American Girl Boutique & Bistro050

The 12,000-square foot American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Alpharetta is a wonderland for the AG enthusiast, and a pleasant experience for the grown up she brings along. Also, since this is only the fourth retail location of its kind in the US, it's a rather special place to have nearby. (We met families who traveled from all around the Southeast during the grand opening.)

Shopping: Entering through the mall side, visitors walk through a display area of the historical characters, complete with video and wall signs to detail their backgrounds. Just beyond lies the land of the Just Like You line, with its assortment of contemporary dolls and outfits for kids and dolls to wear together (fitting rooms are nearby.) The Bitty Babies have their own section, across from a library of all AG books published to date. A comfy seating area makes browsing books easy, and accessories for all dolls are on display to help shoppers envision playtime scenarios. Basically, any book or accessory you could want are sold here. Dedicated associates in each shopping area help girls and their grown ups find what they need, and if by some chance it's not in the store, a convenient kiosk lets you shop for it, pay for it, and have it shipped directly to your home.

Bistro: The bright color scheme of the store - reds, pinks, and purples in dots, swirls, and stripes - plays out most notably in the bistro (and party room areas, more on those later). While staff says bistro reservations are "taken", we'd say they're recommended, with current seatings being reserved two months out. The bistro serves up a mix-and-match meal at lunch or dinner, including appetizer, main course, and side dish for $13.50, plus tax. Selections include cheddar fondue, chicken satay, burgers, paninis, salads, and veggies. Brunch and desserts are also on the menu, and a special dessert bar is the perfect spot for just getting sweet treats. And another treat for young diners is the chance to eat alongside her favorite American girl. Specially made clip-on high chairs are available for each table, and dolls get their own "menu" as well.

Parties: Colorful party rooms are avilable to host four AG-themed celebrations: Doll Spa, Doll Craft, Doll Fashion Designer for ages eight and up, and Tiny Treats for ages five to seven.

All two-hour parties include invitations and thank you cards, party hosts, games, crafts, food and cake, goody bags, commemorative photos, and a take-home party plate for the birthday girl. Packages start at $450 for eight guests, and $25 for each additional guest (up to 14). For birthday parties, we recommend reserving two to three months out. Group photos of party guests go up on a wall of fame in the party wing, and the guest of honor gets a seat worthy of her status at the head of the table.

Salon: Bring in a beloved AG doll for some TLC! Stylists seat doll customers in tiny salon chairs and style their hair while "mommy" watches. No cuts here, but stylists can help shine up a less than fresh dollface, and teach her owner how to replicate a 'do at home. Styles run $10-$25.

Borrowing Dolls: One of the smartest features of the Boutique & Bistro is its in-store doll-lending program. If a little bistro-diner discovers she forgot her doll as you enter the store, there's no need to panic. A loaner is available to fill the treat seat next to her. This idea also comes in handy if a party guest doesn't have her own AG doll to bring to the bash. No one gets left out!

The store hosts a number of workshops and special programs throughout the year, generally for children ages six and up. Reservations are required. Check our calendar for upcoming events.