Five Places for Al Fresco Dining In and Around Cartersville

Woodlands Grill at Barnsley Resort

With its well-manicured gardens and sprawling lawns, it doesn’t get more picturesque than the grand Southern estate of Barnsley Resort. Experience the magic of the historic resort at signature restaurant Woodlands Grill, which overlooks a Jim Fazio-designed golf course and lake. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends, there are plenty of opportunities to reserve a table on the patio—whether you’re an early bird looking to start your day right or a night owl hoping to end on a sweet note. If you go for dinner, you’ll have plenty of options for elevated Southern starters like Pimento Cheese Beignets, Deviled Eggs, and Seasonal Oysters with smoked bacon sauce. Entrée standouts include a Woodford Bourbon Injected Filet and Crab Cakes made with Hooper’s Island lump crab.

Allatoona Dam Food Truck Park & Beer Garden

The vibes are absolutely unparalleled at this food truck park and beer garden off I-75. While busy motorists buzz by, sit back and relax while sipping on an ice-cold craft beer and grabbing a bite to eat from one of several rotating food trucks. The casual environment is both dog-friendly and child-friendly, so you can bring the whole crew for an afternoon or evening of fun for the whole family. The park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and typically hosts around a dozen trucks at a time, which means you can nosh on anything from birria tacos or gourmet grilled cheese to wood-fired pizza and Italian beef sandwiches.

Big Door Vinyards

There is nothing more stunning than a pink cloud sunset set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards at this idyllic North Georgia winery. With more than 20 varieties of wine running the gamut from oaky reds to sweet Georgia fruit wines, it’s easy to spend an evening savoring a pour as you watch the sun sink below the horizon. Of course, while you’re sipping, it’s only natural that you snack. Luckily, Big Door offers an array of light snacks, appetizers, and charcuteries that come in super handy when you start to feel peckish. Grab your glass, a panini or cheese board to pair, then head onto the vineyard’s expansive deck to soak up the alluring atmosphere. When you’re down to your last sips, take your glass on the go and stroll among the rows and rows of grapes.

Mellow Mushroom

You can’t go wrong with pizza and a view, and downtown Cartersville’s Mellow Mushroom doesn’t disappoint on either account. The best seat in the house? The second-floor patio overlooking Cartersville’s charming historic downtown. From your vantage point, you’ll be able to spot the iconic gold-domed clock tower at the top of Bartow County’s courthouse. You’ll also have a bird’s eye view of bustling activity below, and one of the nearly 60 trains that pass through the center of town daily. For lunch or dinner, you can always grab a classic pepperoni or choose your favorite topping combo, but if you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend checking out the Wild in Havana Cuban-inspired ‘za with jerk marinated pork, ham, salami, Swiss, mozzarella, pickles, and surprisingly delicious mayo-mustard sauce drizzled on top.

Ate Track Bar & Grill

This rock ‘n’ roll-themed bar and restaurant in the center of downtown Cartersville is all about the collaboration between two of life’s biggest gifts—food and music. If you ask us, we’d add “incredible outdoor dining” as its third tenant. While it’s hard to pass up a meal on the restaurant’s bustling patio, complete with misters for those scorcher summer days and string lights for a touch of romance, don’t neglect peeking into the indoor dining room. The walls are covered floor to ceiling in rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia from old 8 tracks and vintage stereos to posters and neon beer lights. On the menu, there’s a little of something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a fresh salad, burger, tacos, or sandwich. If you’re looking for something a little heartier for dinner, order the Shrimp & Grits, Citrus Grilled Salmon, or Pimento Chicken & Shrimp.

When it comes to dining with a view, Cartersville has something special in store for practically every vibe imaginable. Soak up a sun dappled spot with an unforgettable dish while you’re here, then be sure to check out the city’s unique attractions. For accommodations to facilitate your Cartersville escape, be sure to click here today!