The Old Pal

An adorable space! The bar itself is really cute.
Unfortunately, the last time we went there, we had terrible customer service. My boyfriend and I tip in cash to make everything easier, and after running our card we were sitting and finishing our nearly-​full drinks. The bartender was unbelievably rude when she saw there wasn’t a tip written on the receipt. We tried to explain, but she kept cutting us off and instigated a verbal confrontation. Nasty. I know everyone has off days, but she permanently lost two customers for the Old Pal.

This is the cocktail bar Ive been looking for since moving to Athens! Beautiful renovated space. Laid back and comfortable, classy but not pretentious. The cocktail and beer list is perfect. The two cocktails I had couldnt have been tastier.

If you come to Athens to visit and want to go to a place where it’s not obnoxious college crowd… This is the place! Old Pal is one of Athens few «Grown Man Bars». Great bartenders and great atmosphere that is located in Normal Town Athens.

First time here, good music, great service! Would love to try a pop up restaurant night.

Choosing the best bar in Athens is like choosing which one of your kids you love the most. There are so many good places. And I could easily be talked into any number of choices depending on my mood, the time of day, the time of year, the drink specials, the bartender, etcetera. But The Old Pal has quickly risen to the top of my list. What I love about it is that it just feels nice. I know that sounds cheesy. But some places you go to there is either too much energy or not enough. Either you can hear every conversation in the room or you can’t hear yourself think. The Old Pal always feels just right. The décor and ambiance is cozy but not boring. It’s a place where I want to go sit with my wife on a rainy day and read and it’s a place I want to drink whiskey with the guys. Not an easy thing to hit both of those moods. The bartenders are always nice. I’ve only met one of the owners but he was great when he was bartending for us one evening. Making small talk as a bartender is a lost art. Making small talk and being genuine in the process and not faking it for the sake of a tip is almost unheard of. These guys do it right. It’s harder and harder to get out these days with two kids but when we make it out, The Old Pal is our first stop. And usually last.

Since I wrote my last review, The Old Pal has really hit its stride. Both the menu and the cocktails have improved (as has the whisky selection), the service is better, and the frequent events and collaborations with other local businesses are always a success. Things are looking up. I value The Old Pal for its emphasis on mixology as well as the much-​needed variety it offers the Normaltown neighborhood. It’s become one of my favorite spots in town.

This place could be great. Nice atmosphere, well made drinks, etc. However, I have been here 3 times and none of the bartenders has ever once smiled or said a kind word to me. In fact, the last time I was here I was the only customer and the bartender acted like it was an inconvenience that he had to stop reading and make me a drink.
Why would anyone go here when HiLo, home of the nicest bar staff in town, is right down the street?

Mark me down as IN LOVE. We actually decided to try this place after a movie bc the place next door (we don’t care much for) was packed. I was so excited to try this new place. It was very dim inside, I really liked the atmosphere. We walked in & started looking over the menu. Interesting drinks, they sparked my interest. I told the bartender what I usually like to order and he fixed me an awesome drink. Also came back later to offer me a free sample of his favorite whiskey. I even left the guy a bunch of free candy bc I enjoyed it so much. We will ¹⁰⁄₁₀ be back.

Old Pal is an outstanding little jewel of a bar. Snug, friendly and hip with a short but well-​chosen list of beers, wines and hand-​crafted cocktails. In the up-​and-​coming Normaltown district, it’s a perfect place for a happy hour cocktail, drinks after dinner, or maybe a chat with the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.
We loved it and will be back soon!