Atlanta Spotlight: South City Kitchen Buckhead

South City Kitchen Buckhead is a vibrant Atlanta restaurant known for its refined take on classic Southern cuisine, situated in the heart of the upscale Buckhead neighborhood.¹

Here is a comprehensive overview:

Uniqueness

South City Kitchen Buckhead stands out for blending sophisticated Southern dining with the high energy and style of its modern Buckhead location.² Key unique aspects include:

• Elevated Southern Cuisine: While it serves Southern staples, the restaurant puts a contemporary, chef-driven spin on its dishes, using seasonal and regionally-inspired ingredients.³

   

• Atmosphere: Unlike the original Midtown location in a historic bungalow, the Buckhead space (which opened in 2016) is contemporary and offers a dynamic, two-story environment.⁴

   

• Ample Patio Space: It features two expansive patios—one on street level and a second-floor balcony overlooking Peachtree Road—allowing guests to enjoy the Buckhead bustle.⁵

   

• Cocktail and Wine Program: The Buckhead location is noted for having one of the most extensive bourbon and whiskey menus among the South City Kitchen locations, with a cocktail menu leaning towards sophisticated, less sugary drinks.⁶

   

History

South City Kitchen is an institution in Atlanta, with its first location opening in Midtown in 1993.⁷ The Buckhead location is one of several spin-offs across the metro area, reflecting the success of the founding concept by Fifth Group Restaurants.⁸

• Opening: South City Kitchen Buckhead opened its doors in 2016, marking the third location for the popular concept at the time.⁹

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu focuses on Southern classics, consistently receiving praise for its execution:¹⁰

• Starters:
  • Fried Green Tomatoes with smoked tomato aïoli.¹¹

     

  • Pimento Cheese¹²

     

• Main Courses (Entrées):
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken (often featuring Springer Mountain Farms chicken).¹³

     

  • Shrimp & Grits (a signature dish across all locations).¹⁴

     

• Desserts:
  • Lemon Doberge Cake¹⁵

     

  • Coconut Cream Pie¹⁶

     

• Exclusive Items: The Buckhead menu has historically featured dishes exclusive to its location, such as certain “for the table” family-style options.¹⁷

   

Customer Feedback

Generally, customer feedback highlights the restaurant’s:

• High-Quality Food: Patrons frequently praise the elevated Southern comfort food, particularly the consistency of classic dishes like the fried chicken and shrimp & grits.¹⁸

   

• Atmosphere: The sleek, vibrant, and contemporary design, along with the outdoor dining options, are often positively mentioned, making it a popular spot for both weekday lunch and special occasion dinners.¹⁹

   

• Service: The hospitality is frequently described as warm, professional, and attentive.²⁰

   

Significant Events

While specific national headlines or historical moments are rare for a restaurant, South City Kitchen Buckhead has been recognized locally:

• Buckhead Business of the Year (2018): In January 2019, the restaurant was named the Buckhead Business of the Year for 2018 by the Buckhead Business Association, recognizing its growth and charitable contributions to the neighborhood.²¹

   

• Private and Community Events: The location is a popular venue for private events, including corporate gatherings and celebratory dinners, utilizing its private dining spaces and large patios.²² It also participates in community dining initiatives like Buckhead Restaurant Week and seasonal events like “Dining for a Cure” in support of breast cancer awareness.²³

   

Contact Information and Links