Livingston Restaurant and Bar in Atlanta: A Complete Guide to This Historic Midtown Spot

If you’re looking for a place in Atlanta that blends historic architecture, modern Southern cuisine, and a lively bar scene, Livingston Restaurant and Bar in Midtown often stands out. Nestled inside The Georgian Terrace Hotel across from the Fox Theatre, it attracts theatergoers, hotel guests, and locals who enjoy classic spaces with a contemporary edge.

This guide walks through what to expect at Livingston Restaurant and Bar Atlanta—from atmosphere and menu style to when to go, what it’s near, and how to decide if it fits your plans.

Why Livingston Restaurant and Bar Gets So Much Attention

Set inside a landmark hotel, Livingston offers more than just a meal. Visitors commonly notice a few key features:

  • A grand, historic dining room with high ceilings and large windows
  • A balcony-style bar and lounge that overlooks Peachtree Street and the Fox Theatre
  • A menu that often leans into Southern-inspired, American cuisine with modern touches
  • A convenient Midtown Atlanta location that pairs easily with shows, events, and nightlife

Rather than functioning solely as a “hotel restaurant,” Livingston tends to operate as a destination in its own right, especially for pre-show dinners and weekend brunch.

Location and Setting: Inside The Georgian Terrace

Where it is in Atlanta

Livingston Restaurant and Bar is located in Midtown Atlanta, directly across from the Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street. This area is known for:

  • Historic architecture and theaters
  • Walkable blocks with bars, cafés, and restaurants
  • Convenient access to MARTA and major streets

For many visitors, Livingston becomes a natural meeting point before an event or a transition spot between daytime exploring and nighttime plans.

Inside The Georgian Terrace Hotel

The Georgian Terrace is a long-standing Atlanta landmark with a classic Beaux-Arts design. Livingston occupies a prominent corner of the hotel, using that backdrop to set its tone:

  • Tall windows create plenty of natural light during the day
  • Marble, columns, and traditional details preserve the building’s historic feel
  • Modern fixtures and furnishings add a contemporary contrast to the old-world shell

The result is an atmosphere that feels elevated but not overly formal, appealing to both travelers and locals who appreciate a sense of place.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like to Dine or Drink Here

The vibe at Livingston Restaurant and Bar shifts with the time of day and what is happening at the Fox Theatre.

Daytime and Brunch

Earlier in the day, especially on weekends:

  • The space can feel bright, airy, and social
  • Brunch often brings in groups, couples, and hotel guests
  • The energy usually leans relaxed, with people lingering over coffee, cocktails, and shared plates

This setting tends to work well for catch-ups with friends, casual celebrations, or a more leisurely meal.

Pre-Theatre and Evenings

Before showtimes at the Fox Theatre, the restaurant and bar may become more energetic:

  • Guests dressed for a night at the theatre often fill the dining room and bar
  • Many visitors opt for pre-show dinner and a drink
  • The bar area may feel lively and buzzy, with a mix of locals and out-of-town visitors

Later in the evening, the bar can function as a post-show stop for drinks and small bites.

Who It Typically Suits

People often find Livingston Restaurant and Bar appealing if they enjoy:

  • Historic-meets-modern interiors
  • A setting that balances casual comfort with a special-occasion feel
  • Being close to Midtown arts and entertainment

It may feel less suitable for those seeking a very quiet, tucked-away spot, especially on busy show nights.

Food at Livingston: What Kind of Menu to Expect

Specific offerings can change over time, but Livingston is generally known for American and Southern-influenced dishes presented in a contemporary style.

General Menu Themes

Across brunch, dinner, and bar menus, visitors commonly see:

  • Southern nods such as shrimp and grits, fried or roasted chicken variations, or local vegetable sides
  • Seasonal ingredients, with adjustments for what is fresh or in demand at different times of year
  • A mix of comfort food favorites and lighter options for those who prefer something more balanced

Dishes are often plated with a modern restaurant presentation, reflecting its role in a historic-but-upscale hotel setting.

Brunch at Livingston

Brunch tends to be one of the most talked-about experiences. While menu items can change, typical patterns include:

  • Classic breakfast plates with eggs, potatoes, bacon or sausage
  • Elevated versions of pancakes, waffles, or French toast
  • Southern-style options like biscuits, gravy, or grits in some form
  • Brunch cocktails, including mimosas and Bloody Marys, alongside coffee and teas

For many, Livingston’s brunch works as both a pre-theatre treat and a stand-alone weekend activity.

Dinner Highlights

Dinner often features:

  • Starters such as soups, salads, and small plates with seasonal or Southern touches
  • Mains that may include fish, steak, chicken, and vegetarian-friendly options
  • Sides that highlight regional influences, like collard greens, root vegetables, or cornbread-inspired elements

The menu is generally designed to satisfy a broad range of guests—from hotel travelers to locals celebrating special occasions—without being overly experimental.

The Bar: Drinks, Socializing, and View

The “Bar” in Livingston Restaurant and Bar is more than just an add-on; it’s a focal point for many visitors.

Cocktail and Drink Approach

While the specific drink list changes, common features include:

  • Classic cocktails with a polished, contemporary twist
  • A selection of wine and beer aimed at pairing well with the menu
  • Seasonal cocktails that reflect warmer-weather freshness or cooler-season warmth

The emphasis is usually on providing approachable but thoughtfully made drinks, suitable for both dedicated bar-goers and casual sippers.

Bar Atmosphere

The bar area often appeals to:

  • Guests looking for a pre- or post-theatre drink
  • Locals meeting up after work or before a night out
  • Travelers who want to enjoy a hotel bar with character, rather than a generic lounge

Large windows and street views give the bar space a sense of connection to Midtown’s energy, especially in the evening.

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Because of its location and dual identity as a restaurant and bar, timing can significantly shape your experience.

Quiet vs. Busy Times

While exact patterns vary, some general observations apply:

  • Non-show weekdays: Often more relaxed, especially earlier in the evening
  • Show nights at the Fox Theatre: Typically busier, particularly in the hour or two before curtain time
  • Weekend brunch: Can be popular, attracting both locals and hotel guests

Those who prefer a more laid-back experience may favor off-peak hours, whereas those who enjoy a lively atmosphere may appreciate busier nights tied to theatre performances.

Seasonal Considerations

Midtown Atlanta as a whole can feel more active during:

  • Peak tourism periods
  • Times when the Fox Theatre schedules high-demand performances
  • Warmer months, when people tend to explore the city more on foot

During such periods, reservations can be especially important for structured plans like pre-show dinners.

Nearby Attractions and Pairing Your Visit

One of Livingston’s biggest draws is its proximity to a variety of Midtown destinations.

The Fox Theatre

The most obvious pairing is:

  • Dinner or drinks at Livingston
  • A show or concert at the Fox Theatre
  • Post-show nightcap back at the bar

The short walk—mostly just crossing the street—allows visitors to stay focused on enjoying their evening instead of navigating traffic or long distances.

Midtown Essentials

Within a short distance, visitors can typically access:

  • Other bars, lounges, and late-night spots
  • A range of restaurants if you want to turn the evening into a mini food tour
  • Cultural venues, parks, and galleries that round out a full day in Midtown

This makes Livingston a practical “home base” stop in a longer itinerary.

Practical Tips for Visiting Livingston Restaurant and Bar Atlanta

Below is a quick, skimmable set of practical pointers:

💡 Tip Type👍 Helpful Insight
🕒 TimingExpect more energy and crowds before Fox Theatre shows and during weekend brunch.
📞 Planning AheadReservations are often useful for pre-theatre dinners and group brunch outings.
🎭 Pairing ActivitiesConsider dinner + show + post-show drink as a natural Midtown combo.
🧥 Dress & VibeAttire typically ranges from smart casual to theatre-ready, depending on the occasion.
🍽 Menu FlexibilityMenus usually feature a mix of comfort dishes and lighter choices, so most groups find something suitable.
🚗 Getting ThereMidtown offers multiple transport options, including rideshare, public transit, and nearby parking garages.

These points can help set realistic expectations and make your visit smoother.

How Livingston Fits into Atlanta’s Dining Landscape

In a city known for both Southern cooking and rapidly evolving food trends, Livingston Restaurant and Bar occupies a distinctive niche:

  • It connects historic Atlanta architecture with a modern restaurant and bar concept.
  • It serves as a bridge between hotel guests and the local dining scene, rather than being tucked away.
  • Its direct relationship with the Fox Theatre gives it a built-in role in many people’s night-out plans.

For travelers, it can be a convenient and atmospheric introduction to Midtown culture. For locals, it can function as a familiar standby for special evenings, brunch meetups, or drinks with a view.

Bringing It All Together

Livingston Restaurant and Bar Atlanta combines historic ambiance, modern Southern-leaning cuisine, and a lively bar in one of Midtown’s most recognizable buildings. Its location inside The Georgian Terrace and across from the Fox Theatre naturally shapes how people use it: as a pre-show dinner spot, a brunch destination, a social bar, and a hotel restaurant with personality.

Whether you are planning a theatre night, exploring Midtown’s dining scene, or simply curious about notable Atlanta restaurants in historic spaces, Livingston offers a setting where architecture, food, and city energy meet in one place.