Bar Review - Cross the tracks to the Corner Pub
Genre: Friendly neighborhood watering hole
Where to?: The Corner Pub is located across the tracks on West College Avenue in Decatur, continuing to fill the small strip of storefronts already occupied by hip hair salon Grow and gourmet food store Bada Bing.
The scene: The bar, with high chairs surrounding it, encompasses the entire left side of the room. Little hooks are hidden underneath the thick wooden top, providing the perfect spot to hang a purse or coat. The walls are covered with local artwork, which is all for sale. Of course a pub wouldn't be complete without the coveted jukebox — and a good one at that. The selection of music features everything from Johnny Cash to Mos Def.
The clientele: Opened by former Righteous Room bartender Josh Elrod, there are some familiar faces behind the bar, and devoted fans have followed their favorite drink slingers to the new spot. For friends of the bar staff, locals from surrounding neighborhoods, and young hipsters checking out the scene, this unpretentious bar caters to all walks of life, and the staff wants to keep it that way.
Drinks: No fancy cocktails here, the Corner Pub adheres to old school rules. There are seven beers on draft as well a selection of bottled beer, wine and a fully stocked bar.
Pub grub: Staple bar food like crispy fries, chips and salsa, wings, burgers and chicken sandwiches suggest the Corner Pub is primarily a drinking establishment. There is a small selection of entrees including pork chops with a side of sweet potatoes and veggies. Surprisingly, there are some vegetarian options, too, including a veggie Cuban sandwich, veggie philly and the meatless meal.
Wallet impact: The Corner Pub won't break the bank. Draft beers range from $2 to $4.75, while most top-shelf liquor drinks are in the $5-$6 range. Burger, sandwiches and salads are between $5-$7, and entrees vary between $8-$10. There are also some nightly specials, like the $2 Tooker Tuesday, where you get a Belgian white brew served in a souvenir pint glass.
Across the tracks: Until recently there were not too many reasons to cross the train tracks from DeKalb Avenue onto College Avenue. But within the last six months or so, this quiet, unpretentious neighborhood has seen some action and the addition of the Corner Pub will certainly add to the hype.
On a Wednesday night a few weeks back, the tables and bar were filled with patrons swilling drinks and enjoying happy banter with the bar staff. Every few minutes someone new would walk into the bar, guaranteed to be greeted by name by a waiter, bartender or patron alike.
The Corner Pub. Tues.-Thurs. 3 p.m.- 2 a.m.; Fri. 3 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat. noon-3 a.m.;Sun. noon-4 a.m. 910 W. College Ave., Decatur. 404-377-5032.