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 Private dining room at Bone's.
Private dining room at Bone's.

A Guide to Whale Watching in Atlanta

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Private dining room at Bone's.

Maybe you're looking for a sugar daddy or dream of rubbing elbows with professional athletes, or maybe you just want a nice meal at place that has also been known to feed very rich people. Whatever your reasons, Eater is here for you with a north-to-south, steak-heavy guide to Whale watching, aka a map of 13 restaurants and a couple dive bars where you can be almost certain that you'll find that special wallet someone you've always been looking for. Know another great place? Leave it in the comments or visit the tipline.


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Chops Lobster Bar

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Like many of the Buckhead Life Group restaurants and steakhouses in this city, Chops Lobster Bar sees its fair share of business executives, pro athletes, and people looking to impress trophy-esque dates.

Bone's is a favorite of anybody looking to win over a client— and of CEOs looking for a nice weekday lunch. The restaurant gets its fair share of celebrities as well as wealthy regulars who dine in at least a couple times a week.

Fogo de Chão Churrascaria

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The Atlanta Braves aren't the only ones that favor this Brazilian steakhouse, but many of the professional baseball players do love coming here for a meaty meal when they're not on the road.

Aria Restaurant

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The fine dining fare at elegant East Paces Ferry restaurant Aria is favored by residents of Buckhead and beyond.

The Italian food and great service at Pricci keep guests coming back. Here you can find any number of professional athletes and celebrities, as well as guests who have been long-time diners.

Holeman & Finch Public House

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Who doesn't want that famous burger? Holeman & Finch sees repeat customers in everyone from actors to businessmen in town for work and bankers winding down from a long day.

Restaurant Eugene

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Order the tasting menu at Holeman & Finch's fancier older sibling, Restaurant Eugene, and you will surely be in the presence of whales.

Woodfire Grill

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Suburban whales looking for Top Chef fan favorite frequented this restaurant often. Although Kevin Gillespie is gone now, Chef of the Year Tyler Williams has taken over and the food is sure to be just as high-class.

Bacchanalia

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This prix-fixe restaurant is the place to go in Atlanta if you want to show off. The food is great, the price is high, and almost everything is sourced locally from owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's farm.

South City Kitchen Midtown

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South City Kitchen has seen the likes of Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cameron Diaz, Usher, Owen Wilson, and many more. Sister Fifth Group restaurant Ecco is a great spot to sight celebs as well.

STK Atlanta

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STK is the favorite restaurant of famous musicians, athletes, actors, and steak lovers across Atlanta, and its location in the heart of Midtown is all kinds of convenient for whale watching. Bonus: It's not hard to catch a cab home if you indulge a little too much.

Clermont Lounge

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Oh, the Clermont Lounge. It might not be as flashy as other strip clubs, but it's definitely a better place to meet your future baby daddy than Magic City...right? Everyone comes here: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert di Niro, and Anthony Bourdain have all made appearances in the last few months.

Kevin Rathbun Steak

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It might not be in Buckhead, but the steak at Kevin Rathbun's restaurant has proven itself to be well worth the trek. High rollers and anyone with an expense account can be found here often.

Rathbun's

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Big-name chef Kevin Rathbun brings big-name whales to his restaurants. You know you've made it when mega-famous Atlanta athletes ask you to cater their last in-flight team meal.

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium

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It may take you by surprise, but Church is a pretty great place to ogle celebs— or even challenge them to a game of ping pong. Lady Gaga, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson have all frequented the Old Fourth bar.

Chops Lobster Bar

Like many of the Buckhead Life Group restaurants and steakhouses in this city, Chops Lobster Bar sees its fair share of business executives, pro athletes, and people looking to impress trophy-esque dates.

Bone's

Bone's is a favorite of anybody looking to win over a client— and of CEOs looking for a nice weekday lunch. The restaurant gets its fair share of celebrities as well as wealthy regulars who dine in at least a couple times a week.

Fogo de Chão Churrascaria

The Atlanta Braves aren't the only ones that favor this Brazilian steakhouse, but many of the professional baseball players do love coming here for a meaty meal when they're not on the road.

Aria Restaurant

The fine dining fare at elegant East Paces Ferry restaurant Aria is favored by residents of Buckhead and beyond.

Pricci

The Italian food and great service at Pricci keep guests coming back. Here you can find any number of professional athletes and celebrities, as well as guests who have been long-time diners.

Holeman & Finch Public House

Who doesn't want that famous burger? Holeman & Finch sees repeat customers in everyone from actors to businessmen in town for work and bankers winding down from a long day.

Restaurant Eugene

Order the tasting menu at Holeman & Finch's fancier older sibling, Restaurant Eugene, and you will surely be in the presence of whales.

Woodfire Grill

Suburban whales looking for Top Chef fan favorite frequented this restaurant often. Although Kevin Gillespie is gone now, Chef of the Year Tyler Williams has taken over and the food is sure to be just as high-class.

Bacchanalia

This prix-fixe restaurant is the place to go in Atlanta if you want to show off. The food is great, the price is high, and almost everything is sourced locally from owners Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison's farm.

South City Kitchen Midtown

South City Kitchen has seen the likes of Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cameron Diaz, Usher, Owen Wilson, and many more. Sister Fifth Group restaurant Ecco is a great spot to sight celebs as well.

STK Atlanta

STK is the favorite restaurant of famous musicians, athletes, actors, and steak lovers across Atlanta, and its location in the heart of Midtown is all kinds of convenient for whale watching. Bonus: It's not hard to catch a cab home if you indulge a little too much.

Clermont Lounge

Oh, the Clermont Lounge. It might not be as flashy as other strip clubs, but it's definitely a better place to meet your future baby daddy than Magic City...right? Everyone comes here: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert di Niro, and Anthony Bourdain have all made appearances in the last few months.

Kevin Rathbun Steak

It might not be in Buckhead, but the steak at Kevin Rathbun's restaurant has proven itself to be well worth the trek. High rollers and anyone with an expense account can be found here often.

Rathbun's

Big-name chef Kevin Rathbun brings big-name whales to his restaurants. You know you've made it when mega-famous Atlanta athletes ask you to cater their last in-flight team meal.

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium

It may take you by surprise, but Church is a pretty great place to ogle celebs— or even challenge them to a game of ping pong. Lady Gaga, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson have all frequented the Old Fourth bar.

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