Been a while since I've been to Athens, was there for 4 years in Vet School but lots of great eats there.
Breweries in Athens: Creature Comforts and Terrapin. Creature Comforts opened my last semester there and only went once or twice. Great beer and we get it distributed here in Columbia, SC
Terrapin was always a great time. Used to be you would get a pint glass and 4 drink tickets for $10-20. They were only supposed to give you 1/4 pint, but often times you'd end up with a half to a whole. In the Spring on Fridays, it would look like a 500 person lawn party and you'd often get full pours. My now wife got snockered accidentally on 3 full Hopsecutioners. Not sure what their current program is, as it's been 11 years since going there.
Food in Athens:
5 and 10, The National, and The Last Resort are finer dining options. You'd have to see if they're open still. The Last Resort definitely is open, first available seating, no reservations.
I always liked Trapeze, upscale bar food. Great beer on Tap. Walking distance from the Georgia Theater and 40 Watt. The Globe is another good pub style restaurant down town. Both of these may be closed, you'd have to double check. My favorite pub is the Royal Peasant, set up like an actual English Pub with pub fare. Great fish and chips, burgers, etc.
Cali and Tito's for Latin food. Awesome! Fried plantains and a fish burrito can't be beat.
The Aquarium is great as well, depends on how long you want to be in downtown ATL. I hate that place and avoid whenever possible, but the Aquarium is awesome.
Saw Isbell numerous times in Athens. Most memorable one was after the UGA/Bama SEC Championship game in 2012. Buddy said hey, Isbell's playing at the 40 Watt, wanna go? Bought tickets at the door. Probably only 50 people in the room. Sat on a bean bag chair and watched him play for 2 hours straight. Think this was right around the time of his Southeastern Album release.
