Take it outside, will ya? 10 cool rooftop and patio options to visit as Athens heats up

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·4 min read
Hybar, the rooftop bar at the downtown Hyatt Place Athens hotel, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
Hybar, the rooftop bar at the downtown Hyatt Place Athens hotel, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

If the hour-long wait for an outdoor table at some Athens area restaurants is any indication, the demand for rooftop and patio dining is just going to continue to increase as temperatures rise.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, carryout and delivery orders became a necessity, and many bars and eateries opened up parklets and improvised areas where customers could safely gather. As restrictions eased, some businesses elected to make such alterations permanent or remodeled to fit the growing need.

This list of 10 rooftop and patio options in Athens includes some of those renovation concepts along with others that have been favorite local spots for years, where the air conditioning is as all-natural as the ingredients.

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Rooftops in Athens

Agua Linda (1376 Prince Ave.): The newly-opened rooftop seating area at this Normaltown mainstay allows for the surprisingly zen experience of overlooking traffic at a busy intersection. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday;11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed on Sunday.

Allgood Lounge (256 E. Clayton St.): The rooftop Tiki bar at Allgood is the icing on top of the already cool first and second floors, which makes this downtown staple actually three bars in one. Open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Saturday; closed on Sunday.

Blue Sky Bar (247 E. Broad St. Suite B): Situated away from the street and in between taller, older buildings, Blue Sky’s rooftop patio feels like a rare and authentic step into the Classic City’s past. Open 4 p.m. to midnight Monday-Tuesday; 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday; closed on Sun.

Georgia Theatre (215 N. Lumpkin St.): Having a concert venue on top of a concert venue is a very Athens thing to do, and they went and put a restaurant and bar up there as well. Open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Sunday-Tuesday.

Hybar (412 N. Thomas St.): You don’t have to be a guest at the Hyatt Place Hotel to ride the elevator up to eat and drink while taking in a truly incredible view of downtown Athens. Open 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and 12 p.m. to12 a.m. on Saturday.

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The patio dining area at The Cafe on Lumpkin in Athens seats customers under natural shade surrounded by lush vegetation on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
The patio dining area at The Cafe on Lumpkin in Athens seats customers under natural shade surrounded by lush vegetation on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Patios in Athens

Automatic Pizza (1397 Prince Ave.): Built into the existing structure of an old corner gas station, Automatic lets you enjoy a slice while seated next to a set of vintage gas pumps. Open Monday and Wednesday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesday.

Cafe on Lumpkin (1700 S. Lumpkin St.): There’s so much shade and lush greenery at this little cafe, it’s easy to feel surrounded by nature while having reservation-only afternoon tea shielded from the road by huge plants. Open every day of the week from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.

Cali n Tito’s East (1245 Cedar Shoals Dr.): Larger than its sister location in Five Points, this Latin-American restaurant has spacious outdoor seating with palm trees and multicolored picnic tables. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sun.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed Monday.

Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market (815 N. Chase St.): The covered deck area outside of this farm-to-table favorite offers a cozy dining that absolutely lights up in the evening. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Ted’s Most Best (254 W. Washington St.): Located within walking distance of many downtown music venues and shops, the bed of sand under Ted’s outdoor seating area is perfect for family-friendly dining. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Wednes and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: 10 Athens, Ga. rooftops and patios to enjoy during nice weather