Two Athens bars were called 'legendary' by Southern Living Magazine. Find out which ones.

It's always nice when Athens is recognized for something that locals have known for decades: The city is home to one of the region's most vibrant and expansive bar scenes. A prominent and long-standing lifestyle publication last month bestowed a mythic status to a pair of downtown's most beloved watering holes.

Southern Living named Nowhere Bar and The World Famous among "The South's Most Legendary Dive Bars" in a list published on the magazine's website on Mar. 16. The 25 bars recognized in the article were selected by editors of Southern Living who "report, research, and visit bars and local restaurants across the South."

Only one Atlanta bar made the rankings, and the majority on the magazine's list were located in Florida. Though the establishments were not placed in any particular order, Nowhere Bar was singled out for how well its pool tables and rock 'n roll vibe fit the "dive bar" moniker. The World Famous was highlighted for its food offerings, particularly the chicken and waffle club sandwich.

Opened in 2013, The World Famous was co-founded by Athens restaurateur Bain Maddox and Flagpole Magazine writer David Eduardo. Nowhere Bar was established in 1994 by former NFL offensive tackle and University of Georgia football player Craig "Sky" Hertwig, who owned the bar until his passing in 2012.

Related: How much do you know about Creature Comforts? Find out how the Athens brewery got started.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Two Athens bars named in magazine's 'legendary' list