The National
Fine dining restaurant · Athens-Clarke County ·
Mediterranean-inspired dishes with Southern influences, local ingredients
Mediterranean-inspired dishes with Southern influences, local ingredients
"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
"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 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
"At the National in Athens, I describe a collaborative Juneteenth luncheon on June 19 produced by Nicole Taylor and the Plate Sale, with seatings at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; tickets are $85 per person and include a signed copy of Watermelon & Red Birds and a selection of a la carte drinks. The luncheon is presented as an intimate, family-style extension of Taylor’s home gatherings and a chance for the Sheatses to put their own spin on traditional Juneteenth foods while reviving their dinner series." - Sarra Sedghi
Nominee: Hugh Acheson, Outstanding Restaurateur
