Best restaurants in Athens Ohio

Looking for the best place to eat in Athens?

I've lived in Athens Ohio since I came to this sometimes-sleepy college town (Ohio University) as a freshman in 1992. Eating in Athens back then in the long, long ago was a tedious affair, unless you liked typical americana fare. (There was a great Korean restaurant in Athens for a few years, but it's now long gone.) There's good news; Athens' culinary prowess has grown over the years. If you're looking for info on boring Athens box eateries like Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday's, etc, look elsewhere. This Athens Ohio restaurant guide features one-off wonders of the food world.
Updated for 2011.

Top Restaurants in Athens OH

China Panda

Sushi sushi sushi. Head to East State Street. Look for the Staples on the right. You'll find China Panda tucked into that little strip mall. If you like other Japanese cuisine, you're in luck. The China Panda menu is vast and includes several different Chinese and Japanese cooking styles. The sushi bar isn't as good as ultra-ritzy joints on either coast, but it's almost as good as it gets in Ohio and tenfold better than any other "sushi" options in Athens. If you're into an authentic Chinese eating experience ask for the Chinese Chinese menu. It's in english, but filled with authentic traditional Chinese dishes and it's only available by request.
(740) 593-8883 65 East State Street Athens, OH 45701

Casa Lopez

Can you believe there were no Mexican restaurants in Athens OH in 1992? Nutty. There are three now. And though Casa Lopez doesn't have a liquor license (the other two do,) it's otherwise good enough to be one of the best restaurants in Athens Ohio. Head out East State Street, keep going. Past the movie theater and the Arby's. Casa Lopez is the orange building on the right. No need to go into much detail here. It's largely a typical midwest Mexican joint. The tacos aren't as good as you'll find at an authentic taqueria, but Casa Lopez is otherwise A-OK. Try the chorizo quesadilla.
(740) 592-3833 1017 East State Street, Athens, OH

Kiser's BBQ Shack

This new as of 2009 eatery is the first barbecue restaurant in Athens Ohio. They're not quite up to par with City Barbecue, (a Columbus Ohio staple,) but damn that chopped/pulled pork is good. On good days, their ribs are totally drool-worthy too. Conveniently located in the mall formerly known as University Mall, (now going by the unruly but more geotargeted moniker "The Market on State Street",) Kiser's is right next to Dunham's sporting goods store.
(740) 594-7427 1002 E State St # 14, Athens, OH

Stephen's Restaurant

This casual fine dining joint on the north end of Court Street (in the space formerly occupied by Seven Sauces) is the Athens gem of this often abused food genre. Try the baked cod and get the mussels as an appetizer. Full bar and a decent view of upper Court street are a nice touch. Make reservations on busy Ohio University "event" weekends.
(740) 594-7132 66 North Court Street, Athens, OH

Avalanche Pizza

With more pizza toppings than you can throw a... however that saying goes, Avalanche continues to win local, national and even worldwide pizza competitions. 100% organic sauce compliments dozens of creative 'za inventions. Carry out and delivery only. Located on East State Street near the Speedway.
(740) 594-4664 329 East State Street, Athens, OH

Bagel Street Deli

Holy bagels BatMan! This place is amazing. Head to Court St. for this incredible sandwich shop. Too many selections to count. (Their menu spreads over two walls and several chalk boards like a yummy slime mold.) Meat selections abound. There's breakfast too. If you're looking for vegetarian food in Athens Ohio try the "Feta is Betta" on a Bialys bagel. But sub out the sprouts for some hard boiled egg. Their tofu menu is substantial too.
(740) 593-3838 27 South Court Street, Athens, OH

O'betty's Red Hot

Located on West State Street just a few steps from Court Street you'll find one of the most spectacular hot dog museums on the planet. Oh, and the food's great too. Fresh made fries compliment a creative burlesque themed hot dog menu. These 100% beef dogs snap with natural casings. Toppings selection is nearly unlimited, so use your imagination and make the best hot dog ever! If you're a vegetarian, substitute a veggie dog and go nuts.
(740) 589-6111 15 West State Street, Athens, OH

Star of India

Indian food in Athens Ohio. Who'd've thought? Athens Ohio food is Indian food. Nutty. Head out Union St. Star of India is on the right, across from the old train depot. Their dinner entrees are usually incredible. Try the chicken tikka masala or the navratan curry. The vegetable pakora and mango lassi are to die for. The lunch buffet is cheap, but it's hit or miss. Some love it. Some not so much. If you're versed in Indian cuisine and they're not too busy, they'll usually make off-menu selections too.
(740) 594-5269 128 West Union Street, Athens, OH

Casa Nueva

A very Athenian restaurant, Casa is huge - both culturally and physically. If you're into vegetarian cuisine, you can't do better in Athens. (They serve meat too.) When the service is on, they're the best. But if you catch them at their worst, you won't want to go back any time soon. Why such hit and miss service? Maybe it's because tips are shared by all employees, regardless of both the role the employee plays (dish dog, waiter, bartender) and the shift they work (lazy weekday morning vs. hectic weekend night,) thus removing the incentive of the busiest workers and allowing those with seniority to take the easiest shifts. But the food is almost always excellent.
(740) 592-9724 4 West State Street Athens, OH

Athens Restaurants honorable mentions

Salaam

Village Bakery

Jackie O's

Zoe

If you have any questions, please contact amateur food critic Dan Dreifort via the link at the bottom of the uncool index page.

Dan Dreifort does private SEO/usability consulting through MySEO411.com and enjoys international horse bungee. He wears size 10.5 shoes and used to have a 32" waist. Friends called Dan Dreifort 'Duck' in high school. His mother calls him 'wonderful' or sometimes, 'damnit.'