The best restaurants in Athens

24 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Burgers, pizza & elevated pub grub join a wide selection of house brews in an airy space.

22 W Union St

Burgers, pizza & elevated pub grub join a wide selection of house brews in an airy space.

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Strip-mall restaurant serving Mexican food & margaritas in a warm, lively space.

979 E State St

Strip-mall restaurant serving Mexican food & margaritas in a warm, lively space.

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Refined dining room serving steaks & seafood, with adjoining lounge offering drinks & lighter fare.

331 Richland Ave

Refined dining room serving steaks & seafood, with adjoining lounge offering drinks & lighter fare.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

996 E State St

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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Avalanche Pizza

Restaurants

Standard & unique pizzas, such as a pie made with kimchi, using local ingredients & spelt flour.

329 E State St

Standard & unique pizzas, such as a pie made with kimchi, using local ingredients & spelt flour.

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Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

63 S Court St

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

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Donatos Pizza

Restaurants

Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.

688 E State St

Chain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.

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Hot dogs & sausages with creative toppings, plus hand-cut fries, offered in offbeat digs.

15 W State St

Hot dogs & sausages with creative toppings, plus hand-cut fries, offered in offbeat digs.

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Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

74 N Plains Rd (The Plains)

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

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Old-school landmark open 24/7 with a collegial vibe, traditional American meals & all-day breakfast.

70 W Union St

Old-school landmark open 24/7 with a collegial vibe, traditional American meals & all-day breakfast.

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Taco John's

Restaurants

Fast-food chain featuring Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfast fare.

392 Richland Ave

Fast-food chain featuring Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfast fare.

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

443 E State St

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.

859 E State St Unit 1830

A menu of customizable Mexican food served in a modern restaurant, plus takeout & catering.

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Long-established outfit offering pizzas, subs & salads in homey surroundings or for delivery.

10 S Plains Rd (The Plains)

Long-established outfit offering pizzas, subs & salads in homey surroundings or for delivery.

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Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

547 E State St

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

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Casa Nueva

Restaurants

Hip, worker-owned co-op featuring Mexican-inspired food, vegan & gluten-free options & live music.

6 W State St

Hip, worker-owned co-op featuring Mexican-inspired food, vegan & gluten-free options & live music.

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Steak 'n Shake

Restaurants

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

741 E State St

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

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Five Guys

Restaurants

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

6951 E Broad St (Columbus)

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

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Laid-back eatery for Japanese classics (sushi, ramen, hibachi dishes), Hawaiian faves (chicken and ribs BBQ), noodle entrees and desserts…

6018 E Main St (Columbus)

Laid-back eatery for Japanese classics (sushi, ramen, hibachi dishes), Hawaiian faves (chicken and ribs BBQ), noodle entrees and desserts served up in clean, casual, comfortable surrounds.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

5940 E Main St (Columbus)

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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Whether you're plotting a low-key date or a catch-up with friends, Kissho Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar turns out fresh, inventive rolls…

6823 E Broad St (Columbus)

Whether you're plotting a low-key date or a catch-up with friends, Kissho Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar turns out fresh, inventive rolls alongside comforting Asian classics. Family-owned with experienced chefs and a relaxed, elegant vibe, it's the kind of neighborhood spot you keep in your weekly rotation.

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Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

6085 McNaughten Ctr (Columbus)

Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

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City Barbeque

Restaurants

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

5979 E Main St (Columbus)

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

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Wingology

Restaurants

Whether you like mild, sweet heat, or full-on fire, Wingology does wings with a lab-level focus on crispy texture and big flavor. A clutch…

5200 Riding Club Ln (Columbus)

Whether you like mild, sweet heat, or full-on fire, Wingology does wings with a lab-level focus on crispy texture and big flavor. A clutch local pick for Reynoldsburg weeknights and game days, with sauces worth rotating through, and an easy go-to when everyone wants something messy and good.

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