Jim D.
Yelp
Downtown Alpharetta is an incredible place, full of fun, commerce, families, businesses, restaurants. Some have come and gone, many aer fine and capable and one stands out. It is exactly what you want in a great place. Citizen Soul is at the edge of the bustle. It reflects what I imagine is its owner - humble, hardworking, and lets the quality speak for itself. This review is cumulative of a dozen visits since our first time several years ago, but it's time to update.
We went for Valentine's Day this evening. This place still screams California in the best way -Cool vibe, laid back but nice, oozing quality, Go to French Laundry, L' Auberge Soliel - you see the roots. Walk in and it's subtle not loud. It's elegant but not stuffy. It's not a huge menu but just right.
A great restaurant starts at the roots, how they source, how they anticipate a guest experience, how they hire, how they train, how they retain. You can tell people have been here a while, they work at all three places the owner has, they like the place, they like serving people. That shows through. You can't fake these experiences, they are in the fabric. The restaurants that come and go, try to add this on top - it doesn't work. This place works. Let me tell you some things.
- We secured the ever-coveted 4"45 spot for dinner:) It's busy Thanksgiving weekend. Something happened to our Resy reservation, but no worries, they fit us in The front desk is cool and the people are nice, cool, funny.
Seated and greeted, the server (nice gentleman, red hair), was laid back but attentive, he knew how to do this. The wine list is complete - and exactly what you want in a wine list - a continuum from around the world, across price points, curated, with a nod to California, Could it lean towards Oregon more? Sure, but I quibble. We had a special bottle - Stewart Tartan (2017), the corkage is 25 bucks - so nice and reasonable - not a big deal. But next time, I am ordering off the list - so much good stuff to choose from
Their bartenders have been top notch over the years. The Reposado Margarita and Old Fashined - just perfect, mellow and well mixed. Perfectly Pear Martini was very nice.
Tuna Tartare app was so nice - mixed with some pickled what nots. Nicely plated.
Crab and Lemongrass soup, Butter lettuce salad was great. We have had the OKRA and Bacon apps before, and was so tempting, but not today - we look forward to the introduction of oysters one day here - I have not seen those so much.
This place has serious game with the entrees, they are cooked perfectly, paired nicely and while sides are awesome (Scalloped Potatoes), you don't really need them, plenty of food on the plate. I had the halibut - it was in a stew of sorts that I inhaled. My wife had the Black Grouper - it looked great.
Small but thoughtful desert menu.
It's priced fairly - not cheap but does not break the bank. We came happy, we stayed happy and we left happy, and will be back so often.
I love places like this. I love when the owner and staff love what they do. It shows. Bravo and well done.