No matter what you may have heard about what lies above the perimeter in Roswell and Alpharetta, it’s nothing to be afraid of. Sure there are soccer moms driving recklessly on the road, but that’s during the day. Take a little jaunt up 400 one night soon, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
Aqua Blue
1564 Holcomb Bridge Rd. (@ Old Alabama Rd.)
Roswell 770.643.8886
In the dreary mess of strip malls and chain restaurants, Aqua Blue is a welcome bright spot of sushi and small plates.
Meehan’s Public House
11130 State Bridge Rd. (@ Kimball Bridge Rd.)
Alpharetta 770.475.2468
Yeah, the food’s great here, but the real reason you’d make the drive to this location of Meehan’s is because you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who can out drink you, and that makes you feel somewhat better about your shameful little habit.
The Derby
9850 Nesbit Ferry Rd. (@ Old Alabama Rd.)
Alpharetta 770.642.7988
The slightly cheesy but very knowledgeable bartenders know how to satisfy a packed house: by running 16 beers on tap and a Jagermeister dispenser that’s never empty (‘til you come along).
Chicago’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant
4401 Shallowford Rd. (@ Johnson Ferry Rd.)
Roswell 770.993.7464
With a laid-back atmosphere, this upscale restaurant chefs up seafood so good, you’ll think you’re dining seaside (except your hair won’t get tangled in the ocean wind). Stick with the martinis for the ultimate in OTP partying.
Village Tavern
11555 Rainwater Dr. (@ Haynes Bridge Rd.)
Alpharetta 770.777.6490
Divine and diverse dishes aplenty, this upscale steakhouse offers more than 20 martinis and a damn good wine list.
~Kirsten Ott
