With abundant sunny days and a thriving restaurant scene, the metro Atlanta area is well known for its robust patio culture and Cobb County is no different. Now that fall is in the air and the stifling heat of summer is winding to a close, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy relaxed outdoor dining with family and friends.

Whether burgers and beer, Mexicali and margaritas or creative continental and a nice glass of vino are on the menu tonight, we invite you to join us on one of Cobb’s best patios.

Here are three of our favorites:

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina

Get your al fresco grub on at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Kennesaw with a “flex Mex” taco trifecta and a margarita made the way the good Lord intended — all natural with premium tequila, fresh-squeezed juices and the punch of an elevated flavor profile.

With an expansive rooftop patio featuring sweeping views of Kennesaw Mountain, as well as two smaller downstairs patios outside garage-style rollup doors, you won’t find a better outdoor dining experience in north Cobb. In fact, the serene yet festive locale pairs perfectly with the creative street style fare.

“Tin Lizzy’s is all about friends serving friends,” said Managing Partner Mike Hume. “It makes for a happy environment. It’s a fun place. We do neat food, live music [on the patio] and great drinks.”
The upstairs patio, which is partially covered and able to be enclosed when the weather is uncooperative, is the highlight of this Atlanta-based chain’s Chastain corridor location.

Although set in a mixed use strip mall environment, the space feels removed from the busy area, and it keeps the party going year round with roughly 20 hightop tables and a large, fully stocked bar. Behind the bar, you’ll find amiable bartenders like Jenna Ertel (pictured), who make mean Thai Basil Margaritas and other Tin Lizzy’s signature drinks.

We love the jovial yellow umbrellas, cantina feel (complete with vintage style signage), ample but not invasive flat screen TVs (perfect for watching the big game) and addition of ceiling fans and heaters (depending on the season). We’re sure you will too, so get on down to Tin Lizzy’s Kennesaw today!

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina
3470 George Busbee Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw
770.467.3015
www.tinlizzyscantina.com

Moxie Burger

The newest location of locally-owned burger chain Moxie Burger, at the intersection of Shallowford and Trickum Roads in East Cobb, boasts the best patio for miles around.

With an exposed wood beam roof and what could be the world’s largest ceiling fan, this comfortable and inviting space is a welcome addition to a neighborhood that once was woefully lacking in the al fresco dining department.

“This was our first store that we had a blank canvas,” said co-founder Brandon Eisenhart. “The patio is very similar to the one in Roswell. We like the rustic look. It matches our interior decor. People love patios, and we’re super pet friendly, too.”
The expansive covered patio exudes a family-friendly atmosphere and includes several large tables for big groups or communal seating, as well as a spattering of two- and four-tops to accommodate a variety of diners. There also is an indoor-outdoor bar featuring a roll-up, garage-style window that’s always open when the weather allows for it.

Off to the side, there’s a small fenced area where kids can play without disrupting the delightful atmosphere of the main patio dining area.

“We’re super kid friendly, but we want to respect people that are here,” Eisenhart said. “It’s a great ambiance and a good time.”

We love the made-to-order, menu, diverse craft beer and wine selection, and neighborhood feel where you can bring the kids, bring the dog, commune with friends and enjoy a truly finger-licking meal.

Moxie Burger
2421 Shallowford Road, #158, Marietta
678.398.9819
www.moxieburger.net

Canoe

Situated along the banks of the scenic Chattahoochee River, Canoe is a registered Atlanta Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary and the quintessential patio dining destination in not only Cobb County but all of metro Atlanta.

It would be a sin to cover Cobb’s best patios and not include this farm-to-table new American eatery nestled between Vinings and Buckhead on West Paces Ferry Road.

Canoe’s large waterfront patio is set amongst a backdrop of fluttering butterflies, buzzing hummingbirds and a vibrant garden with loads of lush, colorful flowers. At night, the symphony of crickets and nearby riverside bar provide additional space to relax and enjoy this invigorating refuge that’s so far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life you’re sure to leave feeling relaxed and revitalized.

“It’s an oasis,” said General Manager Vince Palermo. “It really is. It can be so refreshing to come out here and enjoy a meal, a great bottle of wine and a great experience. You just feel rejuvenated.”

The patio, with its wooden, farm-style tables, is covered and its proximity to the river seems to bring the temperature down by a cool 10 degrees. While you’re there, be sure to take a stroll to the on-site vegetable and herb garden, the adorable chicken coup or one of the comfortable adirondack chairs resting close enough to the riverbanks to almost dip your toes in the water.

We love the friendly people, amazing culinary and wine programs and, most of all, the picturesque panorama handcrafted by Mother Nature herself.

Canoe
4199 Paces Ferry Road, SE, Atlanta
770.432.2663
www.canoeatl.com

**Originally published in September 2016 issue of Cobb Life magazine.