We’ve got a lot in our little town – beautiful scenery, an active community, a vibrant campus, local breweries, wineries, a distillery, and, of course, the local food scene is not a joke. You’ll find local restaurants tucked in all corners of Athens, and some of these things you just won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re new or just passing through, these are the top 10 tasty local spots to grab a bite (in no particular order):
1. Avalanche Pizza
It is guaranteed you’ve never had pizza like Avalanche. From a pound of fresh mushrooms on a pizza, to a Mt. Carb-o-more, to that delicious homemade jalapeno ranch sauce, John has created an amazing and unique pizza you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, he makes that crazy-good bread at the Farmer’s Market. And delicious sandwiches at Slice House. And their tiramisu is delicious! As you can see, there are more than a few reasons to go.
2. Casa Nueva
Casa is a favorite of local culture. Employee-owned, their ingredients are locally-sourced, and they offer a nice selection of vegetarian and vegan options. A vaguely-Hispanic-fusion vibe, their salsas are only outmatched by their Smallies. Plus, they have a great live music and bar scene in the front half of the restaurant, where you’ll also find rotating exhibits by local artists.
3. Star of India
Star of India is family-owned restaurant serves the most authentic Indian food; it’s well-spiced, the meats are always perfectly-cooked (try the lamb!), and their vegetarian options are awesome, too. Try the kofta – seriously. And for fans of gulab jamun – which should be everybody, I’d challenge you to find them anywhere within a 40-mile radius of Athens.
4. O’Betty’s Red Hot
O’Betty’s is a hot dog shop located in the smallest building in uptown Athens. It is seriously so small. This literal hole-in-the-wall carryout offers fancy hot dogs made fresh in-house each day with 100% local Ohio beef, and they also have vegetarian options available. Plus, their hand-cut French fries are unmatched. This is a local favorite late-night spot – great for your walk home from the bars.
5. Purple Chopstix
Purple Chopstix is sometimes elusive, but it’s totally worth it. A self-described eclectic restaurant, you’ll find everything from linguine shrimp and scallops to artichoke parmesan dip to nori sushi rolls. Run by a father and son duo, this vibrant little place is reservation only, with a small menu of local favorites as well as weekly specials of one-of-a-kind dishes. Plus, the vibe here is awesome.
6. Restaurant Salaam
Salaam is the local go-to for cuisine with a Mediterranean/Levant twist. Their limoncello cake is the absolute truth, and their baba gannoush will rival the best you’ve ever had. The décor is colorful and dynamic, and the owner is great about visiting each table to check in and say hi. They’ve got a regular menu, but they also do several weekly specials, which are often suggested or informed on by their regular customers.
7. Jackie O’s Pub House
You know Jackie O’s is legit because it keeps growing. And because you see their beer in stores and bars all over the region. This brewery-bakery-restaurant-live music-bar has a location on Union Street off of Court (Pub House), a brewery at the end of Stimson (The Taproom), and now a bakery, also on Stimson. They’re opening up a new location in Columbus as well. Famous for their unique and delicious beers brewed on-site, the food at the Pub House is really good, too – try the Tijuana Torpedos and the Appalachian Chicken.
8. Dynasty Restaurant
Dynasty is the least-known of Athens’ Chinese restaurants, but it is hands-down the most authentic. A small storefront on Richland Ave, you’ll find all the dishes you’d expect in a Chinese restaurant, but you’ll see when you try it – it’s a different vibe. Family-owned, they cook their dishes in the traditional style. If you’re looking for a Chinese place that’s zero percent Americanized, it’s Dynasty.
9. Zoe Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a great date-night spot, Zoe is the place to go. A New American restaurant, you can expect the traditional American dishes with a modern, fine-dining twist. They use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, and their wine and cocktail menu is tailored specifically for pairing with their dishes. It’s the quirky vibe of Athens, but upscale.
10. Fluff Bakery
We can’t talk about delicious Athens food without mentioning Fluff Bakery! Owned by a local couple with a passion for tempting people to break their diets, they create indulgent, rich desserts and lattes to match. They’ve recently expanded their menu to include brunch options, waffles, salads, wraps, and more. And they make pepperoni rolls from scratch, so you know they’re authentic Appalachians.
We could go on. Like Bagel Street Deli? That’s something you won’t see anywhere else! The other thing about supporting these local eats is that these businesses all support each other and local farmers, too. You’re truly a part of the keep-it-local movement, just by eating a Fluff mini-canole.
Okay, I think it’s time for a visit to BSD for a Portabellicious on focaccia. Bye!