Ten Essential Atlanta Steakhouses, From Classic to Modern

There’s no steakhouse in town — and maybe the country — quite like Steak Market. At this extravagant three-level establishment with its rustic-contemporary décor (neon lighting, wood-slat floors, bronze accents, sculptural walls), the emphasis is on luxury — complete with both American and Japanese Wagyu beef and a prime rib cap encrusted with 24-karat gold.

Consistently making the list of one of the top steakhouses in town, Kevin Rathbun Steak is a comfortable, reliable, always-exceptional experience. Nestled along the Beltline, Kevin Rathbun’s namesake has a cozy outdoor patio with lights and plenty of seating to enjoy a before or after dinner drink and watch passersby on the Beltline. Inside you’ll find a true neighborhood gem, serving Inman Park since 2007. And as for the food? To stretch out your pants before you dive into steak, try the lobster fritters or Yaya’s eggplant fries. Then, buckle for the dry-aged USDA Prime cowboy rib eye or try the 16-ounce Australian wagyu shell steak. 

Also don’t miss Rathbun’s Buckhead restaurant, KR Steakbar.

Located in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood, Nowak’s is a neighborhood steakhouse with something for everyone. Helmed by Blaiss Nowak from New Orleans (son of Hal Nowak of Hal’s Steakhouse), Nowak’s is a great place to catch up with friends over classics like filet mignon, New York strip or something different, like the chopped steak served with caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms over mashed potatoes. Start with shrimp remoulade and a wedge salad on the covered outdoor patio. 

When Little Alley opened in the heart of downtown Roswell, it was an instant hit, and now there’s an excellent Buckhead location, too. A relaxed, yet upscale steak restaurant is what you’re getting here. With a bit of a Gatsby meets New York butcher shop vibe, Little Alley delivers top notch steaks in a unique and lively atmosphere. The USDA cuts of beef are aged anywhere from 28-60 days, with wet- and dry-aged options for the ribeye and strip.

Stepping into Hal’s is like stepping back in time. Atlanta’s quintessential old school steakhouse, Hal’s is the dimly lit dining experience of your dreams. Get dressed up (there is an enforced dress code; find it on Hal’s website), order a dirty martini and hang out at the lively bar before sitting down to enjoy classic steakhouse favorites at this New Orleans-inspired spot. Start with oyster bordelaise or escargot before moving on to the 22-ounce prime bone-in ribeye, served with butter sauce, or the filet mignon au poivre, which is pressed in peppercorns, pan seared and served with cognac sauce.

Call 404.261.0025 for reservations.

Beef Wellington for two, anyone? Ford Fry’s Westside Provisions District steakhouse came on the scene in 2015 and became an instant favorite. Named after a French boxer, Marcel serves classic American steakhouse favorites with a Continental flare. Look for favorites like bone-in filets, cote de boeuf, porterhouse and Beef Wellington for two; this dish requires 24 hours’ notice, so plan ahead!

Call 404.665.4555 for reservations.

Spacious interior, open kitchen, handmade salad dressings and probably the best pre-dinner rolls you’ve ever had. And we haven’t even talked about the steak yet. With three Atlanta-area locations in Roswell, Duluth and Vinings, Stoney River is an old reliable when it comes to steak. With the trio of Filet Medallions, you get a little bit of everything: bleu cheese encrusted, au poivre and béarnaise. Or if you want to try your steak a new way, go for the steak and biscuits, which comes with seared filet atop homemade biscuits served with parmesan fries. And if you have room, gouda mac and cheese and creamed spinach are perfect sides to complete the meal. 

Step into the “steak cellar” of Virginia-Highland and you’ll find some of the best steaks—and martinis—in the city. For over 30 years, this cozy subterranean speakeasy has been serving premium cuts of beef and stiff drinks in a comfortable and fun neighborhood atmosphere for both couples and groups. Start with Oysters Rockefeller and then double down on the 32-ounce bone in tomahawk ribeye or try the certified Angus beef prime rib, cooked low and slow and served with au jus and horseradish.  

Another Buckhead favorite, New York Prime serves up USDA prime-only beef and a lively scene, with live music and a heated outdoor dining space. Located in Monarch Tower, New York Prime prime-only steaks are aged 28 days and prepared “Pittsburgh style” with a charred exterior. But if that’s not your style, there’s plenty to choose from on the substantial menu, including seafood platter, redfish amandine with jumbo crab, toasted almonds and brown butter, and two 10-ounce lamb chops. 

With a modern lounge and distinctively hip vibe, STK is both steakhouse and lively night spot. Any night of the week, you’ll find people mingling at the bar and enjoying a cocktail. From 3-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, STK has “social hour” with discounted drinks, appetizers and specials. Try the wagyu meatball or steak frites for under $10. You’ll also find tables full of diners enjoying all of STK’s offerings, like date night menus, wagyu specials (try the Australian tomahawk) and more. And don’t skip on this spot for a power lunch; there’s a special menu for that, too.