Hal's "The Steakhouse"

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolute Masterclass in Steakhouse Excellence If you are looking for the definitive Atlanta steakhouse experience, Hal’s on Old Ivy is it. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between high-end sophistication and a warm, buzzing energy that makes you feel like a regular—even if it's your first time. We started the evening with the seafood, and it was impeccably fresh. The Crab Cocktail was served over a dramatic mountain of ice, featuring massive, sweet lumps of chilled crab that paired perfectly with their cocktail sauce. We also dove into the Oysters Rockefeller and a stunning medley of fried lobster and crab meat—the breading was light and crispy, allowing the sweetness of the seafood to really shine. For the main event, the steaks were cooked to absolute perfection. Both the Ribeye and the Bone-in Filet arrived with a beautiful, salty char on the outside while remaining incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, swimming in just the right amount of butter and herbs. The Standout Sides: • Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Perfectly caramelized with a smoky crunch. • Sautéed Onions: Sweet, rich, and the ideal companion to the ribeye. The service was seamless—attentive without being intrusive—and the pace of the meal was spot on. Hal’s isn't just a dinner; it’s an event. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want the best steak in the city, this is the spot. I’ll be thinking about that bone-in cut for a long time. Pro Tip: Make a reservation well in advance; this place is a local icon for a reason!

Hal’s Steakhouse delivered a truly excellent dining experience. We started with mussels and calamari, and I have to say the calamari was probably the best I’ve had in years—perfectly cooked, flavorful, and not greasy at all. We also had gumbo, and everyone at the table thoroughly enjoyed it. For the main courses, I had the trout topped with crab meat, which was outstanding. My daughter ordered the snapper with artichoke and mushroom, and that dish was excellent as well. We also had the blackened salmon, a 12-ounce filet mignon with grilled shrimp (which added a great depth of flavor), and the 22-ounce Cajun-style ribeye, which was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. The restaurant was surprisingly crowded for a Tuesday night, but everything ran smoothly. Our server, Brandon, did an excellent job—very attentive, professional, and friendly. Despite how busy it was, we never felt rushed or overlooked. Overall, this was a great experience from start to finish. If you’re visiting Atlanta or looking for a top-tier steakhouse, I definitely recommend Hal’s Steakhouse. No military discount

Old school steakhouse with strict dress code. Service first class. They give you a verbal visual of the menu with highlights. The steak was phenomenal. The Brussel sprouts bursting with flavor! This establishment is a must try if you enjoy fine dining. Job well done. Like the steak 😋

Great spot, you really feel like you are stepping into the past (in a good way), I loved the old school steakhouse vibe and the service and food were second to none! I would highly recommend that you make a reservation, especially on a weekend. We were only in town for the evening so I called ahead as no reservations were available and luckily they were able to squeeze us in as someone was a no show. We went to a bar next door afterwards at the end of the night and the valet gave me back my keys and let me stay parked in their lot which was very nice. Thank you.

Lovely experience! My husband and I came here for our anniversary and everything was exceptional! Top tier place to go! My husband got the 22oz bone in Ribeye, and it’ll go in his top 3 best steaks he’s ever had. I had the duck and it was tender, juicy and very tasty! We got the calamari as our starter and we’re pretty picky when it comes to calamari, this one was the perfect amount of being fried and crispy! The chocolate dessert presented with ‘Happy Anniversary’ was the one I was going to choose! Doug was a superstar, very knowledgeable and checked on us at the perfect times. I would highly recommend Hal’s! We look forward to coming back soon!

I’ve been wanting to come for years and finally made it last weekend. I’ve always heard how amazing the food is but I was a bit underwhelmed. The food was good but I was not blown away. My waiter Jamal was absolutely amazing! He was super helpful and knowledgeable about the offerings. I had the following: Drink: French 75 9/10 Chopped Salad 8/10 Sea Bass: 8/10 Mac and cheese: 7.5 I like more creamy than cheesy Bread pudding: 8/10 Overall the atmosphere was a vibe, moody & sultry with live music. A bit loud but still a great time.

OUTSTANDING! The Filet Mignon was tender, juicy and flavorful. The service was fantastic. And the cocktails were perfection. Hal’s is almost flawless.. except I cant see and they keep it very dark..too dark actually. I tiny candle lamp would be ideal. The food is well worth using the light from your phone. 😂 Hal’s is my top pick for steaks in the city. And Ive been to almost all of the upscale steak houses. Hal’s will always come in 1 or 2 as they do not deviate from what made them great. ~Bon apetit

This review is vulnerable for me, but Hal’s has won over a place in my heart & I feel the need to share it. We visit Atlanta 3-4 times a year & we didn’t know what to expect coming to Hal’s for the first time, on a Saturday night. It was so filled with people that we had to navigate a maze of customers, barely squeezing by to follow the host to our seat. There was Loud music playing, servers running everywhere & an extremely loud atmosphere filled with a sea of people moving around. Living with PTSD doesn’t allow me to enjoy places like this anymore. However, the service at Hal’s was so warm, inviting, friendly, & focused on us at all times that everything faded away. I was made to feel completely comfortable, it felt like home, even in the midst of the chaos. I haven’t felt that way in a crowded fast paced atmosphere in 10 years. Hal’s has achieved something I thought was impossible. Special thanks to our amazing server, Adam. But it doesn’t end there. The food was absolutely perfect. It didn’t taste like these new highfalutin restaurants with young inspiring chefs, their food is always interesting & delicious but almost always misses an important mark. Their food isn’t “warm.” Hal’s is the pinnacle of what an American steakhouse can be, their food is warm, classic & made to perfection. You can taste that it’s been made for so many years that they’re no longer refining anything because there simply isn’t room for improvement. They’ve reached the highest level of perfection possible. Hal’s will forever be our new place of celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, life events, and any time we’re in Atlanta, we’re coming to Hal’s. For as long as they’re open we will continue to be their guests, and I hope that they’re open for generations. They deserve it.

Just simply the best food and service around. You can't go wrong with any dish on the menu, but definitely try a steak.

Great spot for an end of the year fantasy football league dinner. Vibes were immaculate.

Must try Food great Service great Ambiance nostalgic Recommend getting reservation Can't wait to go back

Hal's was SO GOOD! This is the perfect Atlanta steakhouse. The steaks were amazing and such large portions. I definitely could have split one! The second half of my steak was great for leftovers. The vibe is dark and like a speakeasy in the middle of Buckhead. Very cool spot to bring a group. I will definitely be back! I believe you do have to valet.

A Buckhead Classic to not pass up. On any night of the week, Hal's is filled with businessman and their clients. That's because it is a staple that is consistently amazing. When you're looking for a nice steakhouse dinner, Hal's fills all the requirements with their extensive wine menu and impeccable food. When you first pull up to valet, they will let you know to take your hat off before exiting your car (: so, for dress code questions... yes.. stricter dress code. No shorts, no hats, etc. As you walk in, you will be greeted by the host and also maybe immediately notice the cigar smell. I believe they are the only restaurant still around with a smoking section-- It's at the main bar and there are fans that point the smoke away from the main dining room. It is dark, dimly lit.. somewhat relaxing and romantic. As true to form, I will give you the best places for an espresso martini, and Hal's makes a great one!! To start we usually get the char grilled oysters if they have them! They are so delicious. We also had the escargot a few times. It is served boiling in butter, and it is best to just sit and wait to enjoy it. Let that plate cool first. For entrees, the Chilean seabass is really great if you're looking for some seafood. And, of course, the filet is what they are best known for. They know how to cook a steak! The lobster Mac n cheese is phenomenal, and I think it's funny they try to sell it as a "special" because honestly I've never been to Hal's and they didn't have it.The dessert is also great (sorry I can't elaborate because I've only had it twice!). Whether you are looking for a nice romantic dinner, somewhere to take your client, or celebrating a birthday, make sure Hal's is in your rotation! Highly, highly recommend.

This was my first visit to Hal's for a birthday celebration. They were very accommodating by giving us a private room even though we didn't reserve it. To be so crowded on a Saturday night, that says a lot. The service from the bartender to our server was attentive and pleasant. The food was packed with flavor and plated well. Everyone in my party was completely content with their meals. If you're in the Buckhead area, I would definitely recommend giving Hal's a try. I will be back!

Where do I begin when it comes to this visit to Hal's. It was a work dinner, I had never been before but told I was missing out. If you are in ATL and have the opportunity to go, you absolutely must. There was nothing I ate that I didnt enjoy. I was stuffed! My ribeye was perfect, I preferred it over to the taste of the filet I had. The wedge salad was perfection!. Each and every seafood option was perfectly cooked. It is dark and low lit inside, but I have such an appreciation for this place. I can't wait to have a reason to go back.

Old-school steakhouse vibes with a side of "you've still got it." We started with the fried lobster appetizer, which was golden, crispy, and practically screamed, "Yes, I'm indulgent, and I deserve this." The NY strip and ribeye were perfectly cooked--a nice sear on the outside, tender enough to cut with confidence (but not so soft it feels like cheating). The lobster truffle mac and cheese? Pure decadence. If you're going to blow your calorie budget, this is where to do it. The atmosphere is rich, classic, and just the right kind of dim lighting for a birthday celebration or, say, a date with a woman who's not just significantly younger but also (obviously) deeply invested in your personality. In short, the food is fantastic, the vibe is timeless, and if you're looking to flex just a little--whether it's with a prime steak or your prime charisma--this is your spot.

I had a great time at Hal's "The Steakhouse," formerly known as Hal's on Old Ivy. For a classic, local steakhouse experience in Atlanta, I recommend this place. That's all you need to know. If you want details, keep reading. At the time of writing this, Hal's has a 4.0-star average rating from 930 Yelp reviews. I can see why some people would rate this place "only" four stars. For example, my wife's reasons for giving Hal's four stars are: (1) there was no cocktail menu, (2) the Lyonnaise Potatoes weren't the best (still good, just not as good as she was expecting), (3) her empty cocktail glass sat on our table for the whole dinner and she was never asked if she wanted another drink, (4) the servers appeared stretched thin and she felt like we were just another cog in the wheel (her comment: "The service did not match the food."), and (5) the interior (e.g., the carpet) was dingy, worn, and musty. That's all true, but I thought the food, especially the steaks, really stole the show and the old-school atmosphere, for me, was a lot of fun. Hal's opened in North Buckhead in 1989. It's still located on Old Ivy Rd NE, so I'm not sure why the name change. A second location opened in Nashville this year (2024). Hal's is hidden off the main roads, Piedmont and Roswell. Parking is valet only. Bring cash. It costs $5 plus tip. I saw one guy not have cash on him. He paid and tipped using his phone, which wasn't ideal since it held others up. Our party of four had a Saturday reservation at 6:15pm. We arrived on time and the place was packed. At one point, the downstairs bar was standing room only. We ended up not being seated until close to 6:45pm. A little annoying. Book your reservation using OpenTable and earn dining points which can be used to redeem restaurant discounts, Amazon gift cards, hotel stays, and more. Hal's awards points - not all restaurants on OpenTable do - so that's a plus. This is a two-story restaurant. There are bars and dining rooms both upstairs and downstairs. We started off at the downstairs bar, getting drinks and watching baseball on TV. There were young, attractive female bartenders wearing leggings and tops showing off cleavage (some midriffs), very typical of a Buckhead bar/club. It was an interesting dichotomy to what the older male staff wore: dress shirts, dress pants, and neckties. It's all part of the "old-fashioned" vibe of this place. At the time we dined here, Hal's website said Hal's is "where Atlanta's power dinners happen." That wording has since been removed. Now it says Hal's is "the epicenter of Atlanta's most influential gatherings." Dining here, I felt like I was in an episode of The Sopranos (and I loved it). We dined upstairs, next to the elevator and entrance to the French Quarter, New Orleans-style indoor patio. Here's what we had: Cocktails * Woodford Reserve Bourbon Old Fashioned x3 ($16.50 each) * Hendrick's Gin ($13), French 75 cocktail (+$1) Appetizers * Oysters Bordelaise x2 (3 for $15; we got 6) - oysters dusted with cornmeal, flash fried, topped with garlic sauce * Escargot ($13) - baked and served out of the shell in a garlic butter sauce Salads * Caesar Salad ($12) - romaine lettuce topped with homemade croutons and tossed in Hal's tangy Caesar dressing * Hal's Chopped Salad ($13) - greens, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, asparagus, blue cheese, Hal's Vinaigrette Beef, Lamb, & Poultry * Filet Mignon (12 oz, $72) - center-cut filet mignon grilled and finished with a butter sauce; cooked medium, with Mashed Potatoes * Filet Mignon Au Poivre (12 oz, $72), add Broiled Lobster (+$43) - center-cut filet pressed in peppercorns, pan-seared and served with a cognac sauce; cooked medium rare with Creamed Spinach * Prime Bone-In Ribeye x2 (22 oz, $88 each) - grilled and finished with a butter sauce; both cooked medium rare and both with Creamed Spinach Sides * Sauteed Mushrooms ($12) * Onion Rings ($12) * White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese ($14) * Lyonnaise Potatoes ($11) * Brussels ($13) Desserts * Bread Pudding ($11.95) * Chocolate Cake ($11.95) After Dinner Drinks * Espresso Martini ($18.50) - Ketel One vodka * Irish Coffee ($14) - Jameson whiskey The food was amazing. Our Prime Bone-In Ribeyes were up there among the best steaks we've had in Atlanta. They were perfectly cooked and seasoned with outstanding flavor and texture (juicy, tender, rich). In general, all of the food was incredibly rich and flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed the Oysters Bordelaise and Escargot. My favorite side was the White Truffle Mac and Cheese (highly recommend). As for the drinks, they were nice and strong. Even the Bread Pudding, made with bourbon sauce, was quite strong. The Chocolate Cake came with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. We came to indulge and, all around, I thought Hal's delivered. Even their complimentary garlic bread was exceptional. It was just saturated in butter. Warm, crispy, scrumptious. The servers seemed overwhelmed and very busy during our visit.

First time eating here and it was the best experience. The service was very fast. I do highly recommend making a reservation. We made a reservation through OpenTable and waited about an extra 10 minutes to get seated, but it was so worth the wait time. I had the salmon with the shareable side of broccoli and mashed potatoes. It was phenomenal. The salmon was tender and cooked thoroughly and had the softest taste. It melted like butter. My husband had the filet mignon 12 ounce cooked medium, and had the side of creamy spinach. Again, the filet mignon was very tender juicy season very well 10 out of 10. Definitely a must try. The creamy spinach was delicious. But again everything we had was 10 out of 10. There was a live band downstairs and it was great. We sat upstairs, but the ambience up there was even better. This is definitely a place to go for a date night it's very romantic. It's the little dark in there but it's the perfect ambience for this place. I highly recommend and will be returning. I loved everything about this place.

PHENOMENAL! One of the best meals of my life! Actually, one of the best dining experiences of my life! I took client to Hal's (upon their request) for dinner and it did not disappoint. We ordered a variety of appetizers (do NOT sleep on the Lobster Le'Beaux!!) entrees, sides and desserts along with cocktails and wine. I can't say enough about how wonderful every part of our dining experience was. Eddie our server was exceptional, he knew the answer to every question and never made us feel rushed. Everyone ordered steak except for me, I got the veal osso bucco. It was a massive portion with the bone and a tiny fork to scrape out the bone marrow from the center. It came with a heaping portion of pasta as well. If you've never been to Hal's I urge you to go! It's not somewhere to go every day ($$$) but next time you are looking for somewhere for a special occasion, you should check out Hal's.

I've been here many times and do you believe they have the best steaks in town. However, I went this past Wednesday with a group of friends from out of state and had reservations for 745. Although I did have reservations, they did not see us for 53 minutes later, so we were pretty hungry, and the place was very crowded. The steaks, asparagus, mashed potatoes, and brussels sprouts were superb, but can't help in feeling that the total experience was so disappointing because of the weight. The host seemed to keep forgetting about us, and I went back and asked how much longer the wait would be and he kept asking for my name as if he had never seen me before even though I was standing 4 feet away from him. The worst part was watching two other hosts standing next to him constantly staring at all four of us. Don't they have anything to do, like serving guests? I realize the restaurant was busy, but would have appreciated some apology or at least some acknowledgment, especially since I did have reservations and actually arrived 15 minutes before then so our entire wait was well over an hour! For $500 before drinks, I do expect better service. I have had our company Christmas dinner here where we rent out the private area on the second floor for the last couple of years, but sad to say that we won't be coming here this season because of this experience.

If you're looking for an old-school steakhouse with paneling included, this is your spot. Formal waiters. Valet parking. Highly skilled bartenders. I always focus on the steak and all of them are good. The entrées are family style, so be prepared to share. And I'm a big fan of the martinis.

Date night was such a wonderful experience! Hal's has a very warm, cozy atmosphere. We actually went to the movies first, and ended up finishing well before our reservation. We decided to go to the restaurant early and just to see if they would accommodate us. And wouldn't you know, they did so within a matter of 20 minutes. In mind you we were about an hour and 15 minutes early. So I greatly appreciated that. The staff was absolutely warm, welcoming, very attentive, and courteous. They even had a lot of musician playing on the ivories, which was a really really nice touch. I enjoyed that. He had a really good playlist of songs that catered to all. And the food, it was very very good, our steak was perfectly seasoned perfectly cooked and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The spinach was delicious as well, but , we weren't impressed with the salad nor were we impressed with the grilled asparagus. They were very basic. But everything else was really good!

We've been to Hal's many times and have enjoyed it each time. I can't believe I didn't leave a review for it sooner. Food - We typically order the 12 oz filet mignon (and split it), asparagus with hollandaise, White truffle macaroni and cheese, and sauteed onions. For dessert, you can never go wrong with the strawberry cheesecake. The food is always delicious and cooked to perfection. This is one of our three favorite steakhouses in Atlanta! Atmosphere - Hal's opens the bar at 4 pm but the restaurant at 5 pm so it can be crowded when you check in for dinner. They do allow guests to smoke cigars at the bar. It doesn't bother us but if you're going on a weekday that is something to keep in mind. The restaurant is dim and has two levels so if you are looking to have a quiet dinner you should request going upstairs (they have an elevator and stairs). The valet guys here are always so fast and sweet. Service - Every time we come the service is good from the time we walk up to the hostess stand, to the time we leave.

I finally decided to give this Atlanta classic a try. I came on a random week night. They have no parking lot so valet is mandatory which was a bit annoying but I didn't want to take a chance on my car being towed for parking next door so I conceded and did valet. I sat at the downstairs bar. It was early so there were only a few other smoking cigars. The bar was a nice work station for the early evening. Eventually the place began to liven up and there was a piano player. I ordered salmon and a cesar salad. The salad was tasty and the piece of salmon was huge. However, the salmon lacked flavor so I had to request some sauce for it. The bartenders were nice and constantly checked on me. I would go back but I might try a steak and some of the other dishes they're known for.

Excellent service, food quality and ambience. Only valet parking, and need reservation. High-end place for special dinners. Went on a working day but the place was completely full. Appetizers were super great - oyster bordelaise, escargot, lobster lighted tower, fried calamari Entree - Scottish Atlantic Salmon fillet - cooked with perfection along with Cesar salad, could hear yummy ooo's on prime bone-in ribeye with lobster tail Fresh squeezed orange juice was refreshing. Side dishes - super super good - Brussels sprouts, lobster Mac and cheese, Brabant potato's, sautéed mushrooms.

Business partners flew in for two days meetings and as the grand finale, I took them to Hal's. This is by far one of my fave steakhouses and I was glad to share it with them. Great place to go for an after work drink, business dinner, or even date night. Although, it can be very crowded at times, the food and service more than make up for it!

A delicious and decadent meal was had! We quite literally tried 'one of everything' concerning appetizers and desserts. All were amazing. The steak was done beautifully and was so good. Service was incredible, and we were so pleased. It was quite dark, and extremely loud. Making it hard for our group of 8 to have meaningful conversation. It was also very crowded at eh entrance/host stand. Trying to wait for our table and group was quite challenging. My drink got spilled because of the large group at the bar.

I attended a dinner at this restaurant with a group of over 10 people. We were seated 45 minutes after our reservation was set for. Our table was on the second story right in front of the stairs and the elevator, which was extremely distracting and bright during the meal. Height of this experience was the appetizers. Escargot was great and the fried lobster appetizer was very good. I found my husband's steak to be a little tough for my liking. I think there are better steak houses in the city and better service elsewhere for the price.

Hal's has my heart (and my belly!) we couldn't decide what we loved more the food or the service. The waiter we had was just phenomenal in making recommendations. And the steaks were to die for. Flavor was on 10, and cooked perfectly to Medium. Very low light, moody vibe for date night or small family dinner.

Hal's is always a great steakhouse choice in Atlanta no matter the occasion. This has become one of my favorite steakhouses over the last year in the area and it is always consistent and never misses. The service is phenomenal, food is consistently good, and ambiance great. They do have Valet Parking available which is great for this area ($5). Gentleman you must be dressed correctly (check the dress code), however you will have an amazing time! For this trip, I had an old fashion and a Manhattan for my drinks which were A1! For food, I had the Mac n cheese, Brussels, skinny onion straws and the 22 oz bone in rib eye (cooked medium). Everything was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Steak was a little over cooked for medium, but still great. Again, the consistency here has kept me returning and not wanting to try new steakhouses! Highly recommend trying out this staple in atlanta!

Sorry I didn't take pics. I was here on a work related dinner. But I wanted to give a review anyway. The bread was to die for. Might not be the best choice of words since it was toasted and LOADED with butter. But so so good. You probably really won't die if you don't make it a nightly event Followed by one of the best chopped salads I've ever had. Finely chopped, small pits of celery to give it a crunch, and loaded with the dressing of your choice. Paired with the bread, an amazing experience. But again, the health factor? Well, you only live once... I had the 12 Oz. Filet. Very thick, yet somehow cooked to perfection. Salt and pepper crust, probably butter (again). The best example of why I love fillet mignon. Tender, flavorful, hard to stop eating. I took half home in a doggy bag. Perfectly baked Mac 'n cheese as a side. Toasty top. Perfect. But remember, I had the salad, so don't judge me. The house old fashions were strong and not too sweet. 8 of 10 stars. The service couldn't be better. If I was forced to complain about anything, it would have to be the lighting. It was just a little darker than I'd like. BTW, my co- worker had the 20 Oz. Bone in rib-eye. He ate the whole thing. He looked me in the eye with a small tear and a curious blend of delight and misery. He said he was way too full, but he couldn't stop eating it. LOL. I guess it was pretty good too! Steaks average $70, but when you consider they are big enough for two people or one meal and a generous doggy bag, I don't think it's over priced. Go here. Just run a mile or two the next day!

If you're looking for upscale dining in Atlanta then this is it! We were invited to join a few of my colleagues for dinner and the experience was top tier from start to finish! Hal's does steak right. The steak was lightly seasoned, charred, and cooked to perfection no steak sauce needed. The fried lobster was delicious also. The sides were huge so we decided to share. Creamy spinach, Mashed potatoes, and Lobster Mac n cheese were very tasty as well. All noteworthy additions to any meal. Even though the place was packed service was great. Our waiter gave us a tiramisu dessert on the house and then asked me was I ready for the "damage report" referring to the bill. That was the best laugh I've had in a while. But he was right and next time we'll be sure to label this one as a "business meeting" lol. Valet parking available for $5 Business casual dress code for men. No athletic gear. Enjoy

The service here was impeccable, from the moment I arrived I was greeted and doors were opened for me. I arrived late for my friends birthday and the food was always ordered but right away I was served my drink and oyster appetizer. My order was taken and came out with the rest of the party my steak was Tasman's cooked to perfection. We had a large private table and it was just us so it was great. If there was noise we made it. A bit pricey yet worth it for a special occasion for that steak lover

This is probably my least favorite steakhouse in Atlanta. The steaks just aren't good because the flavor and quality just isn't there. I much prefer Bones, Chops, and Kevin Rathbun's. In addition to our steaks, we ordered the chargrilled oysters, and they were awful. They had chewy cheese melted over what seemed liked baked oysters- they were terrible. My silverware also wasn't clean...and we were seated upstairs in the "patio" area next to a large group of about 20 that were there for a celebration. It just wasn't what I expected from this steakhouse.

Hal's is consistently a great experience with great food. The regular menu is good, but I recommend getting the chef specials. You will not be disappointed. This place is an Atlanta staple so the decor isn't modern, but that's what adds to the character. The wine list is extensive and the service is 5 star. Be prepared to spend $250-$300 for an exceptional dinner for two with at least one bottle of wine. You could go cheaper, and do just fine as well. I will always love this place.

Hal's is always a great time! I brought my sis who is from out of town here with my son! Jeff was our waiter, and he was phenomenal!! I started with the gumbo and my sis had the wedge salad. Sorry forgot to take pics of these. For our entrees, we both got the 12 oz filet. Our sides included the Brussels sprouts, lobster Mac n cheese. They were even able to fry up some fresh to order chicken fingers for my son. They don't have a kids menu but they have a few things to offer for the little ones. My sis had an Old-Fashion to drink, and I had a lemon drop made with Don Julio Tequila instead of vodka! Everything was to die for! This is my 3rd time eating here and Hal's never disappoints. I will definitely be back!

We had our anniversary dinner here Saturday night. Even for how busy they were the table was ready on time and service was top notch. The martinis were dirty and cold. The oysters on the seafood tower were some of the best we've had. The bone in filet is our go to order every time we eat here and it has never disappointed. Great spot and we will be back anytime we are near Atlanta.

So, I went to Hal's, the steakhouse, yesterday evening for my first time. I'd like to consider myself a steakhouse connoisseur, and so I was excited to try out Hal's, coming from the airport after a long work trip and work week. However, I was disappointed. When I walked through the door, I found the first seat I could at the downstairs bar after first going upstairs and encountering a bartender, who seemed to be in a very intimate conversation one-on-one with a guest, and who didn't even acknowledge me. So, I squeezed my way in between two gentlemen to find a seat for the evening. It took about five minutes before I was finally acknowledged by a young woman who had her hair flipped back with blonde streaks in the front and a different color in the back. This tall girl, which, mind you, the bar servers have no diversity. They're all white, blonde women only, and they're dressed pretty sleazy, in my opinion, for an upscale steakhouse. The menu also has Cajun and New Orleans flavors. That kind of threw me off. Somewhat excited, but it just seemed strange, and the prices were astronomical. I ordered the lamb from the menu, and I told the woman who was serving me I was allergic to cheese, but she insisted that I get the mashed potatoes with cheese in it, because it came with them. There were no other alternatives that I could swap out for free, supposedly. So, I had a waste of mashed potatoes, because I couldn't eat it. Additionally, after ordering two drinks, I started to make friends with my neighbor, who told me that he comes to the bar regularly, and he had a very interesting drink, which he insisted the bartender make me one. I asked the bartender to make me the drink. She brought it back. As soon as she put it down and turned around, the drink spilled over, and more than half spilled out. In most bars and establishments, they would have said, I'm sorry you spilled your drink. Let me make you a new one for free. Instead, she first told us that she wouldn't make us a new drink for me to try, because she didn't have an open bottle of the vanilla liquor. But after the gentleman next to me continued to insist, considering this is an upscale restaurant that receives thousands of dollars daily, they should be able to open a bottle for a first-time guest in order to make the drink that they are requesting. So, long behold, she makes the drink, but demanded that one of us share who was going to pay her for this new drink. Luckily, the gentleman offered to pay for my drink, though. The waitress should have offered it for free. I did not get a warm vibe in there. Again, like I mentioned, it's all white girls, and they probably couldn't relate to a successful Black woman sitting at the bar. But I won't be there again, because I like to be treated special, especially when I spend over $200 for a solo dinner. I'll pass

It was my 1st time at Hal's for a fancy girls night out & wow was I impressed! The second you walk in, you see a pianist playing, older gentlemen smoking cigars (downstairs is smoking upstairs no smoking). The vibe is so classy & intimate. The garlic bread they bring out is amazing! We ordered the seafood tower to share & it was honestly very filling: lump crabmeat, ousters, shrimp, lobster, so yummy! I ordered the snapper as well as espresso martini, both were fabulous! The servers are so attentive & sweet. Definitely coming back!

Wonderful dining experience! Arrived to celebrate a birthday. We got there about 10 minutes early for our reservation but they seated us right away. Sat in the upstairs dining room. Our table was right across from the ac vent and when we mentioned it was cold, our waiter Jonas had them lower the temperature right away. Much appreciated! We ordered a bottle of wine with our meal. They brought out complimentary bread basket which was sliced garlic bread. Yum! Started with the appetizer special of fried lobster medallions in a butter creme sauce. We then moved to both sizes of the ribeyes. We shared sides of lobster Mac and onion rings. Be aware that the steaks come with a small side already so we should have only gotten one more to share because with the steaks and other sides we ordered there was way too much food. Everything was delicious!! Steaks done perfectly to temp. The creamed spinach was awesome and onion rings omg! The lobster Mac was the only thing I had an issue with. Creamy and cheesy but the only lobster to be found was the lobster tail garnish on the dish. Not a single piece to be found in the whole dish :/. Service was excellent and attentive, thanks Jonas! We then had the cheesecake and crème brûlée desserts. The one thing that took away from the experience was the noise level. We were seated on upstairs patio and could barely hear each other across the table, a small two top. This took a bit away from the ambiance of the place. We could hear all the conversations at nearby tables as it seemed folks were shouting to be heard. Overall, we enjoyed the meal and the experience.

My husband & I dined here on a Monday night for a date night. The service was wonderful & our waiter could not have been any more patient & line to us. He was very knowledgeable of the menu & gave us great recommendations. We both enjoyed wine & it paired great with our meal. We ordered the beef carpaccio for an appetizer & it was phenomenal. Melt in your mouth type of quality. I order the sea bass special & my husband got the filet. We did a side of potatoes & brussel sprouts. My husband ordered the chocolate cake for dessert and loved it. It was very rich. Highly highly recommend Hal's! Probably the best steak in Atlanta! My husband raved to his friends for days about how much he enjoyed it. The only thing I would change is the smoking - it does smell smokey when you first walk in.

Hakan was our server and he was great. Service was solid and overall a decent steakhouse in some regards. Pretty much all the typical steakhouse options. I normally write more thorough reviews, but I'm going to save a little time tonight. If you are serious about steak and a fine meal, this could be an option, but there are better options. If you want to see a bunch of hookers and smoke cigars...this is your place. Downstairs is more of a lounge for some dudes looking for a hookup with working ladies. Upstairs is for dining and such, but just doesn't meet the cut versus other options. Perfectly nice place with two different atmospheres (upstairs and downstairs). Just not my vibe. It's an Atlanta institution so if you live in Atlanta you should check it off your list. And if you are an old rich dude looking for a gold digger that will end up finishing her night later at Johnnie's Hideaway, go blow $500 at Hal's. For a date night.......maybe go somewhere else.

Deserved every star! The oysters, the mac, the ribeye all 10s. Really the entire spread... the bread service included. The restaurant is dark & intimate, really makes a great vibe

Came here on a Friday night. You need to call ahead and set reservations because this place fills up quick and it is difficult to get seating. They also have free valet parking. The service is spectacular. The waiter took care of all of our needs. I are the toasted bread, calamari, NY strip, cream spinach, and bread pudding. The bread is decent but should come with butter. The calamari is fried perfectly and comes with a nice marinara sauce. The NY strip was cooked to perfection and perfectly seasoned. I have never had a steak where every bite was just as delicious as the last bite. The creamed spinach was decent. Bread pudding came out on a hot plate and was delicious. I was stuffed.

Hal's is an Atlanta staple! Service and steaks always consistent and top tier. The live music nightly is a great added benefit.

Food is good but it's not worth the price point. Also be ready to rub some elbow grease with the table next to you. Upscale bar vibes with good food but the dress code is not even followed by their own staff so don't worry about abiding by it. Great service and friendly but fell flat overall for the price point. No wow factor imo.

The food is excellent. They serve the best Mashed Potatoes I've ever had. It's pricey for a reason.

I was truly impressed by the food here. Hal's The Steakhouse has dim lighting so be prepared to use your phone light. The wait staff is very knowledgeable, and there are quite a few specials off of the menu. First, the garlic bread is the best! It melts in your mouth. I had the 16oz bone-in filet with creamed spinach. I also shared a wedge salad with a friend. The steak was tender with a char and very juicy! I highly recommend getting a steak! I will definitely be back to Hal's when I return to Atlanta.

Great food and great service. Always a good spot for a nice meal while listening to the piano man!

Hal's never disappoints! Food is always amazing and service impeccable! It can get a little noise but well worth it for the excellent meal! The steaks are always cooked and seasoned to perfection ! Be sure and make reservations it gets busy !

We had an amazing experience at Hal's. We went for a date night and started at the bar with 2 dirty martinis. They were wonderful. At our reservation time we were seated upstairs and greeted by our waiter who was wonderful. We ordered a bottle of red and began with the calamari. It was so good. Tender and fried to perfection. Their garlic bread was great too. We enjoyed the 12 ounce filet split and shared the Brussels and white truffle lobster mac and cheese. Everything was perfectly cooked and tasted amazing. We finished with the tiramisu which was made well. Couldn't have asked for a better date night dinner and we've been to all the greats in Atlanta. Make sure you add this one to your list.

My wife and I enjoyed an excellent upscale meal at Hal's. Our server, Miguel, was attentive but not over bearing. The food was perfectly cooked and it was a great way to end a busy work day.

Busy Tuesday Host and servers were great. We did have a reservation but it was packed & waited 20 min for opening. Food was good. I probably should have done wine this time. Valet parking. Would def come back but hopefully it isn't so busy and lively next time.

I made a reservation at Hal's over a month in advance. I'm not sure how late you can still make one, but they were quite crowded when we dined there on a Saturday, so my advice is to book early. We arrived around 6 p.m. They feature valet parking in a short loop in front of the restaurant. Note also that when you leave the restaurant, you cannot really turn right (towards Piedmont Ave.) as Old Ivy Road dead-ends just before that for some reason. You enter via a ramp from the valet station. They had a security guy manning the door when we got there, though the area didn't seem unsafe by any measure. Maybe they have a fair percentage of rich diners and they just want to discourage any sort of 'invasive' robbery... When you enter, you are facing an elevator up to the 2nd floor. Turn left instead to the host station. The interior or the restaurant here was very dark. Maybe it was just the transition from the bright sunlight outside to this interior, but as we were led up the stairs beyond the elevator, I had to take it slow and pay close attention to even see the stairs. We ended up circling around to a sort of windowed balcony on the 2nd floor, which was quite light and airy (especially compared to the stairs). The overall vibe I got was 'money'. This is a relatively expensive restaurant, and the clientele seemed to reflect that. There was significant percentage of 'old money' looking tables, along with a mix of families celebrating graduations, and younger tables of people gathering for whatever. There were a few couples like us as well. Service was swift and efficient, as tends to be the case in places like this. There is no shortage of servers and they tend to combine on a table the way pit crews handle formula 1 cars (in a generally good way). We both got the filets, where were both large, expensive, and a good cut of meat cooked very well. There are a few 'standard' side dishes also, though you can up-change them. We both liked our mashed potatoes, though the portions there were more modest compared to the steaks. We split a salad which turned out to be a good idea, as even split we each had plenty. We also split a dessert, which was also large. As for drinks, they appeared to have an extensive wine menu. I heard an adjoining table negotiating for what sort of scotch they would get in their cocktail, and the list seemed to go on for a while. So I you are in to higher end spirits, this may also be the place for you. This may have just been related to where we got seated or the nearby tables, but by the end of the meal the noise level had ramped up significantly. It had been much quieter at the outset. I'm not sure which noise level is the norm. Overall, we both liked our meals here quite a bit. It is certainly not a place that we'd go on a whim, but for a rare splurge meal, this is a great option.

The service was great. The drink was great. The food too expensive with no taste. Mashed potatoes tasted like package mashed potatoes. The spinach no taste. The broccoli no taste. The $100 steak was not season no taste.

Food was amazing fitting for the eclectic environment white table cloth restaurant. Staff was professional and the food was great.

First time at Hal's and I already cannot wait to go back. We have THE best service, Eddie waited on us and he was a perfect gem. We split the 12oz and got side dishes to split. Everything was cooked to perfect. The steak was amazing, of course. But if the lobster Mac is available, definitely get it. The cool dark vibes made it great for conversation and catching up with my friend. Couldn't recommend this place more.