Essential Paper Mill Grill Mixes Upscale with Casual

Overview: It is rare these days to find a really good steak and seafood restaurant that’s not part of a big commercial chain, one that feels upscale and still casual, that’s picturesque without depending on a lot of artifacts hanging on the walls. One that has a separate, cozy bar to have a drink, listen to music or enjoy friends in. One that has great, unrushed service. I’ve found one and it’s Paper Mill Grill, located off Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb.

The husband-wife owners of , Ritter and Brigid Jones,  are chefs with an impressive resume including Marietta Country Club, Piedmont Driving Club, Barnsley Gardens and the Ritz-Carlton. Their experience is reflected in more than the delicious food they prepare; the restaurant has a luxurious, country club feel. The lounge and bar feature deep carpets, brick walls, fireplace, stacked stone, copper gas lanterns and an interior water wall. The bar and lounge features live music Thursday through Sunday nights. The main dining area is predominately filled with large booths, hardwood floors and stained wood ceilings. There’s even a gorgeous outdoor patio for dining complete with a pond, lighted fountain and running stream.

And then there’s the food. And, oh my, is the food good! If you are a fish lover, you must try Paper Mill Grill. Especially good is the grouper, offered on both lunch and dinner menus, fried, grilled, alone, in a salad, or in a sandwich. It is light, flaky, moist and seasoned to perfection. The steaks are Angus beef, and the chefs are great about cooking it precisely the way you want it. This isn’t a cheap restaurant, but it is well worth the menu prices. Lunch menu items range from $7 to $13. Dinner entrees are between $9 and $25. There’s an Early Bird Special daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. featuring a three-course dinner for $15.99 per person. Here are some menu suggestions that will allow you to experience the best of Paper Mill Grill:

Appetizers

Southern “Pig” Flatbread -$7:  Crispy flatbread with pulled pork, bacon, caramel onions, cheddar and BBQ drizzle

Crispy Kettle Chips - $5: Served with bacon, chives and blue cheese fondue. (These are great!)

Lunch:

Fried Grouper Po’Boy - $10 Crispy beer-battered fish, shredded lettuce, lemon mayo on a hoagie

Grilled Veggie Wrap - $9: Grilled summer squash and portabellas with asparagus, roasted peppers, spinach, carrots and ranch dressing in a tomato basil wrap

Blackened Grouper Baby Blue Salad - $13: Pan-blackened grouper, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, toasted almonds and blue cheese with balsamic vinaigrette

Dinner:

N.Y Strip Steak - $22: 12 oz. Angus beef, brandy green peppercorn sauce, asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Grilled Salmon - $20: Applewood smoked bacon and creamed corn risotto, sweet chili relish

The Drinks: The lounge features abeautiful granite bar and is in a separate area with comfortable sofas and chairs.  Choose from an extensive wine list. Draft, bottled beer and liquor is served in both bar and restaurant.  Half-price wine and martinis on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Hours: Lunch begins at 11 a.m. on Monday through Sunday; dinner begins at 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Sunday. Kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Reservations are accepted for parties of seven and larger; all others are considered "Call Ahead." Call Ahead gives those on the list priority over walk-ins if there is a wait.

305 Village Place NE,  Marietta  30067 (In Paper Mill Village)  (678) 766-1500  www.papermillgrill.com. Catering and large parties welcome.