Alfresco Dining and Decorating in Atlanta

As the summer days give us sunshine and the upcoming autumn promises cooler temperatures, it is the ideal time to dine alfresco in the city. We chose some of our favorite spots to share with you. Plus some alfresco decorating tips inspired by them.

CANOE
4199 Paces Ferry Road SE, Atlanta 30339; (770) 432-2663

The gourmet seasonal fare combined with lush garden trails and views of the Chattahoochee River at Canoe are definitely culinary treats. But then there is what we consider to be a genuine gem of Canoe- the Chef’s Organic Vegetable Garden. Gather a party of 10 to 18 guests for a dinner in the heart of the restaurant’s beautiful garden surroundings with the river nearby. A prix fixe seasonal menu is served family-style at a rustic table setting. We cannot decide which is superior, the ambience or the delicacies.

Tip: If your outdoor area has natural beauty then use it as inspiration for your next alfresco dining spread. Choose serveware that compliments the natural environment. We recommend West Elm’s Gemma Orkin’s Floral Serving Bowls ($19).

JCT. KITCHEN & BAR
1198 Howell Mill Road Suite 18, Atlanta 30318; (404) 355-2252

Interested in a rooftop view and crave-worthy cocktails? JCT. Bar will become your new hot spot in a heartbeat. This place knows  a lot more than how to cook tasty fried chicken; they know how to make alfresco fun. Stop by Thursday nights at 6 P.M. for live music at the rooftop bar and enjoy the view as you sip your satisfying drink. I recommend the Texas Star if you’re dining in or the Little Havana if you’re enjoying the view.

Tip: Planning your very own outdoor happy hour? It is a wise idea to invest in a mobile bar cart to mix, pour and serve on the go. We recommend Crate & Barrel’s Libations Bar Cart ($599).

LIVINGSTON RESTAURANT + BAR
659 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta 30308; (404) 897-5000

If your heart is set on a classy outdoor dining experience, if you want to survey the vibrant city life as you savor your multiple courses then make a reservation at Livingston Restaurant + Bar. It has sophistication from its award-winning contemporary cuisine and its corner spot where previous Atlanta mayor, Livingston Mills’, luxurious home once stood. It also offers a prime location to admire Atlanta with its outdoor tables overlooking Peachtree Street and the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

Tip: Add elegance to your at-home alfresco dinner with fine linens, like Gramercy Fine Linens and Furnishings’ Madeira Collection: Venus set of four placemats ($113) and napkins ($90).

PURE TAQUERIA
multiple locations

This taqueria has delicious fish tacos and signature margaritas like most, but its alfresco options are above par. The Woodstock location features a rooftop bar that is the place to dance on a Friday night, as well as a main dining area with glass walls that can be rolled up to the ceiling to transform the indoors into the outdoors when the weather’s nice.

Tip: If custom-made glass walls that lift after a couple of cranks are out your budget’s reach then consider a quality umbrella to keep your outdoor area shielded and shaded from inclement weather. We recommend Room & Board’s Waikiki Square Umberella ($399). It can swivel 90 degrees if you decide to rearrange your alfresco dining area and comes in several colors, like orange or coal.

PARK TAVERN
500 10th Street NE, Atlanta 30309; (404) 249-0001

If an action-packed alfresco experience is more your taste then visit the Park Tavern for Unplugged in the Park or another one of its many summertime (anytime really) events. Enjoy a quality beer from the on-site brewery on the spacious patio that overlooks Piedmont Park. Or make sure that you and your guests are extra comfortable for your night of fresh air and entertainment by renting a cabana.

Tip: When you plan an exciting at-home alfresco gathering with exceptional entertainment it is a must to have extra cozy seating options for your guests. We recommend Bobby Berk Home’s Kannoa Collection. No one will complain of discomfort from the relaxing Hallo Daybed ($2,216.70 – $2,779.20) or a cushy Congo Chair ($562.50).

Where do you love to dine alfresco in Atlanta? How do you decorate your outdoor spaces when entertaining and/or dining?