The Warren

I had always wondered about this place as I have eaten nearby on many occasions. It is a members only establishment that has a restaurant and serves as a club in the evening. They also host private events. I attempted a previous visit, but was couldn’t go since they had such an event.
From their website:
We happily accept reservations from members & potential members for dinner. Potential members pay a $ 10 per person entry which may be applied to their membership fee if they apply within 30 days. Sunday Brunch is open to everyone; no entry fees apply!
My visit was prompted by a voucher deal for $ 50 worth of food and drink which covered the non-​member entrance fee. There is a small amount of parking right by the restaurant. Likely you will have to use a pay lot or park on the street. Signage was adequate to direct us to the restaurant (entrance is at the back of Dark Horse). As a non-​member, you will need to use the buzzer at the door to enter.
The Warren is set up more as a club rather than a restaurant. There were only a few tables. And during the night they were rolling out tabletops to accommodate new patrons. My friend and I thought that was so odd! Anywho. We asked the waitress a number of questions, but she didn’t really seem knowledgable about what was popular among patrons.
We ordered the bacon wrapped mignonettes to start. Though the tomato-​y sauce that came with the dish looked very unappetizing, this dish was pretty good. Definitely needed the flavor from the sauce. I also ordered a caesar salad, but I wasn’t a huge fan of it. I add some pepper to help it out. I guess I just didn’t like the dressing too much. For my entrée, I got the Warren Burger — boursin cheese, diced onions & tomatoes, w/​red pepper aioli on an onion roll. My friend ordered the Royale with Cheese — topped w/​brie, tomato jam, & fried onions. I ordered mine medium well, my friend medium. When our burgers arrived, we each received one patty of each (their burgers are all two patties). So we had to send them back. Once we got to taste them, they were great! For sides, we had the chili butter brussel sprouts (very interesting take and pretty good) and jalapeño cornbread pudding (I thought this was OK, my friend loved it). If I had room, I woulda got the Krispy Kreme donut bread pudding (cool!). I was just too full.
Overall, we had a pretty good night trying out this spot.

I saw a post below about the manager, Brandon. Because people are so quick to write about the negative, but slow to report the positive, I wanted to put in my two cents on his behalf.
I’m in the industry and I have an extraordinary amount of events that I have to allocate. All of my events that have been at The Warren have given me top-​notch feedback on their events and Brandon (see screenshots from my text messages below. I apologize for the language).

Classy place. Cool stuff going on in the building. Live music. Definitely the area to be in on a weekend.

Came for dinner a weeknight. The room may have 10 tables tops, and it was pretty empty with only 2 tables at dinner time and a few people at the bar, drinking (we were there from 7:30p til 9p)
The menu is unimaginative. Crabcakes were just «there». Use of flavor is very lacking. The scallops were not flavored one way or another atop the Creamy Pasta which ended up bland, and the creamy sauce was promising, but like many a politician, it did not deliver.
The Brussels sprouts smelled great, but they did not have any fun in whatever they were cooked in, and all that aroma was a tease, as flavor was not happening.
The service was awesome, I believe name was Adrianne… that is for sure. A pleasant and involved, inquisitive and lively bartender who also doubled as server that evening.
I can see there is a desire for this locale to progress into an intimate dining experience, but if there is barely anyone to feed, once could get discouraged from serving up awesome, flavorful meals… hopefully I ate there on an off day.

I cannot say enough nice things about The Warren City Club. It’s truly a hidden gem of Atlanta. We just had our rehearsal brunch here and it was beyond amazing.
First of all, Kristi and her assistant Summer were great during the planning process — they really listened to what my now husband and I wanted for our rehearsal brunch. They helped us create a delicious brunch menu for our families (and at an affordable price)! By the way, their white sangria is to die for :)
When we arrived at Warren City Club, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves. Right next to the dining area was a balcony that overlooked the Atlanta skyline. It was perfect for starting (and finishing) our brunch.
Every detail really helped my husband and me and our families to feel so special on our wedding weekend. If you are looking for an affordable and gorgeous place to host a rehearsal brunch — look no further!

Warren is on the list of my favorite bars in Atlanta, not question about it. I’ve been here on a few occasions now.
— GREAT DJ — I knew I’d like this place when Juicy J was blasting the moment I walk in. Its a solid mix of rap and pop party music and I absolutely love that part.
— DIVERSE CROWD. As much as you can stereotype and label certain places in Atlanta, The Warren makes that job a little harder. I can say that the age range is in the 20s as many of the surrounding bars, but otherwise it was a mix of students from the city and young professionals. No little five hipster scene, no buckhead polo ex frat boy scene, folks are just down to have a good time here.
— AWESOME PATIO, WHEN ITS NOT RAINING. Because it’s so loud inside, patio is a great escape if you want to have a conversation without straining your vocal cords. It’s spacious, but the cover on the ceiling is not rainproof and will leak. You have been warned.
— NEED BETTER VODKA — now this is a complaint I have for several bars in Atlanta, but they need some belvedere, Russian standard, Chopin, sobieski, I don’t care. But grey goose just does not cut it for me.

We had the best service from our server Elizabeth, who was awesome. However when we wanted to dance, DJ Gura sucked. He loved his rap/​R&B despite our multiple requests for some EDM dance music. We had a group of 30 that would have danced to good (current) music. We ended up leaving to find a better dance floor.

Event: Whiskey tasting/​birthday
Contacted venue via email. Quick and personal response via email directly from chef and quickly. He was extremely accommodating making the «reservation» and even going out to buy a special whiskey he loved just for our party that they don’t ordinarily stock at the bar.
When we arrived at 7pm on a Saturday we had the place to ourselves for over two hours. It made the event that much more special. At just over $ 35 a person, we had assorted snack food and a four flight tasting for each guest. Great value.
We loved the staff, they were incredibly personable and helped to make the event that much more fun. Having the place to ourselves was priceless and although I think this was luck more than anything else we absolutely loved it.
The only thing I think would have been nice would have been if our bartender had been a little more knowledgeable on the whiskeys. The chef had to leave for an event and although the testing menu at each place setting had facts about each whiskey (on where it was made, what flavors the taster might experience etc) many of us had no experience at how to tell what constitutes a good whiskey and some additional guidance would have been icing on the cake.
I would highly recommend The Warren for a tasting event, I think we are even planning on coming back the The Warren for another birthday event in June because of how special, classy, fun and intimate it was. There were zero complaints from our guests, everyone was raving on how great everything went. Schedule a tasting here for your next event. It was really too cool and so affordable.

I really enjoyed brunch at this location. Everything was perfect and the pineapple mimosas were wonderful. thank you so much.

I have to start out by saying if you are not white or you have morals DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. Similar to the girl’s comment below (Liz), I have heard that this place is racist, but I never thought I would experience it first hand. It saddens me that there are so many ignorant people in the world who think they are more important than other because they are the DJs at some «members only» club. WAKE UP! If you have to put people down to make yourself feel worthy of something then maybe you need to re-​think your life choices. There is too much racism in the world without us needing contributing to it. Like I said, I would not support a place like EVER AGAIN and you should not either!

I’ve only been here one time and will not going back. I was with a group for a friends birthday and we had a great time — the drinks were good, the music was good, UNTIL… one of my super sweet, awesome friends went to request a song from the DJ, as others had been doing all night. She asked if he had any Latin songs. He spewed back some nasty, racist comments at her that were UNBELIEVABLE. Not worth repeating it verbatim since it is just sad and revolting. It is 2014, and we are in a large, diverse city. Close-​mindedness and racism are everywhere, but I suppose in a context of a bar in the middle of a big city, one would expect something more tolerant and inclusive. He could’ve said, «no, we don’t have any Latin songs» and left it at that, but he chose to make sure it was known what he thought of anyone of Latin descent.
Other than that, it was fun, but like I said — not worth going back. My friend spoke with the manager after it happened, so hopefully he faces some sort of consequence.

I came here for a private event and had a nice time. The space was great for mingling and watching the game, without being too crowded. I had a [grown-​up] strawberry lemonade that was pretty good, but not anything to write home about.
We had some appetizers prepared for our event: chicken nuggets with hot sauce or ranch, and a «Southern bruschetta», if you will; don’t know the actual name. Bacon, pimento cheese and some small greens on stale French bread. The flavors were there, but the bread was so thick that it was hard to bite into. I’m all for some stale French bread for this kind of dish because it holds the toppings so well, but I think the kitchen should have sliced the bread a little thinner. The chicken nuggets were good, but the ranch was a little sweeter than I’d prefer. I saw some people order food off the menu, but didn’t get a chance to ask them how it was. I did see they serve salmon with a Captain Crunch breading on it… I’m intrigued, but feel it would be a dish that I’d either love or hate.
I’m giving the place 3 stars because I haven’t seen it in full tilt for regular service. I thought it was great for the event, but can’t recommend much further than that.

This place is OK. I mean I almost have a hard time giving it three stars. It is a «private club» but anyone can come and pay $ 10 to get in on the weekend. Whatever. This latest trip I with a couple of other New Yorkers. One who just moved down here, and another who was visiting him. I joked that this was one of the closest things to club with a list, but it really is more like a «best in breed» Upper East Side nlounge. I mean, the place lacks any diversity in either race or fashion (think guys in Polos and shorts, and ladies in the most basic of Southern Dresses). Granted, this is the Highlands, a laid back scene which is to the core, white-​bread boring. But you know, when I look at cities like Dallas where fashion and semi private lounges are done correct and on-​point, I can’t help but think– FAIL.
The good news is they do play good music. Think like late 90s hip-​hop, and I think I even heard Ace Of Bass. So no, they do not take the place too serious. I also like the outdoor patio outside.
The bad news is there is only one bathroom for each of the sexes. Often excessive time is taken for what i presume to be «extracurriculars». And you know, in a normal nightclub indulgences are relegated to perhaps a stall or just a section of the Men’s restroom. Here (and yes I have seen more then a fair share of people wired here) it can really make for a long restroom line which is a real drag.
Drinks are overpriced, but I guess it is kind of a club, so it kind of makes sense? Lights came on at 2:30, Everyone was kicked out by 2:45. That was for sure weak.
For something upscale but more genuine, I would for sure prefer a night at Mid City Café (though I guess is now closed), P’Cheen (boo, hiss; also closed) or say Sound Table or The Claremont Lounge. Overall 3 stars, but barely given all the notes mentioned above.

Can you say rude? I went with a large party and arrived late and couldn’t even get a drink or a meal… wasn’t even acknowledged at the bar (left to see if I could get service there)…Waitress was a total *****. Sad thing is the place was completely dead. At the end, the waitress brought a few bottles of water to a few patrons by request and didn’t hand one to me and my guest. I wouldn’t recommend this place at all. I am in total disbelief of the service at this establishment.

I come here almost every weekend and can’t recommend it enough.
They serve excellent food (brunch on Sunday is open to the public). Dinner is for members-​only but I think you can pay a small cover fee to try it out. I really think the restaurant portion of the Warren is underrated and underutilized. For members, they do really fun events like paired wine or tequila tastings, comedy shows, etc.
The bar scene is fantastic. You can either chill on the patio with great views of downtown Atlanta while a server brings you drinks, or inside on one of the couches or tables, or you can hang in the lively dance floor scene if you want to get your groove on. The DJ quality is hit or miss, lately they’ve been mixing in some excellent electronic/​hip-​hop newcomers that I really dig. Other nights you get a lot of obnoxious Katie Perry and crappy pop that I could do without. Age generally ranges from late twenties through late thirties and most people there can hold their alcohol and act like an adult.
Service from the staff and bartenders is always top notch. If you are nice to them, they will remember you and treat you accordingly. Don’t try to argue about the cover charge; you are not special and they have more than enough patrons without having to treat you like a princess. Definitely a great place for a post-​dinner drink, chill patio night, or all-​night birthday dance party bash.

Actually had my sisters wedding here on a Saturday night and it was AMAZING! The food, the flowers, the drinks, the DJ, the service. Everything. It was so much better than we could have imagined.
Our food consisted of fried macaroni balls and shrimp cocktail for appetizers. Fried chicken, flank steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, and jalapeño corn casserole for the entrée. We had it set up buffet style and it was delicious. Everyone loved it and we even got follow up emails from guests talking about how great everything was.
As for all the wedding details, they made everything so simple. We told them what we wanted and they did everything perfectly. All we had to do was show up.
Highly recommend.

Do you love VA. HIGHLANDS? Do you love amazing music? Do you love extremely generous bartenders who sole purpose is to see you have a great time? If you said yes to at least 2 of those questions then The Warren is a place you must visit. Its an amazing place and DJ COLBY is super amazing seriously one of the BEST DJ’s I have ever had the honor to watch spin. The music is from all over the world and meshed together in such a way that your feet wont be able to stop moving. The drinks are decently priced but the décor is really cool (yes I look at the décor sometimes).
Tell em Erik said Hello

I went to the Warren today for my roommates birthday. We had a party of 8. We had all but one person that had not arrived for the reservation and despite the restaurant being DEAD they would not see us.
The first problem with the menu is the do not have an omelet on the menu or a side of eggs… and you call yourself a brunch menu… for a second they redeemed themselves with complimentary cinnamon roles.
We all ordered and the server seemed to be able to accommodate very simple requests like «on the side» or «egg whites please.»
It took an UNBELIEVABLY long time for our food yet the restaurant was still dead. Three of 8 of our meals were cold (including mine) and we were missing things like cream cheese, sides of bacon we ordered etc.
Upon complaining, things still were not fixed… we did speak to the manager who gave us a discount and coupons for a future visit but, an hour and a half later I left saying WHAT? Its just eggs… I will never, ever be back and there are SO many other good places in Atlanta that know how to bring out hot food.
PASS!

This place is not quite my scene. I went for a friend’s bday party and would be fine if I never have to return again. The only good things I have to say are about the company I was with but I would prefer to be with my friends in a less pretentious environment.
I get the whole exclusivity thing but this is to be expected more in say, Buckhead than the Highlands, right? Speaking of Buckhead… The Warren was definitely crawling with cougars and the like. And, the crowd was mostly middle-​aged. I have no problem getting down with people of all ages but let’s be a bit more graceful, shall we?
Of all the bars on N. Highland I would recommend supporting one that you can enter without being on «the list». If you must visit The Warren look on the bright side, they do pour a strong drink.

This is a review for their brunch.
This is a little oasis in the middle of the highlands where the food is good, the $ 4 mimosas and bellinis are strong, and there are flowers and breezes everywhere (ok maybe the latter is from carefully positioned fans, but still). This is my new go-​to brunch spot.