Best Restaurants With Gorgeous Views of the River

Several Georgia cities have waterfronts, including the Savannah River sections in Augusta and Savannah, and the Chattahoochee River in Columbus and Helen. But most of Atlanta’s stretch of river is industrial or federally protected land without commercial development, including 48 miles within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. In the early days of the city, however, local business owners used ferries to get across, opening taverns to feed travelers.

There are still several restaurants around the city where you can take in waterfront views of both the river and its creeks. Here are the best of them.

This new roundup includes riverside dining classics like Canoe and Ray’s on the River, and some hidden gems like North River Tavern and Park 82. The restaurants are listed geographically from south to north.

Chattahoochee Coffee Company

With a name like that, how could you not have waterfront views? Chattahoochee Coffee Company is locally owned, with three locations, two of which sit on the namesake river. Come for the scenery but stay for the Counter Culture coffee and pastries made by H&F Bread and Ratio Bakeshop, which make it a coworking favorite. The Vinings location is located within an apartment complex, so note that access can be limited.

Owens and Co.

The complex with Chattahoochee Coffee’s Smyrna location on the Chattahoochee River also includes a taproom for Woodstock’s Reformation Brewery and Owens & Hull, formerly GC BBQ. Owners Robert Owens and Bryan Hull smoke their meat with Georgia oak for tender brisket and pork. The menu also includes house-made sausage and Southern sides that rotate throughout the week, including its award-winning macaroni and cheese and pepperjack cheese grits. On Sundays, order smoked wings by the pound and enjoy the river just steps away.

The Daily

The Charleston export cafe now has three locations in Atlanta including the one on Nancy Creek, a stream that flows into the Chattahoochee. The Daily’s Buckhead outpost is popular with families and the post-yoga workout crowd. Enjoy your juice and hummus bowl inside the cafe or take it with you to the shared outdoor seating area next to neighbor Little Rey.

Canoe

Longtime Atlanta favorite Canoe needs little introduction, especially for its location on the Chattahoochee River and staff that treats you like a regular, even if you’re not. The restaurant is ideal for a special occasion or just a nice dinner out, where you can take in sunset views from an Adirondack chair on the outdoor patio. If you order nothing else, be sure to get the cold smoked salmon with goat cheese and caper-dill cream on a crispy potato cake, a menu staple.

Park 82

Tucked among office buildings where the Chattahoochee meets one of the many creeks, Park 82 is easy to overlook. But it’s the type of neighborhood hangout with a well-priced happy hour ($3 Sweetwater 420 and $6 wine) that you’d want to keep a secret. The menu pleases the pickiest of eaters, with a classic burger, Georgia fried chicken, and veggie risotto.

Ray’s on the River

The name says it all at Ray’s on the River, which has a loyal local following. The regulars come for Oysters & Martinis Hour, with its half-priced oysters and $12 martinis on weekdays, and live music, held every weekend and during Sunday brunch. You can’t go wrong with seafood, especially the jumbo lump crab cake and Charleston-style shrimp and grits. Don’t forget about the Killer Creek location, which is also on the water. Ray’s founder sold the restaurant to new owners last year.

Mojave

The water feature Mojave sits on might be artificial, but the views of the lake, which connects to a creek that continues to the river, are anything but. This place is great for drinks and Latin American appetizers like guacamole served with house-made tortillas and sweet cornbread churros. Sit on the patio for the best experience with a Summer Smolder, made with mezcal and chartreuse.

North River Tavern

For top-notch bar food, North River Tavern in Roswell is an easy night out, taking its name from its location next to the Chattahoochee River trails. The sports bar hosts nightly events like trivia two nights a week, where you can share top-tier versions of traditional bar food like wings, burgers, and nachos. The drinks menu leans heavily on Atlanta-brewed beers with additional wine and cocktail options.

Souper Jenny - Roswell

The Roswell Souper Jenny location may not be on the water, but it’s the best restaurant in town for grabbing a bite to take with you on the trails to nearby Vickery Creek. Walk 10 minutes downhill to the covered bridge and find a spot to enjoy your surroundings with one of the rotating soup, salad, and sandwich selections. The veggie burrito travels easily and provides essential pre-hiking fuel.