Three Sheets: More Than a Chic Sandy Springs Lounge

One of the first thoughts to run through your mind when you walk into Three Sheets is that it’s not a typical Sandy Springs spot.

The first floor is a chic romantically-lit lounge and the upper-level is an open-air deck with a bar, comfy couches and chairs that may have you longing for a beach below.

Since opening in April 2010, , located at City Walk, has garnered a reputation as one of the best local spots for adults to unwind.

“I grew up around Sandy Springs and knew there was a need for a good place where people who want to have a drink in a nice environment don’t have to go to Buckhead then drive miles to get home,” said Jonathan Akly. “We went over a few concepts before we settled on this…”

Three Sheets is only one aspect of a family-owned business. Tony Akly heads the Restaurants Consulting Group, which has designed and built restaurants and clubs - from casual to fine dining - across metro Atlanta. Rumi’s Kitchen, J. Christopher’s, Atlanta Bread Company, Lotus Lounge and Club Ritz are only a sampling.

Future restaurant owners turn to Tony Akly, and sons Jonathan and Ryan for help with concept, architectural ideas, site selection, menu and more. Their swanky offices, above Three Sheets, seem to lend itself to creativity.

As for the Three Sheets lounge, on some evenings it draws happy hour crowds and on other occasions, the late night set.

“We still do a good dinner business, but it’s much later fare - lamb chops, scallops, cheese boards, small plates,” said Ryan. “We’re also busy with late-night business as well.

The kitchen turns out a variety of small-plates with a Mediterranean flair that make it a dining destination as well. Bites include a range of flavors, from deviled eggs with truffle oil or spicy mac and cheese to couscous and fried calamari.

Larger options start with a trio of chicken, beef and pulled pork sliders and continue through pan-seared salmon, lamb lollipops, grilled shrimp and filet mignon. One of the new crowd-pleasers has been the new grilled cheese dinner featuring five courses of different grilled cheeses, paired with wines.

“We’re doing more cocktails, especially a lot of infusions - dill and cucumber-infused vodka, pineapple tequila,” said Jonathan. “We’re also doing more beer dinners, cigar events and are about to launch a new happy hour menu. And every Thursday is now girls’ night, with $3 champagne and $5 martinis.”

Another Three Sheets attraction is Miracle Fruit night. On the first Wednesday of each month, the restaurant serves up platters of the tiny berry that once swallowed temporarily transforms taste bud sensors so everything seems sweeter. For about an hour after eating the fruit, the tartness of lemons, grapefruits or green apples is replaced by a taste explosion. As far as the brothers know, they’re the only ones doing it.

“And it’s still a really popular event,” said Ryan.