I don't get a chance to eat here as often as I like, but we returned again last night with the kids at their Grandmothers. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to make a meal off of appetizers. We got there around 6pm on a Saturday night and was very surprised that it wasn't packed like it normally is. That soon changed within 30 minutes of our arrival. The service staff is young, but they were very attentive. My wife started off with a draft Guiness and I with a Strongbow. For our appetizers we ordered the Ale and Cheddar dip which is pretzel bread with a delicious cheddar and ale dip. We also ordered something new called the Tossed Tenders. It's shredded chicken on a bed of home cut fries drenched in buffalo sauce and then covered with cheddar cheese and bacon. Okay we love buffalo styled dishes and this one was to die for. Yes it's a heart attack on a plate and not something you want to eat all the time, but it was simply sinful and delicious. We were having such a good time we decided to order dessert. So we had the Chocolate Brownie. It's a triple chocolate brownie topped with homemade Guinness ice cream. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful night. Price wise they are a little pricey for pub food, but they are in line with all the other restaurants in the Alpharetta area. Simply put the Olde Blind Dog is still one of my favorites!
(4)
Le H.
This was my first time trying out their restaurant and I ordered off their lunch menu. I ordered half a turkey,bacon,lettuce,tomato sandwich on a croissant and side soup of clam chowder. I was very excited to try this place because all of the good things I have heard about it but sadly to say I am a little bit disappointed although the food was good I feel like they half assed my food. The croissant bun was so dry i don't know if it's always like that but by the time I got to it my sandwich was already falling apart and it was so dry I could hardly swallow my food. The soup was good but only one thing that made me feel uneasy about it since I did pay almost 11$ for this lunch,I got my lunch Togo and my soup was in a container and it was barely filled half way which made me question did they just run out of their regular small containers and they had to put it in a larger container and just didn't fill it all the way up bc of that purpose? I mean the container was just a regular size so I don't think they would have a smaller size than that but who knows this was my first time here. I wish I would have taken a picture of how little much of cam chowder soup they had added to the container which wasn't a lot at all I almost wanted to go in and ask why did I barley have any soup in the container? I don't know but anyways I give this place a 2 stars bc the soup was good. I wouldn't go back though 11$ is a lot for a lunch combo with just half sandwich that was half assed and soup that you barely even got.
(2)
Bryan B.
Went by for drinks last week after work. Atmosphere was great - get old pub feel with lots of wood, all over the place. Private tables are also a nice touch. The food was decent (not the best pub food, but passable). The service was a bit lacking...not enthusiastic or anything and a bit slow. We weren't in a hurry, at least, but still noticed the lack of attention. The beer menu is great. I love a place that has Dragon's Milk and Rouge Hazelnut! Despite 'ok' food and mediocre service (maybe the server was just having an off day), it gets 4 stars for atmosphere and beer selection. Will go back, try a different entree and see how the service is.
(4)
Laura M.
This is one place that hubs and I should never have gone. Not just meh--blehh. I guess if you drink enough beer, anything can taste good. I ordered the Galway steak sandwich. I'm pretty sure that after they fried the unidentifiable cut of beef, they then slapped it onto a crappy hoagie roll, threw some kind of white-ish cheese on it and put it in the microwave to melt said cheese. And we all know what happens to bread when you put it in the microwave on high. I couldn't even cut the bread with my steak knife. Hubs chose the corned beef with cabbage. I ask you--have you ever been served corned beef in "blocks"? No kidding, his meal arrived with these rectangular blocks of red matter that we both agreed had to be corned beef, but what an unappetizing way to serve corned beef. He ate the cabbage and left the logs. My dinner was highlighted by my direct line view of the men's room. And the razor hand drying machine noise eminating from that room added an ambience to my dining expereince which I cannot describe. I shouldn't bother trying to describe the waitress uniforms at the Olde Blind--mini-skirt kilts with clogs?? Hot?? Hot mess?? Dorky??
(1)
Matt T.
Wow. This place...awesome. I had heard alot about this place from Yelp, and word of mouth, but I never knew how close I was to it. The decor was awesome, it sets a great mood for a fun time. I like that the booths are all kind of set off in their own world, so if you want a romantic night then you can get it without being bothered by other people, but its open enough to join in and have fun. The food was awesome. I had the beef sliders, I know not too Irish, but still was absolutely delicious. It tasted more home made then out of a box in the freezer, and the fries were just as great. I also had the homemade Guinnes BBQ sauce. Just made it all that much better. And I had a perfectly poured Guinness. Good luck keeping me out of this place. But on a different note, they had people there playing, or practicing Irish folk music. Wasnt being done professionally so if that is what you are looking for then call ahead and see what is going on.
(4)
Dan M.
Cool ambiance. Lousy service. We waited to be seated for five minutes...there was no one else waiting, there just wasn't a staff member in sight. When someone finally spoke to us, we mentioned we had been waiting for a long time, they didn't care. We were seated and waited 15 minutes, so we had to retrieve our server. When he came he took all six of our orders without repeating them. Everyone at the table agreed there was no way he got our order right. We were right. When we wanted refills of our drinks we always had to get up and go find our server. Sometimes, for various reasons, things go poorly at a restaurant for a guest. But normally someone on staff shows remorse. Not at this place! It felt as if there was not a manager on duty. We will not go back.
(1)
Eduardo M.
Oh olde blind dog, why was I even here? Being from chicago, I hear "irish pub", know it's in a 'burb, and instantly think "wood paneling". Was I wrong? not really. Still, it's got good service, good beer, and rumor has it good food (wasn't there to eat, so don't know for sure). The staff seemed friendly, the place wasn't over crowded and the table set up of booths along all four exterior walls allows for groups to hang out, drink beer and relax. Which is, I suppose, the entire point to a pub.
(3)
Jeff C.
Think "Fado" before they moved to their new location. Smallish with a decent-sized patio out front. Good food, good drinks and fun architecture. The placed was really packed, so I suggest going early.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Great food and a really nice atmosphere. The pub is lovely, a pretty place to eat!
(4)
Tom G.
On a recommendation from an Irish friend (that indeed it was an AUTHENTIC Irish Pub), my wife and I drove out to OBDIP on a Sunday evening. Located in the Crabapple Crossroads development, it's a large, beautiful restaurant in a beautiful area. Almost inexplicably, a life-size figure of William Wallace greets you as you enter (evidently the owner's last name is Wallace, so...). Inside is what one might call the "Victorian" version of the "Irish Pub Corporation" model - with stained glass, faux gaslights, "stone" floor, and elaborate dark wood paneling. It all made for a very Epcot-like experience. Service was friendly and prompt. We were seating in our own cordoned off area on high stools. Black tablecloths and black cloth napkins were the first sign that this was not a working-man's pub, and indeed upon opening the menu, the prices were indeed on the high side. While my pint of Harp was $6 I think, my wife's bottle of Skullbuster was $8. That's a lot for one bottle of beer. I ordered the Celtic Curry and it was pretty good. It had large chunks of what I think were zucchini mixed in with the chicken. But at $13.99 it was really too expensive for such a dish. My wife had the fish sandwich ($9.99), which the menu proclaimed had great beer breading. There was quite a bit of breading, and not a whole lot of fish, although she reported that what was there was good. It was served with fries - I was surprised they weren't called "chips" by our server - which were seasoned french fries. Although the place is very clean, attractive, and somewhat cozy, I didn't feel it was authentic as much as it was made to LOOK authentic. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but it almost seemed too perfect - like something created by Disney is too perfect. Did I enjoy the meal? Yes. Did I admire the decor? Indeed I did. Did it seem Irish? Absolutely. Will I return? Probably, but only if I'm in the neighborhood (there's a less than "perfect" Irish Pub in my own backyard that is just fine when I want the experience) and only when I'm flush with cash.
(3)
Bailey D.
Be Merry. Eat the Ale & Cheddar dip as a starter or while you're just drinking your beers. and don't leave without trying the Chocolate Brownie. Brownies are my favorite food and this has made my top 3 brownies ever. And it comes with a scoop of Guinness ice cream on top - what could be better. Atmosphere, definitely irish-pub praise worthy.
(4)
Sam K.
Place is freaking awesome from an aesthetics point of view, like eating at EPCOT but has reasonable prices for the quality of the establishment. A great burger and $6.00 20 ounce beers with a good selection of draught beers.
(5)
Robert M.
We stopped in for lunch prior to Herman Cain's appearance and book signing. The decor was authentic and made you feel as if you were in a pub in Ireland. The food was great and the service was excellent. There are many things I'd like to try on the menu. I'll be back.
(5)
natalie b.
I ended up in the area again and this is where my sister wanted to eat. I was happy to see that they have added vegetarian options. I mean, salad is good, but they're $9 and not exciting enough to justify that price. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. It was delicious. While this isn't an especially inventive dish, it delivers in flavor and size. The fries were good too. I really can't get behind their prices. For two sandwiches (no appetizer, no drinks), it cost us $29, including tip. While I would definitely eat that sandwich again, they lose a star for pricing and any chance that I will pay for it again. Also, the life-size Braveheart in the entry is just unsettling! Even when you know it's coming, it's like, "Where the hell am I that someone thinks this is a good idea?!"
(2)
R.E. K.
The food is seriously not good. We have been here over and over and have tried tons of menu options, and I love a good pub so I have kept trying. I'm a bit perplexed about the positive reviews. The atmosphere is really cool, but if you want to eat this is not the place to go. Maybe go eat at Sip and come here for drinks and dessert? Seriously, even the classic Irish pub dishes are average at best and just plain yucky at worst.
(1)
Stephen F.
You walk in and the first thing you see is Mel Gibson. Sweet! Your hear Irish Celtic music You smell fish and chips You taste a great variety of imported beers And you simply have a great time. Every time. Highly recommend their fish and chips. The beer selection is always changing which is a plus. EVERY time I have gone alone... I have met a friendly patron and had a great conversation. This tell me that people are happy by their visit here in general...as am I.
(5)
Robert A.
Really is a 3.5 star place but I feel good today and will up it to 4 stars. My wife and I had the Reuben sandwich, chicken nachos, French onion soup and the bread pudding for dessert. Everything was well presented and it tasted as good or better than it looked. The bread pudding with the Bailey's Irish Cream sauce was excellent. Also, the chicken nachos did not have nacho chips but house made potato chips that were hot and well seasoned and they didn't have a lot of gloppy cheese but had a good balance of many ingredients. The French onion soup is made with Guinness for extra flavor and it is excellent. The place is a very attractive looking neighborhood gastropub and it is good for a date or business meetings. The bar area is nicely spread out and well designed as you would expect from and Irish Pub. They are planning to open up a second place in Atlanta soon but I am not sure where yet. The server was spot on, the place is clean and the prices are very reasonable. I will certainly be going back again when I am in the area.
(4)
Adam A.
Authentic menu, including scotch eggs and HP sauce. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. "Snugs" or booths are a cool way to feel like you're eating privately. Guinness is stored in properly chilled separate kegs and lines (lots of nice little touches).
(4)
Erin M.
One of my favorite Irish Pubs, I have never been disappointed. Best French Onion Soup you will ever have! The Beer Cheese appetizer is a must. I love the Salmon BLT, Fish and chips, and the Steak Sandwich. If you are in the mood for comfort food you need to try this place.
(5)
Bryan W.
I'll agree with everyone on the appearance and decor of this pub/restaurant, just as if it was in Ireland (not that I've been). The one time I went, I had the meat pie sandwich. It was a lamb and beef combo and very excellent! There is a great selection of import beers, obviously, and the service is top notch. Only complaint is that it's a little pricey, most likely they have to cover the incredible materials and construction costs, along with a prime location. One more thing, for all the Yelpers out there gripping that this isn't a cool or happening hangout... It's in the freaking SUBURBS!!! If you wanna go party at least go to Wild Wings or Taco Mac, but you'll always be better off in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Downtown/Midtown ATL.
(3)
Josh A.
Like others have said, the life sized William Wallace in a cage is a little creepy. My wife and I started with the ale and cheddar dip, which is served with pretzel bread. She likened the dip to beer cheese soup and she loved it, while it was a little too bitter for my liking. I cannot say it was good or bad, since the wife and I were split. She had the Blackened Chicken Pasta and I had the Fish and Chips. While we waited for our food to arrive, I could not help but take a look at around at the nice interiors. I agree with others who have noted that this place must have cost a fortune to build out. The Snugs looked very comfortable and I started to get envious that I was not in one. We were seated in an outlying table next to an old grumpy man who either passively or aggressively complained about everything. From his kids' poor parenting, to his corned beef being too tough, to the server (who was excellent) offering to pour his beer in a mug for him. I told my wife that if I ever end up as grumpy as that man to just put me out my misery. Anyways, back to the food. The Fish and Chips came out and they were visually appealing. Nice golden batter, a nice amount of chips, and a little cole slaw. My first couple of bites into the fish, I swore I could taste cinnamon; however, it dissipated as I ate. The fish and chips were not the best I ever had, nor were they the worst. My better half was pleased with her pasta, and after tasting it, I wish I had ordered that, as it was very good. Just enough of that red pepper flavor without being over done, and she happily have her meal two thumbs up. So, I bet you are asking yourself... "So if Josh A. wasn't a huge fan of his food, why the 4 stars?" Well, allow me to answer. Our server/waiter/wait person/whatever the hell you want to call him, was fantastic. This was the kind of service that I am always hoping to get at restaurants, only to be let down. He made us feel at home and no request was too big or too small. This was our first visit to OBDIP, and I hope that the service we received is the rule, not the exception. Either way, we will be back and I will update this review one way or the other. I don't want to put the server's name on here for all of the internet to see, but if you want a recommendation on who to ask for when visiting, just shoot me a message. All in all, with our entree's, appetizer, and one coke we spent just under $50, including tip. Also, I am looking into adding a break down of my ratings and would love your input on what else to add or look for. Food - 3.5/5 Portion - 4/5 Service - 5/5 Cleanliness - 4/5
(4)
Todd M.
Friendly staff good service and clean place. Didn't eat but menu looked good, beer selection was weak, but nice selection of wines and top shelf liquors.
(4)
Nancy B.
It is a bit out of the way but we will do that for all things Irish. The food was outstanding. The shepherd's pie seemed to be the standout. If this place was close by, I'd be a regular and everyone would know my name. The Braveheart statue was rather odd but when my son says he wants to go to "the place with the blue man in the cage", I know exactly what he is talking about.
(4)
Jerry C.
I like the way these people are thinkin! They must have spent a fortune putting the place together. It looks highly authentic with great attention to detail (OK I could do without the statue of Braveheart). In short, gorgeous! The place runs very clock-like from the FOH managers until you ask for a check. The food is great- I can recommend the bangers and mash as well as the Galway steak sandwich. The fish and chips are also great. Staff is friendly and inviting. Since opening, the Olde Blind Dog has supported Celtic music in a major way. They regularly host local Irish and Scottish musicians as well as regional favorites. We attended St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities as well as the Guinness birthday celebration there this year and, I can tell you, these guys put on a great party. Two criticisms, meant to be constructive: I never order whiskey there as they are a bit stingy with the pours. And, the Irish car bombs on Aurthur's day were kind of lame. But I love their heart and I love their commitment. Highly recommended.
(4)
Karissa E.
This place is awesome, such a beautiful pub! They brought it over brick by brick from Ireland. The atmosphere is great, and it's the perfect place to grab a pint and some stellar Irish grub
(5)
Sam S.
First review I've probably ever written of anything. I'm just sitting here at the bar enjoying a Black and Gold (Stella and Guinness) and some amazing pork quesadillas. But it's not necessarily the food or beer that's the best part here; the atmosphere, attention to detail and friendliness of the staff really stands out more than most "fine dining" places I've been. If you're looking to do something a little different for lunch, Old Blind Dog may become your permanent lunch destination, I know it's become mine.
(5)
David C.
Not that impressed. I have had Smithwicks beer where the head is smooth and creamy while the beer itself is not that gassy. The beer we had was just fizzy with the head disappearing in seconds. We had the French Onion soup, very salty, hard bits of something like coarsely ground pepper but was not pepper. I had the fish and chips, the fish was good but the fries were awful, like they had been cooked the day before and then warmed in the microwave or oven, the were dry and soft, didn't eat them. My son had the Irish stew, very little lamb meat and tasted strongly of beef gravy.
I have a young, good looking dog. If it had been her who took on the wolves, it would be the wolves that were blind. But since I found out my German Shepherd Dog was preggers today, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the occasion (drown my sorrows) at the Olde Blind Dog. While I was looking forward to the pups, my wife has threatened to move until the they are gone. Anyone want to buy a purebred german shepherd cheap? Back to the Olde Blind Dog. I enjoyed the clam chowder and the half a monte cristo for $8.95. Well worth it. Finished every bit. One of the better clam chowders. I also asked the waiter to bring me a bit o' the onion soup to taste, and he obliged, complimentary. Tasty, but I was glad I order the clam chowder. Me and my friend both had a Hoegardden on draft. Looked like lemonade, but tasted great. Served as an imperial pint (20 oz) and they had several other beers on tap. Entertaining atmosphere and live music. I'll be back for dinner with more friends. Probably even join their kennel club. Until then, here's to pregnant bitches.
(5)
Chris B.
I love it. This is what every Irish Pub should be. Of course if they were, this place wouldn't stand out. Authentic decor, great patio, and an unbelievable menu. I tried to be good and go with the blackened chicken something or other salad. It was great. The egg appetizer (yes egg) is to die for - and evidently is a signature app here. In short, great atmosphere, great food, great service. Do it,
(5)
John A.
Finally, an Irish pub in the immediate area with Irish-accented staff with interior decor that doesn't remind me of Buffalo's. Anyways, I decided to stop by my first time after work, as it's located on the outskirts of Milton (near Milton HS) in the new developing district with an 'old towne concept. The staff always greet you at the door, one of which is usually a manager. The inside has a nice dark-wood look, however economically their layout could make them lose money (they have private booths that are walled in) by not effectively utilizing floor space. However, that aside... I've only visited the bar, as I haven't been able to find anyone willing to venture to that area for a beer, but the bar staff are always nice. One of the evening shift bartenders is a trained chef from the CIA, who also helped open the restaurant and design the menu. Aside from him, the other bar staff are okay; I always keep an open eye with bartenders, especially with one there as it sounded like he was lying about a lot of stuff to maintain a social atmosphere. The food is good, always comes out fast and hot. I think they may have recently increased the amount of fries you get on your plate, as the first 3x there I was probably only given 4 oz of fries. It's probably up to 7-8 oz now. This is a great place to go for a drink with friends, especially if you want good food with your dark beer. Too often do I see bars with a great assortment of drinks, but mediocre food. Bars need to remember that drinks are their revenue, but having good quality food will increase the amount of drinks ordered, along with repeat customers. If you're a fan of Irish-type beer with good food, definitely give this place a shot. Sure, it may not be close to I-75 or 400, but it's still a good place to try out, and to become a Regular if you live in the area. Make sure you visit their website as they have weekly Live music
Owner told our group of 17, celebrating multiple birthdays to quite down - on a Saturday night while we were sitting outside in the patio area. He was also apparently sitting out there with a group and we, the 17 customers, disturbed him... Thought this was an Irish pub? Even says on the menu story about pubs being the place to "raise a pint and sing songs." Apparently that is just for looks. We were not being overly loud. Won't be coming back. Service and foot otherwise was very good, which is a shame.
(1)
Travis G.
My family has been several times. The drinks are stiff and the food is authentic and excellent. Service has always been first rate. Absolutely love the onion soup! Bangers and mash was also excellent. We also love the semi-private booths. We will be back!
(5)
Gregory H.
Never had an Irish curry before I came here. Excellent choice, as was the clam chowder soup. Nice experience for our party of 6, maybe a little pricey. Great beer selection for the holidays.
(4)
Justin T.
For me a visit to the Olde Blind Dog is less about the food, despite the pub boasting an impressive Irish menu, and more about the ambiance. The furnishings and decor are top notch and give off an old world feel to the environment. From the extensive use of wood and earth tones throughout the restaurant to the semi enclosed booths that give a sense of intimacy without shutting out the rest of the world, everything in the pub makes it an ideal location for me to spend time relaxing with friends whilst partaking of decent food and drink and soaking in the atmosphere. We've managed to time our unplanned visits with live music on each of our outings though I would attribute this less to luck and more to the frequency they host live entertainment. We particularly favor the Celtic groups as they fit best within the aforementioned atmosphere but the samplings of various other bands have not been distasteful. While not having a wide exposure to fish and chips I can draw upon for comparison, I found the ones on offer at the Blind Dog to be of decent quality. My wife favors their shepherd's pie and it is a frequent order for her. I found the Monte Cristo to be too greasy for my palette on the one occasion that I tried it, but overall the various other dishes I have partaken in have been well represented. The service has been routinely good on our visits with personable waiters and waitresses taking orders and seeing to our needs. Would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a pub to visit with friends. 3.5 stars plus .5 for a location convenient to me.
(4)
John L.
Crabapple is fast becoming a "go-to" area for restaurants in the North Fulton/Alpharetta area. The newest is The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, open about 3 months. I was driving by and noticed a fair sized lunch crowd and decided to give it a try. The menu is vast with all kinds of Irish fare. The food is very good. We tried the fish and chips and Irish stew. Lots of Irish beers. The decor is very Irish Pub. They have Irish music on Saturday and Monday evenings.
(4)
Bob J.
Had an excellent lamb stew, atmosphere was very nice. Not sure why there was a statue of a Scottish chieftan (in a cage) in an Irish pub, but I suppose that's Irish humor. A bit pricey, and service was above average.
(4)
Kate H.
Historic Crabapple meets historic Ireland. My husband & I love this place! The bartenders and waitstaff are super friendly and attentive and the owners are often present and welcoming. Food is delicious - we'd recommend.... Kerrygold Cheddar dip with pretzel bread (we get it EVERY time!), Thai Chili Lime wings, Edinburgher, and Fish & Chps. The only downside is that everything's a little pricey - a pint of Guinness here is $6. But that certainly doesn't stop us from frequenting this pub :)
(4)
Lindsay S.
My boyfriend & I went here for lunch yesterday and I must say we were quite impressed. Upon entering the pub we were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us in our own private booth intricately decorated with Irish drinking decor. The waitress was a bit loopy and inattentive forgetting our orders immediately after we said them but that happens almost anywhere nowadays. I had the Dog House Salad which consisted of lettuce, candied pecans, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, cranberries, and bacon topped with a wonderfully delicious maple vinaigrette dressing. My boyfriend had the Reuben sandwich and a cup of the onion soup which he enjoyed immensely. We will definitely be back. We also found out that they are having some pretty cool Irish entertainment come St. Patrick's day so if you haven't got plans you should definitely check it out!
(4)
Roy K.
Low down: Beer - good, but that's expected. Also a bit pricey. Food - a bit expensive for pub food, but good. I have had wings, Celtic Curry, fish&chips,and a few sandwiches. All have been good, fish&chips being the best of those. Wait staff - good, no complaint Ambiance - def has an authentic feel however like on review below it does have a 'Feux' feel...but not sure what you expect in any new establishment. Perhaps that will wear off and feel like a true Scottish pub in about 100 years or so.
(4)
Shelhole M.
This is a great little pub. The food was fantastic! We had fried pickles and homemade chips for appetizers and both were really good. The fish and chips were delicious and went perfectly with the homemade tartar sauce. My husband raved about the steak sandwich. This will definitely become a regular in our restaurant rotation.
(4)
Christopher L.
The decor is really cool. Lots of wood, stained glass. Really pretty. I really enjoyed the food at this place as well. The cheese dip with the pretzels was great. I had meatloaf and mashed potatos. Very flavorful and the gravy was wonderful with it. My friend got a turkey sanwich with fries. Also very good. Food prices weren't bad for the area. The two of us with our food, appetizer, and softdrinks was around $35. Not terrible for Alpharetta. Our waiter was great. Service was prompt, and very friendly. The bad: The alcohol prices were pretty expensive. They had a good selections, but prices in other places are quite a bit cheaper. Not a place to go and party with booze. People are saying they are a live music venue, but I didn't see any kind of staging for this. I could be wrong however. It was a good place to eat. To party, maybe go elsewhere. Especially since its in the suburbs.
(4)
Coleen W.
Love the decor. Especially the snugs for dining a little more quietly. My husband and I couldn't decide on Sunday brunch so we split the pub club and pecan-crusted stuffed French toast. One word - yum! I thought the French toast would be rich and heavy, but it just sounded so good. It was wonderful and the cranberry mayo on the club was a nice touch, too.
(5)
Alicia V.
My husband, who is a big irish guy, loves to come here for a reuben and a guinness. They do have really amazing corned beef, and play celtic music. As a girl, I wish they would add some diversity in terms on everything not being so heavy. Maybe more grilled options or lighter specials? But if they are sticking to a theme, I get that. You can't be everything to everyone. i do know when I go out with a group of girls, no one want to come here.They say it's too sandwich heavy and the decor is too dark. We usually hear to a more girly place in town like Sip or now Erwoods. The decor is great in cool weather, but can feel clausterphobic during the summer. Nice beer garden when it is not being held for a private group. And St. Patrick's Day....! This place is insane, and really fun!
(3)
Michael P.
I like this place. Have been several times and one of our favorite things to do is go get a bunch of appetizers and just have a sampler fest with a few beers. The beer cheese dip is the highlight, but it is all good. Everything I have had has been good. I will also point out a nice experience in customer service. The other night I ordered a take-out order, and my wife came home with my Irish Stew. It was a very small styrofoam container, not even cup sized. No bread, no nothing. I called back ready to light somebody up. The manager calmly let me know he would be glad to remake, but since we were a bit far away for that, he just refunded my entire meal. No muss no fuss. So nice to be treated like it was important, not just somebody complaining. So whatever manager that was, kudos to you my friend! Not enough places still believe this.
(4)
GR G.
What can you say about an Irish pub with a Scottish Braveheart in a cage? Interesting decor but a little over the top. There was a decent selection of Irish whiskeys but I wish the drink menu was more descriptive. Same for the craft beers. For an appetizer, had their recommend Guiness stout french onion soup. Nothing special, but the bowl was more of a cup size wise. For my main, had the Celtic Curry. Featured madras curry with veggies, brown rice and chicken (in that order). Lots of yellow squash and zucchini, but not a lot of chicken. The server mentioned this dish was extremely spicy - this was pretty mild with only a little heat lingering on the tongue. Very tasty, but the portion size was more of a lunch feature than dinner.
(3)
Jeanna G.
Just stopped in here for a drink with my boyfriends extended family out here in Georgia. Didn't have time for anything other than a beer but I must say the decor inside here is really cool. The bar is a Scottish/Irish theme with authentic pub scene to a T. They also have a large bar area with a huge projection screen. Plenty of tall tables and booths to sit. The picture I added doesn't really do the place justice, it was the only one I got to snap unfortunately. The staff here is very attentive and down to earth. I would like to come check out the food on my next visit here. Especially this French onion soup I keep hearing about. Also think I may have seen Brave Heart in a cage on the way out... Gotta look into that.
(5)
Jason S.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The wait staff are friendly, there is plenty of parking, there is also outdoor seating of you would like to bring your puppy. Sometimes they have someone come in and play live music.
(5)
Kristie D.
So even though it was a very slow Wednesday night at this restaurant, we got the worst seating in the place. If you've ever been here you know they have these private little booths that are just awesome. That's what everyone goes for, the atmosphere is so nice. But this visit the hostess to seat us on the bench seating with a couple on each side, so it was basically cafeteria style seating. She walked us over, slapped menus down on the little bitty table and walked away before I could even complain. I was pretty steamed about this. We will literally passed three beautiful, empty, private booths on the way to this bench seating. Fast forward to the food. I really don't think anyone comes to an Irish pub for food. I ordered the Rueben and it was a disappointment. The corned beef was extremely thinly sliced with a little flavor. There was no dressing on the sandwich and almost no sauerkraut. The squash and zucchini that I got as a side however, was very good. My dining partner got the Bangers and mash and enjoyed it but there's not much that he won't eat. I have liked this place in the past, but I think the very poor choice of seating negatively colored my whole experience this night. It was just awkward that, on our date night, we were sitting 18 inches from other couples on each side. On a bench. Service was good, food came quickly. Temperature inside the restaurant was pleasant
(2)
Matthew E.
Traditional Irish breakfast is awesome. Sticky toffee for dessert was very good. Couldn't finish it, so the rest goes home for tomorrow.
(5)
Amy S.
My husband and I have been coming here since it opened. While the food is pretty decent, we've noticed a decrease in portion sizes. We love the fish & chips but during our last trip, I found a hair in my food. I completely lost my appetite and while the manager was apologetic and offered to fix the problem, it has just grossed me out and we haven't been back. That was about a year ago and I do drive by the restaurant regularlly, I've never had the urge to return, I'm sorry to say.
(2)
Nancy K.
Decided to try something new for lunch/dinner and decided in this place. We've had Irish pub food before and this was much better. Our family had the pretzel and beer cheese app, fish and chips, bangers and mash and the buffalo cheese fries. Everything tasted good and we even did dessert. The bread pudding was very tasty. The location is easy to get in and out of and there are a few cute shops in the area too. The inside decor was outstanding. It was really pub-like. Overall a very nice meal and atmosphere.
(4)
Sue G.
The restaurant is great. The bangers and mash wonderful. Good service and not so loud you can't talk.
(5)
James T.
I am really really picky and love Irish food and drink but am usually let down in the food department. The Sheppard's Pie rocks, as do The Bangers, as does the Breakfast. And the Beer Cheese is to die for. Also amazing service every time and a very cozy atmosphere. Best experience by far of any of these little Crabapple places. Come get yer grub on!
(5)
David H.
Checked this place out for the first time this evening. The ambience is awesome and reminded us of several places in Gallway. Trevor, our bartender was awesome and knowledge. The booths are enclosed so you have a sense of privacy. The food was pretty good. Portabella fries and soda bread were great. Fish and chips and Shepard ' s pie were pretty good but fairly common. Two recommendations: 1)Presentation- there was no attempt to present the food in an appetizing manner. 2) Music- It's an Irish Pub but all I hear is Queen, Boston, and the like. The closest thing to Irish music was the Beatles. Really? Overall, had a great time and although the place could use some improvements, we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Katy N.
Came here tonight with my dad, mom, and husband for my dad's retirement celebration. Trevor was our server and was incredibly fast, and catered to every whim my parents threw at him. The food was excellent as well and came out really quickly. I love this place and week definitely come back! My only complaint is that you should have buffalo chicken fingers on top of cheese fries, instead of the shredded chicken. Trust me, it's better that way.
(5)
Edward W.
3.5 stars. What you'd expect for an American-ized Irish pub. Better than TGI Fridays, with better food and great atmosphere. OBDIP is a nice neighborhood bar and grill rooted in the wood and decor - much of it authentic - found over in the motherland. Ambiance is pretty cool, except for Mr. Braveheart maligned in so many other Yelp reviews. Service is mostly young and friendly, and the expansive menu has both American as well as Irish/British favorites. Food is just like on the Emerald Isle, often good, but not great. OBDIP is a perfect place for a casual burger and a pint. OBDIP is as good for a family night out as it is for an after-golf ale with your buds. So come in with real expectations and you won't be disappointed. Slainte!
(3)
Jennifer F.
I have been here many times, have eaten several things, and haven't been disappointed once! Also, the drinks are very good. The decor is beautiful and the wait staff are very friendly. The fish-n-chips are excellent... I have also had the pot roast w veggies and then the Irish Stew, and both of those are exceptional. My father had the Monte Christo, and he really enjoyed that. And, if you're here, get the sticky toffee pudding for dessert -- it is big enough to share! The covered beer garten is bright and a great place to sit on cool evenings.
(5)
Nicholas T.
Our second visit was a little less pleasant. The waitress was great however the kitchen fed her our meals for a party of 5, very slowly. This resulted in meals coming to some at our table while others waited. A GENERAL SUGGESTION TO MANAGMENT: Your background music is to entertain your staff, not your customers. Hard rock? while tables are occupied by an average age of 50 plus on a Saturday Night? In the end, our luke warm food was good. would have been better hot.
(2)
Tom E.
My bloodline consists of mostly German, Irish, and Danish. My friends and family usually tell me I act mostly like an Irishmen (I will take it as a compliment, even though they probably mean it harshly). With that being said, I love pubs, and everything about them. An authentically decorated pub less than 4 miles from my house automatically wets my whistle. This place has been around for a few years now, and I have just suddenly been able to make it there. Nestled in a cute brick village in the "Crabapple" community (near the Milton/Aplharetta border), you can instantly tell the OBD is a pub by the dark woods and the stained glass (I would love to see a place like this hidden under a cathedral). There is a covered patio as well- it is intimate, but spacious enough. I enjoy the layout immensely. All of the things on the inside are authentic from pubs in Ireland- huge plus in my book. Makes me feel like I am back in Europe. The menu is straightforward pub fare, with the addition of extra items. There are plenty of options and will fill you up. The drinks are plentiful as well, showcasing drinks of the Northern European Islands. Hell, you can mix Guinness there with just about anything- even champagne! I have stuck with the corned beef and cabbage everytime I come here- I just love the comfort food style about it. And the smell it gives off at work the next morning- deadly ammunition. One thing I have realized though is drinks are brought out kind of slow, unless you sit at the bar (maybe that's the point of sitting at the actual bar?). For someone who needs a drink every hour of the day, that can be excruciating. I love this place- as in the pub that closed across the street from my house was heart breaking- it was nice to know a replacement was built not too far away. Now when you read my review for the other location, you will know why I gave that one 5 stars, and this one 4...
(4)
Michelle T.
Decided to try out this place for dinner because my teen was craving an Irish Breakfast. Tried the chips with ranch as a light app. They were okay. They liked their Irish brkfsts and I ordered the Edinburgher. It was pretty good as I had it topped with crispy onions and egg. Side was curry steamed veg which actually contained 0 curry. The big disappointment was the fact that they were out of soda bread. Atmosphere was nice and the place was packed. Noisy as lots of patrons were following ladies FIFA. Smithwicks was good. could have been Irish, but sadly, it was not. ....and here it is an hour later and I'm still hearing about the complete and utter lack of soda bread....
(3)
Justine N.
Not sure about these lower reviews. The food I've had is so good, like their fried chicken sandwich, I dream about this thing.. I've had several things on the menu and the only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was their wings. I love the atmosphere, and the bar is really great. Some of the tables are really neat and tucked away. The out door patio is nice. And it's nice that they stay open later than most places around here.
(4)
Charlie B.
I like it here. Typical fake Oi-rish pub, but the food and service are better than most. In terms of what to order I've enjoyed the short rib sand meatloaf sandwiches the most of all the things I've ordered.
(3)
NerdoLoco H.
I loved this place, the atmosphere is cozy and comforting even though there's a mini jail and grave yard fence. The service, perfect. Our server Jorden was the best we've had anywhere in a very long time. The fried pickles, perfect. The beer cheese dip and pretzels, perfect. The Guinness onion soup, perfect. The imperial black velvet (Guinness over champagne), perfect. The hot flying wings (fried and then flat top grilled), perfect. I will definitely be back. My boys loved it, too. The fish and chips were a good choice.
(5)
Kristin B.
The best fried pickles OTP. Yep, that's a bold statement, but I'm willing to stand by it. They're sliced thick, well battered, and come with this fantastic tabasco/ranch dipping sauce. Yum. Like most of the menu, it's a little pricey at $8 for just a handful of pieces, but they are so good, I'm willing to pay the price. Like the Olde Blind Dog ITP, this location is decorated to the nines. You'll feel like you're at Disney World with the degree that they've carried out their Irish/Scottish theme, complete with life-sized Mel Gibson figurine straight out of Braveheart. This location also has a pretty nice patio. If you're coming with a group, you'll want to make reservations, even on a weeknight, as Olde Blind Dog is pretty popular and much of the seating is booth style, leaving minimal space for larger parties. Service can be hit or miss, but they almost never tack on an automatic gratuity for groups, which I appreciate. Food is slightly overpriced but solid bar food, with an added healthy measure of Irish classics like fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef. Though nothing is particularly creative or inventive, everything I've tried has been very tasty. I appreciate that many of their salads come with some kind of protein already on them (like hardboiled eggs) because adding grilled chicken or salmon takes them into the $12+ range, which is more than I'm willing to pay for a salad at a bar. Their drink menu is stocked with good beer options, and they offer Strongbow cider on draft as well. Overall, this is an a-ok spot that I gladly return to with my OTP friends.
(3)
Dan S.
My 1st try at this Irish pub was a great experience. My wife and I went with friends of ours based on information from other friends that Olde Blind Dog was a great place to kick back, drink some good beers in a welcoming atmosphere. It didn't disappoint. The fish and chips were fresh and very tasty and the Guinness went down smooth. I would have loved to have sat near the bar, maybe next time....
(4)
Ryan O.
Great staff, great atmosphere and you cannot beat the food and draft Guinness. I love this place.
(5)
Scott M.
Ok so me and my family just left here after lunch and I have to say the food quality has really gone down over the years. We left at least half of our food uneaten. We ordered fish and chips which were so loaded in oil you could squeeze it out, the fries were cold and terrible. The ceasar salad tastes like the bagged lettuce that is marked down on clearance when it starts to turn, and the anchors were completely soggy and gross. I can honestly say I will never eat here again.
Just try the meatloaf sandwich, really. It's the most awesomely delicious thing on earth. I first tried a small sample of it at the taste of Alpharetta and went "wow" that is tasty. Now have visited restaurant twice and each time had the meatloaf sandwich--it was simply awesome. Service is great, the decor is awesome, and the price is reasonable. My son had some sort of super-cheese burger that was the most incredible thing I've seen on a plate.
(5)
Jay U.
We come here often with the family...kids live the sandwiches and apps, I love the fish n chips and shepard's pie. Also a GREAT bar scene--terrific for watching a game, meeting up with friends. Not too loud, lots of drink choices, and solid service.
(5)
Trevor W.
Authentic pub fare and extremely ornate "snug booths" compliment this very unique restaurant. First thing you'll find when you enter is the collection of intricate booths known as "snugs" , or enclosed all timber seating areas. They vary in size from 4 -8 person and are beautifully detailed and quite cozy. The restaurant itself is quite expansive with a very large outdoor patio that is climate controlled depending on the weather. Ignore the Braveheart statue and you'll literally feel back home on the isle. The food here is excellent, though a bit on the pricey side. However, you get what you pay for with classics like Shepherds Pie, Curry, stews and soda bread. Splurge on the Scottish eggs for a real treat and make sure to try them with some Colmans or spicy mustard. They have a gorgeous Copper bar with friendly bartenders and servers. Beer is poured correctly and they have plenty of UK favorites and single malts abound. Most of the time they have traditional gaelic music playing, sometimes a live celtic band, but always a fun place to grab a pint.
(5)
Mary Alison Q.
Really cool ambience. I felt it looked like a genuine pub in Dublin. I was however disappointed in the food. It was just....eh. Nothing special. I have the buffalo chicken sandwich and nothing really exciting. It won't stope from coming back for drinks. Awesome drink selection !
(3)
Richard F.
Great beer selection. The clam chowder was excellent and the meatloaf was very good. Service was great. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Amy A.
The husband and I were looking for a place to watch the Cowboys game nearby where my daughter was having a playdate, so we popped into the pub. When we wandered back to the bar proudly wearing our blue jerseys, there was golf on TV. On Sunday. During football season. So we walked right back out. The bartender chased us down and said "all y'all looking for a place to watch the game? Because I'll turn it on for you!" That was really, really cool. So we turned around and went back in. Sure, there was no sound, but the fact that he did that was so cool, we wanted to buy something and tip him. So, my husband had a beer (sorry, no idea what kind) and we ordered some tabasco fried pickles. They were good, and the beer was good, and yes, the atmosphere was like a wild themed restaurant where you would expect the waitstaff to be dressed as wenches and knights and stuff, but they were actually just really nice, well-versed servers with great recommendations and a willingness to take care of you. We left at halftime so we could find a place that would also give us sound, but we will come back again if for no other reason than the beer was cold, the staff was nice, and we felt welcome. Great job, guys.
(4)
Lynn J.
Very disappointing experience. Drink glasses went empty for 30 minutes at 9pm on a Sunday. Clearly the staff was sending a message that it was time to leave in preparation for the big st. Patty's tomorrow, but we weren't acknowledged or even offered another drink when we spoke to the manager. Cool place but we won't be back.
(1)
Robert H.
What is this place, Suburbias answer to Chuckie Cheese. When you put the letters pub in a name it is hoped to represent more than a fraction of the place with kids everywhere. OK so I probably went too early ?? Will go again and try the food but I get the feeling nowt will change.
(2)
Kevin S.
I didn't take a picture of Mel in the kilt because I assumed it had been done already, so someone really needs to get on that. I had the stew and a salad and it was fine. The bread was excellent. They are really slow at 2:00 PM, like most places. The building and decor are first rate. Everything looks really old even though it's all brand new. Some local blacksmith made some serious cash when they were putting this place together. I took my mom here who is pushing 90 and she loved it, so I'd have to declare it "senior friendly" (no steps) at least in the afternoon. You have to admit, being greeted by Mel in a cage, all geared up for a bit of the old ultraviolence is kind of ironic. Maybe it's just TOO realistic.
(4)
Brent H.
Why would you put a statue of William Wallace (er... Mel Gibson) at the entrance to your IRISH Pub? The man was Scottish, for god's sake. It makes no sense and really just propagates the notion that the Olde Blind Dog is a vaguely Celtic-themed amusement park. I really don't like that damn statue. But if you can get past the soulless, piercing stare of the anti-Semite in the lobby, there's actually a lot to love about the OBD. The decor is rather nice. Dark woods imported from Ireland, nice metalwork and authentic touches throughout. There are some cozy booths tucked away in every direction that lend a bit of privacy to diners. It's a lovely place to enjoy a pint. Speaking of pints, they serve a proper pour of Guinness here. They'll gladly mix it with ales and what-not if you'd prefer a black and tan, but I prefer it straight. Mother's milk. The menu has an interesting mix of Irish staples and standard American pub grub. If you stick to the Celtic stuff, chances are you'll be pretty happy. The fish and chips is excellent, served with a homemade tartar sauce that packs some nice flavor and zing. They make shepherd's pie the right way, with minced lamb. They even fry up a decent scotch egg. And you can never go wrong with a cup of their delicious Guinness onion soup on the side. But for the love of all that is holy, why is hummus the first thing listed on the menu? If you come to an Irish pub and order the hummus, I don't think I can hang with you. Service at this location is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a server who is really on point, attentive and quick to top off your drink. Other times, your server will be as elusive as a gray ghost on the moors of the Emerald Isle. It's a roll of the dice. I rarely make the Olde Blind Dog a destination, but if I'm in the Crabapple area I won't hesitate to stop in for a pint or some tasty vittles. If they'd retire the stupid Braveheart statue, this would be a more common occurrence.
(4)
Annie L.
I came here mainly to check out the atmosphere and to get a few drinks. Atmosphere: very different...man dressed up in some strange costume (mannequin) in a cage = umm ok Outdoor patio: covered up with a thick plastic layer, bummer b/c it really was such a nice day... Drinks: got 2 20z drafts which leaned more on the "expensive" side @ $17 Overall: I'd like to go back here to try out their food, because their menu looked interesting (interesting = I probably can't make it). I might pass on the beverages though.
(3)
Ariel M.
Not my thing. Fine for those who like it, but I found the atmosphere loud and dark and the food equally dingy. This is a pub the way Chili's is a restaurant, i.e.: not. I've been to real Irish pubs (in Ireland) and this is not authentic in the least. I understand they serve different cultural expectations, but meh is meh, no matter where you go.
(2)
Ian W.
Monte Cristo is the magic word.
(4)
Kristy J.
Love this pub a great time to go is on St. Patricks day. I made it a family tradition. Great food and great authentic Irish pub.
(5)
Juliet C.
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. This is a really nice new clean place with a good beer selection and better than average bar food. The BBQ is very good. I would certainly recommend it. And nice outdoor seating.
(4)
Matthew D.
Located at the end of my neighborhood, the location for me is perfect. The food is a small step above pub grub and the decor is rich and inviting. My only issue is the price, $6 pints and no chance of lunch under $40 and dinner under $80 with a few drinks is too steep for what is offered. The place is always packed so the atmosphere is great, but I only go once in a while because the bill is just too much too swallow. Also that glorified Braveheart doll is just plain odd.
(3)
Mikey N.
My son and I had dinner here a few nights ago and we really enjoyed it. The Curry and Chips we fabulous, an unexpected nice surprise. I had the Meat Loaf Sandwich and the spicy ketchup that came on the side was over-the-top-good. My son, Aaron had the Shepard's Pie and he enjoyed that as well. We each had a Black & Blue (Guinness and Blue Moon). Thanks for the great dinner, son. Glad you wanted to go there.
(5)
Chris H.
Overpriced and bland or undercooked food. WAY overpriced beer $6 for a pint OUTSIDE the perimeter is crazy. Not a fan, but I seem to be in the minority.
(1)
Tokuzumi T.
Great food, great atmosphere, great staff. Went around 6 pm on Saturday, and had to wait 30 min for a table. But sat at the bar, and enjoyed a guinness while waiting. Bar staff was attentive. Ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which was incredible. Bangers and mash also quite tasty. The Bailey's cheesecake was awesome. I'll definitely go back again.
(4)
Adam H.
I really like this place, however, if you get the short guy bartending, run don't walk right out the front door. I asked for a black and tan and got mud, no layering to the drink, which I can forgive. But the guy was a jerk to the only good looking group of under 50 women in the room. I mean the guy was just rude, I think he made one of the women cry. I had seen this little guy bark at people before so I knew it was not just a bad night. I don't need to go back to a place, where the staff is so rude to the customers
(2)
Greg S.
Great pub. Good bartenders - Jen and Mark. Excellent service. Mark introduced himself to all of his customers. Impressively, Mark forgot my name right after I told him but had the courage to admit it (and joke about it) and just ask me again. I like that directness. Good selection of Irish draft beers and spirits. Live music on the Friday night I was here. Food was very respectable for pub food. I'll be back. Definitely.
(4)
Kevin P.
If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub, this IS NOT it. Olde Blind Dog (that's not the name of an Irish pub; that's English). Wait staff wearing kilts (well now, that would be Scottish). The bottom line is that just about the only real tribute to an Irish pub is that they threw "Irish" into the name, perhaps just to balance out the entire British Isle mess that they have cobbled together. Sorry, but the whole place just kept screaming "Identity Crisis!!". As for the food, it's okay. As others have noted, it's perfectly acceptable pub grub, but it will cost you roughly 1.5-2x what it would cost elsewhere for the same quality. And I wouldn't even consider having desert there...not with Alpine Bakery just down the road a bit! Still, it's a solid 3 out of 5 stars overall and I don't regret having gone just once. If you are looking for the Irish pub experience in North Fulton, I would suggest the following: (1) The Harp, (2) Durty Kelly's - although the menu there is a bit contrived, often less than authentic, and they too have a bit of an identity crisis going on with the English phone box out front (3) Fado - okay, not really in North Fulton but worthy of the drive in to Buckhead nonetheless.
(3)
K P.
Great place to enjoy a frosty bevy outside when the weather is nice!
(3)
K K.
My expectations for pub food are just so low that I never really know how to evaluate the dining experience at such places. However, I do like the feel of Old Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's exactly what us Atlanta suburbanites who have never been to a pub in Ireland might expect from an Irish pub. The food and service were good. The menu is good and the prices are fair ($8-$15 entrees). A decent beer selection that goes a bit beyond the usual Guinness, Harp, and Bass. I think I like Irish pubs more for the entertainment than the meals. I'll go back next time just for fun.
(3)
N B.
LOVED my fish & chips - bread pudding for dessert was outstanding. We really liked the booths - we didn't have to shout when we talked. The service couldn't have been better. All around this is one of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)
James C.
So far, I've only been there for drinks. Service is very friendly and prompt. Lots of fairly private booth areas. Big tables for larger parties. Plenty of staff on duty and there to help.
(5)
Frieda B.
The pub is beautiful, the staff and service were excellent-but the food and drinks were terrible! We ordered a black and tan. A good bar tender knows how to pour it so that there are two distinct layers. Ours were a mixed muddle. My steak sandwich came on a bland, doughy sub roll-not even toasted or heated. The steak was so tough I had to get rid of some pieces into my napkin. The cheese was nonexistant. My husbands Salmon BLT was so skimpy that it could have fed a child. Our friends fish from the fish and chips was raw. They took it off our bill and gave him a ruben on the house-which he said was good. We really want them to suceed, and the food needs some major work. For $11.95 for a sanwich, I expect better.
(2)
Bettyboop h.
We just had our son's rehearsal dinner here and what a great job Olde Blind Dog did for us!!!!! OBD doesn't really have a private dining area, but we were able to reserve their entire outdoor patio. (There were 45 people at this event.) The atmosphere could not have been better. Our guests were able to walk around and mingle in a relaxed but yet very nice atmosphere.The food was fantastic...You must try their meatloaf sandwich!! All of our guests complimented the food which OBD ensured there was plenty of. The service we received was OUTSTANDING!!!! We had 2 dedicated servers, and those girls worked their butts off to ensure we had a great time. They kept the drinks and food coming so our guests were never wanting for anything. They also took the time to check in with my husband and I to see if there was anything we needed and to make sure our guests were happy and well taken care of. The manager stopped by several times as well to ensure things were running smoothly. We were able to relax and enjoy the evening with our family and friends. My last comment is about the price...UNBELIEVABLE value! We had plenty of food with an open bar (and the drinks were flowing) for less than $25/person including the tax and gratuity. That is almost impossible to beat for a private function in Alpharetta or Milton! Thanks to Olde Blind Dog and our fantastic servers for such a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable evening!
(5)
Robert C.
I was really impressed with how nice this place was on the inside, the restaurant really went all out to give an authentic feel to this place. The food is okay and a little pricey, but its in suburban Alpharetta in what looks like a new, high-end development, so its kind of expected.
(4)
Courtney b.
Great patio. Fabulous Sunday brunch.
(4)
KR K.
As far as pub's go in a newly built building it's pretty cool. They've done a fine job with the pub atmosphere inside. Cozy tables like private rooms. Heavy dark wood, etc. I've eaten there twice now and it' not bad food. OBD is new so they are still working out the kinks. Sheppard's pie was good, but fish and chip, ok. Onion soup was very good and so was the reuben. I'm not a fan of the $5.50 beer. The bar is too small for my taste, but we will see on St. Patty's day how they fair..... Try the pub at a none popular time as this place gets packed. Who's doesn't love a pub? :)
(4)
Priya K.
Not many options for vegetarians (except salad) and the staff did not seem keen in finding any either.
(2)
Tom K.
I can only assume that the management and staff just hasn't quite yet figured out how to operate a restaurant. Won't go back
(1)
Jerry G.
I love a pub. I love the atmosphere, friendship, beer and (of course) the pub grub.. Olde Blind Dog doesn't disappoint. Interior is more a series of nooks and small areas with a few tables that make for excellent conversation. Good variety of Irish beer and the barkeep knows how to draw a Guinness.! Amazingly good.. The food is broken into two categories, more American Bar Food (wings, etc.) and Irish Staples like Fish and Chips, Shepard's Pie, etc. One of our party had the Fish and Chips and it was outstanding.. Large pieces of fish, crunchy and the chips were excellent. Another had a short rib sandwich (think pulled pork) and it was great.. Flavorful and not greasy.. I went Shepard's Pie and I really enjoyed it as well.. Tender pieces of lamb with peas, carrots, colcannon (cabbage) in a great brown sauce that had a "bit o' the Guiness" about it.! Was very satisfied indeed. The waitstaff is excellent and while the place does get crazy crowded now and then they staff won't forget you.. If you're looking for a great place to just chill and have a pint then Olde Blind Dog is a good choice.
(4)
Annette H.
I had lunch there last week. Very good food and good portion size, I had the Guiness Onion Soup and Monte Cristo Sandwich. A bit pricey for what it is. I'll be going back to try dinner there in a few weeks so I'm curious to see if there is any significant difference in service and atmosphere at night.
(4)
Helen K.
Very nice decor, but when we ate there with friends last month, the food was not very remarkable. Two of us had the reuben which was just OK, & my husband's fish & chips were a bit greasy. We liked the place, but maybe just to stop for a beer.
(3)
Dane S.
My first time going to The Olde Blind Dog was a less than stellar experience. I wanted a good Irish whisky but I couldn't really afford $25 a shot for 21 year Bushmills so I ordered the next best @ $17 a shot. This was going to be my special way of celebrating St. Patty's Day. This was at 7:00 p.m. The waitress returned to say that they didn't have that particular Bushmills. She advised that they had a 10 year old Bushmill's. I accepted this let-down only to have her return and say that she was out of this. I asked for Blackbush. They didn't have that one either. One of my friends suggested to her that she give me one shot of 21 year old Bushmills for $17. The waitress said she couldn't do that. We asked for the manager but he never came.Later my girlfriend tried to order a Miller Light and a Bud Light which they had advertised. Again no such luck. I was terribly disappointed and will probably never go back there although the atmosphere was one that I want to be able to enjoy.
Just try the meatloaf sandwich, really. It's the most awesomely delicious thing on earth. I first tried a small sample of it at the taste of Alpharetta and went "wow" that is tasty. Now have visited restaurant twice and each time had the meatloaf sandwich--it was simply awesome. Service is great, the decor is awesome, and the price is reasonable. My son had some sort of super-cheese burger that was the most incredible thing I've seen on a plate.
(5)
Jay U.
We come here often with the family...kids live the sandwiches and apps, I love the fish n chips and shepard's pie. Also a GREAT bar scene--terrific for watching a game, meeting up with friends. Not too loud, lots of drink choices, and solid service.
(5)
Trevor W.
Authentic pub fare and extremely ornate "snug booths" compliment this very unique restaurant. First thing you'll find when you enter is the collection of intricate booths known as "snugs" , or enclosed all timber seating areas. They vary in size from 4 -8 person and are beautifully detailed and quite cozy. The restaurant itself is quite expansive with a very large outdoor patio that is climate controlled depending on the weather. Ignore the Braveheart statue and you'll literally feel back home on the isle. The food here is excellent, though a bit on the pricey side. However, you get what you pay for with classics like Shepherds Pie, Curry, stews and soda bread. Splurge on the Scottish eggs for a real treat and make sure to try them with some Colmans or spicy mustard. They have a gorgeous Copper bar with friendly bartenders and servers. Beer is poured correctly and they have plenty of UK favorites and single malts abound. Most of the time they have traditional gaelic music playing, sometimes a live celtic band, but always a fun place to grab a pint.
(5)
Amy A.
The husband and I were looking for a place to watch the Cowboys game nearby where my daughter was having a playdate, so we popped into the pub. When we wandered back to the bar proudly wearing our blue jerseys, there was golf on TV. On Sunday. During football season. So we walked right back out. The bartender chased us down and said "all y'all looking for a place to watch the game? Because I'll turn it on for you!" That was really, really cool. So we turned around and went back in. Sure, there was no sound, but the fact that he did that was so cool, we wanted to buy something and tip him. So, my husband had a beer (sorry, no idea what kind) and we ordered some tabasco fried pickles. They were good, and the beer was good, and yes, the atmosphere was like a wild themed restaurant where you would expect the waitstaff to be dressed as wenches and knights and stuff, but they were actually just really nice, well-versed servers with great recommendations and a willingness to take care of you. We left at halftime so we could find a place that would also give us sound, but we will come back again if for no other reason than the beer was cold, the staff was nice, and we felt welcome. Great job, guys.
(4)
Lynn J.
Very disappointing experience. Drink glasses went empty for 30 minutes at 9pm on a Sunday. Clearly the staff was sending a message that it was time to leave in preparation for the big st. Patty's tomorrow, but we weren't acknowledged or even offered another drink when we spoke to the manager. Cool place but we won't be back.
(1)
Brent H.
Why would you put a statue of William Wallace (er... Mel Gibson) at the entrance to your IRISH Pub? The man was Scottish, for god's sake. It makes no sense and really just propagates the notion that the Olde Blind Dog is a vaguely Celtic-themed amusement park. I really don't like that damn statue. But if you can get past the soulless, piercing stare of the anti-Semite in the lobby, there's actually a lot to love about the OBD. The decor is rather nice. Dark woods imported from Ireland, nice metalwork and authentic touches throughout. There are some cozy booths tucked away in every direction that lend a bit of privacy to diners. It's a lovely place to enjoy a pint. Speaking of pints, they serve a proper pour of Guinness here. They'll gladly mix it with ales and what-not if you'd prefer a black and tan, but I prefer it straight. Mother's milk. The menu has an interesting mix of Irish staples and standard American pub grub. If you stick to the Celtic stuff, chances are you'll be pretty happy. The fish and chips is excellent, served with a homemade tartar sauce that packs some nice flavor and zing. They make shepherd's pie the right way, with minced lamb. They even fry up a decent scotch egg. And you can never go wrong with a cup of their delicious Guinness onion soup on the side. But for the love of all that is holy, why is hummus the first thing listed on the menu? If you come to an Irish pub and order the hummus, I don't think I can hang with you. Service at this location is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a server who is really on point, attentive and quick to top off your drink. Other times, your server will be as elusive as a gray ghost on the moors of the Emerald Isle. It's a roll of the dice. I rarely make the Olde Blind Dog a destination, but if I'm in the Crabapple area I won't hesitate to stop in for a pint or some tasty vittles. If they'd retire the stupid Braveheart statue, this would be a more common occurrence.
(4)
Annie L.
I came here mainly to check out the atmosphere and to get a few drinks. Atmosphere: very different...man dressed up in some strange costume (mannequin) in a cage = umm ok Outdoor patio: covered up with a thick plastic layer, bummer b/c it really was such a nice day... Drinks: got 2 20z drafts which leaned more on the "expensive" side @ $17 Overall: I'd like to go back here to try out their food, because their menu looked interesting (interesting = I probably can't make it). I might pass on the beverages though.
(3)
Ariel M.
Not my thing. Fine for those who like it, but I found the atmosphere loud and dark and the food equally dingy. This is a pub the way Chili's is a restaurant, i.e.: not. I've been to real Irish pubs (in Ireland) and this is not authentic in the least. I understand they serve different cultural expectations, but meh is meh, no matter where you go.
(2)
Greg S.
I don't get a chance to eat here as often as I like, but we returned again last night with the kids at their Grandmothers. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to make a meal off of appetizers. We got there around 6pm on a Saturday night and was very surprised that it wasn't packed like it normally is. That soon changed within 30 minutes of our arrival. The service staff is young, but they were very attentive. My wife started off with a draft Guiness and I with a Strongbow. For our appetizers we ordered the Ale and Cheddar dip which is pretzel bread with a delicious cheddar and ale dip. We also ordered something new called the Tossed Tenders. It's shredded chicken on a bed of home cut fries drenched in buffalo sauce and then covered with cheddar cheese and bacon. Okay we love buffalo styled dishes and this one was to die for. Yes it's a heart attack on a plate and not something you want to eat all the time, but it was simply sinful and delicious. We were having such a good time we decided to order dessert. So we had the Chocolate Brownie. It's a triple chocolate brownie topped with homemade Guinness ice cream. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful night. Price wise they are a little pricey for pub food, but they are in line with all the other restaurants in the Alpharetta area. Simply put the Olde Blind Dog is still one of my favorites!
(4)
Erin M.
One of my favorite Irish Pubs, I have never been disappointed. Best French Onion Soup you will ever have! The Beer Cheese appetizer is a must. I love the Salmon BLT, Fish and chips, and the Steak Sandwich. If you are in the mood for comfort food you need to try this place.
(5)
Bryan W.
I'll agree with everyone on the appearance and decor of this pub/restaurant, just as if it was in Ireland (not that I've been). The one time I went, I had the meat pie sandwich. It was a lamb and beef combo and very excellent! There is a great selection of import beers, obviously, and the service is top notch. Only complaint is that it's a little pricey, most likely they have to cover the incredible materials and construction costs, along with a prime location. One more thing, for all the Yelpers out there gripping that this isn't a cool or happening hangout... It's in the freaking SUBURBS!!! If you wanna go party at least go to Wild Wings or Taco Mac, but you'll always be better off in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Downtown/Midtown ATL.
(3)
Le H.
This was my first time trying out their restaurant and I ordered off their lunch menu. I ordered half a turkey,bacon,lettuce,tomato sandwich on a croissant and side soup of clam chowder. I was very excited to try this place because all of the good things I have heard about it but sadly to say I am a little bit disappointed although the food was good I feel like they half assed my food. The croissant bun was so dry i don't know if it's always like that but by the time I got to it my sandwich was already falling apart and it was so dry I could hardly swallow my food. The soup was good but only one thing that made me feel uneasy about it since I did pay almost 11$ for this lunch,I got my lunch Togo and my soup was in a container and it was barely filled half way which made me question did they just run out of their regular small containers and they had to put it in a larger container and just didn't fill it all the way up bc of that purpose? I mean the container was just a regular size so I don't think they would have a smaller size than that but who knows this was my first time here. I wish I would have taken a picture of how little much of cam chowder soup they had added to the container which wasn't a lot at all I almost wanted to go in and ask why did I barley have any soup in the container? I don't know but anyways I give this place a 2 stars bc the soup was good. I wouldn't go back though 11$ is a lot for a lunch combo with just half sandwich that was half assed and soup that you barely even got.
(2)
Laura M.
This is one place that hubs and I should never have gone. Not just meh--blehh. I guess if you drink enough beer, anything can taste good. I ordered the Galway steak sandwich. I'm pretty sure that after they fried the unidentifiable cut of beef, they then slapped it onto a crappy hoagie roll, threw some kind of white-ish cheese on it and put it in the microwave to melt said cheese. And we all know what happens to bread when you put it in the microwave on high. I couldn't even cut the bread with my steak knife. Hubs chose the corned beef with cabbage. I ask you--have you ever been served corned beef in "blocks"? No kidding, his meal arrived with these rectangular blocks of red matter that we both agreed had to be corned beef, but what an unappetizing way to serve corned beef. He ate the cabbage and left the logs. My dinner was highlighted by my direct line view of the men's room. And the razor hand drying machine noise eminating from that room added an ambience to my dining expereince which I cannot describe. I shouldn't bother trying to describe the waitress uniforms at the Olde Blind--mini-skirt kilts with clogs?? Hot?? Hot mess?? Dorky??
(1)
Matt T.
Wow. This place...awesome. I had heard alot about this place from Yelp, and word of mouth, but I never knew how close I was to it. The decor was awesome, it sets a great mood for a fun time. I like that the booths are all kind of set off in their own world, so if you want a romantic night then you can get it without being bothered by other people, but its open enough to join in and have fun. The food was awesome. I had the beef sliders, I know not too Irish, but still was absolutely delicious. It tasted more home made then out of a box in the freezer, and the fries were just as great. I also had the homemade Guinnes BBQ sauce. Just made it all that much better. And I had a perfectly poured Guinness. Good luck keeping me out of this place. But on a different note, they had people there playing, or practicing Irish folk music. Wasnt being done professionally so if that is what you are looking for then call ahead and see what is going on.
(4)
Dan M.
Cool ambiance. Lousy service. We waited to be seated for five minutes...there was no one else waiting, there just wasn't a staff member in sight. When someone finally spoke to us, we mentioned we had been waiting for a long time, they didn't care. We were seated and waited 15 minutes, so we had to retrieve our server. When he came he took all six of our orders without repeating them. Everyone at the table agreed there was no way he got our order right. We were right. When we wanted refills of our drinks we always had to get up and go find our server. Sometimes, for various reasons, things go poorly at a restaurant for a guest. But normally someone on staff shows remorse. Not at this place! It felt as if there was not a manager on duty. We will not go back.
(1)
Eduardo M.
Oh olde blind dog, why was I even here? Being from chicago, I hear "irish pub", know it's in a 'burb, and instantly think "wood paneling". Was I wrong? not really. Still, it's got good service, good beer, and rumor has it good food (wasn't there to eat, so don't know for sure). The staff seemed friendly, the place wasn't over crowded and the table set up of booths along all four exterior walls allows for groups to hang out, drink beer and relax. Which is, I suppose, the entire point to a pub.
(3)
Bryan B.
Went by for drinks last week after work. Atmosphere was great - get old pub feel with lots of wood, all over the place. Private tables are also a nice touch. The food was decent (not the best pub food, but passable). The service was a bit lacking...not enthusiastic or anything and a bit slow. We weren't in a hurry, at least, but still noticed the lack of attention. The beer menu is great. I love a place that has Dragon's Milk and Rouge Hazelnut! Despite 'ok' food and mediocre service (maybe the server was just having an off day), it gets 4 stars for atmosphere and beer selection. Will go back, try a different entree and see how the service is.
(4)
Jeff C.
Think "Fado" before they moved to their new location. Smallish with a decent-sized patio out front. Good food, good drinks and fun architecture. The placed was really packed, so I suggest going early.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Great food and a really nice atmosphere. The pub is lovely, a pretty place to eat!
On a recommendation from an Irish friend (that indeed it was an AUTHENTIC Irish Pub), my wife and I drove out to OBDIP on a Sunday evening. Located in the Crabapple Crossroads development, it's a large, beautiful restaurant in a beautiful area. Almost inexplicably, a life-size figure of William Wallace greets you as you enter (evidently the owner's last name is Wallace, so...). Inside is what one might call the "Victorian" version of the "Irish Pub Corporation" model - with stained glass, faux gaslights, "stone" floor, and elaborate dark wood paneling. It all made for a very Epcot-like experience. Service was friendly and prompt. We were seating in our own cordoned off area on high stools. Black tablecloths and black cloth napkins were the first sign that this was not a working-man's pub, and indeed upon opening the menu, the prices were indeed on the high side. While my pint of Harp was $6 I think, my wife's bottle of Skullbuster was $8. That's a lot for one bottle of beer. I ordered the Celtic Curry and it was pretty good. It had large chunks of what I think were zucchini mixed in with the chicken. But at $13.99 it was really too expensive for such a dish. My wife had the fish sandwich ($9.99), which the menu proclaimed had great beer breading. There was quite a bit of breading, and not a whole lot of fish, although she reported that what was there was good. It was served with fries - I was surprised they weren't called "chips" by our server - which were seasoned french fries. Although the place is very clean, attractive, and somewhat cozy, I didn't feel it was authentic as much as it was made to LOOK authentic. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but it almost seemed too perfect - like something created by Disney is too perfect. Did I enjoy the meal? Yes. Did I admire the decor? Indeed I did. Did it seem Irish? Absolutely. Will I return? Probably, but only if I'm in the neighborhood (there's a less than "perfect" Irish Pub in my own backyard that is just fine when I want the experience) and only when I'm flush with cash.
(3)
Bailey D.
Be Merry. Eat the Ale & Cheddar dip as a starter or while you're just drinking your beers. and don't leave without trying the Chocolate Brownie. Brownies are my favorite food and this has made my top 3 brownies ever. And it comes with a scoop of Guinness ice cream on top - what could be better. Atmosphere, definitely irish-pub praise worthy.
(4)
Sam K.
Place is freaking awesome from an aesthetics point of view, like eating at EPCOT but has reasonable prices for the quality of the establishment. A great burger and $6.00 20 ounce beers with a good selection of draught beers.
(5)
Robert M.
We stopped in for lunch prior to Herman Cain's appearance and book signing. The decor was authentic and made you feel as if you were in a pub in Ireland. The food was great and the service was excellent. There are many things I'd like to try on the menu. I'll be back.
(5)
natalie b.
I ended up in the area again and this is where my sister wanted to eat. I was happy to see that they have added vegetarian options. I mean, salad is good, but they're $9 and not exciting enough to justify that price. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. It was delicious. While this isn't an especially inventive dish, it delivers in flavor and size. The fries were good too. I really can't get behind their prices. For two sandwiches (no appetizer, no drinks), it cost us $29, including tip. While I would definitely eat that sandwich again, they lose a star for pricing and any chance that I will pay for it again. Also, the life-size Braveheart in the entry is just unsettling! Even when you know it's coming, it's like, "Where the hell am I that someone thinks this is a good idea?!"
(2)
R.E. K.
The food is seriously not good. We have been here over and over and have tried tons of menu options, and I love a good pub so I have kept trying. I'm a bit perplexed about the positive reviews. The atmosphere is really cool, but if you want to eat this is not the place to go. Maybe go eat at Sip and come here for drinks and dessert? Seriously, even the classic Irish pub dishes are average at best and just plain yucky at worst.
(1)
Stephen F.
You walk in and the first thing you see is Mel Gibson. Sweet! Your hear Irish Celtic music You smell fish and chips You taste a great variety of imported beers And you simply have a great time. Every time. Highly recommend their fish and chips. The beer selection is always changing which is a plus. EVERY time I have gone alone... I have met a friendly patron and had a great conversation. This tell me that people are happy by their visit here in general...as am I.
(5)
Robert A.
Really is a 3.5 star place but I feel good today and will up it to 4 stars. My wife and I had the Reuben sandwich, chicken nachos, French onion soup and the bread pudding for dessert. Everything was well presented and it tasted as good or better than it looked. The bread pudding with the Bailey's Irish Cream sauce was excellent. Also, the chicken nachos did not have nacho chips but house made potato chips that were hot and well seasoned and they didn't have a lot of gloppy cheese but had a good balance of many ingredients. The French onion soup is made with Guinness for extra flavor and it is excellent. The place is a very attractive looking neighborhood gastropub and it is good for a date or business meetings. The bar area is nicely spread out and well designed as you would expect from and Irish Pub. They are planning to open up a second place in Atlanta soon but I am not sure where yet. The server was spot on, the place is clean and the prices are very reasonable. I will certainly be going back again when I am in the area.
(4)
Adam A.
Authentic menu, including scotch eggs and HP sauce. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. "Snugs" or booths are a cool way to feel like you're eating privately. Guinness is stored in properly chilled separate kegs and lines (lots of nice little touches).
(4)
Josh A.
Like others have said, the life sized William Wallace in a cage is a little creepy. My wife and I started with the ale and cheddar dip, which is served with pretzel bread. She likened the dip to beer cheese soup and she loved it, while it was a little too bitter for my liking. I cannot say it was good or bad, since the wife and I were split. She had the Blackened Chicken Pasta and I had the Fish and Chips. While we waited for our food to arrive, I could not help but take a look at around at the nice interiors. I agree with others who have noted that this place must have cost a fortune to build out. The Snugs looked very comfortable and I started to get envious that I was not in one. We were seated in an outlying table next to an old grumpy man who either passively or aggressively complained about everything. From his kids' poor parenting, to his corned beef being too tough, to the server (who was excellent) offering to pour his beer in a mug for him. I told my wife that if I ever end up as grumpy as that man to just put me out my misery. Anyways, back to the food. The Fish and Chips came out and they were visually appealing. Nice golden batter, a nice amount of chips, and a little cole slaw. My first couple of bites into the fish, I swore I could taste cinnamon; however, it dissipated as I ate. The fish and chips were not the best I ever had, nor were they the worst. My better half was pleased with her pasta, and after tasting it, I wish I had ordered that, as it was very good. Just enough of that red pepper flavor without being over done, and she happily have her meal two thumbs up. So, I bet you are asking yourself... "So if Josh A. wasn't a huge fan of his food, why the 4 stars?" Well, allow me to answer. Our server/waiter/wait person/whatever the hell you want to call him, was fantastic. This was the kind of service that I am always hoping to get at restaurants, only to be let down. He made us feel at home and no request was too big or too small. This was our first visit to OBDIP, and I hope that the service we received is the rule, not the exception. Either way, we will be back and I will update this review one way or the other. I don't want to put the server's name on here for all of the internet to see, but if you want a recommendation on who to ask for when visiting, just shoot me a message. All in all, with our entree's, appetizer, and one coke we spent just under $50, including tip. Also, I am looking into adding a break down of my ratings and would love your input on what else to add or look for. Food - 3.5/5 Portion - 4/5 Service - 5/5 Cleanliness - 4/5
(4)
Todd M.
Friendly staff good service and clean place. Didn't eat but menu looked good, beer selection was weak, but nice selection of wines and top shelf liquors.
(4)
Nancy B.
It is a bit out of the way but we will do that for all things Irish. The food was outstanding. The shepherd's pie seemed to be the standout. If this place was close by, I'd be a regular and everyone would know my name. The Braveheart statue was rather odd but when my son says he wants to go to "the place with the blue man in the cage", I know exactly what he is talking about.
(4)
Jerry C.
I like the way these people are thinkin! They must have spent a fortune putting the place together. It looks highly authentic with great attention to detail (OK I could do without the statue of Braveheart). In short, gorgeous! The place runs very clock-like from the FOH managers until you ask for a check. The food is great- I can recommend the bangers and mash as well as the Galway steak sandwich. The fish and chips are also great. Staff is friendly and inviting. Since opening, the Olde Blind Dog has supported Celtic music in a major way. They regularly host local Irish and Scottish musicians as well as regional favorites. We attended St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities as well as the Guinness birthday celebration there this year and, I can tell you, these guys put on a great party. Two criticisms, meant to be constructive: I never order whiskey there as they are a bit stingy with the pours. And, the Irish car bombs on Aurthur's day were kind of lame. But I love their heart and I love their commitment. Highly recommended.
(4)
Karissa E.
This place is awesome, such a beautiful pub! They brought it over brick by brick from Ireland. The atmosphere is great, and it's the perfect place to grab a pint and some stellar Irish grub
I have a young, good looking dog. If it had been her who took on the wolves, it would be the wolves that were blind. But since I found out my German Shepherd Dog was preggers today, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the occasion (drown my sorrows) at the Olde Blind Dog. While I was looking forward to the pups, my wife has threatened to move until the they are gone. Anyone want to buy a purebred german shepherd cheap? Back to the Olde Blind Dog. I enjoyed the clam chowder and the half a monte cristo for $8.95. Well worth it. Finished every bit. One of the better clam chowders. I also asked the waiter to bring me a bit o' the onion soup to taste, and he obliged, complimentary. Tasty, but I was glad I order the clam chowder. Me and my friend both had a Hoegardden on draft. Looked like lemonade, but tasted great. Served as an imperial pint (20 oz) and they had several other beers on tap. Entertaining atmosphere and live music. I'll be back for dinner with more friends. Probably even join their kennel club. Until then, here's to pregnant bitches.
(5)
Chris B.
I love it. This is what every Irish Pub should be. Of course if they were, this place wouldn't stand out. Authentic decor, great patio, and an unbelievable menu. I tried to be good and go with the blackened chicken something or other salad. It was great. The egg appetizer (yes egg) is to die for - and evidently is a signature app here. In short, great atmosphere, great food, great service. Do it,
(5)
John A.
Finally, an Irish pub in the immediate area with Irish-accented staff with interior decor that doesn't remind me of Buffalo's. Anyways, I decided to stop by my first time after work, as it's located on the outskirts of Milton (near Milton HS) in the new developing district with an 'old towne concept. The staff always greet you at the door, one of which is usually a manager. The inside has a nice dark-wood look, however economically their layout could make them lose money (they have private booths that are walled in) by not effectively utilizing floor space. However, that aside... I've only visited the bar, as I haven't been able to find anyone willing to venture to that area for a beer, but the bar staff are always nice. One of the evening shift bartenders is a trained chef from the CIA, who also helped open the restaurant and design the menu. Aside from him, the other bar staff are okay; I always keep an open eye with bartenders, especially with one there as it sounded like he was lying about a lot of stuff to maintain a social atmosphere. The food is good, always comes out fast and hot. I think they may have recently increased the amount of fries you get on your plate, as the first 3x there I was probably only given 4 oz of fries. It's probably up to 7-8 oz now. This is a great place to go for a drink with friends, especially if you want good food with your dark beer. Too often do I see bars with a great assortment of drinks, but mediocre food. Bars need to remember that drinks are their revenue, but having good quality food will increase the amount of drinks ordered, along with repeat customers. If you're a fan of Irish-type beer with good food, definitely give this place a shot. Sure, it may not be close to I-75 or 400, but it's still a good place to try out, and to become a Regular if you live in the area. Make sure you visit their website as they have weekly Live music
(3)
Justin T.
For me a visit to the Olde Blind Dog is less about the food, despite the pub boasting an impressive Irish menu, and more about the ambiance. The furnishings and decor are top notch and give off an old world feel to the environment. From the extensive use of wood and earth tones throughout the restaurant to the semi enclosed booths that give a sense of intimacy without shutting out the rest of the world, everything in the pub makes it an ideal location for me to spend time relaxing with friends whilst partaking of decent food and drink and soaking in the atmosphere. We've managed to time our unplanned visits with live music on each of our outings though I would attribute this less to luck and more to the frequency they host live entertainment. We particularly favor the Celtic groups as they fit best within the aforementioned atmosphere but the samplings of various other bands have not been distasteful. While not having a wide exposure to fish and chips I can draw upon for comparison, I found the ones on offer at the Blind Dog to be of decent quality. My wife favors their shepherd's pie and it is a frequent order for her. I found the Monte Cristo to be too greasy for my palette on the one occasion that I tried it, but overall the various other dishes I have partaken in have been well represented. The service has been routinely good on our visits with personable waiters and waitresses taking orders and seeing to our needs. Would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a pub to visit with friends. 3.5 stars plus .5 for a location convenient to me.
(4)
John L.
Crabapple is fast becoming a "go-to" area for restaurants in the North Fulton/Alpharetta area. The newest is The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, open about 3 months. I was driving by and noticed a fair sized lunch crowd and decided to give it a try. The menu is vast with all kinds of Irish fare. The food is very good. We tried the fish and chips and Irish stew. Lots of Irish beers. The decor is very Irish Pub. They have Irish music on Saturday and Monday evenings.
(4)
Bob J.
Had an excellent lamb stew, atmosphere was very nice. Not sure why there was a statue of a Scottish chieftan (in a cage) in an Irish pub, but I suppose that's Irish humor. A bit pricey, and service was above average.
(4)
Kate H.
Historic Crabapple meets historic Ireland. My husband & I love this place! The bartenders and waitstaff are super friendly and attentive and the owners are often present and welcoming. Food is delicious - we'd recommend.... Kerrygold Cheddar dip with pretzel bread (we get it EVERY time!), Thai Chili Lime wings, Edinburgher, and Fish & Chps. The only downside is that everything's a little pricey - a pint of Guinness here is $6. But that certainly doesn't stop us from frequenting this pub :)
(4)
K P.
Great place to enjoy a frosty bevy outside when the weather is nice!
(3)
Lindsay S.
My boyfriend & I went here for lunch yesterday and I must say we were quite impressed. Upon entering the pub we were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us in our own private booth intricately decorated with Irish drinking decor. The waitress was a bit loopy and inattentive forgetting our orders immediately after we said them but that happens almost anywhere nowadays. I had the Dog House Salad which consisted of lettuce, candied pecans, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, cranberries, and bacon topped with a wonderfully delicious maple vinaigrette dressing. My boyfriend had the Reuben sandwich and a cup of the onion soup which he enjoyed immensely. We will definitely be back. We also found out that they are having some pretty cool Irish entertainment come St. Patrick's day so if you haven't got plans you should definitely check it out!
(4)
Roy K.
Low down: Beer - good, but that's expected. Also a bit pricey. Food - a bit expensive for pub food, but good. I have had wings, Celtic Curry, fish&chips,and a few sandwiches. All have been good, fish&chips being the best of those. Wait staff - good, no complaint Ambiance - def has an authentic feel however like on review below it does have a 'Feux' feel...but not sure what you expect in any new establishment. Perhaps that will wear off and feel like a true Scottish pub in about 100 years or so.
(4)
Shelhole M.
This is a great little pub. The food was fantastic! We had fried pickles and homemade chips for appetizers and both were really good. The fish and chips were delicious and went perfectly with the homemade tartar sauce. My husband raved about the steak sandwich. This will definitely become a regular in our restaurant rotation.
(4)
Christopher L.
The decor is really cool. Lots of wood, stained glass. Really pretty. I really enjoyed the food at this place as well. The cheese dip with the pretzels was great. I had meatloaf and mashed potatos. Very flavorful and the gravy was wonderful with it. My friend got a turkey sanwich with fries. Also very good. Food prices weren't bad for the area. The two of us with our food, appetizer, and softdrinks was around $35. Not terrible for Alpharetta. Our waiter was great. Service was prompt, and very friendly. The bad: The alcohol prices were pretty expensive. They had a good selections, but prices in other places are quite a bit cheaper. Not a place to go and party with booze. People are saying they are a live music venue, but I didn't see any kind of staging for this. I could be wrong however. It was a good place to eat. To party, maybe go elsewhere. Especially since its in the suburbs.
(4)
Coleen W.
Love the decor. Especially the snugs for dining a little more quietly. My husband and I couldn't decide on Sunday brunch so we split the pub club and pecan-crusted stuffed French toast. One word - yum! I thought the French toast would be rich and heavy, but it just sounded so good. It was wonderful and the cranberry mayo on the club was a nice touch, too.
(5)
Alicia V.
My husband, who is a big irish guy, loves to come here for a reuben and a guinness. They do have really amazing corned beef, and play celtic music. As a girl, I wish they would add some diversity in terms on everything not being so heavy. Maybe more grilled options or lighter specials? But if they are sticking to a theme, I get that. You can't be everything to everyone. i do know when I go out with a group of girls, no one want to come here.They say it's too sandwich heavy and the decor is too dark. We usually hear to a more girly place in town like Sip or now Erwoods. The decor is great in cool weather, but can feel clausterphobic during the summer. Nice beer garden when it is not being held for a private group. And St. Patrick's Day....! This place is insane, and really fun!
(3)
Ian W.
Monte Cristo is the magic word.
(4)
Kristy J.
Love this pub a great time to go is on St. Patricks day. I made it a family tradition. Great food and great authentic Irish pub.
(5)
Juliet C.
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. This is a really nice new clean place with a good beer selection and better than average bar food. The BBQ is very good. I would certainly recommend it. And nice outdoor seating.
(4)
Robert H.
What is this place, Suburbias answer to Chuckie Cheese. When you put the letters pub in a name it is hoped to represent more than a fraction of the place with kids everywhere. OK so I probably went too early ?? Will go again and try the food but I get the feeling nowt will change.
(2)
Kevin S.
I didn't take a picture of Mel in the kilt because I assumed it had been done already, so someone really needs to get on that. I had the stew and a salad and it was fine. The bread was excellent. They are really slow at 2:00 PM, like most places. The building and decor are first rate. Everything looks really old even though it's all brand new. Some local blacksmith made some serious cash when they were putting this place together. I took my mom here who is pushing 90 and she loved it, so I'd have to declare it "senior friendly" (no steps) at least in the afternoon. You have to admit, being greeted by Mel in a cage, all geared up for a bit of the old ultraviolence is kind of ironic. Maybe it's just TOO realistic.
(4)
Matthew D.
Located at the end of my neighborhood, the location for me is perfect. The food is a small step above pub grub and the decor is rich and inviting. My only issue is the price, $6 pints and no chance of lunch under $40 and dinner under $80 with a few drinks is too steep for what is offered. The place is always packed so the atmosphere is great, but I only go once in a while because the bill is just too much too swallow. Also that glorified Braveheart doll is just plain odd.
(3)
Mikey N.
My son and I had dinner here a few nights ago and we really enjoyed it. The Curry and Chips we fabulous, an unexpected nice surprise. I had the Meat Loaf Sandwich and the spicy ketchup that came on the side was over-the-top-good. My son, Aaron had the Shepard's Pie and he enjoyed that as well. We each had a Black & Blue (Guinness and Blue Moon). Thanks for the great dinner, son. Glad you wanted to go there.
(5)
Chris H.
Overpriced and bland or undercooked food. WAY overpriced beer $6 for a pint OUTSIDE the perimeter is crazy. Not a fan, but I seem to be in the minority.
(1)
Tokuzumi T.
Great food, great atmosphere, great staff. Went around 6 pm on Saturday, and had to wait 30 min for a table. But sat at the bar, and enjoyed a guinness while waiting. Bar staff was attentive. Ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which was incredible. Bangers and mash also quite tasty. The Bailey's cheesecake was awesome. I'll definitely go back again.
(4)
Adam H.
I really like this place, however, if you get the short guy bartending, run don't walk right out the front door. I asked for a black and tan and got mud, no layering to the drink, which I can forgive. But the guy was a jerk to the only good looking group of under 50 women in the room. I mean the guy was just rude, I think he made one of the women cry. I had seen this little guy bark at people before so I knew it was not just a bad night. I don't need to go back to a place, where the staff is so rude to the customers
(2)
Greg S.
Great pub. Good bartenders - Jen and Mark. Excellent service. Mark introduced himself to all of his customers. Impressively, Mark forgot my name right after I told him but had the courage to admit it (and joke about it) and just ask me again. I like that directness. Good selection of Irish draft beers and spirits. Live music on the Friday night I was here. Food was very respectable for pub food. I'll be back. Definitely.
(4)
Kevin P.
If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub, this IS NOT it. Olde Blind Dog (that's not the name of an Irish pub; that's English). Wait staff wearing kilts (well now, that would be Scottish). The bottom line is that just about the only real tribute to an Irish pub is that they threw "Irish" into the name, perhaps just to balance out the entire British Isle mess that they have cobbled together. Sorry, but the whole place just kept screaming "Identity Crisis!!". As for the food, it's okay. As others have noted, it's perfectly acceptable pub grub, but it will cost you roughly 1.5-2x what it would cost elsewhere for the same quality. And I wouldn't even consider having desert there...not with Alpine Bakery just down the road a bit! Still, it's a solid 3 out of 5 stars overall and I don't regret having gone just once. If you are looking for the Irish pub experience in North Fulton, I would suggest the following: (1) The Harp, (2) Durty Kelly's - although the menu there is a bit contrived, often less than authentic, and they too have a bit of an identity crisis going on with the English phone box out front (3) Fado - okay, not really in North Fulton but worthy of the drive in to Buckhead nonetheless.
(3)
K K.
My expectations for pub food are just so low that I never really know how to evaluate the dining experience at such places. However, I do like the feel of Old Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's exactly what us Atlanta suburbanites who have never been to a pub in Ireland might expect from an Irish pub. The food and service were good. The menu is good and the prices are fair ($8-$15 entrees). A decent beer selection that goes a bit beyond the usual Guinness, Harp, and Bass. I think I like Irish pubs more for the entertainment than the meals. I'll go back next time just for fun.
(3)
N B.
LOVED my fish & chips - bread pudding for dessert was outstanding. We really liked the booths - we didn't have to shout when we talked. The service couldn't have been better. All around this is one of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)
James C.
So far, I've only been there for drinks. Service is very friendly and prompt. Lots of fairly private booth areas. Big tables for larger parties. Plenty of staff on duty and there to help.
(5)
Frieda B.
The pub is beautiful, the staff and service were excellent-but the food and drinks were terrible! We ordered a black and tan. A good bar tender knows how to pour it so that there are two distinct layers. Ours were a mixed muddle. My steak sandwich came on a bland, doughy sub roll-not even toasted or heated. The steak was so tough I had to get rid of some pieces into my napkin. The cheese was nonexistant. My husbands Salmon BLT was so skimpy that it could have fed a child. Our friends fish from the fish and chips was raw. They took it off our bill and gave him a ruben on the house-which he said was good. We really want them to suceed, and the food needs some major work. For $11.95 for a sanwich, I expect better.
(2)
Bettyboop h.
We just had our son's rehearsal dinner here and what a great job Olde Blind Dog did for us!!!!! OBD doesn't really have a private dining area, but we were able to reserve their entire outdoor patio. (There were 45 people at this event.) The atmosphere could not have been better. Our guests were able to walk around and mingle in a relaxed but yet very nice atmosphere.The food was fantastic...You must try their meatloaf sandwich!! All of our guests complimented the food which OBD ensured there was plenty of. The service we received was OUTSTANDING!!!! We had 2 dedicated servers, and those girls worked their butts off to ensure we had a great time. They kept the drinks and food coming so our guests were never wanting for anything. They also took the time to check in with my husband and I to see if there was anything we needed and to make sure our guests were happy and well taken care of. The manager stopped by several times as well to ensure things were running smoothly. We were able to relax and enjoy the evening with our family and friends. My last comment is about the price...UNBELIEVABLE value! We had plenty of food with an open bar (and the drinks were flowing) for less than $25/person including the tax and gratuity. That is almost impossible to beat for a private function in Alpharetta or Milton! Thanks to Olde Blind Dog and our fantastic servers for such a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable evening!
(5)
Robert C.
I was really impressed with how nice this place was on the inside, the restaurant really went all out to give an authentic feel to this place. The food is okay and a little pricey, but its in suburban Alpharetta in what looks like a new, high-end development, so its kind of expected.
(4)
Courtney b.
Great patio. Fabulous Sunday brunch.
(4)
KR K.
As far as pub's go in a newly built building it's pretty cool. They've done a fine job with the pub atmosphere inside. Cozy tables like private rooms. Heavy dark wood, etc. I've eaten there twice now and it' not bad food. OBD is new so they are still working out the kinks. Sheppard's pie was good, but fish and chip, ok. Onion soup was very good and so was the reuben. I'm not a fan of the $5.50 beer. The bar is too small for my taste, but we will see on St. Patty's day how they fair..... Try the pub at a none popular time as this place gets packed. Who's doesn't love a pub? :)
(4)
Priya K.
Not many options for vegetarians (except salad) and the staff did not seem keen in finding any either.
(2)
Tom K.
I can only assume that the management and staff just hasn't quite yet figured out how to operate a restaurant. Won't go back
(1)
Jerry G.
I love a pub. I love the atmosphere, friendship, beer and (of course) the pub grub.. Olde Blind Dog doesn't disappoint. Interior is more a series of nooks and small areas with a few tables that make for excellent conversation. Good variety of Irish beer and the barkeep knows how to draw a Guinness.! Amazingly good.. The food is broken into two categories, more American Bar Food (wings, etc.) and Irish Staples like Fish and Chips, Shepard's Pie, etc. One of our party had the Fish and Chips and it was outstanding.. Large pieces of fish, crunchy and the chips were excellent. Another had a short rib sandwich (think pulled pork) and it was great.. Flavorful and not greasy.. I went Shepard's Pie and I really enjoyed it as well.. Tender pieces of lamb with peas, carrots, colcannon (cabbage) in a great brown sauce that had a "bit o' the Guiness" about it.! Was very satisfied indeed. The waitstaff is excellent and while the place does get crazy crowded now and then they staff won't forget you.. If you're looking for a great place to just chill and have a pint then Olde Blind Dog is a good choice.
(4)
Annette H.
I had lunch there last week. Very good food and good portion size, I had the Guiness Onion Soup and Monte Cristo Sandwich. A bit pricey for what it is. I'll be going back to try dinner there in a few weeks so I'm curious to see if there is any significant difference in service and atmosphere at night.
(4)
Helen K.
Very nice decor, but when we ate there with friends last month, the food was not very remarkable. Two of us had the reuben which was just OK, & my husband's fish & chips were a bit greasy. We liked the place, but maybe just to stop for a beer.
(3)
Dane S.
My first time going to The Olde Blind Dog was a less than stellar experience. I wanted a good Irish whisky but I couldn't really afford $25 a shot for 21 year Bushmills so I ordered the next best @ $17 a shot. This was going to be my special way of celebrating St. Patty's Day. This was at 7:00 p.m. The waitress returned to say that they didn't have that particular Bushmills. She advised that they had a 10 year old Bushmill's. I accepted this let-down only to have her return and say that she was out of this. I asked for Blackbush. They didn't have that one either. One of my friends suggested to her that she give me one shot of 21 year old Bushmills for $17. The waitress said she couldn't do that. We asked for the manager but he never came.Later my girlfriend tried to order a Miller Light and a Bud Light which they had advertised. Again no such luck. I was terribly disappointed and will probably never go back there although the atmosphere was one that I want to be able to enjoy.
(2)
NerdoLoco H.
I loved this place, the atmosphere is cozy and comforting even though there's a mini jail and grave yard fence. The service, perfect. Our server Jorden was the best we've had anywhere in a very long time. The fried pickles, perfect. The beer cheese dip and pretzels, perfect. The Guinness onion soup, perfect. The imperial black velvet (Guinness over champagne), perfect. The hot flying wings (fried and then flat top grilled), perfect. I will definitely be back. My boys loved it, too. The fish and chips were a good choice.
(5)
Michael P.
I like this place. Have been several times and one of our favorite things to do is go get a bunch of appetizers and just have a sampler fest with a few beers. The beer cheese dip is the highlight, but it is all good. Everything I have had has been good. I will also point out a nice experience in customer service. The other night I ordered a take-out order, and my wife came home with my Irish Stew. It was a very small styrofoam container, not even cup sized. No bread, no nothing. I called back ready to light somebody up. The manager calmly let me know he would be glad to remake, but since we were a bit far away for that, he just refunded my entire meal. No muss no fuss. So nice to be treated like it was important, not just somebody complaining. So whatever manager that was, kudos to you my friend! Not enough places still believe this.
(4)
GR G.
What can you say about an Irish pub with a Scottish Braveheart in a cage? Interesting decor but a little over the top. There was a decent selection of Irish whiskeys but I wish the drink menu was more descriptive. Same for the craft beers. For an appetizer, had their recommend Guiness stout french onion soup. Nothing special, but the bowl was more of a cup size wise. For my main, had the Celtic Curry. Featured madras curry with veggies, brown rice and chicken (in that order). Lots of yellow squash and zucchini, but not a lot of chicken. The server mentioned this dish was extremely spicy - this was pretty mild with only a little heat lingering on the tongue. Very tasty, but the portion size was more of a lunch feature than dinner.
(3)
Jeanna G.
Just stopped in here for a drink with my boyfriends extended family out here in Georgia. Didn't have time for anything other than a beer but I must say the decor inside here is really cool. The bar is a Scottish/Irish theme with authentic pub scene to a T. They also have a large bar area with a huge projection screen. Plenty of tall tables and booths to sit. The picture I added doesn't really do the place justice, it was the only one I got to snap unfortunately. The staff here is very attentive and down to earth. I would like to come check out the food on my next visit here. Especially this French onion soup I keep hearing about. Also think I may have seen Brave Heart in a cage on the way out... Gotta look into that.
(5)
Jason S.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The wait staff are friendly, there is plenty of parking, there is also outdoor seating of you would like to bring your puppy. Sometimes they have someone come in and play live music.
(5)
Sam S.
First review I've probably ever written of anything. I'm just sitting here at the bar enjoying a Black and Gold (Stella and Guinness) and some amazing pork quesadillas. But it's not necessarily the food or beer that's the best part here; the atmosphere, attention to detail and friendliness of the staff really stands out more than most "fine dining" places I've been. If you're looking to do something a little different for lunch, Old Blind Dog may become your permanent lunch destination, I know it's become mine.
(5)
David C.
Not that impressed. I have had Smithwicks beer where the head is smooth and creamy while the beer itself is not that gassy. The beer we had was just fizzy with the head disappearing in seconds. We had the French Onion soup, very salty, hard bits of something like coarsely ground pepper but was not pepper. I had the fish and chips, the fish was good but the fries were awful, like they had been cooked the day before and then warmed in the microwave or oven, the were dry and soft, didn't eat them. My son had the Irish stew, very little lamb meat and tasted strongly of beef gravy.
(2)
Todd K.
Owner told our group of 17, celebrating multiple birthdays to quite down - on a Saturday night while we were sitting outside in the patio area. He was also apparently sitting out there with a group and we, the 17 customers, disturbed him... Thought this was an Irish pub? Even says on the menu story about pubs being the place to "raise a pint and sing songs." Apparently that is just for looks. We were not being overly loud. Won't be coming back. Service and foot otherwise was very good, which is a shame.
(1)
Travis G.
My family has been several times. The drinks are stiff and the food is authentic and excellent. Service has always been first rate. Absolutely love the onion soup! Bangers and mash was also excellent. We also love the semi-private booths. We will be back!
(5)
Gregory H.
Never had an Irish curry before I came here. Excellent choice, as was the clam chowder soup. Nice experience for our party of 6, maybe a little pricey. Great beer selection for the holidays.
(4)
Kristie D.
So even though it was a very slow Wednesday night at this restaurant, we got the worst seating in the place. If you've ever been here you know they have these private little booths that are just awesome. That's what everyone goes for, the atmosphere is so nice. But this visit the hostess to seat us on the bench seating with a couple on each side, so it was basically cafeteria style seating. She walked us over, slapped menus down on the little bitty table and walked away before I could even complain. I was pretty steamed about this. We will literally passed three beautiful, empty, private booths on the way to this bench seating. Fast forward to the food. I really don't think anyone comes to an Irish pub for food. I ordered the Rueben and it was a disappointment. The corned beef was extremely thinly sliced with a little flavor. There was no dressing on the sandwich and almost no sauerkraut. The squash and zucchini that I got as a side however, was very good. My dining partner got the Bangers and mash and enjoyed it but there's not much that he won't eat. I have liked this place in the past, but I think the very poor choice of seating negatively colored my whole experience this night. It was just awkward that, on our date night, we were sitting 18 inches from other couples on each side. On a bench. Service was good, food came quickly. Temperature inside the restaurant was pleasant
(2)
Matthew E.
Traditional Irish breakfast is awesome. Sticky toffee for dessert was very good. Couldn't finish it, so the rest goes home for tomorrow.
(5)
Amy S.
My husband and I have been coming here since it opened. While the food is pretty decent, we've noticed a decrease in portion sizes. We love the fish & chips but during our last trip, I found a hair in my food. I completely lost my appetite and while the manager was apologetic and offered to fix the problem, it has just grossed me out and we haven't been back. That was about a year ago and I do drive by the restaurant regularlly, I've never had the urge to return, I'm sorry to say.
(2)
Nancy K.
Decided to try something new for lunch/dinner and decided in this place. We've had Irish pub food before and this was much better. Our family had the pretzel and beer cheese app, fish and chips, bangers and mash and the buffalo cheese fries. Everything tasted good and we even did dessert. The bread pudding was very tasty. The location is easy to get in and out of and there are a few cute shops in the area too. The inside decor was outstanding. It was really pub-like. Overall a very nice meal and atmosphere.
(4)
Sue G.
The restaurant is great. The bangers and mash wonderful. Good service and not so loud you can't talk.
(5)
James T.
I am really really picky and love Irish food and drink but am usually let down in the food department. The Sheppard's Pie rocks, as do The Bangers, as does the Breakfast. And the Beer Cheese is to die for. Also amazing service every time and a very cozy atmosphere. Best experience by far of any of these little Crabapple places. Come get yer grub on!
(5)
David H.
Checked this place out for the first time this evening. The ambience is awesome and reminded us of several places in Gallway. Trevor, our bartender was awesome and knowledge. The booths are enclosed so you have a sense of privacy. The food was pretty good. Portabella fries and soda bread were great. Fish and chips and Shepard ' s pie were pretty good but fairly common. Two recommendations: 1)Presentation- there was no attempt to present the food in an appetizing manner. 2) Music- It's an Irish Pub but all I hear is Queen, Boston, and the like. The closest thing to Irish music was the Beatles. Really? Overall, had a great time and although the place could use some improvements, we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Katy N.
Came here tonight with my dad, mom, and husband for my dad's retirement celebration. Trevor was our server and was incredibly fast, and catered to every whim my parents threw at him. The food was excellent as well and came out really quickly. I love this place and week definitely come back! My only complaint is that you should have buffalo chicken fingers on top of cheese fries, instead of the shredded chicken. Trust me, it's better that way.
(5)
Edward W.
3.5 stars. What you'd expect for an American-ized Irish pub. Better than TGI Fridays, with better food and great atmosphere. OBDIP is a nice neighborhood bar and grill rooted in the wood and decor - much of it authentic - found over in the motherland. Ambiance is pretty cool, except for Mr. Braveheart maligned in so many other Yelp reviews. Service is mostly young and friendly, and the expansive menu has both American as well as Irish/British favorites. Food is just like on the Emerald Isle, often good, but not great. OBDIP is a perfect place for a casual burger and a pint. OBDIP is as good for a family night out as it is for an after-golf ale with your buds. So come in with real expectations and you won't be disappointed. Slainte!
(3)
Jennifer F.
I have been here many times, have eaten several things, and haven't been disappointed once! Also, the drinks are very good. The decor is beautiful and the wait staff are very friendly. The fish-n-chips are excellent... I have also had the pot roast w veggies and then the Irish Stew, and both of those are exceptional. My father had the Monte Christo, and he really enjoyed that. And, if you're here, get the sticky toffee pudding for dessert -- it is big enough to share! The covered beer garten is bright and a great place to sit on cool evenings.
(5)
Nicholas T.
Our second visit was a little less pleasant. The waitress was great however the kitchen fed her our meals for a party of 5, very slowly. This resulted in meals coming to some at our table while others waited. A GENERAL SUGGESTION TO MANAGMENT: Your background music is to entertain your staff, not your customers. Hard rock? while tables are occupied by an average age of 50 plus on a Saturday Night? In the end, our luke warm food was good. would have been better hot.
(2)
Tom E.
My bloodline consists of mostly German, Irish, and Danish. My friends and family usually tell me I act mostly like an Irishmen (I will take it as a compliment, even though they probably mean it harshly). With that being said, I love pubs, and everything about them. An authentically decorated pub less than 4 miles from my house automatically wets my whistle. This place has been around for a few years now, and I have just suddenly been able to make it there. Nestled in a cute brick village in the "Crabapple" community (near the Milton/Aplharetta border), you can instantly tell the OBD is a pub by the dark woods and the stained glass (I would love to see a place like this hidden under a cathedral). There is a covered patio as well- it is intimate, but spacious enough. I enjoy the layout immensely. All of the things on the inside are authentic from pubs in Ireland- huge plus in my book. Makes me feel like I am back in Europe. The menu is straightforward pub fare, with the addition of extra items. There are plenty of options and will fill you up. The drinks are plentiful as well, showcasing drinks of the Northern European Islands. Hell, you can mix Guinness there with just about anything- even champagne! I have stuck with the corned beef and cabbage everytime I come here- I just love the comfort food style about it. And the smell it gives off at work the next morning- deadly ammunition. One thing I have realized though is drinks are brought out kind of slow, unless you sit at the bar (maybe that's the point of sitting at the actual bar?). For someone who needs a drink every hour of the day, that can be excruciating. I love this place- as in the pub that closed across the street from my house was heart breaking- it was nice to know a replacement was built not too far away. Now when you read my review for the other location, you will know why I gave that one 5 stars, and this one 4...
(4)
Michelle T.
Decided to try out this place for dinner because my teen was craving an Irish Breakfast. Tried the chips with ranch as a light app. They were okay. They liked their Irish brkfsts and I ordered the Edinburgher. It was pretty good as I had it topped with crispy onions and egg. Side was curry steamed veg which actually contained 0 curry. The big disappointment was the fact that they were out of soda bread. Atmosphere was nice and the place was packed. Noisy as lots of patrons were following ladies FIFA. Smithwicks was good. could have been Irish, but sadly, it was not. ....and here it is an hour later and I'm still hearing about the complete and utter lack of soda bread....
(3)
Justine N.
Not sure about these lower reviews. The food I've had is so good, like their fried chicken sandwich, I dream about this thing.. I've had several things on the menu and the only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was their wings. I love the atmosphere, and the bar is really great. Some of the tables are really neat and tucked away. The out door patio is nice. And it's nice that they stay open later than most places around here.
(4)
Charlie B.
I like it here. Typical fake Oi-rish pub, but the food and service are better than most. In terms of what to order I've enjoyed the short rib sand meatloaf sandwiches the most of all the things I've ordered.
(3)
Kristin B.
The best fried pickles OTP. Yep, that's a bold statement, but I'm willing to stand by it. They're sliced thick, well battered, and come with this fantastic tabasco/ranch dipping sauce. Yum. Like most of the menu, it's a little pricey at $8 for just a handful of pieces, but they are so good, I'm willing to pay the price. Like the Olde Blind Dog ITP, this location is decorated to the nines. You'll feel like you're at Disney World with the degree that they've carried out their Irish/Scottish theme, complete with life-sized Mel Gibson figurine straight out of Braveheart. This location also has a pretty nice patio. If you're coming with a group, you'll want to make reservations, even on a weeknight, as Olde Blind Dog is pretty popular and much of the seating is booth style, leaving minimal space for larger parties. Service can be hit or miss, but they almost never tack on an automatic gratuity for groups, which I appreciate. Food is slightly overpriced but solid bar food, with an added healthy measure of Irish classics like fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef. Though nothing is particularly creative or inventive, everything I've tried has been very tasty. I appreciate that many of their salads come with some kind of protein already on them (like hardboiled eggs) because adding grilled chicken or salmon takes them into the $12+ range, which is more than I'm willing to pay for a salad at a bar. Their drink menu is stocked with good beer options, and they offer Strongbow cider on draft as well. Overall, this is an a-ok spot that I gladly return to with my OTP friends.
(3)
Dan S.
My 1st try at this Irish pub was a great experience. My wife and I went with friends of ours based on information from other friends that Olde Blind Dog was a great place to kick back, drink some good beers in a welcoming atmosphere. It didn't disappoint. The fish and chips were fresh and very tasty and the Guinness went down smooth. I would have loved to have sat near the bar, maybe next time....
(4)
Ryan O.
Great staff, great atmosphere and you cannot beat the food and draft Guinness. I love this place.
(5)
Scott M.
Ok so me and my family just left here after lunch and I have to say the food quality has really gone down over the years. We left at least half of our food uneaten. We ordered fish and chips which were so loaded in oil you could squeeze it out, the fries were cold and terrible. The ceasar salad tastes like the bagged lettuce that is marked down on clearance when it starts to turn, and the anchors were completely soggy and gross. I can honestly say I will never eat here again.
(1)
Mary Alison Q.
Really cool ambience. I felt it looked like a genuine pub in Dublin. I was however disappointed in the food. It was just....eh. Nothing special. I have the buffalo chicken sandwich and nothing really exciting. It won't stope from coming back for drinks. Awesome drink selection !
(3)
Richard F.
Great beer selection. The clam chowder was excellent and the meatloaf was very good. Service was great. I'll definitely be back.
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No
Greg S.
I don't get a chance to eat here as often as I like, but we returned again last night with the kids at their Grandmothers. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to make a meal off of appetizers. We got there around 6pm on a Saturday night and was very surprised that it wasn't packed like it normally is. That soon changed within 30 minutes of our arrival. The service staff is young, but they were very attentive. My wife started off with a draft Guiness and I with a Strongbow. For our appetizers we ordered the Ale and Cheddar dip which is pretzel bread with a delicious cheddar and ale dip. We also ordered something new called the Tossed Tenders. It's shredded chicken on a bed of home cut fries drenched in buffalo sauce and then covered with cheddar cheese and bacon. Okay we love buffalo styled dishes and this one was to die for. Yes it's a heart attack on a plate and not something you want to eat all the time, but it was simply sinful and delicious. We were having such a good time we decided to order dessert. So we had the Chocolate Brownie. It's a triple chocolate brownie topped with homemade Guinness ice cream. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful night. Price wise they are a little pricey for pub food, but they are in line with all the other restaurants in the Alpharetta area. Simply put the Olde Blind Dog is still one of my favorites!
(4)Le H.
This was my first time trying out their restaurant and I ordered off their lunch menu. I ordered half a turkey,bacon,lettuce,tomato sandwich on a croissant and side soup of clam chowder. I was very excited to try this place because all of the good things I have heard about it but sadly to say I am a little bit disappointed although the food was good I feel like they half assed my food. The croissant bun was so dry i don't know if it's always like that but by the time I got to it my sandwich was already falling apart and it was so dry I could hardly swallow my food. The soup was good but only one thing that made me feel uneasy about it since I did pay almost 11$ for this lunch,I got my lunch Togo and my soup was in a container and it was barely filled half way which made me question did they just run out of their regular small containers and they had to put it in a larger container and just didn't fill it all the way up bc of that purpose? I mean the container was just a regular size so I don't think they would have a smaller size than that but who knows this was my first time here. I wish I would have taken a picture of how little much of cam chowder soup they had added to the container which wasn't a lot at all I almost wanted to go in and ask why did I barley have any soup in the container? I don't know but anyways I give this place a 2 stars bc the soup was good. I wouldn't go back though 11$ is a lot for a lunch combo with just half sandwich that was half assed and soup that you barely even got.
(2)Bryan B.
Went by for drinks last week after work. Atmosphere was great - get old pub feel with lots of wood, all over the place. Private tables are also a nice touch. The food was decent (not the best pub food, but passable). The service was a bit lacking...not enthusiastic or anything and a bit slow. We weren't in a hurry, at least, but still noticed the lack of attention. The beer menu is great. I love a place that has Dragon's Milk and Rouge Hazelnut! Despite 'ok' food and mediocre service (maybe the server was just having an off day), it gets 4 stars for atmosphere and beer selection. Will go back, try a different entree and see how the service is.
(4)Laura M.
This is one place that hubs and I should never have gone. Not just meh--blehh. I guess if you drink enough beer, anything can taste good. I ordered the Galway steak sandwich. I'm pretty sure that after they fried the unidentifiable cut of beef, they then slapped it onto a crappy hoagie roll, threw some kind of white-ish cheese on it and put it in the microwave to melt said cheese. And we all know what happens to bread when you put it in the microwave on high. I couldn't even cut the bread with my steak knife. Hubs chose the corned beef with cabbage. I ask you--have you ever been served corned beef in "blocks"? No kidding, his meal arrived with these rectangular blocks of red matter that we both agreed had to be corned beef, but what an unappetizing way to serve corned beef. He ate the cabbage and left the logs. My dinner was highlighted by my direct line view of the men's room. And the razor hand drying machine noise eminating from that room added an ambience to my dining expereince which I cannot describe. I shouldn't bother trying to describe the waitress uniforms at the Olde Blind--mini-skirt kilts with clogs?? Hot?? Hot mess?? Dorky??
(1)Matt T.
Wow. This place...awesome. I had heard alot about this place from Yelp, and word of mouth, but I never knew how close I was to it. The decor was awesome, it sets a great mood for a fun time. I like that the booths are all kind of set off in their own world, so if you want a romantic night then you can get it without being bothered by other people, but its open enough to join in and have fun. The food was awesome. I had the beef sliders, I know not too Irish, but still was absolutely delicious. It tasted more home made then out of a box in the freezer, and the fries were just as great. I also had the homemade Guinnes BBQ sauce. Just made it all that much better. And I had a perfectly poured Guinness. Good luck keeping me out of this place. But on a different note, they had people there playing, or practicing Irish folk music. Wasnt being done professionally so if that is what you are looking for then call ahead and see what is going on.
(4)Dan M.
Cool ambiance. Lousy service. We waited to be seated for five minutes...there was no one else waiting, there just wasn't a staff member in sight. When someone finally spoke to us, we mentioned we had been waiting for a long time, they didn't care. We were seated and waited 15 minutes, so we had to retrieve our server. When he came he took all six of our orders without repeating them. Everyone at the table agreed there was no way he got our order right. We were right. When we wanted refills of our drinks we always had to get up and go find our server. Sometimes, for various reasons, things go poorly at a restaurant for a guest. But normally someone on staff shows remorse. Not at this place! It felt as if there was not a manager on duty. We will not go back.
(1)Eduardo M.
Oh olde blind dog, why was I even here? Being from chicago, I hear "irish pub", know it's in a 'burb, and instantly think "wood paneling". Was I wrong? not really. Still, it's got good service, good beer, and rumor has it good food (wasn't there to eat, so don't know for sure). The staff seemed friendly, the place wasn't over crowded and the table set up of booths along all four exterior walls allows for groups to hang out, drink beer and relax. Which is, I suppose, the entire point to a pub.
(3)Jeff C.
Think "Fado" before they moved to their new location. Smallish with a decent-sized patio out front. Good food, good drinks and fun architecture. The placed was really packed, so I suggest going early.
(4)Tiffany T.
Great food and a really nice atmosphere. The pub is lovely, a pretty place to eat!
(4)Tom G.
On a recommendation from an Irish friend (that indeed it was an AUTHENTIC Irish Pub), my wife and I drove out to OBDIP on a Sunday evening. Located in the Crabapple Crossroads development, it's a large, beautiful restaurant in a beautiful area. Almost inexplicably, a life-size figure of William Wallace greets you as you enter (evidently the owner's last name is Wallace, so...). Inside is what one might call the "Victorian" version of the "Irish Pub Corporation" model - with stained glass, faux gaslights, "stone" floor, and elaborate dark wood paneling. It all made for a very Epcot-like experience. Service was friendly and prompt. We were seating in our own cordoned off area on high stools. Black tablecloths and black cloth napkins were the first sign that this was not a working-man's pub, and indeed upon opening the menu, the prices were indeed on the high side. While my pint of Harp was $6 I think, my wife's bottle of Skullbuster was $8. That's a lot for one bottle of beer. I ordered the Celtic Curry and it was pretty good. It had large chunks of what I think were zucchini mixed in with the chicken. But at $13.99 it was really too expensive for such a dish. My wife had the fish sandwich ($9.99), which the menu proclaimed had great beer breading. There was quite a bit of breading, and not a whole lot of fish, although she reported that what was there was good. It was served with fries - I was surprised they weren't called "chips" by our server - which were seasoned french fries. Although the place is very clean, attractive, and somewhat cozy, I didn't feel it was authentic as much as it was made to LOOK authentic. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but it almost seemed too perfect - like something created by Disney is too perfect. Did I enjoy the meal? Yes. Did I admire the decor? Indeed I did. Did it seem Irish? Absolutely. Will I return? Probably, but only if I'm in the neighborhood (there's a less than "perfect" Irish Pub in my own backyard that is just fine when I want the experience) and only when I'm flush with cash.
(3)Bailey D.
Be Merry. Eat the Ale & Cheddar dip as a starter or while you're just drinking your beers. and don't leave without trying the Chocolate Brownie. Brownies are my favorite food and this has made my top 3 brownies ever. And it comes with a scoop of Guinness ice cream on top - what could be better. Atmosphere, definitely irish-pub praise worthy.
(4)Sam K.
Place is freaking awesome from an aesthetics point of view, like eating at EPCOT but has reasonable prices for the quality of the establishment. A great burger and $6.00 20 ounce beers with a good selection of draught beers.
(5)Robert M.
We stopped in for lunch prior to Herman Cain's appearance and book signing. The decor was authentic and made you feel as if you were in a pub in Ireland. The food was great and the service was excellent. There are many things I'd like to try on the menu. I'll be back.
(5)natalie b.
I ended up in the area again and this is where my sister wanted to eat. I was happy to see that they have added vegetarian options. I mean, salad is good, but they're $9 and not exciting enough to justify that price. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. It was delicious. While this isn't an especially inventive dish, it delivers in flavor and size. The fries were good too. I really can't get behind their prices. For two sandwiches (no appetizer, no drinks), it cost us $29, including tip. While I would definitely eat that sandwich again, they lose a star for pricing and any chance that I will pay for it again. Also, the life-size Braveheart in the entry is just unsettling! Even when you know it's coming, it's like, "Where the hell am I that someone thinks this is a good idea?!"
(2)R.E. K.
The food is seriously not good. We have been here over and over and have tried tons of menu options, and I love a good pub so I have kept trying. I'm a bit perplexed about the positive reviews. The atmosphere is really cool, but if you want to eat this is not the place to go. Maybe go eat at Sip and come here for drinks and dessert? Seriously, even the classic Irish pub dishes are average at best and just plain yucky at worst.
(1)Stephen F.
You walk in and the first thing you see is Mel Gibson. Sweet! Your hear Irish Celtic music You smell fish and chips You taste a great variety of imported beers And you simply have a great time. Every time. Highly recommend their fish and chips. The beer selection is always changing which is a plus. EVERY time I have gone alone... I have met a friendly patron and had a great conversation. This tell me that people are happy by their visit here in general...as am I.
(5)Robert A.
Really is a 3.5 star place but I feel good today and will up it to 4 stars. My wife and I had the Reuben sandwich, chicken nachos, French onion soup and the bread pudding for dessert. Everything was well presented and it tasted as good or better than it looked. The bread pudding with the Bailey's Irish Cream sauce was excellent. Also, the chicken nachos did not have nacho chips but house made potato chips that were hot and well seasoned and they didn't have a lot of gloppy cheese but had a good balance of many ingredients. The French onion soup is made with Guinness for extra flavor and it is excellent. The place is a very attractive looking neighborhood gastropub and it is good for a date or business meetings. The bar area is nicely spread out and well designed as you would expect from and Irish Pub. They are planning to open up a second place in Atlanta soon but I am not sure where yet. The server was spot on, the place is clean and the prices are very reasonable. I will certainly be going back again when I am in the area.
(4)Adam A.
Authentic menu, including scotch eggs and HP sauce. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. "Snugs" or booths are a cool way to feel like you're eating privately. Guinness is stored in properly chilled separate kegs and lines (lots of nice little touches).
(4)Erin M.
One of my favorite Irish Pubs, I have never been disappointed. Best French Onion Soup you will ever have! The Beer Cheese appetizer is a must. I love the Salmon BLT, Fish and chips, and the Steak Sandwich. If you are in the mood for comfort food you need to try this place.
(5)Bryan W.
I'll agree with everyone on the appearance and decor of this pub/restaurant, just as if it was in Ireland (not that I've been). The one time I went, I had the meat pie sandwich. It was a lamb and beef combo and very excellent! There is a great selection of import beers, obviously, and the service is top notch. Only complaint is that it's a little pricey, most likely they have to cover the incredible materials and construction costs, along with a prime location. One more thing, for all the Yelpers out there gripping that this isn't a cool or happening hangout... It's in the freaking SUBURBS!!! If you wanna go party at least go to Wild Wings or Taco Mac, but you'll always be better off in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Downtown/Midtown ATL.
(3)Josh A.
Like others have said, the life sized William Wallace in a cage is a little creepy. My wife and I started with the ale and cheddar dip, which is served with pretzel bread. She likened the dip to beer cheese soup and she loved it, while it was a little too bitter for my liking. I cannot say it was good or bad, since the wife and I were split. She had the Blackened Chicken Pasta and I had the Fish and Chips. While we waited for our food to arrive, I could not help but take a look at around at the nice interiors. I agree with others who have noted that this place must have cost a fortune to build out. The Snugs looked very comfortable and I started to get envious that I was not in one. We were seated in an outlying table next to an old grumpy man who either passively or aggressively complained about everything. From his kids' poor parenting, to his corned beef being too tough, to the server (who was excellent) offering to pour his beer in a mug for him. I told my wife that if I ever end up as grumpy as that man to just put me out my misery. Anyways, back to the food. The Fish and Chips came out and they were visually appealing. Nice golden batter, a nice amount of chips, and a little cole slaw. My first couple of bites into the fish, I swore I could taste cinnamon; however, it dissipated as I ate. The fish and chips were not the best I ever had, nor were they the worst. My better half was pleased with her pasta, and after tasting it, I wish I had ordered that, as it was very good. Just enough of that red pepper flavor without being over done, and she happily have her meal two thumbs up. So, I bet you are asking yourself... "So if Josh A. wasn't a huge fan of his food, why the 4 stars?" Well, allow me to answer. Our server/waiter/wait person/whatever the hell you want to call him, was fantastic. This was the kind of service that I am always hoping to get at restaurants, only to be let down. He made us feel at home and no request was too big or too small. This was our first visit to OBDIP, and I hope that the service we received is the rule, not the exception. Either way, we will be back and I will update this review one way or the other. I don't want to put the server's name on here for all of the internet to see, but if you want a recommendation on who to ask for when visiting, just shoot me a message. All in all, with our entree's, appetizer, and one coke we spent just under $50, including tip. Also, I am looking into adding a break down of my ratings and would love your input on what else to add or look for. Food - 3.5/5 Portion - 4/5 Service - 5/5 Cleanliness - 4/5
(4)Todd M.
Friendly staff good service and clean place. Didn't eat but menu looked good, beer selection was weak, but nice selection of wines and top shelf liquors.
(4)Nancy B.
It is a bit out of the way but we will do that for all things Irish. The food was outstanding. The shepherd's pie seemed to be the standout. If this place was close by, I'd be a regular and everyone would know my name. The Braveheart statue was rather odd but when my son says he wants to go to "the place with the blue man in the cage", I know exactly what he is talking about.
(4)Jerry C.
I like the way these people are thinkin! They must have spent a fortune putting the place together. It looks highly authentic with great attention to detail (OK I could do without the statue of Braveheart). In short, gorgeous! The place runs very clock-like from the FOH managers until you ask for a check. The food is great- I can recommend the bangers and mash as well as the Galway steak sandwich. The fish and chips are also great. Staff is friendly and inviting. Since opening, the Olde Blind Dog has supported Celtic music in a major way. They regularly host local Irish and Scottish musicians as well as regional favorites. We attended St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities as well as the Guinness birthday celebration there this year and, I can tell you, these guys put on a great party. Two criticisms, meant to be constructive: I never order whiskey there as they are a bit stingy with the pours. And, the Irish car bombs on Aurthur's day were kind of lame. But I love their heart and I love their commitment. Highly recommended.
(4)Karissa E.
This place is awesome, such a beautiful pub! They brought it over brick by brick from Ireland. The atmosphere is great, and it's the perfect place to grab a pint and some stellar Irish grub
(5)Sam S.
First review I've probably ever written of anything. I'm just sitting here at the bar enjoying a Black and Gold (Stella and Guinness) and some amazing pork quesadillas. But it's not necessarily the food or beer that's the best part here; the atmosphere, attention to detail and friendliness of the staff really stands out more than most "fine dining" places I've been. If you're looking to do something a little different for lunch, Old Blind Dog may become your permanent lunch destination, I know it's become mine.
(5)David C.
Not that impressed. I have had Smithwicks beer where the head is smooth and creamy while the beer itself is not that gassy. The beer we had was just fizzy with the head disappearing in seconds. We had the French Onion soup, very salty, hard bits of something like coarsely ground pepper but was not pepper. I had the fish and chips, the fish was good but the fries were awful, like they had been cooked the day before and then warmed in the microwave or oven, the were dry and soft, didn't eat them. My son had the Irish stew, very little lamb meat and tasted strongly of beef gravy.
(2)Jennifer W.
Feeling like I needed a little luck o' the Irish, I met a friend for lunch at Olde Blind Dog in Crabapple. This place absolutely rocks. The décor is perfect with faux stone flooring, heavy wood accents, deep luxurious jewel tones, and private snugs scattered throughout the space. We were greeted immediately and shown to a table in a private room that had two four-top tables in it. The room would be a perfect for a small work group lunch meeting. The menu is loaded with authentic Irish faire like Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Fish and Chips. As well, there are several sandwich options including a Monte Cristo. What I especially liked is that they serve an express lunch where patrons have the choice of choosing two items from a menu of salad, soup and a half sandwich for $8.95. I chose the Caesar salad with a half Monte Cristo and a sweet tea. The sweet tea tasted like it was pre-made Nestea and not the fresh brewed sweet tea we southerner's know and love. The salad was drenched in Caesar dressing. Next time, I would definitely ask for light on the dressing, or dressing on the side. The Monte Cristo seemed a little mushy and a little bland, were it not for the raspberry preserves. The atmosphere is what I love about Olde Blind Dog. It's definitely got a fun vibe for hanging out and lifting a pint with friends. The food seems average, and is average priced. They do host events throughout the month and have live music three or four nights a week. I like that they have a monthly St. Practice Day on the 17th for practice in advance of St. Patrick's Day. I'll definitely get a practice day or two in before the main event in 2010!
(4)Sterling L.
I have a young, good looking dog. If it had been her who took on the wolves, it would be the wolves that were blind. But since I found out my German Shepherd Dog was preggers today, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the occasion (drown my sorrows) at the Olde Blind Dog. While I was looking forward to the pups, my wife has threatened to move until the they are gone. Anyone want to buy a purebred german shepherd cheap? Back to the Olde Blind Dog. I enjoyed the clam chowder and the half a monte cristo for $8.95. Well worth it. Finished every bit. One of the better clam chowders. I also asked the waiter to bring me a bit o' the onion soup to taste, and he obliged, complimentary. Tasty, but I was glad I order the clam chowder. Me and my friend both had a Hoegardden on draft. Looked like lemonade, but tasted great. Served as an imperial pint (20 oz) and they had several other beers on tap. Entertaining atmosphere and live music. I'll be back for dinner with more friends. Probably even join their kennel club. Until then, here's to pregnant bitches.
(5)Chris B.
I love it. This is what every Irish Pub should be. Of course if they were, this place wouldn't stand out. Authentic decor, great patio, and an unbelievable menu. I tried to be good and go with the blackened chicken something or other salad. It was great. The egg appetizer (yes egg) is to die for - and evidently is a signature app here. In short, great atmosphere, great food, great service. Do it,
(5)John A.
Finally, an Irish pub in the immediate area with Irish-accented staff with interior decor that doesn't remind me of Buffalo's. Anyways, I decided to stop by my first time after work, as it's located on the outskirts of Milton (near Milton HS) in the new developing district with an 'old towne concept. The staff always greet you at the door, one of which is usually a manager. The inside has a nice dark-wood look, however economically their layout could make them lose money (they have private booths that are walled in) by not effectively utilizing floor space. However, that aside... I've only visited the bar, as I haven't been able to find anyone willing to venture to that area for a beer, but the bar staff are always nice. One of the evening shift bartenders is a trained chef from the CIA, who also helped open the restaurant and design the menu. Aside from him, the other bar staff are okay; I always keep an open eye with bartenders, especially with one there as it sounded like he was lying about a lot of stuff to maintain a social atmosphere. The food is good, always comes out fast and hot. I think they may have recently increased the amount of fries you get on your plate, as the first 3x there I was probably only given 4 oz of fries. It's probably up to 7-8 oz now. This is a great place to go for a drink with friends, especially if you want good food with your dark beer. Too often do I see bars with a great assortment of drinks, but mediocre food. Bars need to remember that drinks are their revenue, but having good quality food will increase the amount of drinks ordered, along with repeat customers. If you're a fan of Irish-type beer with good food, definitely give this place a shot. Sure, it may not be close to I-75 or 400, but it's still a good place to try out, and to become a Regular if you live in the area. Make sure you visit their website as they have weekly Live music
(3)Neil H.
The feel of the pub is above average. It has a strange mélange of British and Irish decor, fully equipped with a full sized replica of Mel Gibson from Braveheart. Bring your camera and try to contain your excitement. Unfortunately I ordered the 'Irish' Stew, which was horrendous. It was reminiscent of a cold war era tinned ration, although the soda bread it came with was excellent. The pub had a good selection of British and Irish beer. Definitely a pub first and a restaurant second.
(2)Todd K.
Owner told our group of 17, celebrating multiple birthdays to quite down - on a Saturday night while we were sitting outside in the patio area. He was also apparently sitting out there with a group and we, the 17 customers, disturbed him... Thought this was an Irish pub? Even says on the menu story about pubs being the place to "raise a pint and sing songs." Apparently that is just for looks. We were not being overly loud. Won't be coming back. Service and foot otherwise was very good, which is a shame.
(1)Travis G.
My family has been several times. The drinks are stiff and the food is authentic and excellent. Service has always been first rate. Absolutely love the onion soup! Bangers and mash was also excellent. We also love the semi-private booths. We will be back!
(5)Gregory H.
Never had an Irish curry before I came here. Excellent choice, as was the clam chowder soup. Nice experience for our party of 6, maybe a little pricey. Great beer selection for the holidays.
(4)Justin T.
For me a visit to the Olde Blind Dog is less about the food, despite the pub boasting an impressive Irish menu, and more about the ambiance. The furnishings and decor are top notch and give off an old world feel to the environment. From the extensive use of wood and earth tones throughout the restaurant to the semi enclosed booths that give a sense of intimacy without shutting out the rest of the world, everything in the pub makes it an ideal location for me to spend time relaxing with friends whilst partaking of decent food and drink and soaking in the atmosphere. We've managed to time our unplanned visits with live music on each of our outings though I would attribute this less to luck and more to the frequency they host live entertainment. We particularly favor the Celtic groups as they fit best within the aforementioned atmosphere but the samplings of various other bands have not been distasteful. While not having a wide exposure to fish and chips I can draw upon for comparison, I found the ones on offer at the Blind Dog to be of decent quality. My wife favors their shepherd's pie and it is a frequent order for her. I found the Monte Cristo to be too greasy for my palette on the one occasion that I tried it, but overall the various other dishes I have partaken in have been well represented. The service has been routinely good on our visits with personable waiters and waitresses taking orders and seeing to our needs. Would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a pub to visit with friends. 3.5 stars plus .5 for a location convenient to me.
(4)John L.
Crabapple is fast becoming a "go-to" area for restaurants in the North Fulton/Alpharetta area. The newest is The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, open about 3 months. I was driving by and noticed a fair sized lunch crowd and decided to give it a try. The menu is vast with all kinds of Irish fare. The food is very good. We tried the fish and chips and Irish stew. Lots of Irish beers. The decor is very Irish Pub. They have Irish music on Saturday and Monday evenings.
(4)Bob J.
Had an excellent lamb stew, atmosphere was very nice. Not sure why there was a statue of a Scottish chieftan (in a cage) in an Irish pub, but I suppose that's Irish humor. A bit pricey, and service was above average.
(4)Kate H.
Historic Crabapple meets historic Ireland. My husband & I love this place! The bartenders and waitstaff are super friendly and attentive and the owners are often present and welcoming. Food is delicious - we'd recommend.... Kerrygold Cheddar dip with pretzel bread (we get it EVERY time!), Thai Chili Lime wings, Edinburgher, and Fish & Chps. The only downside is that everything's a little pricey - a pint of Guinness here is $6. But that certainly doesn't stop us from frequenting this pub :)
(4)Lindsay S.
My boyfriend & I went here for lunch yesterday and I must say we were quite impressed. Upon entering the pub we were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us in our own private booth intricately decorated with Irish drinking decor. The waitress was a bit loopy and inattentive forgetting our orders immediately after we said them but that happens almost anywhere nowadays. I had the Dog House Salad which consisted of lettuce, candied pecans, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, cranberries, and bacon topped with a wonderfully delicious maple vinaigrette dressing. My boyfriend had the Reuben sandwich and a cup of the onion soup which he enjoyed immensely. We will definitely be back. We also found out that they are having some pretty cool Irish entertainment come St. Patrick's day so if you haven't got plans you should definitely check it out!
(4)Roy K.
Low down: Beer - good, but that's expected. Also a bit pricey. Food - a bit expensive for pub food, but good. I have had wings, Celtic Curry, fish&chips,and a few sandwiches. All have been good, fish&chips being the best of those. Wait staff - good, no complaint Ambiance - def has an authentic feel however like on review below it does have a 'Feux' feel...but not sure what you expect in any new establishment. Perhaps that will wear off and feel like a true Scottish pub in about 100 years or so.
(4)Shelhole M.
This is a great little pub. The food was fantastic! We had fried pickles and homemade chips for appetizers and both were really good. The fish and chips were delicious and went perfectly with the homemade tartar sauce. My husband raved about the steak sandwich. This will definitely become a regular in our restaurant rotation.
(4)Christopher L.
The decor is really cool. Lots of wood, stained glass. Really pretty. I really enjoyed the food at this place as well. The cheese dip with the pretzels was great. I had meatloaf and mashed potatos. Very flavorful and the gravy was wonderful with it. My friend got a turkey sanwich with fries. Also very good. Food prices weren't bad for the area. The two of us with our food, appetizer, and softdrinks was around $35. Not terrible for Alpharetta. Our waiter was great. Service was prompt, and very friendly. The bad: The alcohol prices were pretty expensive. They had a good selections, but prices in other places are quite a bit cheaper. Not a place to go and party with booze. People are saying they are a live music venue, but I didn't see any kind of staging for this. I could be wrong however. It was a good place to eat. To party, maybe go elsewhere. Especially since its in the suburbs.
(4)Coleen W.
Love the decor. Especially the snugs for dining a little more quietly. My husband and I couldn't decide on Sunday brunch so we split the pub club and pecan-crusted stuffed French toast. One word - yum! I thought the French toast would be rich and heavy, but it just sounded so good. It was wonderful and the cranberry mayo on the club was a nice touch, too.
(5)Alicia V.
My husband, who is a big irish guy, loves to come here for a reuben and a guinness. They do have really amazing corned beef, and play celtic music. As a girl, I wish they would add some diversity in terms on everything not being so heavy. Maybe more grilled options or lighter specials? But if they are sticking to a theme, I get that. You can't be everything to everyone. i do know when I go out with a group of girls, no one want to come here.They say it's too sandwich heavy and the decor is too dark. We usually hear to a more girly place in town like Sip or now Erwoods. The decor is great in cool weather, but can feel clausterphobic during the summer. Nice beer garden when it is not being held for a private group. And St. Patrick's Day....! This place is insane, and really fun!
(3)Michael P.
I like this place. Have been several times and one of our favorite things to do is go get a bunch of appetizers and just have a sampler fest with a few beers. The beer cheese dip is the highlight, but it is all good. Everything I have had has been good. I will also point out a nice experience in customer service. The other night I ordered a take-out order, and my wife came home with my Irish Stew. It was a very small styrofoam container, not even cup sized. No bread, no nothing. I called back ready to light somebody up. The manager calmly let me know he would be glad to remake, but since we were a bit far away for that, he just refunded my entire meal. No muss no fuss. So nice to be treated like it was important, not just somebody complaining. So whatever manager that was, kudos to you my friend! Not enough places still believe this.
(4)GR G.
What can you say about an Irish pub with a Scottish Braveheart in a cage? Interesting decor but a little over the top. There was a decent selection of Irish whiskeys but I wish the drink menu was more descriptive. Same for the craft beers. For an appetizer, had their recommend Guiness stout french onion soup. Nothing special, but the bowl was more of a cup size wise. For my main, had the Celtic Curry. Featured madras curry with veggies, brown rice and chicken (in that order). Lots of yellow squash and zucchini, but not a lot of chicken. The server mentioned this dish was extremely spicy - this was pretty mild with only a little heat lingering on the tongue. Very tasty, but the portion size was more of a lunch feature than dinner.
(3)Jeanna G.
Just stopped in here for a drink with my boyfriends extended family out here in Georgia. Didn't have time for anything other than a beer but I must say the decor inside here is really cool. The bar is a Scottish/Irish theme with authentic pub scene to a T. They also have a large bar area with a huge projection screen. Plenty of tall tables and booths to sit. The picture I added doesn't really do the place justice, it was the only one I got to snap unfortunately. The staff here is very attentive and down to earth. I would like to come check out the food on my next visit here. Especially this French onion soup I keep hearing about. Also think I may have seen Brave Heart in a cage on the way out... Gotta look into that.
(5)Jason S.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The wait staff are friendly, there is plenty of parking, there is also outdoor seating of you would like to bring your puppy. Sometimes they have someone come in and play live music.
(5)Kristie D.
So even though it was a very slow Wednesday night at this restaurant, we got the worst seating in the place. If you've ever been here you know they have these private little booths that are just awesome. That's what everyone goes for, the atmosphere is so nice. But this visit the hostess to seat us on the bench seating with a couple on each side, so it was basically cafeteria style seating. She walked us over, slapped menus down on the little bitty table and walked away before I could even complain. I was pretty steamed about this. We will literally passed three beautiful, empty, private booths on the way to this bench seating. Fast forward to the food. I really don't think anyone comes to an Irish pub for food. I ordered the Rueben and it was a disappointment. The corned beef was extremely thinly sliced with a little flavor. There was no dressing on the sandwich and almost no sauerkraut. The squash and zucchini that I got as a side however, was very good. My dining partner got the Bangers and mash and enjoyed it but there's not much that he won't eat. I have liked this place in the past, but I think the very poor choice of seating negatively colored my whole experience this night. It was just awkward that, on our date night, we were sitting 18 inches from other couples on each side. On a bench. Service was good, food came quickly. Temperature inside the restaurant was pleasant
(2)Matthew E.
Traditional Irish breakfast is awesome. Sticky toffee for dessert was very good. Couldn't finish it, so the rest goes home for tomorrow.
(5)Amy S.
My husband and I have been coming here since it opened. While the food is pretty decent, we've noticed a decrease in portion sizes. We love the fish & chips but during our last trip, I found a hair in my food. I completely lost my appetite and while the manager was apologetic and offered to fix the problem, it has just grossed me out and we haven't been back. That was about a year ago and I do drive by the restaurant regularlly, I've never had the urge to return, I'm sorry to say.
(2)Nancy K.
Decided to try something new for lunch/dinner and decided in this place. We've had Irish pub food before and this was much better. Our family had the pretzel and beer cheese app, fish and chips, bangers and mash and the buffalo cheese fries. Everything tasted good and we even did dessert. The bread pudding was very tasty. The location is easy to get in and out of and there are a few cute shops in the area too. The inside decor was outstanding. It was really pub-like. Overall a very nice meal and atmosphere.
(4)Sue G.
The restaurant is great. The bangers and mash wonderful. Good service and not so loud you can't talk.
(5)James T.
I am really really picky and love Irish food and drink but am usually let down in the food department. The Sheppard's Pie rocks, as do The Bangers, as does the Breakfast. And the Beer Cheese is to die for. Also amazing service every time and a very cozy atmosphere. Best experience by far of any of these little Crabapple places. Come get yer grub on!
(5)David H.
Checked this place out for the first time this evening. The ambience is awesome and reminded us of several places in Gallway. Trevor, our bartender was awesome and knowledge. The booths are enclosed so you have a sense of privacy. The food was pretty good. Portabella fries and soda bread were great. Fish and chips and Shepard ' s pie were pretty good but fairly common. Two recommendations: 1)Presentation- there was no attempt to present the food in an appetizing manner. 2) Music- It's an Irish Pub but all I hear is Queen, Boston, and the like. The closest thing to Irish music was the Beatles. Really? Overall, had a great time and although the place could use some improvements, we'll definitely be back.
(4)Katy N.
Came here tonight with my dad, mom, and husband for my dad's retirement celebration. Trevor was our server and was incredibly fast, and catered to every whim my parents threw at him. The food was excellent as well and came out really quickly. I love this place and week definitely come back! My only complaint is that you should have buffalo chicken fingers on top of cheese fries, instead of the shredded chicken. Trust me, it's better that way.
(5)Edward W.
3.5 stars. What you'd expect for an American-ized Irish pub. Better than TGI Fridays, with better food and great atmosphere. OBDIP is a nice neighborhood bar and grill rooted in the wood and decor - much of it authentic - found over in the motherland. Ambiance is pretty cool, except for Mr. Braveheart maligned in so many other Yelp reviews. Service is mostly young and friendly, and the expansive menu has both American as well as Irish/British favorites. Food is just like on the Emerald Isle, often good, but not great. OBDIP is a perfect place for a casual burger and a pint. OBDIP is as good for a family night out as it is for an after-golf ale with your buds. So come in with real expectations and you won't be disappointed. Slainte!
(3)Jennifer F.
I have been here many times, have eaten several things, and haven't been disappointed once! Also, the drinks are very good. The decor is beautiful and the wait staff are very friendly. The fish-n-chips are excellent... I have also had the pot roast w veggies and then the Irish Stew, and both of those are exceptional. My father had the Monte Christo, and he really enjoyed that. And, if you're here, get the sticky toffee pudding for dessert -- it is big enough to share! The covered beer garten is bright and a great place to sit on cool evenings.
(5)Nicholas T.
Our second visit was a little less pleasant. The waitress was great however the kitchen fed her our meals for a party of 5, very slowly. This resulted in meals coming to some at our table while others waited. A GENERAL SUGGESTION TO MANAGMENT: Your background music is to entertain your staff, not your customers. Hard rock? while tables are occupied by an average age of 50 plus on a Saturday Night? In the end, our luke warm food was good. would have been better hot.
(2)Tom E.
My bloodline consists of mostly German, Irish, and Danish. My friends and family usually tell me I act mostly like an Irishmen (I will take it as a compliment, even though they probably mean it harshly). With that being said, I love pubs, and everything about them. An authentically decorated pub less than 4 miles from my house automatically wets my whistle. This place has been around for a few years now, and I have just suddenly been able to make it there. Nestled in a cute brick village in the "Crabapple" community (near the Milton/Aplharetta border), you can instantly tell the OBD is a pub by the dark woods and the stained glass (I would love to see a place like this hidden under a cathedral). There is a covered patio as well- it is intimate, but spacious enough. I enjoy the layout immensely. All of the things on the inside are authentic from pubs in Ireland- huge plus in my book. Makes me feel like I am back in Europe. The menu is straightforward pub fare, with the addition of extra items. There are plenty of options and will fill you up. The drinks are plentiful as well, showcasing drinks of the Northern European Islands. Hell, you can mix Guinness there with just about anything- even champagne! I have stuck with the corned beef and cabbage everytime I come here- I just love the comfort food style about it. And the smell it gives off at work the next morning- deadly ammunition. One thing I have realized though is drinks are brought out kind of slow, unless you sit at the bar (maybe that's the point of sitting at the actual bar?). For someone who needs a drink every hour of the day, that can be excruciating. I love this place- as in the pub that closed across the street from my house was heart breaking- it was nice to know a replacement was built not too far away. Now when you read my review for the other location, you will know why I gave that one 5 stars, and this one 4...
(4)Michelle T.
Decided to try out this place for dinner because my teen was craving an Irish Breakfast. Tried the chips with ranch as a light app. They were okay. They liked their Irish brkfsts and I ordered the Edinburgher. It was pretty good as I had it topped with crispy onions and egg. Side was curry steamed veg which actually contained 0 curry. The big disappointment was the fact that they were out of soda bread. Atmosphere was nice and the place was packed. Noisy as lots of patrons were following ladies FIFA. Smithwicks was good. could have been Irish, but sadly, it was not. ....and here it is an hour later and I'm still hearing about the complete and utter lack of soda bread....
(3)Justine N.
Not sure about these lower reviews. The food I've had is so good, like their fried chicken sandwich, I dream about this thing.. I've had several things on the menu and the only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was their wings. I love the atmosphere, and the bar is really great. Some of the tables are really neat and tucked away. The out door patio is nice. And it's nice that they stay open later than most places around here.
(4)Charlie B.
I like it here. Typical fake Oi-rish pub, but the food and service are better than most. In terms of what to order I've enjoyed the short rib sand meatloaf sandwiches the most of all the things I've ordered.
(3)NerdoLoco H.
I loved this place, the atmosphere is cozy and comforting even though there's a mini jail and grave yard fence. The service, perfect. Our server Jorden was the best we've had anywhere in a very long time. The fried pickles, perfect. The beer cheese dip and pretzels, perfect. The Guinness onion soup, perfect. The imperial black velvet (Guinness over champagne), perfect. The hot flying wings (fried and then flat top grilled), perfect. I will definitely be back. My boys loved it, too. The fish and chips were a good choice.
(5)Kristin B.
The best fried pickles OTP. Yep, that's a bold statement, but I'm willing to stand by it. They're sliced thick, well battered, and come with this fantastic tabasco/ranch dipping sauce. Yum. Like most of the menu, it's a little pricey at $8 for just a handful of pieces, but they are so good, I'm willing to pay the price. Like the Olde Blind Dog ITP, this location is decorated to the nines. You'll feel like you're at Disney World with the degree that they've carried out their Irish/Scottish theme, complete with life-sized Mel Gibson figurine straight out of Braveheart. This location also has a pretty nice patio. If you're coming with a group, you'll want to make reservations, even on a weeknight, as Olde Blind Dog is pretty popular and much of the seating is booth style, leaving minimal space for larger parties. Service can be hit or miss, but they almost never tack on an automatic gratuity for groups, which I appreciate. Food is slightly overpriced but solid bar food, with an added healthy measure of Irish classics like fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef. Though nothing is particularly creative or inventive, everything I've tried has been very tasty. I appreciate that many of their salads come with some kind of protein already on them (like hardboiled eggs) because adding grilled chicken or salmon takes them into the $12+ range, which is more than I'm willing to pay for a salad at a bar. Their drink menu is stocked with good beer options, and they offer Strongbow cider on draft as well. Overall, this is an a-ok spot that I gladly return to with my OTP friends.
(3)Dan S.
My 1st try at this Irish pub was a great experience. My wife and I went with friends of ours based on information from other friends that Olde Blind Dog was a great place to kick back, drink some good beers in a welcoming atmosphere. It didn't disappoint. The fish and chips were fresh and very tasty and the Guinness went down smooth. I would have loved to have sat near the bar, maybe next time....
(4)Ryan O.
Great staff, great atmosphere and you cannot beat the food and draft Guinness. I love this place.
(5)Scott M.
Ok so me and my family just left here after lunch and I have to say the food quality has really gone down over the years. We left at least half of our food uneaten. We ordered fish and chips which were so loaded in oil you could squeeze it out, the fries were cold and terrible. The ceasar salad tastes like the bagged lettuce that is marked down on clearance when it starts to turn, and the anchors were completely soggy and gross. I can honestly say I will never eat here again.
(1)Andrew W.
I've found that British or Irish themed pubs in the United States do not fair too well if they stay too authentic. If you only serve shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and pickled eggs you're going to go out of business fast. So naturally, in order to survive with that theme here, you've got to break from tradition a bit. So, what do Americans like at their local pub? Fried chicken wings, nachos, and chili-cheese fries - of course! Let's also throw in a few more outliers like quesadillas, blackened chicken pasta, curry, and hummus. Yup, that's Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's got a bit of everything, really. Call it an identity crisis; call it a necessary evil for survival - I'll call it Americanized Irish/English fare. The décor is equally muddled - let's put a statue of an Australian immigrant to America (Mel Gibson) portraying a Scotsman (William Wallace) in our Irish restaurant. /facepalm That said, the ornate dark wooden pub snugs (private booths) definitely contributed to the Irish pub feel in a good way. The bar was equally impressive. It would have been nice to have been seated in one of these snugs, unfortunately they were all taken and we were whisked away to the screened-in patio which had absolutely none of the character of the interior. Bummer. The food and drinks were pretty good. We started with the Ale & Cheddar dip served with pretzel bread. Yum! To wash it down, I drank one of their many Irish beer offerings - a Smithwick's (pronounced smiddicks). I also wolfed down a meatloaf sandwich - good stuff. Overall, a satisfying meal... I just wish that I had stubbornly waited for one of those snugs to open up, the patio really killed the mood that I was looking for. Oh well.
(3)Rob M.
Just try the meatloaf sandwich, really. It's the most awesomely delicious thing on earth. I first tried a small sample of it at the taste of Alpharetta and went "wow" that is tasty. Now have visited restaurant twice and each time had the meatloaf sandwich--it was simply awesome. Service is great, the decor is awesome, and the price is reasonable. My son had some sort of super-cheese burger that was the most incredible thing I've seen on a plate.
(5)Jay U.
We come here often with the family...kids live the sandwiches and apps, I love the fish n chips and shepard's pie. Also a GREAT bar scene--terrific for watching a game, meeting up with friends. Not too loud, lots of drink choices, and solid service.
(5)Trevor W.
Authentic pub fare and extremely ornate "snug booths" compliment this very unique restaurant. First thing you'll find when you enter is the collection of intricate booths known as "snugs" , or enclosed all timber seating areas. They vary in size from 4 -8 person and are beautifully detailed and quite cozy. The restaurant itself is quite expansive with a very large outdoor patio that is climate controlled depending on the weather. Ignore the Braveheart statue and you'll literally feel back home on the isle. The food here is excellent, though a bit on the pricey side. However, you get what you pay for with classics like Shepherds Pie, Curry, stews and soda bread. Splurge on the Scottish eggs for a real treat and make sure to try them with some Colmans or spicy mustard. They have a gorgeous Copper bar with friendly bartenders and servers. Beer is poured correctly and they have plenty of UK favorites and single malts abound. Most of the time they have traditional gaelic music playing, sometimes a live celtic band, but always a fun place to grab a pint.
(5)Mary Alison Q.
Really cool ambience. I felt it looked like a genuine pub in Dublin. I was however disappointed in the food. It was just....eh. Nothing special. I have the buffalo chicken sandwich and nothing really exciting. It won't stope from coming back for drinks. Awesome drink selection !
(3)Richard F.
Great beer selection. The clam chowder was excellent and the meatloaf was very good. Service was great. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Amy A.
The husband and I were looking for a place to watch the Cowboys game nearby where my daughter was having a playdate, so we popped into the pub. When we wandered back to the bar proudly wearing our blue jerseys, there was golf on TV. On Sunday. During football season. So we walked right back out. The bartender chased us down and said "all y'all looking for a place to watch the game? Because I'll turn it on for you!" That was really, really cool. So we turned around and went back in. Sure, there was no sound, but the fact that he did that was so cool, we wanted to buy something and tip him. So, my husband had a beer (sorry, no idea what kind) and we ordered some tabasco fried pickles. They were good, and the beer was good, and yes, the atmosphere was like a wild themed restaurant where you would expect the waitstaff to be dressed as wenches and knights and stuff, but they were actually just really nice, well-versed servers with great recommendations and a willingness to take care of you. We left at halftime so we could find a place that would also give us sound, but we will come back again if for no other reason than the beer was cold, the staff was nice, and we felt welcome. Great job, guys.
(4)Lynn J.
Very disappointing experience. Drink glasses went empty for 30 minutes at 9pm on a Sunday. Clearly the staff was sending a message that it was time to leave in preparation for the big st. Patty's tomorrow, but we weren't acknowledged or even offered another drink when we spoke to the manager. Cool place but we won't be back.
(1)Robert H.
What is this place, Suburbias answer to Chuckie Cheese. When you put the letters pub in a name it is hoped to represent more than a fraction of the place with kids everywhere. OK so I probably went too early ?? Will go again and try the food but I get the feeling nowt will change.
(2)Kevin S.
I didn't take a picture of Mel in the kilt because I assumed it had been done already, so someone really needs to get on that. I had the stew and a salad and it was fine. The bread was excellent. They are really slow at 2:00 PM, like most places. The building and decor are first rate. Everything looks really old even though it's all brand new. Some local blacksmith made some serious cash when they were putting this place together. I took my mom here who is pushing 90 and she loved it, so I'd have to declare it "senior friendly" (no steps) at least in the afternoon. You have to admit, being greeted by Mel in a cage, all geared up for a bit of the old ultraviolence is kind of ironic. Maybe it's just TOO realistic.
(4)Brent H.
Why would you put a statue of William Wallace (er... Mel Gibson) at the entrance to your IRISH Pub? The man was Scottish, for god's sake. It makes no sense and really just propagates the notion that the Olde Blind Dog is a vaguely Celtic-themed amusement park. I really don't like that damn statue. But if you can get past the soulless, piercing stare of the anti-Semite in the lobby, there's actually a lot to love about the OBD. The decor is rather nice. Dark woods imported from Ireland, nice metalwork and authentic touches throughout. There are some cozy booths tucked away in every direction that lend a bit of privacy to diners. It's a lovely place to enjoy a pint. Speaking of pints, they serve a proper pour of Guinness here. They'll gladly mix it with ales and what-not if you'd prefer a black and tan, but I prefer it straight. Mother's milk. The menu has an interesting mix of Irish staples and standard American pub grub. If you stick to the Celtic stuff, chances are you'll be pretty happy. The fish and chips is excellent, served with a homemade tartar sauce that packs some nice flavor and zing. They make shepherd's pie the right way, with minced lamb. They even fry up a decent scotch egg. And you can never go wrong with a cup of their delicious Guinness onion soup on the side. But for the love of all that is holy, why is hummus the first thing listed on the menu? If you come to an Irish pub and order the hummus, I don't think I can hang with you. Service at this location is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a server who is really on point, attentive and quick to top off your drink. Other times, your server will be as elusive as a gray ghost on the moors of the Emerald Isle. It's a roll of the dice. I rarely make the Olde Blind Dog a destination, but if I'm in the Crabapple area I won't hesitate to stop in for a pint or some tasty vittles. If they'd retire the stupid Braveheart statue, this would be a more common occurrence.
(4)Annie L.
I came here mainly to check out the atmosphere and to get a few drinks. Atmosphere: very different...man dressed up in some strange costume (mannequin) in a cage = umm ok Outdoor patio: covered up with a thick plastic layer, bummer b/c it really was such a nice day... Drinks: got 2 20z drafts which leaned more on the "expensive" side @ $17 Overall: I'd like to go back here to try out their food, because their menu looked interesting (interesting = I probably can't make it). I might pass on the beverages though.
(3)Ariel M.
Not my thing. Fine for those who like it, but I found the atmosphere loud and dark and the food equally dingy. This is a pub the way Chili's is a restaurant, i.e.: not. I've been to real Irish pubs (in Ireland) and this is not authentic in the least. I understand they serve different cultural expectations, but meh is meh, no matter where you go.
(2)Ian W.
Monte Cristo is the magic word.
(4)Kristy J.
Love this pub a great time to go is on St. Patricks day. I made it a family tradition. Great food and great authentic Irish pub.
(5)Juliet C.
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. This is a really nice new clean place with a good beer selection and better than average bar food. The BBQ is very good. I would certainly recommend it. And nice outdoor seating.
(4)Matthew D.
Located at the end of my neighborhood, the location for me is perfect. The food is a small step above pub grub and the decor is rich and inviting. My only issue is the price, $6 pints and no chance of lunch under $40 and dinner under $80 with a few drinks is too steep for what is offered. The place is always packed so the atmosphere is great, but I only go once in a while because the bill is just too much too swallow. Also that glorified Braveheart doll is just plain odd.
(3)Mikey N.
My son and I had dinner here a few nights ago and we really enjoyed it. The Curry and Chips we fabulous, an unexpected nice surprise. I had the Meat Loaf Sandwich and the spicy ketchup that came on the side was over-the-top-good. My son, Aaron had the Shepard's Pie and he enjoyed that as well. We each had a Black & Blue (Guinness and Blue Moon). Thanks for the great dinner, son. Glad you wanted to go there.
(5)Chris H.
Overpriced and bland or undercooked food. WAY overpriced beer $6 for a pint OUTSIDE the perimeter is crazy. Not a fan, but I seem to be in the minority.
(1)Tokuzumi T.
Great food, great atmosphere, great staff. Went around 6 pm on Saturday, and had to wait 30 min for a table. But sat at the bar, and enjoyed a guinness while waiting. Bar staff was attentive. Ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which was incredible. Bangers and mash also quite tasty. The Bailey's cheesecake was awesome. I'll definitely go back again.
(4)Adam H.
I really like this place, however, if you get the short guy bartending, run don't walk right out the front door. I asked for a black and tan and got mud, no layering to the drink, which I can forgive. But the guy was a jerk to the only good looking group of under 50 women in the room. I mean the guy was just rude, I think he made one of the women cry. I had seen this little guy bark at people before so I knew it was not just a bad night. I don't need to go back to a place, where the staff is so rude to the customers
(2)Greg S.
Great pub. Good bartenders - Jen and Mark. Excellent service. Mark introduced himself to all of his customers. Impressively, Mark forgot my name right after I told him but had the courage to admit it (and joke about it) and just ask me again. I like that directness. Good selection of Irish draft beers and spirits. Live music on the Friday night I was here. Food was very respectable for pub food. I'll be back. Definitely.
(4)Kevin P.
If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub, this IS NOT it. Olde Blind Dog (that's not the name of an Irish pub; that's English). Wait staff wearing kilts (well now, that would be Scottish). The bottom line is that just about the only real tribute to an Irish pub is that they threw "Irish" into the name, perhaps just to balance out the entire British Isle mess that they have cobbled together. Sorry, but the whole place just kept screaming "Identity Crisis!!". As for the food, it's okay. As others have noted, it's perfectly acceptable pub grub, but it will cost you roughly 1.5-2x what it would cost elsewhere for the same quality. And I wouldn't even consider having desert there...not with Alpine Bakery just down the road a bit! Still, it's a solid 3 out of 5 stars overall and I don't regret having gone just once. If you are looking for the Irish pub experience in North Fulton, I would suggest the following: (1) The Harp, (2) Durty Kelly's - although the menu there is a bit contrived, often less than authentic, and they too have a bit of an identity crisis going on with the English phone box out front (3) Fado - okay, not really in North Fulton but worthy of the drive in to Buckhead nonetheless.
(3)K P.
Great place to enjoy a frosty bevy outside when the weather is nice!
(3)K K.
My expectations for pub food are just so low that I never really know how to evaluate the dining experience at such places. However, I do like the feel of Old Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's exactly what us Atlanta suburbanites who have never been to a pub in Ireland might expect from an Irish pub. The food and service were good. The menu is good and the prices are fair ($8-$15 entrees). A decent beer selection that goes a bit beyond the usual Guinness, Harp, and Bass. I think I like Irish pubs more for the entertainment than the meals. I'll go back next time just for fun.
(3)N B.
LOVED my fish & chips - bread pudding for dessert was outstanding. We really liked the booths - we didn't have to shout when we talked. The service couldn't have been better. All around this is one of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)James C.
So far, I've only been there for drinks. Service is very friendly and prompt. Lots of fairly private booth areas. Big tables for larger parties. Plenty of staff on duty and there to help.
(5)Frieda B.
The pub is beautiful, the staff and service were excellent-but the food and drinks were terrible! We ordered a black and tan. A good bar tender knows how to pour it so that there are two distinct layers. Ours were a mixed muddle. My steak sandwich came on a bland, doughy sub roll-not even toasted or heated. The steak was so tough I had to get rid of some pieces into my napkin. The cheese was nonexistant. My husbands Salmon BLT was so skimpy that it could have fed a child. Our friends fish from the fish and chips was raw. They took it off our bill and gave him a ruben on the house-which he said was good. We really want them to suceed, and the food needs some major work. For $11.95 for a sanwich, I expect better.
(2)Bettyboop h.
We just had our son's rehearsal dinner here and what a great job Olde Blind Dog did for us!!!!! OBD doesn't really have a private dining area, but we were able to reserve their entire outdoor patio. (There were 45 people at this event.) The atmosphere could not have been better. Our guests were able to walk around and mingle in a relaxed but yet very nice atmosphere.The food was fantastic...You must try their meatloaf sandwich!! All of our guests complimented the food which OBD ensured there was plenty of. The service we received was OUTSTANDING!!!! We had 2 dedicated servers, and those girls worked their butts off to ensure we had a great time. They kept the drinks and food coming so our guests were never wanting for anything. They also took the time to check in with my husband and I to see if there was anything we needed and to make sure our guests were happy and well taken care of. The manager stopped by several times as well to ensure things were running smoothly. We were able to relax and enjoy the evening with our family and friends. My last comment is about the price...UNBELIEVABLE value! We had plenty of food with an open bar (and the drinks were flowing) for less than $25/person including the tax and gratuity. That is almost impossible to beat for a private function in Alpharetta or Milton! Thanks to Olde Blind Dog and our fantastic servers for such a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable evening!
(5)Robert C.
I was really impressed with how nice this place was on the inside, the restaurant really went all out to give an authentic feel to this place. The food is okay and a little pricey, but its in suburban Alpharetta in what looks like a new, high-end development, so its kind of expected.
(4)Courtney b.
Great patio. Fabulous Sunday brunch.
(4)KR K.
As far as pub's go in a newly built building it's pretty cool. They've done a fine job with the pub atmosphere inside. Cozy tables like private rooms. Heavy dark wood, etc. I've eaten there twice now and it' not bad food. OBD is new so they are still working out the kinks. Sheppard's pie was good, but fish and chip, ok. Onion soup was very good and so was the reuben. I'm not a fan of the $5.50 beer. The bar is too small for my taste, but we will see on St. Patty's day how they fair..... Try the pub at a none popular time as this place gets packed. Who's doesn't love a pub? :)
(4)Priya K.
Not many options for vegetarians (except salad) and the staff did not seem keen in finding any either.
(2)Tom K.
I can only assume that the management and staff just hasn't quite yet figured out how to operate a restaurant. Won't go back
(1)Jerry G.
I love a pub. I love the atmosphere, friendship, beer and (of course) the pub grub.. Olde Blind Dog doesn't disappoint. Interior is more a series of nooks and small areas with a few tables that make for excellent conversation. Good variety of Irish beer and the barkeep knows how to draw a Guinness.! Amazingly good.. The food is broken into two categories, more American Bar Food (wings, etc.) and Irish Staples like Fish and Chips, Shepard's Pie, etc. One of our party had the Fish and Chips and it was outstanding.. Large pieces of fish, crunchy and the chips were excellent. Another had a short rib sandwich (think pulled pork) and it was great.. Flavorful and not greasy.. I went Shepard's Pie and I really enjoyed it as well.. Tender pieces of lamb with peas, carrots, colcannon (cabbage) in a great brown sauce that had a "bit o' the Guiness" about it.! Was very satisfied indeed. The waitstaff is excellent and while the place does get crazy crowded now and then they staff won't forget you.. If you're looking for a great place to just chill and have a pint then Olde Blind Dog is a good choice.
(4)Annette H.
I had lunch there last week. Very good food and good portion size, I had the Guiness Onion Soup and Monte Cristo Sandwich. A bit pricey for what it is. I'll be going back to try dinner there in a few weeks so I'm curious to see if there is any significant difference in service and atmosphere at night.
(4)Helen K.
Very nice decor, but when we ate there with friends last month, the food was not very remarkable. Two of us had the reuben which was just OK, & my husband's fish & chips were a bit greasy. We liked the place, but maybe just to stop for a beer.
(3)Dane S.
My first time going to The Olde Blind Dog was a less than stellar experience. I wanted a good Irish whisky but I couldn't really afford $25 a shot for 21 year Bushmills so I ordered the next best @ $17 a shot. This was going to be my special way of celebrating St. Patty's Day. This was at 7:00 p.m. The waitress returned to say that they didn't have that particular Bushmills. She advised that they had a 10 year old Bushmill's. I accepted this let-down only to have her return and say that she was out of this. I asked for Blackbush. They didn't have that one either. One of my friends suggested to her that she give me one shot of 21 year old Bushmills for $17. The waitress said she couldn't do that. We asked for the manager but he never came.Later my girlfriend tried to order a Miller Light and a Bud Light which they had advertised. Again no such luck. I was terribly disappointed and will probably never go back there although the atmosphere was one that I want to be able to enjoy.
(2)Andrew W.
I've found that British or Irish themed pubs in the United States do not fair too well if they stay too authentic. If you only serve shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, and pickled eggs you're going to go out of business fast. So naturally, in order to survive with that theme here, you've got to break from tradition a bit. So, what do Americans like at their local pub? Fried chicken wings, nachos, and chili-cheese fries - of course! Let's also throw in a few more outliers like quesadillas, blackened chicken pasta, curry, and hummus. Yup, that's Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's got a bit of everything, really. Call it an identity crisis; call it a necessary evil for survival - I'll call it Americanized Irish/English fare. The décor is equally muddled - let's put a statue of an Australian immigrant to America (Mel Gibson) portraying a Scotsman (William Wallace) in our Irish restaurant. /facepalm That said, the ornate dark wooden pub snugs (private booths) definitely contributed to the Irish pub feel in a good way. The bar was equally impressive. It would have been nice to have been seated in one of these snugs, unfortunately they were all taken and we were whisked away to the screened-in patio which had absolutely none of the character of the interior. Bummer. The food and drinks were pretty good. We started with the Ale & Cheddar dip served with pretzel bread. Yum! To wash it down, I drank one of their many Irish beer offerings - a Smithwick's (pronounced smiddicks). I also wolfed down a meatloaf sandwich - good stuff. Overall, a satisfying meal... I just wish that I had stubbornly waited for one of those snugs to open up, the patio really killed the mood that I was looking for. Oh well.
(3)Rob M.
Just try the meatloaf sandwich, really. It's the most awesomely delicious thing on earth. I first tried a small sample of it at the taste of Alpharetta and went "wow" that is tasty. Now have visited restaurant twice and each time had the meatloaf sandwich--it was simply awesome. Service is great, the decor is awesome, and the price is reasonable. My son had some sort of super-cheese burger that was the most incredible thing I've seen on a plate.
(5)Jay U.
We come here often with the family...kids live the sandwiches and apps, I love the fish n chips and shepard's pie. Also a GREAT bar scene--terrific for watching a game, meeting up with friends. Not too loud, lots of drink choices, and solid service.
(5)Trevor W.
Authentic pub fare and extremely ornate "snug booths" compliment this very unique restaurant. First thing you'll find when you enter is the collection of intricate booths known as "snugs" , or enclosed all timber seating areas. They vary in size from 4 -8 person and are beautifully detailed and quite cozy. The restaurant itself is quite expansive with a very large outdoor patio that is climate controlled depending on the weather. Ignore the Braveheart statue and you'll literally feel back home on the isle. The food here is excellent, though a bit on the pricey side. However, you get what you pay for with classics like Shepherds Pie, Curry, stews and soda bread. Splurge on the Scottish eggs for a real treat and make sure to try them with some Colmans or spicy mustard. They have a gorgeous Copper bar with friendly bartenders and servers. Beer is poured correctly and they have plenty of UK favorites and single malts abound. Most of the time they have traditional gaelic music playing, sometimes a live celtic band, but always a fun place to grab a pint.
(5)Amy A.
The husband and I were looking for a place to watch the Cowboys game nearby where my daughter was having a playdate, so we popped into the pub. When we wandered back to the bar proudly wearing our blue jerseys, there was golf on TV. On Sunday. During football season. So we walked right back out. The bartender chased us down and said "all y'all looking for a place to watch the game? Because I'll turn it on for you!" That was really, really cool. So we turned around and went back in. Sure, there was no sound, but the fact that he did that was so cool, we wanted to buy something and tip him. So, my husband had a beer (sorry, no idea what kind) and we ordered some tabasco fried pickles. They were good, and the beer was good, and yes, the atmosphere was like a wild themed restaurant where you would expect the waitstaff to be dressed as wenches and knights and stuff, but they were actually just really nice, well-versed servers with great recommendations and a willingness to take care of you. We left at halftime so we could find a place that would also give us sound, but we will come back again if for no other reason than the beer was cold, the staff was nice, and we felt welcome. Great job, guys.
(4)Lynn J.
Very disappointing experience. Drink glasses went empty for 30 minutes at 9pm on a Sunday. Clearly the staff was sending a message that it was time to leave in preparation for the big st. Patty's tomorrow, but we weren't acknowledged or even offered another drink when we spoke to the manager. Cool place but we won't be back.
(1)Brent H.
Why would you put a statue of William Wallace (er... Mel Gibson) at the entrance to your IRISH Pub? The man was Scottish, for god's sake. It makes no sense and really just propagates the notion that the Olde Blind Dog is a vaguely Celtic-themed amusement park. I really don't like that damn statue. But if you can get past the soulless, piercing stare of the anti-Semite in the lobby, there's actually a lot to love about the OBD. The decor is rather nice. Dark woods imported from Ireland, nice metalwork and authentic touches throughout. There are some cozy booths tucked away in every direction that lend a bit of privacy to diners. It's a lovely place to enjoy a pint. Speaking of pints, they serve a proper pour of Guinness here. They'll gladly mix it with ales and what-not if you'd prefer a black and tan, but I prefer it straight. Mother's milk. The menu has an interesting mix of Irish staples and standard American pub grub. If you stick to the Celtic stuff, chances are you'll be pretty happy. The fish and chips is excellent, served with a homemade tartar sauce that packs some nice flavor and zing. They make shepherd's pie the right way, with minced lamb. They even fry up a decent scotch egg. And you can never go wrong with a cup of their delicious Guinness onion soup on the side. But for the love of all that is holy, why is hummus the first thing listed on the menu? If you come to an Irish pub and order the hummus, I don't think I can hang with you. Service at this location is hit-or-miss. Sometimes you'll get a server who is really on point, attentive and quick to top off your drink. Other times, your server will be as elusive as a gray ghost on the moors of the Emerald Isle. It's a roll of the dice. I rarely make the Olde Blind Dog a destination, but if I'm in the Crabapple area I won't hesitate to stop in for a pint or some tasty vittles. If they'd retire the stupid Braveheart statue, this would be a more common occurrence.
(4)Annie L.
I came here mainly to check out the atmosphere and to get a few drinks. Atmosphere: very different...man dressed up in some strange costume (mannequin) in a cage = umm ok Outdoor patio: covered up with a thick plastic layer, bummer b/c it really was such a nice day... Drinks: got 2 20z drafts which leaned more on the "expensive" side @ $17 Overall: I'd like to go back here to try out their food, because their menu looked interesting (interesting = I probably can't make it). I might pass on the beverages though.
(3)Ariel M.
Not my thing. Fine for those who like it, but I found the atmosphere loud and dark and the food equally dingy. This is a pub the way Chili's is a restaurant, i.e.: not. I've been to real Irish pubs (in Ireland) and this is not authentic in the least. I understand they serve different cultural expectations, but meh is meh, no matter where you go.
(2)Greg S.
I don't get a chance to eat here as often as I like, but we returned again last night with the kids at their Grandmothers. Instead of ordering entrees, we decided to make a meal off of appetizers. We got there around 6pm on a Saturday night and was very surprised that it wasn't packed like it normally is. That soon changed within 30 minutes of our arrival. The service staff is young, but they were very attentive. My wife started off with a draft Guiness and I with a Strongbow. For our appetizers we ordered the Ale and Cheddar dip which is pretzel bread with a delicious cheddar and ale dip. We also ordered something new called the Tossed Tenders. It's shredded chicken on a bed of home cut fries drenched in buffalo sauce and then covered with cheddar cheese and bacon. Okay we love buffalo styled dishes and this one was to die for. Yes it's a heart attack on a plate and not something you want to eat all the time, but it was simply sinful and delicious. We were having such a good time we decided to order dessert. So we had the Chocolate Brownie. It's a triple chocolate brownie topped with homemade Guinness ice cream. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful night. Price wise they are a little pricey for pub food, but they are in line with all the other restaurants in the Alpharetta area. Simply put the Olde Blind Dog is still one of my favorites!
(4)Erin M.
One of my favorite Irish Pubs, I have never been disappointed. Best French Onion Soup you will ever have! The Beer Cheese appetizer is a must. I love the Salmon BLT, Fish and chips, and the Steak Sandwich. If you are in the mood for comfort food you need to try this place.
(5)Bryan W.
I'll agree with everyone on the appearance and decor of this pub/restaurant, just as if it was in Ireland (not that I've been). The one time I went, I had the meat pie sandwich. It was a lamb and beef combo and very excellent! There is a great selection of import beers, obviously, and the service is top notch. Only complaint is that it's a little pricey, most likely they have to cover the incredible materials and construction costs, along with a prime location. One more thing, for all the Yelpers out there gripping that this isn't a cool or happening hangout... It's in the freaking SUBURBS!!! If you wanna go party at least go to Wild Wings or Taco Mac, but you'll always be better off in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Downtown/Midtown ATL.
(3)Le H.
This was my first time trying out their restaurant and I ordered off their lunch menu. I ordered half a turkey,bacon,lettuce,tomato sandwich on a croissant and side soup of clam chowder. I was very excited to try this place because all of the good things I have heard about it but sadly to say I am a little bit disappointed although the food was good I feel like they half assed my food. The croissant bun was so dry i don't know if it's always like that but by the time I got to it my sandwich was already falling apart and it was so dry I could hardly swallow my food. The soup was good but only one thing that made me feel uneasy about it since I did pay almost 11$ for this lunch,I got my lunch Togo and my soup was in a container and it was barely filled half way which made me question did they just run out of their regular small containers and they had to put it in a larger container and just didn't fill it all the way up bc of that purpose? I mean the container was just a regular size so I don't think they would have a smaller size than that but who knows this was my first time here. I wish I would have taken a picture of how little much of cam chowder soup they had added to the container which wasn't a lot at all I almost wanted to go in and ask why did I barley have any soup in the container? I don't know but anyways I give this place a 2 stars bc the soup was good. I wouldn't go back though 11$ is a lot for a lunch combo with just half sandwich that was half assed and soup that you barely even got.
(2)Laura M.
This is one place that hubs and I should never have gone. Not just meh--blehh. I guess if you drink enough beer, anything can taste good. I ordered the Galway steak sandwich. I'm pretty sure that after they fried the unidentifiable cut of beef, they then slapped it onto a crappy hoagie roll, threw some kind of white-ish cheese on it and put it in the microwave to melt said cheese. And we all know what happens to bread when you put it in the microwave on high. I couldn't even cut the bread with my steak knife. Hubs chose the corned beef with cabbage. I ask you--have you ever been served corned beef in "blocks"? No kidding, his meal arrived with these rectangular blocks of red matter that we both agreed had to be corned beef, but what an unappetizing way to serve corned beef. He ate the cabbage and left the logs. My dinner was highlighted by my direct line view of the men's room. And the razor hand drying machine noise eminating from that room added an ambience to my dining expereince which I cannot describe. I shouldn't bother trying to describe the waitress uniforms at the Olde Blind--mini-skirt kilts with clogs?? Hot?? Hot mess?? Dorky??
(1)Matt T.
Wow. This place...awesome. I had heard alot about this place from Yelp, and word of mouth, but I never knew how close I was to it. The decor was awesome, it sets a great mood for a fun time. I like that the booths are all kind of set off in their own world, so if you want a romantic night then you can get it without being bothered by other people, but its open enough to join in and have fun. The food was awesome. I had the beef sliders, I know not too Irish, but still was absolutely delicious. It tasted more home made then out of a box in the freezer, and the fries were just as great. I also had the homemade Guinnes BBQ sauce. Just made it all that much better. And I had a perfectly poured Guinness. Good luck keeping me out of this place. But on a different note, they had people there playing, or practicing Irish folk music. Wasnt being done professionally so if that is what you are looking for then call ahead and see what is going on.
(4)Dan M.
Cool ambiance. Lousy service. We waited to be seated for five minutes...there was no one else waiting, there just wasn't a staff member in sight. When someone finally spoke to us, we mentioned we had been waiting for a long time, they didn't care. We were seated and waited 15 minutes, so we had to retrieve our server. When he came he took all six of our orders without repeating them. Everyone at the table agreed there was no way he got our order right. We were right. When we wanted refills of our drinks we always had to get up and go find our server. Sometimes, for various reasons, things go poorly at a restaurant for a guest. But normally someone on staff shows remorse. Not at this place! It felt as if there was not a manager on duty. We will not go back.
(1)Eduardo M.
Oh olde blind dog, why was I even here? Being from chicago, I hear "irish pub", know it's in a 'burb, and instantly think "wood paneling". Was I wrong? not really. Still, it's got good service, good beer, and rumor has it good food (wasn't there to eat, so don't know for sure). The staff seemed friendly, the place wasn't over crowded and the table set up of booths along all four exterior walls allows for groups to hang out, drink beer and relax. Which is, I suppose, the entire point to a pub.
(3)Bryan B.
Went by for drinks last week after work. Atmosphere was great - get old pub feel with lots of wood, all over the place. Private tables are also a nice touch. The food was decent (not the best pub food, but passable). The service was a bit lacking...not enthusiastic or anything and a bit slow. We weren't in a hurry, at least, but still noticed the lack of attention. The beer menu is great. I love a place that has Dragon's Milk and Rouge Hazelnut! Despite 'ok' food and mediocre service (maybe the server was just having an off day), it gets 4 stars for atmosphere and beer selection. Will go back, try a different entree and see how the service is.
(4)Jeff C.
Think "Fado" before they moved to their new location. Smallish with a decent-sized patio out front. Good food, good drinks and fun architecture. The placed was really packed, so I suggest going early.
(4)Tiffany T.
Great food and a really nice atmosphere. The pub is lovely, a pretty place to eat!
(4)Neil H.
The feel of the pub is above average. It has a strange mélange of British and Irish decor, fully equipped with a full sized replica of Mel Gibson from Braveheart. Bring your camera and try to contain your excitement. Unfortunately I ordered the 'Irish' Stew, which was horrendous. It was reminiscent of a cold war era tinned ration, although the soda bread it came with was excellent. The pub had a good selection of British and Irish beer. Definitely a pub first and a restaurant second.
(2)Tom G.
On a recommendation from an Irish friend (that indeed it was an AUTHENTIC Irish Pub), my wife and I drove out to OBDIP on a Sunday evening. Located in the Crabapple Crossroads development, it's a large, beautiful restaurant in a beautiful area. Almost inexplicably, a life-size figure of William Wallace greets you as you enter (evidently the owner's last name is Wallace, so...). Inside is what one might call the "Victorian" version of the "Irish Pub Corporation" model - with stained glass, faux gaslights, "stone" floor, and elaborate dark wood paneling. It all made for a very Epcot-like experience. Service was friendly and prompt. We were seating in our own cordoned off area on high stools. Black tablecloths and black cloth napkins were the first sign that this was not a working-man's pub, and indeed upon opening the menu, the prices were indeed on the high side. While my pint of Harp was $6 I think, my wife's bottle of Skullbuster was $8. That's a lot for one bottle of beer. I ordered the Celtic Curry and it was pretty good. It had large chunks of what I think were zucchini mixed in with the chicken. But at $13.99 it was really too expensive for such a dish. My wife had the fish sandwich ($9.99), which the menu proclaimed had great beer breading. There was quite a bit of breading, and not a whole lot of fish, although she reported that what was there was good. It was served with fries - I was surprised they weren't called "chips" by our server - which were seasoned french fries. Although the place is very clean, attractive, and somewhat cozy, I didn't feel it was authentic as much as it was made to LOOK authentic. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but it almost seemed too perfect - like something created by Disney is too perfect. Did I enjoy the meal? Yes. Did I admire the decor? Indeed I did. Did it seem Irish? Absolutely. Will I return? Probably, but only if I'm in the neighborhood (there's a less than "perfect" Irish Pub in my own backyard that is just fine when I want the experience) and only when I'm flush with cash.
(3)Bailey D.
Be Merry. Eat the Ale & Cheddar dip as a starter or while you're just drinking your beers. and don't leave without trying the Chocolate Brownie. Brownies are my favorite food and this has made my top 3 brownies ever. And it comes with a scoop of Guinness ice cream on top - what could be better. Atmosphere, definitely irish-pub praise worthy.
(4)Sam K.
Place is freaking awesome from an aesthetics point of view, like eating at EPCOT but has reasonable prices for the quality of the establishment. A great burger and $6.00 20 ounce beers with a good selection of draught beers.
(5)Robert M.
We stopped in for lunch prior to Herman Cain's appearance and book signing. The decor was authentic and made you feel as if you were in a pub in Ireland. The food was great and the service was excellent. There are many things I'd like to try on the menu. I'll be back.
(5)natalie b.
I ended up in the area again and this is where my sister wanted to eat. I was happy to see that they have added vegetarian options. I mean, salad is good, but they're $9 and not exciting enough to justify that price. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. It was delicious. While this isn't an especially inventive dish, it delivers in flavor and size. The fries were good too. I really can't get behind their prices. For two sandwiches (no appetizer, no drinks), it cost us $29, including tip. While I would definitely eat that sandwich again, they lose a star for pricing and any chance that I will pay for it again. Also, the life-size Braveheart in the entry is just unsettling! Even when you know it's coming, it's like, "Where the hell am I that someone thinks this is a good idea?!"
(2)R.E. K.
The food is seriously not good. We have been here over and over and have tried tons of menu options, and I love a good pub so I have kept trying. I'm a bit perplexed about the positive reviews. The atmosphere is really cool, but if you want to eat this is not the place to go. Maybe go eat at Sip and come here for drinks and dessert? Seriously, even the classic Irish pub dishes are average at best and just plain yucky at worst.
(1)Stephen F.
You walk in and the first thing you see is Mel Gibson. Sweet! Your hear Irish Celtic music You smell fish and chips You taste a great variety of imported beers And you simply have a great time. Every time. Highly recommend their fish and chips. The beer selection is always changing which is a plus. EVERY time I have gone alone... I have met a friendly patron and had a great conversation. This tell me that people are happy by their visit here in general...as am I.
(5)Robert A.
Really is a 3.5 star place but I feel good today and will up it to 4 stars. My wife and I had the Reuben sandwich, chicken nachos, French onion soup and the bread pudding for dessert. Everything was well presented and it tasted as good or better than it looked. The bread pudding with the Bailey's Irish Cream sauce was excellent. Also, the chicken nachos did not have nacho chips but house made potato chips that were hot and well seasoned and they didn't have a lot of gloppy cheese but had a good balance of many ingredients. The French onion soup is made with Guinness for extra flavor and it is excellent. The place is a very attractive looking neighborhood gastropub and it is good for a date or business meetings. The bar area is nicely spread out and well designed as you would expect from and Irish Pub. They are planning to open up a second place in Atlanta soon but I am not sure where yet. The server was spot on, the place is clean and the prices are very reasonable. I will certainly be going back again when I am in the area.
(4)Adam A.
Authentic menu, including scotch eggs and HP sauce. Nice atmosphere. Friendly staff. "Snugs" or booths are a cool way to feel like you're eating privately. Guinness is stored in properly chilled separate kegs and lines (lots of nice little touches).
(4)Josh A.
Like others have said, the life sized William Wallace in a cage is a little creepy. My wife and I started with the ale and cheddar dip, which is served with pretzel bread. She likened the dip to beer cheese soup and she loved it, while it was a little too bitter for my liking. I cannot say it was good or bad, since the wife and I were split. She had the Blackened Chicken Pasta and I had the Fish and Chips. While we waited for our food to arrive, I could not help but take a look at around at the nice interiors. I agree with others who have noted that this place must have cost a fortune to build out. The Snugs looked very comfortable and I started to get envious that I was not in one. We were seated in an outlying table next to an old grumpy man who either passively or aggressively complained about everything. From his kids' poor parenting, to his corned beef being too tough, to the server (who was excellent) offering to pour his beer in a mug for him. I told my wife that if I ever end up as grumpy as that man to just put me out my misery. Anyways, back to the food. The Fish and Chips came out and they were visually appealing. Nice golden batter, a nice amount of chips, and a little cole slaw. My first couple of bites into the fish, I swore I could taste cinnamon; however, it dissipated as I ate. The fish and chips were not the best I ever had, nor were they the worst. My better half was pleased with her pasta, and after tasting it, I wish I had ordered that, as it was very good. Just enough of that red pepper flavor without being over done, and she happily have her meal two thumbs up. So, I bet you are asking yourself... "So if Josh A. wasn't a huge fan of his food, why the 4 stars?" Well, allow me to answer. Our server/waiter/wait person/whatever the hell you want to call him, was fantastic. This was the kind of service that I am always hoping to get at restaurants, only to be let down. He made us feel at home and no request was too big or too small. This was our first visit to OBDIP, and I hope that the service we received is the rule, not the exception. Either way, we will be back and I will update this review one way or the other. I don't want to put the server's name on here for all of the internet to see, but if you want a recommendation on who to ask for when visiting, just shoot me a message. All in all, with our entree's, appetizer, and one coke we spent just under $50, including tip. Also, I am looking into adding a break down of my ratings and would love your input on what else to add or look for. Food - 3.5/5 Portion - 4/5 Service - 5/5 Cleanliness - 4/5
(4)Todd M.
Friendly staff good service and clean place. Didn't eat but menu looked good, beer selection was weak, but nice selection of wines and top shelf liquors.
(4)Nancy B.
It is a bit out of the way but we will do that for all things Irish. The food was outstanding. The shepherd's pie seemed to be the standout. If this place was close by, I'd be a regular and everyone would know my name. The Braveheart statue was rather odd but when my son says he wants to go to "the place with the blue man in the cage", I know exactly what he is talking about.
(4)Jerry C.
I like the way these people are thinkin! They must have spent a fortune putting the place together. It looks highly authentic with great attention to detail (OK I could do without the statue of Braveheart). In short, gorgeous! The place runs very clock-like from the FOH managers until you ask for a check. The food is great- I can recommend the bangers and mash as well as the Galway steak sandwich. The fish and chips are also great. Staff is friendly and inviting. Since opening, the Olde Blind Dog has supported Celtic music in a major way. They regularly host local Irish and Scottish musicians as well as regional favorites. We attended St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities as well as the Guinness birthday celebration there this year and, I can tell you, these guys put on a great party. Two criticisms, meant to be constructive: I never order whiskey there as they are a bit stingy with the pours. And, the Irish car bombs on Aurthur's day were kind of lame. But I love their heart and I love their commitment. Highly recommended.
(4)Karissa E.
This place is awesome, such a beautiful pub! They brought it over brick by brick from Ireland. The atmosphere is great, and it's the perfect place to grab a pint and some stellar Irish grub
(5)Jennifer W.
Feeling like I needed a little luck o' the Irish, I met a friend for lunch at Olde Blind Dog in Crabapple. This place absolutely rocks. The décor is perfect with faux stone flooring, heavy wood accents, deep luxurious jewel tones, and private snugs scattered throughout the space. We were greeted immediately and shown to a table in a private room that had two four-top tables in it. The room would be a perfect for a small work group lunch meeting. The menu is loaded with authentic Irish faire like Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Fish and Chips. As well, there are several sandwich options including a Monte Cristo. What I especially liked is that they serve an express lunch where patrons have the choice of choosing two items from a menu of salad, soup and a half sandwich for $8.95. I chose the Caesar salad with a half Monte Cristo and a sweet tea. The sweet tea tasted like it was pre-made Nestea and not the fresh brewed sweet tea we southerner's know and love. The salad was drenched in Caesar dressing. Next time, I would definitely ask for light on the dressing, or dressing on the side. The Monte Cristo seemed a little mushy and a little bland, were it not for the raspberry preserves. The atmosphere is what I love about Olde Blind Dog. It's definitely got a fun vibe for hanging out and lifting a pint with friends. The food seems average, and is average priced. They do host events throughout the month and have live music three or four nights a week. I like that they have a monthly St. Practice Day on the 17th for practice in advance of St. Patrick's Day. I'll definitely get a practice day or two in before the main event in 2010!
(4)Sterling L.
I have a young, good looking dog. If it had been her who took on the wolves, it would be the wolves that were blind. But since I found out my German Shepherd Dog was preggers today, it seemed appropriate to celebrate the occasion (drown my sorrows) at the Olde Blind Dog. While I was looking forward to the pups, my wife has threatened to move until the they are gone. Anyone want to buy a purebred german shepherd cheap? Back to the Olde Blind Dog. I enjoyed the clam chowder and the half a monte cristo for $8.95. Well worth it. Finished every bit. One of the better clam chowders. I also asked the waiter to bring me a bit o' the onion soup to taste, and he obliged, complimentary. Tasty, but I was glad I order the clam chowder. Me and my friend both had a Hoegardden on draft. Looked like lemonade, but tasted great. Served as an imperial pint (20 oz) and they had several other beers on tap. Entertaining atmosphere and live music. I'll be back for dinner with more friends. Probably even join their kennel club. Until then, here's to pregnant bitches.
(5)Chris B.
I love it. This is what every Irish Pub should be. Of course if they were, this place wouldn't stand out. Authentic decor, great patio, and an unbelievable menu. I tried to be good and go with the blackened chicken something or other salad. It was great. The egg appetizer (yes egg) is to die for - and evidently is a signature app here. In short, great atmosphere, great food, great service. Do it,
(5)John A.
Finally, an Irish pub in the immediate area with Irish-accented staff with interior decor that doesn't remind me of Buffalo's. Anyways, I decided to stop by my first time after work, as it's located on the outskirts of Milton (near Milton HS) in the new developing district with an 'old towne concept. The staff always greet you at the door, one of which is usually a manager. The inside has a nice dark-wood look, however economically their layout could make them lose money (they have private booths that are walled in) by not effectively utilizing floor space. However, that aside... I've only visited the bar, as I haven't been able to find anyone willing to venture to that area for a beer, but the bar staff are always nice. One of the evening shift bartenders is a trained chef from the CIA, who also helped open the restaurant and design the menu. Aside from him, the other bar staff are okay; I always keep an open eye with bartenders, especially with one there as it sounded like he was lying about a lot of stuff to maintain a social atmosphere. The food is good, always comes out fast and hot. I think they may have recently increased the amount of fries you get on your plate, as the first 3x there I was probably only given 4 oz of fries. It's probably up to 7-8 oz now. This is a great place to go for a drink with friends, especially if you want good food with your dark beer. Too often do I see bars with a great assortment of drinks, but mediocre food. Bars need to remember that drinks are their revenue, but having good quality food will increase the amount of drinks ordered, along with repeat customers. If you're a fan of Irish-type beer with good food, definitely give this place a shot. Sure, it may not be close to I-75 or 400, but it's still a good place to try out, and to become a Regular if you live in the area. Make sure you visit their website as they have weekly Live music
(3)Justin T.
For me a visit to the Olde Blind Dog is less about the food, despite the pub boasting an impressive Irish menu, and more about the ambiance. The furnishings and decor are top notch and give off an old world feel to the environment. From the extensive use of wood and earth tones throughout the restaurant to the semi enclosed booths that give a sense of intimacy without shutting out the rest of the world, everything in the pub makes it an ideal location for me to spend time relaxing with friends whilst partaking of decent food and drink and soaking in the atmosphere. We've managed to time our unplanned visits with live music on each of our outings though I would attribute this less to luck and more to the frequency they host live entertainment. We particularly favor the Celtic groups as they fit best within the aforementioned atmosphere but the samplings of various other bands have not been distasteful. While not having a wide exposure to fish and chips I can draw upon for comparison, I found the ones on offer at the Blind Dog to be of decent quality. My wife favors their shepherd's pie and it is a frequent order for her. I found the Monte Cristo to be too greasy for my palette on the one occasion that I tried it, but overall the various other dishes I have partaken in have been well represented. The service has been routinely good on our visits with personable waiters and waitresses taking orders and seeing to our needs. Would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a pub to visit with friends. 3.5 stars plus .5 for a location convenient to me.
(4)John L.
Crabapple is fast becoming a "go-to" area for restaurants in the North Fulton/Alpharetta area. The newest is The Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, open about 3 months. I was driving by and noticed a fair sized lunch crowd and decided to give it a try. The menu is vast with all kinds of Irish fare. The food is very good. We tried the fish and chips and Irish stew. Lots of Irish beers. The decor is very Irish Pub. They have Irish music on Saturday and Monday evenings.
(4)Bob J.
Had an excellent lamb stew, atmosphere was very nice. Not sure why there was a statue of a Scottish chieftan (in a cage) in an Irish pub, but I suppose that's Irish humor. A bit pricey, and service was above average.
(4)Kate H.
Historic Crabapple meets historic Ireland. My husband & I love this place! The bartenders and waitstaff are super friendly and attentive and the owners are often present and welcoming. Food is delicious - we'd recommend.... Kerrygold Cheddar dip with pretzel bread (we get it EVERY time!), Thai Chili Lime wings, Edinburgher, and Fish & Chps. The only downside is that everything's a little pricey - a pint of Guinness here is $6. But that certainly doesn't stop us from frequenting this pub :)
(4)K P.
Great place to enjoy a frosty bevy outside when the weather is nice!
(3)Lindsay S.
My boyfriend & I went here for lunch yesterday and I must say we were quite impressed. Upon entering the pub we were greeted by a friendly hostess who seated us in our own private booth intricately decorated with Irish drinking decor. The waitress was a bit loopy and inattentive forgetting our orders immediately after we said them but that happens almost anywhere nowadays. I had the Dog House Salad which consisted of lettuce, candied pecans, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, cranberries, and bacon topped with a wonderfully delicious maple vinaigrette dressing. My boyfriend had the Reuben sandwich and a cup of the onion soup which he enjoyed immensely. We will definitely be back. We also found out that they are having some pretty cool Irish entertainment come St. Patrick's day so if you haven't got plans you should definitely check it out!
(4)Roy K.
Low down: Beer - good, but that's expected. Also a bit pricey. Food - a bit expensive for pub food, but good. I have had wings, Celtic Curry, fish&chips,and a few sandwiches. All have been good, fish&chips being the best of those. Wait staff - good, no complaint Ambiance - def has an authentic feel however like on review below it does have a 'Feux' feel...but not sure what you expect in any new establishment. Perhaps that will wear off and feel like a true Scottish pub in about 100 years or so.
(4)Shelhole M.
This is a great little pub. The food was fantastic! We had fried pickles and homemade chips for appetizers and both were really good. The fish and chips were delicious and went perfectly with the homemade tartar sauce. My husband raved about the steak sandwich. This will definitely become a regular in our restaurant rotation.
(4)Christopher L.
The decor is really cool. Lots of wood, stained glass. Really pretty. I really enjoyed the food at this place as well. The cheese dip with the pretzels was great. I had meatloaf and mashed potatos. Very flavorful and the gravy was wonderful with it. My friend got a turkey sanwich with fries. Also very good. Food prices weren't bad for the area. The two of us with our food, appetizer, and softdrinks was around $35. Not terrible for Alpharetta. Our waiter was great. Service was prompt, and very friendly. The bad: The alcohol prices were pretty expensive. They had a good selections, but prices in other places are quite a bit cheaper. Not a place to go and party with booze. People are saying they are a live music venue, but I didn't see any kind of staging for this. I could be wrong however. It was a good place to eat. To party, maybe go elsewhere. Especially since its in the suburbs.
(4)Coleen W.
Love the decor. Especially the snugs for dining a little more quietly. My husband and I couldn't decide on Sunday brunch so we split the pub club and pecan-crusted stuffed French toast. One word - yum! I thought the French toast would be rich and heavy, but it just sounded so good. It was wonderful and the cranberry mayo on the club was a nice touch, too.
(5)Alicia V.
My husband, who is a big irish guy, loves to come here for a reuben and a guinness. They do have really amazing corned beef, and play celtic music. As a girl, I wish they would add some diversity in terms on everything not being so heavy. Maybe more grilled options or lighter specials? But if they are sticking to a theme, I get that. You can't be everything to everyone. i do know when I go out with a group of girls, no one want to come here.They say it's too sandwich heavy and the decor is too dark. We usually hear to a more girly place in town like Sip or now Erwoods. The decor is great in cool weather, but can feel clausterphobic during the summer. Nice beer garden when it is not being held for a private group. And St. Patrick's Day....! This place is insane, and really fun!
(3)Ian W.
Monte Cristo is the magic word.
(4)Kristy J.
Love this pub a great time to go is on St. Patricks day. I made it a family tradition. Great food and great authentic Irish pub.
(5)Juliet C.
Great neighborhood restaurant and bar. This is a really nice new clean place with a good beer selection and better than average bar food. The BBQ is very good. I would certainly recommend it. And nice outdoor seating.
(4)Robert H.
What is this place, Suburbias answer to Chuckie Cheese. When you put the letters pub in a name it is hoped to represent more than a fraction of the place with kids everywhere. OK so I probably went too early ?? Will go again and try the food but I get the feeling nowt will change.
(2)Kevin S.
I didn't take a picture of Mel in the kilt because I assumed it had been done already, so someone really needs to get on that. I had the stew and a salad and it was fine. The bread was excellent. They are really slow at 2:00 PM, like most places. The building and decor are first rate. Everything looks really old even though it's all brand new. Some local blacksmith made some serious cash when they were putting this place together. I took my mom here who is pushing 90 and she loved it, so I'd have to declare it "senior friendly" (no steps) at least in the afternoon. You have to admit, being greeted by Mel in a cage, all geared up for a bit of the old ultraviolence is kind of ironic. Maybe it's just TOO realistic.
(4)Matthew D.
Located at the end of my neighborhood, the location for me is perfect. The food is a small step above pub grub and the decor is rich and inviting. My only issue is the price, $6 pints and no chance of lunch under $40 and dinner under $80 with a few drinks is too steep for what is offered. The place is always packed so the atmosphere is great, but I only go once in a while because the bill is just too much too swallow. Also that glorified Braveheart doll is just plain odd.
(3)Mikey N.
My son and I had dinner here a few nights ago and we really enjoyed it. The Curry and Chips we fabulous, an unexpected nice surprise. I had the Meat Loaf Sandwich and the spicy ketchup that came on the side was over-the-top-good. My son, Aaron had the Shepard's Pie and he enjoyed that as well. We each had a Black & Blue (Guinness and Blue Moon). Thanks for the great dinner, son. Glad you wanted to go there.
(5)Chris H.
Overpriced and bland or undercooked food. WAY overpriced beer $6 for a pint OUTSIDE the perimeter is crazy. Not a fan, but I seem to be in the minority.
(1)Tokuzumi T.
Great food, great atmosphere, great staff. Went around 6 pm on Saturday, and had to wait 30 min for a table. But sat at the bar, and enjoyed a guinness while waiting. Bar staff was attentive. Ordered the meatloaf sandwich, which was incredible. Bangers and mash also quite tasty. The Bailey's cheesecake was awesome. I'll definitely go back again.
(4)Adam H.
I really like this place, however, if you get the short guy bartending, run don't walk right out the front door. I asked for a black and tan and got mud, no layering to the drink, which I can forgive. But the guy was a jerk to the only good looking group of under 50 women in the room. I mean the guy was just rude, I think he made one of the women cry. I had seen this little guy bark at people before so I knew it was not just a bad night. I don't need to go back to a place, where the staff is so rude to the customers
(2)Greg S.
Great pub. Good bartenders - Jen and Mark. Excellent service. Mark introduced himself to all of his customers. Impressively, Mark forgot my name right after I told him but had the courage to admit it (and joke about it) and just ask me again. I like that directness. Good selection of Irish draft beers and spirits. Live music on the Friday night I was here. Food was very respectable for pub food. I'll be back. Definitely.
(4)Kevin P.
If you are looking for an authentic Irish pub, this IS NOT it. Olde Blind Dog (that's not the name of an Irish pub; that's English). Wait staff wearing kilts (well now, that would be Scottish). The bottom line is that just about the only real tribute to an Irish pub is that they threw "Irish" into the name, perhaps just to balance out the entire British Isle mess that they have cobbled together. Sorry, but the whole place just kept screaming "Identity Crisis!!". As for the food, it's okay. As others have noted, it's perfectly acceptable pub grub, but it will cost you roughly 1.5-2x what it would cost elsewhere for the same quality. And I wouldn't even consider having desert there...not with Alpine Bakery just down the road a bit! Still, it's a solid 3 out of 5 stars overall and I don't regret having gone just once. If you are looking for the Irish pub experience in North Fulton, I would suggest the following: (1) The Harp, (2) Durty Kelly's - although the menu there is a bit contrived, often less than authentic, and they too have a bit of an identity crisis going on with the English phone box out front (3) Fado - okay, not really in North Fulton but worthy of the drive in to Buckhead nonetheless.
(3)K K.
My expectations for pub food are just so low that I never really know how to evaluate the dining experience at such places. However, I do like the feel of Old Blind Dog Irish Pub. It's exactly what us Atlanta suburbanites who have never been to a pub in Ireland might expect from an Irish pub. The food and service were good. The menu is good and the prices are fair ($8-$15 entrees). A decent beer selection that goes a bit beyond the usual Guinness, Harp, and Bass. I think I like Irish pubs more for the entertainment than the meals. I'll go back next time just for fun.
(3)N B.
LOVED my fish & chips - bread pudding for dessert was outstanding. We really liked the booths - we didn't have to shout when we talked. The service couldn't have been better. All around this is one of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)James C.
So far, I've only been there for drinks. Service is very friendly and prompt. Lots of fairly private booth areas. Big tables for larger parties. Plenty of staff on duty and there to help.
(5)Frieda B.
The pub is beautiful, the staff and service were excellent-but the food and drinks were terrible! We ordered a black and tan. A good bar tender knows how to pour it so that there are two distinct layers. Ours were a mixed muddle. My steak sandwich came on a bland, doughy sub roll-not even toasted or heated. The steak was so tough I had to get rid of some pieces into my napkin. The cheese was nonexistant. My husbands Salmon BLT was so skimpy that it could have fed a child. Our friends fish from the fish and chips was raw. They took it off our bill and gave him a ruben on the house-which he said was good. We really want them to suceed, and the food needs some major work. For $11.95 for a sanwich, I expect better.
(2)Bettyboop h.
We just had our son's rehearsal dinner here and what a great job Olde Blind Dog did for us!!!!! OBD doesn't really have a private dining area, but we were able to reserve their entire outdoor patio. (There were 45 people at this event.) The atmosphere could not have been better. Our guests were able to walk around and mingle in a relaxed but yet very nice atmosphere.The food was fantastic...You must try their meatloaf sandwich!! All of our guests complimented the food which OBD ensured there was plenty of. The service we received was OUTSTANDING!!!! We had 2 dedicated servers, and those girls worked their butts off to ensure we had a great time. They kept the drinks and food coming so our guests were never wanting for anything. They also took the time to check in with my husband and I to see if there was anything we needed and to make sure our guests were happy and well taken care of. The manager stopped by several times as well to ensure things were running smoothly. We were able to relax and enjoy the evening with our family and friends. My last comment is about the price...UNBELIEVABLE value! We had plenty of food with an open bar (and the drinks were flowing) for less than $25/person including the tax and gratuity. That is almost impossible to beat for a private function in Alpharetta or Milton! Thanks to Olde Blind Dog and our fantastic servers for such a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable evening!
(5)Robert C.
I was really impressed with how nice this place was on the inside, the restaurant really went all out to give an authentic feel to this place. The food is okay and a little pricey, but its in suburban Alpharetta in what looks like a new, high-end development, so its kind of expected.
(4)Courtney b.
Great patio. Fabulous Sunday brunch.
(4)KR K.
As far as pub's go in a newly built building it's pretty cool. They've done a fine job with the pub atmosphere inside. Cozy tables like private rooms. Heavy dark wood, etc. I've eaten there twice now and it' not bad food. OBD is new so they are still working out the kinks. Sheppard's pie was good, but fish and chip, ok. Onion soup was very good and so was the reuben. I'm not a fan of the $5.50 beer. The bar is too small for my taste, but we will see on St. Patty's day how they fair..... Try the pub at a none popular time as this place gets packed. Who's doesn't love a pub? :)
(4)Priya K.
Not many options for vegetarians (except salad) and the staff did not seem keen in finding any either.
(2)Tom K.
I can only assume that the management and staff just hasn't quite yet figured out how to operate a restaurant. Won't go back
(1)Jerry G.
I love a pub. I love the atmosphere, friendship, beer and (of course) the pub grub.. Olde Blind Dog doesn't disappoint. Interior is more a series of nooks and small areas with a few tables that make for excellent conversation. Good variety of Irish beer and the barkeep knows how to draw a Guinness.! Amazingly good.. The food is broken into two categories, more American Bar Food (wings, etc.) and Irish Staples like Fish and Chips, Shepard's Pie, etc. One of our party had the Fish and Chips and it was outstanding.. Large pieces of fish, crunchy and the chips were excellent. Another had a short rib sandwich (think pulled pork) and it was great.. Flavorful and not greasy.. I went Shepard's Pie and I really enjoyed it as well.. Tender pieces of lamb with peas, carrots, colcannon (cabbage) in a great brown sauce that had a "bit o' the Guiness" about it.! Was very satisfied indeed. The waitstaff is excellent and while the place does get crazy crowded now and then they staff won't forget you.. If you're looking for a great place to just chill and have a pint then Olde Blind Dog is a good choice.
(4)Annette H.
I had lunch there last week. Very good food and good portion size, I had the Guiness Onion Soup and Monte Cristo Sandwich. A bit pricey for what it is. I'll be going back to try dinner there in a few weeks so I'm curious to see if there is any significant difference in service and atmosphere at night.
(4)Helen K.
Very nice decor, but when we ate there with friends last month, the food was not very remarkable. Two of us had the reuben which was just OK, & my husband's fish & chips were a bit greasy. We liked the place, but maybe just to stop for a beer.
(3)Dane S.
My first time going to The Olde Blind Dog was a less than stellar experience. I wanted a good Irish whisky but I couldn't really afford $25 a shot for 21 year Bushmills so I ordered the next best @ $17 a shot. This was going to be my special way of celebrating St. Patty's Day. This was at 7:00 p.m. The waitress returned to say that they didn't have that particular Bushmills. She advised that they had a 10 year old Bushmill's. I accepted this let-down only to have her return and say that she was out of this. I asked for Blackbush. They didn't have that one either. One of my friends suggested to her that she give me one shot of 21 year old Bushmills for $17. The waitress said she couldn't do that. We asked for the manager but he never came.Later my girlfriend tried to order a Miller Light and a Bud Light which they had advertised. Again no such luck. I was terribly disappointed and will probably never go back there although the atmosphere was one that I want to be able to enjoy.
(2)NerdoLoco H.
I loved this place, the atmosphere is cozy and comforting even though there's a mini jail and grave yard fence. The service, perfect. Our server Jorden was the best we've had anywhere in a very long time. The fried pickles, perfect. The beer cheese dip and pretzels, perfect. The Guinness onion soup, perfect. The imperial black velvet (Guinness over champagne), perfect. The hot flying wings (fried and then flat top grilled), perfect. I will definitely be back. My boys loved it, too. The fish and chips were a good choice.
(5)Michael P.
I like this place. Have been several times and one of our favorite things to do is go get a bunch of appetizers and just have a sampler fest with a few beers. The beer cheese dip is the highlight, but it is all good. Everything I have had has been good. I will also point out a nice experience in customer service. The other night I ordered a take-out order, and my wife came home with my Irish Stew. It was a very small styrofoam container, not even cup sized. No bread, no nothing. I called back ready to light somebody up. The manager calmly let me know he would be glad to remake, but since we were a bit far away for that, he just refunded my entire meal. No muss no fuss. So nice to be treated like it was important, not just somebody complaining. So whatever manager that was, kudos to you my friend! Not enough places still believe this.
(4)GR G.
What can you say about an Irish pub with a Scottish Braveheart in a cage? Interesting decor but a little over the top. There was a decent selection of Irish whiskeys but I wish the drink menu was more descriptive. Same for the craft beers. For an appetizer, had their recommend Guiness stout french onion soup. Nothing special, but the bowl was more of a cup size wise. For my main, had the Celtic Curry. Featured madras curry with veggies, brown rice and chicken (in that order). Lots of yellow squash and zucchini, but not a lot of chicken. The server mentioned this dish was extremely spicy - this was pretty mild with only a little heat lingering on the tongue. Very tasty, but the portion size was more of a lunch feature than dinner.
(3)Jeanna G.
Just stopped in here for a drink with my boyfriends extended family out here in Georgia. Didn't have time for anything other than a beer but I must say the decor inside here is really cool. The bar is a Scottish/Irish theme with authentic pub scene to a T. They also have a large bar area with a huge projection screen. Plenty of tall tables and booths to sit. The picture I added doesn't really do the place justice, it was the only one I got to snap unfortunately. The staff here is very attentive and down to earth. I would like to come check out the food on my next visit here. Especially this French onion soup I keep hearing about. Also think I may have seen Brave Heart in a cage on the way out... Gotta look into that.
(5)Jason S.
This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The wait staff are friendly, there is plenty of parking, there is also outdoor seating of you would like to bring your puppy. Sometimes they have someone come in and play live music.
(5)Sam S.
First review I've probably ever written of anything. I'm just sitting here at the bar enjoying a Black and Gold (Stella and Guinness) and some amazing pork quesadillas. But it's not necessarily the food or beer that's the best part here; the atmosphere, attention to detail and friendliness of the staff really stands out more than most "fine dining" places I've been. If you're looking to do something a little different for lunch, Old Blind Dog may become your permanent lunch destination, I know it's become mine.
(5)David C.
Not that impressed. I have had Smithwicks beer where the head is smooth and creamy while the beer itself is not that gassy. The beer we had was just fizzy with the head disappearing in seconds. We had the French Onion soup, very salty, hard bits of something like coarsely ground pepper but was not pepper. I had the fish and chips, the fish was good but the fries were awful, like they had been cooked the day before and then warmed in the microwave or oven, the were dry and soft, didn't eat them. My son had the Irish stew, very little lamb meat and tasted strongly of beef gravy.
(2)Todd K.
Owner told our group of 17, celebrating multiple birthdays to quite down - on a Saturday night while we were sitting outside in the patio area. He was also apparently sitting out there with a group and we, the 17 customers, disturbed him... Thought this was an Irish pub? Even says on the menu story about pubs being the place to "raise a pint and sing songs." Apparently that is just for looks. We were not being overly loud. Won't be coming back. Service and foot otherwise was very good, which is a shame.
(1)Travis G.
My family has been several times. The drinks are stiff and the food is authentic and excellent. Service has always been first rate. Absolutely love the onion soup! Bangers and mash was also excellent. We also love the semi-private booths. We will be back!
(5)Gregory H.
Never had an Irish curry before I came here. Excellent choice, as was the clam chowder soup. Nice experience for our party of 6, maybe a little pricey. Great beer selection for the holidays.
(4)Kristie D.
So even though it was a very slow Wednesday night at this restaurant, we got the worst seating in the place. If you've ever been here you know they have these private little booths that are just awesome. That's what everyone goes for, the atmosphere is so nice. But this visit the hostess to seat us on the bench seating with a couple on each side, so it was basically cafeteria style seating. She walked us over, slapped menus down on the little bitty table and walked away before I could even complain. I was pretty steamed about this. We will literally passed three beautiful, empty, private booths on the way to this bench seating. Fast forward to the food. I really don't think anyone comes to an Irish pub for food. I ordered the Rueben and it was a disappointment. The corned beef was extremely thinly sliced with a little flavor. There was no dressing on the sandwich and almost no sauerkraut. The squash and zucchini that I got as a side however, was very good. My dining partner got the Bangers and mash and enjoyed it but there's not much that he won't eat. I have liked this place in the past, but I think the very poor choice of seating negatively colored my whole experience this night. It was just awkward that, on our date night, we were sitting 18 inches from other couples on each side. On a bench. Service was good, food came quickly. Temperature inside the restaurant was pleasant
(2)Matthew E.
Traditional Irish breakfast is awesome. Sticky toffee for dessert was very good. Couldn't finish it, so the rest goes home for tomorrow.
(5)Amy S.
My husband and I have been coming here since it opened. While the food is pretty decent, we've noticed a decrease in portion sizes. We love the fish & chips but during our last trip, I found a hair in my food. I completely lost my appetite and while the manager was apologetic and offered to fix the problem, it has just grossed me out and we haven't been back. That was about a year ago and I do drive by the restaurant regularlly, I've never had the urge to return, I'm sorry to say.
(2)Nancy K.
Decided to try something new for lunch/dinner and decided in this place. We've had Irish pub food before and this was much better. Our family had the pretzel and beer cheese app, fish and chips, bangers and mash and the buffalo cheese fries. Everything tasted good and we even did dessert. The bread pudding was very tasty. The location is easy to get in and out of and there are a few cute shops in the area too. The inside decor was outstanding. It was really pub-like. Overall a very nice meal and atmosphere.
(4)Sue G.
The restaurant is great. The bangers and mash wonderful. Good service and not so loud you can't talk.
(5)James T.
I am really really picky and love Irish food and drink but am usually let down in the food department. The Sheppard's Pie rocks, as do The Bangers, as does the Breakfast. And the Beer Cheese is to die for. Also amazing service every time and a very cozy atmosphere. Best experience by far of any of these little Crabapple places. Come get yer grub on!
(5)David H.
Checked this place out for the first time this evening. The ambience is awesome and reminded us of several places in Gallway. Trevor, our bartender was awesome and knowledge. The booths are enclosed so you have a sense of privacy. The food was pretty good. Portabella fries and soda bread were great. Fish and chips and Shepard ' s pie were pretty good but fairly common. Two recommendations: 1)Presentation- there was no attempt to present the food in an appetizing manner. 2) Music- It's an Irish Pub but all I hear is Queen, Boston, and the like. The closest thing to Irish music was the Beatles. Really? Overall, had a great time and although the place could use some improvements, we'll definitely be back.
(4)Katy N.
Came here tonight with my dad, mom, and husband for my dad's retirement celebration. Trevor was our server and was incredibly fast, and catered to every whim my parents threw at him. The food was excellent as well and came out really quickly. I love this place and week definitely come back! My only complaint is that you should have buffalo chicken fingers on top of cheese fries, instead of the shredded chicken. Trust me, it's better that way.
(5)Edward W.
3.5 stars. What you'd expect for an American-ized Irish pub. Better than TGI Fridays, with better food and great atmosphere. OBDIP is a nice neighborhood bar and grill rooted in the wood and decor - much of it authentic - found over in the motherland. Ambiance is pretty cool, except for Mr. Braveheart maligned in so many other Yelp reviews. Service is mostly young and friendly, and the expansive menu has both American as well as Irish/British favorites. Food is just like on the Emerald Isle, often good, but not great. OBDIP is a perfect place for a casual burger and a pint. OBDIP is as good for a family night out as it is for an after-golf ale with your buds. So come in with real expectations and you won't be disappointed. Slainte!
(3)Jennifer F.
I have been here many times, have eaten several things, and haven't been disappointed once! Also, the drinks are very good. The decor is beautiful and the wait staff are very friendly. The fish-n-chips are excellent... I have also had the pot roast w veggies and then the Irish Stew, and both of those are exceptional. My father had the Monte Christo, and he really enjoyed that. And, if you're here, get the sticky toffee pudding for dessert -- it is big enough to share! The covered beer garten is bright and a great place to sit on cool evenings.
(5)Nicholas T.
Our second visit was a little less pleasant. The waitress was great however the kitchen fed her our meals for a party of 5, very slowly. This resulted in meals coming to some at our table while others waited. A GENERAL SUGGESTION TO MANAGMENT: Your background music is to entertain your staff, not your customers. Hard rock? while tables are occupied by an average age of 50 plus on a Saturday Night? In the end, our luke warm food was good. would have been better hot.
(2)Tom E.
My bloodline consists of mostly German, Irish, and Danish. My friends and family usually tell me I act mostly like an Irishmen (I will take it as a compliment, even though they probably mean it harshly). With that being said, I love pubs, and everything about them. An authentically decorated pub less than 4 miles from my house automatically wets my whistle. This place has been around for a few years now, and I have just suddenly been able to make it there. Nestled in a cute brick village in the "Crabapple" community (near the Milton/Aplharetta border), you can instantly tell the OBD is a pub by the dark woods and the stained glass (I would love to see a place like this hidden under a cathedral). There is a covered patio as well- it is intimate, but spacious enough. I enjoy the layout immensely. All of the things on the inside are authentic from pubs in Ireland- huge plus in my book. Makes me feel like I am back in Europe. The menu is straightforward pub fare, with the addition of extra items. There are plenty of options and will fill you up. The drinks are plentiful as well, showcasing drinks of the Northern European Islands. Hell, you can mix Guinness there with just about anything- even champagne! I have stuck with the corned beef and cabbage everytime I come here- I just love the comfort food style about it. And the smell it gives off at work the next morning- deadly ammunition. One thing I have realized though is drinks are brought out kind of slow, unless you sit at the bar (maybe that's the point of sitting at the actual bar?). For someone who needs a drink every hour of the day, that can be excruciating. I love this place- as in the pub that closed across the street from my house was heart breaking- it was nice to know a replacement was built not too far away. Now when you read my review for the other location, you will know why I gave that one 5 stars, and this one 4...
(4)Michelle T.
Decided to try out this place for dinner because my teen was craving an Irish Breakfast. Tried the chips with ranch as a light app. They were okay. They liked their Irish brkfsts and I ordered the Edinburgher. It was pretty good as I had it topped with crispy onions and egg. Side was curry steamed veg which actually contained 0 curry. The big disappointment was the fact that they were out of soda bread. Atmosphere was nice and the place was packed. Noisy as lots of patrons were following ladies FIFA. Smithwicks was good. could have been Irish, but sadly, it was not. ....and here it is an hour later and I'm still hearing about the complete and utter lack of soda bread....
(3)Justine N.
Not sure about these lower reviews. The food I've had is so good, like their fried chicken sandwich, I dream about this thing.. I've had several things on the menu and the only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was their wings. I love the atmosphere, and the bar is really great. Some of the tables are really neat and tucked away. The out door patio is nice. And it's nice that they stay open later than most places around here.
(4)Charlie B.
I like it here. Typical fake Oi-rish pub, but the food and service are better than most. In terms of what to order I've enjoyed the short rib sand meatloaf sandwiches the most of all the things I've ordered.
(3)Kristin B.
The best fried pickles OTP. Yep, that's a bold statement, but I'm willing to stand by it. They're sliced thick, well battered, and come with this fantastic tabasco/ranch dipping sauce. Yum. Like most of the menu, it's a little pricey at $8 for just a handful of pieces, but they are so good, I'm willing to pay the price. Like the Olde Blind Dog ITP, this location is decorated to the nines. You'll feel like you're at Disney World with the degree that they've carried out their Irish/Scottish theme, complete with life-sized Mel Gibson figurine straight out of Braveheart. This location also has a pretty nice patio. If you're coming with a group, you'll want to make reservations, even on a weeknight, as Olde Blind Dog is pretty popular and much of the seating is booth style, leaving minimal space for larger parties. Service can be hit or miss, but they almost never tack on an automatic gratuity for groups, which I appreciate. Food is slightly overpriced but solid bar food, with an added healthy measure of Irish classics like fish and chips, beef stew, and corned beef. Though nothing is particularly creative or inventive, everything I've tried has been very tasty. I appreciate that many of their salads come with some kind of protein already on them (like hardboiled eggs) because adding grilled chicken or salmon takes them into the $12+ range, which is more than I'm willing to pay for a salad at a bar. Their drink menu is stocked with good beer options, and they offer Strongbow cider on draft as well. Overall, this is an a-ok spot that I gladly return to with my OTP friends.
(3)Dan S.
My 1st try at this Irish pub was a great experience. My wife and I went with friends of ours based on information from other friends that Olde Blind Dog was a great place to kick back, drink some good beers in a welcoming atmosphere. It didn't disappoint. The fish and chips were fresh and very tasty and the Guinness went down smooth. I would have loved to have sat near the bar, maybe next time....
(4)Ryan O.
Great staff, great atmosphere and you cannot beat the food and draft Guinness. I love this place.
(5)Scott M.
Ok so me and my family just left here after lunch and I have to say the food quality has really gone down over the years. We left at least half of our food uneaten. We ordered fish and chips which were so loaded in oil you could squeeze it out, the fries were cold and terrible. The ceasar salad tastes like the bagged lettuce that is marked down on clearance when it starts to turn, and the anchors were completely soggy and gross. I can honestly say I will never eat here again.
(1)Mary Alison Q.
Really cool ambience. I felt it looked like a genuine pub in Dublin. I was however disappointed in the food. It was just....eh. Nothing special. I have the buffalo chicken sandwich and nothing really exciting. It won't stope from coming back for drinks. Awesome drink selection !
(3)Richard F.
Great beer selection. The clam chowder was excellent and the meatloaf was very good. Service was great. I'll definitely be back.
(4)