Restaurants:
So many......Athens has some fine eateries. There aren't as upscale as Atlanta fine dining but that's why they're great. They are just as good and don't cost you an arm and a leg.
Nicer places:
The Last Resort: One of my faves in town. Locally owned and critics fave. If you want to do a nice dinner one night I'd do it on Thursday night because Friday and Saturday everyone will be in town for the game and it could be hard to get a reservation. I ate here for the Colorado game on Friday and I couldn't get seated for an hour and a half. Meal and 2 glasses of wine will run you around $25. Try the famous Grilled Salmon and grits. On Clayton.
Harry Bissett's New Orleans Cafe and Oyster Bar: Unfuckwithable Oyster's Rockefeller and Lobster Bisque. On Broad St. Great cajun food. Roughly the same price range as Last Resort. Most of the nicer joints aren't going to cost you more than 15-17$ for the meal.
Depalma's: One of the older restaurants in town. Great Italian place that won't break the wallet.
Porterhouse grill: Nice Steak place downtown. I've only eaten here once but it was pretty good.
Eateries:
The $5-$7 eatery/cafe is Athens bread butter because college kids are broke.
Mayflower Restaurant: I recommend getting up early one morning and getting breakfast here. It's like you walked into the 50's and they're serving southern comfort food. Meat and 3 type place.
Taco Stand: downtown staple. Cheap mexican food. A college kids dream. Tacos and a pitcher will run you less than $10.
The Grill: This place is also a staple on College ave in the heart of downtown. Don't try to get a table after 1am but I'd check this place out for at least one meal. TinyE works here.
Amici: pizza place that took over Rocky's pizza. Went there a couple weeks ago and it was pretty damn good.
Little Italy: Calzones and pizza. Next to Roadhouse.
Hot Dog Man: This guy has been bringing his hot dog stand downtown for as long as I can remember. A chili dog with onions will run you about $2. He has saved me many times during some serious debauchery.
You can't go wrong most places you go. There are countless others.
Pick up The Flagpole when you get down there. It's in most bars/restaurants down there. It's the local entertainment rag that tells you about bands, beer specials, art openings, etc.
You can also check out their website, it's updated every wednesday.
http://flagpole.com