A JONES FOR BONES

As the owner of a steakhouse that aspires to be the best of the best, I have a responsibility to check out the competition. It’s hard work sometimes (Heavy is the hand that hoists the steak knife.), but I do it without complaint.

A quarter-century after opening Manny’s, I’ve eaten at probably every significant steakhouse around the globe. Some are traditional icons (think Peter Luger). Some are more adventurous, like Prime in Las Vegas or Kevin Rathburn in Atlanta. Some are more Italian, like Gene and Georgetti’s in Chicago, and of course there are the Argentinian restaurants like Cabana Las Lilas in Buenos Aires, which I blogged about earlier.

I love ‘em all.

But every now and then I want a simple experience – a beautiful steak simply grilled, well served, in “steaky” surroundings.

That was the case on a recent road trip through the South. I ended up in Atlanta and went to a longtime favorite steakhouse, BONES, in Atlanta.

My partner, Pete, and I visited this place thirty years ago in preparation for opening Manny’s, and not much has changed. It’s old school…reliable, predicable, comfortable, safe. No skyrockets here, just a great steakhouse.

Two starters that I’ve enjoyed over the past few years: Grit Fritters (you’ll actually find them listed under side dishes) and Beef Carpaccio, served with Boursin cheese atop a crispy tortilla – a nice duel of “soft and crunch.”

Bones boasts a 28 rating in Zagat’s and has been selected as the number one steakhouse in Atlanta by Atlanta magazine for the last several years – no doubt due to their steaks, but in my opinion also because of their lamb chops: two, big double-thick beauties, among the best I’ve ever had.

If I were to send you to Bones, however, I might steer you instead to the Mixed Grill, featuring a filet, lamb chops and pheasant sausage. I’d also try the burger, which people rave about.

Seafood doesn’t play a secondary role here either. Joanne had King Salmon with bacon and white beans (like I always say: the best way to enjoy fish is by adding meat to it). On our most recent visit, she also had the Crab and Lobster Napoleon.

Normally, you don’t leave a steakhouse raving about the salad…but Bones’ signature salad is a gem…with toasted pistachios, blue cheese and green apple.

And finally, dessert. Note my partner Pete about to devour Bones’ famous Mountain High Pie. What’s funny about this photo – and you can see it in Peter’s forced smile – is that in order to photograph the food and interior, we had to pretend it was Pete’s birthday. This was long before photographing your food become customary. Back then, you could get kicked out of a restaurant for doing it, so fearful were restaurateurs that their ideas would get stolen (by assholes like me, I guess). In fact, one time I actually did get kicked out – from Red Sage in Washington, DC, the glitzy Wild West restaurant opened by celebrity chef Mark Miller.

Bones certainly isn’t high concept like Red Sage was at the time. You won’t encounter anything new, but it’s hardly the same old-same old. By the way, I’ve always liked table 84 here. It’s in the wine library (pictured), offering a quieter and more private environment than the main dining room. Go there, ask for table 84, and send me a photo. That is, if they don’t kick you out.

WTF, Phil

3 thoughts on “A JONES FOR BONES

  • January 19, 2019 at 9:09 pm
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    Hello Phil……I just happened across your blog and read many of your posts…..I love to go to steakhouses around the world (Bones tomorrow in fact), and I generally try at least one great steakhouse per trip wherever I have been(Paris, London Chicago, Boston, NYC, etc……) It seems to be that there’s a ceiling on great steak, and many (not all) of the great steaks I’ve had have been close in quality and flavor assuming they are properly cooked,,Things that vary are among locations are the consistency of the steaks at the steakhouse, service and the willingness to correct errors. I have been going to Bones for about 40 years, and while I believe there steak is second to none, it is the consistency of the service and the food that sets them apart. Of the steakhouses you’ve mentioned I’ve been to them all (except south america) and I agree with all your choices except Lugers. Although I’m originally a new york native, I find their attitude loathsome, and their porterhouse not so special…..Anyway keep enjoying your steaks and keep up the great advice….thanks

  • September 21, 2019 at 3:08 pm
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