The city of Athens is situated in McMinn County, Tennessee. Athens, Tennessee, has a long history that begins in the early 19th century when the region was still a part of the Cherokee Nation.
To symbolize the community’s ambitions for intellectual and cultural advancement, the town was founded in 1822 and given the Greek city of Athens as its name.
Athens TN had an estimated population of 14,084 people as of the 2020 US Census. With 14,273 inhabitants in 2023, Athens rank as the 3106th-largest city in the United States and the 44th-largest in Tennessee.
This beautiful city is well-known for its old town, institutions of higher learning, civic groups, museums, and festivals. Another intriguing fact is that every visitor to Athens will want to come back for a second experience because of the delectable meals the city’s restaurants have to offer.
The city’s food scene is broad and offers something for everyone, from laid-back cafes to fancy restaurants.
Visitors to Athens, TN, can continue eating at various restaurants, including Angela’s Miami Grill, Michael’s, Small’s-Cajun, Man Drive-In, Gondolier Pizza, and Western Sizzlin’.
Are you planning a trip to Athens? Here are the best restaurants in Athens, TN.
Best Restaurants in Athens
1. Angela’s Miami Grill
Are you a lover of American cuisine and would love to have some in Athens? Angela’s Miami Grill is worth visiting.
Cuban food is the focus of this highly-rated restaurant, which was established in 2012 by Angela and Gustavo Perez.
The dependably delicious home-cooked meals that Angela and Gustavo Perez ate as youngsters in Cuba served as the impetus for them to open a restaurant. Since then, in addition to its exquisite cuisine and friendly staff, this fine dining institution has gained a reputation for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and swift service.
Diners feel relaxed dining in the restaurant’s happy and upbeat ambiance. Weekend live music performances are visible to diners who come here to eat on weekends, adding to the lively ambiance.
Some of their amazing features include table service, takeout, parking availability, etc. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Their mouthwatering menu includes appetizers, burgers, salads, sandwiches, melts, chicken things, tex mex, Cuban, etc. They also have a vegetarian-friendly menu for diners on a special diet.
They are open Mondays to Thursdays from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm and from 11:00 am to 08:30 pm on Fridays to Saturdays.
Address:509 W Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303-3489, USA. Phone:+1 423-453-5064
2. Michael’s
Michael’s is another restaurant on our top list of dining establishments in Athens, TN.
Michael McCarty established Michael’s Restaurants in 1979 and has developed a reputation for its imaginative and delectable cuisines.
Those who frequently eat here attest that the food is usually excellent and is prepared with local ingredients. You only receive complete satisfaction when you dine here.
The restaurant’s spacious dining room offers a wide selection of delectable American dishes and vegetarian-friendly meals to satisfy your appetite.
The servers at Michael’s restaurant are trained to walk patrons through the menu and recommend wine pairings as part of their attentive and informed service.
This lovely restaurant offers a number of services like table service, takeout, television, private dining, highchair availability, wheelchair accessibility, parking availability, etc.
Mashed potatoes, salads, chicken, pasta, pan-roasted fish, and other dishes are available for both dinner and lunch.
They are well known for their extensive wine lists, which feature carefully selected wines from all around the world, in addition to their delicious cuisine.
Michael’s restaurant is open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm, Fridays from 11:00 am to 10:00 and Saturdays from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Address:925 Congress Parkway, Athens, TN 37303, USA. Phone:+1 423-649-0000
3. Small’s-Cajun Man Drive-In
This family-run dining establishment is renowned for serving delectable food with Cajun and Creole flavors, and their friendly service is second to none.
Small’s-Cajun Man Drive-In restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and can be a favorite hangout spot for both locals and tourists to create memories.
The staff at this restaurant is renowned for their friendliness and kindness, and they go above and beyond to make customers feel at home. Diners who visit can dine inside or outside on the restaurant’s comfortable seats.
Some of their enticing features include table service, seating, parking availability, and takeout. In addition, the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Their menu includes gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, po’boys, seafood, fried catfish, etc.
Address:802 S White St, Athens, TN 37303-4613, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-6650
4. Ming Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
If you love Chinese cuisine, then add Ming Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, to your list of best Athens restaurants to visiting for fun dining.
This lively restaurant is well known to diners for three things in particular: its authentic Asian and Chinese cuisine, its attentive service, and its elegant atmosphere.
In addition to the above, Ming Dynasty Chinese Restaurant features a posh atmosphere with comfortable chairs and chic design. You’ll be compelled to eat more food when you sample one of their delicious dishes.
This restaurant can accommodate special dietary requirements. Visit them soon to satisfy your appetite and reward your taste with a wonderful dinner that is suitable for vegetarians.
The spacious rooms of the restaurants, which can accommodate big gatherings, are perfect for hosting business meetings and other occasions. The staff is kind and attentive, and eager to provide recommendations and menu guidance.
Some of the services here that will draw your attention include table service, seating, takeout, etc, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Ming Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Athens TN is open from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm every Monday to Saturday.
Address:1635 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303-2423, USA. Phone:+1 423-744-9341
5. Cracker Barrel
The next on our list of the best restaurants in Athens, TN, is Cracker Barrel. If you enjoy American cuisine, visit them.
Uniqueness characterizes this restaurant. They offer hearty, spicy, and delectable American fare in reasonable servings.
When it comes to making customers feel welcome, the staff employed here are renowned for their friendly demeanor and proactive approach.
The decor of the restaurant includes vintage photos and antique artifacts that are placed throughout the dining walls so you can indulge your sense of sight as you dine.
Some of their enticing features include highchair availability, table service, takeout, and parking. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
To state your appetite, you can select your favorite dish from their breakfast, lunch, and supper menu which includes biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak, chicken and dumplings, pecan pie, etc. They also offer a kids’ menu and seasonal specials.
Visit Cracker Barrel on Sundays to Thursdays from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address:110 Burkett L Witt Blvd # 9, Athens, TN 37303-4997, USA. Phone:+1 423-746-8839
6. Gondolier Pizza
Do you wish to taste delectable Italian Pizza when you arrive in Athens, Tn? Then Gondolier Pizza is worth visiting.
This excellent dining institution is a family-owned pizzeria that opened its doors in 1974 in Athens Tennessee. It has been in operation for more than 40 years and is recognized for providing guests with pizza, pasta dishes, and other Italian mainstays in a cozy eating setting.
You are welcome to join them for a great night out in their welcoming environment with your friends and family. The high-quality Italian dining experience you’ll have here will be one you won’t soon forget.
All diners’ demands are met by the restaurant’s excellent service and high standards of quality. Your heart will be warmed by the lovely smiles of the personnel who are taking care of you, and you’ll feel compelled to dine here again.
Some of their features include television, takeout, table service, parking available, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Some of their mouthwatering menus include pasta, salads, subs, pizza, calzones, lasagna, etc.
Gondolier Pizza is always open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and on Fridays to Saturdays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Address:2241 Congress Pkwy S, Athens, TN 37303-2898, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-5303
7. Western Sizzlin
Another outstanding restaurant serving Steak and American cuisine in Athens, TN is Western Sizzlin‘.
Established in 1962, this upscale restaurant is well known for serving grilled steak, shellfish, and other meat-based dishes to suit any appetite.
Visitors to this restaurant have a wonderful meal at a reasonable cost before departing. They take great pride in their commitment to offering each customer prompt, courteous service and making sure that they enjoy their meal.
Parking, takeaway, table service, setting, availability of highchairs, and wheelchair accessibility are just a few of their great features.
On the menu are meat entrees such as grilled chicken, pork chops, and country-fried steak, as well as ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, and T-bone steaks.
Western Sizzlin opens on Mondays to Sundays from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Address:1804 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303-4984, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-262
8. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is the next restaurant on our list of best places to eat in Athens, TN.
This lovely restaurant, which opened in 1972, is a well-liked American dining option for many people. Diners of all ages are welcome in this warm and inviting dining setting.
Diners who come here to dine usually have a grin on their faces because of the delicious food that is cooked to their preferences and the warm welcome of the staff.
Every day, customers can order their delectable meals online or in person. If you’d rather eat indoors, there is cozy indoor dining as well as patio seating that is encircled by a bar and cozy booths.
It is undeniable that this restaurant provides exceptional customer service. Everyone you encounter here is delighted to have you visit, and they sincerely want you to come here frequently to eat.
Their amazing features include a full bar, table service, takeouts, highchairs, seatings, etc. In addition, the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Their menu is made up of so many tasty meals which include seafood, steaks, burgers, salads, pasta, salads- bars, etc.
Ruby Tuesday is always open Mondays to Sundays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Address:1830 Holiday Dr, Athens, TN 37303-4949, USA. Phone:+1 423-746-1775.
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9. Open Door Café
Amongst the top restaurants in Athens, TN is Open Door Café which is worth visiting.
This lovely restaurant serving American food is located in a historic building in the heart of Athens. They have a reputation for providing fair services, creating a warm atmosphere, and serving wonderful food made with fresh local products.
Everybody who comes here to dine has a fantastic time at this exquisite dining establishment. You can throw your parties in their beautifully decorated environment. To make your upcoming celebration unique, you can rely on them to drive anything you require.
They have a good seating arrangement, table service, takeout, and television, among other features. Their facility is wheelchair accessible.
Their tantalizing menu features dishes including catfish, fried chicken, shrimp, and grits. You can choose a drink from their extensive wine list to go with your meal. For those following a specific diet, there are additional vegetarian-friendly food selections available.
This restaurant is always open Mondays to Wednesdays from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursdays from 04:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Fridays to Saturdays from 04:00 pm to 03:00 am.
Address:2011 Congress Pkwy S, Athens, TN 37303-2813, USA. Phone:+1 423-453.
10. Jenkins
Jenkins is one of the best restaurants in Athens, TN, and is worth adding to your list of best places to eat in Athens, TN.
Jenkins Restaurant is a family-run enterprise that has been serving delicious Southern food for more than 60 years and has become a well-liked dining destination for locals.
In addition to having excellent food, this restaurant has an inviting and cheerful atmosphere for a great dining experience.
The staff is well known for their warm hospitality and superior customer service, and the restaurant has a typical diner atmosphere with plush booths and counter seats.
Their amazing features include a nice seating arrangement, table service, outdoor seating, etc, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
There are many different Southern meals on the menu at Jenkins Restaurant, such as fried chicken, barbecued pig, seafood, and sides including collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.
Jenkins is recognized among the top Athens restaurants and it is open Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Address:411 S Jackson St, Athens, TN 37303-4716, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-7388
11. Mexi-Wing
Lovers of Mexican Cusine, Mexi- Wingin restaurant is a sure place to get the best of it.
Founded in 2010, the Mexi-Wings chain of restaurants specializes in preparing traditional Mexican food with standard American bar food.
The original and arguably best Mexi Wing can be found in this stunning location, according to diners. You don’t have to worry about receiving value for your money at this wonderful establishment because the prices are fair, the serving sizes are generous, and the service is first-rate.
They provide excellent services, including wheelchair accessibility, table service, and good seating arrangements.
In addition to their wing and fries, salsa, shrimp, lemon pepper, salad, mushrooms, and steak are on the restaurant’s menu.
Mexi-Wing restaurant is open from Mondays to Sundays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. It is also a one of the best Athens restaurants.
Address:112 N White St, Athens, TN 37303-3549, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-9978
12. Captain D’s
When visiting Athens, Tennessee, if you want to satisfy your palate with fresh seafood, Captain D’s restaurant is a good bet.
The name of this establishment was formerly Mr. D’s Seafood and Hamburgers before being changed to Captain D’s restaurant in 1974.
This fine dining place is one of the greatest in Athen for satisfying diners’ appetites with high-quality shrimp, sides, and traditional fish at affordable pricing.
Another noticeable feature of Captain D restaurant is the attention it places on creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming for its customers. The employees are well known for their kind, accommodating, and cheerful demeanor.
The amazing service they offer includes seating, takeout, etc, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
You can find items like shrimp, crab cakes, fried fish, sides, seafood, sandwiches, salad, chicken dish, etc on their menu.
They are always open from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, Fridays from 10:30 am to 11:00 pm, and from 10:30 am to 06:00 pm on Saturdays.
Address:1805 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303-4932, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-6151
13. Monterey Mexican Restaurant
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant is the next restaurant on our list of places to sate your appetite when you visit Athens Tennessee.
This elegant restaurant resumed business in 1989 and specializes in classic Mexican cuisine prepared fresh with local cuisines.
Another outstanding feature of Monterrey Mexican Restaurant is the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant usually features Mexican artwork and furnishings, and the staff is recognized for offering friendly and considerate service.
Their enticing services include seating table service, takeout, etc. and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Tacos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, mole, and fajitas are just a few of the traditional dishes on the menu at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant. Together with a selection of beers and wines, the restaurant is particularly well-known for its margaritas and other specialty cocktails.
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, Athens is always open on Sundays to Thursdays from 11:00 am to 09:30 pm, and Thursdays to Fridays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address:319 Congress Pkwy S, Athens, TN 37303-1858, USA. Phone:+1 423-744-8644
14. Applebee’s
Applebee’s is the next on our list of top dining options in Tennessee, Athens.
Diners who yearn for American cuisine can enjoy a vibrant, relaxed dining experience at this lovely restaurant, which opened its doors in 1980.
This extraordinary location has everything you could possibly need to sate your curiosity and have an unforgettable dining experience.
Your taste senses will be left with a simmering taste as a result of their delectable American meals, timeless beverages, and local brews. When you interact with their attentive and kind service team, you can’t help but return.
These restaurants offer a number of alluring services like a full bar, takeout, serving alcohol, and television, and the building is also handicapped accessible for those with a disability, among others.
You can get seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, etc on their menu. In addition, they offer alcoholic and non-alcohol beverages.
Applebee’s restaurant is always open on Mondays to Saturdays from 11:00 am to 01:00 am and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Address:2536 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303-4929, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-8986
15. Waffle House
Concluding this list of top restaurants in Athens, TN is Waffle House, an amazing restaurant worth visiting.
This restaurant is noted for its 24-hour customer service and focuses on breakfast foods developed in the South, such as hashbrowns, waffles, and eggs.
An outstanding feature of this restaurant that regular diners commend is its commitment to excellence and dependability.
The restaurant uses only the best ingredients in all of its meals and adheres to strict rules for food preparation and service.
They offer enticing services such as takeout, Free Wifi, outdoor seating, credit card, table service, etc. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Their menu, which is available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner includes pancakes, omelets, gravy, biscuits,
Waffle House restaurant, is open Mondays to Sundays from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm.
Address:1832 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303-4984, USA. Phone:+1 423-745-1606.
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Plan a Trip to Athens
Athens is a thriving city with a diverse economy and a deep cultural past. There is no doubt that when you visit Athens, Tennessee, you will have a great time and satisfy your appetite with the variety of local foods available.
There are several restaurants in Athens, TN, from which to choose if you wish to eat there when you visit. You can dine in any of these excellent dining establishments that this article has highlighted, and you won’t regret the experience. Start planning a trip to Athens today!