Oak Steakhouse

Reviews

• SR

  Sharita Barnhill, BSN, RN

  4 days ago
  2.0
  My spouse and I chose this restaurant during our October 1, 2026 staycation because we both love a good steak and were looking forward to a romantic, memorable dining experience while celebrating 20 years together. Unfortunately, what should have been a special evening became an extremely disappointing experience. From the beginning, the level of service and attention to detail did not reflect what we expected from a restaurant at this price point. We had concerns regarding the cleanliness of our glassware and dishes, and we ultimately had to send our drinks back three times because the glasses were not properly cleaned. Rather than feeling that our concerns were received with understanding and professionalism, our server appeared disengaged and lacked empathy throughout much of our interaction. As a couple celebrating 20 years together, we came in excited to enjoy one another, have a wonderful meal, and make another special memory. Instead, there were moments when the service left us feeling uncomfortable and wondering whether assumptions were being made about us—whether because we spoke up about the cleanliness issues, because of how we presented ourselves, or because we are a same-sex couple. I cannot speak to anyone's intentions, but I can speak to how the interaction made us feel: we did not feel welcomed, valued, or genuinely cared for. What was equally disappointing was the food. Our dinner was approximately $300, yet we ate only about 20% of it. The steaks arrived cold, lacked seasoning, and did not taste as though they had been prepared with the level of care and attention we expected. The mashed potatoes and spinach were also bland and lacked seasoning. For a restaurant where steak is expected to be the centerpiece of the experience, the quality simply did not meet expectations. We were also seated toward the back near the kitchen, which did little to provide the romantic atmosphere we had hoped for on such an important occasion. Despite our disappointment, our server still received a $63 tip. We did that intentionally because we believe in treating people with respect even when our experience falls short. I hope this serves as a reminder that every guest deserves the same level of warmth, engagement, professionalism, and respect. You should never judge a book by its cover or make assumptions about the people sitting at your table. The one saving grace of our evening was Manager Marshab Johnson. His professionalism, attentiveness, and willingness to address our concerns stood in sharp contrast to the rest of our experience. Mr. Johnson treated us with dignity and demonstrated the level of hospitality we expected when we chose this restaurant for such a meaningful celebration. Quite frankly, he is the reason we stayed rather than leaving, and he is the reason we are giving this restaurant two stars instead of one. If this had not been such a special occasion—and had Mr. Johnson not handled the situation with such professionalism—we would have left. For a dinner costing approximately $300, guests should not have to repeatedly address dirty glassware, receive cold and under-seasoned food, or leave feeling that the overall service lacked professionalism and genuine hospitality. This experience was unacceptable and fell far below what we expected. I sincerely hope management takes this feedback seriously—not simply because of the cost of the meal, but because every couple choosing your restaurant for a milestone celebration deserves to leave feeling that their special occasion mattered. Thank you, Mr. Marshab Johnson, for being the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing evening and for showing us the professionalism and hospitality that should have defined the entire experience.
• LS

  Lisdeth Saraccini

  4 days ago
  5.0
  We absolutely love coming here! The atmosphere is always wonderful, the food is delicious, and the service is truly top-notch. Everything is consistently great from start to finish, and you can really tell how much care goes into making every visit special. Moe is always so attentive, welcoming, and makes us feel right at home every time we come in. It’s one of those places you’re always excited to return to, and we’re so grateful for the amazing food, hospitality, and experience you guys provide. Thank you for always taking such great care of us! We can’t wait to come back again! ❤️
• SB

  Stephen Baynham

  Sep 24, 2026
  2.0
  Steaks were good . Waited 2.5 hours for the meal. Extremely slow kitchen. Still figuring it out. The table share sides were anything but. The 15 dollar corn bread to share was literally one small cornbread. I Ordered a 12’oz steak and it was smaller than my other diners 8’oz portion . We alerted the manager and he was like a deer in headlights . For the prices they charge they will not make it unless they tighten up. The last resort and porterhouse blows them away. They have a prime location and a a beautiful space but that will not overcome they slow service and marginal food and drinks . I blame management for the incompetence of the kitchen . The Drinks are marginal taste compared to similar priced competitors. The. Bartenders need some Work. Blue sky could teach them some drink making skills. . I Would not return until it’s improved. If they don’t it’s likely they will not last long. I was hopeful that an Atlanta quality steakhouse would finally come to Athens but this is not it
• AJ

  Anthony Clint Jr.

  Sep 14, 2026
  5.0
  My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at The Oak for the third year in a row, and once again, they made the evening incredibly special. At this point, The Oak has truly become “our spot,” and we look forward to coming back every year. We were so happy to have the same server we had last year (thank you Kasandra!), and her service was absolutely amazing once again. The fact that we continue to see familiar staff year after year also says a lot about The Oak as a place to work. When great employees stay, it reflects the kind of environment they’ve created, and you can truly feel that in the service. Year after year, the food is also consistently excellent. We’ve never felt like the quality changes from one visit to the next, which is another reason we keep choosing The Oak for such a special occasion. We were seated in the same beautiful, intimate booth we’ve enjoyed each year, and the staff went above and beyond by giving us a thoughtful gift and a card signed by the entire team for our anniversary. Those personal touches meant so much to us and made the night feel incredibly special. From the food to the atmosphere to the service, The Oak consistently gives us an experience we remember. Thank you to the entire team for treating us so wonderfully and helping make another anniversary beautiful. We’ll absolutely be back next year!
• JR

  Jessica Roney

  Sep 12, 2026
  5.0
  I just left Oak. This was my first time and let me say Wow! I took my Grammy for her birthday and it was just her and myself. I already cant say enough of how perfect the entire experience was! The hosts up front were so lovely and looked happy to be at work. They took us right to our table as we were a little early, and brought my Grammy a nice personal birthday card. ❤️ It was a sweet touch. Next our waiter David, was probably one of my favorite waiters I have ever had, in any restaurant. He was punctual, polite, knowledgeable and just the right amount of fun personality you want in your waiter. The food was cooked perfect and fresh. Nothing fake or processed in any dishes. Towards the end of the meal the Manager Marshad ( I believe that was his name) stopped by our table to say hello and check on our dining experience. He was just top class. He said hello, asked about our meal/experience, talked a bit and he was just a pleasure to meet. I could tell his whole restaurant was happy and looked happy to be at work, I could see why with a manager of that caliber. To top it all off ,at the end of the meal, they brought grammy a birthday dessert. I will definitely be back and to be honest already trying to find a reason to come back ASAP. Thank you again Oak for making our evening so special. ❤️ Sincerely A new and loyal customer ❤️