The new Shops at Buckhead have been a huge success in Atlanta in terms of becoming a hot spot for those who love to indulge in the best the city has to offer in food and shopping.  So when I had a friend from Charleston come into town and ask for a great night in the city, I knew I had to take them to this charming block of Buckhead.  The Southern Gentleman has been on my “To Do” list since it first opened.  I had heard nothing but amazing things and it seemed like the perfect time to try it out with a dapper Charleston beau in tow.  This place was hands down one of the more fabulous happy hours I have ever been to in this city.  Nevermind that the bar and wait staff is basically just a parade of incredibly attractive men (though that certainly doesn’t hurt), but the cocktails, bites, and overall ambience is just wonderfully warm, southern, and regal.  I had such a great experience that I think this place is a must for my upcoming birthday dinner.

A Gentleman’s Cocktail

I knew by it’s name that I could count on The Southern Gentleman to sport an impeccable list of bourbons & whiskeys and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.  I was also pleasantly surprised by some of their delicious bubbly cocktails they also offered.  I had intended to just sip on my classic bourbon and coke for the evening, but the Scarlet Belle just sounded too good to pass up.  It was light and refreshing, which was perfect on such a warm afternoon.  On my next visit I think I’ll have to delve deeper into the bourbon though with their Cotillion Cocktail and classic Old Fashioned.

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Divine Decadence

Even though I had intended on my first visit just being a simple happy hour with a cocktail or two, the menu of southern bites just couldn’t be ignored.  Always a sucker for anything calamari, the wine poached offering they made was so so so good.  Everyone serves fried calamari, so I sometimes forget how good a grilled, or in this case poached, piece of calamari is.  Since I was already drinking a light and bubbly cocktail, this appetizer paired perfectly to keep from weighing me down.  But the calamari sort of opened a Pandora’s Box of sorts and I just had to try something else since me and The Southern Gentleman were on such a roll.  Enter the Cheddar-Herb Biscuits & Ham.  Holy Moly!  I’m not one to usually go for Cheddar Biscuits but this is an amazing dish from start to finish.  The seasonal jam served on the side is just the perfect touch.  If you only try one dish while visiting The Southern Gentleman, this simply must be the dish.  I already want another one.