Dining at The Palm in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

The Palm Restaurant in Atlanta has long been known as a classic, white-tablecloth spot for steaks, seafood, and power dining. If you live in Atlanta, travel here often, or you’re planning a special night out in the city, The Palm is one of those names that tends to come up when people talk about fine dining in Buckhead.

Below is a practical guide to help you understand what The Palm offers in Atlanta, how it fits into the local dining scene, and what to expect when you visit.

Where The Palm Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Atlanta has plenty of high-end steakhouses and celebrity-chef restaurants, especially around Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown. The Palm traditionally falls into that “old-school” category:

  • Classic steakhouse experience with white tablecloths
  • Prime steaks and seafood as the main draw
  • A focus on business dinners, celebratory meals, and date nights

For many locals, The Palm is the kind of place you consider for:

  • A special occasion (birthday, anniversary, graduation)
  • A client dinner or business meeting
  • A pre- or post-event meal if you’re spending the evening in Buckhead

Location & Getting There

The Palm has historically been located in Buckhead, one of Atlanta’s main hubs for upscale dining, luxury hotels, and shopping. This area is convenient if you’re staying or working near:

  • Lenox Square
  • Phipps Plaza
  • Major Buckhead office towers and hotels

When planning your visit, keep in mind:

  • Driving & Parking:

    • Buckhead is car-friendly but can be congested during rush hour and weekend evenings.
    • Many fine-dining spots in this area offer valet parking or work with adjacent garages. Expect to pay for parking, especially at night.

  • MARTA Access:

    • The Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations are the main MARTA rail options near the Buckhead dining district.
    • From most stations, you may still need a short rideshare or taxi to reach the restaurant comfortably, especially at night.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown or Midtown, you’ll likely be driving or taking a rideshare up GA-400/Peachtree Road into Buckhead.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

The Palm is typically known for a refined but lively atmosphere rather than a quiet, hushed one. Many Atlanta diners describe it as:

  • Upscale yet approachable – think business casual, not overly formal
  • A mix of business guests, couples, and small groups
  • Often energetic during prime dinner hours and weekends

You can usually expect:

  • Tablecloth service, attentive staff, and a classic steakhouse look
  • An environment that works for both celebrating and talking business
  • A setting that feels more “timeless” than trendy

Food at The Palm Atlanta: What’s Typically on the Menu

While specific offerings can change, The Palm’s Atlanta location generally follows the brand’s core steakhouse and seafood focus.

Steaks & Chops

The steak section is usually the star of the menu. You’ll often find:

  • Prime cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon
  • Bone-in options for those who want a classic steakhouse feel
  • Add-ons such as sauces, compound butters, or seafood toppers (like lobster or crab)

If you’re used to Atlanta favorites like Bones, Chops, or Hal’s, The Palm tends to sit in a similar fine-dining steakhouse lane.

Seafood

The Palm is also well known for its seafood selection, which typically includes:

  • Lobster (often available in larger sizes for sharing or special-occasion splurges)
  • Shrimp, scallops, or fish specials, depending on the season
  • Seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, or oysters, depending on availability

Sides & Starters

Like many upscale steakhouses in Atlanta, you can usually expect:

  • Shareable sides – mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, and similar classics
  • Rich starters such as bacon, calamari, or wedge salads

Desserts

Desserts often lean toward classic steakhouse sweets:

  • Cheesecake
  • Chocolate cake or mousse
  • Seasonal or regional favorites depending on the time of year

Dress Code & Etiquette

Most Atlanta diners treat The Palm as a dressy-casual to business-casual restaurant. You’ll often see:

  • Men in collared shirts, slacks, or dark denim
  • Women in dresses, blouses with skirts or pants, or polished jumpsuits

You generally don’t need a suit or formal dress, but you’ll likely feel out of place in:

  • Gym clothes
  • Beachwear
  • Very casual flip-flops or overly distressed clothing

If you’re coming straight from work in Buckhead or Midtown, typical office attire usually fits right in.

Reservations, Timing, and Peak Hours

For Atlanta, The Palm is the type of spot where planning ahead pays off, especially if you:

  • Want a prime-time Friday or Saturday reservation
  • Have a larger group (6 or more)
  • Need a specific seating arrangement (quiet corner, private space, etc.)

Common patterns Atlanta diners notice:

  • Weeknights (Mon–Thu):

    • Earlier seatings (around 5:30–6:30 p.m.) tend to be quieter.
    • Later seatings can be busier with business dinners and date nights.

  • Weekends (Fri–Sat):

    • Prime slots (7–8:30 p.m.) are often in high demand.
    • If you’re flexible, early or late reservations can be easier to secure.

Calling ahead or using a reservation platform is generally recommended for weekends and special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and graduation season.

Pricing: What Atlanta Diners Can Expect

As a fine-dining steakhouse in Buckhead, The Palm is usually on the higher end of the price range for Atlanta restaurants. Diners often report:

  • Steaks individually priced (with sides typically ordered separately)
  • Seafood and specialty cuts at premium prices
  • Cocktails and wine adding significantly to the final bill

A meal here is often treated like a special-occasion or business-expense outing, not an everyday dinner spot.

Comparing The Palm to Other Fine-Dining Spots in Atlanta

Without ranking or endorsing specific restaurants, it’s helpful to place The Palm within Atlanta’s wider fine-dining and steakhouses scene, which includes:

  • Longstanding steakhouses in Buckhead and Midtown
  • Modern, chef-driven spots in Inman Park, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward
  • Hotel-based restaurants Downtown and in Buckhead that also focus on power dining

What tends to distinguish The Palm in Atlanta is its:

  • Classic steakhouse format with a consistent, recognizable brand style
  • Familiar feel for people who have visited Palm locations in other cities
  • Reputation as a go-to for business dinners and traditional celebrations

If you’re exploring multiple high-end restaurants in Atlanta, The Palm fits well as the “old-school steak and lobster night” in your lineup.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

A few practical suggestions for Atlanta locals and visitors:

1. Plan Around Traffic 🚗

  • Buckhead can be busy on weekday evenings and weekends.
  • Build in extra time if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or the suburbs via GA-400 or I-85.

2. Use Reservations Strategically

  • For anniversaries, birthdays, or business deals, reserve at least a week or two ahead for popular time slots.
  • If your schedule is flexible, check for early or late seatings on weekends.

3. Consider Your Seating Preferences

  • Let the restaurant know in advance if you prefer:
    • A quieter corner for conversation
    • A table with more bustling energy
    • Space for a larger group or business meeting

4. Budget for the Full Experience

  • Factor in:
    • Appetizers and shareable sides
    • Drinks (cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic options)
    • Dessert and coffee if you want to linger
    • Valet or paid parking in Buckhead

5. Align Your Visit with Your Plans in the Area

  • If you’re shopping at Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, or staying in a nearby hotel, The Palm can easily fit into a full Buckhead evening with:
    • Shopping or spa visits beforehand
    • A nightcap at a nearby lounge afterwards

Who The Palm Atlanta Is Best For

Based on how Atlanta diners typically use The Palm, it tends to be a strong fit if you are:

  • Celebrating a milestone and want a classic steak-and-seafood dinner
  • Entertaining clients or colleagues in a familiar, upscale setting
  • A visitor staying in Buckhead who wants a traditional fine-dining night without venturing too far
  • Someone who appreciates white-tablecloth service and an old-school, polished vibe

If you prefer casual, chef-driven, or trend-forward spots, you might also explore newer restaurants in West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park and see The Palm as your choice for a more traditional evening.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Diners

To plan a visit to The Palm in Atlanta:

  • Confirm current hours and menu options directly with the restaurant, since availability and offerings can change.
  • Ask about dress expectations if you’re unsure what to wear for your occasion.
  • Check parking and valet details when you book, especially if you’re coordinating with others or hosting an event.

With a bit of planning, The Palm can serve as a reliable option for fine dining in Buckhead, whether you’re a long-time Atlantan or experiencing the city’s upscale restaurant scene for the first time.