Welcome to Athens, home of the University of Georgia Bulldogs! If you’re heading to town to catch a game at UGA, 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
- 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.
A short walk to and from campus, the Graduate Hotel in Athens is a great choice for game weekends. Image: Graduate Athens
Graduate Athens
295 East Dougherty Street, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 549-7020
It’s no surprise that the Graduate Athens boasts plenty of UGA spirit, especially on game days. Plus, it’s just a brief walk from campus.
Hilton Garden Inn
390 East Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 353-6800
Hilton Garden Inn makes a great option because of its prime location right next to campus. No need to worry about securing a ride — you can walk everywhere!
Hotel Indigo
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.
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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.
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 cheesecake comes highly recommended.
Mama’s Boy
197 Oak Street, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 548-6249
Mama’s Boy is an Athens gem. Be prepared to wait for breakfast, but it’ll just make the killer biscuits that much better once you finally have one in your hand!
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 avocado toast at Seabear Oyster Bar. They even have an oyster happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
South Kitchen + Bar
247 East Washington Street, Ste. 101, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 395-6125
Fine Southern dining is done right at South Kitchen + Bar. Stained glass, tile floors, and marble columns creates a charming ambiance that elevates the experience.
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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.
Downtown Athens has plenty of great bar and restaurant options near the UGA campus.
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. On the weekends, it’s a great place to grab a drink and enjoy the fanfare.
Blue Sky Bar
247 East Broad Street, Ste. B, Athens, GA 30601 • (706) 850-3153
Grab a beer or cocktail inside Blue Sky Bar‘s cozy interior, or opt to enjoy your libation on the bar’s rooftop patio.
City Bar Athens
220 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
City Bar Athens offers drink specials throughout the week, so be sure to check their social media for updates. They often offer specials on shots and beer buckets.
Silver Dollar
262 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601
Voted both “Best College Bar” and “Best Bar to Watch the Dawgs” in 2020, it doesn’t get much better than Silver Dollar. The hotspot offers everything from hard seltzers to cocktails, and they sometimes host themed nights, too!
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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. For more regulations on tailgating, click HERE.
- 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.
SB TIPS:
Georgia has a “clear bag policy,” so be sure to bring your possessions in a clear purse. Note that many fans also dress up for UGA games. Men can be found wearing bowties or khakis, and women often wear sundresses.
Go Dawgs!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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