Cherokee Chophouse — Restaurant in Georgia

On September 22, 2024 I chose this place to celebrate my daughter turning 19 based on the great reviews I had read. Additionally, she had just started college the month prior so, it was an all around special occasion.

The hostess who greeted us was very welcoming and I discretely whispered to her that it was my daughters' birthday to which she replied happily, "I got you!." Additionally, the ambiance of the restaurant was delightful.

Unfortunately, the minute that we seen our waiter (John) we immediately got an instant unpleasant vibe based on his expressions alone i.e. looking annoyed approaching our table. However, we still greeted him with smiles and I excitedly shared that it is our first time here and that it is my daughters' birthday. This information was met with a "I couldn't care less" tone, facial expression and again, irritation which took us both back, but we still are pushing through to make the best of it to no avail.

The icing on the cake was when John took offense that my daughter was ordering more than one main dish and even questioned it outwardly as if it was bizarre. We both noticed this and I immediately stepped in and informed him with a smile on my face with slight assertiveness, "It is her birthday and she can order as many things as she wants! This is her special day." On top of that, he mentioned the kind of bread (cheesy bread) they served since we didn't want to any appetizers so, I asked my daughter if she wanted to try the bread to which he snobbishly interrupted and said, "The bread is free. It's what comes with being here." At this time, I sternly reply, "We are more than aware that it is common knowledge that restaurants provide bread without charge. This isn't our first time being in a restaurant so, there is no need for you to provide that information. I know my daughter isn't really into cheesy bread etc so, I was just asking her to see if she wanted to try yours."

At this point, we were both done and I was going to set out to find a manager. Ironically, Vinny (one of the managers) was actually walking around and checking on tables which allowed me to share with him our unfortunate experience. Vinny, then reached out to his general manager (his name slips me) and I shared the unpleasant experience.

Both managers were very apologetic and took the matter seriously. And they made sure we received top notch service not just for the our terrible experience, but to make my daughters' birthday special.

They ended up giving me another waiter (Lisa I believe was her name) who was very nice. Our bill was $104 and we left a $45 tip.

The restaurant is beautiful, the light setting is just right, it is clean and has great parking. However, the food overall just wasn't our cup of tea i.e. either outright bland or lack of seasoning. I will say their mash potatoes were good! and the food was super fresh and hot!

I hate that despite all the best efforts and accommodations from Vinny and his GM unfortunately, this experience left a negative (tainted) imprint on a special day and milestone (college) for my daughter. As a parent it actually hurt that my daughter even had to experience this. John just gave the impression that he didn't want to serve us. We were very well dressed, hair nicely done, neat and put together. Nonetheless, management is amazing! They demonstrated and displayed the true definition on what it means to value patrons, provided immediate action to rectify a matter and sincerely cared thus the only reasons for...

WOW!!!!! If I could describe our visit in one word WOW is it. When you pull in you can tell you are in for a treat. The decor outside is done well. When you step inside BOOM! You are hit with class. Style and elegance. We were warmly greeted by the hostess and seated immediately. Sarah our server WOWED us again. She was personable, attentive and knowledgeable of the menu, including off menu items. There is a really nice bar. Then in the middle of the dining room, there is a "wine cellar" encased in a beautiful glass display. We were already seated at a booth when we asked if we could move to be closer to that romantic setting. We also requested to keep Sarah as our server. The very pleasant manager came over, greeted us and moved us with no hesitation. Now for the part you have been waiting for..... The FOOD!!! Hands down this was one our best dining experiences in the Woodstock/Marietta area ever. I would argue in all of Atlanta. We started with the carpachio and the porchella. They both were perfect. Everything from the presentation to the flavor was great. The carpachio was tender and served with tosted slices of french bread. The porchella was a a cirular slice of pork belly with a light cherry glaze with real cherries. It was tender with the perfect amount of crispy crunch. The flavor contrast complimented each other and hit just right. We also had a large house salad which was bigger than expected. We almost did not have room for our main course, so we decided to share the Cherokee Mixed Grille which came served with Filet medallions, skirt steak, and lamb chops. It comes out on a sizzling platter, and is sliced table side. It was all cooked to perfection. Every bite was yummylicious! We also had a side of sauteed and grilled brussel sprouts that were seasoned to perfection, tossed in a sauce with what I believe was candied bacon bits. Even kids who hate veggies would love these! We were just impressed all around. Even the cocktails were deliecious. I had a New Berry Fashion that was made just right. Not too sweet and well balanced. Needless to say webhad to take a to go box for the main course and brussel sprouts. Do yourself and your belly a flavor and go visit the...

After a whack-ton of recommendations for Cherokee Chop House recently we thought we’d give it another try.

(We had visited the same location a few years ago when it was Cherokee Cattle Company and found it totally unremarkable back then)

But wow! - have they turned it around now. I assume it may be new owners and definitely new investment in staff and decor.

The first thing to hit is the downtown cocktail bar vibe as you enter. Lots of deep leather and beautiful dimly lit accents.

Service was quick and efficient right from the get-go with plenty of hosts, servers, table-bussers, water-toppers and floor managers all actively helping without any sense of demarcation or superiority - It looked like a well functioning team.

Our server (Daniel), was friendly without being over familiar, and kept us well informed but never rushed.

Food was nothing short of magnificent. The tuna appetizer was highly recommended and did not disappoint. We also tried the candied bacon appetizer which was a sumptuous treat too.

Our filet mignons were appropriately priced and cooked to perfection. Sides of loaded baked potato and mac’n’cheese were plentiful (massive!) and should be shared - unless your belt size is akin to Luciano Pavarotti’s.

Desserts of Apple Pie and Lava cake were decadent and incredible.

The wine list is extensive with a few unique options. Single Malts were reasonably priced and it was great to see a non-alcoholic beer for our designated driver.

The only down side is that the dining room felt a bit too ‘bustling’ for a higher end steak restaurant. Lots of large group tables meant conversation noise drowned out the gentler late night music. Plus, many patrons and staff coming-and-going gave more of a casual breakfast diner feel, rather than a formal relaxing evening restaurant.

Finally, more of an observation than a critique but on a Saturday night out, I was disappointed to notice so many male patrons in dirty trainers and baseball caps. This is a lovely restaurant gents. Leave the Performance Fishing Gear shirts at home and show your girls you can make an effort for them!

Maybe the management could suggest a basic dress code to make it a more comparable experience to other steak restaurants...