Springtime is officially here, and if you’re ready for a beachy spring break without the actual drive to the beach, head to Chiringa instead. Located about 30 minutes north of the city, in Alpharetta, this seafood restaurant will transport you to the beach with its food, drinks, and atmosphere. 

Inside, Chiringa’s décor is reminiscent of an elevated beach hut, while outside, white tables, benches and Adirondack chairs line a spacious green lawn. Add in some adult beverages made with fresh-squeezed citrus juices, plus shrimp tacos, pineapple salsa with plantain chips, and a crisp salad topped with the fresh catch of the day, and you’ll feel like you’re on an island in the Caribbean. 

Chiringa is a casual restaurant that boasts a sumptuous menu: The focus is on bold, bright flavors and fresh, simple ingredients. To start, you’ll find some familiar dips like guacamole, chunky salsa, or lemon hummus. All are made in-house with clean ingredients and the taste absolutely reflects that. 

The handhelds – sandwiches and tacos – are all beach-inspired and delicious. Think lobster roll, blackened fish sandwich, or the Cuban sandwich. Chiringa’s salads, bowls, and baskets are also excellent, and your customization options seem endless. You can choose to have your protein grilled, blackened or fried, and you can top your meal with sauces and dressings like sriracha agave, chipotle crema, and jalapeno aioli.  

Chiringa has a full bar, and their cocktails are handmade with fresh-squeezed tropical juices. The restaurant signature drink is the margarita: The Ringa Rita is a fantastic choice if you prefer your margarita on the rocks, or there’s also the “OG” frozen margarita. You can’t go wrong with either. 

Of course, you can’t talk about frozen drinks without mentioning frosé, and Chiringa’s version is gooooood. It’s made with rosé wine, Aperol and strawberries, and you can get it in three different sizes, including a half gallon to-go (!). Talk about an amazing takeout order: Some delicious frosé, yummy dips and tacos, and you’ve got a beach-inspired meal to share with family or friends. 

You can place your takeout order online, or come in to the restaurant and enjoy your food and drinks inside the surf-inspired beach hut or on the vibrant outdoor patio. Chiringa will remind you that a drive or flight to the ocean is not required in order to feel like you’re at the beach. 

Chiringa is open 11 am – 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am – 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Let me know what you think of this restaurant after you check it out – send me a DM on Instagram. I hope you enjoy it!

Anna Lanfreschi is a digital content creator and strategist based in Atlanta. She posts about food and travel on her blog, AnnaFeasts, and on Instagram @AnnaFeasts.

FASHIONADO