Athens, Ohio, a name that often conjures images of Ohio University and vibrant student life. But beyond the textbooks and lectures lies a culinary scene that surprises and delights. It’s a place where you can find everything from authentic international cuisine to locally sourced farm-to-table experiences, proving that Athens offers far more than just typical college town fare. Forget the generic pizza and ramen – prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we uncover the best food Athens Ohio has to offer. This guide will lead you through a curated selection of restaurants and eateries, catering to a variety of palates and budgets, ensuring your culinary exploration of Athens is nothing short of exceptional.
Breakfast & Brunch Bites: Starting Your Day Right in Athens
In a college town that never truly sleeps, the importance of a solid breakfast or brunch cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a student needing fuel for a long day of classes or a visitor eager to experience the local flavors, Athens offers a delightful array of options to kickstart your morning.
First stop, Casa Nueva, a true Athens institution. This cooperative restaurant is renowned for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and its vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. Their breakfast menu is a testament to this dedication, featuring dishes like the huevos rancheros, a flavorful explosion of eggs, black beans, salsa, and cheese, all atop homemade tortillas. For a sweeter start, try their pancakes, often infused with seasonal fruits and served with locally produced maple syrup. Casa Nueva provides a breakfast experience that is both delicious and ethically conscious, making it a perennial favorite among locals and visitors alike. The price range is moderate, offering excellent value for the quality of the ingredients and the unique atmosphere. Casa Nueva is considered a “best of” option not just for its food but for its role as a cornerstone of the Athens community.
Next up, Bagel Street Deli, another Athens staple. This quirky deli is famous for its extensive bagel selection and its creative, often-humorous sandwich names. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a classic breakfast sandwich on your choice of bagel, loaded with eggs, cheese, and your preferred protein – bacon, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The bagels themselves are freshly baked and come in a wide variety of flavors, from plain and everything to more adventurous options like jalapeno cheddar or cinnamon raisin. Bagel Street Deli’s casual and fun atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying breakfast. It is a more budget friendly options. It’s a “best of” contender because it’s quick, delicious, and perfectly captures the quirky spirit of Athens.
Finally, a more recent, but no less charming, addition to the breakfast scene is Village Bakery & Cafe. Known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and thoughtfully crafted sandwiches, the Village Bakery provides a taste of European-inspired comfort. For breakfast, try one of their homemade quiches, filled with seasonal vegetables and creamy cheeses. Or indulge in a flaky croissant or a decadent pastry. Their coffee is also excellent, made with locally roasted beans. The Village Bakery offers a more refined breakfast experience, perfect for a leisurely morning or a special occasion. It is a more moderate price point, with the higher quality breads and pastries. For these reasons, Village Bakery is a “best of” options.
Lunchtime Legends: Fueling Up for the Afternoon
When lunchtime rolls around, Athens offers even more delicious options to satisfy your midday cravings. From quick and easy bites to more substantial meals, there’s something for everyone.
No discussion of Athens food is complete without mentioning Burrito Buggy. This iconic food truck has been serving up delicious and affordable burritos to hungry students and locals for years. Their menu is simple but effective, with a variety of burrito options featuring your choice of meat, beans, rice, and toppings. The Buggy is known for its generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go. The prices are budget-friendly, making it a popular choice among students. The Burrito Buggy has become a legendary Athens institution.
For pizza lovers, Avalanche Pizza is a must-try. This local pizzeria is known for its unique and creative pizza toppings, as well as its commitment to using high-quality ingredients. Their lunch specials are a great deal, offering slices of their specialty pizzas at an affordable price. Try the “Avalanche” pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, or explore their more adventurous options like the “Maui Wowie,” featuring ham, pineapple, and jalapenos. Avalanche Pizza is a perfect blend of quality and creativity, making it a lunchtime favorite. Avalanche has a moderate price point. It’s considered a “best of” because of its unique topping combinations and use of quality ingredients.
If you’re looking for a more refined lunch experience, Zoe Fine Dining is an excellent choice. This elegant restaurant offers a sophisticated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. Their lunch menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrees, all beautifully presented and expertly prepared. Try their grilled salmon salad or their roasted vegetable sandwich for a light and healthy option, or indulge in their steak frites for a more substantial meal. Zoe Fine Dining provides a taste of luxury in the heart of Athens. The restaurant’s price point is a higher and because of that, the experience, attention to detail, and quality of the food is what makes it a “best of” option in Athens.
Dinner Delights: An Evening of Culinary Exploration
As the sun sets, Athens transforms into a culinary hotspot, with a diverse range of dinner options to suit every taste and occasion.
For a taste of the Middle East, look no further than Salaam Restaurant. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel, hummus, shawarma, and kabobs. Their food is flavorful, fragrant, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends. Try their mixed grill platter to sample a variety of their delicious meats, or opt for their vegetarian falafel plate for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Salaam Restaurant offers a unique and authentic culinary experience that is not to be missed. Salaam Restaurant is a budget-friendly, “best of” option in Athens.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, West End Cider House is an excellent choice. This unique establishment combines a cider bar with a restaurant, offering a delicious menu of cider-infused dishes. Their menu features a variety of creative and innovative dishes, all designed to complement their extensive cider selection. Try their cider-braised pork belly or their cider-glazed salmon for a truly unique and memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends. West End Cider House is a “best of” contender for those looking to expand their culinary horizons. West End has a moderate price point.
No discussion of Athens dinner options would be complete without mentioning Jackie O’s Brewpub. This popular brewpub offers a delicious menu of pub fare, as well as a wide selection of their award-winning craft beers. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Try their Jackie O’s burger, topped with bacon, cheese, and their signature beer cheese sauce, or opt for their veggie burger for a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a perfect spot for a casual dinner and a few beers. Jackie O’s is a “best of” because it’s the perfect mix of locally sourced food and exceptional beer. Jackie O’s is priced moderately.
Sweet Treats & Late-Night Eats: Indulging Your Cravings
No culinary journey is complete without indulging in something sweet, and Athens offers a delightful array of options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For the best frozen custard in town, head to Whit’s Frozen Custard. This local chain offers a variety of delicious frozen custard flavors, as well as sundaes, shakes, and malts. Their custard is made fresh daily and is incredibly creamy and flavorful. Try their Buckeye Blitz, a delicious combination of chocolate custard, peanut butter cups, and chocolate sauce, or opt for their vanilla custard with your choice of toppings. Whit’s Frozen Custard is the perfect way to end a delicious meal or simply cool off on a hot day. Whit’s is a budget-friendly options that is loved in the area.
When hunger strikes late at night, Athens has you covered. While options might be more limited after midnight, you can always rely on a local late night pizza spot, or the local gas station. These are dependable options for those late night cravings.
And to finish up your dining experience, check out Donkey Coffee. This is a local coffee shop known for its quirky atmosphere and locally roasted coffee. It also has a variety of food and pastries that are locally made. It is a great way to end your “best of” culinary experience in Athens.
Beyond the Mainstream: Unearthing Athens’ Hidden Gems
While the restaurants mentioned above are all well-established and popular, Athens also has its share of hidden culinary gems that are worth seeking out. These are the places that locals love, the spots that offer something a little different, a little more authentic.
One such gem is Casa de Emmanuel, a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant tucked away on a side street. This unassuming eatery serves up authentic and flavorful Mexican dishes at incredibly affordable prices. Their tacos are a must-try, filled with your choice of meat, cilantro, and onions. The restaurant’s authenticity is unmatched, and for the value, it is difficult to beat.
Tips for Dining in Athens: Making the Most of Your Culinary Adventure
Before you embark on your culinary journey through Athens, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Parking in Athens can be tricky, especially during peak hours, so be prepared to walk a bit. Many restaurants offer student discounts, so be sure to ask if you’re a student. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during Ohio University events. Be sure to try the local and seasonal specialties, as many restaurants prioritize using local ingredients. Restaurant hours can vary, so double-check before you go.
Conclusion: A Culinary Scene That Delights and Surprises
Athens, Ohio, is more than just a college town. It’s a culinary destination with a diverse and thriving food scene. From the locally sourced breakfasts at Casa Nueva to the late-night pizza slices, Athens offers something for every taste and budget. The town’s restaurants are committed to using fresh, local ingredients and creating unique and memorable dining experiences. So, come explore, discover your own favorites, and experience the culinary delights that Athens has to offer. It’s a food scene that is sure to delight and surprise, leaving you with a lasting impression of this vibrant and unique town. So dive into the best food Athens Ohio has, and enjoy all the flavors this amazing college town has to offer.
