Parading the brick streets for the first time, you can find an assortment of venues boasting an ample number of libations and some tasty grub to boot.
Whether seeking grub shack-style sustenance — which can easily be satisfied at any one of the food carts advertising inexpensive food to go — or craving locally grown nourishment, Athens has a restaurant for that.
Starting Uptown on Court Street, one can easily spot several chain restaurants to satiate a college student’s appetite. Chipotle, Wendy’s, Brenen’s and Pita Pit are all in attendance and reminiscent of at-home sustenance to go.
Mosey farther down the brick street, and you will bump into the localized food options to go.
With prices comparable to Wendy’s and Pita Pit, local grub shacks such as Big Mamma’s Burritos will satisfy even late-night cravings. And at about $3 a pop for a Big Mamma’s burrito, it’s an appealing pick for the budget-savvy.
Another grub shack to savor is O’Betty’s Red Hot. Cincinnatians can relish the chili-laden hot dogs and reminisce with the Skyline-esque components topping the all-beef hotdog.
You can also choose from one of their several other hotdog toppings or savor their crunchy fries.
Last on the local grub list is GoodFella’s Pizza — a post-bar staple. Purchase by-the-slice and munch while waltzing homeward (or dorm-ward).
And locavores rejoice — Athens has become a breeding ground for locally grown treats.
Satisfy a Mexican craving with locally produced salsas, tortillas and veggies at Casa Nueva and Cantina, or one of Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery’s assortment of locally brewed beers.
For those seeking finer dining than that offered on Court Street, 9 Tables, 9 N. Shafer St., offers a prix fixe menu of asparagus salad, crab cakes, steak and a rotating assortment of desserts, including homemade crème brûlée. The pricier dining experience operates on nine tables each night it is open, so make reservations ahead of time.
And one would be remiss not to add Restaurant Salaam and Sol Restaurant to the dining list. The former offers an assortment of Indian cuisine while the latter hosts a Cuban-fusion dining experience.
Two favorites for students seeking an early brunch with friends or sit-down meal post-bar crawl are Union Street Diner and Court Street Diner, located at 70 W. Union St. and 18 N. Court St. From macaroni and cheese to juicy hamburgers, both venues have all the fixings.
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