The Spence Restaurant in Atlanta: What Happened to It and Where to Eat Instead Near Georgia Tech

If you search for “The Spence Restaurant Atlanta” today, you might be trying to figure out whether it’s still open, what it was like, or where to find something similar near Georgia Tech and Midtown Atlanta. The Spence was once a high-profile restaurant on Technology Square, but it is no longer in operation.

This guide explains:

  • What The Spence was and why it mattered in Atlanta
  • Its former location and neighborhood context
  • What diners typically remember about it
  • How the area has evolved since it closed
  • Where you can eat now near the old Spence location if you live in or are visiting Atlanta

Everything here is tailored to help you navigate Midtown / Georgia Tech dining today.

The Spence Restaurant Atlanta: A Quick Overview

The Spence was a chef-driven restaurant in Midtown Atlanta, right across from the Georgia Tech campus in Technology Square. It drew attention for:

  • A creative, rotating menu
  • A strong focus on seasonal ingredients
  • An approachable but polished dining room that worked for dates, business dinners, and pre-show meals

It was especially convenient for:

  • Georgia Tech students and faculty looking for an elevated meal nearby
  • Midtown workers heading out after the office
  • Visitors staying in Tech Square hotels who wanted something more interesting than a typical chain restaurant

The Spence has since closed, which is why it can be confusing when older reviews or mentions still appear online.

Former Location and Surroundings

While The Spence is no longer operating, people still search for it to get their bearings in Midtown. It was located in Technology Square, a busy pocket of Midtown Atlanta anchored by Georgia Tech and several office buildings.

The Tech Square context

If you are standing in Tech Square today, the area around where The Spence used to be includes:

  • Georgia Tech campus just across Spring Street
  • Tech-focused offices, startups, and research centers
  • Hotels that serve conference-goers and parents visiting students
  • A growing mix of casual and mid-range restaurants and coffee shops

This location made The Spence a go-to spot for a more refined meal in an area otherwise heavy on fast casual and student-friendly options.

What Diners Typically Remember About The Spence

People who dined at The Spence in its heyday often describe it as:

  • Chef-focused and experimental: Menus changed regularly, with an emphasis on flavor-forward dishes and interesting combinations.
  • Upscale casual: You could show up in business casual or well-dressed casual clothes and feel right at home.
  • Good for groups and special occasions: Many Atlantans used it for birthdays, pre-theater dinners, or out-of-town guests.

While you can’t eat there anymore, understanding its vibe helps when you’re looking for similar restaurants in today’s Midtown Atlanta.

Is The Spence Still Open in Atlanta?

No. The Spence is closed and no longer operates in Atlanta.

If you’re:

  • Planning a trip to Midtown
  • Making dinner plans near Georgia Tech, or
  • Trying to revisit a place you went years ago

you’ll need to choose a different restaurant.

The good news: Midtown Atlanta’s dining scene has grown, and there are several spots near the old Spence location that can fill similar roles—whether you want something chef-driven, casual, or quick and student-friendly.

Dining Near the Former Spence Location in Midtown / Tech Square

If you’re in Technology Square or near Georgia Tech and were hoping for a Spence-like experience, here’s how to think about your options.

1. For a Chef-Driven or “Nice Night Out” Experience

Look for Midtown restaurants that focus on creative menus and thoughtful plating. Within a short rideshare or walk from Tech Square, you can usually find:

  • New American and Southern-inspired spots: These often emphasize local ingredients and seasonal menus, similar in spirit to what The Spence was known for.
  • Wine-forward or cocktail-forward restaurants: If you liked The Spence’s more grown-up feel, seek out places that highlight their bar program alongside food.

When choosing, Atlantans often consider:

  • Proximity to Fox Theatre or Alliance Theatre for pre-show dining
  • Ease of parking in Midtown garages or using MARTA (North Avenue or Midtown stations)
  • Whether the restaurant can handle groups or special occasions

If you’re staying in a Tech Square hotel, the front desk or concierge can usually point you to current chef-driven options within a 5–10 minute walk or short ride.

2. For Casual Meals Near Georgia Tech

If you’re a Georgia Tech student, parent, or visitor, you might mainly want something walkable and relaxed. Near the old Spence location, you’ll typically find:

  • Fast-casual chains and local spots with counter service
  • Pizza, burgers, and international options that work well for groups of students
  • Coffee shops and cafes good for quick bites or working on a laptop

These are ideal if:

  • You’re between classes or meetings
  • You want something under an hour
  • You’re watching your budget but still want decent quality

3. For Business Dining in Tech Square

The Spence was popular for business lunches and dinners around Tech Square. To replace that function today, diners often look for restaurants that offer:

  • Consistent service and the ability to handle conversation-friendly seating
  • A menu broad enough for different dietary preferences
  • A setting that feels polished but not too formal

Within Tech Square and broader Midtown, you can usually find:

  • Sit-down American or Southern-inspired restaurants
  • Upscale casual spots inside hotels that are convenient for conference attendees

If you’re planning a client meal or team dinner near the old Spence location, you may want to:

  • Call ahead to ask about group seating or private rooms
  • Check current menus online to ensure options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive diners
  • Factor in Atlanta traffic and parking time, especially during weekday rush hours

Practical Tips for Eating Around Midtown and Georgia Tech

Whether you were originally looking for The Spence or just want a good meal in the area, these local-style tips can help:

Getting There and Getting Around

  • MARTA access:

    • North Avenue Station and Midtown Station on the Red/Gold lines are the closest rail stops.
    • From there, Tech Square is a short walk, rideshare, or Georgia Tech shuttle ride away.

  • Driving and parking:

    • Midtown has multiple parking decks, especially along Spring Street, Peachtree Street, and West Peachtree Street.
    • Street parking is limited and often metered; many Atlantans use decks or app-based garages when dining in this area.

When to Go

  • Weeknights: After-work hours can be busy around 6–8 p.m., especially when nearby offices let out.
  • Weekends: Midtown tends to stay lively into the evening; reservations are often helpful for more popular or upscale spots.
  • Game days / campus events: When Georgia Tech has home games or big events, restaurants near Tech Square can fill up quickly. Plan for extra time and consider booking ahead.

What to Do If You Were Specifically Trying to Visit The Spence

If you had a nostalgic connection to The Spence or were hoping to visit based on older recommendations:

  • Double-check current restaurant names and signs if you’re physically in Tech Square. Businesses in Midtown change over time, and a newer restaurant may now occupy or neighbor the old space.
  • If you’re trying to recreate a past experience (like an anniversary dinner you once had at The Spence), focus on:
    • A chef-driven, seasonal menu
    • A refined but not overly formal dining room
    • A solid wine or cocktail list

Describing what you liked about The Spence—creative food, ambience, type of occasion—can help hotel staff, local friends, or even a rideshare driver suggest suitable current Atlanta spots.

Key Takeaways About The Spence Restaurant Atlanta

The Spence Restaurant in Atlanta is closed, but it remains part of the city’s recent restaurant history, especially for people connected to Georgia Tech and Midtown.

If you’re in Atlanta now and searching for it:

  • You won’t be able to dine at The Spence itself.
  • You can, however, find plenty of alternatives nearby that offer creative menus, business-friendly settings, or casual student dining, depending on what you need.
  • Focusing your search on Midtown / Technology Square restaurants will put you in the right neighborhood to capture the same convenience and energy The Spence once offered.

By using Midtown as your base and considering your occasion—business, date night, family visit, or student meetup—you can find a current Atlanta restaurant that fills the role The Spence used to play for many locals and visitors.