EXECUTIVE TRAVEL : Zagat Survey: Atlanta Restaurants

The following reviews are excerpted from Zagat Surveys, a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reviews contributed by local restaurant-goers and frequent travelers. Ratings of food, decor and service are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good; 20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfection. Price reflects surveyors’ estimate of a dinner, drink and tip for one person.

Zagat recommends these establishments for business travelers looking to entertain clients, conduct business or dine alone.

Business Dining

BUCKHEAD DINER

3073 Piedmont Road; (404) 262-3336 Atlantans’ favorite restaurant features an ultra-glitz setting and American classics with a twist--veal meatloaf, potato chips and oversized desserts. Many endure the long wait and noisy atmosphere for great food.

Food: 25 Decor: 26 Service: 22 Cost: $22

1848 HOUSE

780 S. Cobb Drive; (404) 428-1848 Located in the suburb of Marietta, 1848 features contemporary, mid-priced Southern cuisine served in an antebellum house surrounded by plantation-style gardens and giant magnolia trees.

Food: 21 Decor: 25 Service: 21 Cost: $27

BONE’S

3130 Piedmont Road; (404) 237-2663

Huge slabs of high-quality steaks and chops, award-winning wine lists and a clubby atmosphere make this a favorite for local powerbrokers. Some complain of arrogant and sexist service, but it remains a perennial favorite.

Food: 26 Decor: 22 Service: 25 Cost: $34

Southern and Soul Food

BURTON’S GRILL

1029 Edgewood Ave.; (404) 658-9452

The family-owned Inman Park institution attracts politicos, business people, cops and artists with its excellent food, including what many call the city’s best fried chicken. Some find the cafeteria-style setting grim.

Food: 23 Decor: 8 Service: 13 Cost: $8

ALECK’S BARBEQUE

783 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.; (404) 525-2062

Inexpensive rib shack called “barbecue heaven” serves slow-cooked ribs smeared in tangy hot sauce.

Food: 22 Decor: 9 Service: 14 Cost: $10

THELMA’S KITCHEN

190 Luckie St. (404) 688-5855

Downtown, down-home cafeteria serves up tasty and artery-clogging Southern favorites. Good breakfast spot.

Food: 22 Decor: 10 Service: 14 Cost: $8

For more information or to participate in future surveys, call (800) 333-3421. Copyright 1993, Eugene H. Zagat Jr. and Nina S. Zagat.