[UPDATE] Upscale Thompson Hotel in Buckhead Shutters its Dirty Rascal Restaurant

Dirty Rascal in Buckhead has quietly closed.  The Italian-American restaurant held court in the lobby level of the Thompson Atlanta - Buckhead, by Hyatt, 415 East Paces Ferry Road, in Buckhead Village.  The restaurant opened shortly after the swanky hotel in January 2022.  

Chef Todd Ginsberg, in partnership with Rye Restaurants (The General Muir, West Egg, Wood's Chapel BBQ, etc.), created the concept and menu for Dirty Rascal, which served nostalgic dishes reminiscent of 1960s New York.  To be clear, Dirty Rascal was a sexy restaurant with swanky, mid-century-inspired interiors centered on a marble-topped, red leather bar. The restaurant's name was a reference to the childhood nickname Ginsberg was given by his mother as a young mischief-maker (we can relate).

While Ginsberg created the concept, chef Josh Hopkins led the restaurant's day-to-day operations.  Hopkins departed the restaurant in August 2022 to take on the role of Executive Chef at the Hyatt Centric Buckhead, a similarly new hotel behind Lenox Square, along GA-400.  

At the Centric, Hopkins oversees food and beverage operations for the hotel's two outlets: Spaceman, a 15th floor bar and lounge, and Three Arches, the hotel's signature restaurant.  Spaceman and Mount Royal, which preceded Three Arches, were originally created by celebrity chef Hugh Acheson.  

As for Dirty Rascal, it's now being used exclusively as an event venue.

"Effective September 1st, Dirty Rascal, Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead’s, ground floor culinary experience will become one of the property’s flagship event venues. Dirty Rascal will now cater to meetings and private and special events, accommodating up to 100 guests. Known for its elegant private entry, intimate outdoor patio, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and fully equipped private kitchen. The 3,800-square-foot space is designed to encourage connection and transformation easily, blending style, design, and international inspiration to create memorable experiences for various meetings and events. So, what’s next? Tesserae, the hotel’s stunning contemporary indoor-outdoor rooftop, will welcome guests for all day dining."

Hotel restaurants are an especially tough business with many hotel guests wanting to explore outside options and many locals not thinking of hotel restaurants first when planning a night out.  That said, seeing the upscale hotel completely remove their lobby restaurant is more than a bit perplexing.

Did you ever dine at Dirty Rascal?  Are you surprised that Dirty Rascal closed?  What is your favorite hotel restaurant in metro Atlanta?    

Please share your thoughts below