Day Destination: Athens

232 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

The National is not only the best restaurant in Athens, but it might be the best restaurant in the state. James Beard-award nominee Hugh Acheson’s side project (to his critically acclaimed Five & Ten) is fresh, clean, hip and the epitome of what this town would consider haute cuisine. Patatas bravas, crispy pork shoulder and seared frying peppers highlight the menu but none break the bank.

199 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

With its unique, marble-topped horseshoe-shaped bar and old-world feel, the Globe harkens back eras bygone from Shakespearean England to Bob Dylan’s Greenwich Village. A great beer, whiskey and even wine list keep this local-by-day/melting-pot-by-night tavern busy and relevant.

297 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

Fair Trade and organic coffee beans are brewed here daily amid the Apple-laptop-sporting blend of art or philosophy students and local townie crowd. This java house is the soul of the downtown Athenian, complete with vegan treats in the exposed cooler shelves and local art-project look books that lie around.

1427 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30605 (map)

One of the most unique restaurants in Athens, this Salvadorian spot unloads crispy tostones, flaky empanadas and authentic tacos filled with meats, onion and cilantro on corn tortillas. It’s BYOB and the outdoor patio has elementary-school chairs and pebble ground, which only adds to the charm.

285 W Washington, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

The crown jewel of the Athens downtown culture, the 40 Watt is without a doubt the most diverse, famous, accomplished music venue in Athens. Boasting shows from legendary acts such as REM and Nirvana as well modern day hometown heavy weights like the Whigs and Modern Skirts, it’s the best place in town to see amazing talent.

229 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

Taking traditional Southern dining and adding a pinch of indie-cool, Five Star Day is a must-visit. With a view of the famed UGA arches and two coveted sidewalk seating tables, this glorified meat-and-two fills up daily with hipsters and students alike chowing down on hot buttered soul chicken, pot roast and the best vegetable sandwich in the state.

260 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

Named after a famous Greek trading market, Agora is the funky-chic heaven for vintage lovers, audiophiles and cowboy-boot-wearin’ kids looking for everything from hip jewelry to Western shirts. Antique bar sets, mega-cheap used vinyl and '70s stereo equipment inspires and satisfies folks coming to get a piece of the retro life.

255 W Washington St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

One of the most unique places in town, multipurpose Farm 255 is everything a restaurant should be: entertaining, delicious and a delivery source for a rural Athens farm. The menu’s constant rotation plus live music such as jazz or even outdoor rock ‘n’ roll shows cements the Farm as one of Athens most unique spots for food and entertainment.

197 E Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

Located on a prime corner of College Avenue and Clayton Street, Wuxtry is the place to cop used vinyl, the latest big-label release or an EP from that band you saw the night before at one of the many Athens music clubs. It smells delightfully of musty records, and friendly know-it-all indie music masters guide you through the wax collection.

184 W Clayton St, Athens, GA 30601 (map)

Known amongst students as the place to take visiting parents, and known amidst the townie crowd as a place to get some serious grub at an amazing value, the Last Resort is located at a former music hall boasting early B-52s shows. The food is Southern-twinged with slight Mediterranean influences that sounds off-putting until the first bite.