The SpenceTop Notch FunMy wife and I are big Top Chef fans from Roswell and have been critiquing Richard's food for years...only we've never actually tasted it. We came at The Spence from that perspective, wanting to try to get a taste of what we've been watching him do on TV, and were pretty quickly disarmed at the door.
The Spence stands on its own merit and blends neatly into its landscape, designed not to promote existing laurels, but more to offer something exciting and necessary to Tech Square. Like any great neighborhood restaurant, once inside The Spence, we found the atmosphere to be fun and friendly, and like most successfully upscale restaurants, it was all smartly done.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable MealFamily dinner Saturday night. Wonderful from the oysters to the last sip of wine. The food was very creative and we thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. The best part of the evening was the service. Our waiter, Tim, was just great. The place was packed, but he took time to help with our wine choice and answered every question. His recommendations were spot on and he was very entertaining.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMCocktails and pork from heavenHad six different dishes and sampled all the cocktails on the menu. Delicious, imaginative, wonderful! Great value, too!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food enjoyable atmosphere.Great food enjoyable atmosphere. Need to work on the check presentation. Everything was great up to then. It is the little things that count.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of our favorites in AtlantaWe have been here several times and each time we enjoy an incredible meal with excellent service. We now have a favorite waiter who always stops by our table to say hello if he's not serving us, and at Easter brunch, the pastry chef delivered our dessert herself. We recently had a baby, which means we won't be able to go as frequently, but we took our month-old son for Mother's Day brunch and had a wonderful meal as expected.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful dining experienceThe Spence is a real treat. The small plates allow you to enjoy many of the wonderful dishes. Can't wait to go back.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMore than expected food quality,More than expected food quality, service, and menu prices / options. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone willing to experience something different. Hands down, this place is on my top tier list.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMHad brunch on Mother's Day.Had brunch on Mother's Day. Food was terrific, service was amazing, Richard Blais never ceases to amaze...5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA must stopGreat to enjoy what Richard pours his heart into. The dishes were amazing!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular dinner at SpenceWhile visiting Atlanta, we decided to try one of Richard Blais' restaurants. Our server, Rory, was outstanding: knowledgeable, attentive, and a great representative for the restaurant. She even arranged for Blais himself to stop by our table. She guided our whole experience quite ably. (The rest of the staff was great, too - jumping in to help as needed, and to answer questions about specific ingredients.)
Ah...the food. We ordered a mix of small plate items, and each was special and delicious. Some of the items we ate were the roasted bone marrow with quail eggs, pea papardalle with beef cheek, turnips, fried kale, barbecue chickpeas, shortribs, and a great violet ice cream. We will definitely be back, and will recommend to others.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed lunchReally enjoyed the lunch I had there. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Delivery of the food was timely and ambiance was great. I look forward to dining there again the next time I am in Atlanta.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMBlazin it upMy wife and I got to take a picture with Richard which I know sounds cheesy but how often is a celebrity chef working when you go to one of their restaurants. The food and drinks were also exceptional. My wife's short ribs were incredible and the my lamb osso bucco was as well.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was fantastic. TheThe food was fantastic. The green gazapacho was the best I've ever tasted and the short ribs were so fabulous. I ordered the bone marrow tuna which I read everyeone raving about and it was ok but not my favorite dish we ordered. and I got a pic with Richard which was great. The only issue was the 15+ minutes in between our appetizers and second course. The waiter was professionally apologetic but it was truly an awful flow of food. Desserts were mediocre in comparison to the other dishes. Overall a great experience especially since I got to take a pic with Richard Blais :-)5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMAn adventureI'm no stranger to fine dining and great cuisine. I've been to many of the best restaurants in Atlanta. I grew up in a family of chefs. This meal was easily the best I've ever had at a restaurant. The creativity of the dishes, combining "foodie" ingredients with familiar presentations and flavors (mac and head cheese?), the excellent service..even the drinks from the bar were memorable. This is the standard on which my wife and I will judge new restaurants.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMSo Happy To Serve!The staff is geared to service and knowledgable about The Spence product. Everyone comes off as if they are fortunate for the experience of Spence employment.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMUniqueExtensive wine list and interesting mixed drinks-inventive but not over the top.
Food was a fun mix of creative-biscuits and cheese (can't recall the official name), to reliably mundane-juicy Lucy. Everything was a delight and great for tasting. And our waiter was both adorable and knowledgable.
Music volume was a tad loud. Went from energetic to a little overwhelming though the election was good.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGet the brussels sprouts!!I can't recall ever tasting ANYTHING more delicious than the brussels sprouts at The Spence. They were divine. I made this reservation for my dad's birthday, and by mentioning it when I made the reservation, the staff gave my dad a complimentary "blueberry cheesecake"...only it was terrifically innovative and modern. Memorable and wonderful night.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it!Everything was so creative and fresh! Chef Richard Blais does it again!4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGenius!How does one describe the dining experience at The Spence? We were graciously greeted, seated and made welcomed by staff. We received our drink order and an introduction to the many tempting dishes on the menu. I chose the risotto with parmesean foam,the oysters with frozen pearls of heat, and the charred asparagus salad with egg truffle and brown butter. Oh my were they fabulous! Chef Blais creates genius on every plate. His food is a symphony of flavors! I can't wait to go back again!
How does one desribe the dining experience at the Spence? Memorable!4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMA delicious evening...We had a wonderful experience at The Spence. The food and drinks were absolutely beautiful, creative and delicious. The service was on-point, and the ambiance was excellent... casual, yet energetic, hip and interesting.
I will definitely be back to try more dishes, but some were so good I know I will be ordering them a second time. I believe my favorite thing I had all evening was the crispy skin on the duck.It was unlike anything I have ever tasted, perfectly cooked with a rich depth of sweetness that rounded out the dish beautifully. My other favorite of the evening was the March Hare. Absolutely the most "complete" cocktail I have ever had. The black tea cube and chai bitters were really quite perfect. I can't wait to go back! Thank you4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent. IntriguingFood was excellent. Intriguing and creative dishes. Service was equally capable. We had a great time.
The only negative was parking. The valet took a long time, and the attendants said the reason is the parking deck is three blocks away. Not a lot of people waiting but still took 10-15 minutes to get the car, and there is no convenient (or warm) place to wait. This needs to be improved on since the options for self-parking are limited.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMI wish they would open a locationI wish they would open a location in New York! Food was awesome especially if you like trying new things. Service was also great from the hostess to waitstaff and management (even the valet guys). Definitely try this place if you want something different thats tasty and inviting while in Atlanta.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMThe environment, food, andThe environment, food, and drink were absolutely amazing! The only problem was the service. There was no host to great us and after waiting several minutes we were hosted by the bartender. Once at the bar we were virtually neglected for 5-10 minutes before our first point of service. Finally, when we were seated at our table we had three different servers approach us within 20 minutes, each of whom asked if they could help us but none of whom claimed to be our server. They each said, "I'm not your server but I can help you," one of whom was blatantly rude. It appeared as though none of the servers were assigned to our table and the make it up the manager apologized and treated us to a round of drinks. All-in-all a good experience!4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service and wonderfulGreat service and wonderful food! Next time I'll just order a bunch of appetizers/ small plates they're more interesting than the larger entrees. I'll definitely return to the Spence on my next trip to Atlanta.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great service!The food was great - innovative and well prepared. The service was impressive. We mentioned in the reservation notes that we were celebrating our anniversary - the entire staff was aware and made our night extremely memorable. Our server was excellent - personable, on hand when needed and respectful of our time together. Overall a great night!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall Loved It, but a Little LoudThis was my husband's & my 1st time at The Spence. We had 6:00 pm reservations: it wasn't crowded, and we were not rushed. It was loud, but they turned the music down for me. Very creative food. We will be back!
Our server, Sabrina, gave us some of the BEST service I have ever had.
My husband & I ordered 3 small plates & 1 Brussels sprouts to share, plus 2 entrees. The small plates were large enough to have a nice nibble, the entrees were large & very rich. The Brussels were more than enough for the 2 of us. Next time I will skip the entree & have more small plates.
Oysters & pearls: loved it. Marrow: very good if you like marrow. Beet salad: okay. Brussels: good, but mine are better. Short rib: yummy & rich. Pork leg: excellent4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMI absolutely loved The Spence!I absolutely loved The Spence! Everything we put in our mouths was wonderful from the fried brussels sprouts, to the asparagus and strawberry salad to the bone marrow w/ tuna tartar. Richard Blais and his staff always exceed expectations!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI enjoyed my first experienceI enjoyed my first experience there quite a bit. This was my first venture into eating bone marrow and it was quite good. Juicy Lucy was outstanding and the service was great. The decontructed dessert was just OK.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMust Eat HereThe small plate selection was fantastic and tasted even bettter than expected. This is a must eat at place for ATL! The service was top notch and quick, great people all around and not afraid of doing what it takes to make customers happy. We gave a special challange to the bartender and he delivered! I will be back, and I will recomend it to all that come to Atlanta!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMLot of fun. Richard BlaiseLot of fun. Richard Blaise was in attendance, which apparently makes a difference, but we thought the service was outstanding and the food kept pace. We look forward to returning!3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went to Spence for EasterWe went to Spence for Easter brunch. We had a fantastic experience! The food was wonderful, innovative and flavorful. The service was exceptional-Attentive without being intrusive. They held an Easter egg hunt for the kids that were there in the outside dining area (too cold to eat out there that day!)that was really sweet and the kids really liked it-a nice touch. The room is nicely appointed, and I like seeing the action in the kitchen, however the room has a lot of hard surfaces and high ceilings which make it a little louder than I would like. It wasn't unbearable, just a little noisy. We look forward to returning for dinner soon.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great Easter brunchWe had a great Easter brunch at The Spence. We ordered almost everything on the menu between the six of us. We especially loved the juicy lucy, the lamb panini, and a few brunch things. Richard Blais was cooking and even dropped by our table to chat.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experience (again!)OMG - the marrow with tuna is amazing!! The oysters were out of the world.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMMy husband and I went to theMy husband and I went to the Spence because we love watching Richard Blais on Top Chef, and we saw a little bit about the opening of this restaurant on Life After Top Chef. We were in Atlanta for a night and decided to pay a visit. We had some of the best food we've ever had, including: Apps - lobster rolls, squid ink spaghettini w/ pork meatballs, and baby kale caesar. Mains - Duck w/ bok choy and blood orange and chocolate sauce, Steak w/ chimichurri, and the Juicy Lucy with thrice fried frites. Sides - mac & cheese with head cheese and brussel sprouts. Every single bite was excellent; seasoned perfectly, great flavor combinations, beautiful presentation. I wish we lived closer so we could frequent this place!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMSoul-inspired foodLoved it! Heart and soul transfused into every dish. Original and perfectly prepared. Felt the heat off the wood fire grille just as we walked through the doors. Lively crew with character. We were well taken care of. We will be back!3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went to the Spence forWe went to the Spence for my wife's birthday and were so excited to try all the menu items that we don't typically have. The oysters and pearls, tuna tartars and bone marrow, and kale ceaser were all great and our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. Their wine list is excellent and expansive. They only have a few beers, but it's quality over quantity no bud lights in this house. We has the duck and char as mains and finished with the cheesecake and pineapple cake which were both fantastic. Our daughter came, and though it's not a kid geared place they are certainly welcome and its loins enough that a singing kid doesn't get noticed.
Overall double A plus.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Spence was off the chain!The Spence was off the chain! Really enjoyed not only the food but the wine list as well.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dined on a Sunday. ItWe dined on a Sunday. It was wonderfully quiet. Service was personable. Food was intriquing. Loved the booth where we were seated.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect nightWe had a great experience. We've been wanting to try it for a while and finally got a chance to go. It did not dissapoint. Out waiter made half of the experience. He had great suggestions for our overall experience and was very considerate of our likes etc. We will definitely be back! Interested to try the patio and lunch.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMImprove the main dishesTapas type dishes were outstanding. The entree dishes not so much. The duck was tough, pork belly very ordinary, steak also tough.
Stick with the smaller plates is my advice. Our waiter was excellent, great service, too bad about the main dishes. We won't be going back.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a great business lunchHad a great business lunch - everything was amazing!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a great experience!!What a great experience!! If you are lucky enough to be there when the owner is in town, he is a gracious host. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. Well worth it....3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWOW! Definitly one of theWOW! Definitly one of the best meals my friend & I have ever eaten. We are on a mission to try all of the best ATL restaurants for lunch. This one is our absolute favorites and not only will we return but we recommend it to all our friends. LOVE RB and his dishes!3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe smoked linguini with goatThe smoked linguini with goat and spring vegetables is delicious! Love the Brussels sprouts. Squash brulee was too sweet for my taste As a side fish. Other favs: oysters, bone marrow and kale salad.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMFantastic dinner for a groupFantastic dinner for a group of business leaders visiting Atlanta!3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMBlais does it again!Loved it!! Was a bit noisy, but I liked it because it was good energy! The food was just incredible and I wanted everything on the menu. I will be going back for sure very soon!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was special and weThe food was special and we loved it. However, the noise level was very loud and was not conducive to having a conversation. That was the only drawback for us.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth a 4-hour driveI drove 4 hours just to go to The Spence and was very pleased with my experience. The staff was phenomenal and the food was outstanding. This is a must for anyone who is a foodie, a Top Chef-o-phile, or just wants a terrific meal. I also thought the wine list provided a vast array of choices that allowed me to play junior sommelier (and I think I did really well, I might add!!!). I felt the meal was reasonably priced as well. The only thing I missed was getting to meet Richard Blais. Maybe next time!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMBest waiter I've had in years..Best waiter I've had in years.. Thanks Peter, we will be back soon!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI did not love the menu soI did not love the menu so I ordered chicken which I hardly ever order when out dining. It was good and moist but not sure how quickly I'll return.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AM