McGowan's Oakhurst Pub

Great neighborhood, casual place. During warmer weather, the patio offers a quieter observation-level view of the rest of Oakhurst. My husband, friends, and I feel like we have our own private patio sometimes, even though it may be full. It's just a more casual and laid back feel than the often hectic patios of restaurants down the hill.

When we take our kids or join other families with toddlers, we go the to less crowded side of the inside restaurant. It's perfect for us becuase we can let them have some space but also keep them away from child-free patrons who want some peace (don't blame you...I do too).

Wine and beer selection is good (sometimes out of my favorite wines though) and the service is awesome. Everyone is friendly and funny. We usually are on a first name basis by mid-meal.

In terms of food, Bruschetta is my regular appetizer. Sometimes I get it as a meal. Recently had the caeser salad with grilled shrimp. They grilled romaine lettuce which may sound weird, but it was awesome. I had to share with the husband. Chicken salad sandwich always a favorite. I am generally not a fan of salmon but  like the bourbon glazed version they have and the lima bean side dish (like a succotash, I think) is the best I've had. I could eat that stuff for breakfast.

In the colder months, get the pot roast. Not crazy about their wings, but they may have taken them off the menu.

All in all, it's a regular place for us and they keep us coming back. Enjoy. We especially love the atmosphere.

McGowan's is my all-around Atlanta favorite destination for many, many reasons. Its appeal knows no bounds! Let's discuss why it's my go-to for almost any occasion. In no particular order:

1. LOCATION: Tree-lined Oakhurst Village is a lovely place to spend time. Its residents are down-to-earth yet urbane, just like McGowan's.

2. ATMOSPHERE: the restaurant is at the top of a big grassy hill, under the canopy of serene old oak trees. The front patio is huge and inviting, unlike most of Atlanta's parking lot patios. Inside is spacious, warm, cozy and inviting, and also doubles as an event space.

3. DRINKS: creative cocktails with fresh ingredients are wonderful, craft beers galore, and the wine list offers plenty of choice without being overwhelming. The wine prices are also mercifully affordable.

4. FOOD: the menu offers lovely meals that are simple and un-fussy, yet creative and composed of fresh, top-quality ingredients. The antipasto platter is fabulous and about half the price as other local restaurants. the cheeses are always carefully selected for a versatile and divine tasting. The salmon entree makes my mouth water just thinking about it, and the desserts, paired with wine, prosecco or champagne, are the perfect end to an evening. The regular specials are always stellar, too.

5. SERVICE: always attentive, friendly and accomodating-- never pushy or impatient.

6. EVENTS: regular beer, wine and liquor tastings are a treat. They are well-organized and the tastings are much less expensive per person than anywhere else. This is also a beautiful venue to rent for a special event.

That about covers it. In short, run, don't walk to McGowan's- any day of the week! (You'll probably find me there too.)

I like McGowan's. Good neighborhood feel, there's always a few beers on tap that I dig, and the food is pretty good for a bar.When the weather is nice, the patio and its fire pit can be very enjoyable. I've had occasional service issues like watching people who sat down 5 minutes after me get served drinks before our table got any, but even when harried the staff is friendly. I like the burgers, the coneys, and the pot roast. The mussels are gone from the menu now, but we go to The Shed or Ziba's for mussels anyhow.I don't think there are any bad dining experiences in Oakhurst.