Athens, GA: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Athens for a University of Georgia football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: iStock
Welcome to Athens, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs! If you’re heading to Athens to catch a University of Georgia football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: University of Georgia Bulldogs
- Coach: Kirby Smart
- Stadium: Sanford Stadium
- 2026 Schedule: georgiadogs.com
- Fun Fact: The first UGA football game was played in January 1892, and the team beat Mercer 50-0.
WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS
You’re in luck! There’s no shortage of places to stay in Athens. These three are particularly well suited for UGA games, thanks to their location and energy.
University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
1197 South Lumpkin Street Athens, Athens, GA 30602 • (706) 548-1311
Just a 1/3-mile walk from Samford Stadium, this hotel is located directly on the university’s campus. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, courtyard fire pits, and exclusive access to the Ramsey Student Center, which is UGA’s spacious recreation center.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens Downtown/University Area
220 S Hull St, Athens, GA 30605 • (706) 850-2072
SpringHill Suites makes a great option because of its prime location right next to campus. No need to worry about securing a ride — you can walk to the stadium in about 13 minutes!
Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown
500 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 546-0430
Hotel Indigo is a larger hotel in downtown Athens, but it still manages to maintain its Southern charm despite its size. On game days, it becomes a hip, bustling place to be.
**********
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN ATHENS
If you’re looking for a tasty bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate (including adult beverages, of course), here are some of your best bets located close to campus.
Five Points Bottle Shop
1655 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30606 • (706) 543-6989
Not too far from campus, you’ll find Five Points Bottle Shop. A staple in town for 30+ years, the shop sells a variety of wine, beer, and liquor, including a selection of local favorites.
The World Famous
351 N Hull St, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 543-4002
The World Famous hosts a regular lineup of popular indie musicians, while also serving delicious global-inspired bar food and unique cocktails served in Mason jars.
Last Resort Grill
174-184 West Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 549-0810
Last Resort Grill honors its Southern roots while adding a unique twist to its dishes. The ingredients are locally sourced, and for dessert lovers — the white chocolate cheesecake comes highly recommended.
Marker Seven Coastal Grill
1195 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605 • (706) 850-3451
If you’re looking for some of the best seafood in Georgia, Marker Seven is the spot to visit. Local favorites include the shrimp tacos, the ahi tuna bruschetta, and the fried artichoke hearts.
Marti’s at Midday
1280 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606 • (706) 543-3541
Marti’s at Midday is the place to go when you want a tea-type meal — arguably some of the best chicken salad in town is sold here. They also have take-out, so consider picking up Marti’s to-go for your tailgate.
Seabear Oyster Bar
297 Prince Avenue, Ste. 10, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 850-4367
If you’re looking to escape the chaos for a bit, order oysters, crab, shrimp cakes, or a lobster roll at Seabear Oyster Bar. They even host a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (and again during the last hour of service!).
South Kitchen + Bar
247 East Washington Street, Ste. 101, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 620-3753
Fine Southern dining is done right at South Kitchen + Bar. Stained glass, tile floors, and marble columns create a charming ambiance that elevates the experience.
**********
BARS IN ATHENS
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Bar Bruno
1664 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30606
Located in Five Points, Bar Bruno is a swanky wine and aperitivo-focused bar, perfect for those wanting a little more of an “upscale” bar experience.
Blind Pig Tavern
312 East Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 548-3442
If you’re in town during the week, Blind Pig Tavern in downtown Athens offers happy hour specials Monday through Friday, starting at 2 p.m. You can receive discounts on local beers, tallboys, well-drinks, ciders, wine, and more.
Blue Sky Bar
247 East Broad Street, Ste. B, Athens, GA 30601
Grab a beer or cocktail inside Blue Sky Bar’s cozy interior, or opt to enjoy your libation on the bar’s rooftop patio.
Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom and Brewery
271 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 410-1043
A craft brewery based out of Athens, Creature Comforts offers an outdoor patio with communal seating to encourage community. This repurposed warehouse is inviting and in the heart of downtown Athens.
Manhattan Bar
337 N Hull St, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 369-9767
Manhattan Bar is an unassuming spot and local favorite, thanks to the laid-back atmosphere and delicious classic cocktails.
Silver Dollar
262 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
Voted both “Best College Bar” and “Best Bar to Watch the Dawgs,” it doesn’t get much better than Silver Dollar. You’ll find everything from hard seltzers to cocktails, and they sometimes host themed nights, too!
**********
WHERE TO TAILGATE IN ATHENS
Tailgating UGA is mostly casual. Regulations on corporate and professional tailgates make it so the majority of people set up their own tents in designated areas such as these:
- “North Campus” is a popular spot to tailgate. You can set up tents, but you can’t bring grills, so be sure to pack plenty of pre-made food.
- Myers Quad is another popular location — ESPN has even hosted GameDay live here.
- Note that parking lots are not to be used for tailgating.
Reserved tailgating is done outside of UGA, and TailGAte station is a great option for reserving a space ahead of time. Located on Oconee Street, this area has 2.8 acres of space to set up your tailgate.
GAMEDAY TIPS:
- Georgia has a “clear bag policy,” so be sure to bring your possessions in a clear purse.
- Many fans also dress up for UGA games. Men can be seen wearing bowties or khakis, and women often wear sundresses.
- The Dawg Walk is a celebratory event that takes place two hours and 15 minutes before every home game!
Go Dawgs!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
**********
This article contains hotel affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a reservation after clicking on one of these links.
