Coalition Steak and Seafood — Restaurant in Alpharetta

I want to be honest with this review, but I also want to note that my score is higher than it might have been because the staff did make efforts to address some of my concerns.

My husband and I first discovered this restaurant on Instagram. The photos and videos were very enticing, and the food looked incredible, so we decided to make the 45-minute drive to check it out. When we arrived, my husband mentioned our reservation and the host asked whose birthday it was. Once we said it was mine, we were seated—but nothing was ever done or mentioned by our waitress to acknowledge my birthday throughout the meal, which felt like a missed opportunity.

I ordered the Lychee Martini and my husband had the Cucumber Refresher. Unfortunately, my martini was very sweet, heavy on citrus, and unlike any lychee martini I’ve had before. We dine often at Thai restaurants and even make them at home, so I know the flavor profile well. The color was also thick, almost like it was overly concentrated. I expressed my concern, and to the restaurant’s credit, the manager came over and provided an extra shot of vodka to add in. It definitely helped, but it still didn’t resemble a traditional lychee martini.

The char-grilled oysters were excellent, and I really appreciated that they accommodated half without cheese for my husband’s dairy restriction.

Our server recommended we look at Instagram for menu inspiration, so I watched the lobster roll video and decided to order that while my husband chose the special: one pound of crab claws. Unfortunately, this was where the experience fell short. The lobster roll I received looked nothing like the video—much smaller and with less lobster meat. Similarly, I cook crab claws often, and I can confidently say what my husband was served was not one pound, but closer to half.

At first, I didn’t want to complain again, but after comparing my own video to their Instagram, I had to say something. What frustrated me most was the manager insisting it was the same amount of meat and that the only difference was that theirs was “chopped up.” That simply wasn’t true, and it felt dismissive, as if I couldn’t tell the difference.

To be fair, the manager did bring out extra lobster, which I appreciated. However, the discrepancies between the promotional videos and the actual food served were too significant. The oysters were a highlight, and the service was attentive in some areas, but overall, the experience didn’t match the hype and the birthday acknowledgment was completely overlooked.

We won’t be making the drive to return, though I do appreciate the attempts to make things right...

We decide to have a little Friendsgiving dinner here at Coalition and little sis was the one that made all the arrangement. Parking here is a little difficult but there's a parking deck right around the corner and if you're lucky enough; there's always street parking.

Let me start out by saying, I've never been to an establishment where their food and services are top notch like this one. Little sis discovered this restaurant through IG and we were a little hesitant but we decided to give this place a try since their oysters looked so good. The place was much smaller than what we've expected but the coziness of this place will make you feel welcome. Brett was our server and he was super attentive and friendly. He didn't rushed us and gave us time in between when we all tried to figure things out. I would say one negative thing about Brett is that he doesn't write our orders down and we did ordered a lot, therefore, he forgot our soup. It was totally fine with us since we ordered so much food.

We started out with some appetizers... two dozen raw and two dozen Rockefeller oyster, bang bang chicken, crab cake and calamari. The oysters here are to die for; it's super sweet and the Rockefeller has so much flavors, their bang bang chicken was good but the calamari was a little dry, their crab cake has a nice balance served with a side salad. I liked it a little dry like that but the girls didn't cared for it. Do get their strawberry bees knees, I did switched the Gin out for whisky and it was good. My sister kept how it is and it was a little too sweet for me. For our entrees, we went with lobsters roll with fries, crab stuffed shrimp, seared chilean sea bass and broiled fisherman plate. Everything was cooked to perfection.

The only CON I would say about this establishment is that even though we ordered so much food; they didn't switched us to a bigger table. We did have a little hard time eating because the table was a little small for all the drinks and food. Other than that, I would recommend this restaurant to everyone!

Until next...

Coalition, nestled at the corner of Milton and Roswell in downtown Alpharetta, stands as a beacon of culinary delight among the city's over 200 restaurants. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of cozy elegance that perfectly complements the sophisticated dining experience. The warm lighting, plush seating, and tasteful decor create a welcoming ambiance that invites diners to relax and savor every moment of their visit.

The menu at Coalition is a potpourri of dishes, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Whether you are a fan of fresh catches or prefer succulent steaks, there is something to satisfy every palate. Their seafood options are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the chef's expertise in crafting dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Complementing the seafood are a variety of steaks and fresh salads, providing a well-rounded selection that caters to diverse tastes.

Starters at Coalition set the stage for a memorable meal, with offerings that range from exquisite seafood bites to inventive street food-inspired plates. Each starter is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor, making it difficult to choose just one. These appetizers not only whet the appetite but also hint at the culinary adventure that awaits with the main course, ensuring that every diner finds something to love from the very first bite.

Service at Coalition is exemplary, with a friendly and attentive staff that ensures your needs are met throughout your dining experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, the staff's dedication to providing top-notch service is evident. They are knowledgeable about the menu, eager to offer recommendations, and always ready to go the extra mile to make your visit special. This level of care and attention to detail elevates Coalition from a mere dining spot to a cherished destination in Alpharetta's vibrant...