Fulton’s North Star: Your city guide to Alpharetta

Located at the top of Fulton County, north of Atlanta, Alpharetta is a booming city with a lot to offer. Today Alpharetta is one of the metro area’s most prominent suburbs, but it didn’t always start that way.

After the Cherokee people were forced from their land, white settlers created the New Prospect Campground near a natural spring as early as 1835. In 1858, Milton County was formed in modern-day north Fulton, and the town of Alpharetta was formed as the county seat. It was primarily a rural outpost, centered around a small city center and home to a variety of tradesman. For decades, the town was home to cotton production, but the county as a whole fell on hard times after the Great Depression. Milton County was bailed out by Fulton County to the south, and the two counties have been merged to this day.

Our city guide to things to do in Dunwoody is sponsored by HOBNOB.

HOBNOB is your neighborhood tavern serving local fare. Watch your favorite sports team, sip a glass of bourbon, enjoy daily events like Tuesday trivia, Ladies night with music bingo, or a weekend brunch. Our commitment to each community we serve is to be a good neighbor, providing a fun atmosphere for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. We are known for our comprehensive bourbon list and our award-winning burgers made with a proprietary blend of short rib, brisket and chuck served on fresh baked brioche buns.

Grab a board game, try a new bourbon (or one of your favorites), a craft beer, or a hand-crafted cocktail while enjoying one of our chef driven menu items such as wings, fried green tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, warm pretzels with beer cheese dip, low country shrimp and grits, fish, and chips, and so much more! We have gluten-free options too.

Visit Your HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Today!

Alpharetta remained surprisingly small and rural all the way to the 1980s, when construction of Georgia 400 connected the Atlanta metro area to cities further north. North Point Mall became a major economic center in the ‘90s, more and more families moved to the area for its convenience and schools, MARTA expanded bus service to north Fulton, and the city became a home to many tech entrepreneurs and major company outposts. Consider this measure of growth: in 1980, Alpharetta was home to a little over 3,000 people, and by 2020, that number had exploded to nearly 66,000.

What can I do for fun in Alpharetta?

Skate your way to the Winter Olympics at the Cooler. This ice rink has called Alpharetta home for decades. It’s perfect for parties, free skating, or the local hockey league. Want to learn how to skate? Their staff of skating pros offer classes for kids and adults.

Putt out of this world at Cosmic Mini Golf. One of the newest entries at North Point Mall, Cosmic Mini Golf puts an otherworldly twist on putt putt. Swing through two courses that glow in the dark under blacklights and complete the mission. There’s also a play area for afterwards, and of course, the venue is perfect for kid’s birthday parties.

Rock out outside at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Cozy theatres are nice for shows, but sometimes you just want to rock out in an expansive outdoor space. Ameris Bank Amphiteatre hosts everyone from Death Cab for Cutie to Halsey to the Dave Matthews Band at this popular venue. There’s no bad seat in the house, with good views even from the lawn. And there are tons of food and drink stations to stay cool in the unpredictable Atlanta weather.

Explore Nature at the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park. Looking for a serene escape into nature? This a hidden gem perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Georgia’s native trees and plants. This self-guided walking tour takes you through a carefully curated collection of trees, each with educational markers detailing their history, ecological significance, and unique characteristics.

Where are the best places to eat and drink in Alpharetta?

Boarding Pass Coffee

Put your tray tables in the down position and take to the skies at this travel-loving coffee shop. Outfitted with airline seats and other kitschy travel décor, Boarding Pass lets you travel through your day as you sip on their high-quality coffee blends. They serve individual brews, teas, and a wide variety of pastries and sandwiches to fuel your day no matter when you land inside. Feeling adventurous? Tasting classes are available at the nearby Milton location.

Location: 3460 Old Milton Parkway; Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: boardingpasscoffee.com

Kimchi Red

Keep the globetrotting going for lunch, this time to this acclaimed Korean restaurant serving Korean fried chicken and classic comfort food. Featured on Yelp, Kimchi Red serves piles of fried chicken covered with all sorts of sauces and toppings, like the onion and yogurt Snow Cheese or the tangy red peppers of Jeonju. If that’s not enough, they also have loaded fries and kimchi fried rice for a starchy side. Wash it all down with a selection of imported drinks in their fridge.

Location: 3630 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 110; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: kimchiredusa.com

Jerusalem Bakery and Grill

If you need a snack, lunch, or just a few supplies, stop by this family-owned Mediterranean deli on Old Milton Parkway. They serve a robust range of food that matches the flavor, and their breads can be found throughout the metro area. Pick from shawarma plates, wraps (get the combination chicken/beef wrap for extra flavor), savory falafel, and stuffed pastries. Stock up on spices, sauces, and baked goods in their sundries section before you go.

Location: 4150 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 129; Hours: Every day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: alpharetta.jerusalembg.com

Hen Mother Cookhouse

Enjoy your weekend brunch in this cozy new downtown Alpharetta diner. The homey vibes and colorful décor invite you in but the food is what will grab you. Giant, fluffy brown butter pancakes, omelets filled with cheese and veggies, crispy chicken and waffles, and colorful chia pudding bowls loaded with fruit all are packed with flavor. Beverages include coffee and juices, or go a step up with a brunch punch cocktail or a lavender matcha latte.

Location: 50 S Main Street; Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Website: henmothercookhouse.com

Made Kitchen and Cocktails

Just off the main road in downtown Alpharetta is this stylish Spanish restaurant by chef Jordan Daniels. Made serves small plates and tapas, with vegetarian, seafood, and meat options. Mix and match dishes like the crispy patatas bravas, zesty chicken skewers, roasted oysters, and more. When the weather is nice, hang out on their covered patio and sip on cocktails and local beers from the bar.

Location: 45 Roswell Street; Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: madekc.com

Lapeer Steak

Date night? Celebration? If you’re in need of a modern, classy steakhouse, head to Lapeer. Start with a selection of salads and seafood like the salt and pepper calamari with Thai basil. Then choose from a selection of prime steak cuts, add some herb butter, and pair with creamy whipped potatoes or crispy mushrooms. Share a bottle of wine and a creamy chocolate dessert to cap off the night.

Location: 12 North Broad Street; Hours: Mondays, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: lapeersteak.com

Barleygarden Kitchen and Craft Bar

Barleygarden Kitchen and Craft Bar serves up an impressive selection of craft brews, mouthwatering bites, and lively atmosphere! This spot delivers with refreshing pints, epic views, and vibes that hit just right. Located in the Avalon, this restaurant is known for having some of the best burgers in town!

Location: 900 Avalon Blvd; Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; Website: barleygardenkitchen.com

Roaring Social

Step into the roaring ‘20s at Roaring Social, where vintage glamour meets modern nightlife in the most epic way! Hidden behind a secret entrance, this speakeasy-style lounge is the ultimate spot for craft cocktails, live music, and an electric atmosphere. Think swanky vibes, killer drinks, and a dance floor that stays lit all night!

Location: 35 Milton Ave; Hours: 5 p.m. to midnight on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays and Mondays; Website: roaring-social.com