Top Fives: Drinks

By Megan Gaffney

Looking for a spot to grab a drink while visiting the Classic City? Look no further. Here’s our top five.

• The Expat
  • If you want a more upscale drinking experience in Athens, then The Expat is the place to go.  They have great classic drinks such as Martinis and Old Fashions while also having their own creations all at a reasonable price with a twist of their own.  Whether it’s a rosemary and lavender pickled pearl onion or black tea syrup, there are plenty of craft cocktails, wines, and beers to satisfy any parched patron.
• Pauley’s
  • While following a more traditional college town feel with beer cards that fill a wall, this restaurant is known for the martinis, half priced wine, and the chance to drink as many different beers as possible.  They have a wide array of beers ranging from domestics to international choices and IPAs to sours with great variety. The martinis are also a great addition to the menu. While they are not of the highest quality unless you specify the kind of liquor you want in them, there is still the appeal of having a honeysuckle raspberry lemonade martini in the fun light hearted atmosphere the Pauley’s has.
• The Root/The Pine
  • For a different vibe of locals and more mature college kids, The Root is the place to go.  It is located in the basement of The Pine giving it a fun vibe with the restaurant above you and a clever name to follow the restaurant.  With special craft cocktails, and extensive craft beer list, and some classic bar games such as darts and ring hook, everyone’s thirst will be satiated and everyone will stay entertained.  Although it is more of an adult bar, there are plenty of college friendly prices that allow everyone to enjoy their time in this young adult bar.
• Georgia Theatre Rooftop
  • Rooftop hangouts are in full swing now that the weather is warming up and becoming a beautiful spring.  This rooftop bar has live music, great margaritas, and a great view of downtown Athens. It is on the side just off from the Georgia Theatre and creates one of the few rooftop places that you can find in downtown Athens. They also offer great bar food that comes from Marti at Midday so that you can stay as long as you want to soak in the sun with a great margarita in hand
• World Famous (also good bar food)
  • In a small hidden building in downtown Athens is this little gem.  There are two sides of the restaurant and we are going to focus on the bar which offers amazing drinks of a huge variety that all come in a mason jar to give you the classic southern charm.  As you sit and enjoy your drink on one side of the restaurant, the other side has a stage that has occasional bands that will come through to entertain you while enjoying a cold cocktail with friends.  Since this is a little more off the beaten path of downtown, it is a great place to go to experience a different crowd of Athens to show off the eclectic aspects of the town.

Photo courtesy of Yelp.