The Southern Gentleman Review: Southern Charm Meets Upscale Comfort Food

Location: Atlanta, GA
Visited On: August 29, 2025
Cuisine Type: Southern Gastropub

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Introduction

The Southern Gentleman: Elevated Southern Dining in the Heart of Buckhead

Atlanta is no stranger to good Southern food. From classic soul food spots to high end kitchens doing modern takes on old favorites, the city is full of flavor. But few places marry tradition and innovation quite like The Southern Gentleman. Located in the heart of Buckhead, nestled among designer boutiques and tree lined sidewalks in the Shops at Buckhead, this elevated gastropub delivers a refined dining experience rooted in Southern heritage. It is not just a restaurant, it is an experience that wraps you in Southern hospitality the moment you walk through the door.

Whether you are looking for the perfect spot for date night, a polished brunch with friends, or simply want to treat yourself to upscale comfort food, The Southern Gentleman checks all the boxes and then some.

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Ambiance and Atmosphere

Walking into The Southern Gentleman feels like stepping into a Southern estate, only trendier. The space is open and inviting, yet intimate enough to make every table feel like a personal dining room. Large floor to ceiling windows allow in ample natural light during the day and showcase the sparkling cityscape at night.

Decor elements blend modern sophistication with vintage Southern charm: tufted leather banquettes, antique style mirrors, rich wood finishes, and brass fixtures that give a soft, golden glow. It is elegant without being stuffy. The color palette of warm earth tones with subtle blues and greens complements the rustic yet refined vibe of the space.

Soft jazz and blues tunes fill the air at a perfect volume, audible enough to set a mood, but never so loud that you need to raise your voice. It is clear that the ambiance is intentionally crafted to make guests feel at ease while still feeling like they are in for something special.

The crowd is diverse: young professionals, couples celebrating anniversaries, stylish brunch goers, and even a few families out for a leisurely meal. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, striking a rare balance between upscale and unpretentious.

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Service

Service at The Southern Gentleman is what Southern hospitality should be: warm, thoughtful, and seamless. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like honored guests rather than just another table. Our hostess greeted us with a smile and offered to take coats before showing us to our table near the window.

Our server, Marcus, was nothing short of excellent. He greeted us promptly, gave us space to get settled, and then walked us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. His recommendations were not just scripted, they felt personal. He spoke passionately about his favorite dishes, highlighted seasonal specials, and even suggested a few cocktail pairings based on our taste preferences.

What stood out was how attentive but never intrusive he was. Empty glasses did not go unnoticed, and dishes were cleared promptly. When we inquired about the hot honey glaze on the fried chicken, he even offered to bring a small sample for us to try before ordering. Small gestures like that really elevate the dining experience.

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Food We Ordered

The menu at The Southern Gentleman is a beautifully curated celebration of Southern flavors with a refined twist. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel, it is just turning it a little more thoughtfully.

Buttermilk Biscuits with Bacon Jam

We started with a classic: warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits served with a jar of bacon jam. These biscuits were heavenly, soft on the inside with a perfectly crisp golden crust. The bacon jam was the star of the show: sweet, smoky, and rich, with a hint of maple. It was one of those bites that made us pause and nod in mutual approval. If you only order one appetizer, make it this.

Shrimp and Grits

A Southern staple done right. The grits were luxuriously creamy, infused with cheese and a touch of garlic. The shrimp were large, fresh, and seasoned to perfection. What set this dish apart was the tomato bacon gravy, smoky, slightly tangy, and layered with umami. It tied everything together beautifully and had us scraping the plate clean.

Hot Honey Fried Chicken

This dish was a perfect mix of crunchy, juicy, and spicy. The chicken was double dredged for extra crispiness, and the meat stayed juicy even after several minutes on the table. The hot honey glaze was bold without being overwhelming, sweet with a lingering heat that builds just the right amount. Served with pickled veggies and a creamy slaw that balanced the richness, it was hearty and satisfying.

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

A delightful small plate that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The pimento cheese added a tangy depth to the classic deviled egg filling, and each bite was topped with a crispy bacon bit and microgreens for texture and visual appeal. It is the kind of bite you would want to replicate at home but probably cannot.

Peach Old Fashioned

Smooth, balanced, and refreshingly unique. The house take on the Old Fashioned used a peach infused bourbon, which added a subtle sweetness and fruity undertone without overwhelming the cocktail’s classic structure. Garnished with a torched orange peel and a Luxardo cherry, it was expertly crafted and a joy to sip.

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Value for Money

Given its upscale ambiance, premium ingredients, and Buckhead location, you might expect The Southern Gentleman to come with a steep price tag, but the value here is actually quite solid. Most appetizers range from $10 to $16, and main dishes sit between $22 and $35. Cocktails hover around $14, and the wine and whiskey list is extensive and fairly priced.

What you are paying for is not just food, it is the entire experience. The care in presentation, the quality of the ingredients, the portion sizes (which were generous), and the attention to service make the price point more than fair. Whether you are on a date, celebrating a milestone, or enjoying a nice weekend out, it feels worth every penny.

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Highlights and Must Try Dishes

Buttermilk Biscuits with Bacon Jam
Shrimp and Grits
Hot Honey Fried Chicken
Peach Old Fashioned
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

If you are visiting for the first time, these dishes offer a perfect snapshot of what The Southern Gentleman does best: bold Southern flavors with thoughtful execution.

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Final Verdict

There are plenty of restaurants in Atlanta offering Southern cuisine, but few manage to strike the balance that The Southern Gentleman does. It is polished but inviting, elevated but approachable, and distinctly Southern without being cliché.

From the carefully crafted cocktails to the unforgettable shrimp and grits, every element of our visit felt intentional and expertly executed. The space invites you to slow down, savor your food, and enjoy the company you are with, which is, in many ways, the essence of true Southern hospitality.

Whether you are a lifelong Atlantan or just passing through, The Southern Gentleman is worth adding to your culinary map. I will be back again soon, next time for brunch, where I have heard the chicken and waffles are legendary.

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Address: 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite A208, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 939 9845
Website: https://www.thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

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