Good Morning, Darlings!
The weather is really warming up and that means al fresco dining! If you live in Atlanta, like I do, that means the first day there is no visible chill in the air and the sun is out. My favorite spots for catching some rays and tippling a cocktail or two are as follows (in no particular order):
1. Front Page News, Little Five Points. This sweet outpost of New Orleans cuisine never ceases to inspire me. Their outdoor patio, with the big, gurgling fountain is one of the nicest getaways within the city. Hedges shield you from the traffic on Moreland Avenue and the drinks are always tasty, served by the friendliest bartenders. For a special way to start your weekend, hop on over to FPN for their fabulous brunch, complete with Bloody Mary Bar.
2. Krog Bar, Inman Park. Need a vacation? You can go to Krog Bar and pretend you are in the Mediterranean. The most perfectly chosen wine list compliments the menu of small plates wonderfully. If you are lucky, you will arrive on a day when Pastry Chef Kirk Parks has whipped up some of his adorable mini ice cream cones. This is absolutely a see and be seen scene, but it is so totally chill you won’t mind.
3. Park Tavern, Midtown. Park Tavern is the epitome of where you should take out of town guests when they visit. The view of Piedmont Park and midtown Atlanta is unparalleled. They have renovated since the last time I visited, but I am meeting a childhood friend there on Friday night, so I will let you know about the cuisine. They used to have chicken fingers coated with Cap’n Crunch, but I don’t see those on the online menu. Boo hoo. I loved those. But now they have sushi!
Beautiful Park Tavern View
4. Six Feet Under, Grant Park. If you like your neighbors quiet, they don’t get any more quiet than Oakland Cemetery. The rooftop patio overlooks the mausoleums and headstones of Atlanta’s most favorite final resting spot (Margaret Mitchell is buried here). The beer is ice cold and the fish tacos tasty. A really great space with lots of chairs for all your drinking buddies.
5. FAB, Downtown. Step into FAB (short for French American Brasserie) and find yourself transported to France immediately. Without a doubt the most gorgeous dining room in Atlanta, the rooftop patio wows. FAB is brought to you by the owners of Brasserie Le Coze, which closed in 2006, much to the disappointment of many francophiles. But never fear, they are back and better than ever. Before you indulge in the decadent cuisine, pop upstairs for an aperitif and take in the view of downtown. Simply gorgeous.
There’s a fine start for your al fresco adventures. Write me a little comment and tell me your favorite spots?
xoxo, Patti
Hands down. JCT Kitchen. It’s in my hood, the fare is delish and the prices are right. The live music on Thursday nights doesn’t hurt a thing either. I love dining al fresco but my position typically changes when the season’s humidity cloaks us. Great post!
Shameeka! Great comment! The only time I have dined at JCT was when you and I were almost snowed in there in January! Will have to check it out. xoox, P
I love your list, but there are two more that can’t be forgotten- both classics.
Horseradish Grill has one of my favorite patios, directly overlooking Chastain park. With wonderful french country fare and a fresh herb garden in the back of the restaurant- its truely one of my fav’s.
Einstein’s is another of my favorites, for an entirely different reason. It’s pure debauchary on any given weekend afternoon. A great place to pull up to their “make your own Bloody Mary bar”, sit back and take in the sites. I’m curious to see how the newly erected Loew’s hotel across the street changes the laissez-fare aura of Einsteins.
Chioke, Darling, fantastic tips.
I have never been to Horseradish Grill, should we plan an outing?
No need to plan outings to Einstein’s though…bwaahaha. Um, nevermind. I love Einstein’s monte cristo sammie. One of the best sandwiches in the city.
xoxo, P