Athens is a small town in Texas, with around 30 miles off Tyler to the east and 70 miles off Dallas to the west. It boasts fully packed shops, health centers, restaurants, and lots more.
The town’s position close to the Bible Belt makes it a great place to live and have fun.
Coming here for the first time may seem overwhelming, especially if you need to fuel your tummy. Hence, you need to know the best restaurants in Athens, TX, and the closest to your location for a fantastic meal experience.
To help you locate the most suitable, this article features top 15 restaurants in Athens, TX and what makes them unique. Do read on!
Best Restaurants in Athens
1. Cherry Laurel Bakery, Café and Catering
Cherry Laurel is perfect for your cravings if you searching for best restaurants in Athens, TX, to enjoy a casual and mouthwatering dining experience. A family-style restaurant provides everything from desserts to salads to cookies, pies, cakes, and everything to relish.
At this restaurant, you will get to taste the best of nicely cooked meals. Try broccoli soup and cooked chicken salad, or go for butter or chocolate cakes. For drinks, go for a good latte, frappes, or ice tea. The delicious rum at the bar is also excellent. Vegetarians are welcome to order their unique dishes customized for them.
In addition, you will get special attention from the staff that ensures customers are comfortable and the environment friendly for a tasty meal. The inside is quaint and relaxed if you choose to dine in.
For your special occasions and events with up to 500 people, you can contract the staff for customized dishes and cakes to ice the event.
You can order takeout if you dislike stopping by for your meal. Parking is also available for your car.
Cherry Laurel Bakery, Café and Catering is open on Monday to Saturday, from 8 am – 3 pm, but closed on Sunday.
Address: 305 S Prairieville St, Athens, TX 75751-2543. Phone: +1 903-677-5599
2. Roma Italian
Roma Italian is a family-owned and operated restaurant with over 40 years of experience. It offers a variety of Italian cuisines that will entice your taste bud. You can always come to dine in a laidback environment.
The menu features pasta dishes, veal, seafood, chicken and steak. Everything is fresh and excellently prepared to delight you.
You can request a glass of wine or beer from the full bar to take down the food. Again, the list is extensive to enable you to choose your favorite.
The most suitable time to eat in this exquisitely furnished restaurant is the evening for a casual dinner. You can hang out with your friends and family for a refreshing moment over a plate of laughter. Service is also swift and topnotch to make a perfect dining experience.
You can give your event a special touch by contracting the staff to take care of catering services, including a wine setup. There are also different party rooms for your occasion.
Roma Italian is open on Tuesday to Wednesday, from 11 am – 9:30 pm, Thursday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, from 11 am – 9 pm.
Address: 500 S Palestine St, Athens, TX 75751-3321. Phone: +1 903-264-8000
3. Athens Boathouse
If you are looking for the best places to eat in Athens, TX, Athens Boathouse is just the restaurant to visit. It is a casual, family-style restaurant with a relaxed dining room and lounge. The setting is warm and unpretentious, with excellent décor to scintillate your mood. Dining at the patio offers you a fantastic view of Lake Athens.
The eclectic menu features a variety of traditional southern specialties. They are prepared fresh, including salads, grilled fish, cheeseburgers, bacon-wrapped jalapenos, catfish, short rib, steaks, and Texas brown shrimp. In addition, you can try the handcrafted cocktails, beers, or wines to pair with your meal. Everything is simple and elegant to give you the best dining experience.
It is best to grace this eatery with friends and family on a fantastic evening for a relaxed meal.
Athens Boathouse is open, on Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 am – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, from 11 am – 4 pm.
Address: 5401 Marina Dr., Athens, TX 75752. Phone: +1 903-675-2628
4. Old West Bean and Burger
If you are looking for excellent burgers in the heart of Athens in Texas, you must check out Old West Bean and Burger. This is a home of hamburgers, and you can find assorted quality craft burgers to satisfy your appetite.
The ingredients are locally sourced and freshly made to give a yummy taste. The meat is also freshly ground to ensure all-round refreshment for guests who may have entered hungry and curious.
The restaurant also has delicious chips to go with your burger. Besides, you can select one of their specialty burgers or request they build yours according to your cravings. Try the Chicken Steak and enjoy an unpretentious meal. Pairing it with a freshly made salad is also nice to check out.
Order any beverage of your choice to go down with your burger selection. You will always come back for more after enjoying a mouthwatering experience here.
Old West Bean and Burger is open from Monday to Thursday, from 11 am – 8 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 9 pm, and Sunday, from 11 am – 3 pm.
Address: 309 W Corsicana St, Athens, TX 75751-2416. Phone:+1 903-675-1900
5. El Arroyo Modern Mexican Kitchen
Here is another spot for fresh and authentic Mexican dishes from scratch. So whether you want traditional street tacos, chips, salsa, or you prefer vegetarian dishes, your cravings will always be satisfied. El Arroyo also uses unique family recipes to make a unique taste you can never get elsewhere.
You will always find a reason to dine here. The staff is skilled in serving the guests in a favorable environment, which makes it easier for everyone to feel at home and relaxed. You can come alone or visit in a sizable group to enjoy a more fun dining experience.
Once you dine in El Arroyo, be sure to come again and again.
For catering services, you can always request according to your budget and have the staff perform wonders that would wow your guests.
El Arroyo Modern Mexican Kitchen is open Monday to Wednesday, from 11 am – 8 pm, Thursday, from 11 am – 9 pm and Friday, from 11 am – 9:30 pm.
Address: 416 S Palestine St Ste C Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (903) 292-5279
6. Cotton Patch Café
In the heart of Athens, TX lies this stunning eatery where you can have an excellent time over a plate of your favorite dish. Here, you can experience the best Texas can offer and they use only southern recipes made from scratch.
Being a family-style restaurant, Cotton Patch Café is famous for cooking the most sumptuous chicken-fried steak, street tacos, chicken fried pork, homemade chicken dumplings, and crispy fried catfish. You can request any side of your choice to go with your order. The flavors will always leave you coming for more after your first encounter.
For your drink, request freshly made margaritas or any cocktail. Of course, a glass of wine wouldn’t be bad too.
Service is always fast and efficient, with the servers offering friendly and professional help. The setting is warm and welcoming, casting a balance on your mood. Everything is arranged to make you come for more.
Cotton Patch Café is open Monday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, from 10:30 am – 10 pm.
Address:1413 E Tyler St, Athens, TX 75751, United States. Phone:+1 903-670-1208
7. The Jalapeno Tree
This is another spot for delicious Mexican cuisine, served in a family-friendly setting. The Jalapeno Tree is among the top family-owned and operated Athens restaurants, serving only freshly made food with premium ingredients. Having existed for 25 years, the restaurant has mastered the creation of unique dishes with fresh and healthy ingredients made to order.
Whether you want hearty bowls, tortilla soup, sizzling fajitas, rice and beans, Key West veggies, zucchini, or any Mexican dish, you are sure to have your request right on your table.
Interestingly, if you are a veteran, military, or police, you can order your meal at The Jalapeno at a discount.
The setting is always in line with your mood as the servers ensure you get what you desire. You can never get it wrong by stepping into this unique eatery today.
The Jalapeno Tree is open on Sunday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address: 1112 E Tyler St, Athens, TX 75751-2146. Phone: +1 903-677-4056
8. Applebee
At Applebee, you can step in to order your favorite dish in a well-ventilated atmosphere. All ingredients are freshly prepared to ensure a sumptuous meal. The food is usually cooked to perfection for one reason – to satisfy your taste bud.
Applebee’s eclectic menu includes beef, pork, chicken, seafood, pasta, and burgers. You can choose Applebee’s Pick’Pair lunch combos if you watch your weight. There is always something for anyone on the menu, which is why guests keep repeating their visits.
The staff also ensures you have the best encounter with your meal by offering a friendly and efficient service. You can call ahead to place your order for a more remarkable experience.
Applebee is open on Sunday to Thursday, from 11 – 12 am, and Friday to Saturday, from 11 – 1 am.
Address: 1110 E Tyler St, Athens, TX 75751-2146. Phone: +1 903-675-2230
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9. Asian Garden
If you are visiting Athens and need to know the best place to enjoy Asian cuisine, you can try Asian Garden. It gives a pleasant surprise as guests dine here with their loved ones on special days or to hang out on a casual evening.
The menu includes sweet and sour chicken, ruby chicken, egg rolls, spring rolls, soups, and sauces. The portion sizes are enough to satisfy you, and the price is affordable. Besides, everything is served hot and fresh, giving a yummy pleasure.
Service in Asian Garden is fast and prompt, and the atmosphere is calm, providing a relaxed mood. The food is always made to order and not packaged or processed. You can also make an online order and have it delivered to your doorstep. Dining here is highly recommended.
Asian Garden is open on Sunday to Thursday, from 11 am – 9:30 pm, and Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address: 607 E Tyler St Ste 103 Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (903) 675-1755
10. Taqueria La Ventana
Are you in Athens, TX, and crave Mexican cuisines in a traditional-street setting? Then, you can count on Taqueria La Ventana for a delicious meal.
All meals are freshly crafted in a family-style setting. You can choose to dine on the patio in the evening with family and friends or indoors, enjoying more relaxed vibes.
Street tacos, fresh salsas, traditional white corn tortillas, burritos, salads, and bowls are some of the items you can choose, with assorted meat and veggie options.
At the bar are selected local or Mexican craft beers, sodas, margaritas, or churros, freshly made to scintillate your taste bud.
In the background is Mexican tunes adding some unique vibes to your traditional meal experience. There is always a reason to come for more in this charming food scene.
Taqueria La Ventana is open Sunday to Thursday, from 11 am – 9 pm, and Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address: 1012 E Tyler St Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (430) 340-5240
11. McAlister’s Deli
For fresh salads, soups, handcrafted sandwiches, and ginormous spuds, you can walk into McAlister’s Deli any time you are in Athens, TX.
The meal is made to order to retain a unique freshness that can leave you coming for more.
In addition, if you are a tea lover, try the Famous Sweet Tea prepared by the most delicate hands in the neighborhood. This tea is not the usual tea you can find elsewhere; it is something that can get you obsessed with the eatery. They ensure to brew it with cane sugar syrup, making it irresistible. You can try it with their special cookies to leave a delectable taste in your mouth.
The patio is a great place to relax and enjoy a quiet meal; it is nice outside. But if you choose to dine indoors, you will not still regret it. The environment is clean and inviting, which culminates with friendly service. It is usual for guests to repeat their visits here because there is a little something to desire.
McAlister’s Deli is open on Sunday to Saturday, from 10 am – 9 pm.
Address: 220 Crestway Drive, Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (903)677-0170
12. Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy
Your visit to Athens, TX, cannot be complete without stopping by Braum’s for a delicious ice cream experience. The most popular is Banana Split, which has every customer requesting more.
You can order their burger to pair with your selection of ice cream or milkshakes. Breakfast burritos are also recommendable in case you want something different. Chickens, salads, and assorted drinks are also on the menu.
The environment is family-friendly, with excellent service to match the vibes. While you wait for your order, you may wish to check the grocery section for something to take home.
Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy is open on Sunday to Saturday, from 6 am – 10:45 pm.
Address: 712 E Tyler Street, Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (903)677-1500
13. WaWa’s Seafood Shack
Whether you are a local or a visitor in Athens, TX, you can stop by WaWa’s Seafood Shack for brunch, lunch or dinner. Meals are served fresh and hot. Request delicious crab legs, fried catfish, or fried prawns to make a nice impression on you. Complement it with a mug of tasty beer or ask for any other drink from the bar.
The service here is extraordinary, and the restaurant is pleasantly decorated for a nicer atmosphere. It is a place to stay positive while having your meal, as the live music sets the mood for something unforgettable.
Prices are fair and worth deserving attention.
WaWa’s Seafood Shack is open on Sunday, from 11 am – 8 pm, and Thursday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address: 1408 E Tyler St, Athens, Texas, USA. Phone: +1 903-286-8218
14. Callaway’s Coffee and Bistro
Coming to this magnificent restaurant, you will experience an atmosphere of coziness and warmth. It makes visitors easily relax while waiting for or having their meal.
Try Callaway’s delicious sandwiches, hamburgers, and potato salads. Brownies, croissants, and biscuits are also great light meals you enjoy.
For your drinks, iced tea or coffee has never tasted better than what you will get here. Hot chocolate is also available and delicious.
Service has always been fast here, which is one of the reasons visitors keep repeating their patronage. The staff is doing amazingly well in this restaurant. So come for your breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a memorable impression.
Callaway’s Coffee and Bistro is open on Monday to Friday, from 6:30 am – 8:30 am, Saturday, from 8:30 am – 8:30 pm, and Sunday, from 11:30 am – 6:30 pm.
Address: 613 S Prairieville St, Athens, Texas, USA. Phone: +1 903-670-1000
15. 3 P’s in a Vine
This is a place to order something extraordinary while visiting Athens, TX. It is a hidden gem, and only wonderful people discover it. 3 P’s in a Vine prides itself in the delicious wines and fantastic customer service they offer.
The winery provides a comfortable atmosphere that makes a fabulous evening. Whether you stay indoors by the fireplace or wine on the courtyard patio overlooking the courtyard, you will have an out-of-the-world experience.
Besides, the staff is friendly and always at your service. Wine tasting, wine by the bottle, or wine by the glass is all part of the reasons you should stop by. Prices are also affordable. Come with your friends on weekends for a casual evening experience.
3 P’s in a Vine is open on Friday, from 5 – 10 pm, Saturday, from 12 – 10 pm, and Sunday, from 12 – 6 pm.
Address: 955 Douglas Road, Athens, TX, 75751. Phone: +1 903-677-9463
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Plan a Trip to Athens
Ensure to have a fantastic time in Athens, TX, by stopping at any of the top Athens restaurants mentioned above.
Although there are more places to eat in Athens, TX, this article contains the top 15 based on their reviews and their quality of meals and service. Start planning a visit to Athens today!