When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Bully Boy
Why Bully Boy is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bully Boy in Atlanta stands out as a trendy and dynamic Japanese-fusion seafood restaurant perfect for gathering with friends. Its broad and flexible menu features a variety of shareable plates, inviting groups to sample multiple creative dishes together. Highlights include standout items like the Charbroiled Naked Jade Oysters, praised for their exceptional flavor with yuzu sriracha butter and avocado emulsion, as well as excellent Hamachi Crudo and Bacon Belly Bites. The setting is dramatic yet relaxed, located near the BeltLine, making it an attractive destination for casual meetups or celebratory dinners. The open kitchen and attentive service add to the engaging dining experience, with servers even providing tableside presentations such as the Blue Crab Fried Rice with an omurice-style egg show. The lively atmosphere and inventive menu make Bully Boy a great place to not only enjoy delicious seafood but also share a fun and interactive meal with friends.
Here's what people think of Bully Boy
As of recent, Bully Boy holds a 4.6-star rating based on 408 reviews.
Reviews for Bully Boy reflect an overall positive experience with a rating of 4.6 based on over 400 reviews. Many diners have praised the restaurant's superb service, innovative and shareable dishes, and vibrant atmosphere. Positive reviews frequently highlight the exceptional oysters, flavorful Hamachi Crudo, and inventive dishes like the calamari fries and beef gyoza. The fun presentation of dishes, such as the tableside egg preparation, also earns high marks. On the other hand, some reviewers note inconsistencies in food quality and seasoning, with certain dishes like the duck spring roll and Yuzu pepper wings receiving criticism for bland or pedestrian flavors. A few dishes are described as overly rich or excessively salted, and some sushi items do not always meet expectations given their price. Despite these criticisms, the enthusiasm for Bully Boy’s creative cuisine, excellent service, and social dining environment remains strong, making it a favored spot for groups looking to enjoy a shared, playful seafood meal on the BeltLine.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
LaKendra Soublet
Been wanting to try this place for awhile now, and FINALLY, on Saturday, I had such a pleasant experience. For starters, Robert my waiter, was phenomenal. Robert was extremely attentive without over doing it. Robert made menu suggestions and truly just rolled out the red carpet, just off his service alone, I would return and request him. The restaurant is much smaller than it gives in the pictures but I love the plants and plenty of natural lighting. Parking is not the greatest but I did valet with Two Urban Licks after getting frustrated from doing a few laps. Bar seating is EXTREMELY limited maybe 10 seats or less. I did think the open kitchen cooking setup at the bar was cool, I believe it was just sushi being done but I couldn’t tell fully. Ok, back to Robert, as I was celebrating the tail end of my birthday, he gave me a card that was signed by the staff and presented a mini chocolate with icing and a candle, not only did he bring one for me but my guest as well as our birthdays are just a few days apart. I loved how he didn’t make us share a birthday dessert. We tried the broiled oysters, Brussels, crispy shrimp, a roll and this cool tuna bomb thingy. Unfortunately the tuna bomb fell extremely flat compared to everything we tried. The tuna had spice, lots of spice but lacked salt and actual flavor other than the spiciness. The playlist was great and wasn’t too loud. I would definitely recommend.
Debbie Quijada
My partner and I took a sushi making class at Bully Boy and it was so much fun! Wendy Armando was a great instructor and the sushi was absolutely delicious. You also get three glasses of sake. Definitely worth the price.
Sean Jackson
Had a wonderful time celebrating my girlfriends birthday this evening. Had a reservation at 7:30 and they sat me at the perfect spot for the occasion. One of my favorite parts of tonight was definitely the atmosphere loving the open kitchen and live trees. Ordered the volcano roll to start as our appetizer and we really enjoyed it was the perfect start to the dining experience. Me and my girlfriend shared the octopus, char grilled oysters, blue point oyster and also a rainbow roll. All the food was presented so well and tasted as good as it looked. The octopus was definitely my favorite dish of the night and I would highly recommend it. At the end they surprised my girl with a lovely chocolate lava cake, will be back soon to try more!
Garrett Meek
Good restaurant, but I have some THOUGHTS! A couple of friends and I thought we would try out this self proclaimed “classy restaurant” for my girlfriend’s birthday. We ordered sushi and a couple appetizers. It was good! Pretty much exactly what you would expect for the price - good quality and very tasty. Unfortunately, I do not feel comfortable ending my review there! After dinner, the drama began!! Our waitress displayed a QR code through which we were to pay the bill. We scanned the code, and, surprised at the total, asked the waitress if it included gratuity. We were confused when she said no, but as the link had no itemized break down of the cost we were forced to assume she was correct. We left a fair tip and began exiting the restaurant. It was then that we received a receipt for our meal via email. To our dismay, they had already included a 20% tip!! Not very classy Bully Boy. Fortunately when we brought this to the waitresses attention she apologized and refunded us our additional tip. It may be that she simply didn’t know the payment processing service and they used added gratuity automatically, but I have a hard time believing we were her first customers required to use it. In any event, make sure you check your email receipt if you think the total was a little too high! One more important note… The restrooms DO have locks which are unfortunately placed below (and obscured by) the LARGE door handle. At first glance, I was unable to locate the lock and feared being exposed to another guest seeking to relieve themself…
Joshua Gathings
Glorious sushi experience! From the oysters to the calamari fries and the crispy brussel sprouts, our first time at Bully Boy was off to a phenomenal start! We then indulged on nigiri 🍣, hand rolls, and various sushi rolls which were all delicious and unique. If you have never tried scallops in a sushi roll, you are in for a treat!! You can tell how fresh the fish and all the other seafood ingredients are. Creative combinations! Service was fantastic, especially for how busy they were. The house sake made the perfect pairing with all the entrees. Love the atmosphere with the inside landscape and full view of the kitchen and open flames 🔥 There is available hourly parking and valet available for $3 which is walking distance from restaurant located at entrance of Two Urban Licks (another favorite of ours!) We will be back to enjoy both places!!
How to reach Bully Boy
None
Website: None
Why Bully Boy may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bully Boy with your friends? Bully Boy offers an exceptional environment for social gatherings, combining a trendy ambiance with a diverse and creative menu that makes group dining both exciting and memorable. Its contemporary, urban setting includes large glass windows that flood the space with light, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for enjoying time with friends or family. The restaurant specializes in Japanese-fusion cuisine with a strong seafood focus, offering a wide array of shareable plates that encourage communal dining and discovery of new flavors together. The attentive, high-quality service enhances the experience, with staff known for making guests feel well cared for. At Bully Boy, the blend of inventive dishes, specialty cocktails, and a cool, garden-esque interior filled with greenery creates a place where every moment feels lively and enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up, Bully Boy’s welcoming vibe and excellent culinary offerings make it an ideal rally point for any group looking to connect over fantastic food.
What activities and group experiences does Bully Boy offer?
Bully Boy’s concept revolves heavily around sharing and socializing, making it perfect for groups who want an interactive and engaging dining experience. The menu features numerous small plates that are designed to be ordered in variety and shared among friends, allowing everyone to sample multiple tastes rather than sticking to single large entrees. Signature items like the charbroiled Naked Jade Oysters, with their unique yuzu sriracha butter and avocado emulsion, are crowd favorites that spark conversation and delight with their inventive flavor combinations. Other notable dishes include the Hamachi Crudo, Bacon Belly Bites, innovative Calamari Fries, and creative Beef Gyoza, all offering a mix of textures and tastes that appeal widely. The kitchen’s playful approach is evident in inventive dishes like blue crab mango salad tossed in jerk vinaigrette and New England clam chowder carbonara, adding an element of culinary surprise perfect for a group adventure in eating. Having such a broad and creative menu encourages guests to engage more deeply, discussing their favorites and perhaps even stepping outside their comfort zones together.
Why is Bully Boy ideal for group meetups and social gatherings?
Aside from the outstanding food, Bully Boy is designed with social groups in mind. The setting is both dramatic and relaxed, combining urban industrial aesthetics with warm, natural greenery between tables. This creates a cozy yet visually stimulating environment that promotes good conversation without overwhelming noise or discomfort. The restaurant’s location near the Eastside Beltline trail means it is accessible, allowing friends or families to gather easily, whether arriving by car or by foot from local hotspots. For those concerned about parking, valet services are known and regularly used by regular visitors, easing arrival stress. Bully Boy’s attention to guest comfort and group dynamics extends to its staff, who are praised for their attentive care and willingness to accommodate group needs or special requests, making any meetup smooth and enjoyable.
What drinks and beverage experiences can groups enjoy at Bully Boy?
The drink program at Bully Boy complements the food perfectly. The bar offers a range of thoughtfully crafted cocktails that balance dramatic flavors with a relaxed vibe, which is perfect for group celebrations where variety and quality matter. Whether your gathering prefers artisanal cocktails, craft beers, or well-curated wines, Bully Boy’s drink menu allows each person to personalize their experience. Some standout cocktails are recognized for their inventiveness, providing fun conversations and new tastes to explore over the course of the evening. Fans of oysters and seafood-inspired small plates can also find paired drinks that enhance the flavors, making the overall group dining experience cohesive and immersive. This broad beverage selection further supports socializing by offering multiple options that suit different preferences, whether people want something light and refreshing or rich and complex.
How does Bully Boy accommodate different group sizes and occasions?
Bully Boy’s flexible layout and menu make it suitable for a variety of group sizes and special occasions. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for a few friends or a larger family reunion, the shareable plates format encourages mingling and tasting that fits well with any group dynamic. The staff can help organize seating arrangements that foster interaction and comfort, making sure each guest feels included. The ambiance adjusts easily from casual clustering around smaller tables to more festive gatherings, supported by the open, airy space filled with natural decor elements. For those celebrating milestones like birthdays or business meetups, Bully Boy strikes the right balance of sophistication and fun without feeling overly formal or stiff. Its consistent 4.6 rating from hundreds of reviews speaks to its reliability for delivering a positive experience across many types of group gatherings.
In what ways does Bully Boy’s menu reflect creativity and cultural fusion?
The menu at Bully Boy showcases a sophisticated Japanese-fusion style that artfully blends traditional seafood dishes with inventive twists from other culinary influences. This fusion reflects a modern approach to dining that appeals to groups eager to try something distinctive and flavorful. Dishes such as the patty melt made with rabbit and the Japanese omurice-style blue crab fried rice highlight the kitchen’s willingness to experiment while maintaining strong foundations in quality ingredients and technique. This creativity is especially suited to group dining because it invites shared discovery and engages diners with both familiar and surprising elements. The use of fresh seafood combined with unexpected sauces, toppings, and accompaniments makes every dish a conversation starter and an opportunity for shared enjoyment.
How does the ambiance contribute to the group meetup experience?
Ambiance is crucial when choosing a venue for meetups, and Bully Boy succeeds by combining urban elegance with a relaxed, garden-like feel. The large glass windows provide openness and natural light, while plants and trees planted between tables create pockets of privacy and calm. This setting allows groups to enjoy lively conversations without feeling like they are in a noisy or over-crowded space. The atmosphere is inviting yet stylish, encouraging guests to linger longer, savoring both the food and each other’s company. This balance of design elements helps Bully Boy stand out from typical casual eateries or overly formal dining rooms, making it a perfect place to create memorable social moments.
What makes the service at Bully Boy especially supportive of group visits?
Service at Bully Boy is consistently praised for being attentive and thoughtful, which is essential for group visits where needs and preferences can vary widely. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations tailored to the group’s tastes and dietary restrictions, adding a personalized touch that enhances the overall experience. They also handle the logistical challenges of coordinating multiple dishes and drinks efficiently, ensuring timing works to keep the flow of conversation and enjoyment uninterrupted. The friendly and professional attitude of the team allows guests to feel relaxed and well taken care of, letting groups focus on celebrating and connecting instead of managing the meal. Complimentary touches, like surprise desserts, often further delight visitors and provide a warm conclusion to any event at Bully Boy.
How accessible is Bully Boy for different types of groups and visitors?
Bully Boy’s location near Atlanta’s Eastside Beltline and its proximity to urban amenities make it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s parking situation can be manageable with knowledge of valet options, offering convenience particularly for those arriving as a group or from further away. Public transit and biking routes nearby add additional options for especially eco-conscious or active visitors. The venue is welcoming to all ages and group compositions, whether families with children, groups of friends catching up, or business associates looking for a casual yet refined setting for informal meetings. This versatility is part of what contributes to its high rating and popularity, as groups can adapt their plans easily and find Bully Boy a fitting spot regardless of the occasion.
What special features or unique selling points distinguish Bully Boy from other group dining venues?
What sets Bully Boy apart as a meetup destination is its blend of culinary creativity, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service tailored to groups. Unlike more conventional seafood or Japanese restaurants, Bully Boy’s fusion approach and shareable plates stimulate a communal dining style that encourages interaction and fun. The urban yet garden-inflected design promotes comfort without sacrificing style, making it attractive for a wide range of social gatherings. Its positioning near a popular trail and urban district adds convenience and appeal for active social circles. The consistent positive guest reviews highlight not only the quality of food and drinks but also the warm hospitality and attentiveness of the staff, underscoring how the whole package is crafted to ensure memorable group experiences. For anyone considering where to host their next get-together with friends or family, Bully Boy offers a compelling, dynamic option that balances innovation with approachability.