Was it a vibe? (well decorated, good ambiance) Yes. Was there an entertainment fee that was never mentioned, along with a mandatory 20% service fee for poor service? Also yes. Go here if you want to feel cool while also knowing inside that you're a hack. Smh
Daniel K.
This place is awesome, ignore the haters. Unless you're a hater then just stay home lol. I'll lead with the fact that this is only getting 4 stars because it was dead when we were there and the clientele didn't make a lot of sense for the space. I think that the location is not great for something this creative. A spot like this would be absolutely booming in East Atlanta. The atmosphere is ~chefs kiss~. Feels like a 70s or French red light jazz bar and I think that's exactly what they're going for. Down to the very last detail, they even put wood panelling the drop ceiling haha. Our drinks were great, the vibe is great, and the service was great. The bartenders were fun and easy to talk to, and they seemed to really enjoy working together which I'm sure played into that. It is worth noting that gratuity is included in the bill, which I could see how that would be kind of annoying if maybe you didn't receive good service. But that wasn't the case for us! I accidentally tipped on top of the pre existing gratuity and wasn't even mad about it haha. Such a fun concept, would love to see it catch the clientele I think it's hoping for.
Lorrie Thomas
This place is a hidden gem. The bartender, Kayla, was amazing and she prepared the most beautiful and sensational drink for me! I love the atmosphere in this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Spence
I really, really wanted to like The Waiting Room. The restaurant below, Bon Ton, is one of my favorites and I’m rarely disappointed so I was stoked to hear that a cocktail lounge was opening upstairs. I want to believe that they’re just figuring out what works but I had a very disappointing first impression. One thing I love about Bon Ton are the cocktails, but The Waiting Room has a separate menu that didn’t quite deliver the same experience that I was expecting. The bar was small and was overwhelmed easily by the number of orders rolling in all at once, so our drinks took a long time to come. I’m also usually a fan of live music, but in such a small space it made conversing with friends at the table nearly impossible (also be aware that there is an entertainment fee that will be included with your bill). The servers seemed overwhelmed and frazzled and only came by our table a few times during our visit. I think there are a lot of really fun elements here, but the execution is a bit lacking.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Sherie M.
Absolute vibe! I ate dinner at BonTon (downstairs) and then ventured up to this amazing spot for cocktails & music and it did not disappoint. The decor is fun, fuzzy and extra and the bartender (who makes awesome drinks) plays the coolest music.
Catherine C
Really cool vibe and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley
For starters no one answers the phone and it’s not really clear that it’s at the top of an existing restaurant. Once i got there the restaurant was packed! I waited and couldn’t find anyone to ask finally someone came and told me where to go and that it was open. I went up it was completely empty. Kayla greeted me and told me to sit anywhere. Another family of 3 sat after me. She greeted them first, gave them menus and water. I was sitting there after 5 mins she finally comes over and explains we can order from either menu. I order drinks and water. I watch her make our drinks at the bar while also making shots for herself the manager, and another employee. Finally bringing us our drinks after taking their shots.I sat at the table for about another 15 minutes waiting to order food. I had asked someone that was originally at the bar who informed me she was the manager and told me they don’t normally serve food up there, even though the table next to me was eating and got their order taken, even though they came after me. Instead of offering to take the order she sat back up at the bar and continued to eat. When kayla finally came back over I promptly asked for the check and left. The service was horrendous. I will never be back. Whoever the person was, that was claiming to be the manager should focus more on customer experience and not just announcing her position and continuing not to help and eating at the bar.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Devin S
Came for their first holiday jazz night of the season. The talent was great. They only had one person working the bar with no barback or bussers. Poor lady, she did her best managing everything though, I hope BonTon is giving her extra on top of whatever they are giving her, she deserves.Their liquor selection is quite limited for a bar. Not sure if that is typical or if it was the aftermath or a busy weekend. However, most of their holiday themed drinks were available.You can order Bonton food up in the Waiting Room. We didn’t, but a few people did.The check includes an entertainment fee and gratuity. I appreciated that the entertainment fee was included for the band vs requiring them to have a tip bucket. Musicians deserve pay for their talent. ?FYI, you enter the bar from the inside, not the stairs outside.Wheelchair accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
katie buckley
Drinks were okay and the Santa cups were cool. But man, the Bartenders were absurdly rude and it’s obvious why this place isn’t packed at 9pm on a Saturday night. They added gratuity for an order of two drinks at the bar…not being waited on, not asking for a difficult drink. I left no additional tip and was surprised they felt the need to add an extra $6 to a $20 drink order at the bar? Baffling. This place has so much potential for a great vibe, but the staff make it insufferable. We had one drink and left, will not be returning. Hospitality truly is everything.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Sarai Young
I love the vibes. It’s a great place to chill and have conversation or dance if you want.
Cool vibe and really nice bartender! Liked the live music not too loud but really enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
Zen Sithole
M the bartender was extremely welcoming and attentive. She made me the best shot of tequila paired with a House ginger drink. Being a straight man on a date with my wife in a queer friendly location was a 1st and we had a blast and will not be our
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Ashley K.
For starters no one answers the phone and it's not really clear that it's at the top of an existing restaurant. Once i got there the restaurant was packed! I waited and couldn't find anyone to ask finally someone came and told me where to go and that it was open. I went up it was completely empty. Kayla greeted me and told me to sit anywhere. Another family of 3 sat after me. She greeted them first, gave them menus and water. I was sitting there after 5 mins she finally comes over and explains we can order from either menu. I order drinks and water. I watch her make our drinks at the bar while also making shots for herself the manager, and another employee. Finally bringing us our drinks after taking their shots. I sat at the table for about another 15 minutes waiting to order food. I had asked someone that was originally at the bar who informed me she was the manager and told me they don't normally serve food up there, even though the table next to me was eating and got their order taken, even though they came after me. Instead of offering to take the order she sat back up at the bar and continued to eat. When kayla finally came back over I promptly asked for the check and left. The service was horrendous. I will never be back. Whoever the person was, that was claiming to be the manager should focus more on customer experience and not just announcing her position and continuing not to help and eating at the bar.
Kyle B.
Drinks were okay and the Santa cups were cool. But man, the Bartenders were absurdly rude and it's obvious why this place isn't packed at 9pm on a Saturday night. They added gratuity for an order of two drinks at the bar...not being waited on, not asking for a difficult drink. I left no additional tip and was surprised they felt the need to add an extra $6 to a $20 drink order at the bar? Baffling. This place has so much potential for a great vibe, but the staff make it insufferable. We had one drink and left, will not be returning. Hospitality truly is everything.
Getsay M
Absolutely loved the décor and the sweet staff! They have new management and boy has it made a difference. Cheaper drinks, no cover most nights and more yummy bites from downstairs !
Was it a vibe? (well decorated, good ambiance) Yes. Was there an entertainment fee that was never mentioned, along with a mandatory 20% service fee for poor service? Also yes. Go here if you want to feel cool while also knowing inside that you're a hack. Smh
This place is awesome, ignore the haters. Unless you're a hater then just stay home lol. I'll lead with the fact that this is only getting 4 stars because it was dead when we were there and the clientele didn't make a lot of sense for the space. I think that the location is not great for something this creative. A spot like this would be absolutely booming in East Atlanta. The atmosphere is ~chefs kiss~. Feels like a 70s or French red light jazz bar and I think that's exactly what they're going for. Down to the very last detail, they even put wood panelling the drop ceiling haha. Our drinks were great, the vibe is great, and the service was great. The bartenders were fun and easy to talk to, and they seemed to really enjoy working together which I'm sure played into that. It is worth noting that gratuity is included in the bill, which I could see how that would be kind of annoying if maybe you didn't receive good service. But that wasn't the case for us! I accidentally tipped on top of the pre existing gratuity and wasn't even mad about it haha. Such a fun concept, would love to see it catch the clientele I think it's hoping for.
This place is a hidden gem. The bartender, Kayla, was amazing and she prepared the most beautiful and sensational drink for me! I love the atmosphere in this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I really, really wanted to like The Waiting Room. The restaurant below, Bon Ton, is one of my favorites and I’m rarely disappointed so I was stoked to hear that a cocktail lounge was opening upstairs. I want to believe that they’re just figuring out what works but I had a very disappointing first impression. One thing I love about Bon Ton are the cocktails, but The Waiting Room has a separate menu that didn’t quite deliver the same experience that I was expecting. The bar was small and was overwhelmed easily by the number of orders rolling in all at once, so our drinks took a long time to come. I’m also usually a fan of live music, but in such a small space it made conversing with friends at the table nearly impossible (also be aware that there is an entertainment fee that will be included with your bill). The servers seemed overwhelmed and frazzled and only came by our table a few times during our visit. I think there are a lot of really fun elements here, but the execution is a bit lacking.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Absolute vibe! I ate dinner at BonTon (downstairs) and then ventured up to this amazing spot for cocktails & music and it did not disappoint. The decor is fun, fuzzy and extra and the bartender (who makes awesome drinks) plays the coolest music.
Really cool vibe and great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For starters no one answers the phone and it’s not really clear that it’s at the top of an existing restaurant. Once i got there the restaurant was packed! I waited and couldn’t find anyone to ask finally someone came and told me where to go and that it was open. I went up it was completely empty. Kayla greeted me and told me to sit anywhere. Another family of 3 sat after me. She greeted them first, gave them menus and water. I was sitting there after 5 mins she finally comes over and explains we can order from either menu. I order drinks and water. I watch her make our drinks at the bar while also making shots for herself the manager, and another employee. Finally bringing us our drinks after taking their shots.I sat at the table for about another 15 minutes waiting to order food. I had asked someone that was originally at the bar who informed me she was the manager and told me they don’t normally serve food up there, even though the table next to me was eating and got their order taken, even though they came after me. Instead of offering to take the order she sat back up at the bar and continued to eat. When kayla finally came back over I promptly asked for the check and left. The service was horrendous. I will never be back. Whoever the person was, that was claiming to be the manager should focus more on customer experience and not just announcing her position and continuing not to help and eating at the bar.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Came for their first holiday jazz night of the season. The talent was great. They only had one person working the bar with no barback or bussers. Poor lady, she did her best managing everything though, I hope BonTon is giving her extra on top of whatever they are giving her, she deserves.Their liquor selection is quite limited for a bar. Not sure if that is typical or if it was the aftermath or a busy weekend. However, most of their holiday themed drinks were available.You can order Bonton food up in the Waiting Room. We didn’t, but a few people did.The check includes an entertainment fee and gratuity. I appreciated that the entertainment fee was included for the band vs requiring them to have a tip bucket. Musicians deserve pay for their talent. ?FYI, you enter the bar from the inside, not the stairs outside.Wheelchair accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Drinks were okay and the Santa cups were cool. But man, the Bartenders were absurdly rude and it’s obvious why this place isn’t packed at 9pm on a Saturday night. They added gratuity for an order of two drinks at the bar…not being waited on, not asking for a difficult drink. I left no additional tip and was surprised they felt the need to add an extra $6 to a $20 drink order at the bar? Baffling. This place has so much potential for a great vibe, but the staff make it insufferable. We had one drink and left, will not be returning. Hospitality truly is everything.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
I love the vibes. It’s a great place to chill and have conversation or dance if you want.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Cool vibe and really nice bartender! Liked the live music not too loud but really enjoyable!
Atmosphere: 5
M the bartender was extremely welcoming and attentive. She made me the best shot of tequila paired with a House ginger drink. Being a straight man on a date with my wife in a queer friendly location was a 1st and we had a blast and will not be our
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
For starters no one answers the phone and it's not really clear that it's at the top of an existing restaurant. Once i got there the restaurant was packed! I waited and couldn't find anyone to ask finally someone came and told me where to go and that it was open. I went up it was completely empty. Kayla greeted me and told me to sit anywhere. Another family of 3 sat after me. She greeted them first, gave them menus and water. I was sitting there after 5 mins she finally comes over and explains we can order from either menu. I order drinks and water. I watch her make our drinks at the bar while also making shots for herself the manager, and another employee. Finally bringing us our drinks after taking their shots. I sat at the table for about another 15 minutes waiting to order food. I had asked someone that was originally at the bar who informed me she was the manager and told me they don't normally serve food up there, even though the table next to me was eating and got their order taken, even though they came after me. Instead of offering to take the order she sat back up at the bar and continued to eat. When kayla finally came back over I promptly asked for the check and left. The service was horrendous. I will never be back. Whoever the person was, that was claiming to be the manager should focus more on customer experience and not just announcing her position and continuing not to help and eating at the bar.
Drinks were okay and the Santa cups were cool. But man, the Bartenders were absurdly rude and it's obvious why this place isn't packed at 9pm on a Saturday night. They added gratuity for an order of two drinks at the bar...not being waited on, not asking for a difficult drink. I left no additional tip and was surprised they felt the need to add an extra $6 to a $20 drink order at the bar? Baffling. This place has so much potential for a great vibe, but the staff make it insufferable. We had one drink and left, will not be returning. Hospitality truly is everything.
Absolutely loved the décor and the sweet staff! They have new management and boy has it made a difference. Cheaper drinks, no cover most nights and more yummy bites from downstairs !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5