Guide to Athens, Ohio Part 1: Top-5 Late Night Eateries

By Jacob Betzner on September 30, 2012

It’s been a long night.  You had some fun with your friends, listened to some terrible pop music, maybe indulged in some adult beverages, maybe embarrassed yourself a little.

She said, “I have to wake up early,” or he said, “I’ll text you tomorrow.”  The night’s basically over.

Now you want, nay, need some food to fill your stomach and that lonely pit in your gut.  Fear not, friends.  For below is a quick guide of where’s where for late-night food in Athens, Ohio.

Honorable Mention: Wendy’s

You’re lost.  You’re a little scared.  Then you see the neon sign softly glowing in the distance.  You’re welcomed by a freckly, pig-tailed red head and the scent of fresh cut fries deep frying in hot oil.  Is this heaven?  Close.  It’s Wendy’s.  (New slogan?)

Wendy’s.  Its safe, cheap and easy, but most importantly, it’s effective.  No looking through the menu or counting coins in your pocket.  It’s two to four items from the value menu, maybe a 99-cent Frosty if you think you deserve it, and it’s in your stomach before you can say, “I wish there was a McDonald’s on Court Street.”

5. Jimmy John’s

Another chain, though slightly less-known, Jimmy John’s sandwiches provide a tasty alternative to fried food.

Fresh bread, choice cold cuts, cheese veggies and a glob of Hellman’s mayonnaise (you can get the spicy peppers, but you “haf’ta” ask) make up a good base to start absorbing the toxins you may or may not have in your body after you may or may not have visited some of Court Street’s refreshment venues prior to late night snacking.

And you can keep the party going by ordering an Italian Nightclub!

4. Wings Over Athens

Clean out your sinuses and prevent a hangover with some processed chicken dripping in bright, almost natural hot sauce.

Wings Over is a bit pricey, especially on a college students’ budget, a bit messy, if you’re a little impaired, and a bit harsh on the stomach in the morning, hey that’s a near lethal mixture sloshing around in your belly, but you can’t beat the taste.  And it’s pretty cool to order an “F-16 in Jet Fuel.”

3. Goodfellas

Preventing hangovers in Athens since 1995.  Goodfella’s has two (TWO!) locations within walking distance.  One on West Union Street and one near the end of Court Street.

The Pizza is served hot and delicious, and with the $5 two slice and a drink combo, you can’t beat the value.

2. Big Mama’s

Big Mama’s serves burritos the size of a small child.  Perfect for the nights where you don’t need a snack, you need a meal.  Spicy meat, gooey cheese, veggies and all kinds of tasty sauce blend together to form the perfect alcohol-absorption system.

I’m telling you, you’d be sober enough to fly a helicopter in an hour or less after a trip to Big Mama’s.  (Probably.)

1. Uptown Grill

The Uptown what?  Located on Union Street across from the Union Bar, there’s something going on at this walk-up.

Can’t decide what you want to eat?  Something sweet?  Something fried?  Something that combines breakfast and lunch?  Look no further than the Uptown Grill’s near-famous chicken ‘n waffle sandwich.  You read that right.  Two waffles holding in a thick, juicy fried chicken breast with your choice of sauce.

Not feeling too adventurous?  Try the Philly cheese steak with peppers, onions, A1 and mayo.  Also a knockout.

Any of these places put you well on your way to waking up without a headache.  My recommendation is to try them all and find your spot.  But if you see me out, don’t be afraid to buy me a sandwich.

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