My friends lost a bet. I pick the restaurant.

[AthensTony]

I won an annual bet with a couple of friends. The losers fly to the winning guys city and buy him dinner. This year they are coming to Atlanta and I want to know a great place for 3, 30 year old guys. I've been to restaurant Eugene and Woodfire, so I'd like to try something new. Thanks for your suggestions.

[myabsurdlife]

I agree with most of the suggestions here (although I tend to favor Rathbun Steak over Rathbun's) Also wanted to throw JCT Kitchen (same location as Bacchanalia) or Holman & Finch in the mix (chef from Restaurant Eugene, focus on smaller plates "whole animal" offers like sweetbreads and organs, house cured meats and the 10pm burger).

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Rathbun's Restaurant
112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Restaurant Eugene
2277 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

[Fuller]

You can check out Miller Union for an even newer area restaurant. Quite good.

http://www.millerunion.com/site/

They got a semifinalist nomination from the James Beard Foundation for best new restaurant. Note, this category encompasses all the the USA, not just the southeast. As an aside, I have not been impressed with Two Urban Licks in the past couple years.

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Miller Union
999 Brady Ave Suite 106, Atlanta, GA 30318

[edwardspk]

Had dinner at Miller Union for the first time this past Saturday and was very impressed with the food and service. I agree with Fuller it's an option you should check out.

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Miller Union
999 Brady Ave Suite 106, Atlanta, GA 30318

[Spiritchaser]

I don't know if it's "fancy" enough but we loved The Watershed.

[rcburli]

I suppose it depends on what kind of night you are looking for.
My first thought is Abbatoir or Bacchanalia.
Bone's, Hal's, Rathbun Steak or Rathbun's
Il Mulino New York, Antica Posta or Sotto Sotto
Two Urban Licks

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Two Urban Licks
820 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30306

Rathbun's Restaurant
112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Antica Posta
519 East Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30305

Sotto Sotto
313 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307

[AthensTony]

Wow. Thanks RC I see Bacchanalia mentioned a lot on the boards. I'm looking for a place with modern food that isn't too stuffy. I'm excited to research the places you've recommended.

[rcburli]

My thought is Abbatoir. New in town, great chef and owners (same as baccahanlia), great reviews, the food you are looking for.

The only thing with Abbatoir is that you'll save your friends some money. It's a great deal for the food. If you want to stick it to them for losing the bet, you might want to choose Bacchanalia or Rathbun's.

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Rathbun's Restaurant
112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

[edwardspk]

I agree - go to Abbatoir when you're paying, not when you've won a bet. Rathbun's or Rathbun's Steak are good options. I love the food at Bacchanalia (personally, my favorite restaurant in the city), but not sure if you might consider it stuffy. There's no jacket required, but it is a fine dining restaurant - not necessarily a "guys night on the town" kind of place, if that's what you're looking for. Bacchanalia is quiet, somewhat subdued. Rathbun's and Rathbun's Steak will be on the louder side and a bit more "fun"..

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Rathbun's Restaurant
112 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Rathbun's Steak
154 Krog St NE Ste 200, Atlanta, GA 30307