I came into this bar on a Monday with a group of friends, all of us are 22, and school was off that…read moreday. When I first went up to the bar to order drinks, the bartender told me she would be with me in just a second. However, over the next 20 minutes, she repeatedly skipped over me while serving other customers, even though I had been waiting patiently the entire time. It became clear that she was catering to a certain crowd. At one point, my friend came to stand next to me just to talk while I waited, and the bartender told her to move so she could serve an older man who was already being helped. We didn't cause any issues or say anything because we didn't want to make a scene. What really made me uncomfortable was when the bartender made a comment to the man about us not "looking mean," and said to let her know if we were, even though we were just next to him at the bar waiting for a drink. That felt unnecessary, judgmental, and unwelcoming. We felt singled out and judged based solely on how we looked, and it honestly felt like we were being refused service for no reason. Because of this experience, we decided to leave. Overall all we wanted was some hot nut shots and I couldn't believe the treatment by this bartender. We would have tipped well and were excited to go and we expected a lot more out of this "inclusive" environment bar.

This place sucks. The bartenders act like they're doing you a favor when they finally serve you…read more God forbid you interrupt a conversation they're having to get service after being repeatedly ignored. Go to The Skull! The owner and people there are very cool.

Awesome place. Great bar to hang out and just meet the locals. Been there manny times.read more

If you're tired of bars with bros and sorority sluts try this bar. Smiling Skull Saloon is…read moresomewhere they wouldn't be caught dead in. This bar seems to have mostly townies. It gets loud and crass. They don't take sass and will knock you on your ass if you get all high and mighty. It looks a lot like a typical biker bar. It refers to itself as a saloon rather than a bar. This means it feels like somewhere to get rowdy. It's not so crazy in the middle of the day. Patrons are mostly half conscious and in a stupor. If you want to witness some hell raising, go later. This isn't quite like Sons of Anarchy, but the bikers can be a little scary. Just don't piss them off and you'll be okay. There's a pool table that's fun to get in on. It's a good place for cheap beer and cocktails. Patrons can look scary but are usually not looking to fight. This is one of the best bars to catch musicians.

The burgers are cooked perfect and great taste. Spicy curds are delicious. Staff is friendly &…read morewelcoming. Bar seating is a good size. Behind the bar is very spacious for staff which creates small walkway for customers.

Found love in this hopeless place. Found love again and then actually, unbelievably, again here…read more The crown jewel of all shitbox OU bars, the cream of the misfit weirdo staff crop. A true charcuterie of Athens Ohio. Fuck the oil slick and the dirty shit they do behind broken stairs, painted and repainted walls, unlatched doors... but rock on grimy RedBrick rats!!! You rule.

A great "dive" bar with a solid beer selection with cool music to boot. I was in town to see Wilco…read morebut saw a lot of great acts had played there/we're coming up on their calendar. A great spot to hang out at, I hope to catch a show there in the future.

The Union Is back, back from the fire from a few years ago & they have new upstairs bar, with neon…read morelights - really, yes really & new stage to hear great music & the pole is gone - from back in the day there was pole in the middle of the stage hard for musicians to play around & for fans to have good view of the band & now they have windows, yes can you believe windows facing Union street. The downstairs bar is well lit, very different from the old days, but they still have the best prices on beer in town. A visit to the Union is a must for Athens visit if you love good cold beer & indie music!

The Overhang is a bar on Court Street. It's unlike many of the other pieces of shit in Athens. They…read moreare a bit more clean, and it's got not as much of a sterile feel like many others. It's got a better atmosphere and music. This feels more like a hipster kind of place than a lot of the bro bars there. I like it more than many other bars in Athens. It's got some cheap specials like PBR for $1.50. The Bloody Mary is also good, and that's great because it's not even close to my favorite cocktail. It also has food but it looks like typical bar things. The music really gets loud. It's not a place for a conversation. This seriously has to be the cleanest bar in town. It's good to know there's a chance you won't get hepatitis. That's good enough to get me in. I would go to The Overhang the next time in town. It's clean and unlike Broney's they actually have a good atmosphere. This is a good hipster bar so be aware of that.

As new places go, this one could go either way…read more Clean, sharp and trendy, it's a classy joint for a college town, but has a comfortable casualness that's accessible. The fish sandwich was impressive but the "loaded" nachos and cubes-of-buffalo-chicken salad were lame. They need to crank up their fare to match their decor. Good beer selection and TVs all around. Looks like they have a live band setup too.

West End is a lovely Sunday destination. Zingiber is my husband's go-to, plus cans for home. The…read moreSpicy Cashews are another must-have. Ask your server what to order and they will help. Today I tried Peach Melba at the server's suggestion and it was lovely. Not sweet, but tasty. A crafting group was meeting there because it was the 2nd Sunday of the month. They were just as sweet as they could be, working on their individual projects, sipping tasty cider. This year, West End was added to the Bobcat Brew Trail, a must do for alums.

First off: the cocktails are unmatched! I've traveled all over the world and lived in major cities…read moreand these are hands-down the best. And very, very affordable. The bartenders have become my husband and I's friends and we love being regulars in this cute, historical, friendly bar. The ambiance is amazing and the whole vibe is artsy and cool. This is a community safe-space and I love it for that. The beer garden out back is cute for summer days. The front patio is perfect for people-watching. The cider is delicious and this is more of as non-college bar, which this almost 40-something appreciates. This is truly the best bar I've ever been to!

North End can be a nice change of pace for Mexican-inspired or gringo-friendly versions of soft…read moretaco classics. We often go for the bowls that have good options with the expected of ground beef but also barbacoa and pork carnitas options with a range of dressings that go beyond the usual suspects. We tried the caprese crostini board with four narrow slices of bread with pesto sauce, fresh mozz & a slice of tomato on top. Didn't pretend to be a traditional caprese and I found them to be a nice amount that was in no danger of filling you up before the meal. My dining companion enjoyed the frozen drink. There really are two versions of this restaurant that really changes the experience. Like so many things, restaurants in Athens are one thing when classes are in session and quite another during breaks and the summer. North End is a place for us when classes are out because it isn't as busy, nowhere near as loud, and a more chill vibe.

North end was great. Margaritas were very good. Nice staff!! Mac & cheese quesadilla is also…read moredelicious!

One of the best places on campus. Staff is quick to serve. Best shot menu on Court Street. "They…read moregot a pool table too!"

Pool? Drinks? Athens classic. Best bar on court street, slightly biased, I worked there for 3…read moreyears, but it has something for everyone.