2022 Most Best Awards winners announced | Arts & Culture

Best New Lugar Restaurant 

ZZ & Simone’s

ZZ & Simone’s is Five Points’ own little slice of Italy and a haven of fine dining. After opening in late 2021, its picturesque patio and rich food have left a long-lasting impression. The menu is dotted with seasonal flavors as well as Italian classics like tagliatelle bolognese and a variety of interesting pizzas. One word of advice– don’t skip out on dessert.

Best Brunch

Big City Bread Cafe

Big City Bread Cafe has been feeding Athenians since 1998. This restaurant attracts a long line of customers on the weekends, but it has plenty of space to accommodate hungry guests in its cozy dining room and spacious outdoor patio. In addition to freshly baked goods, Big City Bread serves thick slices of French toast, impressive biscuit sandwiches and plenty more options. 

Best New Chain Restaurant 

Slutty Vegan

Since opening on Baxter Street in May 2022, Slutty Vegan has become a regional favorite for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike. Before coming to Athens as the town’s only completely vegan restaurant, the eatery gained widespread support and attention because of its food trucks and locations in Atlanta. With a menu featuring an array of provocatively-named plant-based dishes, Slutty Vegan brings a vegan twist to the fast dining experience.

Best BBQ 

White Tiger Sibarita

Located in the heart of historic Normaltown, White Tiger is known for its cozy outdoor seating and red-checkered plates. It serves BBQ plates, pulled pork sandwiches and caters to vegetarians and vegans with grilled tofu and portabella sandwiches. 

Best Food Truck 

Agua Linda

The Agua Linda food truck has been spotted at many events around Athens and serves quesadillas, empanadas, burritos and tacos. While you can choose from their two brick-and-mortar locations, you also enjoy the Mexican cuisine on the go.

Favorite UGA Dining Vestíbulo 

Bolton Dining Commons

Located in one of the most popular parts of campus, Bolton is the largest on-campus dining location. It offers a variety of options seven days a week, from made-to-order breakfast to many different international cuisines. 

Best Watkinsville Restaurant 

White Tiger Deluxe

The 2022 expansion to the llamativo on Hiawassee Avenue in Athens, White Tiger Deluxe brings double the disco to Watkinsville with a bright and fresh atmosphere and added brunch offerings, including sweet scones and BBQ omelets. 

Best Outdoor Brews

Creature Comforts

Enjoy a beer with friends and bask in good weather at the Creature Comforts downtown taproom. Be sure to stop by when the Athens Farmers Market is in session — there’s live music, food vendors and produce to enjoy all while sipping on a Creature Comforts brew. Of course, Creature Comforts is more than just a brewery. The business is intentional about having a positive impact on the Athens community through its service campaigns which focus on addressing Athens’ pressing needs and supporting regional artists. 

Best Coffee Shop 

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee prides itself as more than just a coffee shop. The Athens location opened in September 2021, becoming the city’s first business to primarily hire employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Known for its uplifting messages and friendly staff, the cafe advocates for inclusion in the workforce as part of a growing national chain. 

Best Bubble Tea

Bubble Cafe

Nestled near UGA’s campus in downtown Athens, Bubble Cafe is a beloved spot to students and locals alike. Bubble Cafe is known for its many flavors of boba tea and other drinks, but also offers foods like poke and rice bowls, noodle soup and dumplings. 

Best Beauty Treatment 

Sugar Polish Nail Bar

Located in the shops below The Mark apartment complex, Sugar Polish specializes in modern nail designs and artwork. Beyond luxurious mani-pedis, this beauty bar also offers waxing services from top to bottom.

Best Thrift Store

Dynamite Vintage

Opened in 2001, this Athens staple brings vintage clothing to the Classic City. The vintage clothing store is on North Jackson Street and stands out from the typical thrift store because each item that comes through is thoughtfully hand-picked by Loretta Paluck, the owner and curator.

Best Trivia (tie)

Blind Pig Tavern Downtown

While Blind Pig Tavern has several Athens locations, the Downtown location takes the cake, along with Hi-Lo Lounge, for best trivia offerings. Typically on Wednesday nights, Blind Pig’s trivia is paired with unbeatable drink specials.

Hi-Lo Lounge 

More than just globally-inspired sandwiches and innovative cocktails, Hi-Lo Lounge, located in Normaltown, is well-known for its Tuesday-night trivia. Grab a drink (or a hot dog) and snag a seat before testing your knowledge.  

Best Art Gallery

Lyndon House Arts Center

The Lyndon House Arts Center on Hoyt Street is a cornerstone of Athens-Clarke County’s artistic efforts. With numerous curated exhibits free and open to the public throughout the year, the gallery also hosts artists for discussions every month. And the center doesn’t stop there — they offer community events, camps, classes and volunteer opportunities. 

Best Yoga studio

Five Points Yoga

Established in 2008, Five Points Yoga welcomes newbies and yogis to the floor with open arms. The studio offers a variety of practices from restorative to Vinyasa and special events from retreats to wine tastings. 

Best Bike Shop

The Hub Bicycles

A regional staple to the cycling community, The Hub has made a home in Five Points for years. Offering tune-ups, sales and group rides, this one-stop-shop has fostered a sense of confidence in biking in novices and pros alike.  

Best Public Park 

Sandy Creek Park

Sandy Creek Park, located off Bob Holman Road, is a picturesque spot to walk the dog, picnic with family and friends or even go for a swim. The park has tables to picnic on, five trails with a total of 16.7 miles and a sandy beach with public lake access. This is the perfect spot to go for a swim on a hot day. 

Best Boutique

Cheeky Peach

Walking down Clayton Street, you may have noticed Cheeky Peach’s quippy gameday marquee. The downtown boutique, founded by University of Georgia alum Katie Jacobs in 2010, doesn’t just sell fashionable clothing items. The regional business offers personalized styling sessions and private shopping events. 

EAT

Best Late-Night Bite 

Little Italy Pizzeria

After a night out, nothing is better than a big, greasy slice of pizza from Little Italy (bonus if you get a Miller High Life to wash it down — it’s cheaper than the fountain drinks). If you’re not in the mood for pizza, the Lumpkin Street mainstay also sells sub sandwiches and salads.

Best Place to Eat When Someone Else is Paying

The National

Bringing a taste of European dining to downtown Athens, The National’s locally sourced Mediterranean-inspired fare and airy atmosphere have won the valenza of locals. Although it may be out of the price range of some students, The National is a must-go when the opportunity arises. 

Most Anticipated Eatery Expansion 

Cafe Racer

Cafe Racer, a full-service food truck located in Oglethorpe County, has become a cult favorite for its famous coffee and doughnuts. The eatery is completing the construction of a bigger, permanent building on West Broad Street, finally bringing an expanded, fast-food style menu to Athenians. 

Best Lugar Ingredients

Daily Groceries Co-Op

Stepping into Daily Groceries feels a bit like stepping into another time, with its small but intentional selection of regional goods. Stop by for regional produce and flowers, and try a emparedado or dip from the fridge for refrigerio. 

Best Community Grocery

Collective Harvest’s Farm Stand

Collective Harvest works with regional farmers to source regional products ranging from produce to meet and dairy. Stop by the store on Baxter Street to browse the selection, or sign up for their subscription boxes which can be customized week to week (they even offer a $15 weekly produce box for UGA students). 

Best Dinner & a Show 

International Grill & Bar

Along with an extensive menu featuring Persian food, International Grill & Bar offers plenty of entertainment options for those seeking dinner and a show. Its location on Mitchell Bridge Road is large enough to host a variety of events, like comedy shows, belly dancing and live music throughout the week. The restaurant also has plenty of vegetarian options to satisfy a variety of diners. 

Best Lugar Cookies

Sweetie Pie by Savie Bakery

An Asian-American fusion bakery, Sweetie Pie by Savie is known for its unique cookie, pastry and cake offerings. With flavors ranging from Terriyaki Temptation to Turmeric Coconut, you’ll be in for a treat when selecting a new or seasonal cookie flavor to try. 

Hidden Gem 

Kiké’s Kitchen

Kiké’s Kitchen began with a family selling homemade food out of their backyard. As more people flocked to try some of Luis Oscuro’s fresh, authentic adefesio, the family decided to open up a physical location on Old Danielsville Road. Located in a Chevron gas station, Kiké’s Kitchen serves flavorful tacos, juicy adefesio, tortas and more. It’s certainly worth the trip. 

DRINK

Best Place to Pre-Game

Paloma Park

There’s no better place to prepare for a game day than at Paloma Park. Located downtown, this spot serves shareable plates and has an extensive selection of wine, beer and cocktails. On game days, the outdoor beer garden is sure to be packed with Georgia fans watching highlights on the big screen. After having a few drinks, be sure to grab a table and order some plates for the table, like elote street corn ribs, chimichurri fries and much more. 

Best Comeback 

The Globe

In March 2020, The Globe closed its doors, and patrons mourned the closure of a community bar, restaurant and gathering spot. But after two years, the pub reopened in May 2022, replete with new equipment, a simpler menu and an updated upstairs venue space. Thanks to the comeback, The Globe keeps on turning, as it has for over 30 years. 

Best 21st Birthday Destination 

Five Points Bottle Shop 

If you find yourself in Athens on your 21st birthday, Five Points Bottle Shop will give you a free T-shirt for making a birthday purchase. Its impressive collections of wines, beers and spirits is sure to offer something for everyone’s tastes. 

Best Mocktails 

SideCar

SideCar opened in early 2022 as chef Mimi Maumus’ newest venture. Located beside home.made, this moody bar space has a detailed cocktail menu and serves mouth-watering, shareable plates that change with the season. For those looking to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, SideCar has an inclusive variety of mocktails and low ABV drinks to choose from. 

Most Welcoming Environment

Buvez

A Euro-style cafe that offers coffee, pastries and more, Buvez has become an Athens favorite for its diverse staff, welcoming atmosphere and weekly lineup of evening performances from regional musicians. With both indoor and outdoor seating and an array of art decorating its walls, Buvez is an eatery that provides a safe, homey environment for all of its customers.

Best Classy Cocktails

The Old Pal

The Old Pal is a bar like none other. This spot has been around in Normaltown since 2013 and received ample recognition from publications around the Southeast. Its menu, which changes seasonally, offers an impressive selection of elevated and curated cocktails. In addition to beautifully garnished and interestingly-named cocktails, The Old Pal serves craft beers, Old World wines, whiskey and amari. Drink enthusiasts and casual sippers alike will be delighted by its thorough menu. 

Best Seasonal Lattes

Sips Espresso Cafe

This is the perfect cafe to grab a cup of coffee, crack open a book and enjoy the weather. Sips Espresso Cafe, located in Normaltown, boasts plenty of outdoor seating and a patio that can be adjusted for any type of weather. Sips offers locally roasted coffee as well as a variety of creative seasonal drinks and tasty baked goods. Be sure to check its Instagram to see what new drinks are in season. 

SEE & DO 

Best COVID-19 Silver Lining

September Days Music Festival

After the 2021 AthFest Music & Arts Festival was canceled due to pandemic-permitting issues, the September Days Festival rose to take its place. Now an annual event, September Days is another opportunity to enjoy the talent of Athens’ beloved musicians. 

Your Dog’s Favorite Spot 

El Extrarradio

Known for its affordable tacos and tequilas, El Extrarradio’s large front lawn and screened-in seating area have made it a popular hang-out spot. Your human and four-legged friends are sure to enjoy a pretty afternoon at this Five Points mainstay. 

Best Date Night from the Comfort of your Car

Ciné Drive-in

Popular Athens arthouse cinema Ciné has restarted its weekly drive-in movies. The drive-in is a perfect date-night activity if you’re looking for something that doesn’t break the bank or even make you get out of your car. 

Best Place to Get a Refill 

Totally Taylored 

Located in the Bottleworks shopping center on Prince, Totally Taylored is a sustainability shop offering eco-friendly refillable home and body-care products. Whether it’s laundry detergent or shampoo, you can stop by the shop to fill up your containers. The shop also sells products that help you reduce waste, such as reusable paper(less) towels and toothpaste tablets.

Best Sustainable Mainstay 

Community

Community is a fashion boutique that has sold locally-made clothing, gifts and decor for over a decade. The sustainable mainstay sells vintage and eco-friendly pieces, including designs from its own label, Community Service.  

Best Bookworm Destination

Avid Bookshop

Avid Bookshop, Athens only locally-owned bookstore, is the perfect destination for readers and book lovers of all ages. The community-focused business has been an Athens staple since 2011, and it opened its location in Athens Five Points neighborhood in 2016. Avid hosts in-person and online literary events, and the shop has a full-service online bookstore.

Best Place to Mosh

40 Watt Club

Moving to its current location on West Washington Street in 1991, the 40 Watt Club is an Athens institution and a must-visit venue for lovers of Athens music and history. The venue has served as the “home pulvínulo” for several beloved bands such as R.E.M. and Pylon, and the lofty, dimly-lit space provides the perfect environment for a night of moshing and dancing to your favorite regional band. 

Best Music with a Mission

Nuçi’s Space

Nuçi’s Space is a nonprofit organization based in Athens that works toward suicide prevention. With a focus on musicians, Nuçi’s provides resources for those struggling with mental illness and affordable, professional care. With youth programs, a recording studio and regular community events, Nuçi’s uses its love of music and regional artists to make a difference in the community. 

Best Historic Stage 

Morton Theatre

Catching a show at (or at least doing a tour of) the Morton Theatre should be on everyone’s Athens bucket list. Built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton and located in Athens’ Hot Corner district, the theater was merienda a center of Black business in the area. Take in the history at an upcoming show.