AUTUMN ADVENTURES AWAIT: DISCOVER THE BEST EXPERIENCES AT ATLANTA RESTAURANTS

As the cool autumn air is anticipated across Atlanta, restaurants are readying for the season with special events, game-day deals, and outdoor experiences. Whether you are looking to savor the perfect patio weather, catch the big game, or indulge in exclusive culinary events for a cause, this roundup has everything you need to make the most of the fall.

Gypsy Kitchen: Basque in the Sun

• Gypsy Kitchen invites guests to soak in the fall weather during its Basque in the Sun series every Sunday. Starting at 3 p.m., guests can relax on the patio while enjoying live flamenco guitar music, sangria carafes, and Mediterranean bites. In addition to the regular menu, Gypsy Kitchen also serves pintxos grilled on the patio and specialty cocktails, making it the perfect way to unwind and savor the season.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern: Hobtoberfest and Pig Roast

• HOBNOB (pictured below) invites guests to celebrate fall and its 15th anniversary with Hobtoberfest, a week-long Oktoberfest celebration at all locations from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. Highlights include $7 Weihenstephan and Monday Night Brewing Oktoberfest beers, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese and Brats & Buns. On Oct. 5, the Halcyon and Peachtree City locations are throwing their annual pig roast, boasting live entertainment, bourbon and beer specials, and a buffet of roasted pig and sides. The event includes the pig roast buffet, two beers, a take-home HOBNOB glass, and swag for $25. Join the fun by making reservations online.

Photo credit: Brandon Amato

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails: Garden Dinner Series

• Guests can experience the beauty of fall at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails’ Garden Dinner Series, running through October. Held on select Sundays (Oct. 13 and 20), this farm-to-table event starts with a garden tour and hors d’oeuvres in Milton’s Acre, followed by a four-course dinner featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Paired with wine and set to the soothing sounds of a cellist, these dinners offer a serene and flavorful evening. Tickets are $165 (including wine, tax, and gratuity) and can be purchased online.

NaanStop: Diwali Bash at Atlantic Station

• On Tuesday, Oct. 29, NaanStop Atlantic Station and the Atlanta Film Society are throwing a Diwali Bash. Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year, gets its name from the row (wali) of clay lamps (diya) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. During Diwali, families celebrate life and commit to choosing light over darkness with prayers, candles, lights, firecrackers, and wonderful shared meals and sweets. NaanStop’s Diwali Bash starts at 5:30 p.m. with drinks and bites, arts and crafts, a mehndi artist, dancers, and a Bollywood film beginning at 6 p.m.

Off Leash: Tail Waggin' Trivia and Bark to the Beat

• Off Leash in Alpharetta is a must-visit for dog lovers this fall. On Tuesdays, guests are invited to bring their pups to Tail Waggin' Trivia, hosted on the patio. On Fridays from 6-9 p.m., Bark to the Beat is a live music series on the patio. It’s the perfect way to unwind with four-legged friends while enjoying the beautiful fall weather and good company. Pups are always welcome to join their humans on the patio. To play in the off-leash portion, guests will need a membership or day pass, and dogs will need proper vaccinations. 

Ray’s on the River: Patio Dining

• For a scenic dining experience this fall, Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs offers a stunning riverside patio perfect for enjoying a crisp autumn day. Whether looking for a leisurely meal or happy hour with friends, Ray’s offers fresh seafood, classic dishes, and refreshing cocktails, all with a beautiful view of the Chattahoochee River.

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina: Game Day Specials

• Tin Lizzy's has game days covered with a lineup of food and drink specials perfect for fans cheering on their favorite teams. On Saturdays and Sundays, guests will enjoy $12 pitchers of Tin Lizzy’s lager and $9 Casa Noble margaritas. Drinks pair perfectly with tasty bites like half trays of TL nachos for $5 or Buffalo chicken nachos for $8, Buffalo cauliflower for $6, and "pickle brined" chicken tenders with Lizzy’s tendie sauce for $7. Tin Lizzy’s is the ultimate spot for football fun this fall.

Your 3rd Spot: OktoberF3ST

• Your 3rd Spot’s (pictured below) OktoberF3ST is more than just a party—it's a celebration of community. Slated for Oct. 3-Nov. 3, OktoberF3ST encourages guests to engage with one another through interactive games, themed contests, live entertainment, great food and drinks, and community-focused events. Whether a regular or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone, from festive competitions like pretzel throwing and keg bowling to themed karaoke and stein-holding contests. The menu features elevated Oktoberfest classics such as Bavarian pretzels and German beer cheese fondue. Guests can order items a la carte or as part of the seven-course OktoberF3ST Taste & Explore menu for $35 per person. Your 3rd Spot also is partnering with Roundtrip Brewing to offer a rotating selection of fall-inspired beers.

Zunzi’s + Zunzibar: ZUNZIFEST!

• Zunzi’s + Zunzibar, the Savannah-based sister brands located in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta, and Hilton Head Island, are fundraising for ZUNZIFEST! through Sept. 30. During this time, 1% of all sales from the four stores will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Zunzi’s + Zunzibar will present CURE Childhood Cancer’s check during ZUNZIFEST! Members of Zunzi’s + Zunzibar’s 26 CLUB are invited to stop by any location to receive a free regular Conquistador or a vegan option upon request from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Zunzibar will be offering all of its usual signature cocktails and drink specials during this time. Those interested in joining 26 CLUB to receive a link for more details about the event can text “ZUNZIFEST” to 912-207-7551. On the morning of ZUNZIFEST!, guests will receive a code to show the team upon arrival. All locations will close early at 3 p.m. on Oct. 8 for a special appreciation party for their teams.

Meals on Wheels Atlanta: Golf Classic and A Meal to Remember

• This fall, Atlantans can support Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) through two exciting events. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the 24th Annual Golf Classic at Capital City Club Crabapple features an open bar, premium player gifts, prizes, and a hole-in-one SUV contest. Proceeds help provide nutritious meals to seniors in need. Sign up to participate online. On Friday, Nov. 1, MOWA supporters can indulge in the 36th annual A Meal to Remember at The St. Regis Atlanta. This black-tie gala features renowned chefs and fine dining to support Atlanta’s seniors. Reserve tickets online.

Georgia Restaurant Association: GRACE Awards

• On Monday, Dec. 9, the Georgia Restaurant Association will host its prestigious GRACE Awards at the Georgia Aquarium. This black-tie gala celebrates excellence in Georgia’s restaurant industry with awards recognizing top restaurateurs, industry partners, and employees. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening honoring the leaders of Georgia’s vibrant culinary scene with awards crafted by renowned artist Hans-Godo Frabel. Purchase tickets online.