The Root

Emily Guidry a month ago

Not for the girls or gays! If disappointment had a zip code, it’d be this bar. After moving back to the area, a friend and I decided to stop in for old times’ sake. We both spent plenty of nights in Five Points years ago and thought maybe, just maybe, the place had evolved. It hadn’t. Walking in felt less like revisiting an old favorite and more like stumbling into a frat house that never grew up. The crowd was exactly as we remembered: a collection of aging “bachelors” seemingly determined to relive their college glory days. The drinks were mediocre, the service was forgettable, and the atmosphere felt like a competition to see who could be the loudest, creepiest guy in the room. We stuck around mostly because it had become amusing at that point, and our gay friend met up with us. Ironically, the silent disco ended up being the one redeeming part of the night. We were genuinely having fun until another patron called our friend a “f*ggot,” and the night immediately unraveled. He later told us this wasn’t unusual; that he’d experienced the same thing there before, and so had several of his LGBTQ+ friends. That moment confirmed exactly what we’d been feeling all evening. Whether

Jeff Scarbrough 9 months ago

Stopped in on an early Saturday evening and sat at the bar. We were promptly greeted, offered drinks right away, got just the right amount of attention from the staff. We made one off-menu request, but the bar staff and kitchen handled it better than we could have expected. We don't get down there very often, but we have always had a good experience.

Jessalyn Allen-Reyes a year ago

Have really been enjoying the biweekly silent disco at The Root! 3 channels to choose from for different vibes. Service can be slow at the bar when they’re busy, but drinks are reasonably priced and there’s always a good mixed crowd. The only bummer is how early they close! The parking lot can fill up quickly on busy nights.

K P Edited 3 years ago

I had quite an unusual experience here this evening. I ordered the Old Fashioned, pictured before I took a sip. I asked the bartender if this was a typical serving size as this really looked like a shot, not a drink. She said that it needed more ice!, but yes, this was the 2oz pour that they offered. I then believe she saw me taking a picture of the empty well bourbon bottle, she then appeared with what I think was bourbon and water telling me that the original drink was short but she did not want to embarrass whomever had made the original drink. I was a bit confused as to what "normal" is supposed to be here. Probably best to stick to beer here($1.85 Miller High Life). The wine list upstairs was decent, downstairs was lacking. The bartender was trying her best, but lots of opportunities here for the management to address, support and train the staff.

Terrance D. Smith 8 years ago

This is one of my favorite places in Athens. It’s pretty low key and has a great vibe! The bartenders are amazing: very knowledgeable and attentive. They need more seating for larger groups. Currently there is only one large booth/table. The prices are pretty reasonable. For me, this place gets 5 stars because of the atmosphere and ambience.