McLanta?

March 4, 2008 8:03 PM

Any low key, traditional Irish bars hidden among the subdivisions of Metro Atlanta?

I have a few friends from Boston visiting in a couple weekends. Since I'm 40 mins north of Atlanta.. I was wondering if there is anything St. Patrick's Day-ish that we could do in town on Saturday?

I was thinking of checking out the parade. Has anyone tried it and enjoyed it? Is there someplace along that route to catch a drink and hear some traditional Irish music? I'm not looking to have Guinness coughed-up on me or watch youngsters try to trade green beads for boobies. Something maybe a little lower key to take up a few hours of our Saturday.

If not, are any of these bars a good choice for a drink on the way home? I was going to try the Loafing Leprechaun, because it's sort of close, but Drivin' and Cryin' doesn't seem so Irish. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

posted by thinds66 to society & culture (6 comments total)

Drivin n Cryin is definitely not Irish music. I would not go someplace they're playing at when desiring a low key setting, and that comes from seeing them live a few times.
posted by jmd82 at 8:25 PM on March 4

I can't speak to the newer additions listed (although I'm going to have to check out the pub in the Old Fourth Ward, the next time I'm back in Atlanta), but I can tell you to avoid both Fado and Limerick Junction if you don't want the coughed-up Guinness or the green-beaded boobies. In fact, you'll want to avoid Buckhead and Virginia-Highland entirely that day.
posted by paleography at 8:36 PM on March 4

Meehans. Used to be one near us (it closed) but it was a nice place for a drink.
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:26 AM on March 5

The most "Irish" bars I've been to also tend to open at 6am to show football games to bleary eyed diehards while serving them breakfast and a pint. So that's this list, which has Fado, but also the James Joyce Pub in Avondale Estates. It sounds a bit laid back at least. Anyone tried it?
posted by jwells at 5:28 AM on March 5

There's the Harp Irish Pub in Roswell. It's just off 400, exit 7A on Holcomb Bridge Road.
posted by studentbaker at 6:43 AM on March 5

Both James Joyce and Brewhouse are good choices. Brewhouse is absolutley nutty about soccer but James Joyce has better food IMHO.
posted by shaarog at 8:23 AM on March 5