Rathbun’s Steak

July 13, 2008

I think our Prius was certainly the cheapest car in the parking lot when we left this place on Saturday night. Yet, I am proud to say, it most certainly got the best gas mileage of any of the over sized very expensive cars parked there.

Kevin Rathbun’s Steak is located (and certainly boasted about) next to what will someday be the famous Beltline. The old warehouse was once used as a cotton warehouse in the 1890’s - like so many of the buildings in this area of Inman Park. The original wood inside the building burned in the early 1900’s and was rebuilt with steel beams in the 1940’s. The warehouse then housed one of the largest Clorox Company’s production centers. The space now has been redesigned by The Johnson Studio - the group who also did Kevin’s Krog Bar and Rathbun’s. I speak a lot of this building because quite frankly it is impressive as hell. The inside is dark - with massive pieces of thick wood across the walls and just enough light to see your menu. (Although a few people had little flash lights.) The large painting of Kevin himself is a bit egregious, but I guess it is Kevin Rathbun - Iron Chef America winner…

We started the night with a bottle of champagne and ended the night with two glasses of red wine. Now, I will tell you, their wine list is one of the most expansive I have seen, but it ain’t cheap. Don’t expect to get a “house red” for $7.00. We got the amazing “Ahi Tuna Poke” appetizer which was superb, and I have not eaten red meat in a while, but opted for the smoked beef ribs for dinner- which were certainly the best beef ribs I have put in my mouth. Alison got a 6 ounce Fillet Mignon and it was incredible - like butta. But, I expected nothing less than the best beef (corn fed by the way) you could ask for. The side selections looked fabulous and we chose the night’s twice baked potato that was mixed with parsley, horseradish and some cheese I can’t remember- but it was grand.

Our glasses of water were never more than an inch lower than completely full. In fact, I had to tell the server I was going to waste it if he filled it up again. Our waitress was always attentive and explained in detail the different kinds of beef and how aged they were. For true steak eaters, I am sure this means something serious -”dry aged.” The wait staff did have to wear unattractive yellow button down collared shirts. Such a bummer, but you always knew where they were because you can obviously still see yellow in the dark!

Basically, this place is run like a well oiled machine. Kevin was in the kitchen when we were there and he is an imposing figure in white. His staff is well versed, his location is down right perfect, and his food as always is amazing. Go visit, but take your Mercedes.

A rare picture of Ashley and Alison in a restaurant.

Little Girl’s first score on Random Atlanta- 4 big paws up.

Technorati Tags: Kevin Rathbun’s Steak, Beltline, Inman Park

Posted in Bars, Restaurants by ashley