If you are traveling to Athens,  GA,  whether for business,  relocation , to attend a  UGA game  or  just  to visit,  there  are a number of  excellent restaurants  you might enjoy.

My wife's favorite food is Mexican. (Ok, I admit, I enjoy it also). That is why we were so glad to discover Agua Linda Mexican Restaurant's recent opening at the junction of Timothy Rd and Atlanta Highway

The staff is friendly, courteous and efficient. You will be greeted as you come in and quickly seated in the fair sized dining room (OK, sometimes there is a wait; it is a very popular spot, especially on Mariachi Wednesday). Or, if you prefer, you can seat yourself at the bar or one of its’ bistro tables, where, Oscar will pour you an excellent Margarita (rocks, no salt for me) or your refreshment of choice.

The menu is a selection of classic Mexican dishes with influence from the various styles of Mexican cooking. Our favorite appetizers are the “Chunky Guacamole” made at time of order from fresh ingredients. If you want hot, just tell your server and you will get extra fresh sliced jalapenos. We also like the poblano cheese dip, melted Mexican cheese with sliced poblano peppers (very mild but very flavorful).

My wife’s favorite dish is their Mexican-style chicken taco: tastily seasoned chicken, onion cilantro & pico de gallo all spread over 2 heated soft corn tortillas. I prefer the burritos, beef, of course (the medium is plenty big for me). They have many additional appetizers and entrees, as well as various combinations you can choose from (including some you can customize).

You can often find the manager, David Perez,  (graduate of the Florida Culinary Institute and former chef at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach) pictured with Andrea Zinno, wife of Juan Bonomi, one of the owners, to stop by your table to make sure that everything meets both your’s and his standards. He might also tell you about his Mexican artwork collection (including some Helguera prints). Quite often you will also find the owners, Juan  & Manuel Robledo helping out behind the bar or walking through the restaurant greeting customers.

There is one other Agua Linda, located on Prince Ave. that has been around for quite a few years. The menus are similar, but not identical, but the food there is also good.

If you want good Mexican food in Athens, my wife & I both highly recommend Agua Linda. We eat here often. We rate it 5 chilies

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