Fall officially kicks off tomorrow, bringing with it cooler temps and the perfect weather for swarming restaurant patios across metro Atlanta. If you’re in the mood to breathe in fresh fall air while enjoying your next meal, consider checking out one of these seven patios at restaurants outside the Perimeter.

Photo credit: Atlantic Seafood Company

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

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Credit: Carolyn Desalu

Atlantic Seafood Company

You might not realize Atlantic Seafood Company has an outdoor dining option, but this Alpharetta mainstay actually has two patios, both great for enjoying the fall weather. Picnic tables on the back deck offer casual eating while tables at the side patio make for a slightly more formal meal. Choose from a menu of fresh seafood options, including their signature char-grilled oysters and sushi rolls.

2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, 770-640-0488, atlanticseafoodco.com.

CRÚ Food & Wine Bar

Located in Alpharetta’s Avalon, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar offers a sensational patio and rooftop. Order up a wine flight and munch on some appetizers ideal for sharing while you ake in the views. Artisan pizzas, cheese flights and main entrees are also available on CRÚ's unexpectedly extensive menu. Being a wine bar, there are plenty of wine options to choose from of course, no matter your preference.

300 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, 678-248- 5181, cruawinebar.com.

Fuji Hana Thai Peppers

If you’re in Kennesaw and find yourself craving Thai fare, sushi or hibachi - and a desire to dine outdoors, check out the new patio at Fuji Hana Thai Peppers. The restaurant hired muralist Scott McIntyre to paint the entire backdrop as a scene of Mount Fuji (and added plants that are indigenous to Thailand) to create a picturesque atmosphere. The patio has fans and misters, as well as heaters, for year-round dining. The restaurant also uses its patio for events, including a series of Full Moon Parties benefiting No Kid Hungry (the next one is Oct. 5 and will feature the music of Davin McCoy).

2606 George Busbee Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw, 770-419-9500, fujihanathaipeppers.com.

Ray’s on the River

You can’t talk about stellar outdoor patios in Atlanta without mentioning classic standby Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs. This fine dining restaurant overlooks the Chattahoochee River and makes for an upscale meal amid lush greenery. Check out their seafood dishes or prime cut steaks for dinner, or visit them for Sunday brunch (hello, bottomless mimosas!).

6700 Powers Ferry Road NW, Sandy Springs, 770-955-1187, raysrestaurants.com.

South Main Kitchen

South Main Kitchen is housed in a charming building built in 1902 and features an open kitchen, exposed brick and warm wood tones for an industrial/rustic appeal. But head outside to enjoy their second-level rooftop bar that offers fantastic views of historic downtown Alpharetta. Sip on craft beer or a barrel-aged Manhattan to kick things off. For lunch, try the crave-worthy kale and Brussels sprouts salad (we like to add chicken) topped with feta and a lemon-dill vinaigrette that you’ll want to bottle up and take home.

9 S. Main St., Alpharetta, 678-691-4622, southmainkitchen.com.

For al fresco dining in John's Creek, grab a seat on the covered patio at Sugo. / Credit: Sugo.

Credit: C. W. Cameron

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Credit: C. W. Cameron

Sugo

Visit John's Creek staple, Sugo, to enjoy the crisp fall weather on their patio and nosh on crowd-pleasing dishes like Aunt Lena’s chicken with prosciutto di Parma, caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, baby spinach, garganelli pasta and dates in a sherry cream sauce. The covered patio is simple, cozy and welcoming. Good service and belly-warming Mediterranean eats help, too.

10305 Medlock Bridge Road, John's Creek, 770.817.8000, sugorestaurant.com.

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Kennesaw

For a laid-back place to gather with friends for margaritas and Tex-Mex, visit the Tin Lizzy’s location in Kennesaw, which boasts a spacious rooftop patio. Head to Tin Lizzy’s on a Tuesday to take advantage of their Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays special: $2 tacos from the specials list and $5 Patron shots make for a pretty decent fall fiesta.

3470 George Busbee Parkway NW, Kennesaw, 770-467-3015, tinlizzyscantina.com.

Explore where to eat in Atlanta with the AJC’s Spring Dining Guide

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