Let's face it. We're all a little uneasy in public places these days. But at the same time, we long for at least some semblance of normalcy. I REALLY missed eating out during the early weeks of the pandemic, but as restaurants started reopening, and I began to tiptoe back inside, I found that dining in outdoor areas increased my sense of safety and well-being.
Here are 4 restaurants with outdoor dining available that I've enjoyed in (and near) Cartersville, Georgia and would happily recommend. In all cases, the food was great, the servers wore masks, and the experience was very pleasant.
APPALACHIAN GRILL
Appalachian Grill, located at 14 East Church Street or "under the bridge" in downtown Cartersville, has two outdoor dining patios in front of the building. Not only are the menu offerings a cut above, but this is also a great place to people watch.
Prepare to wait if you go at expected mealtimes because Appalachian Grill doesn't take reservations. But, trust me, the wait will be worth it. Or, go earlier or later than the crowd.
Moore's Gourmet Market, at 227 Fite Street, is several blocks away from the busyness of downtown and is actually in a residential area. The vintage-looking building served as a meat market and deli before transitioning to a wonderful cafe serving lunch and dinner seven days a week and a popular brunch on weekends. For an added safety feature, the menu can be downloaded directly to your phone using the QR Reader app. The shaded front patio has a thick covering of greenery and several well-placed fans -- especially nice if you're dining at midday in the summer. In addition to the regular menu items, there are tasty daily specials.
You'll have to drive a few miles to reach Allatoona Grill because it's technically at Groovers Landing in Acworth, Georgia but still in Bartow County. It holds the distinction of being the only restaurant on Lake Allatoona in the county. The outside looks very unassuming, but the fresh seafood and calming water views make it understandably popular with the locals.
I suggest you arrive at sunset and sit outside. So nice. Make a note, though, that it is closed on Tuesday.
This will be another drive that is very much worth your time. Barnsley Resort is a luxury property in Adairsville, Georgia (still in Bartow County), and Woodlands Grill is one of the restaurants on the grounds. Until further notice, it is the only one that has reopened since the COVID-19 shutdown, but hopefully, the others will be back in operation soon.
You'll need a reservation, because Woodlands Grill is observing strict social distancing policies, thus making the occupancy inside much lower than usual.
I highly recommend brunch on the outdoor patio overlooking the golf course. It's very relaxing, and the ricotta pancakes are divine.