As a long-time Athens local and self-proclaimed foodie, I‘ve eagerly watched our dining scene blossom over the past few years. From storied southern eateries to trendy new hotspots, this guide will give you the insider‘s scoop on the best new restaurants that are putting Athens on the map for food lovers. Grab a napkin and let‘s dig in!
A Booming Food City
Before we highlight the incredible new restaurants, let‘s set the stage on what‘s driving this dining renaissance. Athens has steadily grown over the last decade, with the population increasing by 15% to around 13,000 residents. Tourism has also risen, with visitors flocking for our historic downtown, music venues, and natural beauty.
To keep up with demand, the restaurant industry here has boomed:
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Athens had approximately 80 restaurants in 2015. Today, there are over 120 eateries in town.
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Annual restaurant industry revenue has jumped from $45 million to nearly $60 million.
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The Brick District development alone will add 170,000 square feet of new dining and retail space.
With hungry new residents and tourists to feed, Athens has cultivated an impressive variety of restaurants that excel at southern hospitality. Now, let‘s explore some of my favorites!
Southern Comfort Food at Its Finest: Willow Rock Restaurant
Willow Rock Restaurant is located just off the downtown square, serving elevated versions of classic American dishes in a rustic-chic setting. The restaurant is the brainchild of husband-and-wife owners Sheila and Randy Thompson, two Athens natives who previously ran a popular food truck. Expanding into a brick-and-mortar location had always been their dream.
"We wanted to provide a welcoming space where the whole community could gather for a homestyle meal," Sheila told me.
Their success is proof that when you serve tasty food in an inviting atmosphere, people will come calling. On any given night at Willow Rock, you may see multi-generational families, cowboys, college students and couples on dates.
While it‘s tempting to fill up on their decadent fried green tomatoes, save room for entrées like the fall-off-the-bone St. Louis ribs, smothered chicken, or the Philly cheesesteak piled high with onions and peppers. And whatever you do, don‘t skip dessert – the Mile High Lemon Meringue pie has mythic status with locals like myself!
Beer Barrel Pub: Top Brews Paired With Tasty Eats
If you‘re searching for an ice-cold IPA and some stick-to-your-ribs bar food, look no further than the Beer Barrel Pub, brought to town by veteran restauranteur Gary Rhodes. He transformed an old wagon repair shop into a warm, welcoming pub that pays homage to Athens‘ history through vintage photos and railroad memorabilia on the walls.
"I wanted to create a place where folks could unwind and enjoy each other‘s company – good drinks, good food, good times," Gary shared with me.
With 30 regional craft brews on tap that rotate frequently, beer aficionados will have ample options. They take pride in booking live music acts ranging from seasoned bluesmen to up-and-coming alt-country talents. While sipping a hoppy lager, order some spicy queso dip, perfectly seasoned wings, or the Beer Barrel Burger loaded with sliced avocado.
Pro tip: stop by during happy hour from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays for $2 off drafts and appetizers. It‘s the perfect pit stop after work.
Burger Heaven at The Burger Shack
If you know me at all, you know how much I cherish a quality burger. So when The Burger Shack arrived on the Athens dining landscape, I rejoiced! Owner Jake Calhoun is obsessed with the perfect burger recipe. After months of testing, he settled on juicy Angus beef patties that get seared to perfection on a flat-top grill.
The menu here is delightfully simple: pick your ideal patty (beef, turkey, or spicy black bean), choose a bun and toppings, add some creamy cheese, pile on all the free fixings you want, and voila – burger bliss! My personal favorite is the Sloppy Joe Burger topped with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and their incredible house-made barbecue sauce. Seriously, get extra napkins!
While The Burger Shack has a laid back, order-at-the-counter vibe, the food excels. Gather up your crew and prepare for an epic burger night – you can thank me later.
Little Italy Ristorante: Like Stepping Into the Old Country
Despite having never visited Italy, I now feel like I have after dining at the incredible Little Italy Ristorante. Owner Sophia Conti was born in Northern Italy and cut her culinary teeth working in her family‘s trattoria. She brought her extensive Italian cooking knowledge to Athens five years ago when she opened Little Italy.
From the checkered tablecloths to the strings of garlic hanging from the ceiling, you are fully transported upon stepping inside. Don‘t miss their pasta made fresh daily – the pappardelle bolognese is a local legend! Seafood risotto simmered in rich saffron broth delivers deep flavor. Cap off your meal with the velvety panna cotta.
Secret insider tip: Wednesday is BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) night. Bring that special bottle you‘ve been saving to accompany your meal!
Indian Food Lovers Rejoice at Indian Oven
For years, Athens residents had to trek over to Tyler or Dallas to get their fix of authentic Indian cuisine. But since Indian Oven brought scrumptious tandoori dishes to town three months ago, we can now enjoy Northern Indian food‘s exquisite spicing and cooking techniques right here at home.
Dr. Asha Patel, a professor at UT Tyler, opened Indian Oven to share her family recipes and love of Indian cooking. She works side-by-side with Executive Chef Ravi Singh to present the finest Indian fare. Dishes like saag paneer, chicken tikka masala and chili naan will open your taste buds to amazing new flavors.
The extensive vegetarian menu ensures there‘s something tempting for all eaters. I highly recommend the baingan bharta, a flavor-packed roasted eggplant dish that will make you forget all about meat. With reasonable prices and stellar food, Indian Oven gets my top recommendation.
Whip Up an Appetite – Exciting Things Cooking at Brick District
The impending Brick District development promises to bring even more variety and quality to Athens‘ food scene. As a member of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, I‘ve heard rumors and whispers of the new restaurants possibly coming soon. While plans aren‘t finalized yet, here are some talked-about additions:
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Texas Roadhouse or Longhorn Steakhouse – because who doesn‘t love a juicy steak after a long week?
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MOD Pizza – with customized personal pizzas and salads made on-demand
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Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – serving wood-fired steaks and classic American cuisine
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Chili‘s Grill & Bar – a familiar family-friendly chain with Tex-Mex classics
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Schlotzsky‘s – because their oven-baked sandwiches really are that good
The 170,000 square feet of retail space allows for ample eateries that could cater to foodies, families, college students and beyond. And new residential apartments mean a built-in customer base. I‘ll be sure to share updates as new restaurants get confirmed!
Tips for Getting the Most from Athens‘ Restaurant Scene
With so many tempting options, how do you fully experience Athens‘ amazing food scene? Here are some tips from a devoted local food lover:
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Check local publications like the Athens Times, Herald, or community blogs for new restaurant announcements
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Follow eateries on social media for specials and events
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Ask fellow Athens residents and UT Tyler students for recommendations – word-of-mouth is strong here!
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Explore hole-in-the-wall spots off the square for hidden gems
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Make reservations on weekends – tables fill up fast!
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Join the chamber of commerce for insider access to new developments
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Don‘t be afraid to try the more unique cuisine additions like Indian or Italian
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Balance hitting the latest hotspots with supporting old favorites who built the food scene
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Relish the small-town hospitality and craftsmanship of our restaurants
Athens has cultivated a rare blend of southern charm and elevated food quality. I hope this guide steers you towards the new spots lighting up our local dining landscape. Now grab a friend and let‘s dig into all this deliciousness!
