Bare Bones Steakhouse:
Buford's Historic Steakhouse
Housed inside a restored 1873 saddle factory on Buford's Historic Main Street, Bare Bones Steakhouse serves wood-fire grilled prime steaks in a setting that feels like a step back in time.
Lisa Harris
CLHMS, 19 Years in the Community · July 24, 2026
Buford's Historic Main Street has become a dining destination in its own right, and Bare Bones Steakhouse is one of its crown jewels. Set inside the historic Bona Allen building, a former harness and saddle factory dating to 1873, the restaurant combines genuine Western character with serious culinary ambition. The result is one of the most distinctive steakhouse experiences near Apalachee Farms.
Owners Buddy and Gigi Maughon have created a space that feels both rustic and refined. The interior features original brick walls, dark wood accents, comfortable booths, and artifacts from the building's history including vintage saddles, photographs, and newspaper clippings. An English pub-style bar area with a warm fireplace invites lingering over a bourbon or a glass of wine before dinner. And for warmer months, the rooftop bar provides outdoor seating with views of the historic downtown district.
A wood-fire grilled prime steak at Bare Bones, the signature experience at this Buford steakhouse
The Steaks
The centerpiece of the menu is the wood-fire grill, which imparts a deep, smoky flavor to every cut. The steak program at Bare Bones is serious: prime-grade, hand-cut, and cooked over an open flame. Here is what stands out on the menu:
The Showstopper
48-Ounce Tomahawk
A bone-in ribeye with a dramatic French-trimmed bone, grilled to perfection. Made for sharing and designed to impress. The true centerpiece of the menu.
Classic Cut
Prime Ribeye
Well-marbled, deeply flavorful, and wood-fire kissed. The ribeye is a benchmark cut at Bare Bones, and it delivers every time.
For Two
Chateaubriand
The classic center-cut tenderloin for two, carved tableside and served with Bearnaise. An elegant choice for a special occasion or date night.
Lean & Tender
Filet Mignon
Buttery-tender, perfectly seared, and finished with a compound butter. For those who prefer a leaner cut without sacrificing flavor.
Sides and Starters Not to Miss
The onion rings at Bare Bones have become legendary. They are drizzled with local Georgia honey and finished with SarVecchio cheese, a sweet-and-savory combination that has earned a cult following. The truffle mac and cheese is rich and indulgent, and the garlic mashed potatoes are a classic done right.
For a lighter start, the wedge salad with house-made blue cheese dressing is a refreshing prelude to the heavier courses. And if you are in the mood for something briny, the oysters on the half shell are sourced fresh and served simply.
Atmosphere & Vibe
The atmosphere at Bare Bones is warm, rustic, and unpretentious. The historic building, with its original brick, exposed beams, and artifacts from the Bona Allen era, gives the space a character that no new-build steakhouse can replicate. The English pub-style bar area is cozy and inviting, with dark wood, comfortable seating, and an extensive bourbon and whiskey selection.
Owners Buddy and Gigi Maughon describe the ambiance as "inviting as a family gathering, but with the flair of a bygone era." The service is attentive without being stuffy, and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. In warmer months, the rooftop bar is a highlight, offering a relaxed outdoor setting with views of downtown Buford.
Best for: Anniversary dinners, birthday celebrations, client entertaining, and any occasion that calls for a memorable steak dinner.
What Makes It Special
Historic 1873 Building
Housed in the former Bona Allen saddle factory, one of Buford's most historic structures. Original brick, artifacts, and saddles throughout.
Wood-Fire Grill
All prime steaks are cooked over an open wood-fire grill, imparting a deep, smoky flavor that sets Bare Bones apart.
Rooftop Bar
A seasonal rooftop bar overlooking historic downtown Buford, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a casual evening out.
A Building With a Story
The Bona Allen Building, constructed in 1873, originally served as a harness and saddle factory, supplying equestrian equipment across the Southeast. In later years, the building housed the Shadburn Banking Company. The building's industrial past is preserved throughout the restaurant: original brick walls, exposed wooden beams, and historical artifacts including vintage saddles, photographs, and newspaper clippings that tell the story of Buford's early days. Dining at Bare Bones is not just a meal, it is an experience of Buford's history.
Details
101 E Main St NE, Suite C12, Buford, GA 30518
Historic Downtown Buford · ~15 min from Apalachee Farms
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price Range
$$$$ · $50 – $100 per person
While You're There
Bare Bones is on Buford's Historic Main Street, which has become a destination in its own right. After dinner, take a stroll down the street and explore the local shops, including Down the Rabbit Hole and other boutique stores. For a nightcap, the rooftop bar at Bare Bones is a great spot to enjoy the evening. And if you are in the mood for a different kind of dining experience, Rico's World Kitchen, Aqua Terra Bistro, and other Main Street favorites are just a short walk away.
For Apalachee Farms residents, Bare Bones is about a 15-minute drive from the community. It makes for an excellent special occasion dinner, a client celebration, or a date night that feels like a real destination without leaving the area.
Pro Tips
- Reservations recommended, especially on weekends and for the rooftop bar in warmer months.
- Don't skip the onion rings, they are drizzled with Georgia honey and SarVecchio cheese, a signature starter.
- The 48-ounce Tomahawk is designed for sharing, best for two or three people.
- Closed Mondays, plan your visit Tuesday through Sunday.
Thinking about buying or selling in Apalachee Farms? Lisa Harris has 19 years of experience in the community and knows every neighborhood, every section, and every market trend. She lived in the neighborhood for 10 years and served as Social Committee Co-Chair. From the best steakhouse in Buford to the best listing strategy, she has the local knowledge you need.