Rathbun brings KR Steakbar to Peachtree Hills

     Renowned Chef Kevin Rathbun's latest concept, a steak bar with a bit of Italian flare, opened its doors to the lush little pocket of Buckhead called Peachtree Hills over the weekend. 

     Rathbun is no stranger to the restaurant scene in Atlanta; he claims fame to the trilogy of beloved restaurants known as Rathbun's, Rathbun's Steak and Krog Bar, all of which are nestled in the Old Fourth Ward area that has history so vibrant, it seems only right that Rathbun situated his foodie mecca in the deserving neighborhood. 

     And with the introduction of KR Steakbar to Peachtree Hills, a neighborhood not yet brimming with a decadent food scene, it seemed Rathbun would be a harbinger to the area; inspiring change of pace in an oft forgotten corner of Atlanta. With that in mind, we asked our closest fab foodie friends to try it out last night.     

Concept drawing of KR Steakbar

     We knew the food would be good, we've never had a bad experience at any Rathbun's restaurant. But the restaurant's concept seemed to get lost in the glow of the fancy lighting and confusing decor. The restaurant is pretty and chic to be sure, but I just didn't "get it". There were intricate wrought-iron doors, dark bordeaux wall paint, sheep and boars staring at you in the powder room - it was unsettlingly medieval.

    Perhaps that all seems fitting for a steak bar (blood and boars and ropes dangling from the ceiling), but the food seemed to get lost in translation for me. The waitress explained a preferred "try a bunch of small plates and share" method of ordering ... sounded like tapas.

    And it basically was. The courses were all presented in the same small white plates, suggesting a sense of congruency between the dishes, irrespective of their category: salumi, apps, pastas, sides, meats.

      Everything was meant to be shared in a group.  Everything was in small plates. And for a steak bar, I imagined the steaks to be big and brawny, where the entrees are substantial and fit for one, not small to be shared like an app. I certainly didn't expect a departure from the traditional big steak and order a bunch of sides idea. That's not to say I didn't like this set-up though. 

      However, I'm the first to admit that I am certainly no foodie, just ordinary gal who tends to order veggie sides for every meal. I don't even eat steak, but eaters like myself matter too. I do understand Italian food and this just didn't cut it for me. But  to be honest, I'm definitely the last person to listen to when it comes to steak.

     So try out KR Steakbar. My friends loved it and are eager to return. Get the Sophia cocktail (that was delicious). And I'll keep in mind that KR Steakbear only had its first weekend and I'm nearly positive the experience will evolve to meet the demands of the clientele.


It is Kevin Rathbun, after all. He's always winning.

Cheers to good food and friends,

B