25 Essential Athens Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Athens.
LawLers Barbecue
Alabama
Local BBQ chain serving St. Louis-style ribs, sandwiches & comfort sides in a casual setting.
Bojangles
Alabama
Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for fried chicken & biscuit, plus signature sides.
Ramona J’s
Alabama
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Athens's most persuasive restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 83.8.
Irons & Ales
Athens, Alabama
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Ro's Grille
Athens, Alabama
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection.
Village Pizza
Athens, Alabama
Laid-back, brick-lined joint featuring brick-oven pizzas, hot subs & salads, along with draft beer.
Firehouse Subs Athens Shoppes
Athens, Alabama
Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
Marco's Pizza
Athens, Alabama
Counter-serve chain serving up a menu of specialty or custom pizzas for takeout or delivery.
Washington Street Diner
Athens, Alabama
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility.
IHOP
Athens, Alabama
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
Burrito Express
Athens, Alabama
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Drive-through, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Athens, Alabama
Homey chain restaurant serving American comfort food, with an on-site general store.
Whitt's Barbecue
Athens, Alabama
Local BBQ chain offering hickory-smoked meats, wings & sides in a low-key counter-service setting.
Subway
Athens, Alabama
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Athens, Alabama
Louisiana-inspired fast-food chain known for its crispy fried chicken, chicken sandwiches & fries.
Arby's
Athens, Alabama
Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Athens, Alabama
Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.
Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
Athens, Alabama
Chain eatery serving up fried chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches & other American comfort food.
306 Barbecue
Athens, Alabama
House-smoked BBQ, wings & sides, plus beer & wine, served in unfussy digs for takeout or dine-in.
Captain D's
Athens, Alabama
Fast-food chain serving fried fish & shrimp combo meals along with gumbo & funnel cakes.
Eagles Diner
Athens, Alabama
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee, Great tea selection, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
Dub's Burgers
Athens, Alabama
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch.
Waffle House
Athens, Alabama
Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.
Mike’s Cafe
Athens, Alabama
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Casa Blanca
Athens, Alabama
Local Mexican chain offering a menu of classic dishes & a full bar in a casual, traditional space.