Finding the Best Bar in the College Town of Athens
Four years in the Athens, Goergia bar scene wouldn’t be complete without regular trips to the Georgia Theater. Located at 215 North Lumpkin Street, this bar is a landmark in the Athens bar scene. The main focus of this Athens nightspot is music, music and more music. Acts range from rock and roll to country. Outside many students and locals can be found crowding the sidewalks all night long, but for a minimal fee that most college students and starving artists can afford a night of musical enlightenment can be found. Certain nights are dedicated to dancing and the bar hosts many free events. Throw in the occasional viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and you have yourself one hip college bar.
Not far away at 240 North Lumpkin Street in Athens, Georgia is Nowhere Bar. Offering over 100 different types of beer on tap and in bottles. This bar is a laid back and fun place to hang out. They offer darts, Golden Tee, video games, pool and of course televisions. Nowhere Bar is an awesome place to watch the University of Georgia’s football team, the Bulldogs, play when you can’t get a ticket.
The Globe, also located on Lumpkin Street, is as Athens, Goergia as it comes. Offering a comfortable atmosphere where the emphasis is on conversation and music is in the background. This bar is famous for it’s selections of over 30 single malts, it’s extensive beer selection, as well as its impressive menu. The Globe offers sandwiches, burgers and soups that can rock your world, but don’t forget to save room for their desserts. Milk is on the menu and a great way to wash down your after dinner treat. Visit The Globe on a fall afternoon just when the air is getting cool and crisp and you may never go home again.
A couple blocks away is Room 13 at 243 West Washington Street. This bar draws in the music-loving crowd the way sugar draws flies. They have a growing beer list and a beautiful patio to enjoy your brew on. For the budget drinker they offer Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can. For the serious drinker they have a full liquor and wine bar as well as a lengthy beer list. They also offer the expected bar entertainment with foosball, video games and pool tables. A must visit among Athens, Georgia’s bars.
Looking for a quaint bar to take a date. Look no further than Depalma’s at 401 East Broad Street. A ten on the romance Richter scale, Depalma’s is an Italian style cafÃ?© in downtown Athens, Goergia that offers a refuge from the chain restaurants that lack the required ambiance for that special evening out. Depalma’s is a large cafe that offers a cozy feel, so you don’t have to make small talk for too long while you wait for your table. They offer an extensive list of Italian pastas and wines. Get ready to re-create that Lady and the Tramp moment!
Off the beaten path is Half Moon Pub. Located below street level at 301 East Clayton Street, this bar is home to more regulars than bar hoppers. Offering that real pub feel with dark wood and brick walls Half moon Pub is an Athens, Goergia gem. They offer a selection of thirty bottle beers and six varieties on tap. This is the kind of bar that deserves more than one visit during your college years.
Back on the beaten path is Athens’ own Georgia Bar. Claiming to be the oldest bar in Athens, Georgia Bar is located at 159 West Clayton Street. Their sign says only Bar and the atmosphere is as down to earth as the sign is. Their clientele ranges from students to professors and hungry musician. Georgia Bar is on the Official Athens Music History Walking Tour and warrants a quick trip in away from the tourist crowd. Patrons are offered free peanuts and super comfy bar stools that invite you to stay until close.
Newer on the Athens Bar scene is 283 Bar. Cleverly named for it address, 283 Broad Street. This bar is a great mix of art and cool; offering a quiet haven from some of the rowdier bars. Delivering an expert bar staff, 283 Bar has put a finger on what Athenians want: good drinks in a great setting. Patrons include a diverse mix of students, both current and graduated, as well as locals. Offering an eclectic oasis this bar is a great place to impress a date.
Offering a break from the traditional University of Georgia bar is J.R.’s baitshack. With their upstairs deck, beach theme, tropical drinks and Jimmy Buffet theme nights this bar seems to belong more along the coast of Florida. Their relaxed atmosphere offers a welcoming change and creates a mini vacation just steps away. Margaritas and the house Long Island Iced Tea are the specialties here, while beer plays second fiddle. Tropical attire encouraged.
Insomnia also presents a change from the local bar scene. Residing at 131 East Broad Street, Insomnia is a full-fledged dance club in the heart of hang out bar central. Offering a high-tech look, light effects and a musical range from techno to hip hop; this is a great bar to shake your groove thing in. Insomnia would be at home in any large city. University of Georgia students flock to this bar. Who needs to drive to drive to Atlanta to find somewhere to dance?
Saving the best for last, the 40 Watt Club. Currently located at 285 West Washington Street, the original opened in 1978 and has changed locations and owners more than once. Originally a punk rock band club, this bar played a vital part in the history of Athens, Georgia’s musical history. The 40 Watt Club is considered by some to be the heart beat of the Athens’s music scene. Founded by musicians and built by people who love music, the 40 Watt is a living museum to music history in Athens. Although no longer hard-core punk rock, cutting edge bands play here regularly; offering college students and locals a chance to hear it first.
