With a state motto of Wisdom, Justice, Moderation, do your appetite justice by being smart and making your way to one of these succulent steakhouses, and I wouldn't worry about the moderation thing, with juicy steaks like these it's time to forget the calories and dive head first into a beefy carb dining experience. Because, when in the Peach State be sure to bring your appetite--Georgia is known for some of the best steakhouses and chophouses in the country and some steaks that should definitely be on your bucket list of good eats.
So, sharpen those steak knives and get your appetite growling, because here are our top six picks for the best steakhouses in the great state of Georgia.
1. Atlanta: Bones Restaurant
Established in 1979, Bones Restaurant has become an Atlanta institution serving up some of the most juicy and succulent steaks around. The steakhouse currently holds, and has held, the coveted title of being named the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse Award for the past sixteen years, and it also has been renowned by Zagat's for having the best food and service in the United States.
The fine dining establishment offers great seafood dishes like broiled lobster tail with lemon stuffing and crab cakes. However, we suggest ordering their bone-in ribeye or porterhouse for the ultimate meaty masterpiece experience. I suggest rounding out your meal with the truffle butter mashed potatoes and their signature corn pudding. Finish this hearty meal on a sweet note with a decadent dessert of pecan pie with praline sauce a la mode.
2. Atlanta: Kevin Rathbun Steak
Kevin Rathbun Steak is the brainchild of Chef Kevin Rathbun who honed his culinary skills under such master chefs as Chef Emil Lagasse, Chef Bradley Ogden, and Chef Stephen Pyles. This prime steakhouse eatery opened its doors in 2007 and exploded on the culinary scene with several awards including the title of One of the Best Steakhouses in the United States by Thrillist, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Playboy Magazine, Details Magazine, and Gayot Online.
For a meaty mouthful of one of the most delicious steaks in the country, take a seat in their dining room and order their bone-in, dry-aged ribeye steak. Add an order of seared, succulent scallops and top your steak with their peppercorn sauce to add another layer of decadence to this meal.
3. Watkinsville: Chops & Hops
Chops & Hops prides itself on serving only the freshest ingredients and then elevating them to mouth-watering perfection. Start your meal off with an appetizer of their fried green tower which features the Southern specialty of fried green tomatoes garnished with crumbled goat cheese, fresh basil, and a sweet roasted red pepper coulis.
Be sure to sink your teeth into their mammoth tomahawk ribeye, which serves two, and comes with creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts infused with rich parmesan cheese, and a succulent demi-glaze sauce to round out this luscious meal.
4. Macon: Downtown Grill
The Downtown Grill is locally-loved for their juicy steaks, their cigar bar, and their impressive whiskey list, which features local and regional whiskeys and bourbons. Those three things are reason enough to make your way to Macon just to see what all the fuss is about.
Start your meal off with an order of grit fritters for a crunchy twist on this classic, Southern specialty. Then, order their aged ribeye or New York strip with a green goddess salad for a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and heavenly.
5. Columbus: The Black Cow
Known for their scrumptious burgers and steaks, The Black Cow prides itself on serving all things beef, broiled to plump perfection. Indulge in their ribeye with a side of loaded mashed potatoes and rich collard greens for a meal that will leave you satiated with succulence.
If you're feeling like enjoying your beef on a bun, order their bacon pimento cheeseburger with melty, spicy pimento cheese, sweet jalapeño jelly, and crispy bacon or go for the mushroom cheeseburger loaded with American cheese and luscious sautéed mushrooms.
6. Athens and Eatonton: Bone Island Grillhouse
With two locations serving up some of the most sultry steaks in the state of Georgia, Bone Island Grillhouse is locally loved for their attention to detail and their delicious menu. Start your meal off with a cup of their house seafood gumbo laced with plump shrimp, sweet crawfish, and spicy andouille sausage, and a hunk of cornbread to start your meal off on the right foot.
Order up one of their moist and succulent ribeyes or filet mignon for a hearty meal that is sure to cure your hunger pangs. Their ribeye comes with Yukon mashed, velvety potatoes and your choice of a side. I suggest going for the creamed spinach because treat yo'self.
So whether it be New York prime or wagyu you are in search of, or just an upgrade from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse or Capital Grille, check out one of these for prime cuts and delicious entrees. While you're at it, pick a place with Italian influences, a lobster bar or a great wine list, and your hunny won't be disappointed.
Where is your favorite steakhouse restaurant? Share your steakhouse pictures with us on Instagram with the hashtag, #WideOpenEats.
This post was originally published on April 10, 2017.