Welcome to Athens, Ohio – where the Halloween parties are epic and the food is even more legendary! If you thought this small college town was only known for its wild university scene, think again. Athens is also home to a thriving local food scene, with a focus on all things fresh, flavorful, and sourced from within 30 miles of the city limits.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just love to chow down on delicious eats, Athens has something for everyone. From farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes and bustling markets, this hidden gem of a city is a food lover’s paradise. So get ready to discover the tastiest spots in town and indulge in the ultimate culinary adventure with the 30 Mile Meal. Are you ready to dig in? Let’s go!
"The 30 Mile Meal provides a shared identity for our many farmers, specialty food producers, farmers and retail markets, food events, and independently-owned eateries and bars featuring locally sourced menus. The 30 Mile Meal Project is a collaboration of the ACCVB, the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) and 140+ local food partners. This initiative pushes the envelope on the growing 100 Mile Meal movement with our own ‘super-local’ effort to assist visitors and residents in finding local foods and places where you can savor the flavors and food experiences of our region." - AthensOhio.com
Not too long ago, we received an invitation to discover the wonders of Athens, Ohio. As avid explorers of our home state, my husband and I knew we couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. Despite our jam-packed schedules, we made sure to find a way to make the trip happen. Lucky for us, Athens was just a short 90-minute drive away, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.
Our adventure in Athens was nothing short of amazing, with so much to see, do, and taste! As foodies at heart, we couldn’t help but focus on the culinary offerings of the city, and we were not disappointed. Despite our limited time there, we managed to hit up several hotspots and indulge in some seriously delicious eats.
From local farm-to-table restaurants to charming cafes and bustling markets, Athens had it all. Our taste buds were in heaven as we savored each and every bite. So come along with us as we share our favorite foodie finds and give you a glimpse into the vibrant culinary scene of Athens, Ohio.
Athens Farmers Market
Our journey through Athens began at the renowned Athens Farmers Market, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! As Columbus locals, we are no strangers to the wonders of a good farmers market. But this one was truly something special.
With over one hundred vendors, the market was a treasure trove of unique and delicious finds. From fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to handmade crafts and specialty goods, there was something for everyone. I was amazed by the sheer variety of offerings and the quality of the products available.
In fact, I was so blown away that I’m already planning a return trip! I can’t wait to explore more of what this incredible farmers market has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to the Athens Farmers Market is an absolute must. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!
As soon as we stepped into the farmers market, our eyes were immediately drawn to a mouthwatering display of bread. And this was no ordinary bread – we’re talking sea salt & herb fougasse, za’atar manoushe with sesame seed & sea salt, and cornetta napolitana with cherry tomato, basil, aged mozzarella, and ricotta. Can you say “yum”?! We couldn’t resist and bought as much as we could carry.
But with a long day of exploration ahead of us, we knew we needed a good caffeine fix. Lucky for us, we stumbled upon Dirty Girl Coffee and wasted no time getting our hands on some cold brews. As a newer coffee drinker, I appreciated the helpful list of iced coffee drinks, and my husband and I each chose our own unique creations. His, aptly named “The Hot Girl,” had a spicy kick of cayenne that surprisingly worked well with the cold coffee. And mine, the “Mud Runner,” was a decadent combination of cold brewed coffee, dark chocolate, salted caramel, and crème. It was the perfect morning indulgence to fuel us up for a hike on The Ridges Trail.
"As a brand we want to pay homage to all women who perform every day. Not for glory, not for praise or pats on the back, not for money or approval. For these women it's in their being, it's in their soul, it's who they are. They aren't afraid to get dirt under their nails, brush the dust off their jeans, rub sweat off their brow. They love who they are and what they do. The earth moves and rotates projecting them to their next glorious adventure. Their next day of getting dirty... their next day of becoming perfect. Quality is our passion, coffee is our medium. We utilize the finest Arabica beans to create exceptional coffees. It's how we get dirty." - Dirty Girl Coffee
Casa Nueva
Even though we had a packed itinerary, there was no way we were going to miss out on a visit to Casa Nueva. We had been there once before, just for a quick drink and to grab a hat for a friend, but we knew we had to go back. And lucky for us, it was on our itinerary this time around!
Casa Nueva is truly a one-of-a-kind spot – a unique blend of hippie vibes and Mexican cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else. From the incredible food and drinks to the friendly people and their mission-driven approach, Casa Nueva is the kind of place that stands out in all the right ways.
So what makes this place so special, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you. First of all, their commitment to using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients is truly impressive. And the results speak for themselves – the food is fresh, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
But it’s not just the food that sets Casa Nueva apart. The drinks are equally amazing, with a range of creative cocktails and local brews that will make your taste buds sing. And let’s not forget about the atmosphere – the funky decor, friendly staff, and overall laid-back vibe make it the perfect spot to kick back and relax.
A few other reasons we love Casa Nueva:
- They’ve been providing local, sustainable, Mexican-inspired food for the Athens community for over 30 years, making them a local favorite.
- They’re a worker-owned co-op. This means that the workers of the cooperative have joined together to produce goods and/or services for sale. The workers elect the Board of Directors and share whatever profits are earned by the business. Casa Nueva currently has 21 worker-owners.
- They have a no-tipping policy. It’s worked into their prices, and if you do tip (cash, on accident), they donate it to charity. You can read more about the “why no tipping policy” here.
- They are a no-TV establishment, which means you’re forced to have a conversation and be present. According to Casa Nueva, they’re a great place to have really stimulating conversation, see interesting local art, or enjoy live music.
- They’re part of the “
- They’re part of the “Slow Food” movement, meaning they make everything in-house and from scratch. You can tell, and they don’t believe in microwaves.
- They’re home to many infused vodkas. Their Cantina Coordinator takes fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients and steeps them in vodka until they’re ripe and ready to be consumed. You can enjoy them on the rocks or order one of their many delicious cocktails.
- They’re split into two sections – the Cantina and the Bodega. The Cantina is your ‘walk up to the bar, seat yourself’ side, and the Bodega is more of a ‘put your name on a list and be seated’ side. You can enjoy both and grab drinks at the Cantina while you wait for your table. Or you can do as we do and enjoy drinks, tacos, and conversation with the bartender in the Cantina. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the conversation and make a new friend (or two).
This list could go on and on, but the best way to experience Casa Nueva is to go there yourself. Trust us, it’s worth it.
These Tito Tots are the ultimate indulgence – crispy and golden on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside. Served with a generous drizzle of Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold Buttermilk-Beer Ranch, they’re topped with chili, cheese, and green onions for a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. And don’t forget the side of sour cream for a cool and creamy contrast.
Broneys Alumni Grill
Broney’s was a quick pitstop for us, but it ended up being a highlight of our trip. I wasn’t quite sure what to order, so I turned to Instagram for suggestions. That’s when I saw a recommendation from @rise.n.dine – she insisted that I try the peach champagne drink from Broney’s. And with peach and champagne being two of my all-time favorite things, I knew I had to order it.
The drink was everything I could have hoped for – refreshing, bubbly, and just the right amount of sweet. It was the perfect way to cool off on a hot day. But I have to give fair warning – this drink is dangerously good. You’ll want to drink it fast, but resist the urge or you’ll risk an instant brain freeze! Trust me, it’s worth savoring every sip.
Location: 7 West Carpenter Street, Uptown Athens
Phone: 740-592-5900
O’Betty’s Red Hot
One of our “if you have time to stop” suggestions was O’Betty’s.
“Their hotdogs are grilled, 100% all-beef dogs in natural casings from Ohio. No fillers, never frozen, robustly seasoned; they ‘snap’ when you bite them. They are served in toasted and steamed honey buns. Many and varied toppings and sauces available (all homemade) using fresh and local ingredients as available. For vegetarians, tofu dogs are available.”
Athens County Visitor’s Bureau
When we stumbled upon the description of this place on the Athens County Visitor’s Bureau website, we knew we had to check it out – even if we weren’t hungry. As fans of Dirty Franks, we were curious to see how it measured up. Walking up to the restaurant, I had a feeling I was going to love it. And when we stepped inside, I was instantly smitten.
We were greeted by a smiling face behind the counter who was eager to help us. Despite our over-excited attitudes, she indulged us with patience and kindness, like a proud mom on the first day of school. We peppered her with questions and ideas, and she took it all in stride.
After ordering almost everything on the menu (remember, we had just eaten), we found our table and that’s when I fell even more in love. In the back of the restaurant, there was a burlesque-esque hot dog museum with leopard-print accents. Was this place even real? I couldn’t get enough of it.
First up, we have Sally ‘Hide & Peek’ – a sassy and satisfying hot dog that features sizzling bacon, fresh diced tomato, and shredded romaine lettuce, all slathered in mayo. For just $4.00, this tasty treat is a must-try. If you’re craving something heartier, look no further than Bettie ‘The Brat’. This grilled Sheboygan bratwurst is served on a toasted, crusty roll and comes with the show stoppers of your choice. I went with shredded cheese, Cleveland Stadium Mustard, and chipotle catsup – a winning combination if I do say so myself. Sink your teeth into this juicy bratwurst and savor every flavorful bite.
Get ready for a garlic lover’s dream come true with these Fresh Garlic Fries. Made from fresh-cut potatoes and generously seasoned with freshly minced garlic throughout, these fries are the perfect side dish or snack to satisfy your cravings. And if you really want to indulge, be sure to go for the large size – you won’t regret it!
Location: 15 W. State St., Athens
Phone: 740-589-6111
Athens’ West End Cider House
I have to say that my only negative about this place is that it’s not located in Columbus! From the moment I walked in, I was in love with the vibe, energy, decor, patio, people, and drinks. Everything about it was right up my alley. It’s a bit slower paced than some of the other bars in Athens – perhaps because it’s a bit off the beaten path. It’s not too far from the main strip, but far enough away that you might not stumble upon it unless you know where to look. And to be honest, as someone who’s not familiar with Athens, I wouldn’t have found it on my own.
One thing that really stood out to me was the number of ciders they carry – and not just any ciders, but ones that they make in-house. Their farmhouse-style hard cider is made from 100% Ohio-grown apples, and fermentation begins the same day that they’re pressed. It’s unfiltered and contains no preservatives. In addition to their ciders, they also feature a full line of Fifth Element Spirits, their sister company located just down the road in Meigs County. But the real star of the show are their craft cocktails – made the way they were meant to be with fresh squeezed juices, seasonal and local produce, house-made bitters, syrups, and infusions, and a vast and distinctive collection of fine spirits from around the block and around the world. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed when you visit the West End Cider House.
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a drink and some games, West End Cider House has you covered. While the patio may be small, it’s absolutely wonderful and perfect for a relaxing evening out. I found that my drink paired perfectly with our (okay, my) choice of ouija, but if that’s not your thing, don’t worry – they have a great assortment of games to choose from. Whether you’re looking to play a classic board game or something more unique, there’s something for everyone here.
GoodFella’s Pizza
When we visited Athens before, my husband was eager to get GoodFella’s pizza, but we just didn’t have time. So this time around, we made it a point to stop by, and he was thrilled. It was our last food stop of the day, mainly to grab a snack for the road. GoodFella’s is a no-frills, no-fuss kind of place where you simply walk up to the counter, choose cheese or pepperoni, your .25 sauces (garlic butter, ranch, or marinara), chips (Lays, Fritos, or Cheetos), and your drink. It’s simplicity at its finest.
The aroma of the freshly baked pizza wafting through the air was almost unbearable, and the wait of less than 10 minutes felt like an eternity. When we finally got our pizza, my husband was in heaven. But for me, it wasn’t quite as impressive as I had hoped. The thick, doughy crust wasn’t really to my liking, though my husband enjoyed it. He said it was “better than middle school pizza, but still kind of like it.” I think we may have different memories of our middle school cafeteria pizza. Despite this, the sauce was perfect, and that garlic butter they layered on top when it came out of the oven was the highlight for me. It set the bar for any future pizza I have.
As we sat enjoying our snack, I couldn’t help but think about the fact that we were in Athens, a town known for its beautiful views and locally focused food. But let’s not forget that it’s also a college town, and what’s better after a night of drinking than a big, doughy piece of pizza? Maybe that’s why both GoodFella’s locations are situated on the northern and southern ends of the Court Street bar scene.
Location: 35 N. Court St. & 6 W. Union St., Uptown Athens
Phone: 740-592-9000
Although our day in Athens ended too soon, we were left with a list of places we didn’t have time to explore. Fortunately, Athens is just a 90-minute drive away from us, making it an easy and beautiful destination for a weekend getaway. We can’t wait to visit again and check off the following places on our must-visit list
Are you ready to plan your own foodie adventure in Athens? Don’t wait any longer! Check out the Athen’s County Visitor’s Bureau website for more information on the amazing food and activities this town has to offer. And if you’re worried about indulging too much, just remember that we balanced it out with a lot of walking at ‘The Ridges – Lunatic Asylum.’
Stay tuned for more on that adventure…..
