How is The Spence - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

The Spence - Permanently Closed, Atlanta, GA

The Spence - Permanently Closed

4.2

1175 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

The Spence is a contemporary American restaurant that is popular for its seafood dishes. The restaurant's interior is trendy and modern. One of its most striking features is its extra-high ceiling. Guests can choose to sit outside in the open dining area when the weather is nice. A full-service bar is also available at The Spence, complete with a wide range of wines, cocktails and other spirits. For starters, try an appetizer like the Mexican street corn with chili, lime and queso fresco, oyster mushroom tartine with lamb chopper, pickled ramp and turnip, fried chicken liver with guava mustard or meadow creek Appalachian cheese served with an apricot scone and marmalade. A number of main course items are also available at The Spence for guests to choose from, including braised short rib with corn, red onions and horseradish and Long Island duck breast with dates, onion soubise and lemon cucumber.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm, Sunday CLOSED
Phone number
(404) 892-9111
Website
http://thespenceatl.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
75 5th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Neighborhood
Midtown
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Complimentary valet drop off directly in front of the restaurant on Fifth Street.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wine

Pork Terrine$9.00
mustard & jam
Oysters and Pearls$12.00
Bone Marrow$13.00
with tuna tartare & eggs
Salads$6.00
A Simple Green w/ a bunch of vegetables; with or w/o
- Chicken$5.00
- Salmon$6.00
- Steak$7.00
Smoked Beets$10.00
with ricotta & hazelnuts
Kale "Caesar"$7.00
Flat Bread "Cobb"$10.00
bacon, egg, onion & blue cheese

Mains

Pea Pesto Spaghettini$9.00
english peas, carrot & parmesan
Crisp Flat Bread$11.00
chorizo, tomato & fresh cheese
Pimento Cheese Sandwich$11.00
smoked ham & pickles
Portobello Sandwich$11.00
miso, onion ring & zuchinni
Roast Turkey Breast Panini$12.00
bacon, avocado & swiss
Pork Belly Crispy Tacos$11.00
guajillo salsa
Roast Beef Sandwich$13.00
peppers & onions, roast garlic
Salmon Sandwich$12.00
dill, cream cheese & fried onion
Juicy Lucy Burger$13.00
thrice cooked fries

See Server

Soups for today$6.00
Our Cut of Beef$18.00
Today's Fish$18.00
Little Lunch Special$12.00
soup, salad, lil sandwich

Sides

Carrots & Parsnip$5.00
kaffir lime vinaigrette
Pineapple & Cucumber$6.00
with hanoi salad dressing
French Fries$4.00

To Finish

Mint Panna Cotta$7.00
cucumber sorbet, sunflower cake
Warm Chocolate Cake$7.00
honey ice cream, almonds
Sailor's Crutch$9.00
London dry gin, lemon, falernum, soda water

Beers

Brooklyn Pilsner$6.00
Jack's Hard Cider$5.00
Bell's Oberon$8.00
Whales Tale Pale Ale$5.00
Sankaty Lager$5.00
Mother Earth Kolsch$6.00
Hitachino White$12.00
Samuel Smith Stout$8.00

What 1,175 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.1Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

1,087 Reviews

AF
AdamFromATL
Atlanta Metro
18 reviews
vip
1.0
18 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2016
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
**** closed ****. The restaurant is closed. The restaurant is closed.
Is this helpful?
JC
JimC
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
This was our first time at The Spence and we really enjoyed it. With Georgia Tech summer break it was a quiet evening, but we loved the attention from our servers and the manager. The recommended starters (duck spring rolls and sautéed cauliflower) were fantastic. We split a whole Bronzino as an entree and it was perfectly prepared. A great overall experience and we will be back.
Is this helpful?
JB
JBDowntown
Atlanta Metro
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Excellent place to take clients.
Is this helpful?
TS
ThaniaS
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The server we had was great. She introduced us to a great Riesling that I now keep on hand. The yellow Jacket cocktail is wonderful and the Risotto is just the way it should be. I will definitely go there again!
Is this helpful?
CT
ChiTown
Chicago
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great outside space, fun environment and good food.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Excellent from the moment we walked in the door! Service, food, and ambience were top-notch! We would definitely return to this place when back in Atlanta! Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
s
snooch2danooch
Atlanta Metro
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The food was very good and the service was top notch.
Is this helpful?
S
Sanah
Atlanta Metro
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Went here on a date night expecting a nice, upscale neighborhood gem but instead we entered an empty restaurant with 3 other tables. We had a server and a trainee and we have never been treated with such attitude. Luckily, the hostess was great and and helped make the night better. The food is okay, it's definitely better quality than a chain restaurant, but it's very much overpriced. For the lack of patrons, always open availability and terrible service, we would not recommend to any friends especially when expecting service and food on the level of many other high quality restaurants in the area given the price point.
Is this helpful?
R
Reviewer
Atlanta Metro
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2016
1. Overall 1
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
- TERRIBLE service, took an hour to get our food - Appetizers came out after our main plates - Not all dishes came out at the same time - one 10 minutes after the others - Refills were never offered and we have to ask - even for water When you pay that much for lunch, you would like the staff to give you attention and care that you are there, especially on a day like Mother's Day I would not go back or recommend The Spence unfortunately.
Is this helpful?
F
Frank
Atlanta Metro
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I've had some very nice meals at The Spence, especially early in its run, but this visit, for Mother's Day brunch, was pretty awful. The entrees ranged from mediocre (in the case of eggs Benedict), like something you'd expect to get in a hotel ballroom, to just plain bad (in the case of a quiche that my wife couldn't even finish). The "cheese grits" two of us ordered on the side arrived cold and solidified in the bowl -- even the cheese on top had hardened into a solid squiggle. The only truly nice thing I had was my cocktail, so I had two. Service was fine, but couldn't make up for the poor food. It was just thoroughly disappointing, especially given the prices. I know founding chef Richard Blais is long gone, but I planned Mother's Day brunch there expecting that the restaurant was in capable hands and that the food would be better than barely passable. Unless I hear that things have improved dramatically, I won't be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Spence is definitely one of the best restaurants in town. I visited The Spence for Mothers Day with my family from out of town. Before my visit, the staff provided me with the brunch menu via email in order to prepare. Upon our arrival, the staff were polite and courteous and seated us immediately. Soon after being seated, our waitress arrived and provided very quality service. The manager (Mike) was one of the most personable managers I've experienced. He was attentive, open to feedback, and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a positive experience. I was also impressed with the ambiance. The decor was tasteful and the atmosphere was upscale casual. The Spence is my new favorite place in town. I plan on visiting The Spence very soon - so should you!
Is this helpful?
M
Mcarp
Greensboro
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite place to eat in Atlanta! Relaxed, but excellent food choices and preparation. Great small plates and appetizers as well as entrées. Innovative cocktails and exquisite desserts. Food is always fresh and creative. Plus they change the menu so you don't get tired of it.
Is this helpful?
3
3bullies
Tahoe
113 reviews
vip
4.0
113 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
This was our first time to this restaurant prior to a concert at the Fox. This was also a great location being close by and gave us the opportunity to try somewhere new. We found the food, service and selection to be great! We really enjoyed the tiny buns as the bread course and all that followed. It got quite noisy over time as people rolled in, but luckily we chose a table into the corner. Really enjoyed our whole experience!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I thought the Duck was not too tasty and a little difficult to eat. The sides of julienne carrots and tortillas, made no sense and did not make the plate look any more appetizing. I could have made tacos if I got shredded duck, but I basically had to mutilate the duck to get to the meat, and by that time, I wasn't going to make a taco with julienned carrots. My guests seemed to enjoy the Salmon, so some positive points for that. Should have tried the Pizza or Pasta, as they looked pretty good. A little bit pricey on the Entrees for what they are.
Is this helpful?
r
radroy
Portland
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Took an hour to get our food and it wasn't crowded.Branzino was great. Few veggie options. Fiddlehead was good but too much batter.
Is this helpful?
RF
ReneF
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
vip
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
The staff was friendly, however dEspite the fact that there were only approximately three other tables in the entire restaurant during the time of our visit, our food and beverage service was very very slow. Drinks came out after appetizers. This is somewhat ironic b/c we advised our server to try and keep us moving along as we had tickets for a show. We ended up missing the start of the show.
Is this helpful?
MB
MerylandBarry
Atlanta Metro
321 reviews
vip
4.0
321 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Very impressed with several items we ordered. Very personable, friendly and courteous waitress, manager (Mike), and chef. We were pressed for time since we had tickets to a show. Service was excellent, not too rushed, yet concerned for our time constraints. We tasted many items, the warm artichoke dip was excellent, as was the sausage and pimento cheese small plates. The kale caesar with smoked salmon was another winner. The spicy mussels were among the best we had worldwide! Can't wait to dine at The Spence again, hopefully when we have more time to enjoy.
Is this helpful?
L
Live2laugh
Atlanta Metro
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The extremely hospitable staff, great ambiance and enjoyable food.
Is this helpful?
M
Mjkbball
Atlanta Metro
56 reviews
vip
3.0
56 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Seems stake like no one cares. Just going thru the motions
Is this helpful?
l
lovetoeat
Atlanta Metro
111 reviews
vip
5.0
111 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is my new favorite resturant in Atlanta! It's perfect. Interesting and good cocktails, & the best wild mushroom risotto around.
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Austin
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent. I'm at a loss on why it wasn't packed with people, but not going to complain, as more room for us. Food was absolutely great!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place before a show at the fox theater
Is this helpful?
LB
LucianaB
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We ordered 3 different dishes plus desert and NONE of them were any good. No flavor, meat was dry, polenta was undercooked!!! Upon reading more about The Spence after our bad experience, I found out that both of the Top Chefs who started there are no longer In staff. Unfortunately, whomever they hired as their replacement has really dropped the ball!!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was good but not the menu we looked at online.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 30, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The Host that seated us was very nice and professional. Our food and the presentation was Excellent. The server could have been more friendly. He had no personality, and barely spoke. He never asked if we wanted an appetizer. He did keep our water glasses full at all times though. We would definitely eat there again, with the hopes of getting a different server.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Wait staff was terrible. Took my drink order and forget everyone else. After everyone did get service after our first drink the waitress took our glasses without asking if wanted more. Won't be going back.
Is this helpful?
TG
TheaterGoer
Atlanta Metro
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food at The Spence was solid, although a lighter touch with the salt shaker would be preferable. The entree portions were on the small side but nicely presented; salads were terrific. The service was outstanding - attentive but not cloying. Definitely would go back.
Is this helpful?
KC
KCeats123
Atlanta Metro
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I booked this as a last minute dinner reservation on a Saturday night. I am surprised I was able to get in on such short notice. The restaurant had many groups of people dining, but not many small tables of people. It was hard to pick what to order since so many dishes were tempting. I went with the burger, and although it was good, would probably choose another dish next visit. Portions were great. Our waiter was awesome, and all the staff was helpful and accommodating. I would visit again, especially when the weather is nice outside since it looked like they had good outdoor seating area.
Is this helpful?
l
lovetoeat
Atlanta Metro
111 reviews
vip
5.0
111 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My new favorite place! I loved everything. Service was spot on, wine selection fabulous, and divine food. Had the mushroom risotto & it was a treat. I'll be back!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
We were excited about visiting the Spence – I friend of ours told us it was really good. We have sense learned that that was a while back. Food was expensive and not remarkable. The cheese appetizer was the exception- it was delicious. I was also surprised at how little the staff knew about wine and pairings. I really hate that our visit was on a special occasion as Valentines day. I sure hope the restaurant turns things around. It was an attractive space.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The food was bland. I got the risotto and it tasted like watered down porridge.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2016
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We were there early on a week night, and we were seated close enough to the oven to feel the a little of its heat and see the chef cooking in it. The wood fire oven is the special feature and it is used extensively to impart its lovely flavor and aroma, such as for toast in a starter and browning French onion soup. My savory duck dish was very good. Music was nice but a bit too loud.
Is this helpful?
E
Eddie
Las Vegas
16 reviews
vip
3.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2016
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
I ate there with colleagues a year ago and the food was excellent. Good enough to return. This year was just average.
Is this helpful?
J
Joanne
Cleveland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were impressed with the staff, the food was delicious, some great choices on the menu and it was surprisingly all affordable with a nice wine list.
Is this helpful?
F
Foodieinthewoods
Atlanta Metro
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This was our second visit and once again the food was delicious. We love the small plate concept and the combinations of flavors was inspired.
Is this helpful?
G
Gordon
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
vip
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2016
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
The food quality is poor at the Spence. What makes this even more disconcerting is that it takes a really long time to get your food. This was my second time dining there and both times were disappointing.
Is this helpful?
JW
JWoo
Atlanta Metro
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2016
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
I had been looking forward to checking The Spence off of my ATL restaurant bucket list for the last couple of years, and honestly--I was underwhelmed. First of all, I was imagining that our small plate would arrive ahead of the main course, but it did not. It came when the rest of our food was served. That totally could have been a misunderstanding on my part, user error if you will, but it was weird to eat spinach-artichoke dip at the same time I was eating my main course. My sister and I shared the risotto and the stroganoff. The risotto was way too tangy and citrusy, not at all the earthy, creamy taste I was imagining. The stroganoff hardly had any meat, the meat it did have was rubbery in texture, the dish was served lukewarm/cold, and was bland in flavor. 0 for 2 on the main courses. I will say that the brussel sprouts were delicious. All in all, with the amount of incredible restaurants there are in ATL, this one was not one I would try again, nor would I recommend it to a friend for a nice night out.
Is this helpful?
K
Kim65
Atlanta Metro
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First trip to the Spence, went based on Open Table recommendation in the area we were seeking. Went for dinner prior to a Fox Show. Within walking distance of the Fox theatre parking areas. Food was great, service was great, a very enjoyable experience and a place I will be sure to visit again.
Is this helpful?
m
mga9
Atlanta Metro
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2016
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about our night at The Spence was delightful - from the food to the service as well as the ambiance and the wine list. Start with the St. Hilaire bubbly! We ended with beef short ribs - too full for dessert.
Is this helpful?
JF
JustFood
Atlanta Metro
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2015
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great last minute find for New Years Eve. The noise was expected. The service was impeccable as well. The pizza..however was horrific in every sense of the word. Cold, burnt(not tastefully charred) from the hearth bed and void of seasoning. The bacon was hours old and the Brussels sprout had the same texture as dried November leaves. My one regret was not ordering the burger(which is always good). As a chef, my feelings were hurt, a pizza without a speck of love(which shouldn't have been difficult, it as not V-Day busy). Also, as a fellow industry professional, New Years Eve or not...seeing the staff drink repeatedly with patrons was interesting. In my years of working around the city...I've never seen that. But it may be a change in an unspoken policy. But we did have a good time, no doubt about it. P.S. Had to hunt the waiter down, who was on his 2nd drink...to pay my tab. Made me wonder how many times he's had to cover a table after a walk-out. I'd recommended the place, but it always provides interesting stories the next day.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Spence - Permanently Closed is rated 4.2 stars by 1175 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

75 5th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308

Additional information

Neighborhood
Midtown
Hours of operation
Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm, Sunday CLOSED
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Complimentary valet drop off directly in front of the restaurant on Fifth Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wine

Website
http://thespenceatl.com/
Phone number
(404) 892-9111

The Spence - Permanently Closed

Permanently Closed

Additional information

To Start

Pork Terrine$9.00

Oysters and Pearls$12.00

Bone Marrow$13.00

Salads$6.00

Smoked Beets$10.00

Kale "Caesar"$7.00

Flat Bread "Cobb"$10.00

Mains

Pea Pesto Spaghettini$9.00

Crisp Flat Bread$11.00

Pimento Cheese Sandwich$11.00

Portobello Sandwich$11.00

Roast Turkey Breast Panini$12.00

Pork Belly Crispy Tacos$11.00

Roast Beef Sandwich$13.00

Salmon Sandwich$12.00

Juicy Lucy Burger$13.00

See Server

Soups for today$6.00

Our Cut of Beef$18.00

Today's Fish$18.00

Little Lunch Special$12.00

Sides

Carrots & Parsnip$5.00

Pineapple & Cucumber$6.00

French Fries$4.00

To Finish

Mint Panna Cotta$7.00

Warm Chocolate Cake$7.00

Sailor's Crutch$9.00

Beers

Brooklyn Pilsner$6.00

Jack's Hard Cider$5.00

Bell's Oberon$8.00

Whales Tale Pale Ale$5.00

Sankaty Lager$5.00

Mother Earth Kolsch$6.00

Hitachino White$12.00

Samuel Smith Stout$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Spence - Permanently Closed restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information