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 and 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 offers 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 housemade 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 jalapeño-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 Fogón & 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.
