Local

Athens staple turns 20

Athens, GA - An Athens staple is celebrating its 20th birthday this weekend by offering you food and drink prices that you would have paid 20 years ago.

Back in 1998, the same year Widespread Panic played an infamous concert on the streets of downtown Athens and Quincy Carter was playing quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, the Blind Pig Tavern opened for business at its original location on Baldwin street. At the time, owner Rob White was trying to bring something new to the town that could cater to both University of Georgia students and the general population of Athens.

“When we opened there was no other place like us here,” White said. “There were other places that were more like traditional pubs, but we were the first to be more like a restaurant and a pub.”

The name “Blind Pig” originates from a nickname given to pubs or “speakeasys” that remained open and served alcohol during Prohibition in the 1920s and early 1930s. At the time of the Bling Pig Tavern’s opening, UGA’s alumni rugby team was also known as the Blind Pigs. White, being a graduate of UGA’s Terry College of Business, decided the name fit perfectly, and also liked the possibilities of logos and other promotional aspects that came along with it.

Now with three locations, the Bling Pig Tavern has become that of lore when anybody not from Athens asks where they should eat during their stay or a pass through. Locations can be found on West Broad street, on College Station Rd on the Eastside, and its "newest" location in downtown Athens at 312 East Washington Street. That downtown location is actually the recent relocation of its original Baldwin Street establishment, now nestled into the streets of downtown while serving the lively crowds that make their way into town.

On Saturday, June 9th, the downtown Athens location will be serving its regular bar food and adult beverages along with a side of nostalgia. A special menu with items originally served in 1998 will be provided, which will be accompanied with their original 1998 prices. The celebration lasts all day, but ONLY at the downtown location.

mobile apps

Everything you love about 960theref.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!