Fortify Kitchen And Bar

The environment is very rustic-​trendy and warm and inviting. We were greeted immediately and decided to sit at the bar for a drink before being seated. They had a «special» that was delicious and made perfectly. My husband had an old fashioned that was delicious. We tried a few different liquor drinks through the night and they were all fantastic and about $ 10 a piece.
The waiter was very knowledgeable and shared his personal favorites from the menu. A variety of bread came out first with a side of butter and a spreadable cheese, both of which were amazing! For appetizers we got the buffalo pork belly, a charcuterie plate and fried green tomatoes. The pork belly was definitely the best of the options, but everything was good. The pork belly was phenomenal.
In our party of 10, everyone seemed to think that they had the best entrée! I had the pork chop with potatoes gratin and collard greens. It was gigantic, I ate ¹⁄₃ and my husband ate the rest. It was a tomahawk pork chop with 2 bones and the meat between the bones was like candy. It was very tender and moist and paired perfectly with the house made bbq sauce. My husband had the rack of venison, which was 2 medium rare tomahawks. They were very tender and lean and came with a chocolate wine sauce. Other entrees at our table included the special, which was red grouper, the scallops, the filet, the grits– which came with friend chicken on top, shrimp, and sausage, it was very very unique. We were all tempted by their dessert menu, but were too full to partake!
Overall, it was the perfect combo of a unique environment, specialty drinks and phenomenal, unique food. This is definitely a place we will continue to visit!

Hummm, I looked at the other reviews and went in with an open mind. Atmosphere was okay, a little chilly inside. Waiter did best he can, probably never ate at an expressive restaurant, he just doesn’t know. He was very awkward and had a difficult time communicating. We ordered fried green tomatoes, looked lovely but where tasteless. Second appetizer was gouda fritter, which was awesome. We finished with the grit bowl, which is our go to meal, not here. Grits are chewy, shrimp had tails still on them and the sausage was dry and leathery. I don’t think a ½ cup of grits, 3 shrimp, 2 inches of sausage and a ¼ cup of spinach is a $ 14 meal. I still trying to spit out shrimp skin or it could be hard grits. What a disappointment being we drove from Gainesville for this meal. Giving it 2 stars since we ate it.

Excellent food and drinks. If you are a foodie, go here! Incredible butternut squash soup, fried gouda, trout, collard greens, and mixed drinks. A must stop.

A sheer delight. From the ever-​changing menu items to the drink specials, expect a delicious dinner. One of my favorites!

Oh Unilocal how you led me astray on this one. Pass through this town on my road trip to North Carolina. Decided to come here due to Unilocal reviews.
I went with butternut squash soup and grilled scallops dinner entry. Soup was delightfullll. Possibly accounting for 1.5 stars here. But then it was just downhill from there.
Wait staff didn’t seem that friendly. No one was really cheerful. My soup came out right away. I finished it in like 2 seconds. Andddd no one came to check on me for the next 15 minutes. Wait some more. Finally someone came by to pick up the empty soup dish. Wait some more. Scallops finally came out. It’s was cooked well in terms of not being rubbery but there is a bitter taste to them as if they were burnt. I flagged down my waitress. Told her scallops taste bitter. I’ve had good scallops (try Season 52. Or anywhere else). It should not taste bitter. My waitress didn’t apologize or anything. Mumbled something. Walked away. Then came back took the plate and said they’ll make another.
Okayyyyy. Wait some more. At this point… I just want to pay the bill and leave. Finally it comes out ! Tasted the same! Wth. I feel like I’m going crazy here. The manager or owner and my waitress did check up on me, but at this point. I just wanted leave. Considering it’s one of their most expensive dish. They should know how to make a decent scallop dish.
If the place was mind-​blowing. I would have made a point to come back some day. But needless to say. I won’t be returning.
1.5 stars for soup
.5 star for attempting to remake the scallops.
Minus 3 for mediocre food and service.
The end.

Only been once for lunch en route between Highlands and Atlanta. Perfect place to stop for lunch. Exceptional farm to table. Best fried green tomatoes I’ve ever had. Had lots of gluten free options.

The food was incredible, the ambiance was divine, & the staff was so accommodating. I ordered the trout (perfect), and my husband had the filet. The Sonoma chardonnay was recommended by the waitress to pair with the trout — great pairing! It was my husband’s & my first wedding anniversary, & the generous manager absorbed the cost of our dessert — an apple cinnamon crème brûlée. Delicious! We will be going back the next time we are in town!

Great atmosphere and food. I had the trout and collards. Amazing! My wife had the scallops and kale. Excellent choice as well.

This is a hidden gem! Had a wedding in Splendor Mountain this weekend, so my boyfriend and I had a bit of time to walk around town today and this was the best dining experience we could have hoped for! The restaurant is beautiful and modern inside with a bar worthy of any craft cocktail to be served from! We were seated quickly by the friendly and courteous host. Our waiter was more than happy to recommend us certain dishes. We ordered the pork, cheese, cabbage soup (amazing stew!) and the fried green tomatoes (to die for, the accompanying sauce was out of this world-​with the side of pork and spinach) for appetizers. Since it was an early noon lunch we chose to have Georgia sweet tea to drink, but there is a great wine, beer and cocktail menu-​we might go back tonight for a drink-it’s that good! And now for the main course-​I ordered the special of the day, eggplant parmesan (better than my mom’s but shhh she doesn’t need to know!) and my boyfriend ordered the Reuben sandwich– both AMAZING! Overall it was one of the best restaurants we’ve ever eaten at, we wish we could bring it home! The most attentive wait staff and host, the chef will blow your socks off with his farm to table menu of deliciousness! Highly recommend it-​if you couldn’t tell!

Simply amazing! Everything is full of flavor. What a find in a small town. Everything is sourced in their county. You simply cannot go wrong. Don’t forget your reservation!

Farm to table at it’s best. Great atmosphere! We started with the Buffalo Pork Belly and it did not disappoint. Main course was the stuffed chicken and the Chefs cut filet. Both were excellent but I was amazed by the bacon & onion marmalade and the bbq sauce that came with the steak. Dessert was phenomenal! Peach and berry cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate truffle crème brûlée. We love to eat at nice places and try new things. This one is near the top of the list. Did not expect this in little old Clayton, GA.

Haley was an amazing waitress and very friendly and helpful with our choices throughout the meal. The fortified salad was very well put together and tasted amazing. Our main course was also perfectly seasoned and the vegetables still had the perfect crunch. Last but most certainly not least the house made ice cream, I could have eaten a gallon even on top of our other two courses. Everything was outstanding. Thank you Haley for an amazing experience.

I had the thought that I needed to give this place a good write up before the entrée even arrived… That should paint a picture for you. I started with a cocktail called a Storm Chaser and it was a hit! Then the bread, herbed butter and cream cheese arrived. It made me slightly regret ordering an entrée but that thought quickly passed when the trout arrived… It did not disappoint. It was cooked to perfection and was perfectly seasoned with a delicious crust. Even though I’m not a fan of the white rice, the main dish and the kale with sun-​dried tomatoes more than made up for that side that lacked a bit of flavor.
This place cooks like I cook at home which is hard to find… Locally sourced, artisan crafted, healthy and delicious. Just when I think a place like this doesn’t exist, I’m pleasantly surprised by Fortify. Well done! I will certainly be back!

The atmosphere and ambience as you walk in is very charming. The staff was all very pleasant and had great suggestions! We had the Pork Belly as an appetizer and it was delicious, very tender. For entrees we had The Trout and Black Grouper Special both were cooked great, fresh and generous portions. The Crème Brûlée was to die for, so rich and mouth watering it was perfect to share. Great Dinner!

Ehhh
So this place only takes reservations, and we did get them an hour before. Definitely a farm to table modern restaurant.
So first off, if you’re a table for two plan on sitting RIGHT next to someone you don’t know. Like you can hear every part of their conversation, and gave to yell to the person your with to hear you. We personally hate this seating as I would think most people do.
They def need to change that.
Second, the bread and butter is spot on. Pretty yummy
The meal did take a little long to get, but our server let us know about 5 min prior that it’d be up.
So I got the tuna special. I love Tuna, I make it at home, and every once in awhile I treat myself to it out. Honestly, this plate had so little flavor. Suppose to have some type of ginger sauce with it, didn’t get any hint of any spice at all. Very bland. Of course I finished the entire plate 10 minutes ahead of my boyfriend, I never come close to finishing my plates. They could of put another scoop of rice or kale, even another piece of tuna. It just wasn’t enough food at all. I hyped myself up for this restaurant and I was really let down on this dish. Definitely not worth the 27 $.
My boyfriend got the pork chops. I don’t eat pork, but he said it was pretty good, just not tender. The sautéed okra and corn was good, some curry kick to it! He had enough food that he didn’t even finish.
Overall there could definitely be some approvements. Your customers shouldn’t leave hungry, after spending nearly 30 $ a plate.

Unique beer selection and they brew their own mixers for cocktails, storing them in glass jugs for you to admire. Between the fresh pork rinds, the owner greeting you with a smile, and the friendly bartender, I had a great time!

I’ve visited Fortify for both lunch and dinner, and I’ve been blown away both times. I held back on reviewing the restaurant until I had the opportunity to experience both.
Service is outstanding, and both meals were two of the best meals I’ve EVER eaten at a restaurant (Meatloaf for lunch, lamb chops for dinner), same for desserts (blood orange crème brûlée, strawberry cobbler). Honolulu, Miami, Denver, Atlanta, Washington, Salt Lake City, Charleston, New Orleans, Austin– I don’t think I’ve had a better experience in any of these places. I can’t speak for every customer, but this place certainly has it together. I can’t really think of a legitimate complaint.
Also, my mom had the burger for lunch, which looked incredible, and my girlfriend had filet mignon for dinner. Presentation, taste, you name it– incredible. Oh, and the lamb chops were served with a quinoa and blueberry combo and complemented with chimichurri and feta cheese, all having me wonder how chefs go about discovering these insanely delicious taste mash-​ups. Portion sizes were just fine!
These people know how to operate a great restaurant. I could go on about the food, but the service here is special. Interact with the staff a little, and you’ll find that they’re very passionate about the restaurant and what they’re doing in Clayton, Georgia. Food knowledge is dropped on you with tremendous enthusiasm– they are happy to answer your questions with serious detail. The waiting folks seem to be candid yet professional, and I haven’t met the chef, but its clear that he has invested a lot of creative care into the food.
I’ve got to give credit to Austin for tonight’s service! And Zac for the enthusiasm and kitchen passion! I’m having a little trouble recalling the waitress’s name from lunch a few months back, but they’re all excellent at what they do.
It is such a pleasure to eat here, and we will be back many times. This place is great for Clayton and the state of Georgia.
Infinite stars and thumbs up.

I enjoyed this restaurant; however, there are a couple of things that could be improved.
We came here with a party of 4 and had a reservation and were seated immediately. The waitress was nice and knew the menu and the specials well. I ordered the duck duet and it was delicious. The housemade butter and cheese that comes with the bread is also excellent.
My reason for the 3 stars is due to two things:
–The wait for the food was definitely longer than most restaurants. The food and the dessert both took much longer than needed
–My boyfriend ordered the Lamb T-​Bone. A strange cut to serve at a restaurant but he wanted to try it. There were very small pieces of lamb on his plate. There was barely any meat and the meat that was on the t-​bone had a lot of cartilage. I would recommend that they change their cut from a t-​bone to maybe lamb chops or shank.
I would love to come back to this restaurant again because I think they have a lot of potential and would love to try more dishes and change my review as needed.

Best meal we had in Clayton. From the Fried Green Tomatoes and Gouda Fritters for appetizers to the Beef Filet and Pork Tenderloin the entire meal was divine. I was a bit disappointed in the apple-​blueberry crisp (way too many uncooked apples) no where near enough crisp. My husband really enjoyed his sweet potato pecan pie and my friend loved his peanut butter banana dessert. Staff was excellent and make sure to book your reservation.

Great restaurant! We were in Clayton and came across this unexpected gem! I highly recommend it. I was presently surprised and thoroughly impressed. Nice décor and amazing/​high end food for reasonable price.
Try the fried green tomatoes you won’t regret it! Pretty much anything will be delicious!