you for the great service, also!”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Love Chicken Salad Chick! Everyone at the Athens location is so nice. I’ve never had a bad experience. One lady in particular, I think her name is Amy, is the absolute sweetest. Great food obviously!”
Diner • $
“Food is delicious. This is my new favorite breakfast place in town. There is limited seating, but it is as you would expect in a small restaurant just off the Town Square. We consider it part of the overall ambiance of the diner. The biscuits and gravy with fried bologna and sliced tomatoes are some of my favs.”
Barbecue • $
“The beef barbecue, turkey sandwiches and sweet tea are great!”
Cheap Eats
Coffee Shops • $
“Everyone is always so friendly I love the coffee as well ❤️ ☕️”
“Food is awesome Big portions for great prices”
Mexican • $
“Extremely delicious food! Got the Alpastor bowl from the food truck at Dead People’s Market vintage pop up! My goodness is the food super flavorful and extremely filling! Customer service was top-tier and the owners were incredibly hospitable and sweet to talk to. 100% recommend this food truck!”
Seafood • $
“Catfish Cabin is locally owned and they have the best food in Athens and the reason they run out of fish is because they stay buzy all time and if u haven't ever worked in fast food then u don't know what the workers there go through they try there best to please everyone that comes in but thats impossible and if ur short staffed like everyone is now you got to wait I don't see no body leaving the lines at Burger King r mickie d love the food there and there workers r amazing .Catfish Cabin gets 5 stars plus”
Mexican • $
“Had the Chile Colorado, and it was fantastic. The meat was tender and the sauce was very flavorful. The homemade corn tortillas were excellent. The restaurant was very clean and the staff was friendly. Would definitely recommend!”
Mexican • $
“I go here a lot and it’s always clean and the food is great. Shout out to Christian and Alex, they are the best servers and if your lucky you will go on a day Alex is the stand in manager and on that day you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong”
Mexican • $
“Food was very good and drinks we very larg looking forward to going back”
Breakfast • $
“A lot more food served than I expected! It was very good and we had leftovers enough for another meal. Our waittress was very sweet. The music was set to classic 80s pop and soft rock. This is a weird thing to review perhaps, but the bathroom smelled amazing with some kind of cinnamon potpourri stuff.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Went in today and the ladies working were amazing! They all spoke when I walked in, and taking my order was so easy! My first time there and will definitely be back!”
Pizza • $
“been eating here for a long long time and have never had anything but great service and food. Athens is lucky to have such great people working here ! keep up the good work !!”
American • $
“The management and crew have come and long way in the past few years and we are so happy and excited for it!!! Vax is very impressive young lady who is excellent at her job and customer service 💯 All of the servers and bartenders are doing a great job, as well as the back of house crew. Food is excellent and our visits are 100% satisfying ❤️”
Southern • $$
“If you’re craving authentic Southern flavors served with warmth and hospitality, The Southern Table is the place to be. A true community favorite where every meal feels like home. We’re proud to support them!”
Japanese • $
“My friends and I dined here recently for an early dinner. We decided to try quite a variety of dishes from sushi to hibachi. The food was delicious along with excellent service. I would recommend the Bento Box and Sushi Rolls. The servings were generous, so my family was also able to enjoy them as well. Mmmm!”
Coffee Roasteries • $
“Stopped in and bought some came home made a cup and I loved it great taste very smooth”
Hamburger • $
“Dubs Burgers (We just discovered ) is the kind of classic spot you hope never disappears. Open since 1961, and you can feel that they’ve had decades to perfect what they do. Their “slug burger” smash-style burger absolutely stands out from any national fast-food chain out there—crispy edges, a super soft bun, and packed with that old-school flavor you can’t fake.
The vibe is totally laid-back, nothing fancy, just honest, tasty comfort food done right. They’ve got all the classics—hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, grilled cheese—and everything coming off the grill has that nostalgic diner charm and grub love. You can ask for a plate, but I don't think they have any, everything is served on wax paper and then stuffed in a paper bag, which is perfect!
Huge shoutout to the waitress who walked us through the menu and helped me pick the perfect burger. Loved it. Can’t wait to go back.”
Sports Bar • $
“Great food and drinks, home town people and friendly environment.”
Bar & Grill • $
“We’ve been visiting the Barge for a couple years now and love the vibe. The service is fantastic! We love seeing our favorite bar ladies & servers. The view is beautiful. Music is great and it’s a fun place to hang with friends.”
Latest Reviews
Mexican • $
“The best, from Manager to chip girl, the very best. Great, friendly waiters. Great bar tender.. The food is excellent. Thank you so much for being in Athens and having tremendous and friendly service, Rene is a fantastic manager!”
Pizza • $
“Best pizza place ever every time we go there we get treated like family the longest time we’ve had to wait while dining inside is a few minutes and they have the best variety of pizza I very much recommend trying there food if you’re in athens”
Seafood • $
“Catfish Cabin is locally owned and they have the best food in Athens and the reason they run out of fish is because they stay buzy all time and if u haven't ever worked in fast food then u don't know what the workers there go through they try there best to please everyone that comes in but thats impossible and if ur short staffed like everyone is now you got to wait I don't see no body leaving the lines at Burger King r mickie d love the food there and there workers r amazing .Catfish Cabin gets 5 stars plus”
Restaurant • $
“My son and I stopped by the Hwy 31 location for lunch. I ordered the small catfish meal. It comes with fries which I exchanged for turnips and Cornbread. The catfish was cooked to perfection and the fresh turnips were spot on turnips. The Cornbread muffin was light and fluffy. The meal was a great value and made my tastebuds happy. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend Ramona J's to anyone who wants great food for a great price. Go ahead and tantalize your tastebuds.”
Seafood • $
“We eat here quite often, love the bacon wrapped shrimp most. This could be the best if TV’s were removed, a little more decorations a d low lighting. We still go, wait staff is always top notch. We will be back.”
Restaurant • $$
“The Bubbles and Squeak was one the most delicious things I have ever had. I’m sooo glad I decided to give it a try!!”
Restaurant • $
“Staff was extremely friendly. Food was great . Nice clean place. Would definitely recommend them!”
Brewery
“Had a few beers, grabbed takeout, in cluding growler's. Service and beer was great. The burgers we took out exceeded our expectations in size and flavor. Would definitely recommend.”
Most Popular Restaurants
Fast Food • $
“I go to this McDonald's everyday! They know my name and my order before I say anything! That's what I call service, they do get a little overwhelmed sometimes in the morning when I'm there I see them running around like a chicken with there head cut off but I still never have to wait long. I think they need more help if the heads seen how they are so overwhelmed maybe they could get more help. I'm giving them 5 stars because I love everything about this McDonald's except seeing good workers overworked and under paid! Love my McDonald's worker's! 👍😁❤️”
American • $$
“Best Logan’s in the area. I had the best experience at this location then I have in a long time”
Chicken Wings • $
“Love coming up here with Anissa. Always a good time with great service 💕”
Fast Food • $
“This Particular McDonald’s is home to me. Always has been and always will be. I started at this McDonald’s on Hwy 31 in Athens as a Crew member back in 2012, when I was just 16 years old. I worked very hard the four years I was there eventually I got the opportunity to become a Kitchen Department Manager for the McDonald’s company at a different location. So I decided to leave for more money of course. It’s been 14 years since the day I started. I recently about a month ago came back to work there at Hwy 31 Athens Location. And A lot has changed some for the better some for the worse. I do like that they finally remodeled the store. It was needing a makeover. lol🤣 But mostly the only thing that’s changed is the people, it’s all new people, new faces, new strangers to get to know. Policies and procedures has gotten more light. But honestly I’ve seen what the post pandemic can do on a struggling business. I’ve seen good people/businesses having to close there doors cause they can’t handle the finances no more. But that’s not the case at this particular McDonald’s. Athens, AL has always been a town I love cause I spent 20 years of my life here. The customers support is unbelievable here! I’ve never seen a McDonald’s flourish like this one has in just ten years I’ve been away! Of course we have our problems like all businesses no one is perfect. But I do wanna warn the loving customers that we are very short staff right now. So please bare with us, especially at night. If y’all know anyone looking for a job, please send them our way we would love to have anyone on our team! I love working with just about anybody! Like I said before just be patient with us for right now. We will soon get back to being the top store in the region again I have faith! Just gotta stay positive through the storm. 😊 We do truly appreciate your support of our Company though. We love all of y’all! God Bless Y’all!”
Seafood • $
“Catfish Cabin is locally owned and they have the best food in Athens and the reason they run out of fish is because they stay buzy all time and if u haven't ever worked in fast food then u don't know what the workers there go through they try there best to please everyone that comes in but thats impossible and if ur short staffed like everyone is now you got to wait I don't see no body leaving the lines at Burger King r mickie d love the food there and there workers r amazing .Catfish Cabin gets 5 stars plus”
Coffee Shops • $
“The early morning staff here at the Athens Alabama location is amazing! Very professional and very friendly! I look forward to coming in every morning, I know it’s a great start to my day and will make everyone’s day better also! Highly recommend this location!”
American • $
“The management and crew have come and long way in the past few years and we are so happy and excited for it!!! Vax is very impressive young lady who is excellent at her job and customer service 💯 All of the servers and bartenders are doing a great job, as well as the back of house crew. Food is excellent and our visits are 100% satisfying ❤️”
Fast Food • $
“What's the time the food that I order is very good. And the service is pretty good too. But once in a while if I use the drive-thru and not getting something that I needed sometimes it's as simple as a straw but sometimes it's cheese sauce or taco sauce so I always check your bags in the drive through.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Kreme Delite is an Athens classic! From ice cream cones to chili dogs, it’s the perfect spot for a treat and a trip down memory lane. We love supporting this hometown favorite!”
Barbecue • $
“Big Thank you.. Catered my grandaughters wedding. Food was awesome..And the caters where so nice..Good job girls..ty again. Athens LawLers Barbecue”
Fast Food • $
“Went to Wendy’s tonight around 9pm. I ordered a #9. Simple as could be. You would think? I got my order and the burger seemed small to be a the Bourbon Bacon Burger. I checked it and it was pathetic. I have never had anything negative to say about Wendy’s, but tonight was not a great experience. The burger didn’t have all of the ingredients on it and it only had one tiny piece of bacon. It was literally a patty, a slice of cheese, and a tiny piece of bacon. The bun was hard around the edges as if it had been sitting under a warmer all day. I circled back around to return the food, but I had already been sitting in the drive thru for what seemed like an hour to order anyway. I was tired and hungry and ready to go home. I tried calling the store to voice my disappointment but I didn’t get an answer. So I am resorting to an online review. I don’t typically make complaints on food orders, but to pay $10 for a burger that was beyond pathetic was very disappointing and then I didn’t even get a receipt for my order either so I have no proof of my order. I’m sorry to say It was a very pitiful experience. I ended up going to a different restaurant to order a meal.”
Fast Food • $
“Not sure his name but I know he was a new employee and he was from Louisiana, been living with his mom in Tennessee and now at his dads in Athens. He is a great and pleasant asset to Arbys there in Athens! Hopefully he gets to visit Pappadeaux and hopefully he’s a long term employee! I ordered the Fish and he took the time to come over and see how it was and was a present conversation!”
Chicken • $
“We had a bad experience when the Madison location opened and when we got one here in Athens my husband and I decided to give it another chance. We are SO glad that we did! It’s now one of our favorite places to eat, every staff member we have encountered has been extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is so relaxed!”
New Restaurants
Coffee Shops • $
“Blake H is wonderful! He’s very nice and always helpful when I place my coffee order. Hannah is also awesome! I look forward to seeing them and getting my coffee fix!”
Coffee Shops • $
“My husband and I stopped in for the first time on Saturday during the car show. We both got Iced Caramel Macchiato’s. Not only was the barista helpful but our drinks were perfect. The place itself is very nice and clean. My husband said “this is our new coffee spot!” He was very impressed!”
Ice Cream Shop
“there ice cream and tacos. definitely recommend them for a quick grab”
Chicken Wings • $
“My first visit to this location and it was A+ across the board. I ordered online for pick-up and my food was ready exactly at the pick-up time advertised. Everything was hot, fresh and as ordered. The restaurant and restroom were clean and employees at the front were friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be back!”
“Lil Mazzara’s Italian is a local favorite for delicious, authentic Italian food and warm, welcoming service. Perfect for client dinners or casual team outings—we love supporting this amazing spot in our community!”