History in the Making
Midtown’s historic mansion, The Castle, reinvents itself as Rose + Rye
Built by Ferdinand McMillan in the early 1900s and sited across from the Woodruff Arts Center on 15th Street, The Castle, Midtown’s iconic, five-story mansion, served as a gathering place for Atlanta artists for nearly a century. Now the building finds new life with Rose + Rye. Helmed by a female powered culinary and management team, the restaurant and bar concept, opened in October, introduces weekend brunch in January.
Spanning three floors of the landmark building, the restaurant features design details that nod to its history, including original columns and restored floors. Upon entering the first floor, guests will find themselves in “The Grotto,” a bar with a show-stopping, floor-to-ceiling rock wall backdrop.
The second floor encompasses a dining and bar area (make sure to try the signature Rose + Rye cocktail). On the third level are three private dining rooms and an outdoor patio with picturesque views of Midtown. “The building granted us the opportunity to create something really special with different spaces that spark our creativity every day,” says owner Thaddeus Keefe, whose previous Atlanta projects include 1KEPT, Mosaic and Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft.
The menu, prepared by Executive Chef Lindsay Owens and Sous Chef Anu Adebara, is classic American with global influences and seasonal ingredients. A weekend brunch, which rolls out in January, will offer both familiar and unique items, Keefe says. “With the High Museum only steps away, we really hope to have a strong brunch presence in the area, servicing patrons before or after they’ve visited the arts center.”
STORIES: Claire Ruhlin
Photo: Chris Watkins
