Restaurants In Athens GA Open On Thanksgiving (2026) (2026)
Thanksgiving in Athens, GA does not have to mean hours in the kitchen. Whether the plan is a sit-down coastal dinner on Milledge Ave, a casual burger run through Normaltown, or something quick near UGA, Athens has options. Several restaurants keep their doors open on Turkey Day. This list ranks the top spots by rating and review count so the decision is easier.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Baddies Burger House is a casual burger restaurant at 1011 Park Dr in the Watkinsville area near Athens, Georgia. The menu centers on handcrafted burgers that have built a loyal following across the Athens and Oconee County region. It consistently ranks among the highest-rated dining spots in the Athens metro with nearly 800 reviews.
Marker Seven Coastal Grill is a seafood and American restaurant at 1195 S Milledge Ave on Athens' south side, Georgia. The restaurant occupies a historical home and features a seasonal coastal menu alongside a full bar program. It stands as one of the more polished sit-down dining experiences in Athens for a holiday meal.
George's Lowcountry Table is a Southern and seafood restaurant at 420 Macon Hwy on Athens' eastside, Georgia. The airy, laid-back space serves traditional Lowcountry comfort food across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. Flexible hours and a broad menu make it a practical choice for Thanksgiving Day dining along the Macon Hwy corridor.
Baddies Burger House Normaltown is a burger restaurant at 1307 Prince Ave in Athens' Normaltown neighborhood, Georgia. The Prince Ave location draws the same loyal fanbase as the Watkinsville outpost, serving handcrafted burgers steps from the UGA campus area. With a 4.9 rating across 430 reviews, it mirrors the original in both quality and local following.
Nony's Cheesecakes is a dessert restaurant at 195 Park Ave in downtown Athens, Georgia. The shop specializes in handcrafted cheesecakes with a rotating selection of flavors available for dine-in and takeout. Its Park Ave address places it within reach of the Five Points neighborhood and the downtown core.
Prince Market is a casual restaurant at 100 Prince Ave in the Normaltown corridor of Athens, Georgia. The market-style format offers accessible, budget-range dining on one of Athens' most walkable neighborhood streets. A 4.9 rating across nearly 200 reviews reflects a strong local reputation in the Normaltown and Prince Ave community.
Pita Mediterranean Street Food at Wire Park is a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant at 1725 Electric Ave in the Watkinsville area adjacent to Athens, Georgia. The menu covers Mediterranean staples including pitas and fresh-ingredient street food in a counter-service format. The Wire Park location sits within a newer mixed-use development serving both Oconee County residents and the broader Athens region.
Normaltown Brewing Co. is a craft brewery and restaurant at 425 Barber St in Athens' Normaltown neighborhood, Georgia. The brewery pairs house-brewed beers with a food menu, making it a destination for both drinks and a full meal in one stop. Barber St puts it at the center of the Normaltown social scene, close to Prince Ave and the UGA corridor.
The Local Take
Thanksgiving in Athens looks different depending on which part of town you call home. The South Milledge corridor delivers the most traditional holiday dinner experience at Marker Seven Coastal Grill, where a seasonal menu and full bar make for a proper sit-down meal without the cleanup. Families based near Macon Hwy have George's Lowcountry Table as a reliable all-day option, with Southern comfort food running from breakfast through dinner. Normaltown and Prince Ave offer their own cluster of choices. Baddies Burger House on Prince Ave keeps things casual, and Normaltown Brewing Co. on Barber St adds a post-meal drink option steps away. For those coming in from Oconee County or the Watkinsville side, Wire Park and the Baddies location there round out a solid eastern corridor. Holiday hours shift year to year, so calling ahead before heading out is always worth the minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are restaurants in Athens GA actually open on Thanksgiving Day?
Several restaurants in Athens remain open on Thanksgiving, though hours are often reduced or reservation-only. George's Lowcountry Table, Marker Seven Coastal Grill, and Baddies Burger House have histories of holiday service. Calling each location directly to confirm Thanksgiving hours is the safest approach before making plans.
Where can I get a full sit-down Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant in Athens GA?
Marker Seven Coastal Grill on S Milledge Ave and George's Lowcountry Table on Macon Hwy are both full-service restaurants well-suited for a proper holiday meal. Both offer group-friendly seating and menus that go beyond casual fare. Reservations are recommended for Thanksgiving at either location.
What Athens GA restaurants near UGA are open on Thanksgiving?
The Normaltown and Prince Ave corridor near UGA stays active even on holidays. Baddies Burger House at 1307 Prince Ave and Normaltown Brewing Co. at 425 Barber St are both close to campus with strong local reputations. Nony's Cheesecakes at 195 Park Ave in the downtown area is another nearby option.
Are there affordable restaurants open in Athens GA on Thanksgiving?
Prince Market on Prince Ave and Pita Mediterranean Street Food at Wire Park both offer budget-range pricing, making them among the more affordable options on Thanksgiving in the Athens area. Both carry strong ratings and serve a casual, no-frills dining experience.
Do I need a reservation for Thanksgiving dinner in Athens GA?
For sit-down spots like Marker Seven Coastal Grill, a reservation on Thanksgiving is strongly advisable since capacity fills fast on the holiday. Casual burger and fast-casual spots are generally walk-in friendly, but calling ahead confirms both hours and availability before the trip.
What time do Athens GA restaurants open on Thanksgiving?
Opening times vary by restaurant and change year to year for Thanksgiving. Most full-service restaurants in Athens that stay open for the holiday begin service around 11 a.m. to noon and may close earlier than a typical evening. Checking each restaurant's website or calling the location directly is the most reliable way to confirm hours.