Hal’s “The Steakhouse” in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a classic, old-school steakhouse experience in Atlanta, Hal’s “The Steakhouse” on Old Ivy Road is one of the names that comes up again and again. It’s known for strong cocktails, generous portions, and a lively, often packed dining room that feels more like a private club than a quiet, modern restaurant.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide if Hal’s is right for your night out and how to get the most from your visit.

Where Hal’s “The Steakhouse” Is in Atlanta

Location (main Atlanta restaurant):
Hal’s “The Steakhouse”
30 Old Ivy Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 261-0025

Hal’s sits in Buckhead, just off Roswell Road, not far from the intersection with Piedmont Road. This makes it convenient if you’re staying in:

• Buckhead Village or around Peachtree Road
• The Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza hotel cluster
• Nearby neighborhoods like North Buckhead, Chastain Park, and Brookhaven

Parking is typically handled by valet at the front entrance. Street parking in this part of Buckhead is limited and can be tricky depending on the time of night, so most diners plan for valet as part of the outing.

What Kind of Steakhouse Is Hal’s?

Hal’s is generally considered a fine-dining, white-tablecloth steakhouse with a distinctly New Orleans–influenced personality. Compared with some of Atlanta’s sleek, contemporary steakhouses, Hal’s leans into:

• Dark, clubby interiors with low lighting
• A bustling, often loud dining room
• Live music some evenings (especially in the bar/lounge area)
• A mix of longtime regulars, business dinners, and special-occasion groups

If you live in Atlanta, think of Hal’s as the kind of place locals suggest for:

• Anniversaries and birthdays
• Pre- or post-game dinners if you’re coming from Truist Park or State Farm Arena and want to end the night in Buckhead
• Client dinners where you want a lively, traditional steakhouse atmosphere

Reservations, Timing, and How Far Ahead to Plan

Hal’s is popular and frequently booked, especially on:

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights
• Major holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve)
• Big event weekends in Atlanta (SEC Championship, major concerts, etc.)

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

• Make a reservation if you’re set on dining at peak times.
• For Fridays and Saturdays, locals often book 1–2 weeks ahead for prime time (7–8 p.m.).
• If you’re flexible, early (5–6 p.m.) or late (after 8:30 p.m.) tables are sometimes easier to get on shorter notice.
• If you’re staying at a Buckhead hotel, the concierge may be able to help with reservations or waitlist options.

Walk-ins may be able to get bar seating or late tables, but expecting a prime-time table without a reservation can be risky.

Dress Code and Atmosphere

Hal’s is on the dressier side compared with casual Atlanta restaurants. The vibe is:

• Business casual to cocktail attire for most diners
• Common for men: collared shirts, slacks or dark jeans, dress shoes; many wear sport coats
• Common for women: dresses, skirts, or nice pants with dressy tops

While you might see some variation (especially at the bar), you’ll feel most comfortable if you avoid athletic wear, very casual shorts, and flip-flops.

The atmosphere is:

• Lively and loud – good for celebrations, not ideal if you want a hushed, ultra-quiet meal
• Often dimly lit, especially in the evening
• A mix of ages, though you’ll see a lot of professionals and longtime regulars

If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, it can feel very “Atlanta” in the sense of being a local institution rather than a trendy, newly opened hotspot.

What’s on the Menu at Hal’s “The Steakhouse”?

Hal’s focuses on steaks, chops, seafood, and classic steakhouse sides with some New Orleans twists. Menus can change, but you’ll typically find:

Steaks & Chops

• Filet mignon, various cuts and sizes
• New York strip
• Ribeye
• Bone-in cuts (depending on availability)
• Lamb or veal chops on some menus

Steaks are generally:

• Charbroiled or grilled
• Served with traditional sauces on request (e.g., peppercorn-style sauces, béarnaise)

Seafood & New Orleans–Style Dishes

Expect a handful of seafood entrées and appetizers, such as:

• Gulf-style seafood preparations
• Shrimp or crab-based starters
• Oysters or similar offerings, depending on the night

There are often nods to New Orleans cuisine, which sets Hal’s apart from some strictly “meat-and-potatoes” steakhouses.

Sides and Starters

Like most Atlanta steakhouses, you’ll see:

• Potatoes (baked, mashed, au gratin, etc.)
• Creamed spinach and other vegetable sides
• Salads (Caesar, house, wedge-style, etc.)
• Classic appetizers such as crab cakes, shrimp, and sometimes sausages or New Orleans–inspired items

Portions are typically generous and designed to be shared family-style, especially sides.

Desserts

Expect classic steakhouse desserts such as:

• Rich cakes or pies
• Cheesecake or chocolate-based desserts
• Ice cream–style offerings

Drinks, Bar, and Lounge Experience

For many Atlantans, Hal’s bar is a draw on its own.

You can expect:

• Full bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits
• A wine list with both familiar labels and higher-end bottles
• Strong, classic cocktails (e.g., martinis, old fashioneds, Manhattans)

The bar area tends to be:

• Crowded and social, especially on weekends
• A place where regulars gather
• Sometimes features live music, giving it more of a lounge feel than a simple waiting area

If you live nearby, the bar can be a go-to spot for:

• A steak at the bar if you don’t want a formal table
• A drink and an appetizer while you wait for friends
• A more casual version of the full Hal’s experience

Expected Price Range and Budgeting

Hal’s is firmly in fine-dining steakhouse pricing territory. Without listing exact menu prices (which can change), you can expect:

• Steaks to be in the typical Atlanta high-end range per entrée
• Sides usually ordered separately and shared
• Cocktails and wine priced in line with other upscale Buckhead restaurants

For planning purposes, many local diners treat Hal’s as a place where:

• A full meal with drinks can be a special-occasion spend, not an everyday outing
• Costs add up quickly once you factor in appetizers, sides, dessert, drinks, tax, tip, and valet

If you’re watching your budget but still want to experience Hal’s:

• Consider splitting sides and possibly sharing a larger cut of steak.
• Ordering entrée and one shared side can keep costs more manageable.
• Sitting at the bar for a drink and appetizer is a way to sample the vibe at a lower spend.

Hal’s vs. Other Atlanta Steakhouses: What Makes It Distinct

Atlanta has no shortage of high-end steakhouses, especially in Buckhead and Midtown. What tends to set Hal’s apart in locals’ eyes is:

• A longstanding, “insider” feel – it often feels more like a neighborhood institution than a corporate chain.
• The New Orleans flavor in both the menu and the atmosphere.
• A reputation for being busy and lively nearly every night, rather than quiet or formal.

If you prefer:

• Classic, clubby, energetic: Hal’s is a good fit.
• Sleek, modern, minimalist: you might lean toward some of the newer or more design-forward steakhouses around Midtown or West Midtown.

Special Occasions and Group Dinners

Hal’s is commonly used by Atlantans for:

• Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations
• Business dinners with clients or colleagues
• Pre- or post-event gatherings when people are meeting centrally in Buckhead

Things to Consider for Groups

• Call ahead for larger parties; you may need special arrangements for big tables.
• Ask about seating preferences – the main dining room can be louder, while some tables may offer slightly more privacy.
• If you have guests flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, factor in the drive time to Buckhead, which can vary significantly with traffic on I-75/85 and GA-400.

If you’re planning a celebration, you can ask the host or reservationist about:

• Dessert options for the occasion
• Notes on the reservation for birthdays or anniversaries
• Timing if you need to be out by a certain hour for an event

Dietary Needs and Menu Flexibility

Hal’s is a steak-heavy, traditional menu, but many Atlanta diners have specific dietary preferences or restrictions. If that’s you, consider:

• Vegetarian options: Limited, but you may be able to piece together a meal with sides and salads. Calling ahead can help set expectations.
• Gluten-conscious diners: Many grilled meats and simple sides can often be prepared without certain ingredients; ask your server to guide you.
• Shellfish allergies: Let your server know, especially because of the New Orleans–style seafood presence.

As with any restaurant in Atlanta, it’s wise to call in advance if you have severe allergies or strict requirements so you can understand what they realistically can and cannot accommodate.

Getting to Hal’s and Transportation Tips

Since Hal’s is in Buckhead, you have several transportation options:

By Car

• Buckhead is car-friendly but can be heavily congested at peak times, especially around Roswell Road, Peachtree Road, and Piedmont Road.
• Plan extra time on Friday and Saturday evenings or during major events.
• Valet parking is common at Hal’s; budget for this as part of your evening.

By Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Popular with both locals and visitors, especially if:

• You plan to enjoy cocktails or wine.
• You’re staying in nearby Buckhead hotels (Lenox, Peachtree, or Piedmont area).
• You don’t want to deal with parking and Buckhead congestion.

By MARTA

Hal’s is not directly on top of a MARTA station, but:

• The Buckhead and Lenox MARTA rail stations (on the Red/Gold Lines) put you in the general area.
• From there, you’d likely need a short rideshare or taxi ride to reach Old Ivy Road.

For most diners, car or rideshare is the most practical option.

Quick-Reference Snapshot of Hal’s “The Steakhouse” in Atlanta

How to Decide if Hal’s Is Right for Your Atlanta Plans

Hal’s “The Steakhouse” is likely a good fit if you’re in Atlanta and want:

• A traditional, energetic steakhouse with a local institution feel
• A Buckhead location that’s convenient to hotels, shopping, and nightlife
• A spot that feels suited to celebrations, date nights, and business dinners

You may want to explore other options if you’re looking for:

• A quiet, minimalist, or ultra-modern ambiance
• A meal that strongly centers vegetarian or vegan options
• A more casual, budget-friendly night out

For many Atlantans, Hal’s sits on the short list of places to take someone when you want them to see a more established, old-school side of the city’s dining scene—with big steaks, big cocktails, and a crowd that treats it as a second home.