Plan an Atlanta Picnic with Restaurant To-Go Options

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team
Posted September 17, 2020

Smell that? It’s the first whiff of fall weather here in Atlanta and we could NOT be more excited. A picnic is the perfect way to take advantage of these pleasant temps, and everyone knows that the City in the Forest has got aaalllll the best spots for outdoor snacking. Here are a few of our favorites. 

Candler Park + The Flying Biscuit Cafe

THIS JUST IN: breakfast picnics are just as cool as lunch picnics. Starting your day with a plate of biscuits, eggs, grits and sausage is guaranteed to help you wake up on the right side of the bed (or in this case, blanket.) Once you’ve got your food, you can enjoy it right across the street in breezy Candler Park. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.

Neighborhood: Eastside 

Grant Park + Talat Market

Do you like Thai food? Of course you do, everybody likes Thai food. Especially when it’s from the breakout stars over at Talat Market. Their menu may change frequently, but you can bet on it being delicious no matter what. Grab a few dishes to share or a DIY curry kit for four then make your way a couple blocks over to the rolling hills of Grant Park. Pick your favorite tree to sit under and watch the sun go down as you say “wow, this is REALLY good” every five minutes.

Neighborhood: Eastside 

Piedmont Park + Varuni Napoli 

We have only two words for you: PIZZA 👏 PICNIC 👏 If you’ve been around Atlanta, you know that when you see that light blue Varuni Napoli box, you’re in for a treat. Order any one of their artisanal pizzas to go and take a quick walk down the road to find the entrance to Piedmont Park. Room aplenty for everyone to have their picnic at least six feet apart (!), you can even enjoy your pizza with a view of Atlanta’s skyline. Our final message to you: get the cannoli. 

Neighborhood: Midtown

Gordon-White Park + Boxcar 

West Side best side! Boxcar is an outpost of the beer and wine purveyors behind Hop City, with a menu full of creative, locally sourced new-American fare. Indulge in artisanal burgers, sandwiches, or grab an assortment of small plates to let your taste buds branch out. Order food to-go, grab a six pack from Hop City downstairs, then stroll along the BeltLine to find Gordon-White Park and let the picnicking begin! 

Neighborhood: Westside

Chastain Park + Buttermilk Kitchen

Hearkening back to our controversial yet brave cry in defense of breakfast picnics, let us put you on to Buttermilk Kitchen. Here you’ll find sustainable, locally-sourced classic breakfast concoctions packed with flavor and personality. Any spot that adds pimento cheese to their grits is a friend of ours. Take your tasty Southern breakfast a hop, skip and a jump away to the pristine hills of Chastain Park and your day can really only go up from there. 

Neighborhood: Buckhead

Woodruff Park + Highland Bakery 

Sandwiches are the quintessential picnic food and Highland Bakery does sandwiches right. Whatever mood you’re in: turkey, reuben, pimento cheese…there’s a sandwich on their menu for that. Right across the way from downtown’s Woodruff Park, order a few sandwiches to go (for sharing, or not. We don’t make the rules) and lay out in the heart of the city. It can feel like your own little bubble of serenity in the middle of the city. Highly recommend.

Neighborhood: Downtown