Fabulous patio dining in Atlanta
By Collin Kelley, AtlantaINtown
Warm weather has settled in and that means the patios and Intown eateries are abuzz with diners enjoying a cocktail, cool salad or other summer meal. We asked our regular contributors — and our staff — to tell us their favorite restaurant patios.
Karen Head
Eclipse di luna: The Miami Circle restaurant has a lovely patio. All the tapas are good. I'm a fan of the seasonally rotating hummus, the Catalan bread, and the balsamic glazed ribs. The wine list is very good, as are the sangria and mojitos. 764 Miami Circle, eclipsediluna.com
Six Feet Under: The rooftop patios at both locations (Grant Park and Westside) are great. I'm a fan of a nice draft cider and the homemade potato chips. Other favorites include the grilled shrimp tacos and the fried zucchini. sixfeetunderatlanta.com
Radial Café: Radial makes my list in so many categories, and they have a terrific patio. Plus the back room has garage doors they raise in good weather, making that an "almost patio." Frank and his staff have recently revised the menu. While most people only think of this as a breakfast place, lunch is very good, too. The California club wrap and the grilled hummus sandwich are excellent. 1530 DeKalb Ave., radial.us
Ann Boutwell
Babette's Café: The beloved back deck is intimate and a great place to have a meal or enjoy a glass of wine. The location is a 1916 bungalow in Ponce-Highlans, which appeals to my love of history. 573 N. Highland Ave. babettescafe.com
Helen Grebe
Baronda: If you're yearning for a trip to Europe but saving until the dollar holds its weight against the euro, look no farther than 3rd Street and Peachtree. This authentic, warm Italian eatery boasts some of the best patio seating Atlanta has to offer, complete with eclectic European music and a distinct Tuscan feel. A perk to this patio is that meals are finished with a complimentary lemoncello shot! 710 Peachtree St., baraondaatlanta.com
Osteria 832: When I think patios, I want fresh air, view of the stars and casual digs. I like the smoked proscuitto pie with paper-thin crust, white sauce, glazed balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. 832 N. Highland Ave. osteria832.com
Apres Diem: Their patio feels more like a moonlit cafe in Paris than a bistro in Midtown. The brie and baguette is great and finish your meal with one of their heavenly desserts like white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and a specialty coffee. 931 Monroe Dr., apresdiem.com
Manning Harris
Joe's on Juniper: The patio is always boisterous and jolly at Joe's and they have one of the best hamburgers in town, as well as a good Cobb salad. 1049 Juniper St., metrocafes.com
Apres Diem: Great place to grab an appetizer before a movie at the Midtown Art Cinema. They manage to have a sort of cosmopolitan ambience in the evening, which is inviting. 931 Monroe Dr., apresdiem.com
Patrick Dennis
Horseradish Grill: I love their patio — it's awesome and quiet. Great to have a drink and enjoy a plate of their fried green tomatoes. 4320 Powers Ferry Rd., horseradishgrill.com
Cowtippers: They have a great patio for people watching around Ansley Mall and kicking back with friends for a margarita. 1600 Piedmont Ave., metrocafes.com
Tina Chadwick
Taqueria del Sol: I love the outdoor seating at the location in Decatur (there are also locations on the Westside and Cheshire Bridge Road) just to watch the people walk by. I always get "The George," which is not on the menu. It's a mix of beans, rice and greens that's a bit spicy. 359 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., taqueriadelsol.com
Sandy M. Tyler
Kevin Rathbun's Steak: Despite a gorgeous interior, I love to head outside to the Beltline Patio at Rathbun's Steak when the weather is nice for dinner or cocktails. You get the same great service, but in a lovely, much quieter setting. Don't miss the crispy fried oysters and okra appetizer, and since it's a classic steak house, I always order (at least) one of the best vodka martinis in town. 154 Krog St., kevinrathbunsteak.com
Sotto Sotto: Most people don't know that this small and intimate dining room has an even smaller garden patio out back. It's the perfect cozy spot for a dinner date or some time with good friends. My personal favorite is the Americano, featuring Campari, sweet vermouth and a splash of club soda. 313 N. Highland Ave., sottosottorestaurant.com
Six Feet Under: Both the Grant Park and Westside locations have rooftop decks with great views. I have sat looking out at the Oakland Cemetery during many Sunday brunches contemplating my own "death" before being "saved" by one of their signature Oyster Shooters and seafood taco combos. sixfeetunderatlanta.com
Staff Picks
Here is a sampling of our staff's picks, which should satisfy just about every craving and occasion.
Big Ketch Saltwater Grill: Feel like you're at the beach and enjoy hot buttered lobster rolls, fresh oysters and more. 3279 Roswell Road, thebigketch.com
Canoe: We'd be remiss not to mention this Intown restaurant known for its patio dining along the rolling Chattahoochee River. This romantic place often hosts wedding receptions and cocktail parties in the garden. Brunch, lunch and dinner are served. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, canoeatl.com
Everybody's Pizza: The relaxed patio is a good outdoor getaway for Emory University students and neighbors, alike. There's a fountain, plenty of seating and affordable meal options. It's top-notch pizza. 1593 N. Decatur Road, everybodyspizza.com
Café 640: Neighbors gather on this nice-sized patio for signature Grapefruit Rosewater Martinis, Crispy Asparagus appetizers and Hanger Steaks. The patio faces the sidewalk so is great for watching the world go by. 640 N. Highland Ave., cafe640.com
Savage Pizza: After a day exploring Little Five Points, enjoy the patio and Savage's famous pizza by the pie or the slice. 84 Moreland Ave., savagepizza.com
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill: French toast, a freshly squeezed juice and a cup of coffee on this tropical patio surrounded by plants and birds makes this a great brunch spot. 1812 Peachtree St., rthomasdeluxegrill.net
Universal Joint: Bring the kids, bring the dog and we'll see you at the U Joint. The patio is center of Decatur's Oakhurst neighborhood and has a friendly atmosphere and vibe. We usually get a burger and fries. The buffalo chicken salad is also great. Good beers. 906 Oakview Road, ujointbar.com
Las Palmeras: Cuban meets Midtown meets super laid-back on this small restaurant patio. It's on the neighborhood side streets and tucked away from Intown's hustle and bustle. This is where the neighbors get their fix of fried plantains, black beans and rice, and ropa vieja.368 Fifth St. (404) 872-0846
Noni's Bar & Deli: Edgewood is buzzing with steady traffic, but you can find a quiet spot on the side of Noni's in their outdoor dining area. The seating is limited, but that's also part of the charm. Mushrom leek bruschetta, noni's fries, and homemade tagliatelle are a few of our favorites. 357 Edgewood Ave., nonisdeli.com
Treehouse Restaurant and Pub: This big deck is a Buckhead institution and a gathering spot for people looking for a relaxed environment. Because it's located in a residential area, people often walk over to kick-back and enjoy a glass of wine and dinner. It's a really pretty spot, too, in the middle of a lot of trees (hence the name). 7 Kings Circle, treehouseatlanta.com
Agave: Order a margarita, the cayenne fried chicken and enjoy the atmosphere of Cabbagetown from the patio at this southwestern favorite. 242 Bouleveard, agaverestaurant.com
Doc Chey's: The Doc offers three options for patio dining Intown: Emory, Morningside and Grant Park. The patios are large and kid-friendly. Neighbors love to walk or ride their bike to these patios for dim sum, noodles, salads and more. doccheys.com
George's: Virginia-Highland's original burger joint still serves up — in our opinion — the best burger in town. Kick back relax and watch the world go by on the covered patio. 1041 N. Highland Ave. georgesbarandrestaurant.com
MetroFresh in the Garden: After a stroll through the Kendeda Canopy Walk and playing in the Children's Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, you might have built up an appetite. There's a good outdoor spot to enjoy a snack or lunch at this café. There are an assortment of sandwiches, soups, cookies and drinks. 1345 Piedmont Ave., atlantabotanicalgarden.org
More from Atlanta INtown:
>> Read the entire June digital edition.
>> Atlanta's minor league memories.
We want to hear from you, gentle readers, about your favorite al fresco dining spot Intown. Leave a comment below.
