As temperatures get warmer in the metro Atlanta area, the dogwoods bloom, pollen starts to coat your car, and diners flock to restaurants to enjoy their outdoor patios. Whether you prefer a fine dining atmosphere or one that's cozy and comfortable, you'll be able to find restaurants with outdoor patios as unique as the restaurants themselves.
The sun's out, and the following six OTP restaurant patios are primed for outdoor dining:
Credit: Becky Stein
Credit: Becky Stein
Tin Lizzy's Cantina, 3470 George Busbee Pkwy NW, Kennesaw. 770-467-3015. http://tinlizzyscantina.com/
Hang out on the large elevated patio at Tin Lizzy's while you choose from a wide variety of drinks and "Flex Mex" dishes. The restaurant is known for its many specialty tacos, including a Southern comfort version, which has grilled chicken, goat cheese, grilled onions, fried pickles and barbecue sauce. To help alleviate the heat, tables have umbrellas, and you can also cool off with several different types of margaritas or a Mexican Coca-Cola ("MexiCoke").
The restaurant is also celebrating "Drink de Mayo" specials from April 30-May 6, including a small Cinco-Rita for $8 and a large for $13. Shots of 1800 Silver tequila, Jagermeister or Grand Marnier are $5.
South Main Kitchen, No. 9 S. Main St., Alpharetta. 678-691-4622. http://southmainkitchen.com/
Located in downtown Alpharetta's historic district, South Main Kitchen is housed in a building that dates back to 1902. Its décor is rustic-modern, with exposed brick and whitewashed floors. A two-story deck and rooftop bar are popular with diners who enjoy the lively atmosphere and great views of downtown Alpharetta.
They're also drawn in by the restaurant's libations, including local beers from brewers such as SweetWater Brewery and Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative. Dishes like the W. Allgood Burger, grain bowl, Springer Mountain chicken and Scottish salmon represent the restaurant's healthy take on comfort food, and if you think you hate Brussels sprouts, try some as an appetizer, and you'll change your mind!
Leon's Full Service, 131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-687-0500. https://www.leonsfullservice.com/
Leon's Full Service has two outdoor patios – one where you can eat and drink, and another that has a bocce court, so you can start at one and bring your drink along for bocce with your friends. The gastropub serves innovative New American fare as well as a long list of cocktails, beers and wines in a friendly atmosphere.
Beef poutine and goat-cheese-stuffed peppadews are popular for the table to share, as are the hand-cut pomme frites, which come with your choice of two sauces, such as curry goat cheese fondue.
The Flying Machine, 510 Briscoe Blvd., Lawrenceville. 770-962-2262.
The Flying Machine's outdoor patio is located at the edge of the runway at the Gwinnett County Airport in Lawrenceville, so you'll get some spectacular views of planes coming and going. Kids, in particular, will enjoy the unique setting.
The atmosphere, as well as the food, is down-home, with live country music frequently performed inside. The menu includes favorites such as country fried steak, grilled salmon and Philly cheese steak, and a few vegetarian dishes, including a black bean veggie burger.
Pascal's Bistro, 217 Commerce Drive, Peachtree City. 770-632-0112. http://pascalsbistro.com
Pascal's Bistro serves American cuisine with a French twist, including a lunchtime pasta bar with ingredients hand-selected from local farmer's markets. Outdoor dining is available at a simple yet comfortable patio area, and Pascal himself may come to greet you as you dine.
The more casual lunch menu features salads including a lobster cake, artisan sandwiches and the create-your-own pasta dish from the pasta bar. The dinner menu has elegant dishes such as steak au poivre – filet mignon with black peppercorns, cognac cream sauce, mashed potatoes and sautéed asparagus.
Credit: From Ray's on the River
Credit: From Ray's on the River
Ray's on the River, 6700 Powers Ferry Road, NW, Sandy Springs. 770-955-1187. http://www.raysrestaurants.com
An Atlanta area mainstay, Ray's on the River has an outdoor patio that overlooks the Chattahoochee River. You'll be able to enjoy a relaxing view of the river as well as the lush greenery that surrounds it.
The fine dining restaurant focuses on seafood, steaks and chops for dinner and has an extensive list of bottled beers, hand-crafted cocktails, wine, bourbon, whiskey and scotch. You may want to plan your visit for Sunday brunch, which has over 50 items, including prime rib, served from a carving station and cold peel-and-eat shrimp.
Spring Guide OTP edition is a seasonal series from The Atlanta Journal Constitution that highlights some of the best dining and outdoor experiences taking place outside of Atlanta’s perimeter.
