ATHENS – Athens Main Street is excited to announce the return of Downtown Athens Culinary Month, presented by Dream Key Real Estate. The month-long celebration of local flavors and culinary artistry will showcase the diverse dining scene that has become a cornerstone of downtown Athens’ revitalization.
Throughout August, food enthusiasts and community members are invited to explore the expanding restaurant landscape in downtown Athens, where locally owned establishments offer everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. The culinary month celebrates the significant growth in dining options that has transformed downtown Athens into a regional destination for food lovers.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our incredible downtown restaurant community during Culinary Month,” said Athens Main
Street Executive Director Tere Richardson. “Since making restaurants a top priority in 2019, we’ve seen remarkable growth in our dining scene. This month gives us the opportunity to showcase the talented chefs and restaurateurs who have chosen to invest in downtown Athens and create these wonderful gathering places for our community.”
The culinary celebration highlights Athens Main Street’s successful focus on restaurant development, which was designated as the organization’s top priority in 2019. This strategic initiative has resulted in a boom of new dining establishments that have become integral to the downtown experience.
The following downtown establishments are participating in this year’s Culinary Month celebration and have provided their featured dish:
• Athens Alehouse & Cellar – 113 S. Marion St. – Ledgehammer double smashburger on branded brioche
• Coffee Off The Square – 110 W. Green St. Suite D – Acai Bowl with fresh fruit, dark chocolate, coconut flakes, and almonds
• Driftwood Dragonfly – 405 W. Washington St. – Blueberry or Orange Scone paired with choice of tea or mocktail
• Fins Grill – 110 W. Green St. Suite A – Red Snapper and Oysters on the Half Shell
• Irons & Ales – 217 S. Madison St. – Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread
• Li’l Mazzaras – 102 E. Washington St. – Grilled Chorizo Stuffed Pork Chop – Dry Plum, Spinach, Provolone, Raisin and Apricot Ragout
• Lucia’s Cocina Mexicana – 208 W. Market St. – Street tacos with a soft drink or tea with a chocolate chimichanga for 29.99 plus tax
• Mozza Pizza – 202 S. Jefferson St.
• Old Black Bear Brewing – 311 S. Marion St. – Mahi Mahi with the watermelon salad over rice. Southern style chicken scampi over Parmesan grits. Fried catfish filet served dirty rice, with a Cajun crawfish cream sauce and fresh parsley. Our cocktail is called Passionately Mint to be. It’ll be an Agave based cocktail with passionfruit and mint.
• Ro’s Grille – 126 N. Jefferson St. – Our twist on the iconic shrimp n’ grits with jumbo, Cajun seasoned grilled shrimp atop panko fried grit cakes smothered in Cajun cream sauce.
• Salty Cod – 309 W. Market St. – Chef Kristen’s Fresh Seafood of The Moment Feature and Chef Barry’s Corkshire Butcher Company Dry Aged Burger Feature
• Sweetest Things Tea Room – 216 W. Market St. – Chicken and Dressing, Gourmet Mushroom and Onion Gravy Burger
• The Southern Table – 105 N. Jefferson St. – Blackened Catfish + Garlic Cheddar Grits + Charred Green Beans + Lemon Beurre Blanc + Peppadews + Charred Lemon + Scallions
• UG White/Hi-Plane Coffee – 101 N. Jefferson St. – Hot or Cold Medium Latte with a slice of Homemade Coffee Cake for $6
• Village Pizza – 222 W. Market St. – Fire & Ice Wings
• Wildwood Deli – 113 E. Market St. – For lunch service the Southern Burger. For Friday Supper the Hand Cut Filet Mignon & Handcut Ribeye. The deli will also be serving a weekly lunch specialty sandwich, chips, and a fresh baked sweet.
Participating establishments will offer special menus, unique dishes, and promotional opportunities throughout the month. Visitors can expect to discover both longtime local favorites and exciting newcomers that reflect the evolving tastes and diverse culinary traditions of North Alabama.
Athens Main Street, a certified Main Street America™ program, works to preserve and revitalize downtown Athens through design, promotions, economic vitality, and organization. Athens Main Street has received numerous state-wide recognitions for its innovative projects and community impact.
“Downtown Athens continues to evolve as a vibrant destination, and our restaurants are at the heart of that transformation,” Richardson added. “We encourage everyone to come downtown, try something new, and experience the flavors that make our community special.”
The Downtown Athens Culinary Month is made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsorDream Key Real Estate, along with supporting sponsors Listerhill Credit Union, Window World of Huntsville, and Redstone Federal Credit Union, and the participation of local restaurant partners.
For more information about participating restaurants, special events, and promotional details, visit athensmainstreet.org or follow Athens Main Street on social media.
Media Release/Blake Williams, TMP
Communication & Research Specialist
Limestone County Economic Development Association/ Athens Main Street/Fly Leaf Photography
