Chops Lobster Bar: A Classic Atlanta Seafood Experience in Buckhead

If you’re looking for upscale seafood in Atlanta, Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead is one of the names that comes up again and again. It’s known for its old-school steakhouse vibe upstairs (Chops) and intimate, clubby seafood-focused space downstairs (Lobster Bar).

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan a visit, what kind of menu and prices you’re likely to find, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta seafood and fine-dining scene.

Where Chops Lobster Bar Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Chops Lobster Bar is located in Buckhead, one of Atlanta’s main dining and nightlife districts. For locals, it’s the type of place you might choose for:

• A special-occasion dinner
• Business meals and client entertaining
• Date nights where you want white-tablecloth service
• A pre- or post-event meal if you’re staying in Buckhead

While Atlanta has plenty of casual seafood spots and oyster bars, Chops Lobster Bar leans into a fine-dining steak-and-seafood model: think prime steaks on one side, and classic seafood preparations—especially lobster—on the other.

Location, Contact, and Parking

Neighborhood: Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
Typical setting: Ground-level steakhouse (Chops) with the Lobster Bar in a lower-level, more intimate dining room.

For the most accurate address, phone number, and current hours, it’s best to:

• Search “Chops Lobster Bar Atlanta” in your maps app, or
• Call ahead the same day you plan to visit, especially for large groups or holidays.

Getting There in Atlanta

• By car: Buckhead is easily accessible via Peachtree Road NE and is close to GA-400 and Lenox Road. Many diners drive or rideshare.
• MARTA: The Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center stations are the main MARTA rail stops for the area. From there, you’ll likely need a short rideshare or walk depending on where you get off.
• Parking: Buckhead restaurants like Chops Lobster Bar typically offer valet parking and may have limited self-parking nearby. If you’re attending during peak dinner hours or on weekends, plan a few extra minutes for valet lines.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside

The restaurant effectively has two personalities in one building:

Chops (Upstairs)

• Style: Classic American steakhouse
• Vibe: Bustling, energetic, polished
• Dress: Often business casual to dressy – jackets not required, but you’ll see them
• Best for: Steaks, power dinners, larger groups

Lobster Bar (Downstairs)

• Style: Darker, more intimate, often with a clubby or “old-world” feel
• Vibe: Quieter than upstairs, focused on seafood
• Dress: Similar to upstairs—smart casual or better
• Best for: Seafood lovers, date nights, smaller groups

Overall, expect:

• White tablecloths and attentive service
• A noise level that can be lively upstairs and more subdued downstairs
• A mix of Buckhead professionals, out-of-town visitors, and locals celebrating something special

Menu Overview: Seafood and More

While the exact menu can change, Chops Lobster Bar typically offers a broad seafood and steak selection. Here’s what Atlanta diners can usually expect.

Seafood Highlights

You’ll often find:

• Lobster in multiple forms (whole, tails, possibly lobster pasta or lobster-based appetizers)
• Fish such as grouper, salmon, snapper, or branzino, usually prepared with classic sauces and sides
• Shellfish like shrimp, scallops, and crab, prepared simply or in richer, classic preparations
• A selection of raw bar items, depending on availability (oysters, chilled shellfish, etc.)

The focus tends to be on high-quality ingredients with traditional preparations, rather than ultra-experimental dishes.

Steak and Non-Seafood Options

Even if you’re dining in the Lobster Bar, steakhouse-style choices are usually available or nearby upstairs:

• Prime steaks and chops (filet, ribeye, New York strip, lamb chops)
• Chicken or other non-seafood entrées for guests who don’t eat seafood
• Sides such as potatoes, creamed spinach, asparagus, and other steakhouse classics, typically served family-style or as shareable plates

This makes Chops Lobster Bar a solid choice if your group is split between steak and seafood people.

Price Range and Budgeting

Chops Lobster Bar is considered high-end by Atlanta standards. While exact prices change, plan for:

• Appetizers: Higher than average compared to casual spots
• Seafood entrées and steaks: Premium pricing, especially for lobster and prime cuts
• Sides and desserts: Usually ordered separately, adding to the total
• Beverages: A full bar and wine list, with pricing that reflects the fine-dining setting

For Atlanta locals, this is typically a special-occasion or expense-account restaurant, not an everyday stop. Visitors should budget as they would for top-tier steakhouses in major U.S. cities.

Reservations, Wait Times, and Best Times to Go

Reservations

For Atlanta diners, reservations are strongly recommended, especially:

• Thursday–Saturday evenings
• Holidays (Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, December weekends)
• Convention weeks or major events in the Buckhead area

You can usually book by:

• Calling the restaurant directly
• Using a common online reservation platform if available

Walk-Ins

Walk-ins may be possible, but in Atlanta’s busier dining windows, you should be prepared to:

• Wait at the bar for a table
• Have more flexibility with dining time or seating area

Best Times for a Calmer Experience

If you want a quieter meal:

• Aim for early evening reservations (around opening time)
• Consider weekday nights rather than Friday/Saturday
• Ask specifically if you prefer the Lobster Bar downstairs for a more intimate feel

Dress Code and What to Wear in Atlanta

Chops Lobster Bar leans toward smart casual to business casual. In Atlanta terms, that often means:

• Men: Collared shirts, slacks or dark jeans, dress shoes; many wear sport coats or blazers
• Women: Dresses, blouses with slacks or skirts, or polished jumpsuits

Common expectations:

• Avoid gym clothes, overly casual shorts, and flip-flops
• Clean, put-together attire is preferred

If you’re coming from work in Midtown or Downtown and heading to Buckhead, typical office attire will fit right in.

Good Occasions to Choose Chops Lobster Bar

Atlanta diners often choose Chops Lobster Bar for:

• Anniversaries and birthdays
• Engagement dinners and milestone celebrations
• Client dinners or team celebrations from Buckhead and Midtown offices
• Pre-theater or event dinners if you’re staying in Buckhead hotels (near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or Peachtree Road)

If you’re planning something more specific—like a private dining room—ask when you call about:

• Room capacity
• Set menus or minimums
• Audio/visual options for business events

Dietary Considerations and Planning Ahead

Like many Atlanta fine-dining restaurants, Chops Lobster Bar can often accommodate some dietary preferences if you communicate in advance:

• Shellfish allergies: Ask clearly about cross-contact and safe options
• Gluten sensitivities: Check which sauces, breads, and fried items contain gluten
• Vegetarian diners: Options may be more limited, so ask about off-menu vegetable plates or pasta
• Lighter preparations: If you prefer simpler, less rich dishes, request grilled or simply prepared seafood when possible

Because the restaurant specializes in seafood and steak, those with very restrictive diets may want to call ahead to make sure there are suitable options.

How Chops Lobster Bar Compares Within Atlanta Seafood Choices

Within Atlanta, seafood options range from casual spots along Buford Highway and the Westside to other high-end restaurants in Buckhead, Midtown, and Inman Park. Chops Lobster Bar typically stands out for:

• Its classic, upscale steak-and-seafood approach
• A formal, polished environment that’s ideal for business and special occasions
• A focus on lobster and prime cuts rather than experimental or fusion dishes

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want one “fancy seafood night”—especially if you’re staying in Buckhead—this is a logical place to consider.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Diners and Visitors

Here’s a quick reference if you’re planning a visit:

For anyone living in Atlanta or visiting the city, Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead is a go-to option when you want a traditional, upscale seafood and steak experience in a polished setting. Planning ahead with reservations, attire, and budget will help you get the most out of a night there.