Bar Review - No mechanics, but U Joint offers other fluids

If it's a casual spot with an open patio, reliable food and good old brews you crave, look no further than Universal Joint. Situated in the quaint neighborhood of Oakhurst, amongst the neighborhood's small eateries, coffee shop and video rental store, the U Joint, as it is referred to by regulars, is the quintessential hangout.

Once a full-service gas station, a universal joint is actually an automotive part used to connect rotating shafts. The cleverly named pub has retained some of the old station charm in its decor. Inside, the cozy space houses a few tables and a small L-shaped bar, fully conducive to conversation. The still-functional garage doors roll open to reveal a spacious patio filled with tables. A large covered island table surrounded with stools sits to one side, where gas pumps once stood.

At any given time, U Joint's crowd is a welcome mix of neighborhood folk, as well as other intowners looking for a chill spot to kick back. It's not uncommon to see four-legged locals wandering around the patio or just lounging under a table. Patrons often know each other so regular intermingling and friendly banter occur amongst parties.

U Joint serves dependable and decently priced pub grub with a selection of burgers, veggie burgers, a buffalo-chicken quesadilla served with blue cheese dressing, a hummus plate, and the "I bet you can't eat just one" basket of onion straws. Beers on draught include Bass, Guinness, Hoegardan, Sierra Nevada, Stella Artois and Sweetwater 420 among others.

A recent weekend afternoon found a few friends and I baking under an umbrella on the otherwise sunny patio. After chowing down on veggie burgers and onion straws we exchanged grievances with fellow patio dwellers about the unyielding heat, but decided to hang around for a few thirst-quenching beers. By sunset the outdoor spot was full of smiling customers, still perspiring in the humidity but perfectly content to rack up bar tabs and lounge into the night hours.

Universal Joint. Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m.-4 a.m. 906 Oakview Road, Decatur. 404-373-6260. www.ujointbar.com.