Blue Ridge Grill

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Buckhead Institution with Southern Roots

Owners Susan DeRose and Richard Lewis built Blue Ridge Grill as a testament to their Southern heritage, and that intent is apparent the moment you walk in. The space evokes a centuries-old mountain cabin: an immense stacked-stone fireplace anchors the room, timbers rescued from an 1890s cotton mill frame the ceilings, painted log walls run alongside comfortable red leather booths, and an open kitchen with a wood-burning grill gives the main dining room its warm, smoky character.

Long established as one of the go-to spots for Atlanta's movers and shakers, Blue Ridge Grill sets a particular standard for style in Buckhead — one that manages to feel rustic and casual without sacrificing elegance.

The Food

The menu is rooted in Southern American cuisine, drawing on locally sourced ingredients from farms, gardens, and coastlines across Georgia and the broader Southeast. Signature dishes reflect that geography directly: grilled Georgia Trout, iron skillet-seared mussels, and a hickory-grilled rib-eye have each become calling cards of the restaurant. Seasonal dishes rotate alongside these staples, keeping the menu grounded in what's available and at its best.

The Wine Program

The wine list is one of Blue Ridge Grill's most serious commitments — more than 400 varieties of old and new world wines, hand-picked to complement the restaurant's Southern American cuisine. That depth earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023, a recognition that reflects both the breadth of selection and the care taken in pairing wines to the food. The list spans everything from accessible everyday bottles to serious collector-level pours across Napa, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and beyond.

Spaces and Atmosphere

Beyond the main dining room, an enclosed porch offers a more relaxed setting with full bar service and appetizers, furnished with antique black wicker. The bar itself opens to both the porch and the main room, serving the full dining menu alongside wine and spirits. For private occasions, Downstairs at Blue Ridge Grill accommodates between 8 and 45 guests, making it a practical choice for intimate dinners and larger group events alike.