Some of my favorite parties during the year are the smaller ones – events that don’t require a huge space, growing guest list and lots of moving parts to make happen. Instead, they’re intimate and simple, yet memorable in a purposeful way. These events don’t require quite as much planning, but the experience still draws high expectations from you and your guests. My advice? Book a private dining space.
Doing this offers a few perks: You’ll often avoid large rental fees, you’ve got a built in service staff and there’s immediate access to conveniences that make hosting an event easier like – tables and chairs, place settings, food and beverage. Make it more fun by choosing a restaurant or dining space where you (or the guest of honor) already love the menu. Celebrating with your favorite food hits home in both the heart and the soul – and that’s a pretty good starting point for any party. Here are a few of my go-to spots in Atlanta to help you make your next celebration memorable and fantastic.
I’ve touted my good feels about this coveted private dining spot before, which is why is makes my list of all-time favorite places to host a private dinner. Located adjacent to the main dining room, this adaptable 50-seat (75 standing) enclosed terrace can be reserved for events indoors and out. Depending on changes in weather, the staff can enclose its quarters for precipitation or temperature control or they can unveil its al fresco potential. The table configurations are customizable to appease different party sizes and styles, and the required preset menu makes staying on budget easy.
Most people dream about an excuse to have dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel, and for good reason! The staff here make every dining experience luxurious, but hosting a private dinner is more of that five-star service, and easy to do inside this stately second-floor restaurant. The beautiful private option is available for lunch or dinner service, it can accommodate varying party sizes, and the chef’s focus on fresh food and the local food community make it a healthy, artful option for guests with a refined palate.
American Cut + Regent Cocktail Club
For slightly larger parties, American Cut’s Morrison Room can seat 60 and is conveniently located off the main dining room. It provides endless ambiance with a wall of gorgeous windows and a creatively designed space, making it modern and airy for large groups. Good news for smaller groups who crave this venue – the room can be divided for smaller, intimate dinners. Up on the roof, Regent Cocktail Club offers a hidden gem for bigger parties of up to 250 standing guests that includes impressive 180-degree views of Buckhead all year long. Intimate rooftop dinners of up to 40 can also take in the panorama. The best part about either space is hand selecting your culinary service from American Cut’s stellar steakhouse menu. Win win!
Located inside W Atlanta Midtown’s restaurant Trace, this remarkable and fully private event space can accommodate 75 seated guests (100, cocktail-style) for a fun event in the heart of the city. The private dining room has its own dedicated square footage to serve the unique farm-to-hotel Southern menu, putting a casual – yet chic! – spin on your private party.