Before you scoff at the idea of spending an entire evening OTP, hear me out. We’ve put together the perfect itinerary for a Saturday night in downtown Alpharetta that will have you hopping in your car—or Uber—to head north in no time. With this Saturday night city guide, you can expect to take the elevator at UP on the Roof Alpharetta for skyline views, snack on pimento cheese fried to perfection (order two!) at Citizen Soul, enjoy a handful of shareable bites like pork confit ribs at Foundation Social Eatery, and salsa spin on the dance floor at Fogón and Lions.
The best part? You can park in one of the many available parking decks and walk to every spot. It’s time to take a stroll around and get to know Alpharetta, a metro Atlanta city consistently ranked among the best cities in Georgia and one of the best places to live.
Kick things off with cocktail hour — to go.
Start the night out with a to-go drink at any of the many bars and restaurants on the Alpharetta town green. The great thing about downtown Alpharetta is you can grab your drink in a to-go cup and walk around the downtown area, sipping at your leisure as you enjoy the shops, restaurants and sights of the city center. Snag a dangerously delicious frosé from the to-go window at beach bar favorite, Chiringa, or pop into Lapeer Steak and Seafood and belly up to the expansive bar. Here you’ll find classically inspired cocktails like a French 75 or The Lady in Orange, made with Tequila, Aperol, Velvet Falernum and lime.
Start with Southern snacks
Pop into shops, snag a bench on the green overlooking the fountains and the views of the landmark city hall building before walking down to Citizen Soul. This upscale neighborhood bar offers several small plates and a strong wine list to pair with its contemporary menu items. A fan favorite and must-have are the pimento cheese fritters with red pepper chile jam. Enjoy these fried bites of delight on the patio by the fire, or pop inside and enjoy the lively ambiance of the restaurant. Enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail with your app or make it another to-go as you stroll down Milton Ave to your next destination.
Fine and fun dining at Foundation
It’s time for dinner at Foundation Social Eatery. With a seasonal menu focused on fresh ingredients and simple, yet sophisticated fare, FSE is Alpharetta’s upscale modern gastropub. Ideal for date night or a group, FSE’s food has something for everyone—offering something for everyone with unexpected and exceptional flavor packed into every dish. Don’t sleep on the fall-off-the-bone confit pork ribs, served with pickled onions, scallion and roasted pork jus. Another must-have is the appetizer portion of the mushroom ravioli. Pro tip: order the fresh bread service to soak up the port wine truffle sauce. Other signature dishes include chicken Bolognese and the tinned fish boards.
Spice it up with salsa … dancing
After dinner, take a short stroll around the corner to Fogón and Lions, because every Saturday is Salsa Saturday, where local Latin band Arena Sound performs from 7:30-10:30 p.m. It’s the perfect place to enjoy live music and hit the dance floor. Sip on the signature avocado margarita (it’s smooth and packs a punch) or get some liquid courage with their “mis tres amores” bar program featuring a curated selection of rum, Tequila and whiskey. With plenty of house-made sangria, mojitos, and margaritas to choose from, you can spend a while here sipping and spinning the night away.
Take it to the rooftop
After working up a salsa sweat on the dance floor, it’s time for a breath of fresh air above the city at UP on the Roof. The wrap-around outdoor terrace displays 360-degree views of Alpharetta City Hall and the town green, with Kennesaw Mountain visible in the distance on a clear night. With house-bottled cocktails, beer on tap, and non-alcoholic options, there’s something for everyone as you grab a nightcap and finish the night. Try the To “Quila” Mockingbird cocktail, with Tequila, crème de violette, lime and jalapeno ginger simple syrup. Or grab another snack on the patio—like the Nacho Average Nachos—and sit back and enjoy the late-night hang. UP stays open, serving food and drinks, until 2 a.m. on the weekend.
Alternate ending
Another option after Fogon & Lions is heading to Sorella Vicina for a well-made espresso martini (the move is to ask for it with Irish whisky instead of vodka for more depth of flavor) before walking next door to Roaring Social, the speakeasy bar and entertainment lounge below The Hamilton. Under the guise of a dry cleaners, you’ll “place an order” for your party and descend into a 1920s-style underground club, where you’ll find live music, dancing, bowling and a lively atmosphere. Heads up: There’s often a line to get in on Saturday night, so plan accordingly.
