Sage On Sycamore American

I couldn't disagree more. Sage has suffered a terrible loss with Roy's (the previous owner's) absence. He was a welcome addition to my table any time he chose to pass a few moments chatting, & in my opinion, the kitchen & service has taken a turn for the worst since his departure. For instance, I ordered one of the main dishes only to be told that they were out of tilapia, so I ordered the salmon. They were out of that too. It seems Roy was the only one who could order appropriate quantities. Perhaps the new Sage is your "great little neighborhood bistro," but my standards are higher. more

We haven't been to Sage in a couple of years. We went back recently and were thrilled to discover that the very talented Chef has taken the helm as the new owner! What a difference! The lamb entree was perfectly cooked, as was my wife's feature of steak diane with deviled crab. The dining room has gotten a much needed facelift, making the room feel much lighter and brighter than before. The wonderful homemade desserts are as good as we remember and, I hate to say this, but we were so happy to not have the (previous) owner lording over our table with his tales of woe. This has gone back to being the great little neighborhood bistro that we loved, and we'll definitely be back! Pros: Great food, beautiful ambience, fantastic service more

Arrived 20 min late with our reservation (after calling and being put on hold for directions) and seated upstairs away from main dining area. Greeted by a sappy, insincere host that made my skin crawl. Horrible service...waited 30 minutes before our first drink was served and 45 minutes before we received our appetizers that were served cold. Grossly cold. Asked server to see manager and waited. NO MANAGER. Asked server for check for the 2 drinks and waited. NO CHECK. Finally my wife and I left, not before meeting up with our server downstairs who cried and proceeded to tell us that she had informed the manager of the situation. End of story. Walked out and enjoyed a nice dinner nearby. Pros: Has potential Cons: Too expensive, Slow Service, more

It is a sad day when a restaurant with whom you have a long established relationship is completely destroyed in one night. My wife and I have been frequent patrons of Sage. I even had my wife's 40th birthday party at this restaurant spending over $1000. We had dinner reservations for Valentines Day in our usual spot. We like to sit at the end of the bar and have dinner (especially on Valentines Day). We have done this for many years. We arrived only to find that our reservations were mishandled. The host explained that he misunderstood when I called to place my reservation and had reserved the table at the end of the bar instead of our regular spot. While we were deciding whether or not to take the table offered another couple hurried past us to claim that table. We later found out that the table was not reserved for us but for the couple that hurried past us to sit at that table. I guess they were worried about having there spot mishandled. The host, after several conversations with my wife and I, did offer us a table in the dinning room so that we could have a "new experience". We refused and suggested that he relocate a couple, who were only having drinks, from one end of the bar to the other so that we could be accommodated. He refused. He also refused to apologize because he said that he was not a sorry person and there was nothing else he could do and that there were other guests that also very special that were awaiting their tables. As far as how good the food was...We have no idea. We were never served. My wife and I are devastated! My wife and I feel that we have lost a very good friend and now know that any "new experience" will not include Sage on Sycamore!! more

The chef did an awesome job with our meals, and it was backed up by good service, and a nice clean atmosphere. We really enjoyed ourselves. more

I live in the heart of Manhattan, with no shortage of fine dining, but I love Sage the most! Not too homey or fancy, Sage has the perfect ambience of a perfectly charming restaurant. It makes me very happy to come there straight off the plane and relax at the bar. The atmosphere is charming, the bar food is great and Roy is absolutely the best host ever. It's great to have a place away form home that I always know will be delightful. I just wish I could be there more often. Pros: Great ambience, great food, fabulous service, great place to eat at the bar. Cons: None more

Great atmosphere. Very friendly. Yum food. Cool spot. more

My family and I have gone out of our way to patronize Sage for the past couple of years. It was a neighborhood place and we thought they got a rough deal from that MARTA fence. For awhile after the construction finished, it seemed that they achieved the right note. Sage had innovative new menus and energetic staff that introduced things like Art Martini nights, new drinks and new dishes. Unfortunately for the past month or so, we have been continually disappointed in our visits to Sage. Food and service both seem to be, well, morose. This glumness seems to come from the top down, and we as diners find ourselves questioning why the wonderful "winter" menu is still being served in July and why the drinks lack the imagination they once had. Since we are asking these questions, it's little wonder that the staff seems glum, at best, and entirely annoyed at worst. This inconsistency is the final straw. While we used to take family and colleagues to eat at Sage, the slapdash entrees and now unfortunate atmosphere make me believe that it's time to retire this one, at least on my dance card. (*****EDITED TO ADD: CItysearch makes me replace my old review from 12/11/2007 with this new one, yet keeps the same date, posted on 7/15/2008) Cons: a mere shell of its former self more

The atmosphere here is nice, but the menu is overpriced from wine to food. The wine selection is good, but the pours are stingy for the price. The food was not bad, but not the quality I expect for $20 dollars. The best thing we had was the bruschetta, which was very good. Service was friendly but slow. more

I ate here with visiting family on Saturday evening. Both my dish an my wife's dish were heavily salted (usually a sign of hiding the true flavor). The calamari was good, but I thought the menu was overpriced for what you get. I would be surprised if this place is still open in 3 years. The location must be saving them. The worst part of the visit was that they refused to serve tap water to drink because of the Georgia drought. This is absolutely ridiculous. The last step to conserve water is to stop drinking it. Why not lock the bathroom door or display a sign that says to limit flushing. At 1.6 gallons per flush, that is certainly more than a table of 4 could drinking at dinner. Get real !!! Pros: Nice atmosphere and a friendly bartender. Cons: Overpriced. Using Georgia drought to sell bottle water! more

I live within walking distance of Sage, so have been drinking and dining there for several years. Recently, Sage seems to have otten a new burst of energy--definitely helped by the fact that that horrid MARTA construction fence was taken down. I'm seeing some changes around Sage, and have to say that they've all been for the better! The new winter menu has caused me to make several recent reservations to show off the amazing food to friends. For example, the "winter bruschetta" excludes out-of-season tomatoes and features butternut squash, apple chutney and feta cheese. We were blown away by how good this was! And the new lamb shank with a cranberry demi-glace....my goodness, don't get me started! And while the bistro has always had an exceptional list of single-malt scotches and bourbons, they've expanded the martini list to include seasonal offerings such as the UNBELIEVEABLY tasty orange and clove-infused bourbon. (My friends and I became addicted to the "Russian Tea-ni" after drinking several of them on Saturday!) Another really cool addition is the "ART-TINI" that Sage has started. It looks like a once or twice a month event to coincide with their Thursday $6 martini night. They're opening up parts of the bar and restaurant for local artists to show and sell their work. One of the staff told me that it's not only a way to support the local arts, but allow people who maybe think they can't afford to buy art to purchase some really affordable creations (she told me that most pieces are in the $20 to $30 range) All told, I'm consistently impressed with the food, the drinks, and the staff. I highly recommend Sage to locals and visitors alike! Pros: continually adapts food and bar to keep things interesting, cozy environment, very few (if any) children, great location Cons: I'm seriously trying to think of something and I just can't. Will post again if I can think of any disappointments. more

My husband and I stopped by one evening to have a drink at the bar and ordered the PEI Mussels Provencales. They had to have been the best we've ever had. Delicious doesn't begin to describe it. Even the toasted bread accompanying the dish was tasty - perfectly toasted with a just hint of garlic which made it perfect for sopping up all that amazing broth left at the bottom of what seemed like an endless bowl of succulent mussels. Not only that, the bartender was very knowledgeable when it came to helping us select the appropriate wine. Sage is definitely a favorite of ours. more

The best place in Atlanta to have dinner with friends. The wait staff are always professional and thoughtful. The food is amazing and the deserts should be on the "BEST OF" list! more

Did anyone ever think that the Marta construction, would ever become complete? Not many of the poor merchants, who survived this whole makeover. But Sage, has done just that, and more. It's Decatur's best bistro, friendly service, very good food and nice wine list. We buzzed in Sunday night, and they were having a special feature, of Crispy Fried Chicken, with sides of Mac & Cheese, and Cream Corn. All for just 17.99, We of course started with our old friend, the Duck Confit. Just great. I had to have the Chesapeake Style Crabcakes. My date ordered the Grilled Portobello Mushroom on Toasted Sour Dough Bread. Everything is terrific, as usual. We skipped the usual, Champagne Sorbet, this time, but will be back soon. Nice people! Pros: Great Food & Friendly Service! Love The Duck Confit! Cons: Parking Can Be Tight! more

Everyone should have a place to go to celebrate the simple and special things in life. Sage is my place. every semester for the past four years, I've taken myself here to eat to celebrate a job well done. When I have friends or family in town, I take them here. And when I just want to do something nice for me, I come here. the food is amazing. I love the filet, I've had amazing soups, and dinner specials have always been absolutely terrific. The wine selection is wonderful and the staff is so knowledgeable - they always know what to recommend, and with me they've never been wrong. the atmosphere is pleasant - warm and inviting, special without being stuffy. I always feel welcomed whenever I eat there, like I am a special guest. It's a great feeling to go there. Desserts are spectacular, definitely save room for one when you go eat there! Pros: delicious food, friendly and super knowledgeable staff wonderful environment Cons: wish I could eat there every night more

Sage offers one of the best menus for virtually any taste. Whether you are the staunchest steak aficianado or the most voracious of vegetarians, you will easily find the fix for your cravings from their extremely easy to navigate menu that is updated regularly. Each time I find myself making that entrance into the restaurant I feel instantly at home with warm welcomes and old world friendly service. With dark tones and warm lighting, Sage puts me right at ease. Especially in the afternoon after fighting all that traffic. Whether you are entertaining guests to a feasting night out or just in the mood for something different for yourself, Sage has the ambiance and atmosphere to make 1 or 100 feel right at home. I've taken family, friends, dates and business associates to whom all have been extremely impressed with this incredible hidden Decatur treasure. As far as the food, the calamari is the best I've had from coast to coast. Tender, delicate it is prepared just right and with perfectly matched sauces to dazzle your buds. The duck confit is probably one of the most delectable appetizers I've ever had and I've developed quite the weakness for it. If you are a steak or burger guy or a tapas and seafood girl, this is your mecca. Stop on in and say hello to Roy and company. Pull up a bar stool or a cozy two place, window side table and prepare to enjoy one of Atlanta's (if not the U.S.'s) finest places to relax, enjoy an amazing meal and forget about all the worries outside Decatur's Square. Bon Appetit! Pros: I can't really think of any... Cons: They are open! Don't let the Square's construction fool you! more

We went there tonight on the STRONG recommendation of a good friend, and boy were we impressed. As other posters have stated, we were introduced to the owner, Roy, right off the bat, and immediately felt right at home. The meals were outstanding, service very friendly and prompt, and we felt very comfortable over all. Sure, there are some less than positive reviews from other reviewers a few years ago, but they have gotten their stuff together since. The blackened-salmon with crawfish risotto was superb, as was the sauteed trout with walnuts. The Asian beef and hummus appetizer were great too. This is an outstanding restaurant that is, unfortunately, the victim of typical government buerocracy in action. The city of Decatur is working on improving the Decatur Square, and don't seem to care about the restaurants nearby. That is not right. Anyway, do not miss this restaurant. Let's all spread the word and help keep them in business. You want to go to a place that you will feel appreciated, this is the place! Pros: Excellent food, atmosphere and INCREDIBLE and PHENOMENAL service Cons: None in the least more

I dined here with a good friend a few months ago and was plesently suprised. We were greated by the owner who made us feel right at home. He told us about the evenings specials and his favorite wine selection. Our waitor was as nice as he could be and seemed very professional with out seeming too stuffy. We have returned a few times since this visit and as always have a wonderful experience. We were also impressed with the pricing. Very reasonable for this caliber of cuisine. Wine specials were GREAT! Pros: Cannot say enough good things about this place Cons: Do not let the fence draw you away! The construction is only a detour. more

Sage on Sycamore has become my favorite "special events" restaurant. Parking may be a bit difficult - as is anywhere on the Decatur square -but the Duck Confit is worth it! more

As part of a large group that visits restaurants around town monthly, this had to be the worst experience we've had in our 5 years of existence. Our waiter had a major attitude when errors he made were brought to his attention. Management did try to appease us, but the first impression had already been made and it was lasting. more