Trivia around town: answers to Athens trivia

For those with a creative side, Athens plays an excellent host to all genres of music, movies, art and even trivia. Several downtown restaurants and bars and some Eastside establishments compete for the most players — and business — throughout the week. Flickr Theatre and Bar and Mellow Mushroom have mostly found their crowd, but places like B&B Theatre and Locos are still trying to reach their target audience. It can be difficult to find the right fit, but if you look hard enough, there is a perfect trivia game for everyone in Athens.

JOHNNY’S PIZZA: Out of the most popular trivia nights in the Athens area, Johnny’s Pizza is the most reliable. It’s a basic game for friends and family with a broad age group and a full house that never disappoints. The lively host serves well-rounded questions like what the densest U.S states are or where Andrew Jackson was buried, and the top notch menu means you’re a winner no matter what. It’s hard to beat the long-time regulars, but Outspoken Entertainment, a corporate game company, gives away free answers on their Facebook page every week. Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to avoid getting stuck outside on the patio.

5/5

FLICKR: The downtown Flickr Theatre and Bar is an intimate setting with even more personal trivia. 26-year-old Marissa Splendore creates a welcoming atmosphere as the host, giving every team a prize at the end, which can range from a copy of The Book of Mormon to car air fresheners. The helpful aid of a hysterical slideshow accompanies the night with memes and fun facts. Unique topics like “Breakfast at your dad’s new apartment,” which features off-brand cereals whose name-brand has to be deciphered, are common in the fourth round. The crowded space makes it so you may have to muscle your way to the front to turn in an answer. Be sure to grab a bite beforehand though, because with the exception of popcorn and drinks, there are no other options, and the night goes on past 10:00 p.m. As a testament to its popularity, the scarce number of seats are quickly gobbled by early birds, so don’t be late. 

4/5

B&B THEATER: B&B theater has an open space with a moderate crowd. The bimonthly trivia is themed — with topics like The Princess Bride and Disney being featured in the past, so questions are limited and easy to predict. The trivia company that B&B hires results in a structured yet impersonal night, which means even the host may not know the answer. Depending on the theme, the company may provide audio recordings from the movie which can be awkward to interpret. Sitting close to the speakers is essential to this trivia. The middle-aged demographic makes for a calm setting, and on the off-week between trivia nights, you can play a few rounds of Bingo. The most apparent downside of the theater is the wildly overpriced food, but you might be so engaged in the trivia that you won’t even notice.

3/5

BLIND PIG: After a failed first attempt to even get in the door, it became evident that arriving 

15-20 minutes early is crucial for Blind Pig trivia. The Eastside tavern is packed with university students, and the frequent sports questions undoubtedly appeal to a certain demographic. If you’re not a sports fan, the music question at the end of each round might save the night; For those who are old enough to buy a beer but not able to move out of their mom’s basement, this trivia is for you.

1/5

LOCOS: While most of the other trivia games drone on until 10:00 PM on weeknights, the Eastside Locos Grill and Pub will have you out of there before 9:00. The crowd is similar to Johnny’s with a wide variety of ages, and teams are close together in the main room. If you’re interested in a more relaxed atmosphere, the bar, along with trivia regulars, is right next to the host’s table. Loco’s is especially frustrating because answers will seem obvious once revealed, so prepare yourself for a few facepalms throughout the night. Be sure to eat quickly in between rounds, as the fast-paced questions will keep you on your toes. 

4/5

MELLOW MUSHROOM: The downtown area is especially inviting for trivia-goers, and Mellow Mushroom is in the epicenter of it all. Every table is filled, typically with older players who enjoy a delicious pizza. If you aren’t part of the typical age group, you may have an advantage in the online round; each team must write answers on their score sheets along with the corresponding video of the night. One representative from each team is also eligible to compete in the music challenge — naming the artist of a song that the host chooses — for a pitcher of beer or bragging rights for those under 21.  

3/5

SAUCEHOUSE: Aside from Blind Pig, Saucehouse BBQ wins the trophy for most college student inhabited. Unless you’re in with that crowd, you will most likely find yourself outside in the patio area straining to hear the questions. Anyone who doesn’t sit in the main area where the host is will have to shove their way in to turn in their answer, because the hoard of university students will be blocking the way. Unlike the broad range of trivia questions, the food is limited, but the bar area might sustain those who are able to drink. Saucehouse provides a medium-level difficulty game that remains interesting for trivia experts, but still gives a reasonable challenge to newbies.

3/5

AMICI: If you’re looking for a hilarious host and interesting trivia without the 10:00 p.m night that Flickr has, Amici is an appropriate setting. Small groups are rare at the downtown pizzeria, so large teams are strongly encouraged in order to receive the $50 first-place cash prize that you may need to pay for the costly meal. In light of similar rounds to the gutterball one ​​— six questions that have a dirty-sounding answer — Amici trivia night may not be the most family friendly event. Be prepared to flex your party tricks because the tie breaker may be as unique as a paper airplane contest. The host is sure to brighten your mood with energetic commentary throughout the night, but if you’re not inclined to waste time in between questions, this trivia may not be for those in a rush to win. 

4/5