Southern Art and Bourbon Bar – Buckhead
Long time Oprah fans, we considered ourselves remiss to not dine at Chef Art Smith’s Atlanta restaurant, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, as soon as possible. Located in Buckhead’s Intercontinental Hotel, Southern Art boasts a menu filled with southern fare such as Georgia White Shrimp and Grits, plus an artisan ham bar and a dessert table. As if those aren’t compelling enough, Bourbon Bar features more than 70 bourbon offerings.
On our Sunday night double-date excursion, four of us looked forward to different aspects of the restaurant. Obviously, the men itched to try a few bourbon samplings, but A. and I were divided. The dessert table appealed to me (clearly) as did the fried chicken. In the end, we all got what we came for, and then some.
The dining room was virtually empty upon our arrival, although Bourbon Bar accommodated the sizeable crown gathered to watch the football game. Our waitress said most diners were guests of the hotel with city-dwellers arriving in increasing numbers. We counted ourselves lucky to enjoy a quiet dinner before word fully circulated.
We began our evening with a round of cocktails accompanied by a selection of artisan ham and cheeses, and a jar of pimento cheese. Our patient waitress explained the various meat and cheese choices, which made our decision quicker. For entrees, we selected braised beef, Chef Art’s buttermilk fried chicken and center cut filet mignon. Three Cheese Mac’ and Cheese proved a perfect shared side.
Naturally, we didn’t forget dessert: 12 Layer Red Velvet Cake and Banana Pudding. Superb! Only when the bill arrived did we give our gluttony a second thought. Southern Art is not a restaurant for diners on budgets.
Overall, the service was good; the food was good; the ambiance was good. No question, Southern Art is good. Is it the best southern-inspired restaurant in the city? No. But, the amenities – Bourbon Bar, a dessert table and an artisan ham bar – combined with Chef Art Smith’s years of experience creating enjoyable cuisine make a visit to Southern Art more than worthwhile. Try it at least once. Yes, the restaurant is located in a hotel; however, valet parking is convenient and free, which us a huge plus in our books.
Go For: Drinks; special occasions.
What to Know: Located in the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta. Complimentary valet parking.
Price: $23+ per entree
Contact: 3315 Peachtree Road NE | 404-946-9070 | www.southerart.com
Photo courtesy of Southern Art
