It probably won’t surprise most to hear that Athens holds the number one bar in America, according to Esquire Magazine. Which bar, however, may raise a few eyebrows.

According to online reader polls, The Globe in Athens tops the competition. Beating bars from New York to New Mexico, owner Randy Camp modestly accepts The Globe’s zenith status with a grain of salt.

“It’s very fleeting,” Camp said, “but it’s nice to be in the group for sure.”

Fleeting or not, Camp seems certain of his bar’s strongpoints.

“As one of the editors explained to me, it’s not about excellence,” he said. “It’s about having character and maybe being a little eccentric and lasting a long time. We definitely qualify on those terms.”

The Globe meets the character mark with a vibe not entirely typical for the majority of Athens bars, starting with a clientele that differs from the Clayton Street norms.

“Mainly we have professionals, professors and grad students,” said Tim Bonner, 26, a Globe bartender for six years.

For another, the d�cor maintains an artfully southern feel without exaggeration. Wooden birdhouses adorn the bar interior as it seems like Globe patrons don’t just come to have a drink – they come to nest.

Sitting around the farmhouse style tables or in the deep leather couches, most bar-goers are often as intent on discussion as they do their drinks.

But when the focus is on the drinks, there’s a lot to choose from. With a full bar as well as 14 beers on draft and plans for an additional line in the near future, both Camp and his bartenders take their occupation seriously.

“It’s about having really great service as well as great draft beer,” said Bonner.

Camp, who opened The Globe 18 years ago working in conjunction with many of the then University library staff, agrees.

“We used to have wonderful conversations over coffee and we thought it would be better to have them over beer,” he said.

The tradition of holding conversation over a pint continues nightly at The Globe and apparently made its mark with Esquire.

“You can’t help but be a little surprised [at being number one],” Camp said, “but I think everybody’s pretty proud.”