Honestly, if you lived in Midtown anytime between 2012 and early 2023, The Lawrence restaurant Atlanta was probably your "spot." It was that perfect middle ground—sophisticated enough for a third date but relaxed enough that you didn't feel like a jerk for wearing nice jeans.
But if you try to pull up to 905 Juniper Street today expecting that moody, indigo-hued interior and a "Lady Lawrence" cocktail, you’re going to be surprised.
The Lawrence is gone. It closed its doors on January 30, 2023, after an eleven-year run that basically redefined what a neighborhood brasserie could look like in a city obsessed with "newness."
The Evolution of 905 Juniper Street
Most people don't realize that The Lawrence actually started as a bit of a rebel. It was born from the Dinner Party Atlanta crew—guys like Darren Carr and Eric Simpkins—who were famous for hosting underground, "gorilla-style" pop-up dinners in airplane hangars and art galleries. When they finally went brick-and-mortar on the corner of 9th and Juniper, they brought that same experimental energy.
It wasn't always smooth.
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The restaurant went through a revolving door of chefs in its early years. We're talking three or four head chefs in the first two years alone. Yet, somehow, it stayed a staple. Why? Because the bar program was untouchable. Eric Simpkins is a legend in the Atlanta beverage scene, and he turned The Lawrence into a gin-drinker's paradise before gin was even cool again.
Why did it close?
It wasn't a failure. It was more like a graduation.
By 2023, the owners realized Midtown wasn't the same neighborhood it was in 2012. It had become more walkable, more residential, and significantly more expensive. They wanted something "lighter and brighter." So, they shut down The Lawrence to make room for its successor: Rwby.
What is Rwby (and is it actually better)?
Pronounced "Ruby," this new concept is the current occupant of the old Lawrence space. If The Lawrence was a dark, leather-bound library, Rwby is a sun-drenched sunroom.
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The team behind it—Darren Carr and Eric Simpkins of Big Citizen—partnered with consultant Jason Cott to create something that feels a bit more "all-day" and European. They kept the bones of the building but stripped away the heavy textures.
Here is what you’ll find at the new spot:
- The Vibe: Much softer colors, lots of natural light, and a communal table that actually makes sense for the space.
- The Food: It’s still Modern American but with a heavy lean toward European bistro classics.
- The Must-Try: The burger. Honestly, it’s phenomenal. They use Chatel Farms beef and smash two patties together with caramelized onions and American cheese. It’s messy, nostalgic, and arguably better than the old Lawrence burger.
- Vegetarian Wins: They have this roasted carrot dip with garlic confit that has more umami than most steaks in Midtown.
The Ghost of "The Lawrence" Cocktails
You can't talk about the legacy of the Lawrence restaurant Atlanta without mentioning the drinks. They had this famous "Lit" cocktail menu where every drink was named after a literary character. You could order a "Lizzie Bennett & Mr. Darcy" or a "Sirius Black."
While Rwby has its own cocktail program, it’s a bit more restrained. It’s "very good" (as the AJC recently noted), but it hasn't quite reached the cult-status heights of the original Lawrence bar program yet. If you’re a die-hard fan of Simpkins’ work, you might actually find more of that "old Lawrence" spirit at their other spot, Bon Ton, or the '70s-themed cocktail bar upstairs called The Waiting Room.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People often think The Lawrence closed because of the "Midtown curse"—the idea that restaurants on Juniper Street eventually fade out because of construction or high rent.
That's not the case here.
The Lawrence survived a decade in one of the most volatile restaurant markets in the South. It closed because the owners didn't want it to become a "zombie brand"—a place that stays open just because it’s a name people recognize, even if the soul has moved on.
Practical Advice for Visiting the Space Now
If you're heading to 905 Juniper Street today, here is the "real talk" on how to handle it:
- Park at your own risk: Parking in this part of Midtown is still a nightmare. Use the paid lot behind the building or, better yet, just Uber.
- Brunch is the move: Rwby has leaned hard into the neighborhood vibe. It’s one of the best spots for a weekend brunch that isn't as chaotic as the places on Peachtree Street.
- The Burger is the safe bet: If you’re unsure about the "eclectic European" menu, just get the burger. It’s a top-five contender in the city right now.
- Check the Hours: Unlike the old Lawrence, which was a late-night haunt, Rwby has a bit more of a neighborhood schedule. Double-check before you show up at 11 PM.
The Lawrence was a chapter in Atlanta's culinary history that proved you could be smart, slightly weird, and still successful. Rwby is the sequel. It’s different, but it’s still run by the same people who cared enough to change when the neighborhood did.
To see what’s currently on the menu or to grab a reservation at the new concept, you can check out their updated digital presence under the Big Citizen umbrella. If you're looking for that specific "Lawrence" nostalgia, a trip to Bon Ton for a "Lady Lawrence" style riff is probably your best bet for a trip down memory lane.