More than 25 local restaurants will square off in a judged steak competition at Pullman Yards on April 9, when the nationally touring RARE Steak Championship heads to Atlanta for the first time.

Produced by DiningOut, the event includes live music, cocktails, and unlimited steak tastings, building up to an awards ceremony that crowns the evening’s winners.

Sliced seared steak plated with red wine, baked potato sides, and a gratin dish at an upscale outdoor restaurant dinner.
Via Kevin Rathbun Steak/Facebook.

What to expect

Restaurants compete in two judged divisions: Best Traditional Steak and Best Creative Steak. All cuts of steak are sourced from Buckhead Meat & Seafood. A panel of culinary professionals will also hand out Critic’s Choice awards, while event attendees vote for People’s Choice. Participating bartenders vie for Best Cocktail.

Crystal Clear Band will perform live on stage throughout the night, with doors opening at 7 p.m. for people 21-and-older. VIP admission begins at 6 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from RARE Steak Championship benefits Open Hand Atlanta, providing healthy meals to people across the metro area.

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The restaurant competitors

  • The Capital Grille
  • Kevin Rathbun Steak
  • Morton’s
  • Ruth’s Chris Steak House
  • STK Steakhouse
  • Canoe
  • Catch 12
  • Cuts Steakhouse
  • Parker’s on Ponce
  • The Palm
  • Uncle Jacks
  • Arnette’s Chop Shop
  • Aspens Signature Steaks
  • Cattle Shed
  • El Valle Kitchen & Bar
  • Governors Gun Club
  • McDaniel’s QN2 BBQ
  • Smoke & Friends
  • Steak Market 44
  • The Curious Pig
  • Tio Lucho’s
  • Up on the Roof
  • Vanzant’s
  • 1885 Grill
  • The Woodall

RARE launched in Denver in 2019 before expanding to Houston and Dallas. Atlanta joins the 2026 tour, alongside other new cities like New York and Phoenix.

Grab tickets at atlanta.raresteakfest.com.

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