Puma Yu's
A small but fierce restaurant and cocktail bar with exceptional execution and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Puma Yu's
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small but fierce restaurant and cocktail bar with exceptional execution and a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Confirm Diet Restrictions
Call ahead to ensure accommodation for dietary needs; vegan and GF markers are now on the menu.
Be Aware of 20% Mandatory Tip
A 20% gratuity is automatically included in your bill and split among staff.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southeast Asian / Thai
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Cocktails & Execution
Artfully designed cocktails and consistently stellar execution of a fiercely curated menu.
Vibrant Patio Ambiance
Enjoy a lively outdoor space with heaters and party lights, perfect for socializing.
Unique Thai Hot Chicken Sandwich
A standout dish that's a must-try for its bold flavors and satisfying execution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Diet Restrictions
Call ahead to ensure accommodation for dietary needs; vegan and GF markers are now on the menu.
Be Aware of 20% Mandatory Tip
A 20% gratuity is automatically included in your bill and split among staff.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times to avoid crowds and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Specialty Cocktails
Don't miss their specialty cocktails like the espresso martini or the daiquiri of the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Diet Restrictions
Call ahead to ensure accommodation for dietary needs; vegan and GF markers are now on the menu.
Be Aware of 20% Mandatory Tip
A 20% gratuity is automatically included in your bill and split among staff.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times to avoid crowds and potentially enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Specialty Cocktails
Don't miss their specialty cocktails like the espresso martini or the daiquiri of the day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Puma Yu's is praised for its exceptional execution of unique dishes and artfully designed cocktails, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, many diners find the prices to be high, with small portion sizes and an automatically included 20% gratuity that can catch guests by surprise. The ambiance, especially the outdoor patio, is a highlight, but some have experienced discomfort due to sun exposure and pests.
"We absolutely LOVE this place! You instantly feel the warm energy from all the love and care that goes into the operation.
The menu is small but fierce. Execution is always stellar. Cocktails, both regular and specials, are beyond artfully designed. The gimlet and daiquiri of the day never disappoint. And while I'm not a dessert person, their cake is wonderful (but changes regularly). If you like an espresso martini, they make a damn fine one. Staff is fantastic! For those with diet restrictions, I would call ahead to confirm they can be accommodated. Edit: They've added vegan and gluten free markers to the menu.
Interior design is thoughtful. They use the space exceptionally well. Patio is wonderful with the heaters and party lights. Love the mismatch vintage dishes. The servers remind you that a tip is already included in your bill, no matter the size of your party, and is split among all the staff...which is epic. Love ❤️"
Culver Rief
"Puma Yu in Athens, GA offers a delicious dining experience with flavorful dishes that truly satisfy the palate. Every item I tried was tasty and well-prepared, making for a memorable meal. The portion sizes are on the smaller side, which might leave you wanting a bit more, and the prices are a little on the higher end. However, the quality and atmosphere make it well worth it, especially for a nice date night. The drinks are great, making it an excellent spot for apps and cocktails as well. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy great food and drinks in a cozy setting, Puma Yu is definitely worth a visit!"
Andrew Minish
"Great addition to the Athens food scene. It is still early days for the restaurant. I expect that the dishes will evolve a bit and improve further. Drinks are great. Atmosphere is very good, especially the outdoors area. Nice music too. Great place to hang out with friends over drinks and some Asian inspired food.
The best dish, in our opinion, from the ones we ordered this time was the Thai hot chicken sandwich.
Will be back another time to try some more dishes, snap some photos of the food and drinks, and perhaps upgrade the rating.
Overall rating: 4 stars
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Second visit was for Sunday brunch. The overall assessment was similar to the earlier visit. Photos of the dishes posted are from the brunch."
Rik Sen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a 20% gratuity is automatically included in all bills, regardless of party size, and is split among the staff.
Yes, they now have vegan and gluten-free markers on their menu. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm specific accommodations.
Enjoy their artfully designed cocktails and unique dishes, with the lively patio offering a great atmosphere.
The portion sizes are generally on the smaller side, which can contribute to the overall cost of the meal.
The Thai hot chicken sandwich is a standout, and many also rave about the Eggplant Agebitashi and various cocktails.
The patio can be lovely with heaters and lights, but consider indoor seating if you prefer to avoid direct sun exposure.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in Athens, GA: Places to Eat Near UGA Campus
After years of drawing crowds to pop-up events around Athens, Puma Yu’s opened late last year at the historic Southern Mill complex. The small space is a wine and cocktail bar first, and a small-plate Thai restaurant second, but the food menu is nothing to mess with. Expect seasonable dishes like Roasted Butternut Squash with Coconut Sauce and Braised Duck Noodles with fried garlic.How to book: Via Tock
The Best Bars In Athens, Georgia
Sometimes one of the many, many food pop-ups in Athens makes it to a brick-and-mortar establishment. Puma Yu’s in the spacious Southern Mill development is one of those success stories. And we’re glad because the Thai small plates restaurant and cocktail bar serves exceptional food and drinks.
The 18 Best Restaurants In Athens, Georgia, To Try Now
Puma Yu's opened in the Southern Mill complex in 2022, but it's already a local favorite for its Southeast Asian-inspired menu and creative cocktails. Run by Pete Amadhanirundr and Ally Smith, the menu is small, but each dish is a standout, from the Eggplant Agebitashi (lightly fried eggplant, kombu dashi, ginger, scallion, chili crisp, and sesame), to the Sapelo clams with red curry butter, to the simple yet memorable chocolate mousse for dessert. Grab a seat on the lively patio or intimate dining room and get ready for a good time.
Athens restaurant roundup: Five and Ten to host New Year’s Eve dinner, home.made to premier ‘Bar Sober’ and more | Eat & Drink
On Saturday, Dec. 16, beginning at 10 p.m., Puma Yu’s is hosting a holiday dance party, featuring special cocktails by Pixie Wheels and “Bar Boss” Kyle Kizziah, as well as music by DJ “Reindeer Games.”. Late night snacks courtesy of Michis will be available, and “fancy holiday Sopranos attire” is suggested, according to its Instagram. Puma Yu’s also released a new lunch item, with rice noodles, napa cabbage, mustard greens, garlic oil, flash fried chicken, scallions and crispies.
Southern Living's best Athens restaurants. How many have you tried?
Opened in the Southern Mill complex in 2022, Puma Yu's is a local favorite located for Southeast Asian-inspired food, at 355 Oneta St. "Each dish is a standout, from the Eggplant Agebitashi (lightly fried eggplant, kombu dashi, ginger, scallion, chili crisp, and sesame), to the Sapelo clams with red curry butter, to the simple yet memorable chocolate mousse for dessert. Grab a seat on the lively patio or intimate dining room and get ready for a good time," the article stated.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit