Atlanta’s steakhouse scene is one of the finest in the American South, anchored by legendary establishments that have defined the category for decades and supplemented by newer concepts that have brought modern steakhouse sensibility to the city. Buckhead remains the undisputed center of Atlanta’s steakhouse culture, with multiple top-tier establishments competing for the loyalty of the city’s business dining community and special occasion crowd. Atlanta’s proximity to cattle country, access to premium suppliers, and a business culture that prizes the power lunch and celebratory dinner have made the steakhouse one of the city’s most competitive and consistent restaurant categories. Several Atlanta steakhouses have earned sustained national recognition, with Zagat and local awards publications consistently placing them among the country’s best.
When choosing a steakhouse in Atlanta, USDA Prime grade beef is the benchmark at the top end of the market, and the best Atlanta steakhouses serve only Prime or the top tier of Choice. Dry-aged beef, which develops concentrated flavor and tenderness through weeks of controlled aging, is available at premium establishments and worth seeking out for its depth of flavor. The quality of classic sides like creamed spinach, au gratin potatoes, and wedge salads reflects the overall quality commitment of the kitchen. Service caliber matters significantly at steakhouse price points, and the best Atlanta steakhouses maintain service teams with deep wine and menu knowledge. Valet parking, private dining rooms, and proper jacket recommendations signal the full steakhouse experience.
Top Steak House Companies in Atlanta
1. Bones Restaurant
Address: 3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 237-2663
Website: https://www.bonesrestaurant.com
Founded: 1979
Hours: Lunch Friday only 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, Dinner Monday-Friday 5:30 PM-9 PM, Saturday-Sunday 5 PM-9 PM
Awards & Recognition: Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for sixteen consecutive years, Zagat highest rating for food and service of any steakhouse in America
Services:
- USDA Prime steaks and signature cuts
- Fresh Maine lobster and premium seafood
- Regional Southern-inspired dishes
- Private party rooms with personalized menus
- Business lunch on Fridays
- Full wine program
- Valet parking
About: Bones opened in 1979 and has spent four-plus decades establishing itself as Atlanta’s premier steakhouse and one of the most decorated in the country, winning the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for sixteen consecutive years and earning from Zagat the highest rating for food and service of any steakhouse in America. The restaurant’s commitment to prime beef, fresh Maine lobster, and regionally inspired Southern dishes reflects a Southern heritage that distinguishes it from generic national steakhouse chains. Private dining rooms and personalized menus make Bones the natural choice for business entertainment and special occasions. The restaurant’s dress code of business casual reflects its positioning as a serious dining destination.
2. Marcel
Address: 1170 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 665-4555
Website: https://www.marcelrestaurant.com
Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM-10 PM, Friday-Saturday 5:30 PM-11 PM, Sunday 5:30 PM-9 PM
Services:
- Dry-aged steak program
- French-inspired steakhouse preparations
- Seafood and non-steak entrees
- Sophisticated cocktail and wine program
- Dark wood and leather interior with chandeliers
- West Midtown location
About: Marcel is Atlanta’s answer to the French-American steakhouse concept, bringing dark wood interiors, plush leather booths, and a menu that pairs classic dry-aged beef with French-influenced preparations and sides. Located in West Midtown, Marcel has attracted a loyal following among Atlanta diners who want steakhouse quality in a more aesthetically considered setting than traditional chophouses provide. The dry-aged steak program distinguishes Marcel from steakhouses that serve only fresh or wet-aged beef. The restaurant’s combination of steak, seafood, and French-inspired dishes creates a broader menu that suits mixed groups who may not all want steak.
3. STK Steakhouse Atlanta
Address: 1075 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 793-0144
Website: https://www.stksteakhouse.com
Services:
- Premium steak cuts with modern presentation
- Upscale cocktail bar program
- DJ and lounge atmosphere on weekend evenings
- Business lunch and dinner service
- Midtown Atlanta location
- National STK brand with consistent standards
About: STK Steakhouse Atlanta blends the modern steakhouse dining concept with a chic lounge environment, targeting a younger professional demographic that wants premium beef alongside a high-energy atmosphere rather than the traditional club-like quietude of classic steakhouses. The Midtown location on Peachtree Street places STK within easy reach of Atlanta’s largest concentration of office buildings, hotels, and entertainment venues. The STK brand maintains consistent standards across its national locations, and the Atlanta outpost has earned strong reviews from diners who appreciate its balance of serious food quality and social energy. Weekend evenings feature a DJ program that transitions the restaurant from dinner service to a more lively late-night setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I look for when choosing a steakhouse in Atlanta?
A: USDA Prime grade beef is the top indicator of quality, and the best Atlanta steakhouses will state their beef grade on the menu. Dry-aging is a technique that concentrates flavor by removing moisture over weeks, and its availability indicates serious commitment to beef quality. A skilled service team that can recommend wine pairings and speak knowledgeably about cuts demonstrates the investment the restaurant has made in training. Private dining availability and a proper reservation system signal that the restaurant is equipped for the business dining and special occasion market where most high-end steakhouse visits occur.
Q: What does a steakhouse dinner in Atlanta typically cost?
A: At Atlanta’s top steakhouses like Bones and Marcel, most prime steak entrees run $55-$120 depending on cut and weight, with a full dinner including sides, wine, and dessert typically running $120-$200 per person. At STK Steakhouse, pricing is broadly similar. The full steakhouse experience with multiple courses, premium wine, and valet parking should be budgeted at $150 or more per person. Business lunch at Bones on Fridays offers a more accessible entry point to the steakhouse experience at lower price points.
Q: What are the best cuts of beef to order at Atlanta steakhouses?
A: The bone-in ribeye is the most flavor-intensive cut available and the choice most often recommended by steak connoisseurs for its marbling and char. The filet mignon offers the most tenderness with less fat intensity, making it appropriate for guests who prefer a leaner cut. The New York strip provides a balance of tenderness and beefy flavor that makes it the most versatile choice. Bone-in cuts like the tomahawk ribeye have become popular for their dramatic presentation and excellent flavor. Ask your server which cuts received the dry-aging treatment if that option is available.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s steakhouse landscape is anchored by institutions like Bones, which has held the city’s premier steakhouse designation since 1979, alongside modern interpretations like Marcel in West Midtown and STK Steakhouse’s contemporary energy in Midtown. Each of these restaurants brings genuine quality and distinct character to the Atlanta steakhouse category. Contact them directly for reservations, private dining inquiries, and information on current specials and seasonal menu offerings.