If you’ve ever walked through downtown Atlanta, you know it’s a weird mix of ultra-modern glass towers and gritty history. Right in the middle of that friction sits the Candler Building. It’s a 1906 Beaux-Arts masterpiece built by Asa Griggs Candler—the Coca-Cola tycoon. It’s stunning. But honestly, most people aren't just there for the marble staircases or the gargoyles. They’re there because By George restaurant and bar has turned the ground floor into a powerhouse of French-influenced American cooking that actually lives up to the building's hype.
It's a vibe.
Walking in, you’re hit by these massive arched windows. They flood the space with that specific kind of Georgia light that makes everything look a bit like a movie set. You’ve got the white marble columns, the intricate high ceilings, and then this very modern, very sleek bar that anchors the whole room. It’s rare to find a place that feels this expensive without being stuffy. You can wear a suit, sure. But you can also show up in nice jeans and a sweater and nobody’s going to give you the side-eye. It’s a neighborhood spot that just happens to be inside a historic landmark.
The Hugh Acheson Connection and What It Means for Your Plate
Let’s talk about the food. For a long time, the identity of By George restaurant and bar was tied tightly to celebrity chef Hugh Acheson. If you follow the Southeast food scene, you know Acheson. He’s the guy who basically defined "refined Southern" for a decade. While the kitchen leadership evolves, his DNA—that commitment to local sourcing and technical precision—is baked into the walls.
The menu is a bit of a shapeshifter. It’s officially "Contemporary American," but that’s a boring label for what they’re actually doing. They take classic French techniques—think heavy reductions and perfect emulsifications—and apply them to Georgia produce.
You’ve got to try the steak frites if they're on the seasonal rotation. It sounds basic. It isn't. The beef is sourced with intention, usually featuring a crust that suggests a very hot cast iron and a lot of patience. The fries are thin, crispy, and salted with a heavy hand.
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Why Breakfast is Secretly the Best Time to Go
Most people think of this as a "date night" or "power lunch" spot. They’re wrong. Well, they’re half-right. But the breakfast at By George restaurant and bar is arguably the most underrated meal in the 404 area code.
Forget the sad continental buffets you find at other hotels.
Here, they do a Shakshuka that’ll wake up your soul. It’s spicy, tomato-heavy, and topped with perfectly poached eggs that bleed yolk into the sauce. If you want something more "Atlanta," the shrimp and grits are non-negotiable. They use high-quality stone-ground grits—none of that instant stuff—and the gravy has a depth of flavor that suggests someone started simmering the base at 4:00 AM.
The coffee service is also legitimately good. They take it seriously. It’s the kind of place where you can sit with a laptop for an hour, watch the city wake up through those 15-foot windows, and feel like you’ve actually made a good life choice.
The Bar: More Than Just a Holding Pen
The "bar" part of the name isn't an afterthought. It’s the heart of the room. The cocktail program at By George restaurant and bar leans heavily into the classics but with a slight, smart tilt.
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- The Old Fashioned: They don't mess with it too much, which is a relief. Good bourbon, right bitters, big ice.
- The Seasonal Gin Drinks: They often use local botanicals. It tastes like a garden, but, you know, with booze.
- The Wine List: It’s curated. You won’t find a thousand bottles, but you’ll find the right twenty bottles for what’s on the menu.
The bartenders here actually know how to talk to people. They aren't "mixologists" in the pretentious sense; they’re just really good at making drinks and telling you where to go for a late-night slice of pizza afterwards.
Navigating the Hype: Is It Worth the Price?
Look, let’s be real. It’s not cheap. You’re paying for the location, the history, and the fact that you’re eating under a ceiling that cost more than your house. But compared to some of the other high-end spots in Buckhead or Midtown, By George restaurant and bar feels like it has more soul.
The service can be hit or miss when the hotel is at 100% capacity, but that’s the reality of any hotel restaurant. If you go on a Tuesday night? It’s perfect. If you go during a massive convention at the World Congress Center? Expect a wait.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they need a reservation weeks in advance. For dinner on a Saturday? Yeah, book it. For lunch on a Thursday? You can usually walk in and snag a seat at the bar. The bar is actually the best seat in the house. You get to see the choreography of the staff and the light hitting the liquor bottles. It’s relaxing.
The Candler Building Context
You can't talk about the restaurant without talking about the building. It’s the oldest skyscraper in Atlanta. When it opened, it was the tallest building in the city. Asa Candler put his heart into this place. There are carvings of famous figures in the facade—Shakespeare, Michelangelo, even Buffalo Bill.
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Eating at By George is basically an architectural tour with a side of wine.
The transition from the lobby of the Candler Hotel into the restaurant is seamless. There’s no host stand that feels like a border crossing. It’s open. It’s airy. It’s a stark contrast to the busy Peachtree Street traffic just outside.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over, keep these things in mind to get the most out of it:
- Check the Hours: They do close between lunch and dinner some days. Don't show up at 3:30 PM expecting a full steak dinner.
- Park Smart: Valet is available through the hotel, but it’s pricey. There are several garages nearby if you don’t mind a two-minute walk. Or better yet, take MARTA to the Peachtree Center station. It’s right there.
- The Burger: If you’re overwhelmed by the menu, just get the burger. It’s a "double-stack" style that uses high-fat-content beef and melted cheese that actually tastes like cheese. It’s one of the best in the city.
- Look Up: Seriously. Spend five minutes looking at the ceiling and the woodwork. Most modern restaurants are built in six months with cheap materials. This place took years and it shows.
- Solo Dining: This is one of the best places in downtown for solo travelers. The bar is welcoming and the staff is used to people staying at the hotel who just want a good meal and a quiet corner.
By George restaurant and bar managed to survive the chaos of the last few years by staying consistent. They haven't chased every "Instagrammable" food trend. There are no neon signs or gimmicky drinks with dry ice. It’s just good food in a beautiful room. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover downtown or a traveler tired of airport food, it’s a solid bet. Just make sure to save room for dessert. Their pastry program usually features something seasonal that makes the whole trip worth it.
The next time you find yourself near Woodruff Park with an hour to kill, skip the fast food. Walk into the Candler, find the bar, and order whatever the seasonal cocktail is. You’ll get it once you’re sitting there.