I CAN NOT rave enough about this restaurant and am so mad that I didn't see this place until a recent trip! As a non-local that frequents the N. GA mountains, I like to try new places, but I am also painfully loyal to the places up here that I love, as I don't get to patron these businesses often. But, I decided to expand the horizons, and I absolutely found another place I will add to my list of faves for the area!!
First, the atmosphere was a fun but relaxed, lowkey vibe, the place felt so comfortable, and the rustic chic decor was so cute!
The service was excellent, truly exemplary! Our waitress, Kristin, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us the true low-down on menu items. We appreciated her honesty and recommendations, as well as her attentive service! Do yourself a favor, request Kristin as your waitress!! AND if you are lucky, their superb bartender, Tyler, will be working! He made the best Moscow Mule I have ever had!! Plus, we tried the Starry Night off the menu, which was a SOLID choice! It tasted like a spiked fruit punch, SO delicious! I am so glad we had the fortune of receiving service from these two. I don't doubt the other staff strive to provide excellent service like these two.
Now, what you've all be waiting (or skimming) for, THE FOOD ? WELL, it had me repeating "this is so good" throughout the meal in a way I have NEVER experienced. Seriously, I couldn't stop raving about the food while I was eating, even planned to call my mom after to tell her we must add this place to our restaurant rolodex for our vacations up here! The flavors were everything I didn't know I needed in my life and am elated to have found. It all started with the drinks and bread service. Now, this bread service comes with thin breadsticks and bread slices, in addition to arguably the best spreads for bread (and I am very picky with what I put on my bread, I tend to eat it naked). I don't remember exactly all that was in the spreads, but the reddish-orange one was a hummus and the speckled was a duck butter with chives. I never could've thought that I would love those and recommend them so easily. Then, we had our appetizers, which I rank as the top 3 appetizers, if not the best, that I have ever had in my life. I was blown away by the savory flavors that exploded in my mouth, I was speechless (believe it!)!! Stay with me here, if you leave Fortify without trying the gouda fritters, you didn't go to Fortify and you surely missed out on the most creamy, cheesy, perfectly crunchy, and tasty ball of joy (and you should be ashamed of yourself)!! I think I might dream of these gouda fritters for the rest of my life. They were simply put, sensational. From first bite, I wanted a lifetime supply, ugh, SO GOOD!!! And you add the pork belly?? Now, you're sailing. The pork belly was incredible! Judge for yourself, but I would be surprised if this app didn't rank high for you! Then, came dinner, which we were already amped to try based off experience with appetizers. My bestie had the duck, which she said was great and she enjoyed trying bread pudding in a way she has not before. I had the burger with homemade fries, which was perfectly cooked and puts many burgers to shame! I sincerely look forward to returning to try dessert, which we were fall too full for last night. The homemade ice cream flavors piqued our interests, so we will likely be back before our trip ends!
All that to say, I am a certified Fortify fan now! I love it there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gouda Fritters, Duck Breast
Cher D
Outstanding chef made cuisine! Phenomenal service from Joey! Great gluten free options as well! Will return again and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacob Norton
This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. The service was terrible, the food was overpriced, and the hostess, Ashlyne, was particularly unpleasant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Keith
Fantastic meal and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
D Alberts
A fabulous, elegant, southern dinner! Our server, Victoria, was a southern delight, too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée
Chris Seligman
Another great dinner! Will definitely be back again
Tamara Joiner
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. The server was very knowledgeable of the specials and of the menu. We ordered the smoked gouda fritters, and they were delicious, but after that, everything went downhill. We waited 45 min for our meals and the server avoided us. 3 people at the table ordered the salmon, it was overcooked and dry. Our portion of the bill was 2 meals, and the appetizer (no drinks) and our bill was $99 before tip. We were super disappointed and likely won't go back as there are more options to choose from in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Kristi Yarbrough
Wonderful food, service and atmosphere. Food was phenomenal. A must try, when in Clayton.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sandy Sisson
My favorite restaurant in Clayton. So elevated! Service is always top notch! Food is delicious and cocktails are innovative. Loved the Espresso martini!
This little gem in North Georgia is the perfect spot for delicious dinner, attentive service, and super friendly staff. It has the perfect ambience for a romantic night for 2 or an elevated dinner with friends and family. From the moment we walked in we were wished a warm Happy Anniversary by the amazing host and even got a special anniversary treat at the end. Our server Joey was one of the best I have ever had, and that’s not an easy feat. So knowledgeable, friendly, and has mastered the art of “timing” when it comes to how and when to interact with guests. I had the duck schnitzel dish with bread pudding and it was delicious. The tamales appetizer was also well done. Had a delicious cinnamon ice cream to finish the night off. The entire staff works as a team, pre-bussing tables and helping each other out. That is such a lost art and so appreciated to be sitting at a clean table. This is also one of the first places I’ve eaten in a while where you are not rushed through courses. Great vibes, it is evident why this is the bell of Clayton when it comes to food. We hope to return next time we are in the area. Thank You entire Fortify team!
Dietary restrictions: Great gluten free restaurant and menu. Staff super knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, Soup
linda hartley
Four different choices, all delicious. Fabulous desserts made in house. Would recommend for an excellent meal, best we’ve had in Clayton. Olivia was a very friendly & helpful server.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe
Had a few negative issues with my visit, but would maybe return to give it another shot/revise my score.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Hobe Collins
Great food. Even better service. They do the small things to set themselves apart. Kristin was our server and she was awesome. I booked the reservation online and made a note that it was my wife's birthday. That was acknowledged right when we walked in and throughout the night. Look forward to going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Debi
We had an excellent dinner. Fortify never disappoints. I'd like to share that they offer a wide variety of gluten free options that are noted on the main menu both online and in house.
The 314 pizza is top shelf ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 3 14 Pizza
I CAN NOT rave enough about this restaurant and am so mad that I didn't see this place until a recent trip! As a non-local that frequents the N. GA mountains, I like to try new places, but I am also painfully loyal to the places up here that I love, as I don't get to patron these businesses often. But, I decided to expand the horizons, and I absolutely found another place I will add to my list of faves for the area!!
First, the atmosphere was a fun but relaxed, lowkey vibe, the place felt so comfortable, and the rustic chic decor was so cute!
The service was excellent, truly exemplary! Our waitress, Kristin, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us the true low-down on menu items. We appreciated her honesty and recommendations, as well as her attentive service! Do yourself a favor, request Kristin as your waitress!! AND if you are lucky, their superb bartender, Tyler, will be working! He made the best Moscow Mule I have ever had!! Plus, we tried the Starry Night off the menu, which was a SOLID choice! It tasted like a spiked fruit punch, SO delicious! I am so glad we had the fortune of receiving service from these two. I don't doubt the other staff strive to provide excellent service like these two.
Now, what you've all be waiting (or skimming) for, THE FOOD ?
WELL, it had me repeating "this is so good" throughout the meal in a way I have NEVER experienced. Seriously, I couldn't stop raving about the food while I was eating, even planned to call my mom after to tell her we must add this place to our restaurant rolodex for our vacations up here! The flavors were everything I didn't know I needed in my life and am elated to have found. It all started with the drinks and bread service. Now, this bread service comes with thin breadsticks and bread slices, in addition to arguably the best spreads for bread (and I am very picky with what I put on my bread, I tend to eat it naked). I don't remember exactly all that was in the spreads, but the reddish-orange one was a hummus and the speckled was a duck butter with chives. I never could've thought that I would love those and recommend them so easily. Then, we had our appetizers, which I rank as the top 3 appetizers, if not the best, that I have ever had in my life. I was blown away by the savory flavors that exploded in my mouth, I was speechless (believe it!)!! Stay with me here, if you leave Fortify without trying the gouda fritters, you didn't go to Fortify and you surely missed out on the most creamy, cheesy, perfectly crunchy, and tasty ball of joy (and you should be ashamed of yourself)!! I think I might dream of these gouda fritters for the rest of my life. They were simply put, sensational. From first bite, I wanted a lifetime supply, ugh, SO GOOD!!! And you add the pork belly?? Now, you're sailing. The pork belly was incredible! Judge for yourself, but I would be surprised if this app didn't rank high for you! Then, came dinner, which we were already amped to try based off experience with appetizers. My bestie had the duck, which she said was great and she enjoyed trying bread pudding in a way she has not before. I had the burger with homemade fries, which was perfectly cooked and puts many burgers to shame! I sincerely look forward to returning to try dessert, which we were fall too full for last night. The homemade ice cream flavors piqued our interests, so we will likely be back before our trip ends!
All that to say, I am a certified Fortify fan now! I love it there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gouda Fritters, Duck Breast
Outstanding chef made cuisine! Phenomenal service from Joey! Great gluten free options as well! Will return again and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. The service was terrible, the food was overpriced, and the hostess, Ashlyne, was particularly unpleasant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Fantastic meal and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A fabulous, elegant, southern dinner! Our server, Victoria, was a southern delight, too!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pumpkin Spice Crème Brûlée
Another great dinner! Will definitely be back again
Very nice place with a great atmosphere. The server was very knowledgeable of the specials and of the menu. We ordered the smoked gouda fritters, and they were delicious, but after that, everything went downhill. We waited 45 min for our meals and the server avoided us. 3 people at the table ordered the salmon, it was overcooked and dry. Our portion of the bill was 2 meals, and the appetizer (no drinks) and our bill was $99 before tip. We were super disappointed and likely won't go back as there are more options to choose from in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Wonderful food, service and atmosphere. Food was phenomenal. A must try, when in Clayton.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite restaurant in Clayton. So elevated! Service is always top notch! Food is delicious and cocktails are innovative. Loved the Espresso martini!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Greek Salad, Fried Mozzarella
Restaurantji Recommends
This little gem in North Georgia is the perfect spot for delicious dinner, attentive service, and super friendly staff. It has the perfect ambience for a romantic night for 2 or an elevated dinner with friends and family. From the moment we walked in we were wished a warm Happy Anniversary by the amazing host and even got a special anniversary treat at the end. Our server Joey was one of the best I have ever had, and that’s not an easy feat. So knowledgeable, friendly, and has mastered the art of “timing” when it comes to how and when to interact with guests. I had the duck schnitzel dish with bread pudding and it was delicious. The tamales appetizer was also well done. Had a delicious cinnamon ice cream to finish the night off. The entire staff works as a team, pre-bussing tables and helping each other out. That is such a lost art and so appreciated to be sitting at a clean table. This is also one of the first places I’ve eaten in a while where you are not rushed through courses. Great vibes, it is evident why this is the bell of Clayton when it comes to food. We hope to return next time we are in the area. Thank You entire Fortify team!
Dietary restrictions: Great gluten free restaurant and menu. Staff super knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, Soup
Four different choices, all delicious. Fabulous desserts made in house. Would recommend for an excellent meal, best we’ve had in Clayton. Olivia was a very friendly & helpful server.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a few negative issues with my visit, but would maybe return to give it another shot/revise my score.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Great food. Even better service. They do the small things to set themselves apart. Kristin was our server and she was awesome. I booked the reservation online and made a note that it was my wife's birthday. That was acknowledged right when we walked in and throughout the night. Look forward to going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an excellent dinner. Fortify never disappoints. I'd like to share that they offer a wide variety of gluten free options that are noted on the main menu both online and in house.
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