A Wonderland-style hangout spot is coming to Downtown Atlanta

A Dreamlike Escape in the Heart of Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is about to get a touch of magic. Part of the historic CNN Center—once a bustling hub—is being reborn as The Looking Glass, a whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-themed venue that promises an adventure unlike any other. Developed by a team known for blending food, drinks, and games, this 28,000-square-foot wonderland is set to open in early 2027, with construction kicking off post-2026 World Cup.

A Labyrinth of Wonder (and a Little Confusion)

Prepare to lose yourself—literally. The space is designed to immerse guests in a surreal, storybook world where every corner holds a new surprise. Here’s what awaits:

🎯 Carnival Games – Test your skill with classics reimagined.
🌀 Optical Illusions – Bend your mind with mind-bending decor.
⏳ Challenge Rooms – Puzzles and interactive mysteries to unravel.
🎳 Bowling Lanes – With a twist that fits the theme.
📚 Board Games – A curated selection for all ages.
🔍 Scavenger Hunt Adventure – Piece together clues to uncover hidden chapters of the story at your own pace.

A Feast for the Senses (and the Sweet Tooth)

Food here isn’t just sustenance—it’s part of the experience. The menu leans into playful indulgence with:

Savory Small Plates

Spicy Tuna Bites – A fiery kick to start.
Lemon Pepper Shrimp – Zesty and crisp.

Sweet Delights

Beignets – Pillowy, powdered, and impossible to resist.
Raspberry Macarons – Delicate, fruity, and dreamy.

Every dish is crafted to feel like a scene straight out of Wonderland—unexpected, delightful, and entirely memorable.

A Phoenix Rising: The Transformation of The Center

The Looking Glass is just the latest chapter in the revival of The Center, a once-vacant Atlanta landmark being reborn as a vibrant mixed-use destination. Soon, it will house:

A food hall buzzing with culinary variety.
Luxury apartments for those who want to live inside the magic.
A hotel for travelers seeking an unforgettable stay.
A temporary World Cup exhibit ahead of the 2026 tournament.

This isn’t just renovation—it’s a renaissance.

Atlanta’s Dining Scene Gets a Major Upgrade

The Looking Glass joins a wave of new attractions breathing life into downtown:

A high-end steakhouse making its home on the ground floor.
CTR Food Works, a soon-to-open food hall with over a dozen stalls, offering everything from gourmet bites to artisanal drinks.

The message is clear: Atlanta isn’t just for business anymore. It’s becoming a playground for culture, food, and entertainment.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another restaurant or entertainment venue—it’s a movement. Downtown Atlanta is shedding its reputation as a purely corporate landscape and embracing a future where work, play, and wonder coexist.

So, mark your calendars: 2027 is the year Atlanta steps through the looking glass.