Hit Outside the Hood. Cinco, Cumming

Left to right: View from the roof, homemade guacamole and fish tacos


Do you like Mexican food? (not the Taco Bell version) And do you like your food with a roof top view? Then Cinco in Cumming is a must go destination. We took the scenic route up Hwy 20, which was about 30 minutes from Woodstock. There are many redeeming qualities to this restaurant including the smokey, chipolte salsa, Prickly Pear margarita as well several other flavors and homemade guacamole. But it's the view that really makes this place unique. The rooftop is open seating. There are several small table tops as well as a few comfy couches to plop yourself down. My choice for dinner was the fish tacos, lightly fried pieces of tilapia, jalepeno mayonnaise and slaw. I would have preferred an option such as grilled for the fish, but from the outstanding service we received, I imagine such a request would be accommodated. Cinco also offers live music on the rooftop. A complete schedule is available online. You can have Mexican food anywhere, but when you're looking for great food and great view to match, check out Cinco.
http://www.cincomexicancantina.com/

Hit! Rosie's Diner

When was the last time you ate breakfast outside? In Towne Lake? In July??? I did this morning, and what a great way to start the day! Rosie's is locally owned by Debbie and Tom Cerbone. Pictured is the Breakfast Burrito, of which I could only eat half! Portions are very plentiful for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I've been here several times, and the service always has been as good as the food! Love supporting a local family! 2990 Eagle Drive, where Decio's was located.

Miss. But Could be a Hit. Vingenzo's

First, the good. The decor. The exposed ceilings, tile flooring and cozy lighting are a welcome change to downtown Woodstock. A lot of thought was put into the atmosphere. Freshly prepared. The meals are freshly prepared, which limits the menu a bit, but it's a good selling point.

The bad. In all fairness, I have not eaten dinner here, only lunch, so my experience is not well rounded. With that said, I found it to be a bit pricey and not really worth the price. I went for lunch, ordered an arugula salad. It was $9. For $9, I expected a fairly decent sized salad with perhaps some salad-typical vegetables (tomatoes, onions, etc.). What I got was a dinner-sized salad with a few olives. Albeit, it was good, but I left hungry and felt the need to do a drive-thru run.

I've "heard" the pizza is very good, and I've "heard" the pasta is as well. If you can turn this Miss into a Hit, please give it a try.
http://www.vingenzos.com/

Hit in Midtown! Park Tavern

Park Tavern, located at Piedmont Park is one of my favorite haunts outside the "hood." The crowd can vary from the young 20-somethings to those who think they are in their 20s (that would be me), families and um..... dogs. Yes, Park Tavern is dog friendly in their outside eating area. Piedmont Park is a haven for Atlantans who like to play outside and that includes their dogs.

The Tavern also is a micro-brewery, which are offered on draft. There is nothing better than sitting outside on a beautiful Atlanta afternoon, sipping an IPA and people watching! But it's not just about dogs and beer — the food is outstanding and not your typical bar-type cuisine. In fact, their sushi is some of the best I've ever had! Not what I would expect at a tavern, but that's what's great about this place.. it's full of contradictions! In the summer - early fall, Park Tavern has FREE... that's right FREE concerts every Sunday night. Great way to end the weekend. The Park Tavern realizes it's biggest attraction is the outside area so as an incentive to come play in the rain, they offer $1 drafts when it rains. "When it rains, we pour."

Check it out...

http://www.parktavern.com/

Hit! Izumi Asian Bistro

When this place was the Chinese restaurant, you wouldn't catch me within five feet of it. What a difference a new owner, a new concept and a new look make! When you first step in, you might think you are in Midtown. The decor is modern but not intimidating. Booths adorn the walls with plenty of tables in the middle and a full size sushi bar.

Izumi serves Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisine, including KILLER sushi. The Pad Thai also is on my "recommended" list. They have an extensive selection of sake, wine and beer and dollar sushi deals throughout the week. The owners, On and Carmen are always on hand and always friendly. Now.. pass the spicy tuna sushi.

Hit! Zucca Towne Lake

Love Zucca! It's a great place to go after work for a drink — sit outside and watch Towne Lakers coming and going and be thankful you're sitting have a glass of wine rather than sitting in your car on Towne Lake Parkway. They have weeknight drink specials such as $2 pint drafts on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesday (my favorite) where select bottles are $10 and $6 Martini night on Thursdays (try the pear cosmo!). The food is really very good — I haven't had anything there I would not recommend including the spaghetti carbanara, 42 St. Pizza, Caprese Salad and more. I can almost forgive the misspell of Towne Lake on the website!
http://www.zuccaonline.com/