Downtown Athens is the historic heart of the city and the center of business, entertainment, and culture. It is home to a wide variety of local restaurants, shops, music venues, and the main entrance to the University of Georgia. The area offers a walkable, urban lifestyle with a mix of residential options, from modern condos to historic lofts.

 Local Favorites & Eats

• The Last Resort Grill – Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist.

• South Kitchen + Bar – Elevated Southern comfort food in a historic building.

• Trappeze Pub – Gastropub known for craft beer and high-quality small plates.

• Clocked – Classic diner-style burgers and milkshakes.

• Big City Bread Cafe – Casual café with a popular outdoor patio, offering fresh pastries and Southern dishes.

• Yossi Kitchen – Mediterranean cuisine specializing in fresh, healthy plates.

• Donderos' Kitchen – Neighborhood spot offering baked goods, lunch plates, and take-home dinners.

Bars & Breweries

• The World Famous – Small, lively bar with music and local events.

• Creature Comforts Brewing Co. – Popular brewery known for craft beers like Tropicalia.

• Paloma Park – Trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with a vibrant atmosphere.

• Allgood Lounge – Rooftop bar popular with students and locals.

Things to Do

• The Classic Center – Performing arts, conventions, and events venue.

• Georgia Theatre – Historic live music venue with rooftop bar.

• Athens Farmers Market – Local produce, crafts, and music at the Creature Comforts downtown location (seasonal).

Neighborhoods & Schools

For those who live around downtown, the zoning for school varies between Barrow Elementary School and Howard B. Stroud Elementary School, with most addresses feeding into Clarke Middle School and Clarke Central High School. In Downtown Athens, you can find various residential options including condominiums, townhomes, apartments, single-family homes, cottages, and more! While much of the population comprises students due to proximity to the University of Georgia, there are also established residential neighborhoods nearby: Pulaski Heights, Chicopee-Dudley, MLK Parkway, and Newtown.