Athens Restaurant Roundup: New Barberitos, Gameday Events

Gameday weekends in Athens tend to bring out the city's food and drink scene in full force, and this week's Athens Restaurant Roundup is no exception. From a new fast casual opening on Atlanta Highway to a charity fundraiser at a beloved ice cream shop, here is what is happening around town this week, according to The Red & Black.

Barberitos Opens New Atlanta Highway Location

A new Barberitos location is opening at 3755 Atlanta Highway on Monday, September 28, with doors opening at 11 a.m. To mark the launch, the restaurant is hosting a giveaway, with one lucky winner receiving a free Barberitos entrée every week for 52 weeks. Updates and additional details will be posted on Instagram by both @athensupdate and @barberitos_athensatlhwy on opening day.

Paloma Park Hosts a Kickoff Weekend

Paloma Park, located at 235 W. Washington St., is teaming up with collegiate clothing brand Homefield Apparel for its "Can't Miss Kickoff" Tour, presented by Modelo. On Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., subscribers of Dawgs Central and Sooner Scoop are invited to a Homefield Happy Hour featuring free drinks, light bites, an apparel raffle spanning University of Georgia and University of Oklahoma gear, and special guests in the Cantina Room. The evening continues with a Kinchafoonee Cowboys and BTBTE concert in the Beer Garden, with tickets available at the door for 25 dollars, or 10 dollars with a valid student ID.

On Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Paloma Park shifts to the Homefield Bulldog Bodega in its main lobby, offering gameday drink specials, discounts on Homefield and Modelo apparel, and free gameday items including koozies, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Live Music Lineup at Señor Bird's

Señor Bird's Tacos & Tequila Bar, at 255 W. Washington St., has a full weekend of entertainment planned. Country singer Elijah Hall performs Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by DJ Seco El Salvador on Saturday after the game, and The Underdawgs Podcast on Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

All You Can Eat Pancakes at Cracker Barrel

The Epps Bridge Cracker Barrel, located at 1913 Epps Bridge Pkwy, is putting appetites to the test this Saturday, September 26, with an all you can eat pancake special priced at 5 dollars, available dine in only from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Jeni's Ice Creams Gives Back

Jeni's Ice Creams, at 1710 S. Lumpkin St., is donating 25 percent of all in store purchases made on Friday, September 25, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children under the age of five.

Between a new fast casual opening, a full weekend of live music and gameday specials, and a charity drive built around children's literacy, this week's lineup reflects the steady rhythm of Athens food and drink culture during football season, when a trip out for tacos or pancakes often doubles as a small act of community.