10 Best Casual Restaurants in Alpharetta

10 restaurants
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated December 8, 2025

The best casual restaurants in Alpharetta include Branch & Barrel, Kona Grill, Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar, Smokejack, Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou, Village Tavern, Nahm Thai Cuisine, South Main Kitchen, Maple Street Biscuit Company, and Jekyll Brewing. Many of these establishments offer a polished yet relaxed atmosphere, often centered around expansive patios and lively bar areas. Alpharetta's focus on developing walkable, high-end entertainment districts like Avalon and the downtown City Center is a major reason for the success of its casual dining establishments.

Common signature dishes in this type of restaurant include gourmet burgers, slow-smoked barbecue, and fresh tacos. The average meal price at these casual spots in Alpharetta is between $25 and $50 per person. Common restaurant types include New American bistros, brewpubs, and taquerias, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at many of these establishments.

Alpharetta’s Smokejack restaurant is known for its long-standing reputation as an authentic barbecue joint and an excellent bourbon selection. The best fast-casual option is Maple Street Biscuit Company, which is a popular breakfast and lunch spot. For an upscale casual dinner, South Main Kitchen offers a chef-driven seasonal menu in a restored historic building with a rooftop bar.

1

1. Kona Grill

Pizza Japanese Chicken Salads American Burgers Seafood Seafood Restaurant Sushi Dessert burger Fried Rice Fries Bowls Cheeseburger Alcohol Rice Bowl Poke Pasta Specialty Foods Beer, Wine & Spirits Sushi Bar

Kona Grill is a polished-casual New American restaurant and sushi bar with 20 locations across the United States and headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its menu combines an American scratch kitchen...

Item Prices

247

Average Item Price

$20.09

Kona Grill Macadamia Nut Chicken Price Kona Grill KG Cheeseburger and Chips Price

More about Kona Grill

Type of Restaurant:

Upscale Casual

Type of Food:

New American, Sushi

Signature Dishes:

Macadamia Nut ChickenKG CheeseburgerSpicy Tuna RollAvocado Egg Rolls

Location:

5100 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant operates a full-service sushi bar alongside its main kitchen, providing two distinct menus in one location.

What Makes It Special:

The establishment successfully caters to different tastes by offering both classic American grill items and a complete selection of Japanese sushi.

What Sets It Apart:

The dual-cuisine concept, allowing a person to order a steak and a sushi roll at the same table, is its primary differentiator.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AMFriday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Price:

$40 to $75 per person

Kona Grill Menu Prices
2

2. Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar

Mexican

Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar is a coastal Mexican restaurant that serves fresh seafood and street-style tacos. Popular items on the menu include the Ceviche Sampler, Tacos al Pastor, and...

Item Prices

164

Average Item Price

$11.06

Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar Tropical Ceviche Price Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar Chicken Mango Taco Price

More about Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar

Type of Restaurant:

Taqueria, Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Mexican, Latin American

Signature Dishes:

House CevicheBaja Fish TacosSmoked Chicken TacoHouse Margarita

Location:

42 Milton Ave, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant is known for its extensive list of house-made margaritas, which are a central part of its identity.

What Makes It Special:

The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients for its namesake dishes—ceviche and tacos—has made it a local favorite.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific combination of being both a top-tier taqueria and a dedicated margarita bar gives it a unique and popular niche.

Operating Hours:

Sunday - Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Price:

$10 to $20 per person

Ceviche Taqueria & Margarita Bar Menu Prices
3

3. Village Tavern

Pizza Sandwiches American Burgers

Village Tavern is an upscale casual restaurant offering a large menu of classic American dishes made from scratch. The setting is polished and comfortable, with a large bar area.

Item Prices

1,907

Average Item Price

$16.01

More about Village Tavern

Type of Restaurant:

Upscale Casual

Type of Food:

American

Signature Dishes:

Prime RibTavern BurgerHot Spinach, Parmesan & Artichoke DipThai Chicken Salad

Location:

11555 Rainwater Dr, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The kitchen operates on a from-scratch basis, preparing all dressings, sauces, and soups in-house daily.

What Makes It Special:

The restaurant provides a consistent, high-quality dining experience with a broad menu that has something to satisfy nearly every taste.

What Sets It Apart:

Its ability to function equally well for a business lunch, a casual family dinner, or a special occasion meal makes it a versatile community staple.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMTavern Hour: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMTavern Hour: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMBrunch served: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMBrunch served: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Price:

$20 to $30 per person

Village Tavern Menu Prices
4

4. Nahm Thai Cuisine

Nahm Thai Cuisine is a modern restaurant in downtown Alpharetta serving authentic Thai food. The atmosphere is contemporary and stylish, suitable for a date night or a casual dinner.

Item Prices

100

Average Item Price

$23.02

Nahm Thai Cuisine Pad Thai with Shrimp Price Nahm Thai Cuisine Panang Curry with Chicken Price Nahm Thai Cuisine Pad Thai Price Nahm Thai Cuisine Pad Kra Pao (Basil Chicken) Price

More about Nahm Thai Cuisine

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining

Type of Food:

Thai

Signature Dishes:

Khao SoiPad ThaiDrunken NoodlesPanang Curry

Location:

5310 Windward Pkwy W, Alpharetta, 30004

Special Feature:

The restaurant presents traditional Thai dishes with a modern, refined plating style that elevates the visual aspect of the meal.

What Makes It Special:

The combination of authentic, high-quality Thai flavors with a polished, modern dining environment.

What Sets It Apart:

Its location in the heart of the bustling downtown Alpharetta center and its reputation for being a go-to for upscale yet accessible Thai food.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday:Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PMDinner: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday:Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PMDinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Price:

$30 to $50 per person

Nahm Thai Cuisine Menu Prices
5

5. Maple Street Biscuit Company

Sandwiches American Breakfast & Brunch

Maple Street Biscuit Company is a morning comfort food destination known for scratch-made buttermilk biscuits and Southern breakfast plates. The menu features flaky biscuits baked with pure maple syrup, paired...

Item Prices

194

Average Item Price

$7.43

Maple Street Biscuit Company The Sticky Maple Maple Street Biscuit Company The Farmer Maple Street Biscuit Company The Five and Dime Price Maple Street Biscuit Company The Squawking Goat Price Maple Street Biscuit Company Chicken Pimento Cheese Sandwich Price Maple Street Biscuit Company Classic Biscuit - Crispy Chicken Price

More about Maple Street Biscuit Company

Type of Restaurant:

Fast Casual, Cafe

Type of Food:

Southern, Breakfast & Brunch

Signature Dishes:

The Five and Dime (Fried Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, Sausage Gravy)The Squawking Goat (Fried Chicken, Goat Cheese, Pepper Jelly)Sticky Maple BiscuitIced Cinnamon Biscuits

Location:

50 Canton St., Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

Instead of taking a name for an order, the restaurant asks a "question of the month," and calls out the answer when the food is ready.

What Makes It Special:

The focus on high-quality, inventive biscuit sandwiches has made it an extremely popular destination for breakfast and brunch.

What Sets It Apart:

Its signature biscuit recipes and the unique community-oriented ordering process create a memorable and distinct fast-casual experience.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Price:

$15 to $20 per person

Maple Street Biscuit Company Menu Prices
6

6. Jekyll Brewing

Jekyll Brewing was an award-winning American brewpub in Alpharetta, Georgia that permanently closed doors in May 2025. The brewery attracted guests with Southern-inspired cuisine, craft beers brewed on-site, and rooftop...

Item Prices

85

Average Item Price

$12.26

More about Jekyll Brewing

Type of Restaurant:

Brewpub

Type of Food:

American Pub Food

Signature Dishes:

Brewery BurgerFish & ChipsSouthern PoutineGiant Pretzel with Beer Cheese

Location:

15 Academy St, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant includes a rooftop bar that overlooks downtown Alpharetta, offering a prime spot for drinks and casual food.

What Makes It Special:

The integration of a working craft brewery with a substantial, high-quality food menu makes it a complete dining and drinking destination.

What Sets It Apart:

As one of the area's original and most well-known craft breweries, its name recognition and prime downtown location with a rooftop make it a major draw.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price:

$20 to $30 per person

Jekyll Brewing Menu Prices
7

7. Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou

Fried Chicken

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou is a Creole restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia. Popular menu items include Catfish Pontchartrain, Louisiana Cajun Fried Chicken, and Shrimp and Grits. The cheapest meal is the...

Item Prices

42

Average Item Price

$13.04

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou Jambalaya Price Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou Shrimp and Grits Price

More about Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou

Type of Restaurant:

Casual Dining, Bar

Type of Food:

Cajun, Creole

Signature Dishes:

JambalayaShrimp & GritsCrawfish ÉtoufféeBeignets

Location:

52B N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009, United States

Special Feature:

The establishment regularly features live blues and jazz music, creating a genuine New Orleans-style atmosphere.

What Makes It Special:

The dedication to authentic Louisiana flavors, from the food to the music, provides a complete cultural experience.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific focus on being both a serious Cajun restaurant and a live music venue makes it a unique destination in downtown Alpharetta.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price:

Seafood range from $20 to $30 per person

Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou Menu Prices
8

8. South Main Kitchen

Casual Dining American American (New)

South Main Kitchen is a contemporary American restaurant located in a restored historic building in downtown Alpharetta. The restaurant emphasizes a seasonal, locally sourced menu.

Item Prices

26

Average Item Price

$20.19

South Main Kitchen Pan Seared Scallops Price South Main Kitchen Shrimp and Grits Price

More about South Main Kitchen

Type of Restaurant:

Upscale Casual

Type of Food:

New American, Southern

Signature Dishes:

The menu changes seasonally. Past items include Seared Scallops, Pork Belly, and Shrimp & Grits.

Location:

9 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant features a popular rooftop bar and dining area that offers views of downtown Alpharetta.

What Makes It Special:

The chef-driven, farm-to-table approach results in a creative and constantly evolving menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients.

What Sets It Apart:

The combination of its historic, intimate main dining room and its modern, lively rooftop bar provides two distinct dining experiences in one location.

Operating Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed

Price:

$30 to $50 per person

South Main Kitchen Menu Prices
9

9. Branch & Barrel

Branch & Barrel is a contemporary American restaurant located in the Avalon shopping center. The establishment offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with a focus on its bar program.

More about Branch & Barrel

Type of Restaurant:

Gastropub, Casual Dining

Type of Food:

New American

Signature Dishes:

Barrel BurgerBraised Short RibTuna TartareCrispy Brussels Sprouts

Location:

4100 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant features an extensive whiskey and bourbon list with over 100 selections, alongside a craft cocktail menu.

What Makes It Special:

The combination of an upscale food menu with a serious, well-curated whiskey program makes it a popular spot for dinner and drinks.

What Sets It Apart:

Its specific focus on being a high-end whiskey bar integrated with a full-service restaurant distinguishes it within the Avalon development.

Operating Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Price:

Entrees range from $22 to $30
10

10. Smokejack

Smokejack is a long-standing barbecue restaurant located in a historic building in downtown Alpharetta. The establishment serves traditional Southern barbecue in a rustic, casual setting with live music.

More about Smokejack

Type of Restaurant:

BBQ Joint

Type of Food:

Barbecue, Southern

Signature Dishes:

Beef BrisketSt. Louis Cut RibsPulled PorkSmoked Wings

Location:

29 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Special Feature:

The restaurant features a large and carefully selected list of American bourbons and whiskeys.

What Makes It Special:

Smokejack is an Alpharetta institution, known for its consistent, slow-smoked barbecue that has been a local standard for years.

What Sets It Apart:

Its deep roots in the downtown community and its reputation as one of the original, authentic barbecue spots in the area.

Operating Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price:

$20 to $32 per person

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Casual Restaurants in Alpharetta Famous?

Casual restaurants in Alpharetta are famous because of the city's affluent population and its development of large, walkable entertainment districts like Avalon and the downtown City Center. These areas are designed to support a high volume of accessible, high-quality dining establishments that cater to families, shoppers, and professionals. The success of these districts has attracted a mix of chef-driven local concepts and popular upscale chains, creating a high concentration of polished yet relaxed restaurants.

What Type of Casual Restaurant is Commonly Found in Alpharetta?

The types of casual restaurants in Alpharetta focus on providing a relaxed dining experience that is a step above fast food but not as formal as fine dining. These Alpharetta restaurants offer a number of popular dining styles, as shown below:

New American Restaurants: Serve contemporary American dishes, from burgers and sandwiches to steaks and seafood, often with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Barbecue Restaurants: Offer slow-smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork in a rustic, family-friendly setting.
Mexican and Latin-Inspired Taquerias: Focus on fresh tacos, ceviche, and margaritas in a lively, colorful atmosphere.
Brewpubs: Combine a craft brewery with a full-service restaurant serving elevated pub food.
Southern Restaurants: Specialize in regional comfort food, including shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and biscuit sandwiches.
Thai Restaurants: Provide authentic Thai curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers in modern, stylish dining rooms.

Does Alpharetta Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?

Yes, Alpharetta has authentic casual restaurants offering a genuine taste of specific culinary traditions. Smokejack is an authentic Southern barbecue joint, using traditional smoking techniques to prepare its meats. Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou serves authentic Cajun and Creole dishes based on classic Louisiana recipes. Nahm Thai Cuisine is known for its authentic preparation of Thai food, including regional specialties like Khao Soi.

What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in Alpharetta?

The signature dishes of the best casual restaurants in Alpharetta showcase the popular flavors of the area, particularly Southern comfort, fresh Latin influences, and classic American fare. The following specific menu items are what define the local food in Alpharetta:

Smoked Meats: Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are staples at barbecue restaurants like Smokejack.
Shrimp & Grits: A Southern classic found at multiple establishments, including Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou and South Main Kitchen.
Flavorful Tacos: Creative and fresh tacos, such as the Baja Fish Taco or Smoked Chicken Taco, are signature items at Ceviche Taqueria.
Gourmet Burgers: Elevated burgers, like the Barrel Burger at Branch & Barrel or the Tavern Burger at Village Tavern, are very popular.
Authentic Thai Dishes: Regional specialties like Khao Soi, a Northern Thai curry noodle soup, are signature offerings at Nahm Thai Cuisine.
Biscuit Sandwiches: Inventive biscuit creations, like the Five and Dime from Maple Street Biscuit Company, are a local breakfast favorite.
Ceviche: Fresh, citrus-marinated seafood is a namesake dish at Ceviche Taqueria.

Does Alpharetta Enjoy Casual Food?

Yes, Alpharetta enjoys casual food. The city's dining landscape is built around the concept of casual dining, from fast-casual breakfast spots to upscale casual restaurants suitable for a nice evening out. The design of major developments like Avalon and the downtown City Center, with numerous patios and approachable restaurants, demonstrates a strong preference for relaxed, social dining experiences over formal ones. The high volume of customers at brewpubs, taquerias, and modern American bistros confirms that casual food is the dominant and most popular way of dining in the city.

What is the Average Meal Price for Casual Restaurants in Alpharetta?

The average meal price for casual restaurants in Alpharetta is between $20 and $45 per person. A full meal, including an entree and a drink or appetizer, falls within this price point at a large number of the city's popular establishments. The lower end of this range covers a meal at a fast-casual spot like Maple Street Biscuit Company or a taqueria like Ceviche. The higher end, closer to $50, applies to an entree at an upscale casual restaurant like Branch & Barrel or Village Tavern, especially when ordering a steak or seafood dish.

Are There Vegan Options in Casual Restaurants in Alpharetta?

Yes, there are vegan options in casual restaurants in Alpharetta. Restaurants with a focus on fresh ingredients, like Nahm Thai Cuisine, can prepare tofu curries and other vegetable-based dishes. Mexican restaurants like Ceviche Taqueria have bean tacos and other items that can be made vegan. Modern American restaurants like Village Tavern also offer salads and vegetable side dishes that can be combined to create a meal.

Does Casual Restaurant in Alpharetta Offer Gluten-free Options?

Yes, casual restaurants in Alpharetta offer gluten-free options particularly modern American and upscale casual establishments. Restaurants like South Main Kitchen and Village Tavern, with a focus on from-scratch cooking, can modify dishes to be gluten-free. Salads, grilled fish, and steaks are common gluten-free choices on the menus. Some restaurants may also offer specific gluten-free bread or pasta upon request.