Outdoor Dining on 7 Atlanta Patios
When the days are longer but the heat isn’t yet sweltering, it’s time to enjoy Atlanta’s glorious outdoor dining options. Below is a list of seven of our favorites.
ParQ Pizza and Bar (Midtown)
Don’t be fooled by the name-change, ParQ, formerly known as Quattro, changed names due to an infringement threat by a Chicago company. ParQ still has the same owners, the same menu, and the same laid-back feel, and the restaurant is the perfect place to grab a drink and bite to eat after playing frisbee or walking your dog in the adjacent Piedmont Park. In addition to a prime location, ParQ serves delicious food, especially the patata frittis and wild mushroom pizza. Yum. 071 Piedmont Avenue | (404) 881-0000 | www.quattroatlanta.com
Bocado (Westside)You replay some moments in life over and over again in your head. For me, one of these moments is my first bite of the organic berkshire prosciutto on Bocado’s patio. I never imagined prosciutto paired so well with strawberries. Bocado’s food is the first reason to go, but a close second is the outdoor covered patio. The restaurant décor is made of reused materials, which gives the small dining area and patio an almost industrial feel. In the evenings, the patio is typically filled with a 30-something hip crowd having drinks in the lounge area or enjoying a meal. The restaurant is fairly busy around dinner time, so reservations are suggested. 887 Howell Mill Road Northwest | (404) 815-1399 | www.bocadoatlanta.com
Treehouse Restaurant and Pub (Peachtree Hills)
When I moved to Atlanta, Treehouse was one of the first restaurants I tried, and it is still one of the reasons why I love this city so much. It’s an off-the-beaten-path restaurant everyone seems to know about. The restaurant and patio are literally built at the foot of a group of trees, making you feel like you are in a shady treehouse. Traditionally, the crowd is made up of Buckhead Betty’s and their male equivalents, but more recently has become a nightlife spot for men and women in their 20s and 30s. Treehouse is also a great Sunday brunch choice for Bloody Marys and mimosas to wind down the weekend. 7 Kings Circle Northeast | (404) 266-2732 | www.treehouseatlanta.com
U Joint (Decatur)
Once a gas station, now a bar, Universal Joint has some of the most delicious pub food you’ll find in Atlanta. The patio is always packed with Decatur locals and their pups (water is provided) enjoying the weather. Because the restaurant is tucked away on a quiet street, a seat on the patio parallels relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch of an old Decatur house. Try the BLT or grilled cheese and tomato sandwich for a nice complement to your cold draught. 906 Oakview Road, Decatur | (404) 373-6260 | www.ujointbar.com
10° South (Brookhaven)
I was introduced to 10° South only last year and need to make up for lost time. The vibe is sexy and exotic and feels very much like a trip to Cape Town, complete with amazing cuisine. The patio is on the back of the restaurant, set off much like a sophisticated bungalow and filled with couches and candles. Enjoy live music while sipping brandy and eating chocolate molten lava cake. Life doesn’t get much better. 4183 Roswell Rd | (404) 705-8870 | www.10degreessouth.com
Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House (Grant Park)
If you’re looking for an opportunity to tower over the city on a casual rooftop patio, Six Feet Under is your place. The restaurant has locations in Grant Park and the Westside of Midtown, but the original Grant Park location is still my favorite. When I’m in the mood for fried seafood, Six Feet Under is my go-to restaurant, and the large open patio is perfect for large gatherings with friends. For a little less calorie-ridden meal, try Seafood Gazpacho, which is only offered during summer months. 437 Memorial Dr SE | (404) 523-6664 | www.sixfeetunderatlanta.com
Nava (Buckhead)
Let’s not forget our old favorites, folks. Yes, there are new restaurants popping up in Atlanta all the time, but Nava has been with us through the Buckhead Streets debacle and, hopefully, will still be with us during Buckhead’s eventual transition. The patio’s location, on the corner of Peachtree Street and West Paces Ferry Road, combines the hustle and bustle of Atlanta with a fine-dining experience. Get there on Wednesday nights for live music and patio specials that include $5 signature margaritas and appetizers. 3060 Peachtree Rd | (404) 240-1984 | www.buckheadrestaurants.com/nava
Photo: Universal Joint
