Best Outdoor Patios for Winter Dining
Published January 24, 2025
A rainy day doesn’t have to keep you away. You can still enjoy al fresco dining in Atlanta thanks to covered patios, heaters and more. Here are the best patios for winter dining in Atlanta through our various neighborhoods.
Buckhead
Buckhead is known for upscale shopping and trendy dining. Stroll the village, visit the governor’s mansion and Atlanta History Center, home to the famed Swan House and the Atlanta Cyclorama. Finish the day with a drink at one of Buckhead’s happening bars or lounges before turning in at one of the best of Atlanta hotels.
Bistro Niko
The patio at Bistro Niko offers a view of Peachtree Road while providing a comfortable space to enjoy French cuisine plus craft beer, wine and cocktails.
Where: 3344 Peachtree Road NE
Boone’s Restaurant
Boone’s Restaurant overlooks Bobby Jones Golf Course, offering sweeping views of the golf course and Atlanta skyline. The comfortable shaded patio features plenty of space for enjoying Boone’s upscale American cuisine.
Where: 2205 Northside Drive NW
Botica
The covered, heated patio at Botica is reminiscent of a sidewalk cafe in Paris or Tuscany. Vibrant umbrellas offer respite from the elements as you enjoy a menu inspired by the chef’s flair for blending Mediterranean, Mexican and Spanish flavors.
Where: 1820 Peachtree Road NW
THE CHASTAIN
The Chastain is home to several outdoor eating areas, some of which welcome dogs. The new American Bistro features farm-to-table cuisine.
Where: 4320 Powers Ferry Road NE
Grana
The Southern Italian Grana restaurant offers a beautiful rooftop bar complete with cafe lights, firepits and comfy couches. Enjoy cocktails or appetizers along with handcrafted Italian specialties in this popular space.
Where: 1835 Piedmont Ave. NE
Kyma
One look at the patio at Kyma and you’ll know you’re in for a Greek treat. The quintessential blue and white palette of Greece anchored by a large fireplace and marble columns creates a comfortable space to enjoy Greek specialties and seafood.
Where: 3085 Piedmont Road NE
Le Colonial Atlanta
Executive Chef Shuma Kuwamoto showcases traditional Vietnamese recipes as well as contemporary takes on classic dishes at Le Colonial. There’s a breezy veranda in addition to the dining room plus a bar and lounge. Proper dress is required.
Where: 3035 Peachtree Road NE
Little Alley Steak Buckhead
If you’re in the mood for a good steak, head to Little Alley Steak Buckhead. The comfortable patio is rich with texture, wood and intimate lighting interspersed with greenery, making it the perfect spot to dine on an aged steak and throw back one of Little Alley’s extensive offerings of whiskey and bourbon. Be sure to check the website for the dress code. “Proper attire is strictly required.”
Where: Alliance Center, 3500 Lenox Road NE
Pata Negra Mezcaleria
Go for lunch, brunch or dinner — or all three. Enjoy a taste of Mexico inside or on the patio.
Where: 1777 Peachtree St. NE
Yebo Beach Haus
When winter arrives, Yebo Beach Haus becomes Ski Haus Lodge, and the courtyard adds blankets and firepits. The restaurant’s New American Coastal cuisine offers everything from tuna sushi roll to pan-seared sea bass and seared duck breast.
Where: 56 East Andrews Drive NW
Downtown
Atlantucky Brewing
Atlantucky Brewing, located in the historic Castleberry Hill neighborhood and just blocks away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was founded by Grammy-nominated rap group Nappy Roots. It’s no surprise that beer, art and music intersect here. Play video games, compete in trivia and enjoy music from local DJs. Sit a spell on the heated patio.
Where: 170 Northside Drive SW
Halfway Crooks Brewery
Halfway Crooks Brewery in Summerhill is inspired by computer code and the Belgian countryside (You’ll have ask to discover exactly what that means). It specializes in Pilsners and mixed fermentation and serves bar-friendly snacks. An upstairs patio houses a second bar clad in charred siding and a retractable roof system that can be opened and closed according to the season and the weather.
Where: 60 Georgia Ave. SE
Midtown
Art lovers will enjoy exploring Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood, home to Atlanta Botanical Garden and known as the “heart of the arts” thanks to Midtown’s Arts District. Here you can find numerous locations to enjoy performing and visual arts in modern and historic venues. After filling your culture cup, head to West Midtown to shop Atlantic Station, a walkable district of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Here are some of the best patios in Midtown for winter dining.
5Church Midtown
Just across Peachtree Street from the Woodruff Arts Center, 5Church Midtown sports a rooftop oasis above the busy thoroughfare. The rooftop bar Virtue features light bites and cocktails.
Where: 1197 Peachtree St. NE
Aveline
Aveline, located adjacent to the Kimpton Shane Hotel, features an indoor-outdoor setting perfect for cocktails and shareable small plates.
Where: 1340 West Peachtree St.
Ecco
Ecco Midtown’s patio offers a covered portion with overhead and space heaters to keep you cozy while enjoying modern European cuisine.
Where: 40 Seventh St. NE
Lazy Betty
The Michelin-starred Lazy Betty is home to a courtyard with a bocce ball court. Chefs Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips worked together at La Bernardin in New York more than a decade ago.
Where: 999 Peachtree St. NE
Little Rey
Little Rey on Piedmont in Midtown has a covered, dog-friendly patio that faces Piedmont Road. There are tacos, salads and quesadillas. Sides include avocados, beans and greens.
Where: 1878 Piedmont Ave.
New Realm Brewing Co.
The beer garden and rooftop dining at New Realm Brewing Co. create a picturesque spot to enjoy IPAs and pilsners alongside wood-fired pizza, burgers and other upscale bar food. Enjoy live music and family-friendly dining options. Dogs are welcome.
Where: 550 Somerset Terrace NE
TWO urban licks
TWO urban licks features an expansive patio with views of the Midtown skyline. The comfortable space offers firepits and an outdoor bar. The space is surrounded with greenery, offers various dining and lounging configurations and is a great space to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings of wood-fired cuisine. Also, it is dog-friendly.
Where: 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE
Eastside and Westside
Atlanta’s East and West sides lie along the renowned Atlanta Beltline, a path of multiuse trails that connect parks, neighborhoods and attractions. The area is packed with history, from the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Explore top rehab projects that have turned retired warehouses and factories into unique shopping/dining experiences like Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market or stop to experience 200 species of animals at Zoo Atlanta. Stop by one of these restaurants with patio dining on the Westside or Eastside.
Banshee
Banshee is home to a covered patio, once named one of Atlanta’s best patios. The restaurant gained MICHELIN Guide Atlanta Bib Gourmand distinction in 2023. Enjoy New American fare anytime, and, if you’re going late on Friday or Saturday, try the Screamin’ Weenies.
Where: 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE
Canoe
Nestled on the banks of the Chattahoochee River is Canoe. This stunning eatery has received acclaim for both design and cuisine. While the restaurant itself offers huge windows for natural lighting, the patio is the true gem of this beautiful restaurant and features not only views of the river but also the incredible manicured yet natural landscape.
Where: 4199 Paces Ferry Road SE
Chattahoochee Food Works
Chattahoochee Foods Works is home to more than 30 vendors ranging from Munster Cravings (gourmet cookies) to Flying Fish (sushi) and Papin’s Bites (Colombian street food). You can get Mochinuts, a combination of an American doughnut and a Japanese mochi (Mochi doughnuts are made with rice flour, which makes them stretch and chewy.) The patio is pet-friendly.
Where: 1235 Chattahoochee Ave. NW
Delbar
This Middle Eastern restaurant offers a variety of outdoor dining, from the climate-controlled sunroom to the beautiful terrace. Both spaces offer comfortable seating where you can enjoy the tasty menu.
Where: 870 Inman Village Parkway NE
Firepit Pizza Tavern
Firepit Pizza Tavern in Grant Park has a cozy, dog-friendly patio with a modern firepit, patio tables and plush furniture perfect for enjoying a dinner with friends.
Where: 519 Memorial Drive SE
Forza Storico
The outdoor dining area at Forza Storica is conducive to a communal and party vibe. The busy patio space sports cafe umbrellas, greenery and twinkling lights accompanied by outdoor heaters for use in cooler weather. Dine on Italian fare in this fun environment.
Where: 1198 Howell Mill Road
Kevin Rathbun Steak
Kevin Rathbun Steak offers Beltline dining on a rustic patio, which adjoins the converted warehouse restaurant. Enjoy meats, seafood and sides along with craft cocktails on the expansive patio with its open fireplace to keep you warm during cooler winter temperatures.
Where: 154 Krog St. NE
Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
This clever camp-themed patio has become one of the top outdoor spots in Atlanta to enjoy drinks and dining. Elevated campfire cuisine is served in a comfortable space that is pet-friendly, offers live music, great views and a fun atmosphere.
Where: 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. NE
Marcel
Marcel’s outdoor fireplace will warm you up on a winter outing. The seasonal menu changes often so you may or may not see Oysters of the Moment on the menu. Likewise, the beet salad. Chances are probably good that you will find an impressive selection of beef including an 8-ounce filet or 8-ounce New York Strip. Give 24-hours notice if you’re planning to order Beef Wellington.
Where: 1170 Howell Mill Road
Miller Union
Miller Union offers a pretty porch that is ready to meet any weather condition. The light-filled, covered space features plenty of greenery and comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy the farmstead-inspired menu.
Where: 999 Brady Ave. NW
O-Ku
O-Ku offers a variety of Japanese dishes, ranging from sushi, sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls to cooked entrees. There also are small plates like dumplings and robata skewers, alongside vegetarian and gluten-free options. And, yes, there is a heated patio.
Where: 1085 Howell Mill Road NW
Palo Santo
Dine on the rooftop at Palo Santo, a Mexican-inspired restaurant that combines modern Mexican cuisine with Georgia ingredients. The rooftop menu consists of small, sashimi-style bites.
Where: 955 West Marietta St. NW
Ponce City Market
Ponce City Market offers numerous eateries and a large outdoor eating space that is shaded and fun. Head to The ROOF for skyline views while enjoying cocktails, appetizers or even a meal at 9 Mile Station. In the coldest months, reserve an igloo for your party to celebrate the evening, play fur-coat mini-golf and warm yourself at one of the firepits.
Where: Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
Red’s Beer Garden
If you’re looking for a fun spot to enjoy cold brews and upscale bar food, Red’s Beer Garden is for you. With more than 200 varieties of beer and other libations, there is bound to be something you like. Head out to the garden to find a picnic table under a patio umbrella and enjoy camaraderie, game nights, entertainment and more.
Where: 1328 Boulevard SE
Southern Belle and Georgia Boy
Chef Joey Ward is the talent behind the restaurant (Georgia Boy) within a restaurant (Southern Belle). The two also share the patio.
Where: 1043 Ponce de Leon Ave.
Patio dining is available year round in Atlanta. For more options check out our guide to the best patios in every Atlanta neighborhood.
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