Bone’s Restaurant in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for a classic, high-end steakhouse experience in Atlanta with an emphasis on polished service and a traditional menu, Bone’s Restaurant in Buckhead is one of the names you’ll hear most often. Here’s a clear, local-focused guide to what it is, what to expect, and how to decide if it fits your plans in Atlanta.
Where Bone’s Restaurant Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Category: Restaurants
Sub-category: International Cuisine / Steakhouse
Neighborhood:Buckhead, a major dining and business district in Atlanta
While Bone’s focuses heavily on steaks and seafood, it’s often grouped into “international cuisine” because classic steakhouse culture and dishes draw from European techniques and an upscale, globally influenced wine program. In Atlanta terms, it’s considered:
- A special-occasion restaurant (anniversaries, celebrations, business dinners)
- A traditional steakhouse more than a trendy, experimental spot
- A Buckhead institution that regularly serves both locals and visitors
If you live in Atlanta, Bone’s is the kind of place people mention when they talk about “old-school Atlanta” dining. If you’re visiting, it’s one of the city’s more formal, white-tablecloth options.
Location, Contact, and Practical Details
Bone’s Restaurant – Buckhead
- Address: 3130 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Area: Just off Peachtree Road in Buckhead, near many hotels and offices
- Type of venue: Upscale, full-service restaurant with table service, bar, and private dining
Because hours and policies can change, it’s best to call ahead or check current details before you go, especially around holidays or major events in Atlanta (big conventions, SEC Championship, etc.).
Atmosphere and Dress Code
Bone’s is known for a traditional, clubby steakhouse atmosphere, not a casual or ultra-modern setting.
You can generally expect:
- Dim lighting and a quieter, conversation-friendly environment
- White tablecloths and formal place settings
- Attentive, professional service with staff who are used to business and special-occasion crowds
- A mix of business diners, longtime Atlanta regulars, and out-of-town visitors
What to Wear
There isn’t usually an aggressively enforced formal dress code, but the environment is clearly upscale. In practice, most Atlanta diners aim for:
- Men: Collared shirt, slacks, often a sport coat (tie optional but common for business dinners)
- Women: Dresses, skirts, or dressy pants and tops; smart-casual to dressy
- Avoid: Athletic wear, overly casual shorts, flip-flops, or very casual t-shirts
If you’re heading there from work in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead offices, standard business attire fits perfectly.
What’s on the Menu at Bone’s
Bone’s is best understood as a steak- and seafood-focused American steakhouse with classic sides and some Southern influence. Menus can change, but the general structure stays consistent.
Steaks and Main Dishes
You’ll usually find:
- Prime cuts of beef (filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse)
- Bone-in steaks and specialty cuts
- Seafood options (lobster, fish, crab-based dishes, depending on availability)
- A selection of chicken or lamb dishes for non-steak eaters in the group
Most locals go for steak and traditional sides, but seafood options are popular with people who want something lighter or are used to coastal dining.
Starters and Sides
Expect classic steakhouse starters and sides such as:
- Shrimp cocktail or seafood appetizers
- Salads (wedge, Caesar)
- Sautéed or creamed vegetables
- Potatoes (baked, mashed, au gratin, etc.)
This is not the sort of place where you’ll find a heavy emphasis on vegan or very modern, health-driven dishes. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s wise to call ahead and speak with staff so you know what accommodations are realistic.
Desserts and Drinks
Bone’s typically features:
- Rich, traditional desserts (cakes, pies, perhaps cheesecake or chocolate-based options)
- Espresso and coffee service
- A full bar with cocktails
- A large wine list, including many international wines and a range of price points
Many Atlanta diners treat Bone’s as a “full evening” experience: a drink, main course with sides, dessert, and coffee.
Price Level and What That Means for Your Budget
Bone’s falls firmly into the higher-end price range for Atlanta restaurants. It’s comparable to other upscale Buckhead steakhouses rather than neighborhood spots.
In practice, that usually means:
- It’s common for a full dinner with drinks to be considerably more expensive than casual restaurants in areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or West Midtown.
- You’re often paying for both the quality of ingredients and the level of service and atmosphere.
Because of the cost, Atlanta locals often save Bone’s for:
- Anniversaries and birthdays
- Business dinners and client meetings
- Graduation dinners and family celebrations
If you’re traveling to Atlanta on a budget, this is likely a splurge rather than an everyday meal.
Reservations, Parking, and Timing Tips
Reservations
At a restaurant like Bone’s, reservations are strongly recommended, especially:
- Thursday through Saturday evenings
- During big Atlanta events (sporting events, Atlanta Film Festival, major conventions)
- Around holidays and graduation weekends
Walk-ins may occasionally be possible, but if you’re planning a special occasion or have a group, it’s safer to book ahead.
Parking and Getting There
Bone’s is in Buckhead, a car-heavy and traffic-prone area of Atlanta.
Common options:
- Valet parking: Standard for higher-end Buckhead restaurants; helps if you’re not familiar with the area or don’t want to search for a spot.
- Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft): Popular with locals, especially if they plan to drink wine or cocktails.
- Driving yourself: Allow extra time for Buckhead traffic, particularly on weeknights during rush hour or weekends around dinner.
If you’re staying at a nearby Buckhead hotel, some visitors simply walk or take a short car ride, but sidewalks and pedestrian comfort vary by block, so check your route in advance.
Who Bone’s Is Best For in Atlanta
Bone’s tends to be a good fit for:
- Atlanta residents celebrating milestones
- Business travelers with expense-account dinners in Buckhead
- Visitors interested in a classic, “old-school” Atlanta steakhouse experience
- Couples planning a more formal date night
It may not be ideal if you’re:
- Looking for casual, quick, or kid-focused dining
- Seeking budget-friendly meals
- Wanting highly plant-based, gluten-free, or health-oriented menus (though you may still find a limited number of suitable options with staff guidance)
Comparing Bone’s to Other Atlanta Dining Options (At a Glance)
Here’s a simple way to think about Bone’s in the context of Atlanta’s broader restaurant scene:
| Aspect | Bone’s Restaurant | Typical Alternative in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Classic, upscale steakhouse | Trendy modern spot, casual local bistro, or food hall |
| Neighborhood | Buckhead | Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward |
| Dress | Business / dressy casual to formal | More casual, jeans often common |
| Price | High-end | Ranges from casual to mid-range |
| Best For | Special occasions, business dinners | Everyday meals, exploring new cuisines, group hangouts |
| Menu Focus | Steaks, seafood, classic sides | Varies widely (Southern, international, fusion, etc.) |
If you’re visiting, many people pair one “big night” at a place like Bone’s with more laid-back meals in neighborhoods like Decatur, East Atlanta Village, or the Westside.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
To get the best experience at Bone’s in an Atlanta context:
- Book early if you’re planning around busy dates (SEC games, conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center, concert weekends).
- Plan your transportation; Buckhead traffic can be heavy, so build in parking or rideshare time.
- Mention special occasions when reserving if you’re celebrating; many Atlanta fine-dining spots handle those with extra care.
- Ask about dietary needs ahead of time so you know what’s possible.
- Consider a weekday if you want a slightly less hectic evening than prime weekend times.
How Bone’s Fits Into an Atlanta Itinerary
If you’re visiting Atlanta, you might plan Bone’s as:
- A Buckhead evening combined with shopping at Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza earlier in the day
- The “fancy dinner” during a conference stay in Buckhead or Midtown
- A special dinner before or after exploring other neighborhoods like the BeltLine, Midtown arts institutions, or Downtown landmarks
If you live in Atlanta, Bone’s is more likely a once-a-year or major-event restaurant rather than a weekly habit, but it can be a reliable option when you want a place that feels established, polished, and traditional.
In short: Bone’s Restaurant in Atlanta is a longstanding, upscale Buckhead steakhouse known for prime steaks, classic sides, attentive service, and a formal atmosphere. It’s best for special occasions and business dinners, and it fits naturally into a night out in Buckhead for both locals and visitors who want a traditional, high-end dining experience in Atlanta.