This may be a bit late, but wanted to give you guys a head's up on what to do and what to expect in our fair city.
We are very proud of Athens, the Classic City. We consider it one of the finest college towns in the country and those of us who are alumni hold a special place in our heart for it.
It lies about 60 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, has about 50,000 residents and a 3-4 county metro area of around 150K. Other than the university, it is best known for bands like REM, B-52's and Widespread Panic as well as many other groups that formed here and/or made this their home base.
If you are staying in or visiting for the game, here are some things to do and look for.
Downtown is the place to be. There are a few dozen restaurants and watering holes within the 16-block area of downtown proper. You can post up here, enjoy several different cuisines, have a drink or three, watch the early games and, most importantly, get in the mood for the game. I'd recommend coming here and then walking either to a tailgate or to the stadium.
It is less than 1 mile from downtown to the stadium gates and you would be strolling through the oldest and nicest part of campus. Our fans are friendly and fun-loving, we love to have a good time and also to meet visiting fans. I am fairly certain your fans will be treated very well this weekend, as I've heard literally nothing but wonderful things about how you all treated our fans two years ago (I was one of them and can confirm).
If you'd like to learn about UGA athletics and history, stop by the Butts-Mehre Building on Lumpkin St. (Harry Mehre was an ND grad and UGA football coach in the 30s).
For some culture, UGA offers a complimentary art museum (on South campus) and botanical garden (on Milledge Ave). They are both worth checking out and are open on game day.
The oldest and nicest part of campus in located right across the street from downtown Athens.
Some options downtown the day of the game -
Bars-
The Globe - was named one of the nation's best bars by Esquire. Mature and sophisticated crowd typically. Diverse beer selection.
Boar's Head - large multi level bar with an outside space as well as a downstairs dive bar. Will be college'y after the game, but during the day should be a diverse gameday crowd.
Georgia Theater - Bar is on the rooftop and the view will be fantastic for Sat. If you don't have tickets, you can watch the game here on the big screen in the main theater space.
Roadhouse - tons of character. Classic dive bar. The signs on the wall are reason enough to stop in for a beer.
Trappeze Pub - Diverse microbrew selection, featuring multiple brews from Georgia as well as international selections. Also, a decent food menu.
Cutter's - Irish themed bar. Large space, with pool tables in the back. You'll like the sign on the wall as you move toward the back of the bar...
Walker's Pub - Named after you-know-who. Generally a fantastic pregame bar, but will be packed all day Sat. If you can't get in, try going upstairs to ...
Blue Sky - laid back bar upstairs with a nice little courtyard outback.
Breweries - It wouldn't be a bad idea to post up at one of these craft breweries for lunch and during the day before heading downtown for pregaming. Only one is located downtown but all feature food and several homemade beers.
Creature Comforts - Located downtown in an old tire dealership. Probably the most notable Athens brewery. Try Tropicalia, a warm weather IPA.
Terrapin - The OG Athens brewery. Opened it's doors in 2002 and is now located just north of town.
Southern Brewing Company - located northeast of downtown. Several school and football themed beers such as the Hobnail IPA and Red and Black sour.
Akademia Brewing - You can find this new brewery just west of downtown. Nice menu and several types of beers.
Food-
No shortage of restaurants or cuisines in this little town.
Thai Spoon - Conventional Thai staples with an emphasis on seafood.
Porterhouse - Downtown's steakhouse. Will likely require a reservation this weekend.
Capital Grille- 24 hour diner located right in the heart of downtown. A bit more upscale than ...
Waffle House - 24 hour diner, serving everything from breakfast to steak. If you're from the southeast, you've probably been to a WH many times.
Marker 7 - Located in Five Points, just a couple miles from the stadium. Low-key seafood selections and decent beer variety.
Taco Stand- 3 locations in Athens, and one downtown on Broad St. Simple Mexican with a college bar feel and multiple TVs. Good place for lunch or an afternoon snack on gameday. Right across the street from campus.
Little Italy - Downtown pizzeria for those seeking a quick slice during barhopping or before heading into the game.
Utage- nice little sushi place. It has been here for years, so it must be good.
Ahi Hibachi and Poke - Self explanatory.
Amici - Casual sit-down place known for pizza and their wings. A couple TVs, but not necessarily a sports bar.
Last Resort - Probably will need a reservation here. An Athens staple since the 80s, they feature an upscale southern menu. If you can get in, would be a good choice for dinner Fri night.
These are just a few suggestions and recs. Enjoy the weekend! We hope you enjoy our lovely and vibrant town.
We are very proud of Athens, the Classic City. We consider it one of the finest college towns in the country and those of us who are alumni hold a special place in our heart for it.
It lies about 60 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, has about 50,000 residents and a 3-4 county metro area of around 150K. Other than the university, it is best known for bands like REM, B-52's and Widespread Panic as well as many other groups that formed here and/or made this their home base.
If you are staying in or visiting for the game, here are some things to do and look for.
Downtown is the place to be. There are a few dozen restaurants and watering holes within the 16-block area of downtown proper. You can post up here, enjoy several different cuisines, have a drink or three, watch the early games and, most importantly, get in the mood for the game. I'd recommend coming here and then walking either to a tailgate or to the stadium.
It is less than 1 mile from downtown to the stadium gates and you would be strolling through the oldest and nicest part of campus. Our fans are friendly and fun-loving, we love to have a good time and also to meet visiting fans. I am fairly certain your fans will be treated very well this weekend, as I've heard literally nothing but wonderful things about how you all treated our fans two years ago (I was one of them and can confirm).
If you'd like to learn about UGA athletics and history, stop by the Butts-Mehre Building on Lumpkin St. (Harry Mehre was an ND grad and UGA football coach in the 30s).
For some culture, UGA offers a complimentary art museum (on South campus) and botanical garden (on Milledge Ave). They are both worth checking out and are open on game day.
The oldest and nicest part of campus in located right across the street from downtown Athens.
Some options downtown the day of the game -
Bars-
The Globe - was named one of the nation's best bars by Esquire. Mature and sophisticated crowd typically. Diverse beer selection.
Boar's Head - large multi level bar with an outside space as well as a downstairs dive bar. Will be college'y after the game, but during the day should be a diverse gameday crowd.
Georgia Theater - Bar is on the rooftop and the view will be fantastic for Sat. If you don't have tickets, you can watch the game here on the big screen in the main theater space.
Roadhouse - tons of character. Classic dive bar. The signs on the wall are reason enough to stop in for a beer.
Trappeze Pub - Diverse microbrew selection, featuring multiple brews from Georgia as well as international selections. Also, a decent food menu.
Cutter's - Irish themed bar. Large space, with pool tables in the back. You'll like the sign on the wall as you move toward the back of the bar...
Walker's Pub - Named after you-know-who. Generally a fantastic pregame bar, but will be packed all day Sat. If you can't get in, try going upstairs to ...
Blue Sky - laid back bar upstairs with a nice little courtyard outback.
Breweries - It wouldn't be a bad idea to post up at one of these craft breweries for lunch and during the day before heading downtown for pregaming. Only one is located downtown but all feature food and several homemade beers.
Creature Comforts - Located downtown in an old tire dealership. Probably the most notable Athens brewery. Try Tropicalia, a warm weather IPA.
Terrapin - The OG Athens brewery. Opened it's doors in 2002 and is now located just north of town.
Southern Brewing Company - located northeast of downtown. Several school and football themed beers such as the Hobnail IPA and Red and Black sour.
Akademia Brewing - You can find this new brewery just west of downtown. Nice menu and several types of beers.
Food-
No shortage of restaurants or cuisines in this little town.
Thai Spoon - Conventional Thai staples with an emphasis on seafood.
Porterhouse - Downtown's steakhouse. Will likely require a reservation this weekend.
Capital Grille- 24 hour diner located right in the heart of downtown. A bit more upscale than ...
Waffle House - 24 hour diner, serving everything from breakfast to steak. If you're from the southeast, you've probably been to a WH many times.
Marker 7 - Located in Five Points, just a couple miles from the stadium. Low-key seafood selections and decent beer variety.
Taco Stand- 3 locations in Athens, and one downtown on Broad St. Simple Mexican with a college bar feel and multiple TVs. Good place for lunch or an afternoon snack on gameday. Right across the street from campus.
Little Italy - Downtown pizzeria for those seeking a quick slice during barhopping or before heading into the game.
Utage- nice little sushi place. It has been here for years, so it must be good.
Ahi Hibachi and Poke - Self explanatory.
Amici - Casual sit-down place known for pizza and their wings. A couple TVs, but not necessarily a sports bar.
Last Resort - Probably will need a reservation here. An Athens staple since the 80s, they feature an upscale southern menu. If you can get in, would be a good choice for dinner Fri night.
These are just a few suggestions and recs. Enjoy the weekend! We hope you enjoy our lovely and vibrant town.
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