Now that the yellow pollen’s passed and the trees are in full bloom, it’s time to head outside to enjoy what some consider Atlanta’s best season. And we can’t think of a better way to relish in the weather Mother Nature affords us this time of the year than chilling on the patio or rooftop of one of the city’s hottest restaurants. Of course, there are so many fab spots to dine outdoors in the ATL–think Park Tavern, Six Feet Under, Nava and Tin Lizzy’s to name just a few, but we wanted to highlight several restaurants whose patios might be overlooked, as well as a couple whose outdoor spaces just kick, well, you know. So get outside and have a few cocktails at one of these killer spots before the mercury goes so high you’ll be retreating back indoors for a reprieve from the summer sun.
AltoRex
We fell in love with AltoRex the first time we stepped foot onto the rooftop patio–it’s by far one of the cushiest in Midtown. It’s located atop Pacci Ristorante, complete with private cabanas, a screened-in porch with bar and lush landscaping. Several fire pits are located throughout the huge space for chillier nights, and the green and white color scheme is vibrant and fun. But the best part about AltoRex is the food; because it’s located above Pacci, the menu is created by Executive Chef and Georgia native Keira Mortitz. Her tuna tartar and avocado tacos, pulled pork sliders with Wild Turkey BBQ sauce and pimento cheese grits are all must-tries. 866 W. Peachtree St., 678.412.2402 or altorexlounge.com.
Ra Sushi
Opened last year, this sushi spot has the best outdoor bar in Midtown. It opens to both the inside dining room and the outdoor lounge, and spills out onto the corner of 11th Street and Crescent Avenue, making it a primo location for people-watching. And the restaurant’s vibrant interior design is just as striking outside–think bold red sofas and dark wood and stainless steel accents. Of course, if you need another reason to dine here, head out during the “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser between May 30 and June 5. All of the proceeds from several menu items will be donated to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, who lost his battle with brain cancer in February 2005 at the age of 13. 1080 Peachtree St., 404.267.0114 or rasushi.com.
JCT. Bar
There are so many great spots on the West Side, but when we think of chilling outside with some drinks and a few friends, we think of the rooftop patio at JCT. Bar. There’s live music and drink specials every Thursday night, plus a delicious menu of small Southern plates like truffle Parmesan fries, marinated beets or beef tartar from one of our favorite chefs, Ford Fry. The downtown skyline is visible from the patio, as is the pedestrian footbridge that connects the Westside Urban Market with White Provision, so the views here are as lovely as the JCTea cocktails (iced tea-infused gin, Grand Marnier, lemon and orange bitters). 1198 Howell Mill Road, 404.355.2252 or jctkitchen.com.
Serpas
The Old Fourth Ward just keeps getting better, and one of the chefs to help kick off the resurgence is Scott Serpas. We love the patio at his eponymous restaurant, Serpas, because it’s set below the restaurant’s 1900s-era historical cotton storage factory location and is raw and industrial in its appeal. It’s the ideal backdrop to enjoy Serpas’ dishes–think slow-roasted pork with cabbage and creamy grits, and boneless beef short ribs with potato celery root gratin. But if you end up dining al fresco here, don’t pass on his signature starter of flash-fried oysters with pickled chiles. They’re legendary. 659 Auburn Ave., 404.688.0040 or serpasrestaurant.com.
Krog Bar
Who doesn’t adore chef Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar for its intimate setting and to-die-for wine list? Well, that’s exactly why we included it. Krog Bar’s patio is cozy and charming and makes the ideal spot for an evening out with the girls (or guys). It has that tin-shed-and-deck-yet-urban-and-worldly vibe that you just can’t get anywhere else in town. Not to mention, the Spanish-influenced small plates–think antipasti, crudi (raw plates), carni (meats), formaggi (cheese) and Serrano ham–pair perfectly with the heavily Spanish- and Italian-influenced wine list. And speaking of swine, Rathbun loves the stuff and will be hosting his annual BBQ and Blues party on May 16 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Rathbun’s and Krog Bar. 112 Krog St., Suite 27, 404.524.1618 or krogbar.com.
Holy Taco
The best patio in East Atlanta by far is at Holy Taco. The space is huge and takes up the entire corner at Glenwood and Haas avenues. And with a menu that includes more than 50 tequilas, what more could you ask for? Well, if a tequila tasting night is enough to tempt your taste buds, Holy Taco has that, too. It’s held the first Thursday of each month, and features three tequilas paired with chef Robert Phalen’s tapas for just $20. Now all you need is a designated driver. 6 to 9 p.m. May 6 and June 3, 1314 Glenwood Ave., 404.230.6177 or holy-taco.com.