Chops Lobster Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you search for “Chops Restaurant Atlanta,” you’re almost always looking for Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead – one of Atlanta’s best‑known classic steakhouses and seafood spots. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan your visit, and tips to make the most of a night out there.

Where Chops Lobster Bar Is in Atlanta

Location

• Chops Lobster Bar (Chops Restaurant Atlanta)
• Address: 70 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Neighborhood: Buckhead, directly along West Paces Ferry near Peachtree Road
• Phone (main line – subject to change): Commonly listed around the 404 area code; check a current directory or the restaurant’s own information for the latest number.

Chops sits in the heart of Buckhead’s upscale dining district, surrounded by other fine-dining restaurants, luxury shopping, and hotels. If you’re staying near:

• Buckhead Village District
• The St. Regis Atlanta
• Hyatt Centric Buckhead or nearby Peachtree Road hotels

…you’re a short drive or rideshare away.

Parking & transportation tips

• Valet parking is typically available and is what many locals use for evening visits.
• Street parking in this part of Buckhead is limited and often time‑restricted.
• Rideshare (Lyft/Uber) is popular, especially on weekends.
• The nearest MARTA rail stops are Buckhead and Lenox on the Red/Gold lines; from there, it’s typically a short rideshare or local bus ride rather than a direct walk for most visitors.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

Chops Lobster Bar is known for a classic, polished steakhouse vibe rather than a trendy or ultra‑casual feel.

Key things to expect:

• Refined setting: Dark woods, white tablecloths, and low lighting, especially in the downstairs Lobster Bar area.
• Two primary spaces:
  • Chops (upstairs): Traditional steakhouse dining room.
  • Lobster Bar (downstairs): More intimate, seafood‑focused, with a clubby bar feel.
• Noise level: Can be lively and energetic during peak dinner hours, especially at the bar, while still keeping a fine‑dining tone.

If you’re planning date night, business dinners, or special occasions, Chops often fits that “classic Atlanta” upscale spot many people are looking for.

Dress Code & Etiquette

Chops generally maintains a smart to upscale dress standard.

Commonly accepted attire:

• Men: Collared shirts, slacks or dark jeans, dress shoes or upscale sneakers.
• Women: Dresses, blouses with skirts or slacks, dressy jumpsuits.
• Groups coming from the office often arrive in business attire.

Usually discouraged:

• Athletic wear, gym shorts, tank tops
• Flip‑flops or beach sandals
• Ball caps and overly casual or distressed clothing

If you’re unsure, business casual or better will usually be appropriate for Chops in Atlanta.

Reservations: How Far Ahead to Plan

Chops Lobster Bar is one of those “book ahead” Atlanta spots, especially on:

• Friday and Saturday nights
• Holiday weekends
• Major events in Buckhead or city‑wide conventions

Reservation tips for Atlanta diners:

• Weeknights (Sun–Thu): You may find same‑week or even same‑day tables if you’re flexible on time.
• Weekends: It’s often wise to book 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for prime times (7–8 p.m.).
• For larger groups or special occasions, it’s usually best to call directly and discuss options for private or semi‑private dining.

Walk‑ins at the bar may sometimes be possible, but if you’re visiting from out of town or celebrating something important, a confirmed reservation is safer.

Menu Overview: Steak, Seafood, and Atlanta Classics

While menus can change, Chops Restaurant Atlanta is best known for:

H2 Steaks and Chops

Expect a lineup of classic steakhouse cuts, often including:

• Filet mignon
• New York strip
• Ribeye (bone‑in or boneless, depending on the current menu)
• Porterhouse or similar large-format cuts

You’ll typically see USDA prime or comparable high-quality beef, with a focus on traditional steakhouse preparation (grilled, simply seasoned, with add‑on sauces and toppings).

Typical add‑ons and enhancements may include:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Blue cheese or peppercorn sauces
• Lobster tail add‑on
• Oscar-style toppings (crab, asparagus, béarnaise) – availability can vary

H2 Seafood and the Lobster Bar

The downstairs Lobster Bar highlights seafood, which can include:

• Lobster prepared in several ways
• Fresh fish offered grilled or pan‑seared
• Crab, oysters, and shellfish (subject to availability)
• Seafood towers or chilled platters sometimes featured as sharable starters

If you’re torn between steak and seafood, many Atlanta diners opt for:

• A steak plus a shared lobster dish or seafood starter, or
• A surf‑and‑turf combination if the menu offers one that evening.

Sides & Starters

Like most Atlanta steakhouses, sides are typically à la carte and shareable:

• Potatoes: mashed, baked, au gratin, or fries
• Vegetables: creamed spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, seasonal preparations
• Starters: shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, calamari, salads, and classic steakhouse appetizers

Drinks & Dessert

• Wine: Expect a broad wine list, with many by‑the‑bottle options; by‑the‑glass choices may be more limited but designed to pair with steak and seafood.
• Cocktails: Classic whiskey and gin cocktails, martinis, and house specialties.
• Desserts: Traditional options such as cheesecake, chocolate cakes, and sometimes Southern‑leaning touches, depending on the current offerings.

Quick Reference: Chops Restaurant Atlanta at a Glance

Price Range and Budgeting for Your Visit

Chops is considered a high‑end Atlanta restaurant.

While exact prices vary, diners typically plan for:

• Entrées: Steaks and main dishes at a premium price point, particularly specialty cuts and lobster.
• Sides: Priced individually; sharing between 2–3 people is common.
• Drinks: Cocktails and wine consistent with upscale Buckhead pricing.

For many Atlanta residents, Chops is more of a special-occasion or client-dinner choice than an everyday spot. If you’re visiting from out of town and want a “classic Buckhead steakhouse night,” it’s often treated as a splurge.

When to Go: Timing Your Reservation

A few patterns Atlanta diners often consider:

• Earlier seatings (5:30–6:30 p.m.)
  • Sometimes slightly quieter
  • Helpful if you’re going to a show or event afterward
• Prime time (7–8:30 p.m.)
  • Most energetic atmosphere
  • Hardest to book last‑minute
• Later seatings (after 8:30 p.m.)
  • Can be more relaxed on weeknights
  • Good if you prefer a less rushed pace

If you’re dealing with Atlanta traffic, keep in mind that:

• Buckhead can be especially congested during rush hour (4–7 p.m.) on weekdays.
• Building in extra time for travel and parking makes it easier to arrive promptly for your reservation.

Bringing Kids, Groups, or Business Guests

Families and Children

Chops is not primarily a family restaurant, but well‑behaved older kids and teens are sometimes brought for special occasions. The atmosphere is more formal than casual chains, so it may not be ideal for very young children who need room to move around.

Larger Groups

For birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate dinners, Atlanta‑area hosts often:

• Call ahead to ask about group seating or private dining options
• Pre‑select a limited menu for large parties to streamline service

Expect to provide a credit card to hold the reservation for larger groups and to clarify any policies around cancellations or minimum spend.

Business Meetings

Chops is frequently used in Atlanta for:

• Client dinners
• Recruiting meals
• Team celebrations

The combination of location, polished service, and classic menu options tends to work well for mixed tastes and professional settings.

Tips for Locals vs. Visitors

If You Live in Atlanta

• Plan around traffic: Leaving early from Midtown, Downtown, or Westside can make the evening less stressful.
• Special occasions: Consider Chops when you want a “tried‑and‑true” option where traditional steakhouse style is part of the experience.
• Weeknight advantage: You may find easier reservations and a more relaxed environment on Sunday–Thursday.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Check your hotel’s distance to Buckhead and consider whether valet, self‑parking, or rideshare feels most convenient.
• If you want a “this feels like classic Atlanta dining” experience, especially to impress clients or celebrate, Chops is often on shortlists.
• Build in time afterward if you’d like to explore Buckhead nightlife or stroll nearby high‑end shopping streets.

How to Confirm Current Details

Restaurant hours, menus, and contact information can change. Before you head to Chops Lobster Bar in Atlanta:

• Call the restaurant directly to:
  • Confirm hours of operation
  • Make or adjust reservations
  • Ask about large‑party or special-occasion arrangements
• Verify current parking and valet options, especially if there are events or construction in Buckhead.

By planning ahead and understanding what Chops Restaurant Atlanta offers, you can decide whether it fits your budget, style, and occasion—and enjoy one of Buckhead’s hallmark steakhouse experiences with fewer surprises.