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Restaurants · Georgia, Georgia

Gunshow

  • CuisineEclectic American / Southern
  • CategoryCasual Fine
  • VibeLively, communal, dinner-party energy with an edge
  • Rating★ 4.7
  • Price$$$

Gunshow is among Atlanta's most original dining concepts, conceived by Top Chef fan-favourite chef Kevin Gillespie in the Glenwood Park neighbourhood. The restaurant upends conventional fine-dining service by having cooks personally carry their dishes through the dining room on trays — in a format loosely inspired by dim sum — and present them directly to diners, who choose which dishes to accept.

Gunshow

Gunshow is among Atlanta's most original dining concepts, conceived by Top Chef fan-favourite chef Kevin Gillespie in the Glenwood Park neighbourhood. The restaurant upends conventional fine-dining service by having cooks personally carry their dishes through the dining room on trays — in a format loosely inspired by dim sum — and present them directly to diners, who choose which dishes to accept. There is no fixed menu or à la carte list; the selection on offer changes nightly based on what Gillespie and his team are inspired to make. Any given evening might feature a wood-fired brisket preparation, fried chicken with house-pickled vegetables, eclectic global flavours crossing Thai, Korean, Southern, or French techniques, and house-made charcuterie. The kitchen's cheeseburger egg rolls have become a standing cult item among regulars. The setting is a high-ceilinged converted industrial warehouse in southeast Atlanta, with an open kitchen, communal and table seating, and an energy level that falls somewhere between a lively dinner party and a buzzy neighbourhood restaurant. Diners pay per plate as dishes are selected, making the cost variable — a moderate appetite might spend $45–65 per person, while those who accept everything might push $100 or more. The beverage programme includes a well-constructed cocktail list and a concise wine selection skewing toward smaller producers. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends; the format makes late walk-ins impractical since the kitchen manages dish output in timed rounds. Dress is relaxed — Gunshow draws a mix of food-industry professionals, date-night couples, and dedicated regulars who return weekly.

Signature dishes

  • Rotating dim-sum style service (dishes brought tableside by cooks)
  • Kevin Gillespie's seasonal specials
  • Cheeseburger egg rolls

Good to know

Known for
Chef Kevin Gillespie's unique concept where cooks personally deliver and explain each dish; no fixed menu
Hours
Tue–Sat 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Closed Sun–Mon
Reservations
Highly recommended — book at exploretock.com or call +1 (404) 380-1886

Location

924 Garrett St SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

33.7398, -84.3492 View on map

Highlights

  • Chef Kevin Gillespie's dim sum-style format: cooks personally bring dishes tableside for diners to choose
  • No fixed menu — every visit is different, with nightly specials driven by seasonal and whim-driven inspiration
  • Cheeseburger egg rolls have become a cult favourite among regulars
  • Casual industrial-warehouse setting with open kitchen and electric neighbourhood energy
  • Per-plate pricing model: diners control spend by accepting or declining each dish

Tips for visiting

  • Arrive hungry — the evening's most exciting dishes often come out early; being full limits the experience
  • Declining a dish politely is perfectly acceptable and part of the format — no pressure to accept everything
  • Budget $50–80 per person for a moderate selection before drinks; enthusiastic diners can spend $100+
  • Weekend evenings fill quickly — book via Tock at least two weeks in advance
  • The cocktail programme is strong; pair drinks with the first few rounds before switching to wine

Accessibility

The restaurant is located in a converted warehouse with a level entrance accessible to wheelchair users. The main dining floor is flat and navigable, though the communal seating format can be tight in places. Contact the restaurant in advance for the most accessible table placement.

Frequently asked questions

How does ordering work at Gunshow?

Gunshow uses a roaming service format: cooks carry dishes through the dining room and offer them directly to each table. Diners select which dishes to take and pay per plate. There is no printed menu — the selection changes each night.

How much does a meal at Gunshow typically cost?

Cost varies based on how many dishes are accepted. A moderate appetite typically results in a $45–70 per person total before drinks, while those who accept most offerings can spend $90–110.

Is there a vegetarian option at Gunshow?

The roaming menu often includes vegetarian-friendly dishes, but since the menu changes nightly, vegetarians are advised to note dietary requirements at the time of booking so the kitchen can ensure suitable options are available.

Who is the chef at Gunshow?

Gunshow was founded by Kevin Gillespie, widely recognised for his run on Top Chef Season 6. Gillespie oversees the kitchen and frequently cooks on the line during service.

Is Gunshow suitable for a special occasion?

Yes. The interactive format, relaxed atmosphere, and high-quality food make it memorable for dates and celebrations without the formality of a traditional fine-dining experience.