The Bistro Grill — Restaurant in Georgia

It was such an awkward time! We arrived wearing like date night clothes and when we walked in, the owner said “are you here for a to-go order?” We instantly got the vibe and knew that we were not welcome there. He explained the dress code, and I couldn’t really see what was wrong. I was wearing a nice sun dress, nice leather shoes, a high end bag, and expensive jewelry.

My husband was in a good quality v neck grey tshirt and nice shorts. The only things I could think of were that I was wearing spaghetti straps on my sun dress, and I have tattoos, because other patrons were wearing tshirts and open-toed sandals.

I mean come on- it was 90 degrees out yesterday. It was HOT. And objectively, my husband and I looked nice. The owner explained that he wanted all of the guests to feel “safe and comfortable with the other guests”, like…I don’t think we were dressed offensively.

The issue is that we felt instantly unwelcome, and I should have taken that as a sign to leave. We even considered leaving, but the owner said “just come on in but remember it for next time”.

We went in and I just couldn’t shake the awkward feeling. It was not a light-hearted dinner. I asked if I could substitute shrimp for chicken on a dish, because there were very few non-meat options, and was told there were no substitutions. I ended up ordering the cioppino at his recommendation, and it wasn’t that great.

To be honest, the mussels tasted and smelled like my dog’s breath after she drank out of the toilet when my kid forgot to flush it and left the seat up.

The owner suggested I let the mussels marinade in the broth beneath them, but it didn’t help much. The owner told me that people travel from far and wide to eat the cioppino. Like from where…Douglasville?

I will say the hummus was excellent. But everything else was like…ok whatever. The place definitely had a goal you know? To be super fancy and high end and play jazz music over the speaker, and I appreciate big dreams.

I know how hard it is to run a restaurant. I have worked at plenty, and my parents owned a couple that I used to work at. I’ve seen the ins and outs of these setups and I know there has to be a bridge between a vision and execution of that vision, and it can be a difficult bridge to build.

I would have had a lot more sympathy and understanding for the quality of the food and atmosphere had we not been treated like dirty scoundrels when we walked in the door. Yes, the owner attempted to be gentle and kind and smile at us afterwards when taking our orders, but it wasn’t enough to shake the awkward feelings. I didn’t want to be there at all and couldn’t leave fast enough.

I kept feeling sort of bad about myself even though I left the house feeling beautiful and confident, excited to step out with my man and have a romantic dinner. My husband said “honey, there’s literally a Wendy’s across the street and a vape shop next door. There’s a guy sitting out here on a golf cart with a road pop waiting to buy some gummies. Don’t feel bad, its not you.”

My husband was hoping for a beautiful night so that he could re-propose to me with new rings (we are celebrating our 9th anniversary and renewing our vows) and he ultimately decided that it would be cruel to me to propose to me in a place where I felt so anxious. He later did it at Allatoona Park which was sweet and made up...

There’s a sign on the door stating “not recommended for under 16.” I wasnt sure if that meant kids were not allowed or kids wouldnt like the food. I walked in with my toddler in my arms, and the guy at the counter looked surprised and annoyed. Quite unwelcoming. I thought he was going to ask us to leave, but he did seat us.

The woman server was warm and nice a smiling.

The menu is expansive. It took a while to settle on the chicken kebab, a few greek sandwiches (actually wraps, in my personal lexicon), hummus, and the eggplant stack.

For me, the hummus was bland. I like my hummus a little thicker, with garlic and stronger spices, but plenty of people might prefer Bistro’s lighter, more delicate variation.

The eggplant stacker was really good. Thin slices of eggplant spiced and marinated with balsamic vinegar, layered with tender slices of mozzarella and fresh tomato.

I had a brief interaction with the guy server at this point in which he actually seemed kind of friendly.

The sandwiches were satisfying, and huge, with a medley of flavors from the lamb, tzaziki, feta, oil, and fresh vegetables stuffed inside.

My kid gobbled up most of what we gave her from our plates (she has never eaten from kids menus).

The kebab plate also came in a huge portion. My mother is a self professed picky eater and usually cant shut up about how much she dislikes a restaurant, but she praised the chicken repeatedly. I cannot emphasize enough how complimentary it is for her to applaud restaurant food.

The dessert menu is also enormous. Probably they are all good, just pick a few and enjoy yourself.

I also want to say that the food is like artwork. I dont really get the all-black interior, low lights and loungy music thing theyve got going on there. But when the food arrives full of color and textures, almost painted onto the plates, it fills the table with a visual sensation that makes experience more enjoyable.

A drinks menu would be great. Some wines and a few light beers would be welcome.

They might also rethink the “not recommended for under 16 sign,” at least a less “go away” way of saying it, such as “The Bistro Grill is designed for a mature palate. Children are welcome, but please consider whether they can enjoy our menu.” Something like that.

Will probably be back. I want to try...

Our dining experience was pleasantly more than just another dinner out at a local restaurant. Many things my wife and I really liked about the bistro grill. First, let me attempt to address the issues that most negative reviewers seem to find so objectionable. The Bistro Grill is NOT a corporate branded, multiple tabled, all ages, high volume, wait 40 minutes for a table run of the mill Paulding county eatery with a to go window and stacks of highchairs or child booster seats. It also currently doesn't sell alcohol so it is not a bar or lounge. As a matter of fact I'm not sure that they even offer name brand sodas and if that's true.. it's ok we didn't miss them. They do have very satisfying, and likely healthier (sweet tea excluded lol), alternatives.

Some "fine" diners may object to the absence of cloth tablecloths or napkins and maybe the adult contemporary & jazz music being played through their speakers isn't live and not low enough ...but for those folks I'll say you better pass because there being only one restroom and it's unisex GASP!.. and there not being an attendant on duty waiting to dry your hands will surely send you to urgent care! Ok so I've had my fun here.. Listen , this restaurant DOES offer a finer dining experience to the customer that is open to or desiring a next level dining experience with limited seating in this area, (reservations highly recommended). One that is nicely lit (for business or romance), small (aka.. cozy, quieter) and last but not least a set menu.. it's huge (probably too big) with many desserts to choose from also. That along with the provided music age appropriate customers all makes for a quiet adult night out for mom and dad or 3 or 4 adult friends. There is a (yes ..small) very attentive staff that is headed by a professional chef & host that always makes himself available table side to provide service, for conversation, recommendations etc... He was very professional, friendly, confident and respectful. Lamb chops like nowhere else in this county .. delicious!.. My lamb kabobs honestly were on the well done side for me... But our fantastic cups of coffee and our tarimasu and cappuccino cake were the perfect finishing touch! Online reservations and menu are of course available online. Go opened up to not just dinner but...