Let Them Eat Steak

To turn a phrase, Atlanta is all steak and sizzle these days. A swell of new steakhouses has joined our already solid roster of favorites and reignited our meatier cravings. In the following articles, we look at the city’s past and present steak culture, spotlight 10 stellar steakhouses, and indulge in a few martinis. We also scope out globally inspired steak preparations, pay tribute to steak and eggs, and, finally, serve up a few steak deals (yes, they exist). Read on, then go forth, fork and steak knife in hand.

A server walks through an empty McKendrick's dining room with white table cloths

A final pass through the dining room before dinner service at McKendrick’s

Photograph by Clay Goswick

An old-fashioned cocktail on a McKendrick's napkin

An old-fashioned

Photograph by Erik Meadows

24-ounce rib eye sits on a plate in a pool of juice

24-ounce chef’s cut bone-in rib eye

Photograph by Erik Meadows

Steak City

Don’t tell the Chick-fil-A cows, but Atlanta has become a great place to eat more beef.

By Jim Auchmutey

10
Stellar Steakhouses

From legendary chop shops to easygoing hideaways, sink your teeth into these meaty destinations.

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A fried lobster tail on top of a steak with a glass of wine in the background

Photographs courtesy of Chops Lobster Bar

Two Maryland crab cakes in a bowl of sauce
A juicy steak on a plate with a glass of wine in the background

Brassy, Timeless Master Class

location_on Buckhead

Chops Lobster Bar

Atlanta, thankfully, is no longer run by the good ol’ boys club, but Chops Lobster Bar’s rich mahogany interior makes anyone feel like an insider.

By Rachel Garbus

A woman holds a half-eaten onion ring
Sprinkles fall on a vanilla and chocolate ice cream sundae, surrounded by bowls of crushed Oreos, M&Ms, and other toppings
A juicy steak on a plate

Photographs courtesy of Arnette’s Chop Shop

A Hideaway Worth Finding

location_on Brookhaven

Arnette’s Chop Shop

In Atlanta, steakhouses don’t typically go incognito. But Arnette’s, tucked into a reclaimed warehouse on a Brookhaven side street, is rebelliously discreet.

By Allison Entrekin

Hal's warmly lit brick and wood interior

Photographs courtesy of Hal’s

A steak sits in juice next to a Hal's menu
A waiter organizes a table with white tablecloth

Always a Party

location_on Buckhead

Hal’s “The Steakhouse”

Hal’s has occupied a stretch of Old Ivy Road for almost 40 years, and its waiters still efficiently serve classics to a broad spectrum of steak lovers.

By Martha Williams

A bartender pours a cocktail with liquor bottles and trinkets lining the shelves behind him

Photographs by The Sintoses

Peter Kaiser smiles at the camera while cutting bread

Something Spaetzle

location_on Sandy Springs

Kaiser’s Chophouse

Kaiser’s Chophouse is a comfortable hangout for a boisterous, upscale crowd.

By Vené Franco

The warmly-lit interior of Highland Tap Virginia-Highland with wooden tables with stained glass windows

Photographs by The Sintoses

A steak and baked potato with a side of vegetables on a plate
A bartender hands out two cocktails

Choose Your Own Adventure

location_on Virginia-Highland

Highland Tap

At this Virginia-Highland hangout, steaks and martinis are served however you want, without judgment.

By Xavier Stevens

A table of dishes and glasses of red wine

Photograph courtesy of Pampas

Stately South American Flair

location_on Johns Creek

Pampas Steakhouse

Argentine-inspired Pampas has been holding court since 2002, providing cosmopolitan fine dining to suburbanites.

By Rachel Garbus

Patrons sit at a square bar

Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee

A bowl of fries topped with pasta shells and sauce

Photograph by Andrew Thomas Lee

A small scoop of ice cream topped with a dollop of caviar

Photograph by Jeremiah Cowan

A Westside Story

location_on Westside

Marcel

The 1920s-inspired steakhouse is anything but understated, with vest-and-tie service and opulent presentations of French cuisine.

By Xavier Stevens

Eggplant fries covered in powdered sugar with a side of hot sauce
Lemon curd pudding cake covered with jelly sauce
Strips of signature steak covered in cilantro

Photographs courtesy of KR Steakbar

Lush and Lively

location_on Peachtree Hills

KR SteakBar

In Atlanta’s steakhouse landscape, KR SteakBar sits firmly in modern times.

By Martha Williams

A server, Aaron, and John Wenger smile and hold plates of food

Photographs by The Sintoses

Plates, bowls, and cocktails on a dining table
The interior of Bones Buckhead

Trusted Tradition

location_on Buckhead

Bones

To fully appreciate Atlanta steakhouses, you must visit Bones.

By Vené Franco

The warmly lit, green interior of Luella

Photographs by Martha Williams

A garnished steak
A dessert topped in frosting

The Social Butterfly

location_on Buckhead

Luella

Luella has, as the kids call it, a vibe. The Buckhead steakhouse carries that buzzy energy forward.

By Allison Entrekin

Where To Find It

A man cuts into his steak and eggs at Brasserie Margot

Photograph courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Steak and Eggs

Few pairings have the pull of steak and eggs, a humble diner classic that simply lets seared beef, runny yolks, and a lick of smoke do what they do best.

By Angela Hansberger

Two cocktails from Il Premio

Photograph courtesy of Forth

Creative Martinis

Steak and martinis are a classic duo, but Atlanta’s steakhouses go above and beyond to deliver unique spirit experiences. Here is a sampling of inventive libations to try.

By Makenna Carlton

A medium rare steak with a U.S. flag toothpick in it from Ted’s Montana Grill

Photograph courtesy of Ted’s Montana Grill

Steak Deals

When you want steak but your wallet disagrees, don’t fret. Steak frites (steak and fries) is a hearty, budget-friendly order. So, too, are steak cuts like top sirloin—often paired with a classic sauce or side.

By Vené Franco

Meat and injera

Photograph by The Sintoses

Global Takes on Steaks

Steak doesn’t come only as a seared single cut. Atlanta’s diverse restaurants feature countless takes on steak that incorporate all manner of preparations and accompaniments. Here are a few of our favorite international specialties.

By Athina Vilamitjana