If you’ve ever waited longingly for an outdoor table on a sunny weekend, you’ve witnessed the allure of patio dining in Atlanta.
That’s especially true in spring, as milder temperatures and lower humidity combine with beautiful blooming landscapes to create the perfect al fresco setting. These are three of our favorite brunch destinations, where the scenery is almost as important as the food.
On the river at Canoe
Tucked away on the banks of the Chattahoochee, Canoe has the air of an upscale country lodge, with lush flower and vegetable gardens surrounding the elegant patio spaces. Chef Matthew Basford's Sunday brunch menu features crave-worthy house-smoked salmon with a crispy potato pancake and goat cheese. The Crispy Shrimp Salad with Napa Cabbage Slaw & Sweet Pepper Remoulade is a great choice for a not too heavy meal. If you want a full-on, nap after dish, they've got that too.
4199 Paces Ferry Road S.E., Atlanta. 770-432-2663, canoeatl.com. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays
On the Beltline at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall
Billed as “a base camp for the urban explorer,” Ladybird Grove can lay claim to being the first restaurant designed with Atlanta’s Beltline in mind. Decks with railing perches overlooking the Eastside Trail and a huge screen porch offer all sorts of airy options. The hip-meets-outdoorsy menu features the likes of avocado toast and a chef’s breakfast sandwich. The Woodsman’s Breakfast defines hearty, with house brisket, smoked potato-chorizo hash, green chile rajas, a fried egg and a biscuit.
684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-458-6838, ladybirdatlanta.com. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays
» RELATED: 8 must-see views of Atlanta's skyline
In the city at Watershed on Peachtree
Maybe the ultimate patio oasis on Peachtree, Watershed does a Sunday jazz brunch with a certain kind of comfy urban sophistication. The well-dressed sunglasses crowd soaks up the laid-back atmosphere and jaunty music while enjoying chef Zeb Stevenson’s imaginative menu. The menu changes but there’s usually some kind of a hash, served with a sunny side up egg, sauteed greens and onion gravy. If you’re into French toast, whatever kind they’re offering is pure decadence.
1820 Peachtree Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-809-3561, watershedrestaurant.com. 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sundays
AJC All Things Brunch
What to eat
Best family-friendly brunches in metro Atlanta
What to drink
Best bottomless Atlanta brunch drink specials
3 brunch mocktails to try in metro Atlanta
Get on top of brunch with these maps, videos, quizzes and other interactives
MAP: Where to eat brunch in Atlanta
MAP: A drinker's guide to brunch in Atlanta
Photos: All Things Brunch in Atlanta
Checklist: Which Atlanta brunches have you eaten?
Video: Wrecking Bar shows you how to make the perfect bloody mary
Video: How to make Buttermilk Kitchen's pimento cheese omelet
Spin this wheel to help you decide where to eat brunch this weekend
More brunch and breakfast
Brunch without eggs? You can do it with these delicious dishes
Perfect egg recipes with a twist
New spins on a Southern breakfast
Much abrew about coffee in Atlanta
About the Author
