Glenn’s Kitchen in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
For Atlantans and visitors alike, Glenn’s Kitchen is one of those downtown spots that often comes up when you’re looking for a refined, sit-down meal near major attractions without feeling overly formal or intimidating. It sits in the fine dining and celebrity-chef–style lane, but with a relaxed, Southern-leaning personality that fits Atlanta’s vibe.
Below is a practical guide to Glenn’s Kitchen, tailored to how locals and visitors actually use it: before a game, during a convention, or for a nicer dinner in the heart of downtown.
Where Glenn’s Kitchen Fits in Atlanta’s Dining Scene
Atlanta has no shortage of fine dining and celebrity-chef restaurants, especially in neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, Inman Park, and the Westside. Glenn’s Kitchen fills a different niche:
- It’s downtown, close to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, and Centennial Olympic Park.
- It offers upscale American and Southern-inspired dishes in a setting that’s polished but not stuffy.
- It tends to draw hotel guests, conventioneers, and locals looking for a convenient, nicer meal before or after downtown events.
If you’re staying downtown or heading there for a show, game, or museum visit, Glenn’s Kitchen is often used as a go-to “elevated but easy” option.
Location, Contact Info & Getting There
Glenn’s Kitchen is located inside The Glenn Hotel in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Glenn’s Kitchen (inside The Glenn Hotel)
110 Marietta St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (commonly listed through The Glenn Hotel’s main line)
Because it’s embedded in a hotel, it’s especially convenient if you’re:
- Staying at The Glenn Hotel, Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, or other nearby hotels
- Attending an event at Georgia World Congress Center
- Visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Parking and Transportation Tips
Downtown parking can be tight, especially on event nights. Common options include:
- Hotel valet: Often your most straightforward but pricier option if you’re driving.
- Nearby garages and lots: Around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Marietta Street, and Andrew Young International Blvd.
- MARTA:
- GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green Line is a short walk.
- Five Points or Peachtree Center stations on the Red/Gold Line are also walkable, depending on your route.
- Rideshare: Frequently used for pre- and post-game meals to avoid parking stress.
If you’re heading there on a Falcons game, Hawks game, or concert night, plan more time for traffic and parking.
Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside
Glenn’s Kitchen aims for a modern, comfortable, slightly upscale vibe:
- Design: Expect a hotel-restaurant feel with contemporary touches—more polished than a casual grill but less formal than a white-tablecloth special-occasion spot.
- Clientele: Mix of business travelers, convention attendees, hotel guests, and locals meeting up before events.
- Noise level: Usually moderate. On event nights, it can get livelier, but it’s not typically as loud as a sports bar.
You can dress anything from smart casual (jeans with a nice top or button-down) up to more polished attire if you’re coming from or going to a show. Very formal wear isn’t required.
What’s on the Menu: Typical Offerings
Menus can change, but Glenn’s Kitchen generally leans into American classics with a Southern influence, positioned firmly in the fine dining/chef-driven category compared to typical hotel eateries.
You can typically expect:
Starters & Small Plates
Look for items like:
- Southern-inspired appetizers (e.g., crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, specialty dips)
- Shareable plates for groups heading to a game or concert together
- Soup and salad options that go beyond basic house or Caesar
These are popular if you’re grabbing a drink and a bite before heading out.
Main Courses
Entrées at Glenn’s Kitchen usually emphasize:
- Seafood and steaks with chef-style presentations
- Modern Southern mains, such as elevated takes on shrimp and grits, chicken dishes, or seasonal vegetable plates
- Burgers or sandwiches done in a more refined way than a standard bar burger
Dishes are typically plated for sit-down dining rather than quick grab-and-go service.
Sides & Desserts
Sides often highlight familiar ingredients with a Southern twist—think grits, seasonal vegetables, or potatoes prepared with a chef’s touch.
Desserts may include:
- Decadent chocolate options
- Seasonal fruit-based desserts
- Southern-inspired sweets when available
If you’re planning a date night downtown, many people pair a main course with dessert and then walk over to the attractions or venues nearby.
Drinks and Bar Experience
Because it’s attached to a hotel and near major venues, Glenn’s Kitchen generally offers:
- Full bar service with classic cocktails and house specialties
- A wine list aimed at pairing with rich entrées
- Beer options, often including a mix of national brands and some local or regional selections
Many guests stop in for:
- A cocktail before a game or show
- A glass of wine with dinner after conference sessions
- A relaxed drink without having to leave the hotel if they’re staying on-site
If you’re sensitive to timing, ask your server how long food is taking that evening—especially before major events.
Typical Price Point and Budget Planning
While prices shift over time, Glenn’s Kitchen is generally in the moderate-to-upscale range for Atlanta:
- Appetizers: Often in the mid-teens range
- Entrées: Typically more than a neighborhood casual spot, aligning with fine dining downtown pricing
- Drinks: Comparable to other full-service downtown bars and hotel restaurants
Ways to manage cost:
- Share an appetizer and dessert instead of ordering multiples
- Choose one of the simpler mains (like a burger or entrée salad) rather than a steak or premium seafood
- Visit during slower nights rather than peak weekend or event times, when you might feel less rushed and can better pace your meal
When to Go: Best Times and Wait Expectations
Because of its location, Glenn’s Kitchen is influenced heavily by event schedules.
Less Crowded Times
You may find more relaxed service and easier seating:
- Weeknights without major events at nearby venues
- Earlier in the evening on most days
- Non-convention periods when Georgia World Congress Center traffic is lighter
Busiest Times
Expect more demand:
- Pre-game and post-game windows for Falcons, United, and Hawks games
- Concert nights at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Major conventions or festivals downtown
⚠️ Tip: If you’re planning to eat before a fixed-time event (tipoff, kickoff, show start), aim to sit at least 90 minutes ahead so you can enjoy your meal without rushing.
Reservations and Walk-Ins
Policies can vary by season and hotel occupancy, but in Atlanta, fine dining and chef-style hotel restaurants typically:
- Accept reservations for standard dinner hours
- Accommodate walk-ins when space allows, particularly at the bar or earlier in the evening
For Glenn’s Kitchen specifically:
- If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday night or on a major event night, reserving a table is strongly recommended.
- For a casual meal on a quieter evening, walk-ins are more realistic, though you may still want to call ahead if you’re on a schedule.
When calling, it can help to mention:
- If you’re trying to make a pre-event meal (tell them the game or show time)
- If you have dietary restrictions and want to confirm food options
Dietary Needs and Food Preferences
Most fine dining–style restaurants in Atlanta, including Glenn’s Kitchen, are increasingly used to handling:
- Vegetarian or limited meat diets
- Many common allergies (like nuts or shellfish)
- Requests to adjust a dish slightly, when possible
Helpful steps:
- Ask ahead: Call earlier in the day and ask if they can accommodate your specific need (for example, gluten-sensitive dishes or dairy-free sauces).
- Discuss with your server: Let them know your requirements up front so they can guide you to the safest choices on the menu.
- Keep it simple on event nights: On busy evenings, special requests may take a bit longer; factor that into your plans.
Who Glenn’s Kitchen Is Best For
Glenn’s Kitchen is especially well-suited if you:
- Are staying downtown and want a nice meal without leaving your hotel area
- Need a go-to pre-game or pre-concert dinner spot near State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Want a refined, sit-down experience that’s more relaxed than the highest-end Atlanta restaurants but clearly above casual chains
- Are meeting out-of-town clients or colleagues near the Georgia World Congress Center and prefer a quieter spot than a crowded sports bar
It may be less ideal if you’re specifically hunting for:
- The most cutting-edge, chef-driven menus you’ll find in neighborhoods like Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward
- Extremely budget-conscious dining options
- A very loud, rowdy game-day bar atmosphere
Comparing Glenn’s Kitchen to Other Atlanta Fine Dining Hotspots
Within the fine dining and celebrity-chef landscape in Atlanta, here’s how Glenn’s Kitchen typically feels:
| Aspect | Glenn’s Kitchen (Downtown) | Many Intown Fine Dining Spots (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside a downtown hotel, near stadiums | Often in dining districts or standalone spaces |
| Vibe | Polished but approachable, hotel-adjacent | Ranges from highly formal to trendy and scene-focused |
| Primary Guests | Hotel guests, conventioneers, event-goers | Locals seeking destination dining, celebrations |
| Convenience for Visitors | Very high (walkable to top attractions) | Varies; often requires driving or rideshare |
| Best Use Case | Pre/post-event dinner, easy upscale option | Special occasions, foodie explorations, tasting menus |
For many visitors, Glenn’s Kitchen works as an accessible entry point into Atlanta’s higher-end dining without the extra commute.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
To make the most of Glenn’s Kitchen as an Atlantan or visitor:
- ✅ Check event schedules at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena if timing is important.
- ✅ Reserve ahead for weekend or event nights, especially for groups.
- ✅ Plan travel and parking—MARTA and rideshare can be less stressful than driving.
- ✅ Ask about timing if you’re trying to eat before a specific start time.
- ✅ Communicate dietary needs early so the kitchen can recommend appropriate dishes.
By understanding where Glenn’s Kitchen sits in the broader Atlanta fine dining scene, you can decide if it’s the right fit for your plans—whether you’re a local looking for a reliable downtown option or a visitor wanting a nicer meal close to Atlanta’s biggest attractions.