Just like the swallows to Capistrano, the students have returned to Athens. The hot summer is over and it is once again difficult to park exactly where you want to go. On the other hand, the local bars and restaurants that managed to survive this, frankly, tough summer now have more hope of surviving another year. Flagpole Guide for Athens was up to date at press time and remains the only truly comprehensive guide to our city, but things have already changed. Here’s some of what you missed if you weren’t in town from May until now, or maybe you were just stopping by.
American Inna sort of coffeehouse/brewery/bar/restaurant that both opened and closed on Mitchell Bridge Road, in a building that never had a good reputation for long-term tenants. Signs and an Instagram account popped up for Travelling Chickin the supermarket at the point where Mitchell Bridge, Timothy Road and Atlanta Highway meet, and then it disappeared just as quickly.
City center, use gave up the ghost. Across the street, Ahi Hibachi and Poke And Athens Wok remain open for now as the hotel directly behind it is being renovated under new ownership, but it is possible that the tenants will have to move out after the renovation. Further down the street is the downtown location of Friends closed (the one in Oconee County remains open). Cravings, Philanthropy Fresh and the Warehouseall on the same two-block stretch of Broad Street between Thomas Street and Jackson Street, no longer exist. Blender Orea smoothie/acai bowl chain in The Mark, the massive apartment complex right next to downtown, closed just before summer and won’t reopen, but the complex has applied for a permit to build a market hall on the side that looks like Hickory Street. Perhaps that will lead to some sort of permanent food offering in a location that has seen many businesses die.
The city centre was also opened. Happy Lemona bubble tea shop, opened in the William Apartments in Newton and bb.q chickena Korean chain, will follow soon. Poindexter Coffee in the Graduate Hotel was Iron Works Coffee In Hotel Abacuswith a rebranding. Bento Stop A Korean fast food restaurant opened at the foot of the parking deck on Washington Street. Kilwinsa franchised pastry shop that makes chocolate, fudge, caramel apples and more, opened just this week near College Square on East Broad Street. Munch Hat Indian food was added, then closed for renovations that are not yet completed. Is Athens Bagel Co. already open? No. It’s possible that Lucy will rip the football away again, but it sounds like it’s going to be tight.
Near downtown, Kenny Nguyen’s Handsome is about to open at Bottleworks and should offer another real dining option. Normaltown Brewingwhich was housed in the warehouses on Tracy Street (not in Normaltown), has closed that location to prepare for a move to Barber Street, where it will occupy the former Jittery Joe’s Roaster (also not in Normaltown). Nearby is the chic Rivet house Boutique hotel opened in the Southern Mill complex, near Oneta Street, with its own restaurant, Osteria Olio.
In five points, Bitty & Beau’sthe café where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities work was closed, and ZZ & Simone’s has begun to expand into the space. In Beechwood, a location of Playa Bowls opened and Jason’s Deli closed to make way for a First watchThe former Hardee’s in front of Target is currently being remodeled and is set to become a Metro Diner. Red lobster closed, and San Angel Kitchen and Cantina opened on the site of a former Applebee’s and is now much nicer. The former Lickin’ Chicken on Oak Street near downtown was demolished, so the next Cafe Racer can finally take his place.
Taqueria Morroson Danielsville Road, has closed, which is a shame, but Mitti Desi Kitchen opened on South Milledge, next to Achachi Market, with a wide selection of Indian dishes. Hello Parison the east side, remains closed despite a banner months ago promising reopening. Taqueria los Primos, on Highway 441 South, has new owners and a new name (La Laguna Express), but what seems to be a fairly similar menu. Two more Whataburger (one in front of the Eastside Lowe’s, one on Highway 29 near the Space Kroger) joined us.
Watkinsville received its own location for Villainsin the former Crab Hut; a location of Crawfords G Brand BBQ; a place of Winghouse Grill once again (in what was Doughby’s); and Killer Crust Pizza Co.opposite the University 16 cinema and run by some people who had been to Doughby’s. Small cakesa cupcake franchise, has opened in Bogart. And the Oak Grove area continues to develop, with its own bubble tea franchise (Shake tea) and a restaurant called Los Reyes This is not the same as the Los Reyes on Highway 29 North, which is due to open soon. Between this and the The Parrilla The opening of a Mexican taqueria in Beechwood (unrelated to long-standing Taqueria La Parrilla in Athens) is about to become even more confusing for families looking to gather at a Mexican restaurant.
Here’s to a successful football season that fills the pockets of service sector workers across the city.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole with a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with high-quality, independent journalism.
