Roswell

OTHERS

• Lazaro's Cuban Cuisine, 25 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 678-277-9661, www.lazaroscuisine.com.
• Oli & Ve, 1003 Canton St., Roswell. 770-587-4244, www.oliandve.com.
• Rice Thai Cuisine,1104 Canton St., Roswell. 770-640-0788, www.goforthai.com.
• Roswell Provisions, 955 Canton St., Roswell. 678-682-8669, www.roswellprovisions.com.
• Swallow at the Hollow, 1072 Green St., Roswell. 678-352-1975, www.swallowatthehollow.com.
• Zest, 957 Canton St., Roswell. 678-461-6788, www.zestoncantonstreet.com.

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Decisions, decisions. As the workday draws to a close on Friday afternoon, our thoughts turn to where to kick off the weekend. We’ll want to stay close, knowing that afternoon traffic will delay the start of our evening.

Thankfully, we live in Roswell, where the restaurant scene has blossomed into a destination over the past few years.

There’s no need to go into Atlanta to score some tasty tidbits or an impressive selection of spirits and well-crafted libations. And without the intown traffic battle, we can hit multiple spots for our own progressive dinner party of sorts.

As we eat our way through Roswell, should we have Cuban at Lazaro's or hit Rice Thai? Maybe sushi at Zest or barbecue at Swallow at the Hollow?

Let's ease into the evening by starting off in a quiet part of Roswell at Hugo's Oyster Bar. We'll linger at the bar over a platter of iced Wianno or Sheepscot oysters and a cold Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA.

After that, it's two miles to Bistro VG. There, we can relax in the appealing whitewashed space warmed by glowing lights. This is the place to enjoy cocktails like the amber pashmina, a bold clove syrup-flavored concoction made with Maker's Mark and orange. How nice it will be to chat while nibbling on crisp squares of flatbread loaded with wilted rapini, shreds of duck confit, dots of chevre and fat balsamic-soaked cherries.

Next, we'll edge closer to the thrum of energy emanating from the heart of Canton Street. Our first stop: the new burger night at Artisan Foods. While we should stick with the lighter shrimp burger, tonight it's all about the roll-up-your-sleeves-juicy short rib patty on the buttery housemade brioche bun. But, just this once, I'll resist the temptation to add an order of the best beignets in town.

Then, down Canton we go to cleanse our palates with the new kale salad at Table & Main, one of Roswell's most prized gems. Just play along and call the salad cleansing. The fried lacinato kale mixed with cubes of Benton's bacon, mildly sweet pickled green tomatoes and homemade buttermilk ranch will rival the best salty chips and french onion dip noshing.

The lovely outdoor patio, with heaters and a stacked-stone fireplace, makes Table & Main the perfect place to enjoy a chilly fall evening. We’ll likely explore the extensive bourbon menu, possibly sipping the Rowan’s Creek small batch selection or the High West campfire whiskey.

Afterward, a walk down the tree-lined sidewalks will give us a chance to digest. We may even stop by Oli & Ve to pick up some fig balsamic, white truffle oil or a good Arbosana olive oil.

Next, we'll duck into Little Alley Steak to share a tasting of New York strip and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. The sampler comes with 4-ounce portions each of wet-aged, USDA prime and dry-aged beef. The tender medium-rare sous-vide slices rest by mounds of various salts for self-seasoning. It likely will be time to cry mercy, the only room remaining in our bellies designated for dessert.

Before heading back down the street, we have time for a quick peek inside Roswell Provisions next door. We might leave with a latte or fill a basket with foie gras, Greendale Farm's tomme and Patak andouille — supplies for a later indulgence.

The bluesy riffs of the Electromatics will end our night as we warm up by the fire pit at Vin 25 with a glass of Graham's 40-year-old tawny port. The chef's dessert sampler will provide our final splurge. That means shot glasses of berry-sauced vanilla bean panna cotta and caramel-topped chocolate budino. And don't forget the steamy, sugared pumpkin-bacon doughnuts perched atop a glass of creamy maple-cinnamon ice cream.

We’ll depart a little too full, wallets a little too light, and none too sad that we live in Roswell.

Artisan Foods Bakery & Cafe

1169 Canton St., Roswell. 770-998-1169, www.artisanfoodsbakery.com.

• How to use this restaurant: A great place to meet friends for breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch. Go for the freshly baked breads like challah, baguettes and pastries.
• What to try: The new "Burger and Beignet" nights Thursdays through Saturdays.
• Best seat in the house: Located down the street from the center of the historic district, you can grab a quiet spot inside or out.

Bistro VG

70 W. Crossville Road, Roswell. 770-993-1156, bistrovg.com.

• How to use this restaurant: Go for an upscale dining experience without the hassle of hunting for parking or braving the crowds.
• What to try: Start with a cocktail and flatbread and then order a variety of cheese and charcuterie as you explore the wine list.
• Best seat in the house: The lively lounge area with the fireplace and comfortable seating.

Hugo’s Oyster Bar

 10360 Alpharetta St., Roswell. 770-993-5922, hugosoysterbar.com.

• How to use this restaurant: Meet for a beer and oysters before heading down to the chaos of Canton Street.
• What to try: Order a tray of the day's oysters. Also sample the signature chargrilled oysters infused with grill flavor and glistening with butter.
• Best seat in the house: Sit on the casual side of Hugo's at the bar for something more akin to that beachy oyster dive you love.

Little Alley Steak

955 Canton St., Roswell. 770-998-0440, littlealleysteak.com.

• How to use this restaurant: Gather some friends and share a few items over drinks to keep costs down. This is a great place to hang out at either the beginning or end of your evening.
• What to try: Sample both the spirits and the premium steaks with foie gras or black truffle butter.
• Best seat in the house: Sit at the bar with some friends and experience the Roswell night life. You're bound to see someone you know.