43 metro Atlanta patios ready for winter dining

We've never needed patio dining more, and Atlanta's restaurants are here to provide with heat lamps, covers, and more

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Canoe patio

Courtesy of Canoe

In previous years, Atlanta patios came alive in the spring. But after two years of enduring  the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants are keeping patios open year-round to facilitate diners eager for fresh air. Even when the weather isn’t optimal, many metro restaurants have installed awnings, heat lamps, and other features to keep out the rain and cold. Here’s where to go to stay warm this winter. This roundup was originally published in December 2020 and updated with new restaurants in December 2021.

Intown

Chattahoochee Food Works
Go for: The multitude of food options, from TydeTate Thai to Taqueria La Luz, and don’t forget to stop by Morelli’s Ice Cream or Monster Cravings cookies for dessert.
Stay for: If the weather is mild, order food to-go and enjoy it from Adirondacks at the Camp green area. On colder days, the plastic-enclosed, heated patio provides a respite from the wind. Plus, it includes a bar!
1235 Chattahoochee Avenue Northwest

Aziza patio
The patio at Aziza

Photograph courtesy of Aziza

Aziza
Go for: The new, covered patio with heaters at your service
Stay for: Three unique varieties of hummus, plus creative cocktails and Israeli entrees
1170 Howell Mill Road, 404-968-9437

Le Colonial
Go for: The vivid flavors of contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Buckhead Village
Stay for: Drinks on the partially enclosed, heated patio with custom louvered shutters to block the wind
3035 Peachtree Road, 404-341-0500

Ammazza
The patio at Ammazza

Photograph courtesy of Ammazza

Ammazza
Go for: Owner Hugh Connerty’s wood-fire pizzas, a blend of Neapolitan and New York styles.
Stay for: After getting hit by a car twice, Ammazza has a renovated patio with string lights overhead and heaters throughout.
591 Edgewood Avenue, 404-835-2298

Banshee Patio
Banshee’s Patio

Photograph by Ashley Wilson

Banshee
Go for: The owners of this funky-meets-modern spot in East Atlanta Village took advantage of the pandemic to practically double their seating with a new enclosed and covered patio.
Stay for: The ever-changing food from James Beard-nominated Rising Star Chef Nolan Wynn. One not-to-be-missed menu mainstay is the fry bread with pepperoni butter.
1271 Glenwood Avenue, 470-428-2034

The Brash Beast
The Brash Beast

Photograph courtesy of Brash

The Brash Beast
Go for: The caffeine, served from a converted, high-tech, 1968 Citroen, pouring nitro, drip, and Flash Brew coffee, as well as espresso
Stay for: The heated and covered indoor/outdoor Veranda in Buckhead Village provides a great place to work while sipping your brew.
The corner of Bolling Way and Buckhead Avenue

Red’s Beer Garden
Go for: The drinks and the dogs (canine and food alike)
Stay for: The options! Imbibe with any of 200 beers, seltzers, and wines on the heated patio
1328 Boulevard Southeast, 770-637-2299

Two Urban Licks
Go for: The salmon chips with chipotle cream cheese, capers, and red onions
Stay for: The people watching on the renovated, dog-friendly patio overlooking the BeltLine
820 Ralph McGill Boulevard, 404-522-4622

Firepit Pizza Tavern
Go for: The cozy firepit, so crucial to the restaurant that it’s in the name
Stay for: In addition to pizza, you’ll want to try the soup (tomato or French onion) and sandwiches, like the Firepit Dip with grilled steak.
519 Memorial Drive Southeast, 404-495-4777

Forza Storico
Go for: The lively atmosphere in the courtyard patio where heaters run aplenty
Stay for: Hearty pasta, Italian cocktails, and friendly owners always up for conversation
1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-464-8096

Redbird
Go for: Executive chef/owner Zeb Stevenson’s creative take on seasonally rotating produce
Stay for: The hoppin’ courtyard with heaters at your service
1198 Howell Mill Road, 404-900-5172

Ecco
Go for: The signature goat cheese balls with cracked pepper and honey can’t be beat
Stay for: Fireplace warmth and drop-down walls make this patio weatherproof
3586 Peachtree Road Northeast, 404-347-9558

Grana
Go for: Grana opened during the earlier days of the pandemic, and its rooftop quickly became one of the most popular places to drink and dine. Partially covered with heaters in place, the rooftop patio offers couches for lounging and high-tops for dining.
Stay for: Pizza, pasta, and craft cocktails
1835 Piedmont Avenue, 404-231-9000

Kyma
Go for: The options. With three outdoor spaces—including a 20-seat, garden party area—Kyma has pandemic dining covered. All spaces feature heaters, and one is covered, in case of rain.
Stay for: The outdoor mezze menu, which includes Kyma staples like lamb pie and octopus, takes you overseas without hopping on a plane.
3085 Piedmont Road, 404-262-0702

The White Bull
Go for: The newish patio is bigger than the interior. Executive chef/owner Pat Pascarella transformed a swampy parking lot into a gravel-filled, lantern-lit paradise. The tables are well spaced, the firepits are built for s’more-making, and the drinks are flowing.
Stay for: The menu changes often, but the pasta is always fresh
123 East Court Square, Decatur, 404-600-5649

The General Muir
Go for: Executive chef and partner Todd Ginsberg’s house-made pastrami
Stay for: Coffee on the covered, heated patio overlooking the Emory Point green
1540 Avenue Place, 678-927-9131

The General Muir

Courtesy of the General Muir

Char Korean Bar & Grill
Go for: Korean barbecue favorites like crispy Brussels with brown sugar bacon jam, fried mint and nori, and kimchi fried rice with a sunny side up egg.
Stay for: The covered patio with an indoor/outdoor bar and plenty of heaters
299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, 404-525-2427

Best End Brewing Co.
Go for: The location—a 17,500-square-foot refurbished warehouse space within the Lee + White complex, just off the Southside BeltLine, Best End boasts ales, pilsners, lagers, IPAs and sours.
Stay for: The sprawling patio featuring tiki-inspired craft cocktails and organic wines
1036 White Street Southwest, 404-590-3681

Bulla Gastrobar
Go for: Spanish tapas and flowing drinks
Stay for: The cityscape. With an L-shaped, covered and heated patio on 11th Street and Crescent Avenue, Bulla is in the middle of it all
60 11th Street Northeast, 404-900-6926

Varuni Napoli
Go for: The Neapolitan pizza. We’re partial to traditional margherita.
Stay for: The surprise oasis that is hidden behind Varuni Napoli. The patio comes complete with heaters, booths, and plenty of greenery.
1540 Monroe Drive Northeast, 404-709-2690

Nine Mile Station
Go for: Wide views of the city from Ponce City Market’s rooftop, especially at sunset, and plenty of space to spread out. There are also enclosed plastic “igloos” for private dining for six, available for an extra charge.
Stay for: Drink and dine, then play some old-fashioned carnival games at adjacent Skyline Park, or take advantage of the seasonal ice-sating rink.
75 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, 770-999-1532

Superica at Krog Street Market

Superica at Krog Street Market
Go for: The festive atmosphere and heated indoor/outdoor bar that makes safe socializing easy.
Stay for: The house salad—really. Packed with avocado, cucumber, roasted corn, pickled onion, cheese, and tortilla strips, it’ll fill you up without making you feel full.
99 Krog Street, 678 791-1310

Floataway Cafe
Go for: A quiet, romantic night out enjoying owner/chef Anne Quatrano’s classic fare
Stay for: A night under the stars—heated, of course
1123 Zonolite Road, 404-892-1414

El Taco
Go for: Taco Tuesday! Nothing fancy here, just quality Tex-Mex eats to satisfy your cravings
Stay for: Margaritas on the enclosed, heated patio
1186 North Highland Avenue, 404-873-4656

Watchman’s
Go for: The oysters, as well as beverage director Miles Macquarrie’s twists on classic cocktails
Stay for: People-watching from the heated patio
99 Krog Street, 404-254-0141

Lazy Betty
Go for: The six- or eight-course tasting menu, with vegetarian options available
Stay for: The wine pairings, perfect for the patio. Get cold? Shawls are available upon request.
1530 DeKalb Avenue Northeast, 404-975-3692

New Realm Brewing Co.
Go for: The beer will warm your body from the inside while the space heaters warm it outside. Retractable walls keep the 21-and-up rooftop bar cozy in any weather, while the BeltLine-adjacent location allows neighborhood folks to avoid the “whose turn is it to be the designated driver” argument.
Stay for: Wagyu beef burgers, gourmet grilled cheese, and hand-twisted Bavarian pretzels
550 Somerset Terrace Northeast, 404-968-2777

Southern Belle and Georgia Boy
Go for: Executive chef/owner Joey Ward serves unique small plates at Southern Belle and a gourmet tasting menu at Georgia Boy.
Stay for: The hidden, heated patio near the historic Plaza Theatre
1043 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast, 404-698-3961

O-Ku
Go for: Old favorites and new seasonal options from executive chef Masatomo Hamaya
Stay for: The O-Ku rooftop patio is a place to see and be seen no matter the temperature, with weatherproof walls, heaters, a retractable overhead cover
1085 Howell Mill Road Northwest, 404-500-2383

Bartaco Chastain
Go for: A brand-new patio with lush greenery and a coastal vibe that brings on the warmth
Stay for: Tiny tacos that pack a punch and a jarred key lime pie best enjoyed by the fire
3802 Roswell Road Northeast, 678-871-8226

Marcel
Go for: The steaks, but come ready to spend. A 30-ounce porterhouse for two costs $165.95
Stay for: The cigar program, available only on the covered, heated patio. There’s a welcoming fireplace area, too.
170 Howell Mill Road, 404-665-4555

Miller Union
Go for: Award-winning chef Steven Satterfield’s farm-fresh cuisine—especially the ever-changing vegetable plate
Stay for: The socially distanced covered patio seating and carefully crafted cocktails like the Miller Thyme (Miller’s gin, lemon, and thyme)
999 Brady Avenue Northwest, 678-733-8550

Marcel

Roswell/John’s Creek/Alpharetta

Table & Main
Go for: Southern fireside charm and a seasonal menu to match
Stay for: The familial hospitality and heated, enclosed front porch
1095 Canton Street, 678-878-3378

Minnie Olivia Pizzeria
Go for: The pork meatballs and margherita pizza
Stay for: The igloos, ideal for private small group dining without an extra charge
10 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, 678-691-0051

Lapeer Seafood Market

Courtesy of Lapeer Seafood Market

Lapeer Seafood Market
Go for: The coastal cuisine inflected with Caribbean and Asian flavors
Stay for: The greenhouse-inspired, temperature-controlled patio with glass ceiling and walls, overlooking the Alpharetta City Center courtyard.
12 North Broad Street, Alpharetta, 678-691-9400

Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar
Go for: Authentic stews, slow-cooked lamb shanks, and beef stroganoff, made to keep you warm.
Stay for: The charming patio with string lights and a gas heater. A retractable, glass encasing is in the works, too.
2100 Ray Moss Connector, Johns Creek, 770-674-2779

Dunwoody/Sandy Springs

Yao
Go for: The artfully plated Asian dishes at this recently opened Thai-meets-Chinese spot by the founders of Tum Pok Pok
Stay for: Insta-worthy drinks and a patio lined with both heaters and greenery
237 Perimeter Center Parkway Southeast, 770-557-0353

The Select

Courtesy of the Select

The Select
Go for: The people-watching—overlooking the City Springs Green, the patio features 65 seats, plus several couches, making it a comfortable spot to hang out.
Stay for: The warmth. Owner Dave Green installed 12 propane heaters, four infrared heaters, and a gas firepit. You’ll even be able to shed your coat.
6405 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs, 770-637-2240

Bar(n)
Go for: The twinkling lights, firepits, and big screen TVs
Stay for: Chef Nick Leahy’s charcuterie boards, which pair well with Bar(n)’s beers, wines and cocktails
5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 770-338-6992

Vinings/Smyrna

Canoe
Go for: The waterside views. Known for its intimate setting along the Chattahoochee River, Canoe is a special occasion restaurant built for the outdoors. It has a covered terrace with ample heaters.
Stay for: Brunch or dinner. Executive chef Matthew Basford uses seasonal ingredients to elevate traditional seafood and poultry dishes.
4199 Paces Ferry Road, 770-432-2663

Muss & Turner’s
Go for: The Evil Cookies. Sure, this is a restaurant, not a bakery, but these quarter-pound, pecan and chocolate chunk treats are known around the city.
Stay for: The new patio. Rebuilt right before the pandemic began, the socially distanced patio features a metal roof, cedar walls, overhead heaters, and drop-down curtains, in case of a monsoon.
1675 Cumberland Parkway Southeast, Smyrna, 770-434-1114

Paces & Vine

Paces & Vine
Go for: The neighborhood vibe. With an expanded patio, Paces & Vine is a go-to for Vinings residents, who tend to gather around the fireplace—at a respectable distance, of course.
Stay for: Dinner—the New England black cod practically melts in your mouth with orange miso, bok choy, pickled shitake, and black rice
4300 Paces Ferry Road Southeast, 404-205-8255

Duluth

Go for: The innovative food—think fried bologna with black truffle-gruyere fondue—and roast Wagyu beer banh mi
Stay for: Brews and cocktails on the covered patio
3085 Main Street Northwest, Duluth

And finally, one bonus restaurant that isn’t a patio, but will feel like one on frigid winter days

The Garden Room
If you’re comfortable dining inside but crave the feel of springtime patio dining, the Garden Room’s lush, floral décor and lively atmosphere may be the ticket. Plan ahead: Reservations at this Buckhead hot spot can be tough to snag.
88 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest

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