The Garden Room

Dining at this Buckhead hotspot inside the St. Regis is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s a fun, whimsical environment where you’ll want to spend all your money on over-the-top cocktails and play make-believe for a bit.

You’ll be eating in a fantasy garden full of theatrical food and drink presentations and playful touches, like a glittery cocktail in a champagne glass with a floating rubber ducky. Actually, it kinda feels like that scene in that movie, set in a Victorian conservatory with hanging vines and lush greenery all around, where the young, aspiring out-of-towner monopolizes the conversation in hopes of finding an investor for some innovative spin on yoni steamers. Okay, maybe we’re merging movie genres here. But the events are inspired by a true story. 

Because the Garden Room leans into the land of make-believe, it’s a place where anything goes. Or it feels like it. Occasionally, there will be hired entertainment, perhaps a live in-house singer, belting out classic Whitney Houston tunes. And, of course, there’s always entertaining people-watching, from a relentless parade of reality stars and actors filming in-town projects to that one former boy band member who, sitting at a table with other celebrities, always tries way too hard to get noticed. Ask no questions, part of the charm here is that you go with the flow.

The menu goes into lavish territory with caviar spreads, seafood towers, and pricey $10ish per ounce tomahawk steaks but also offers simple, down-to-earth dishes that we like, including a tasty wagyu burger and perfectly crisp fries. And all the signature cocktails come with a twist, like an espresso martini with a peanut butter cup or a spicy mezcal concoction over shaved ice made out of pineapple juice—our favorite (order ASAP because the daily-made pineapple ice usually runs out by the end of each evening).

It’s that blend of fanciful and practical enjoyment that brings out a wildly divergent crowd on an average night, from influencers to celebrating coworkers and groups of friends. And, of course, former boy band members, and future yoni steamer tycoons (remember us when you make it!).

Food Rundown

photo credit: Mia Yakel

Lobster Roll

The Garden Room feels like a tea party for grown ups, and these tiny, charming lobster rolls are more sized to feed a babydoll and a few stuffies than actual adults. But they are adorable and tasty with their soft, mini Parker House rolls topped with cold lobster claws and a drizzle of ponzu sauce. Two come with each order—with an $18 price tag, we wish we could conjure up an imaginary friend with real live money who’d cover a few extra orders.

La Vie En Rose

This sweet, creamy dessert is one of the coolest presentations here, even if the taste is instantly forgettable. A rose is dipped in liquid nitrogen, and then you get to hand smash the frozen rose petals over a few tablespoons of vanilla mousse. It’s topped with a tart raspberry sorbet in the shape of a strawberry.

Send Noods

Even if you’re (somehow) not into playland, come for the drinks. The signature Send Noods is a must. Vodka-based and fruity, the cocktail is served in a champagne glass, accented with Chambord, edible glitter, a little pea flower for the purple-ish color, and garnished with a rubber ducky, which you should totally keep and name Duck Norris.