Trackside Tavern

Just woke up from a 2 hour food induced coma!

I went by today around 4pm and had the bar all to myself for a few minutes, so I took the time to really look around and feel the place out. I have to say, the vibe is certainly an improvement from the old days. Gone is the smokey, divey feel, now it feels more like a Cheers/Applebee's hybrid. There is a strong "regulars" client base that likes to sit at the bar and tell stories, hence the Cheers feel, but there are also giant flat screens on every wall, dart boards, and pool tables.  In other words, it's perfect for an after work hang out spot, but I wouldn't wanna go there on a date.

As for the food...5 stars.

I had the Blue Plate Special- 2 big slices of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. My plate was HUGE! Cost? $8!

As a born and raised Southern girl, I have to say...they got it right. The meatloaf was juicy and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were fluffy and buttery. The green beans were fresh (they get most, if not all, of their vegetables from The Dekalb Farmer's Market weekly) and crisp enough that I picked them up with my hands and dipped them in my potatoes! The only thing I was missing was a bread of some sort...hushpuppies would have been nice. :) Ultimately however, the food was way above what I was expecting!

As I ate my food, the bartender kept me company. He was funny and attentive without being overbearing considering by this point there were only me and 4 other patrons in the restaurant. I was the only person eating, so upon cleaning my plate, the cook came out to check on me and laughed when he saw a 110lb woman sitting there. "I take it you liked it?" he said. "It was terrible; hated every bite." I replied with a smile.

Will I go back? Totally. Should you check it out? Definitely.

Great food.
Great prices.
Awesome staff.

Oh...and cheap booze. I checked ;)

Scuze me, but what on earth could possibly be wrong with this Trackside?

Oh, well maybe overbearing regulars who might round you into a sexist conversation for funsies. I suppose this could become obnoxious, considering the large amounts of Agnes Scott students (go Scotties!), mingling with Trackside regulars from before the fire.

But this aint the plantation anymore ya'll- and Scarlett will never be hungry again...because it's newly reincarnated and ready for ALL the business! Though it doesn't feel like a worn-out glove these days, it's nice to know that you're still going to your neighborhood dive, without the messy bar-tar and such.

My only qualm is that the smoking section outside can become a bit crowded, but T-side definitely added a touch with the exposed TV's in the patio area. I always meet cool people here, and I'm bound to go back whenever I am in Decatur.

It's nice that it's back from the fire. ...It's a potentially cozy little local spot once townies warm up to it. This is our 2nd time back this week. But truly, it ain't all that. My friends were chilly. The servers were surly and inconvenienced by guests at the bar. The burger was decent, but not the greatest thing. Ambiance: The place still smells of sawdust and shellac. The music is all 80's metal rock -- if you like that music.

A couple good points: sweet potato fries are REALLY GOOD. The beer specials make it a better deal. the picnic table/smoking area out back looked to be a lot more fun than inside.

Will I come back? Probably not.