Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for Southern and soul food in Atlanta with a polished, modern twist, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar is one of the better-known options inside the city’s hotel dining scene. It combines classic Southern dishes, a full bourbon-focused bar, and an atmosphere that works for both locals and visitors staying in Buckhead.

Below is a practical guide to help you decide if it fits what you’re looking for and how to get the most out of a visit.

Where Southern Art and Bourbon Bar Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Scene

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar is typically known as a hotel restaurant and bar in Buckhead, one of Atlanta’s major dining and shopping districts. For many people in Atlanta, it’s:

• A Southern-inspired restaurant with upscale presentation
• A bourbon-focused bar that also serves cocktails, wine, and beer
• Convenient for Buckhead office workers, hotel guests, and nearby residents
• A spot that can work for business dinners, date nights, and special-occasion meals

You’ll find it surrounded by Buckhead staples like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, with easy access from Peachtree Road and GA-400.

Because it’s tied to a hotel, it often feels a bit more formal than a neighborhood meat-and-three, but still leans into Southern comfort classics—fried chicken, deviled eggs, biscuits, and rich sides—presented in a more polished setting.

Location, Parking, and How to Get There

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar is associated with a Buckhead hotel property along Peachtree Road, one of Atlanta’s main corridors. While specific ownership or branding can change over time, the general location pattern is:

• Neighborhood: Buckhead
• Nearby areas: Lenox, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead Village
• Typical setting: Inside or adjacent to a full-service hotel

Because details like exact hotel branding can change, it’s wise to:

• 🔍 Search the restaurant name with “Atlanta GA” shortly before you go to confirm the latest listed address.
• 🚗 Call the hotel front desk or the restaurant to confirm parking options, validation, and current hours.

Common Buckhead options include:

• On-site valet at the hotel entrance
• Garage parking attached to or very close to the hotel
• Limited street parking on surrounding roads, depending on time and day

If you’re arriving via MARTA:

• The restaurant is usually closest to Lenox Station or Buckhead Station on the Red Line, followed by a short walk or rideshare.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar blends hotel-restaurant polish with Southern charm. Atlantans often find it suitable for:

• Business lunches or dinners
• Pre- or post-event drinks in Buckhead
• Celebratory meals with out-of-town guests
• A quieter alternative to some of Buckhead’s louder nightlife spots

Typical atmosphere features include:

• Dining room: Comfortable, refined, with an emphasis on table service
• Bourbon bar area: More casual, bar seating and small tables, often used for drinks and light bites
• Dress code: Generally smart casual—jeans with a nice top are usually acceptable, but many guests lean slightly dressy, especially at dinner

If you’re planning a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, client dinner), you may want to:

• Ask about larger tables or semi-private areas
• Confirm whether they can accommodate cakes, decorations, or special requests

What’s on the Menu: Southern and Soul Food with an Upscale Touch

While menus change, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar is typically known for classic Southern dishes done with restaurant-style presentation. You can expect a mix of:

Common Types of Dishes

• Starters and small plates

  • Deviled eggs or deviled-egg variations
  • Pimento cheese spreads
  • Seasonal salads or vegetable-forward starters

• Main courses

  • Fried chicken or other fried specialties
  • Pork chops, short ribs, or other hearty meats
  • Shrimp and grits or similar Lowcountry-inspired dishes
  • Fish options, often with Southern sides

• Sides (“fixings”)

  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Collard greens or braised greens
  • Mashed potatoes or stone-ground grits
  • Seasonal vegetables

• Desserts

  • Layer cakes or pies inspired by Southern baking
  • Fruit-based desserts depending on the season (for example, peach elements in summer)

Expect flavors typical of Southern and soul food—butter, smoke, spice, sweetness—delivered in a way that’s a bit more refined than a casual diner or meat-and-three.

The Bourbon Bar: What to Expect

The Bourbon Bar component is a major draw, especially for people interested in American whiskey. While offerings can shift, the bar typically focuses on:

• Bourbons from Kentucky and across the U.S.
• Some ryes and other American whiskeys
• Classic whiskey cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans
• Specialty cocktails that incorporate Southern flavors (citrus, peach, bitters)

If you’re a bourbon enthusiast or just curious:

• You can ask bartenders about flight options or side-by-side tastings.
• It’s common to find both well-known labels and higher-end or limited bottles.
• Non-whiskey drinkers will usually still find wine, beer, and non-bourbon cocktails.

Because this is Atlanta, where rideshares are widely used, many locals pair a visit here with rideshare or hotel stays to avoid driving after drinking.

Typical Price Range and Budget Considerations

Southern Art and Bourbon Bar generally sits in the mid-to-upper price range for Atlanta Southern restaurants, reflecting:

• Buckhead location
• Hotel setting
• Full-service experience

To plan, think in terms of:

• Starters: Moderately priced
• Mains: Higher than a casual neighborhood spot, similar to other Buckhead hotel or upscale restaurants
• Bourbon pours: Vary widely depending on label and rarity

You can manage costs by:

• Focusing on a shared appetizer and mains instead of multiple courses
• Visiting primarily for drinks and bar bites if you’re more interested in the bourbon side
• Asking if there are weekday or off-peak specials

Reservations, Walk-Ins, and Group Dining

Because it functions as a hotel restaurant, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar often has a mix of:

• Hotel guest traffic
• Local Atlanta diners

Patterns many Atlantans notice:

• Weeknights: Can be steady but often manageable, especially outside of major events or conventions
• Weekends and peak convention times: Busier, and reservations are typically advisable

To plan your visit:

• Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings or larger groups.
• For solo diners or couples, the bar area may accommodate walk-ins more easily.
• If you’re organizing a group dinner or work outing, ask about:
  • Group menus or prix fixe options
  • Minimum spend requirements
  • Timing flexibility (early seatings can be easier to secure)

Dietary Needs and Preferences

Southern food is traditionally rich, but modern Atlanta diners often look for flexibility. At a place like Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, you can typically:

• Ask about lighter preparations (sauces on the side, grilled vs. fried if available)
• Inquire about vegetarian or limited meat options
• Check for nut, gluten, or dairy ingredients in specific dishes

Because menus and recipes can change, the most reliable approach is to:

• Mention any allergies or restrictions when you book and when you’re seated
• Ask the server which dishes are easiest to adjust to your needs

Quick Reference: Is Southern Art and Bourbon Bar Right for You?

Below is a simple at-a-glance guide based on common Atlanta dining priorities:

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

To get the smoothest experience at Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in Atlanta:

• 📞 Call ahead to confirm hours, menu highlights, and parking—these can shift with hotel operations.
• 📅 Use reservations for weekends, holidays, or when big events are in town (conferences, major games, or concerts).
• 🚗 Plan transportation if you intend to explore the bourbon list; many locals use rideshare or stay at the attached hotel.
• 🕰️ Consider off-peak times (early evening on weeknights) if you prefer a quieter dining room and more relaxed pacing.

For anyone interested in Southern and soul food in Atlanta but wanting a more refined, bourbon-forward environment, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar is a logical Buckhead option to have on your list.