When I say 2025 has been overwhelming, I really mean it. It’s not just that favorite local restaurants have closed—though that’s true too. My inbox is flooded with AI-generated press releases from chain restaurants. It feels like a turning point. While some still serve real food and create enjoyable experiences, there’s an inundation of mediocrity. Honestly, I can’t get excited about yet another cookie-cutter café opening or places that prioritize Instagram over actual dining.
After 22 years of writing this column, it’s time for a change. I’ve been through a lot: adjusting to life with kids, career shifts, and earning a master’s degree. I’ve savored fantastic meals in all sorts of places, from gas stations to upscale restaurants. But I’m feeling burnt out. It’s time for someone new to take the reins while I reflect on this culinary journey.
So, here are some notable restaurants that opened in 2025:
Athens Pho took over from The Crab Hut and fully embraced Vietnamese cuisine. Nearby, Mochinut, once Beyond Poke, still offers Indonesian soups and now features poke options.
Cielito Lindo, located on Baxter Street, infuses Athens with vibrant decor and serves delightful birria alongside craft cocktails. Pancho’s Tacos and Tequila replaced Pulaski Heights BBQ, focusing on quality tortillas and thoughtful dishes.
The second Tamez BBQ in Watkinsville matches the charm of the original while adding its unique country flair. Meanwhile, Taqueria Mi Rancho, a small gas station Mexican eatery, impresses with charcoal-grilled chicken and exceptional hot sauces.
In a near-abandoned Georgia Square Mall, 316 Caribbean Cuisine shines with fresh juices and rich curries. Tres Amigos on Broad Street caters to students but also serves tasty dishes from simple cucumber snacks to lengua tacos.
Yossi Kitchen offers fresh Indian food but isn’t quite my top pick, though it features fun vegetarian options like soya chaap.
New spots keep popping up. Three Buddies on Baxter Street offers diverse halal dishes, and BurgerFi is now across the street. Downtown, there’s a bustling array: Sully’s Steamers for bagel sandwiches, a beer-serving Bojangles, and a location of Foxtail Coffee.
However, we’ve seen closures too. Buvez is set to transform into a music venue, and Birdie’s, renowned for fine cheeses, closed recently. Other local favorites, like Weaver D’s and ARTini’s Art Lounge, are also facing uncertain futures.
Despite the challenges, the Athens food scene remains dynamic. New ventures are on the horizon for 2026, like Oak Steakhouse in the Bank of America building and a second location of Sunroof Coffee.
The culinary landscape is ever-evolving. As we move deeper into uncertain times, let’s cherish the restaurants that strive for quality. Their passion fuels our local community, even as the industry changes around us.
