Every summer, Atlantans try their best to withstand 90-plus degree temperatures and off-the-chart humidity without wilting. When they can no longer stay cooped up with igloo-like air conditioning and find themselves outdoors watching the pavement undulate and steam, it’s under the shady refuge of patio umbrellas that they seek relief, frosty cocktails and tasty victuals. An abundance of patio options are scattered throughout the city’s ‘hoods, fit for the transient, the hometown-er, and those just stopping through.
Best Singles Spots
For those interested in mixing and mingling, these restaurant patios offer up more than shade. Shout attracts youthful cocktail mavens, and serves sushi, DJs and a bright midtown view in close proximity to local nightclubs. Another favorite, closer to the city’s Westside, is downtown’s Luckie Lounge, which has a $5 happy hour menu from 3-7 p.m. every Friday.
Best Couples Spots
Patio dining with a summer love should be romantic, intimate and surrounded by beautiful decor. Inman Park’s Fritti possesses all of the above: a quaint corner lot neighboring sister restaurant Sotto Sotto, enclosed or outside patio dining, soft ambience and music, and romantic cuisine fit for sharing … if your idea of romantic cuisine encompasses upscale pizza. 4th & Swift, named for its Old 4th Ward environs, serves more sophisticated cuisine, but is still hand-holding friendly.
Most Family Friendly
If you’re a new mom or dad, finding “family friendly” restaurants are a high priority. East Atlanta is quite keen on catering to the baby stroller crowd, especially at Midway Pub, where even pooches can feel the love. Fellini’s Pizza on Ponce de Leon is easy on families, too, and it has a water fountain that’s like catnip for kids.
Best Night Views
When you want more from a patio beyond people and décor, nothing shines like the beauty of the city. Buckhead’s New York Prime puts diners in the catbird seat in its cozy nook across from Lenox Square Mall. Cafe Circa/The Reserve in Old 4th Ward is a homey tapas spot. In Midtown, Park Tavern overlooks Piedmont Park.
Best Place To Be Seen
When you’ve got the look and need people to know it, you’ve got to flaunt it in Atlantic Station. Strike a pose (and score killer steak and sushi) at Strip. It’s huge, loud and crowded with hip carnivores. Twist, in Buckhead, caters to a slightly more mature attention seeker with a tapas menu.
Best People Watching
This category got tricky, but just listing a couple wouldn’t do, so here’s a handful: Highland Bakery, P’cheen’s and Across the Street in the Old 4th Ward serve up people and patios along a stretch of Highland Avenue. P’cheen’s specializes in nightcaps and grilled savories while Highland Bakery is brunch-perfect and Across the Street serves fresh and tasty Tex-Mex. People-watching is good any time of day. For more, ahem, creative pedestrian traffic, check out Midtown’s Einstein’s and Flying Biscuit restaurants.
Best Nook and Cranny
Fontaine’s in Virginia-Highlands has a hidden gem: a tree-shaded back patio, perfectly nestled behind the restaurant row, far enough from the noisy bar to afford quiet conversation, but close enough to enjoy some of the city’s best seafood. Park’s Edge, an intimate Inman Park restaurant, is a chic stroll away and never overcrowded, as a cranny should be.
Best Live/Music
In Ansley Park/Buckhead, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack serves BBQ and blues music to guests sitting on its picnic bench-lined patio. Midtown’s Après Diem boasts desserts and DJs, while East Atlanta’s The Earl offers brews and live alternative rock bands.
::
Danielle Deadwyler is an Atlanta-based writer, actor and mother to a dancing machine. Read more of her stories at tinyurl.com/atldanielle.
