Christine Tucker, Athens Area Realtor
 

East Athens Guide

Eclectic, accepting, laid back and friendly best describe the East side of Athens. I lived on the Eastside of Athens for over 10 years and loved it. I still do my weekly grocery shopping at the Aldi and Kroger. With lots of great ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, Korean, Italian, Mexican and Latin American plus the normal round up of burgers and pizza, you have an abundance of fantastic food options at a great price. Sidewalks connect many of the established neighborhoods filled with large yards and lots of trees, so you can walk from home to your favorite place to eat. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a short drive away with formal gardens, numerous hiking trails, and the incredible children’s garden. There’s also the Southeast Clarke Park which offers athletic fields, tennis, pickleball, 2 playgrounds, dog park, walking paths (paved and multi-surface), access to the tennis center, and skate park. The UGA vet school is in East Athens with 24 hour emergency pet care plus you are just minutes to UGA and downtown Athens. Over the years, I have helped more people move to the Eastside than any other part of Athens. The combination of relatively affordable homes, convenient location, and friendly people make it a great place to live.

 
 
 

What to DO

 

Southeast Clarke Park

One of the most popular parks in Athens, Southeast Clarke Park offers something for everyone. Spanning 135 acres the park has a variety of athletic fields, tennis, pickleball, 2 playgrounds, dog park, walking paths (paved and multi-surface), access to the Tennis Center, Skate Park and World of Wonder (WOW) playground all in one location!

 

State botanical garden of georgia

The Botanical Garden is a true gem in Athens. The garden’s vision is to celebrate the best in southern horticulture and stewardship of natural eco-systems, both are clearly evident. Well designed, gorgeous, creative and with a wide variety of plants (including herbs and vegetables) this garden is always evolving. Events and eduction are offered throughout the year. The staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. It is a wonderful place to walk, hike, read, photograph and play. The Children’s Garden is storybook delightful and a great learning experience to boot. Admission is free (except for certain events).

 

Junk in the trunk

A wonderful antique mall with over 80 vendors. There are tons of well-priced finds and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The items are tastefully arranged so getting around is easy and there is plenty to explore. The folks who manage this store are all about customer service which adds to the nice atmosphere to wander around. Crafts, vintage, antiques, and even some plants are on offer, all in a clean, well-lit interesting atmosphere. Make sure to leave yourself at least an hour to explore all the amazing treasures!

 

Lexington Vintage

Tucked behind a tractor store on Lexington Road, you will find, “A whimsical multi-vendor marketplace with an artistic twist! Find vintage, antiques, architectural salvage, up-cycled pieces, revamped furniture, local art, uniques gifts & more!” (said best by their website). Always a delightful and fun experience and you are sure to come out with something amazing.

 

Where to eat

 
 

Athens as a whole truly offers an expansive array of really, really good restaurants and the East side of Athens is no exception. There are so many choices that we could not name them all but instead offer a wide variety of what you can look forward to when visiting and/or considering moving to the East side.

 

Cali n tito’s

Cali N Tito’s East is quite possibly the best latin dining experience in town. The food is incredible. The cuban steak sandwich is a fav and the grilled fish taco is a great gluten-free option. The restaurant has a lot of inside seating and a spacious and festive outside dining area with a beach! A great place for a date, family dinner or gathering spot for friends. Be prepared for ordering at the counter and bringing the food to your tables as there is no wait staff.

 

Choo Choo Express

Japanese-Korean inspired appetizers and meals at a great value including weekly lunch specials. Offering fast service and a variety of dishes such as Korean wings, bulgogi, shrimp tempura, teriyaki chicken, hibachi shrimp meals and much more.

 

Depalma’s

An Athen’s Italian staple for at least 30 years, DePalma’s is a must if you love Italian food. Their pastas and salads are incredible plus there are gluten-free options. Both their pizzas and breadsticks are out of this world. Quaint atmosphere with great service, perfect for lunch or dinner. Don't miss their Wednesday night pizza special.

 

Jittery Joes

An Athens original coffee chain and roasting company, Jittery Joes is the local hang out spot with great coffees and treats. Sip your mocha while writing your report or visiting with friends. Most of the time you’ll be doing both as you always run into someone you know.

 

Taqueria La Parrilla

One of 3 locations in Athens, Taqueria La Parrilla is a local favorite and for good reason. The food is wonderful, the staff is amazing and the margaritas are quite possibly the best in town. Most of all the food is always fresh and delicious. Very affordable and outdoor seating is available.

 

Mannaweenta

Athens is truly blessed to have this locally owned and operated Ethiopian Restaurant! An amazingly flavorful meal awaits when you eat at Mannaweenta. Incredibly tasty food full of rich, aromatic spices and plentiful portions. The spiced tea and coffee are delicious as well.

 

Siri Thai

Delicious, authentic Thai serving both lunch (they offer great lunch specials) and dinner. Siri Thai serves spring rolls, Sate, Pad Thai, Curries, Crispy Duck and more including many vegetarian and gluten-free options. All offered in an elegant low key atmosphere that is perfect for date night.

 

Sweetie Pie by Savie

A locally owned Asian-infused bakery offering an amazing variety of cakes, cookies, pies and tasty pastries along with seasonal drinks such as, Spicy Turmeric, Coconut Curry Latte, Magic Tea, Autumn Thai Latte and Pandan Latte. So delicious!

 

Taste of India

Fantastic Indian restaurant serving fresh, flavorful entrees. The restaurant is clean, bright, and friendly. There is outdoor patio seating as well. Some favs are Pakora, Vegetable Samosas, Dal, Mango Lassi, Turmeric Salmon. They have a great menu and offer delicious vegetarian options plus have daily lunch specials.