I came into this bar on a Monday with a group of friends, all of us are 22, and school was off that day. 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. read more

This place sucks. The bartenders act like they're doing you a favor when they finally serve you. 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. read more

Tony's is always the spot for darts and hot nuts! Every time I am back in Athens Tony's is worth a stop. The only down side to Tony's is if you are not a regular is takes a LONG time to get served or cashed out sadly. There has always seemed to have favoritism. read more

As a student at Ohio University, I went to Tony's often. And every chance I get to make it to Athens, I always go to Tony's. Still the same as it was 35 years ago when I was a student!!!! I will love Tony's FOREVER!!! read more

I went to OU back in the 90s, and this was my spot when my taste got a bit more sophisticated. Great bar, on the divey with pride side. Prices are great, didnt double on the rolling rock since last time I went in 1993! So glad its stuck around over the years. On my short list next time I return to Athens. read more

Stop in relax and ask your barkeep for a "Hot Nut." You will not be disappointed. If you like coffee and hazelnut (even if you don't like hazelnut) this item is amazing. read more

Tony's is a home away from home. Never really got into it until after I moved away, but now, we try to say hi to Tony every time we visit Athens. It's the characters that make the experience, and Tony is the Best!!! Try the hot nuts, or several. All kinds can come to this watering hole and be perfectly comfortable. read more

Tony's Tavern - a neon sign with a skull on it - Bars Near Me - Athens, Ohio

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this is one of my favorite bars in athens ~ but when my friend went up to the bar to order a drink for herself and me with the appropriate identification, the bartender said she wouldn't serve us. When I went up to the bar (with my ID that she had already been shown, paying for a tab I myself had opened) she proclaimed loudly that she wouldn't serve me. I said that's fine I just need to pay my tab. I have never been treated so poorly, and I am so disappointed :( I just wanted to have a good night out and instead I was publicly embarrassed. read more

I usually love going to Tony's for a hot nut shot on my nights out. However, last night when i went into the establishment the bartender screamed at us to put our masks on, we were trying to look for our friend who was missing and she didn't even ask politely before resorting to screaming. After she screamed at us she proceeded to talk poorly about us to the customer at the bar. i found it extremely rude, not only were there no mask signs anywhere to be seen upon entering, it was so uncalled for for yelling at us. read more

Tony's Tavern is the one bar that stands out in my memory, after visiting a handful during my one weekend in Athens. While the whole weekend was somewhat of a blur, I do remember the divey atmosphere of Tony's Tavern and the fact that there was ample standing room unlike other bars in the area. I also remember the warm "Hot Nuts" shots, which were different but delicious. I believe they consisted of hot coffee and hazelnut liqueur. They were under $2. If you're in Athens and are looking for a bar that stands out from the rest, Tony's Tavern is a good choice. read more

Cold at night? Looking to warm up? Go to Tonys for a Hot Nut. Or wait...nooo.... You do not like the grade in your history class? Dr. Smith may be here waiting for you to talk to him about your grade. Give Tonys a try! read more

Tony's has darts, REAL darts; ridiculous graffiti, an easily accessed outdoor smoking section and a fun crowd. It's one of those bars that is special in its mediocrity. There's nothing amazing about it, but you don't want to leave. The Hot Nut shot, as others have mentioned, is delicious and triggers near-instant second wind. read more

Tonys is a great bar for locals and grad students and in my top 3 bars in town. They have the best signature shot in town (hot nut) but don't expect to be served your nut too fast on weekends. The bar is set up in an inconvenient manner for service or tending bar. On most weeknights its hard to tell where it would be best to approach the bar for service since the serving area is in most cases blocked completely by chairs and people packed front to back. They usually have 2 bartenders that serve regulars heavily and younger folks/newbies. The booths are great for groups of around 6, bathrooms are much improved since the renovations over the winter, and a good space for smoking outside. read more

Great place for locals. Kids hit at 9:00 PM. Great prices, awesome bartenders. Loving family of friends. Super lucky they can be counted on. read more

God, I miss good cheap bars. This was the place where we would start weekday evenings and end weekend nights. Monday's were always pitchers of Killian's Red -- I think it was $5. We'd spend hours drinking cheap beer and playing darts. On the weekends, it was the place to stop for a "Hot Nut" -- a favorite of Ohio University students -- just before the 2 AM closing. Northing more than a shot of Frangelico and coffee, but it certainly got you home on those cold, winter, Ohio nights when your blood has been dangerously thinned by hour upon hour of beer and booze. It's been a few years since I've been back to Athens, but I hope that Tony's will be there forever. read more

The music in Tony's is always good. Darts is free and fun. The prices are great, even for an Ohio town with already cheap drinks. The bartenders and townies are fun and amiable. The house specialty, "Hot Nuts" (hot coffee with a hazelnut liqueur), are delicious and dirt cheap. In the winter, when it's dead quiet in Athens, Tony's is a haven. It can be a little crowded around graduation, with seniors flooding in to say goodbye, and also Homecoming (same reasons), but I will always have a special place in my heart for this quaint little dive. Also, O'Betty's and Souvlaki's are right next door. How clutch is that? read more

Love this place, as it is my second home. Coworkers and many customers are my closest friends and more like family. I like to drink here on my nights off because it's the place to be! Less college students = more fun! read more

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Beers cold and carefully poured (which matters when you drink Guinness. Local beers on tap and a hometown dive bar feel. read more

Tony's Tavern - Carefully poured drinks - Bars Near Me - Athens, Ohio

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As a "typical" OU student, Tony's isn't the bar that pops into my head as the first place I want to go when uptown. However, Tony's is always a great change of pace if you want to avoid how overcrowded other bars can get on a Friday or Saturday night. As others have said, Hot Nuts are a must-have. Even you don't stay long, just pop in for a Nut. Disclaimer: Never have them on a hot or moderately warm day, it just doesn't work out well. The fact that Tony's has darts adds a ton of value to the experience. Many bars lack any sort of staple activity to do while there. Being able to kick back, split a Killian's pitcher (for $5.50), and play darts with friends really makes Tony's stick out as a great place to hang out and avoid the ultra-crowded, sticky floor-scene of some of the other bars. read more

Quite simply my favorite place to drink on Earth. The things I've seen (and done) within these four walls! This cozy joint was always the last bar of the night for my gang of college buddies and quite obviously many others as well. Once you made it to Tony's, you stay there until they turn on the lights and kick your ass out! Today, better than 15 years since my first visit to Tony's, I still see some of the same faces here. Sure, the stacks of mix cassette tapes have long since been replaced by an iTunes-enabled PC, the Columbus Nut Brown and it's beautiful conical Pilsener glasses replaced by Michelob and plastic vessels, but all the charm is still there. Thank God! read more

You've not known the warm joy of an early evening buzz until you've been in Tony's on a Friday afternoon watching the sun sink in the sky, listening to Tony tell terrible jokes as he serves god-awful free snacks, and chatting with friendly townies. It is pure contentment. If you're not around on those magic Fridays, no matter. Tony's is a great place with tasty beer on tap, friendly patrons and good prices. Fair warning: It often gets overrun by students after about 9 p.m. Until then, it is a sublime watering hole. read more

Tony's is unlike the other bars in Athens and that's what makes it special. It actually feels like a real bar and not some wanna be dance club. They've got pool and darts and even a pinball machine. It's not too loud and you can actually have a conversation with the person next to you. It's crowd a mix of students and townies. I always end of getting at least one hot nut whenever I visit Tony's and it always seems to hit the spot. read more

One of the best bars in town. It has a quaint, small-town vibe, but is great. After a few visits, the owners/workers usually know you -- which is nice, considering the other bars in town don't seem personal. Great for a laid, back evening. Ladies Night on Thursday. Killian's pitchers are only $5. Also, make sure to have a "HOT NUT" shot before you leave. This incredible, coffee/espresso shot will get you through the evening. read more

Nice place with with a good crowd. Ask for a 24 pack of burger to go and you'll get laid for sure. Guaranteed

Good bar, good people. Mostly an older crowd, tends to be school employees and townies. You have to try the "Hot Nut" it's one of the must have drinks of Athens. read more

I used to always end up here in my early Athens days. Not so much now but still worth a stop in. Usually a nice chill environment to have a beer or two. read more

This was my absolute favorite dive bar in college and the first place I always stop back to when visiting! The hot nuts are delicious, the drinks are cheap and the whole place has a fun, authentic feel to it. Definitely check this out. read more

Don't expect great service, or even great beer, but a great time is definitely in the cards at Tony's. Check out the weekday specials, including dollar High Life night (although I think it may be $1.50 now...). Come early and hang out with locals, or stay late and chill with the college crowd (and don't forget to buy after hours beer at the bar at last call). Either way Tony's is a blast, and an Athens institution. read more

Without a doubt my favorite watering hole in Athens. It's a great place to watch a game have a drink, BS with friends or make new friends. Older crowd means more laid back, and less rough housing. read more

The tall clean shaven male bartender (not the guy with the tats and beard) was less than nice. Too bad. He will get bad karma from Mary Johnson. I wonder if he even knows who she was? read more