Steak and Grace, opening in Dunwoody Village later this year in the former First Watch space, aims to be a more affordable neighborhood steakhouse, owner Barry Mills said.
Mills, who also owns Big B’s Fish Joint at Chastain Market Shopping Center on Roswell Road, said he wants to differentiate this “upscale-casual” restaurant from other traditional steakhouses around town that often serve as special occasion destinations.
“We wanted to make it more affordable [and] the kind of place that’s a weekly dining spot, not one you only visit on your birthday and anniversary,” Mills said.
To that end, the menu will consist of “composed” dishes that include a side and a starch, rather than the a la carte options typically found on most steakhouse menus.
“As I’ve gotten older, I am moving away from being ‘the next hottest restaurant,’” he added. “I want to run a restaurant that has some longevity; a place where I get to see the same people every week.”
With construction already underway, Mills said he’s hopeful the restaurant will open by the end of 2024.
Executive chef Conor O’Reilly, formerly of Fifth Group Restaurants, will lead the kitchen at Steak and Grace, which will serve lunch and dinner and offer a weekend brunch. Look for a pared down menu of salads, burgers, and sandwiches at lunch.
While the menu heavily features steak, people can expect seafood and chicken dishes at Steak and Grace. According to Mills, fresh steaks will be delivered daily to the restaurant, and all sides, sauces, and desserts will be made in-house. Look for wine, beer, and cocktails from the bar and weekly happy hour specials.
Big B’s has a similar vibe to what Mills wants to achieve at Steak and Grace in Dunwoody Village. As with the upcoming steakhouse, Big B’s is located in a neighborhood-like setting. He’s also pleased Steak and Grace is located across the parking lot from David Abes’s collection of restaurants at the Dunwoody Village shopping center.
“I like what David is doing and I feel that we will fit into the neighborhood vibe nicely.”