Truly Unique Dining in Columbus

By Natalie Downey

Tucked away just off the beaten path, yet still in the heart of Columbus, Buckhead Steak and Wine sits lavishly in a wooded lot, offering respite from the busyness and noise of the city.

Buckhead Steak and Wine

The atmosphere at Buckhead is inviting, and the food is intoxicating. A former ranch-style bungalow turned French style steakhouse, Buckhead boasts an array of wild game and mouth watering steaks. The restaurant prides itself on its classic flavors, perfected. Everything is made to order to the guest’s delight, and their sauces and dressings are all made in-house. We were happy to learn you can even buy their amazing balsamic dressing to keep.

photo by the LocaL Magazine

A meal at Buckhead Steak and Wine begins and ends with quality. The restaurant features a gorgeous full bar that offers an extensive liqueur and cordial selection along with local craft beers and exquisite, elegant cocktails. Appetizers, main courses, salads, and desserts are all made with master craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for attention to detail.

While it has been said that Chef Chris “puts his foot in it” which (if you’ve never heard before) is a southern saying about how good the food is, this chef actually trained in the Bahamas and, fortunately for us, brought his talents to Columbus years ago.

Speaking of the chef, one of the first things you’ll experience at Buckhead is the playful, artistic, and attention grabbing “Amouse Bouche,” which means “mouth amuser.” This savory, one-bite appetizer is a delectable foreshadowing of the sensory delights to come and is a first glimpse of the chef’s style. The Amouse Bouche is not a part of the menu, and isn’t ordered by guests, but is rather sent out by the chef as a welcome.

The Amouse Bouche

photo by the LocaL Magazine

The restaurant is currently offering its “date night” special on Tuesday nights, which includes your appetizer, two entrees, two salads, a full bottle of red or white wine, and dessert. On Wednesdays, guests can take advantage of “wine night” which comes with a free appetizer with the purchase of a bottle of wine for half off.

Buckhead Steak and Wine is owned and operated by a close-knit staff. “The crew is like family, we help each other out,” managers Vi and Ben agree. When Covid hit the area, staff had to be drastically scaled back, and just to keep the restaurant up and running, they volunteered their time. During the first few months when there was a massive shortage of beef, distributors “either weren’t carrying or had prices jacked up so high we couldn’t afford it,” recalls Patel.

photo by the LocaL Magazine

Determined to find the quality necessary to keep the restaurant’s signature plates on the menu, the owner personally drove to Atlanta to purchase the steaks they needed.

Keeping a local restaurant afloat during a national pandemic is a challenge for any restaurant, and the staff at Buckhead have remained committed to providing our community a luxurious escape from daily life with an unforgettable night out. Precautions have been put into place for the safety of both guests and employees. Masks are required in all common areas, and can be removed once guests have been seated. A host greets guests at the door to take a quick temperature reading before leading them to their seats. Buckhead staff hope to make guests feel they can relax and enjoy an evening out without having to worry about their safety.

Buckhead is committed to involvement in Columbus as well as perfecting their food. The restaurant’s updates, renovations, and decor details have been crafted and installed by local tradesmen. “We try to keep the business local,” explains Vi.

“We still pay homage to the original home feel,” Vi continues. While the restaurant is elegant and lush, with, for example, its marble bartop, it is also comfortable and romantic. Private booths are large enough to comfortably seat an entire family yet still feel intimate and secluded, and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace lends a French lodge vibe. Various elements of decor give a nod to wildlife, “Every section has its own feel to it,” Vi says. Separate dining areas throughout the restaurant offer different experiences, and two outdoor seating areas, a veranda and patio, give guests wonderful options for outdoor dining. With a private VIP room, lots of meeting space, plenty of parking, and its many dining areas, Buckhead has become a popular venue for weddings, important events, and business meetings. One thing we know for sure is you’ll find Buckhead Steak and Wine to be an environment where you can truly relax, connect, and definitely ~ indulge.

Buckhead Steak and Wine is located on Armour Road just off I 185 between exits 7 & 8 and is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., and on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. More information can be found at buckheadsteakandwine.com

The Buckhead delectable Burger offered from their "Date Night" menu

STEAK!