The Tavern at Atlas, the St. Regis Buckhead

I left my heart in the Tavern at Atlas… that’s how the saying goes, right? Am I using it correctly?

Seriously, though, the newest addition to Atlas, the restaurant inside the St. Regis hotel in Buckhead, is easy to fall in love with. The Tavern has a gorgeous patio -- think stone fireplaces and greenery throughout -- as well as a phenomenal new food & drink menu.

WHY GO:
Because everything about this restaurant is beautiful and gorgeous and wonderful, from the food to the decor to the art.

The main Atlas dining room (c) Tomas Espinoza

THE VIBE:
Elevated, yet somehow relaxing. You feel very much at home here, despite the fancy cocktails and the real Picasso, Monet and Chagall paintings hanging on the wall.

DRINK THIS:
I highly recommend the Rhone Sour. It’s made with Bulleit Rye (my current obsession), lemon and egg white foam, and topped with a wine float.

The Rhone Sour cocktail is in the right back (c) Heidi Geldhauser

EAT THIS:
In addition to creative cocktails, the Tavern has an impressive food menu: The rosemary roasted ruby beet tartare, petit lobster pot pie and caramelized veal sweetbreads will wow the biggest of foodies. But the menu also has items like parmesan thyme fries, beef sliders and cheese twists, which certainly contribute to the relaxing overall atmosphere. Add a little live music, and you’re never going to want to leave.

The beet tartare, sliders and parmesan fries (c) Heidi Geldhauser

Caramelized veal sweetbreads and the Rhone Sour cocktail (c) Anna Lanfreschi

You have a couple of options for food: You can order a number of small plates at the bar/lounge (or the absolutely stunning library) for sharing, or head to the main dining room for a coursed meal. Or -- my personal favorite -- a combination of the two, where you grab some appetizers and cocktails from the Tavern menu and enjoy the rest of your meal in the main dining room.

First course: Spring pea soup (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Second course: Roasted beet salad (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Main entree: Pan-seared trout with mushrooms, brussel leaves and satsuma slices (c) Anna Lanfreschi

Whichever experience you choose, it will be filled with locally-sourced ingredients, artful presentation and unparalleled service. Do save some room for dessert -- it is beyond impressive! Talk about amazing presentation!

Beautiful chocolate mousse (c) Anna Lanfreschi

LOGISTICS:
The Tavern at Atlas is located inside the St. Regis hotel in Buckhead. Once you valet, head inside the hotel and go up the stairs on the left. Go down the hallway until you see the entrance to Atlas at the end, on your right.

The Tavern menu is available in the newly designed lounge, bar, library and outdoor patio, starting at 4 p.m. daily.