The Southern Gentleman in Atlanta: Your Guide to This Buckhead Southern Gastropub

If you’re looking for upscale Southern food in Atlanta with a relaxed but polished vibe, The Southern Gentleman in Buckhead is a go-to spot. It’s often grouped with fine dining and chef-driven restaurants, but it feels more like a refined Southern gastropub than a formal white-tablecloth restaurant.

This guide breaks down what to expect, what to order, when to go, and how The Southern Gentleman fits into Atlanta’s dining scene.

Where The Southern Gentleman Is and How to Get There

Location:
The Southern Gentleman
3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite A208
Atlanta, GA 30305
(Inside The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, often called Buckhead Village)

Parking & access:

• Parking garages are available in Buckhead Village; look for signs for retail/restaurant parking.
• Valet service is often available in the surrounding development, especially on busy nights.
• Rideshare drop-offs typically use the streets surrounding the Buckhead Village complex (Peachtree Rd NE and side streets).

If you live in Atlanta, expect typical Buckhead traffic, especially on weekends and around evening rush hour. Building in extra travel time is wise if you have a reservation.

Atmosphere: What Dining There Feels Like

The Southern Gentleman is designed to feel like a modern Southern parlor:

• Style: Warm woods, leather, and brass details with a clubby, polished feel.
• Dress code: Not usually formal, but smart casual fits best. You’ll see everything from jeans and a blazer to dresses and polished workwear.
• Noise level: Can be lively, especially at the bar and during weekend brunch or dinner, but usually not overwhelming.
• Seating: Mix of bar seating, tables, and banquettes. Window or patio-adjacent tables can feel a bit brighter and more relaxed.

It works well for:

• Date nights in Buckhead
• Drinks and small plates with friends
• Out-of-town guests who want a “Southern but not touristy” experience
• Business dinners where you want something stylish but not stiff

Food: What’s on the Menu and What to Expect

The Southern Gentleman focuses on elevated Southern classics with a chef-driven twist. Menus can change with the seasons, but here’s what Atlantans typically find:

Core Menu Themes

• Southern comfort staples made more refined (e.g., cast-iron cornbread, fried chicken variations, shrimp and grits).
• Local and regional influences, often featuring Georgia farms, Gulf seafood, and seasonal produce.
• Plates are usually well-composed and plated, but still hearty enough for a satisfying meal.

Typical Dishes You Might See

While specific items evolve over time, you can generally expect:

• Appetizers / Small Plates

  • Deviled eggs with creative toppings
  • Pimento cheese with biscuits or toast
  • Fried green tomatoes
  • Seasonal salads or vegetable-forward dishes

• Mains

  • A take on fried chicken or chicken-fried style dishes
  • Shrimp and grits or another low-country inspired seafood entrée
  • A burger with Southern accents (house pickles, specialty sauce, etc.)
  • A steak or pork chop with seasonal sides

• Sides

  • Stone-ground grits
  • Collard greens or other braised greens
  • Mac and cheese
  • Roasted or skillet-prepared vegetables

• Desserts

  • A seasonal cobbler or bread pudding
  • Southern-inspired desserts like pecan-based sweets or bourbon-inflected options

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to taste local flavors in a polished setting, The Southern Gentleman is a good introduction without being overly heavy or old-fashioned.

Drinks: A Highlight for Many Guests

One of the strongest draws here is the cocktail program, especially if you’re into bourbon, whiskey, or classic cocktails.

What Stands Out

• Whiskey and bourbon selection:
  Expect a broad list of American whiskeys and bourbons, often including well-known labels plus some smaller-batch or premium options.

• Cocktails:

  • Takes on Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and juleps
  • House cocktails featuring Southern ingredients (such as peaches, pecans, sorghum, or regional bitters)
  • Seasonal cocktails that change throughout the year

• Beer and wine:

  • Mix of local and regional beers alongside familiar national brands
  • Wine list designed to pair with rich Southern dishes—think fuller-bodied reds and crisp whites for fried or creamy dishes

For many Atlantans, The Southern Gentleman functions as both a dining destination and a cocktail bar, especially during happy hour or pre-dinner drinks.

Brunch at The Southern Gentleman

Weekend brunch is a big draw, especially for Buckhead residents and visitors staying nearby.

What to Expect at Brunch

• Classic brunch dishes with Southern twists:

  • Chicken and waffles
  • Biscuits with gravy or fried chicken
  • Benedict-style dishes with Southern sides
  • Grit bowls or savory breakfast plates

• Cocktails at brunch:

  • Bloody Marys
  • Mimosas and other sparkling cocktails
  • Lighter, daytime-appropriate versions of house cocktails

Brunch can get busy, so reservations are recommended if you’re planning a weekend visit, particularly during late morning to early afternoon.

Price Range and Value

The Southern Gentleman generally fits the moderate-to-upscale range for Atlanta:

• Expect higher prices than casual spots, but usually below the most formal fine-dining tasting menus in the city.
• Cocktails, in particular, are often priced in line with Buckhead cocktail bar standards.
• A full meal with appetizers, entrées, dessert, and drinks can add up, especially for groups.

For many locals, the value comes from:

• The ambiance (Buckhead location, polished decor)
• Well-crafted cocktails and whiskey selection
• A menu that balances comfort food with a more modern, chef-driven approach

Reservations, Wait Times, and When to Go

Reservations

Because it’s in a busy Buckhead development and popular with both locals and visitors:

• Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially:

  • Thursday–Saturday evenings
  • Around holidays or major Atlanta events (SEC Championship, concerts, conferences)

• Brunch reservations are wise for:

  • Late-morning and early afternoon weekends

Walk-ins may be possible at less busy times or at the bar, but expect a wait during prime hours.

Best Times for Different Experiences

• Quieter meals:

  • Early weekday dinners
  • Late lunch or early brunch seatings

• More lively vibe:

  • Weekend brunch prime times
  • Friday and Saturday evenings, especially around the bar area

Dietary Considerations and Menu Flexibility

Many Atlanta diners have dietary preferences or restrictions, and chef-driven spots like The Southern Gentleman are often used to navigating them.

Common possibilities (always confirm on arrival):

• Vegetarian options:

  • Salads, vegetable sides, and sometimes a vegetarian entrée or grain bowl
  • Some small plates can be adapted by holding meat toppings

• Gluten-sensitive diners:

  • Certain dishes may naturally be gluten-free or can be adjusted
  • Items like fried chicken or biscuits are typically not, but staff can often guide you toward safe choices

• Allergies:

  • Most Atlanta restaurants encourage guests to notify staff of allergies when seated or when making a reservation
  • The kitchen may be able to modify certain items, depending on the specifics

If you have significant dietary needs, it can help to call ahead and ask what’s realistically flexible on the current menu.

How The Southern Gentleman Fits into Atlanta’s Fine Dining Scene

Atlanta has a wide spectrum of high-end options, from formal tasting menus to casual chef-driven spots. The Southern Gentleman tends to land in the “refined but relaxed” category.

Compared with more traditional fine dining:

• More relaxed dress and atmosphere
• Strong emphasis on cocktails and bar culture
• Menu focused on modern Southern comfort food rather than heavily experimental cuisine

For visitors, it’s a solid way to experience:

• Southern hospitality in a polished setting
• A taste of Atlanta’s modern dining identity—Southern flavors updated with creative techniques and presentation

For locals, it often serves as:

• A dependable Buckhead go-to for dates and small groups
• A brunch and drinks option without needing to drive across town

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here’s a quick reference to help you decide how and when to visit:

If you’re searching Atlanta for a Southern-inspired, chef-driven restaurant that feels special but not overly formal, The Southern Gentleman in Buckhead fits that niche well. Knowing its location, typical menu, atmosphere, and price range can help you decide if it belongs on your short list for your next meal in the city.