Outdoor Dining is Trending in 2021. We Love to See It!

Eating outside is trending! After the year we’ve had, there’s nothing more appealing than outdoor restaurant dining, from the people watching to the fresh air to the scrumptious food. Outdoor dining isn’t just pleasant, it can actually be a great investment—some experts say restaurants that add outdoor dining spaces can add as much as 30% to their revenue! 

Here at The Mill Kitchen and Bar, we’ve been on the outdoor dining bandwagon for years. Our huge Roswell patio space is always the most-requested spot in the restaurant, and we get it! Where better to enjoy a hand-crafted bourbon drink or sneak views of the Roswell town square? While The Mill certainly has the market cornered in outdoor dining in Roswell GA, we’re continuously looking out for trends when it comes to dining al fresco. 

Here are the trends we’re seeing in outdoor dining for 2021.

Fireplaces are a popular gathering spot. ‍

At The Mill Kitchen and Bar, our outdoor stone fireplace has always been a showstopper. Not only is it a gorgeous focal point for guests eating outdoors, it actually warms up the patio when the sun goes down! Fire pits, pizza ovens, and fireplaces with ledged seating are a huge trend in outdoor dining, particularly when incorporated into the waiting area.

Hybrid indoor/outdoor spaces are all the rage. ‍

There’s something magical about a glass garage door that rolls into the ceiling or bi-fold doors that open up to remove an entire wall. Outdoor dining works best when it’s integrated with the indoor space, either through large glass windows or huge openings that can be closed when the weather isn’t cooperative. Our sister locations, McCray’s Tavern Lawrenceville, East Cobb, Midtown, and Smyrna, have many of the same features, including our indoor/outdoor seating complete with the luminous doors as well: be sure to check them out. Our patio is also a go-to spot in the summer months, and even more so this year. People are rejoicing in being able to get out and see each other, and we couldn't be happier to see all of you! 

Rooftop dining is the new patio dining. 

Rooftops are having a moment. Not all buildings were constructed to suit rooftop dining, but more and more restaurants are converting otherwise unused rooftop space into an active, viable part of the dining area. Most common are table seating/standing bar combos, ideal for grabbing a drink while waiting on a table. Rooftops with views of sunsets, the water, or skylines are in particularly hot demand. McCray’s Tavern, as well, shares this feature with our location on the Lawrenceville Square with front row views of the historic downtown. Having a large and open airspace is guaranteed to make your experience enjoyable.

‍Comfy furniture and cozy heaters outside? Yes please.‍

Who says outdoor spaces have to be all wicker and wrought iron? More and more, restaurants are investing in inviting, durable outdoor furniture including comfort elements like umbrellas and space heaters. Guests like to feel like they’re getting the same experience outdoors as they would be inside, and that's why we have a big comfy sofa for socializing in our relaxed down-home restaurant.

For Outdoor Dining in Roswell, Come See Us at The Mill ‍

The Mill Kitchen and Bar has one of the best outdoor patios in Atlanta! Come see for yourself why our patio is the perfect place to enjoy some modernized Southern comfort food and Roswell GA fine dining. In our kitchen, locally-sourced, responsibly grown ingredients are crafted into culinary perfection with a Southern twist. Come on over, it’s time to treat yourself! For reservations, give us a call: 770-817-9345