Best of Atlanta Steakhouses: Is Bones Restaurant Overrated?

Earlier this year we were trying to think of a special place to take my mom for her birthday. We wanted it to be someplace she wouldn’t take herself and was also kinda fancy.

After looking over a few menus, she ultimately decided that Bones was her pick.

Check out the menu here

I had driven past Bones SO many times while out and about in the city. It had also popped up on my Yelp account on occasion and had always caught my eye due to the four dollar signs ($) by the name lol.

Atmosphere

When we arrived inside the restaurant, there is immediately an old-money, Hugh Hefner kinda feel. The dark wood and simple, neat decor feels like an old mansion. 

The dining room where we were wasn’t huge and the seating (at the time) was spaced out due to COVID guidelines. Noise was minimal which added to the elegance of the room.

Dress Code

I am always worried about dress codes at places like this. I try to advise my party on what to wear and what to expect wherever we go to really nice restaurants because I never want them to feel out of place or uncomfortable.

I also HATE to be underdressed, so I try to pay that sentiment forward and make sure everyone will be at ease.I was actually surprised at the range of attire in the dining room.

Some patrons were wearing business/business casual, while a couple was in casual, almost workout-style clothes, despite the dress code listed on the website. I remember seeing one gentleman in a sleeveless hoodie, lol. 

I say this to say, I think this is one of those places that, despite the upscale atmosphere, you can make the experience your own and no one is going to turn you away. 

Now, the wait staff at Bones is also some of the best.

I will say, being raised in the South, it is my and my family’s nature to want to help the staff by picking up plates or handing them glasses to be refilled. 

However, they gently reminded us, “We are waiting on you tonight. No need to help.” This was such a foreign concept to us! But it added to the overall upscale, special feeling of the experience.

Food

Now, for the most important part, the food! Much like the atmosphere, the food was relatively simple in presentation, but the quality was obvious.

Sides come family-style and it is hard not to over-order. Keep this in mind when you go. If everyone in your party is getting a steak or entree plus picking a side, you’ll likely be left with food to take home.

Bones is obviously known for their steaks. If a classic, simple steak is what you love, this is your place. If you like something with more seasoning/spices/rubs,  you may want to look elsewhere. 

One thing I really enjoyed (which may sound kind of boring) was the appetizer salad. I cannot express how fresh and delicious that salad tasted. There was a buttery, yet crispness to the lettuce. 

It reminded me of the little lettuces you see at the grocery store that are “still growing” to make them extra fresh. I don’t know that they have that particular salad all of the time, but if it is ever on the specials menu, it’s definitely a winner. 

My husband was a huge fan of the asparagus. Really large, thick stalks with plenty of butter.

We also ordered the corn pudding and it was good, but honestly, we were all too full from our entrees to eat very much of it.

The Takeaway 

Overall, we left Bones feeling like it was a good experience.

However, it was the type of place that I doubt I’ll go back to.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a reeeally nice restaurant.

However, I left feeling like, ok, that was fine. I just really wasn’t wowed in any way. I found that when we left, we were trying to make excuses and come up with some way that it was worth the price. 

And, I’ve got to admit, that was kind of disappointing. 

I had dreamed about Bones for so long, but the pomp and circumstance of the waitstaff made the experience mildly stressful for me. The food was fine, but, honestly, I’ve had better for less.

Also, I only have one photo from the night because the website asks that cell phones not be used in the dining room.

For fear of being further chastised by the servers, I decided to adhere to the policy as much as possible.

But please, don’t let this deter you. Go! See what you think. I may have just had a bad first impression.

Bones is an Atlanta staple. It’s a classic and was in no way “bad,” per se. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. My mom was happy with her experience and that was really all that mattered.

Give it a try and let me know I’ve got it all wrong. Can’t wait to hear what y’all think!