In the heat of summer, nothing seems better than kicking back on a sun-drenched patio with an icy beverage and some salty food. Here are some neighborhood spots with extensive beer and wine selections and the kind of pub grub that will make you want to stay for a spell and soak up the rays.
Treehouse Restaurant
7 Kings Circle NE, Atlanta
404-266-2732
Ever wanted to have a treehouse? Treehouse Restaurant’s patio creates the illusion of being high in the branches, with its shaded deck tucked in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood. Guests rave about the tequila-lime hummus, served with cucumbers, tomatoes and pita triangles. Oenophiles will find a surprising selection of Old World varietals, like a Portuguese Vinho Verde and an Italian dry Lambrusco.
Park Bar
150 Walton St., Atlanta
404-524-0444
The rooftop bar is inconspicuously tucked away and offers its own viewing deck from the hubbub of downtown. It’s just paces from the outskirts of Centennial Olympic Park. Spend $45 and you can spin the wheel to win prizes like a free pint or shots for your group. This month’s burger is the “Arrigo,” a pizza-inspired beef burger with pepperoni, marinara and mozzarella.
Universal Joint Bar
906 Oakview Road, Decatur
404-373-6260
Taking a cue from the laid-back vibe of Decatur, the patio at this boozer is tucked away from Decatur’s bustling square. This family-friendly dive bar makes you want to hang out and sip one of their draft beers like the new Three Taverns A Night in Brussels IPA. For a throwback side that reminds you of grade school, order tater tots instead of fries with one of their pub-style burgers.
Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Pub
15 Atlanta St. SE, Marietta
678-290-6641
History is rooted in this former fire department, the oldest standing in Cobb County. Their back porch is tucked away from Marietta Square, and with more than 30 beers on tap, the selections range from an expected pint of Guinness Irish Stout to an uncommon Hobgoblin Brown Ale. Your standard pub fare is not to be missed. Try the sinful greasy fish and chips or turn up the heat with the jalapeno poppers.
Coastal Breeze Seafood Grill
5390 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
770-945-9181
This is a hike up I-85, but when you’re looking for a local spot after hitting Lake Lanier, the bright blue beach shack is an underrated haven of straightforward seafood classics. Try one of their easy appetizer picks like the crabcake sandwich, calamari or seafood dip, a cheesy ramekin of shrimp and scallops.
NOCA Eatery
1170 Canton St., Roswell
770-992-8866
NOCA stands for “North of Canton Street,” and the patio is a humble spot off Roswell’s prime bustling street. The restaurant serves up pleasing new American cuisine, with an assortment of basic options like steak frites to thoughtfully innovative pistachio-crusted grouper. The wine list is an elegant interplay of Old and New World wines, stretching from Oregon pinot noirs to Alsace riesling.
