Paloma Park — Restaurant in Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Paloma Park is an absolute gem in the world of Tex-Mex dining, and my recent experience for the SEC Championship Game was nothing short of spectacular. From the vibrant gameday atmosphere and big screen outside to the delectable Tex-Mex cuisine, Paloma has truly won my heart.

This past Saturday, I was immediately enveloped in the lively energy of the restaurant. The restaurant was bustling with patrons, and finding a spot at the crowded bar seemed like a challenge. However, fate had a delightful surprise in store for me in the form of one extraordinary bartender, whose name I will never forget. Wyatt not only skillfully navigated through the busy crowd but also went above and beyond to ensure that every customer felt welcomed and valued.

Wyatt's genuine hospitality and expert mixology skills were evident when I ordered an espresso martini. Not only did he craft the perfect cocktail, but he did so with a flair and enthusiasm that showcased his passion for mixology. The espresso martini was nothing short of a masterpiece – a perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and smooth, velvety texture that left me craving for more.

What truly sets Paloma Park apart is its commitment to creating a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest. The interior is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern flair, creating an inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The decor, with its warm hues and tasteful southwestern accents, adds to the overall cozy and welcoming feel of the establishment. The attentive and friendly staff, coupled with the culinary prowess of the kitchen, make this establishment a standout in the competitive Athens Bar &...

Me and my friends went here to have dinner, hangout and drink. The evening/night was going well until they decided that they were going to close early. I called earlier in the day to ask about their hours as their site and Google hours were confusing. I was told they stopped serving dinner at 9 and closed at 12 am but last call was 11. We were asked to leave as they were closing around 1030 and we asked to close out as we were all still drinking. We were told we could go outside to finish our drinks, but that they had closed their systems. This is where they ruined our night as we had been sitting in this area for quite some time (at least an hr) and all 5 of us did not hear a last call. We were further upset as they had no problem telling us to leave but couldn't inform us that they were closing their system at ANY POINT PRIOR to their last call as a couple of us had just gone up to order drinks and still had half full bottles. We were all upset as they could kick us out with no real heads up but had no problem taking the 25% for an unclosed tab eventhough we were right next to the bar. We told them we needed to close and we didn't hear them and I told them I was told their hours were what I stated above. The excuse was they already shut the system down and that their hours vary based on how busy it is.....this was highly upsetting as I get they wanted to go home early on a slow night but with OUR open tab not closed because they couldn't make a proper last call and just took extra money out of our pockets. Just a horrible and even more expensive way to end a night. It's one thing to leave without closing but to not even get the option to...

Waitstaff: amazing and friendly Food: FANTASTIC, even the basic salad I got was super great. The chicken tacos were so good I thought it was going to start a domestic dispute between the couple I was with because she kept trying to take his tacos. The drinks: as for strength of the drink, let's just say I am halfway though my 2nd drink and I am feeling fabulous. They taste so good and aren't too sugary. They even look pretty and decorative!

We are from a different state and are visiting to see if my friend wants to move here and I think she is ready to move 700 miles away just because of this restaurant.

Will be back when visiting her.

EDIT: WOW. Came back for a second time. So disappointing. The drink was actually gross, and I ordered the same drink as last time. I have never in my life gotten such grossly oily edamame, my husband ordered the trio sampler of creme Brule and they brought these flavors: vanilla, pumpkin spice, vanilla again. Worst of all and the reason I'm changing my review: I can't have gluten so I ordered the "gluten free" Garden Salad and there are fried onions on it. I assumed that meant just fried onions.... nope they are deep fried onions which are fried in batter. If you can't eat gluten don't come here because apparently they actively mislabeled their menu. It's super disappointing that it was night and day from the first time we were here. Again. The service staff was good. She was friendly. The food was...