As alumni and students spend time enjoying Homecoming festivities over the weekend, it is important to know where to stop to get a bite to eat. Beyond the Ohio University dining halls and food trucks, Athens has a wide variety of spots with plenty of different types of cuisine to satisfy any craving.
The first stop is the recently added Playa Bowls on South Court Street. Added to the Athens food scene in March, Playa Bowls specializes in an assortment of healthy, fruit-centric bowls and smoothies. Customers can select from a wide variety of ingredients and bases to make their own custom bowls, tailoring them to their specific tastes.
Right next door to Playa Bowls is another recent addition to Athens: Raising Cane’s. The fried chicken chain opened up its Athens location in October 2025. Since then, students and city residents have been able to enjoy the establishment’s signature chicken fingers, toast and sauce combos.
Beyond Raising Cane’s, Athens boasts a variety of options for fried chicken lovers. North of Raising Cane’s is the sports bar and chicken shop Buffalo Wild Wings. Down on East Stimson Avenue is an establishment of another widely loved fried chicken franchise, Kentucky Fried Chicken.
For those looking to support a local business, Miller’s Chicken on West State Street provides guests with an ample selection of chicken, seafood, breakfast options and sandwiches. Hot Box Chicken Fingers & Tots provides its own blend of tasty fried chicken while also using some of its profits to help pay for OU students’ tuition via the Athens County Scholarship. Students can also use their meal swipes at Earl’s Coop on East Green to satisfy their chicken cravings.
For those looking to chow down on a slice of pizza, Athens comes packed with plenty of options. A few major chains can be found within the city’s limits, including Domino’s and Papa John's. For those looking for pizza by the slice, they can stop by the much-loved local spot GoodFella’s Pizza. Courtside Pizza on the West end of Court Street is a place students and locals often sit and eat their pizza. Avalanche Pizza is another beloved local spot known for its use of locally-sourced ingredients and specialty pizza options.
For fans of Mexican food, Athens offers options both globally-present and locally owned. Alumni and students can grab a bowl or burrito on the go at the Chipotle on Court Street. If they are looking for a more sit-down dining experience, local restaurants El Tenampa and Casa Nueva offer festive environments and food. North End Kitchen + Bar specializes in quality Mexican street food. Students can also stop by Big Mamma’s Burritos and Dos Hermanos if they are looking for other local Mexican spots.
Athens also sports a few spots for a variety of Asian cuisines. On Court Street, Mr. Hibachi and Ginger Asian Kitchen stand nearly opposite one another. Both restaurants offer a selection of sushi rolls and their own unique options. Mr. Hibachi, as its name suggests, offers hearty hibachi meals, and Ginger Asian Kitchen has protein and poke bowls to chow down on. Fusion Noodle Company on West Union Street also provides a variety of Asian-inspired cuisines using locally-sourced ingredients.
For those with a sweet tooth, Court Street comes prepped and ready to deliver. The Athens favorite Whit’s Frozen Custard’s menu is filled with a collection of ice creams, shakes, floats and sundaes to aid any dessert craving. Residents can also grab warm cookies late at night from Insomnia Cookies.
A few new chain restaurants are coming to Athens in the coming months to look forward to. Chick-fil-A announced a new location opening in Athens where the local business Pizza Cottage once was. Asian grill chain Bibibop has a new location currently being constructed on Court Street.
For students and alumni alike planning to participate in the homecoming festivities, Athens provides options to satisfy many different cravings while also supporting local businesses.
