Big news for downtown Athens: Oak Steakhouse opens this Wednesday, September 16, right in the heart of the Classic City. This is the same Indigo Road Hospitality Group brand behind the flagship in Charleston and the Nashville location — and I can tell you firsthand, having eaten at the Nashville property, it’s every bit as good as it looks.

Oak is taking over the old Holman Hotel space at 110 E. Clayton Street — a building with serious history, from a former church to a 1920s hotel to a bank. The design keeps a lot of that character intact, including the old bank vault turned into a private dining room.

On the menu: Certified Angus Beef Prime steaks, a raw bar, and dishes like Deviled Crab Dip, Grilled Quail, and a Heritage Pork Chop. These are serious steaks for serious steak lovers. The cocktail and wine program looks great too.

For my followers heading to Athens this fall for UGA football — this is about to be a go-to spot for a pregame dinner or a celebratory postgame steak. Downtown, walkable, and now with a proper steakhouse to match the gameday energy. Certainly a Friday night treat.

Options are always good and now you’ve got another great one. Reservations are available on Open Table.

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