Last updated: 2025-03-21
From the bustling corners of downtown Athens to the charming Five Points neighborhood, finding the perfect spot for group gatherings can be challenging. Classic Athens establishments like 5&10 and South Kitchen + Bar offer private dining spaces that capture the city’s blend of Southern hospitality and culinary innovation.
Whether hosting a business lunch at The National, celebrating with friends at Seabear Oyster Bar, or planning a family reunion at Mama’s Boy, Athens restaurants know how to accommodate crowds. Local favorites like Big City Bread Cafe and Puma Yu’s provide versatile spaces for groups of all sizes.
Discover Classic City’s best group dining spots below!
Featured Group Dining Spots in Athens
- 5&10
- Donderos
- Puma Yu's
- The Chop House
- The National
- Big City Bread Cafe
- Madison Bar & Bistro
- Mama's Boy
- Pretty Boy
- Seabear Oyster Bar
Casual Dining in Athens
Big City Bread Cafe
What to Expect
Shaded outdoor courtyard
Description
Big City Bread Cafe offers a casual dining experience with a focus on house-made breads, pastries, and cakes. It features a spacious outdoor courtyard under shaded elms, making it suitable for group gatherings. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Beer and wine are also available, complemented by locally roasted coffee.
Where: Athens | More Info: Big City Bread Cafe
Donderos
What to Expect
Historic Cobbham District location
Description
Donderos' is a family-owned cafe and event space in the Historic Cobbham District, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch made from scratch. It features a warm atmosphere with a full espresso bar, expanded meeting spaces, and a screened-in porch. The venue is suitable for casual gatherings and offers a variety of international snacks and house-made frozen meals. Donderos' welcomes families with a dedicated play area, making it a comfortable setting for group dining.
Where: Athens | More Info: Donderos
Hendershot's
What to Expect
Sustainable coffee roasting
Description
Hendershot's offers a versatile dining experience with a full bar, serving coffee, tea, beer, wine, and cocktails. The cafe provides vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options, making it suitable for diverse groups. Live music events, including local and national acts, add to its appeal. With a focus on sustainability, Hendershot's uses an all-electric roaster. The intimate space is ideal for private events like wedding rehearsals and birthday parties.
Where: Athens | More Info: Hendershot's
Madison Bar & Bistro
What to Expect
Handcrafted farm tables and local microbrews
Description
Madison Bar & Bistro offers a relaxed atmosphere with farm-to-table menus, local microbrews, and an intimate outdoor fire pit. It features handcrafted farm tables ideal for group gatherings and serves local specialties like Jittery Joe's coffee and Greendale Farms cheese. The bistro provides a comfortable setting for both casual and business gatherings.
Where: Athens | More Info: Madison Bar & Bistro
Maepole
What to Expect
Global-inspired Southern cuisine
Description
Maepole offers a unique blend of Southern staples with global flavors, using hormone and antibiotic-free meats and grass-fed beef. The menu features build-your-own options and chef's selections, complemented by house-made beverages and local beers. Its casual setting makes it suitable for group dining.
Where: Athens | More Info: Maepole
Mama's Boy
What to Expect
Retro diner ambiance
Description
Mama's Boy is a charming retro diner offering made-from-scratch Southern cuisine with a focus on breakfast classics like Georgia Peach French Toast and Buttermilk Biscuits. Its casual atmosphere makes it suitable for group dining, providing a welcoming setting for gatherings. The restaurant also offers catering services for events.
Where: Athens | More Info: Mama's Boy
Puma Yu's
What to Expect
Wine and cocktail-forward Thai small plates
Description
Puma Yu's is a Southeast Asian restaurant located in the historic Southern Mill complex, offering small seasonal plates and a wine and cocktail-forward bar. The restaurant evolved from the pop-up 'The Side Hustle' and features a cozy bar and spacious patio. It is particularly well-suited for group dining due to its communal atmosphere and creative dishes. Puma Yu's emphasizes local produce and natural wines, reflecting its commitment to community and sustainability.
Where: Athens | More Info: Puma Yu's
Saucehouse
What to Expect
BBQ and event spaces
Description
Saucehouse is a casual dining spot offering BBQ favorites like brisket, hickory tots, and BBQ egg rolls. It features a restaurant, bar, beer garden, and event spaces, making it ideal for group gatherings. The venue offers full-service catering and private event spaces, including a private room above the bar and an outdoor beer garden with a stage.
Where: Athens | More Info: Saucehouse
Seabear Oyster Bar
What to Expect
Sustainable seafood in a historic setting
Description
Seabear Oyster Bar offers a blend of high-quality seafood and casual bar fare in a cozy setting. Located in an old Coca-Cola bottling plant, it features a modern decor with a slab concrete bar. The menu includes innovative takes on retro classics using locally sourced ingredients. Seabear is ideal for groups seeking a unique dining experience with a focus on seasonal and sustainable cuisine. It also offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, including craft sodas and homemade shrubs.
Where: Athens | More Info: Seabear Oyster Bar
South Kitchen + Bar
What to Expect
Award-winning Iron Skilled Tots
Description
South Kitchen + Bar offers a modern twist on classic Southern cuisine, featuring dishes like award-winning Iron Skilled Tots and Shrimp + Grits. It provides three private event spaces, accommodating up to 180 guests, making it ideal for group dining. The restaurant boasts a well-informed staff with expertise in craft beers and sommeliers.
Where: Athens | More Info: South Kitchen + Bar
White Tiger Gourmet
What to Expect
Historic building with local art
Description
White Tiger Gourmet is located in a historic building in Athens' Boulevard District, offering a cozy atmosphere with local art displays. The menu features a blend of breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and barbecue, including vegetarian and vegan options. Specialties include pecan-wood-smoked pulled pork and smoked chicken sandwiches. Its informal setting makes it suitable for group dining.
Where: Athens | More Info: White Tiger Gourmet
Fine Dining in Athens
5&10
What to Expect
Historic house setting
Description
Five & Ten is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant located in a historic house, offering contemporary Southern cuisine with international influences. It features multiple dining rooms, a spacious bar, and patio seating, making it suitable for group dining events. The restaurant offers a unique Sunday menu inspired by Mexican cuisine and provides space for private events.
Where: Athens | More Info: 5&10
The Chop House
What to Expect
Premium Steaks and Seafood
Description
The Chop House offers a classic American steakhouse experience with premium steaks, chops, and fresh seafood. It provides a warm atmosphere, making it suitable for group dining. The restaurant features a variety of menus, including lunch, dinner, and gluten-free options.
Where: Athens | More Info: The Chop House
The National
What to Expect
Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal twists
Description
The National offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a Southern twist, featuring dishes that change seasonally. It provides a casual yet refined atmosphere, ideal for group gatherings. The restaurant is known for its creative cocktails and extensive wine list, along with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Its menu highlights include Patatas Bravas and Grilled Pork Chop, making it a standout choice for group dining.
Where: Athens | More Info: The National
Other Group Dining Options in Athens
Pretty Boy
What to Expect
Modern Vietnamese cuisine
Description
Pretty Boy is a modern Vietnamese restaurant offering deep-cut cultural dishes and street food fare. Led by Chef Kenny Nguyen, it provides a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Ben Thanh Market. The restaurant features a full-service bar, chef's counter, and patio, making it suitable for groups seeking a lively dining experience.
Where: Athens | More Info: Pretty Boy
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