New Packard Tavern to offer comfort food and cocktails in Uptown
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Packard Tavern, a contemporary American restaurant, will open in the former Bar One space in spring 2026.
Why it matters: The project is High Tide Hospitality's third Uptown restaurant, joining Sea Level and Ace No. 3. Owner Paul Manley says the group is "all in" on Uptown's post-pandemic resurgence.
The vibe: The space is getting several layout changes, but no major overhaul.
- For example, a 14-seat chef's table and wine room is being built where the burlesque stage once was.
- They're also adding a 35-person private dining room with its own bar and full AV setup.
"A tavern can't be snooty or pretentious. It has to be welcoming," Manley tells Axios, adding that the space "already presents itself as an upscale vibe," with circular booths, walnut paneling and brass lighting.
Between the lines: The 4,800-square-foot restaurant was previously home to Bar One Lounge, which closed abruptly in June after being open for only three months.
- Northpond Partners terminated the leases of both 800° Carolinas at The Alley at Latta Arcade and Bar One Lounge because its owner "fell short of their lease obligations," according to a statement made to CBJ.
Dig in: Sea Level's executive chef, DJ Ivey, will design the small menu, which will feature comfort-driven fare like a dry-aged cheeseburger, chicken dishes and wood-fired flatbreads. There'll be select steak options and a few oysters nodding to the group's roots.
- High Tide beverage director Azure Cassidy will design the cocktail menu, which will have a strong focus on the classics; think Manhattans, Old Fashioneds and Negronis.
The big picture: High Tide Hospitality has operated in Uptown for a decade and says demand remains strong, especially for trusted, pre-event dining options.
- Manley points to reinvestment — new hotels, stadium upgrades and continued foot traffic — as signs of a strong future for Uptown.