If you’ve been asking yourself, “Wait – what day is it?” and then, “Wait – what month is it?” more often that usual lately, you’re not alone. While we are still sporting our summer shorts and flowy sundresses, fall in all its pumpkin spice glory is just around the corner.
Crunching leaves. Cozy sweaters. The scent of spicy cinnamon. Ah, the magic of autumn. Go ahead, get excited for Alpharetta’s favorite season. It’s [almost] fall, y’all. Get in on all the season’s soul-warming flavors at our local cafes, restaurants, and breweries.
Here’s where you can find some of the best fall flavors in Alpharetta:
1. The Nest Café
The Nest Café has become a local favorite, even garnering the esteemed distinction of being voted a 2019 Alpharetta Reader’s Choice Award winner and being featured on “Atlanta Eats.” PSL is the quintessential fall flavor, and The Nest Café’s take is nothing short of delicious (bonus points for gorgeous foam art!). If pumpkin isn’t your thing, be sure to check out their Honey Cinnamon Latte for a sweet interpretation of autumn’s other awesome essences. Don’t miss out on their Lollywaffles—ingenious (and totally Insta-worthy) waffles on a stick that make brunch/breakfast carb-loading super convenient!
2. Salt Factory Pub
Homestyle classics feel oh-so-right in autumn, and Salt Factory Pub gets it. For the ultimate in elevated comfort food, indulge in their decadent Shepherd’s Pie (a dish so noteworthy it was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Meat and Potatoes!”). Salt Factory’s version stars slow-braised lamb, peal onions, corn, green peas, a rosemary demi-glace, and is topped with cloud-fluffy cheddar potato puree. For dessert, keep the fall flavors rolling with a delightful apple crumble reminiscent of something made with love from Grandma’s kitchen.
3. Jekyll Brewing City Center
This Alpharetta must-try gets bonus points for fall beer AND spoonable, craveworthy chicken andouille gumbo sure to spice up any chilly evening. This packed gumbo sings with the holy trinity, fresh okra, brown rice, and tender pulled chicken. Wash it down with Jekyll’s award-winning Seven Bridges Oktoberfest, a German-style marzen boasting biscuity, toasty aromas and a clean, crisp finish ideal for autumnal imbibing.
4. Colletta
The coziest season makes for incredible pastas, and Colletta is the place to find the very best in handmade noodles ranging from farfalle to lumache. We have heart eyes for their Black Pepper Tagliatelle, a creamy tangle of carbonara, pork tesa, egg yolk, chives, and plenty of piquant black pepper. For dessert, dive fork-first into Colletta’s Chocolate Espresso Cake, a rich chocolate coffee-infused cake sparkling with candied hazelnuts served with vanilla ice cream. After all, chocolate is always in season.
5. Ray’s at Killer Creek
Ray’s Killer Creek is a year-round lunch/brunch/dinnertime staple for locals and visitors alike in Alpharetta, but fall brings even more appreciation to the eatery’s warm mountain chalet vibe. Grab a fireside table for a light lunch and select the Fuji Apple Field Greens (because you should never say no to candied walnuts on a salad!) and an order of the Classic Bistro French Onion Soup. Ok, so you don’t actually have to keep it entirely light—you’ll be happy to know you can get your fill of the fresh baked bread that appears as if by culinary magic when you’re seated. Chances are there won’t be a single drop of soup in your bowl thanks to that pillow-soft bread’s sopping capabilities!
