The National

The Best Bars In Athens, Georgia - The Infatuation

"The National is a clear parent-friendly favorite for students looking for a top-notch, fancy-ish meal on someone else’s dime. Fine dining by college-town standards, the Mediterranean spot still fills with folks in khaki shorts (but polos and button-ups often replace the old Greek life T-shirts). And though it’s not a bar-bar, it’s a worthy switch-up if you want a sophisticated drinking scene in tavern-heavy Downtown Athens. Join the regulars huddled around the wooden bar and sip on a rotating menu of excellent seasonal cocktails designed by different bar staff members, like a creamy tequila drink with ube-pistachio orgeat or a rye sipper infused with sesame oil. And the creamy hummus platter or the sweet celery-stuffed dates help cleanse the palate, so you can keep the cocktails coming." - delaney tarr

The Best Restaurants in Athens, Georgia | Eater Atlanta

"Erin Wilson’s downtown Athens spot is another deservedly famous fine dining institution in town. The National has a knack for making any food irresistible — the vegetable plate, for example, is truly on par with the meat-based entrees, and although founder and chef Peter Dale made his departure in 2021, chef Burns Sullivan (The Branded Butcher) is handling the kitchen exceedingly well. Fun tip: for a small fee, people can have dinner delivered to Creature Comforts Brewery or Little Kings Shuffle Club, turning a brewery or bar outing into a serious dinner party." - Sarra Sedghi

The National - Review - Downtown Athens - Athens Ga - The Infatuation

"The National is a parent-friendly favorite for students looking for a top-notch, fancy-ish meal on someone else’s dime. Fine dining by college-town standards, the Mediterranean spot still fills with folks in khaki shorts (but polos and button-ups often replace the worn Greek T-shirts). And though it’s not a bar-bar, it’s a worthy switch-up if you want a sophisticated drinking scene in tavern-heavy Downtown Athens. Join the regulars huddled around the wooden bar and sip on a rotating menu of excellent seasonal cocktails designed by different bar staff members, like a creamy tequila drink with ube-pistachio orgeat or a rye sipper infused with sesame oil. And the creamy hummus platter or the sweet celery-stuffed dates help cleanse the palate, so you can keep the cocktails coming. photo credit: Sarah Newman" - Delaney Tarr

Cookbook Author Nicole Taylor and Atlanta Dinner Series the Plate Sale Host a Celebratory Juneteenth Lunch in Athens, Georgia - Eater Atlanta

"The National, a restaurant in Athens, Georgia, is hosting a collaborative Juneteenth luncheon with Nicole Taylor and the Sheatses. The event is part of a celebration of Juneteenth and features a family-style meal with a unique spin on traditional Juneteenth foods. The luncheon includes seatings at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. and costs $85 per person, which includes a signed copy of Taylor's cookbook 'Watermelon & Red Birds' and a selection of a la carte drinks." - Sarra Sedghi

Nominee: Hugh Acheson, Outstanding Restaurateur

James Beard 2019 - Southeast