103 West in Buckhead, Atlanta: What Happened to the Iconic Event Venue?
If you’ve searched for “103 West Buckhead Atlanta”, you’re probably looking for information about the well-known event venue and restaurant space that once operated at 103 West Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. For many Atlanta residents, this address is tied to memories of weddings, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, and upscale dining.
Today, though, 103 West no longer operates as the standalone event venue it once was. This guide explains what 103 West used to be, what the location is like now, and what your best alternatives are in Buckhead and greater Atlanta if you’re trying to plan an event in the same style or area.
What 103 West Used to Be in Buckhead
For years, 103 West was a well-known private event venue in the heart of Buckhead, just off West Paces Ferry Road and near key landmarks like The St. Regis Atlanta and the Atlanta History Center.
People in Atlanta typically associated 103 West with:
- Upscale private events – weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, mitzvahs, and charity events
- Corporate functions – board dinners, holiday parties, client receptions, and company celebrations
- Buckhead location convenience – easy access from Peachtree Road, Northside Drive, and nearby residential neighborhoods
- Catering-focused operations – food and beverage service managed by a professional hospitality group
Because of its position in central Buckhead, the venue appealed to both in-town residents and out-of-town guests staying in Buckhead hotels.
Is 103 West Still Open?
The short answer for Atlanta today: 103 West, as its own named venue, is no longer active in the way many longtime residents remember.
Over the years, the Buckhead hospitality landscape has shifted. The space at or around 103 West Paces Ferry Road NW has seen changes in branding, ownership, and usage, and many of the events that might once have gone to “103 West” are now hosted at other Buckhead hotels, restaurants, and dedicated event venues.
If you remember attending an event there, it’s understandable to look it up for a future occasion and find limited current information. This is a common experience for Atlanta residents who knew the venue before Buckhead’s newer hotels, mixed-use developments, and restaurant groups expanded their event offerings.
Because businesses and tenants can change, it’s a good idea to:
- Confirm the current occupant of any address around 103 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Check recent signage, building directories, or management contacts if you’re physically in the area
- If you worked with a catering or hospitality group in the past, contact them directly to ask where they now host private events in Buckhead
Where Exactly Is (or Was) 103 West in Buckhead?
While the exact suite or building use can change over time, the general location is:
West Paces Ferry Road NW in Buckhead
Near:
- Peachtree Road NE
- Northside Drive NW
- Close to the Atlanta History Center and Swan House
- Within the core Buckhead business, retail, and residential district
This area is considered one of Atlanta’s prime upscale corridors, with luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, hotels, and historic homes all within a very short drive.
Planning an Event Near the Former 103 West Location
If you searched “103 West Buckhead Atlanta” because you want to plan:
- A wedding or rehearsal dinner
- A corporate dinner or meeting
- A private celebration (birthday, retirement, engagement party)
- A charity or fundraising event
you’ll likely want venues with similar qualities to what 103 West used to offer: a Buckhead address, private dining or ballroom space, and reliable catering.
Below is a general overview of the types of Buckhead venues that now tend to fill that role.
1. Buckhead Hotels with Event and Ballroom Space
Many people who once chose 103 West now turn to nearby hotels that offer on-site catering and multiple room sizes. In the Buckhead area, examples of well-known full-service hotels with event spaces include:
- Large full-service hotels along Peachtree Road in Buckhead (with ballrooms, breakout rooms, and private dining areas)
- Luxury properties near West Paces Ferry Road that handle weddings, galas, and corporate functions
- Business-focused hotels clustered near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, with more corporate-style meeting spaces
These properties typically offer:
- In-house event coordination
- On-site catering and bar service
- Guest room blocks for out-of-town attendees
- Parking or valet, which is important in Buckhead’s busier corridors
If you’re local to Atlanta, it can be helpful to tour at least two or three properties to compare room layouts, parking, and traffic patterns at event times.
2. Private Dining Rooms in Buckhead Restaurants
Buckhead has a dense cluster of restaurants with private dining rooms that often serve the same kind of events that once went to 103 West, particularly:
- Rehearsal dinners and family gatherings
- Client dinners and small corporate celebrations
- Birthdays and milestone events that don’t require a full ballroom
Common patterns you’ll find in Buckhead restaurants:
- Minimum spend instead of room-rental-only fees
- Set menus for large groups
- Time-limited bookings, especially on weekend evenings
- Valet or shared parking with retail centers
When contacting Buckhead restaurants about private events, ask:
- Maximum capacity for seated and reception-style setups
- Whether they can accommodate AV needs (speakers, projector, screens)
- How they handle dietary restrictions
- Weekend and holiday pricing differences
3. Dedicated Event Venues and Historic Properties
People who liked 103 West’s more formal event feel often consider:
- Historic homes and gardens in Buckhead and nearby in-town neighborhoods
- Purpose-built event centers and loft-style venues within a short drive of Buckhead
- Cultural institutions that rent out their event spaces after hours
These spaces can offer:
- Outdoor ceremony or cocktail options
- More flexibility with decor and layout
- The chance to bring in outside caterers, depending on the venue’s policies
Because these venues are popular for weddings and large celebrations, booking lead times in Atlanta can be significant during peak seasons (spring and fall), so it’s wise to inquire early.
Quick Comparison: 103 West Style vs. Today’s Buckhead Options
Below is a simple comparison to help you think about modern Atlanta choices if you were originally considering 103 West or remembering its style.
| Feature / Need | 103 West (Historic Role) | Today’s Typical Buckhead Options |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central Buckhead near West Paces Ferry | Similar core Buckhead area, plus nearby in-town neighborhoods |
| Event Type | Private events, weddings, corporate dinners | Hotels, restaurant private rooms, historic properties, event centers |
| Catering | In-house, venue-managed | Mix of in-house (hotels/restaurants) or approved caterer lists |
| Guest Capacity | Medium to large gatherings | Wide range: small rooms to large ballrooms and event halls |
| Parking / Access | Buckhead-area parking and valet norms | Similar; many venues offer valet or structured parking |
| Feel / Atmosphere | Upscale, private, traditional event venue | Varies: classic hotel, modern, industrial, historic, or garden-like |
Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Trying to “Find 103 West”
If your goal is to recreate the experience you once had at 103 West—or you were given “103 West Buckhead” as a recommendation years ago—these steps can help you navigate today’s Atlanta options:
1. Clarify What You Most Liked About 103 West
Before you search for a specific building, think about:
- Was it the Buckhead location that mattered most?
- Was it the food and service, and can you trace which catering group handled it?
- Was it the private, all-in-one space where ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception were close together?
Knowing which feature mattered most will help you choose between hotels, restaurants, or dedicated event venues in and around Buckhead.
2. Focus Your Venue Search Around Buckhead and Nearby In-Town Areas
If Buckhead location is key, look in:
- Buckhead Village / West Paces Ferry area for more upscale, central venues
- Peachtree Road corridor for full-service hotels and private dining
- Short drives to Midtown, West Midtown, and Brookwood for additional modern venues popular with Atlanta residents
Traffic in Buckhead can be heavy during rush hours, so consider:
- Event start times to avoid the worst congestion
- Whether your guests are mostly in-town or driving in from the suburbs
- Proximity to MARTA stations (such as those near Lenox or Buckhead) if attendees prefer transit
3. Ask Atlanta Venues About Their Experience with Events Like Yours
When you reach out to venues, it helps to be specific about the style you’re trying to match. You can say something like:
Most Atlanta event coordinators are familiar with what 103 West represented, and can quickly tell you if their property or restaurant is a good replacement.
Practical Notes for Out-of-Town Guests Coming to Events in Buckhead
If you’re visiting Atlanta for an event near where 103 West used to be:
Airport Access:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects to Buckhead via I-75/I-85 and GA-400, or by MARTA (airport station to Buckhead-area stations, then a short ride share or walk depending on the hotel).
Transportation Within Buckhead:
- Ride-share services are heavily used, especially at night or for events that involve alcohol.
- Parking garages and valet are common around Peachtree Road and West Paces Ferry.
Weather Considerations:
- Spring and fall are popular for events; summers can be hot and humid, and winter weather is usually mild but can have occasional icy days that affect driving.
If You Have Old Invitations or Contracts from 103 West
Some Atlanta residents still have:
- Old wedding invitations listing “103 West”
- Corporate event materials referencing the venue by name
- Past catering contracts that point to that address
If you’re trying to track down a specific team or caterer:
- Look for the name of the hospitality group or caterer listed on your paperwork.
- Contact that company directly and ask where they now host private events in Buckhead.
- Ask if any of their current properties or partner venues offer a similar layout or service style to what you remember.
This can be especially helpful if you want to recreate a menu or style from a past event for an anniversary or family celebration.
In Atlanta today, “103 West Buckhead” is best understood as a reference to a former, well-regarded Buckhead event venue, not an actively advertised, standalone option. If your goal is to plan a similar gathering now, your best path is to focus on current Buckhead hotels, private dining spaces, and event venues that offer the same kind of upscale, centrally located, catered experience that 103 West once provided.