Nestled in Buckhead, Atlanta, Bones Steakhouse is one of the renowned steak houses in the country and promises a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
Recently, my husband Brad and I had the pleasure of indulging in a memorable evening at this upscale establishment, situated just a leisurely 10-minute walk from our hotel.
From the moment we stepped inside, Bones captivated us with its sophisticated ambiance, impeccable service, and, of course, its mouthwatering menu.
The Bones dress code
Before our visit, we were informed of the restaurant’s dress code, a testament to Bones’ commitment to maintaining an elegant atmosphere. Ladies were advised to don business casual attire – comfortable yet polished dress slacks or no shorter than mid-thigh dresses.
As for gentlemen, long pants and collared shirts were the order of the day, with a strict prohibition on shorts, sweatpants, gym attire, flip-flops, or hats.
Our experience at the restaurant
Our evening began with a leisurely stroll from our hotel to Bones, the anticipation building with every step.
As we entered the restaurant, the ambiance immediately caught our attention. The dim lighting and tasteful decor created an atmosphere that was both intimate and welcoming, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience.
We had made reservations a couple of weeks in advance which are not always necessary but recommended. As this was a Saturday evening, it seemed like a good idea.
The lone hiccup of the night came when they seated us at a corner table. This cozy two-seater, though adorned with festive birthday confetti, happened to be right next to the kitchen doors. The constant hustle and bustle, coupled with the stream of light every time those doors swung open, became a bit of a distraction. Despite the celebratory ambiance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that any other table in the joint would’ve offered a more seamless dining experience.
Once seated, we were presented with a generous serving of warm, crusty bread – a delightful precursor to the feast that awaited us.
The menu at Bones is a carnivore’s dream, boasting a selection of prime steaks and seafood.
For our appetizers, Brad opted for the Caesar Salad with anchovies, and he thoroughly enjoyed the flavors. On the other hand, I went with the Bones Lobster Bisque, featuring a generous portion of lobster. The presentation added an extra layer of enjoyment, as the lobster meat was artfully dropped into the bisque right before my eyes. It was not only visually appealing but also a thoughtful gesture, allowing me to witness the generous amount of lobster I was about to savor.
For the main course, I chose the 8-ounce filet mignon paired with a lobster tail, while Brad, in the spirit of his birthday celebration, opted for the 12-ounce filet mignon. I asked for my steak to be cooked medium, and happily, it arrived precisely as I had envisioned. However, Brad’s 12-ounce steak, ordered medium-rare, turned out to be slightly more cooked than expected.
To complement our main courses, we indulged in the restaurant’s renowned hash browns—a revelation in their own right. Crispy on the exterior yet tender within, these golden-brown delights provided an impeccable balance to the already rich flavors of our steaks. Every bite unfolded into a symphony of textures and tastes, a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen at Bones, leaving us thoroughly impressed.
What truly elevated our dining experience, however, was the exceptional service. The staff at Bones were not merely waitstaff; they were orchestrators of a seamless and enjoyable evening. Punctual and professional, they ensured that our needs were anticipated and met with grace. The waitstaff demonstrated a deep knowledge of the menu, offering recommendations and insights that enhanced our culinary journey.
As it was Brad’s birthday, the restaurant surprised us with a complementary mile-high cake, adorned with a candle. And luckily no happy birthday song. This unexpected gesture showcased Bones’ commitment to not just meeting, but exceeding, their patrons’ expectations.
The birthday cake itself stood as a decadent masterpiece, a sweet crescendo to an evening brimming with savory delights. Adorned with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce over a thick whipped cream outer shell, the inside revealed layers of chocolate ice cream and other sweet delights. The overall taste was sublime, though I must admit a portion did carry an unexpected hint of freezer burn, a nuance I hadn’t anticipated.
Though fine dining often comes with a price tag, the ~$300 we paid for our dinner felt like a fair investment in an extraordinary experience.
The quality of the food, the level of service, and the overall ambiance justified the cost, making it a worthwhile splurge for a special occasion. A few things could’ve been smoothed out a little more to make the experience more worthwhile but overall, I was pretty impressed by the restaurant.
Final Word
In conclusion, dining at Bones Steakhouse in Buckhead, Atlanta, is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. From the upscale dress code to the delectable dishes and attentive service, virtually every aspect of our evening at Bones was carefully curated to ensure a memorable and enjoyable time. If you find yourself in Atlanta and are in search of a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary, Bones is the place to be.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.