Taste of Five Points

The historic neighborhood close to campus is filled with independent and local businesses. From cheap burgers and drink specials to nationally recognized fine dining, here’s a comprehensive guide to the flavors of the neighborhood.

5&10

1073 S. Milledge Ave.

MODERN SOUTHERN • $$$

Before “Top Chef,” Hugh Acheson made his name here with innovative takes on Southern fare. Located in a renovated historic home, this is a destination for special occasions. Be sure to sample a specialty cocktail.

ADD DRUG

1695 S. Lumpkin St.

DINER FARE • ¢

The counter at this old-school pharmacy offers a nostalgic experience and great value. Don’t miss the creamy shakes and hot dogs for lunch.

NEW BADDIE’S BURGERS

1591 S. Lumpkin St., Suite A

SMASH BURGERS • $

The spot from Joe Nedza features a simple menu of burgers, fries, fountain drinks and banana pudding. “After the first bite, I was shocked at all the flavors,” wrote The Red & Black’s reviewer. “Each ingredient was perfectly paired, and nothing overpowered another.”

BARBERITOS

1695 S. Lumpkin St.

SOUTHWESTERN • $

Founded in Athens, this chain is known for burritos, bowls and quesadillas. The menu features a variety of lower-calorie and healthier options. The Five Points location has a small patio. Good to know: Kids eat free on Mondays

NEW BAR BRUNO

1664 S. Lumpkin St.

COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS • $$

In the former location of local favorite Dinner Party, this understatedly elegant bar features a range of aperitivos, cocktails and wines. Pair them with olives, cheese or charcuterie for a cocktail hour with a definite European vibe.

BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE

540 S. Lumpkin St. COFFEE, TEA, PASTRIES • ¢

Founded with a mission to offer meaningful work to people with intellectual and physical disabilities, Bitty & Beau’s pairs its service with friendly service and an array of coffee and tea drinks, smoothies and goodies like muffins, bagels and cake pops.

THE CAFE ON LUMPKIN

1700 S. Lumpkin St.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA • $

Tucked into a historic cottage, this cozy spot is known for breakfast bowls and housemade granola, hearty sandwiches and salads and homey pastries. A signature offering is classic British afternoon tea, complete with scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches and other goodies. The restaurant offers catering and takeout.

CALI N TITO’S

1427 S Lumpkin St, CENTRAL AMERICAN • $

This lively spot features empanadas, fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches. The spacious outdoor seating makes it a popular destination for groups. Good to know: The restaurant has a BYOB policy.

CONDOR CHOCOLATES

1658 S. Lumpkin St. CHOCOLATES AND COFFEE • ¢

“Hecho en Athens” is stamped on the packaging of chocolate bars, toffees and other treats from this fair-trade company founded by Athenians Peter and Nick Dale. The company sources coffee and chocolate from their mother’s native Ecuador. The cafe offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, shakes and gelato.

EARTH FARE

1689 S. Lumpkin St. ORGANIC AND HEALTHY GROCERIES

The only Georgia location of a small natural foods chain, this Five Points spot has long been a community mainstay. Its temporary closure in 2020 was devastating for the neighborhood, which rejoiced when it reopened under new ownership. While relatively small, this supermarket is packed with healthy options. The in-store buffet and deli are popular destinations for quick meals.

Good to know: On Tuesdays, students and faculty can save 10% when they show their UGA ID cards.

EL BARRIO TACOS AND TEQUILA

1331 S. Milledge Ave.

CREATIVE TACOS AND DRINKS • $

El Barrio draws crowds with its menu of affordable, creative tacos (under $5) and slightly pricier specialty dishes such as empanadas and enchiladas.

It’s an inviting place to linger thanks to a screened porch and broad front lawn.

THE EXPAT

1680 S Lumpkin St.

ITALIAN • $$$

This venture from Jerry and Krista Slater emphasizes inventive cocktails and an Italian-inspired bistro menu featuring dishes such as spinach rigatoni carbonara and cioppino.

FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP

1655 S. Lumpkin St.

LIQUOR AND KEGS

With its brightly painted storefront, vast selection of liquors and exceptional keg service, this business has been an Athens landmark for years. Good to know: Turning 21? Head here and claim a signature T-shirt.

FULLY LOADED PIZZA CO.

1255 S. Milledge Ave. PIZZA, HOAGIES, PASTA • $$

This spot offers pizza, hoagies, pasta and specials like wings. There’s a full bar and plenty of patio space.

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS

1553 S. Lumpkin St.

BURGERS & SIDES • $

Grindhouse is close to South Campus, making it popular on gamedays. The upper-level bar is a destination for trivia nights. The menu features burgers, fries, salads and snacks like fried pickles. Good to know: Vegans can find Impossible burgers and a host of veggie toppings. Gluten-free buns are also on offer.

HODGSON’S PHARMACY

1260 S. Milledge Ave., Suite F-1

ICE CREAM COUNTER • ¢

This drugstore, which has served Athens since the 1950s, operates a tiny soda fountain with drinks and treats. The menu features fresh limeade, malts, floats, old fashioned sundaes and handdipped ice cream for just $1.25 a scoop!

INDEPENDENT BAKING CO.

1625 S. Lumpkin St. BREADS AND PASTRIES • ¢

Five Points residents head here early before the crusty baguettes and whole-grain loaves run out. For others, this cozy bakery is a destination for a cafe au lait, croissants or the signature Morning Roll, a luscious swirl of cinnamon and pastry.

Pricing Guide

¢ Entree + Sides, under $10

$ Entree + Sides, $10-20

$$ Entree + Sides, $20-30

$$$ Entree +Sides, over $30

Restaurants and businesses are independently reviewed by The Red & Black’s Eat & Drink and Guides staffs. Listings and recommendations have no connection to advertising. Send comments or feedback to dining@randb.com.

J. CHRISTOPHER’S

1650 S. Lumpkin St.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH • $

Skillets loaded with potatoes and topped with eggs are a favorite at this Athens location of an Atlanta-based chain. Other popular items include pancakes, omelets and burgers.

Good to know: The restaurant offers gluten-free toast and healthier options like egg-white omelets and turkey sausage.

JITTERY JOE’S

1230 S. Milledge Ave.

COFFEE, TEA & PASTRIES • $

The Five Points location of the Athens-based coffee roaster has a comfy indoor seating area and a large, fenced-in patio that lets you linger over coffee or tea without the distractions of busy Five Points traffic.

KELLY’S AUTHENTIC

JAMAICAN FOOD

1583 S. Lumpkin St.

JAMAICAN • $

This eatery is lowkey in appearance but big on flavors, with dishes such as jerk pork, curry chicken and spicy rice.

THE LOCAL 706

1676 S. Lumpkin St.

BAR & COMFORT FOODS • $

Known for its big patio and plenty of TVs, this bar offers regular specials and events like trivia nights. Daily special items include bar staples like wings and tacos. For lunch and dinner, select from heartier comfort foods such as meatloaf, catfish or double-stack burgers.

MARKER 7 COASTAL GRILL

1195 S. Milledge Ave.

SEAFOOD • $$$

Nestled in a renovated house, this spot has the vibe you might recall from family trips to the Florida panhandle. Select from entrees like scallops or crab cakes, or beach-y platters with grouper, shrimp and oysters with sides like hush puppies and coleslaw. Consider a coastal cocktail like a mojito or a dark-n-stormy.

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

1591 S. Lumpkin St., Suite C

MEDITERRANEAN • $

A local branch of the small metro-Atlanta group of restaurants, this spot pleases vegetarians and carnivores alike with specialties such as hummus and falafel as well as gyro meat. Everyone is a fan of the rice pilaf and crispy potatoes. Good to know: Lunch platters are available for just $10.

THE PINE BAR

1235 S. Milledge Ave.

WINES AND SMALL PLATES • $

This is a neighborhood favorite thanks to an extensive wine list and share-able menu items like tapas, charcuterie and wood-fired oysters.

The Saturday and Sunday brunch features huge biscuit sandwiches and a variety of sparkling wines.

THE ROOT

1235 S. Milledge Ave. COCKTAILS AND SNACKS • $

Below the Pine, this bar has a more casual atmosphere and is a gameday favorite. You can order food from the Pine, sip on cocktails or sample the huge whiskey selection.

THE ROYAL PEASANT

1675 S. Lumpkin St.

BRITISH PUB FARE • $

Watch the week’s top Premier League and Bundesliga matches and chow down on bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie at this pub with definite British vibes and a menu to match. Insiders know this is the best place in town to watch soccer. It also has an exceptional beer list.

SAKURA HIBACHI AND SUSHI BAR

1225 S. Milledge Ave. SUSHI • $

This family-owned business can host large groups and also offers cozy booths for more intimate dinner dates. Favorites include specials like the volcano sushi roll or the salmon hibachi. Check out the cocktails and drink specials.

NEW SLATER’S STEAKHOUSE

1653 S. LUMPKIN ST.

STEAKS • $$$

Billed as the home of “fine steaks and stiff drinks” this latest from the power duo of Jerry and Krista Slater features classic steakhouse fare like a massive bone-in ribeye, duck confit and trout amandine. Drinks include a sazerac and Slater’s take on the Old-Fashioned.

SMOOTHIE KING

1591 S. Lumpkin St.

SMOOTHIES • ¢

The original blended power drinks allow for almost infinite customization. Check out featured flavors like spinach-pineapple or mixed berry.

SUBWAY 1573 S. Lumpkin St.

SANDWICHES • ¢

The easy — and affordable — on the go option. Open until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

ZZ & SIMONE’S 1540 S. Lumpkin St., Suite 4

ITALIAN • $$

This newer addition to the neighborhood carries well known entrees like rigatoni alla vodka and chicken parmesan as well as classic Italian pizzas. Save room for tiramisu or gelato.

Recommendations

Our guides and dining editors offer tips on places to try

LITTLE INDULGENCES

Pick up fresh croissants from Independent Baking or truffles from Condor Chocolates.

NOSTALGIA TRIP

For a flashback, check out the lunch counter at ADD Drug and the soda foundation at Hodgson’s Pharmacy.

CHEAP(ER) CUISINE

Gourmet tacos at El Barrio, a jerk chicken platter at Kelly’s or a cuban sandwich at Cali N Tito’s offer global tastes at moderate prices.

THE ITALIAN JOB

Experience la dolce vita with aperitivos at Bar Bruno, pasta at The Expat and gelato at ZZ & Simone’s.

TURNING 21?

Show your ID to get a T-shirt at Five Points Bottle Shop.

CRAVING BURGERS?

Head to Baddie’s for a smash burger.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Splurge at 5 & 10 or Slater’s Steakhouse for a memorable meal.

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

Test your trivia knowledge at Grindhouse Killer Burgers or Local 706.

HEALTHY CHOICES

Fuel your day with a stop at Smoothie King, order fresh fare at Barberitos, check out the platters at J. Christopher’s or browse the buffet at Earth Fare.

The inside has a neutral, calming color palette. Brown leather booths line the white walls to the right, and plush yellow couches snuggle into the corners at the front of the restaurant. The bar is lined with olive green chairs and showcases a plethora of Italian liqueurs and pastries. An impressive wine rack adorns the back wall.

The patio embodies a romantic and inviting afternoon in Europe. Large red umbrellas embellished with white tassels cover white table cloth tables, each adorned with small fake candles. The bar’s exterior is dark green, with Bar Bruno written in gold letters.

“I modeled this after a bar I grew up with in Rome and Sicily, where you order at the bar, you go sit down, you have fun, it’s relaxed,” Smolik said. “I had a woman out here for four hours under the umbrella when it was sunny the first day, who just read a book and ordered a spritz.”

Smolik said he crafted the beverage and food menu with his extensive knowledge of wines from growing up in Italy and working in the business for about 40 years. He began learning about food and wine pairings at a young age while working in his family’s restaurants in Rome and Sicily.

Before moving to Athens, Smolik worked for a company based in Chicago, traveling from northern to southern Italy to work with wine producers and bring their products to America. After moving to Athens, Smolik said he was a wine steward for Kroger, bringing in “specialty unique wines” and educating customers.

Smolik aims to bring European culture to Athens with Bar Bruno. He and the bartenders are able to assist customers in choosing beverage options and helping pair drinks with small plates, which include various salumis and cheeses.

“The best part [of working at Bar Bruno] is getting to try all the new wines and learning from Greg … He’s kind of like an encyclopedia,” said Seth Meeler, a bartender at Bar Bruno.

Bar Bruno renders as an ideal pre-meal or post-meal spot to grab an aperitivo, glass of wine or cocktail. Smolik highlighted its walkability to eateries in Five Points such as The Expat, Slater’s and, of course, ZZ & Simone’s.

If You Go

Bar Bruno’s drinks range from $11-19. Bar Bruno offers the option to order wine by the half glass, so you can taste it before you commit to a whole glass or bottle. Food options include cheese, meat, pastries, nuts and more.

The current coffee is imported from Naples, and Smolik is working on getting wood-fired coffee from Rome, which is what he grew up drinking.

Bar Bruno also serves non-alcoholic drinks and is a kid-friendly environment. It is currently open from 3-9 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, and 3-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with hopes to expand hours.

“People need to understand that this is not a bar, this is a wine bar,” Smolik said.

Smolik doesn’t have a favorite wine — he said he picks them based on the day and his mood. For example, on a sunny, humid day he would pick a crisp white wine or a rosato.

The aperitivo drinks are all $11 and include classics such as Aperol spritz, Sbagliato and Bicicletta. Some of the cocktails on the menu are Bar Bruno’s take on a negroni, cardinale, vesper and more. The cocktails are all $12.

The wine can be purchased by the half glass, full glass or bottle. The prices for a half glass range from $5.50-9.50, and full glasses range from $11-19.

“It’s not an easy concept to advertise — you have to come in and experience it,” Smolik said.