Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

One meal at the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub in Milton will have you seeing a brave-hearted William Wallace in addition to glass stained leprechauns – and that’s before you even taste a pint.

Having only opened in February 2009, the “eatin’ house” (or restaurant) has fast become a local favorite. Inside, maze-like seating areas provide the private, secluded feeling of a “hole-in-the-wall” pub. If it wasn’t for the lack of Irish accents, age-old grime and some barroom graffiti, you might believe you had wandered in off the streets of Dublin.

Its cozy interior is so authentic it’s hard to tell whether decor such as stained glass studded booths and intricate wood detailing are manufactured or antique. But owners are proud of the new construction, which has infused green details throughout. Even the menus are made from recycled paper.

During the warm months, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to catch the evening breeze and some live music with friends.

But this neighborhood hangout has more to offer than just unique atmosphere; the “spirits” and food have already gained quite a following.

Start your meal with a “greadóg” (appetizer) such as Flying Chicken (buffalo wings, $7.95), Tabasco Deep Fried Pickles ($6.95) or Kerrygold Cheddar Dip (served with fresh pretzel bread, $7.95).

If you are in the mood for a sandwich, the pub has plenty to choose from, like the Kilkenny Reuben ($9.95), the Galway Steak sandwich (New York Strip, with caramelized onions, red peppers, Irish cheese and steak sauce, $11.95) or the Limerick Monte Cristo (a monte cristo sandwich lightly battered and fried, topped with powdered sugar and raspberry preserves, $8.95).

Or maybe you want to try an Irish classic such as the Shepherd’s Pie ($13.95), the Irish Stew (lamb, potatoes, vegetables served with soda bread for dunking in the broth, $11.95), or the Corned Beef and Cabbage ($15.95).

And like the menu says, “never, ever, skip dessert.”

Try the Sticky Toffee Pudding ($5.95) or the Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake ($5.95).  

Whatever you order, whenever you go, the Olde Blind Dog is sure to make you miss the motherland, even if you’re not Irish.

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.