Meehan’s Public House in Atlanta: What To Know Before You Go
If you’re searching for “Meehan’s restaurant Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly looking for Meehan’s Public House – a well‑known Irish‑style pub concept that has operated in several parts of metro Atlanta over the years. While some locations have changed hands or closed, the name still comes up often when locals and visitors talk about casual pub food, pints, and watching a game in the city.
This guide walks through what Meehan’s was known for in Atlanta, what you can typically expect from similar Irish pubs around the city now, and how to track down current information so you don’t show up at a shuttered door.
What “Meehan’s Restaurant Atlanta” Usually Refers To
Historically, Meehan’s Public House has referred to an Irish pub–style restaurant concept with multiple locations around metro Atlanta. Over time, different outposts have opened, rebranded, or closed. That’s why online searches can be confusing: you might see old references to a location that no longer operates under the Meehan’s name.
When people in Atlanta talk about “Meehan’s,” they’re usually thinking of:
- Casual Irish pub atmosphere
- Comfort food and bar bites
- Full bar with draft beer, often including Irish and local options
- Sports on TV, especially soccer, rugby, and American football
- Downtown or in-town locations that are easy to reach from major neighborhoods
If you’ve just moved to Atlanta or are planning a visit, you may have heard the name from locals remembering former downtown or Midtown locations that served as pre-game spots before events.
Because the Atlanta restaurant scene changes fast, always double‑check whether a specific Meehan’s location is still operating and under what name before heading out.
Typical Menu: What Kind of Food and Drink You Can Expect
Even if specific Meehan’s locations change, the style of restaurant people are looking for when they search this term is fairly consistent: an Irish‑inspired pub with American touches.
You can usually expect food along these lines:
Pub Classics
- Fish and chips – battered white fish with fries
- Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie – ground meat, veggies, mashed potato topping
- Bangers and mash – sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy
- Corned beef or Reuben sandwich – often on rye with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese
American Bar Food
- Burgers and sliders
- Chicken tenders or wings with a choice of sauces
- Nachos, soft pretzels, or loaded fries
- Salads and wraps for lighter options
Drinks
Most Irish pubs in Atlanta, including places that have carried the Meehan’s name, typically offer:
- Draft beer – a mix of Irish staples (such as stout or Irish lager) and Atlanta-based or Georgia craft beers
- Bottled/canned beer and cider
- Whiskey – Irish and American whiskeys, plus standard bar liquor
- Basic cocktails – classic pub cocktails and mixed drinks
Note that menus, prices, and drink lineups vary by location and over time, so use this as a general guide, not a live menu.
Atmosphere: What It’s Like Inside
For someone in or visiting Atlanta, the appeal of a “Meehan’s‑style” restaurant is as much about vibe as it is about food.
You can usually expect:
- Lively but relaxed setting – high‑top tables, bar seating, and TVs
- Casual dress – jeans and T‑shirts are standard
- Game‑day energy – especially for soccer, rugby, NFL, and college football
- After‑work crowd – people coming from downtown offices or nearby neighborhoods
- Group‑friendly layout – tables or sections that can accommodate larger parties
If you’re looking for a quiet, fine‑dining environment, this style of restaurant may not be the best fit. If you want a pint, a burger, and a game on TV, you’ll likely feel right at home.
How Meehan’s Fit (and Fits) Into the Atlanta Neighborhood Map
Over the years, Meehan’s has operated or been associated with several Atlanta areas. Even as specific locations come and go, it helps to understand where this type of pub typically shows up in the city so you can plan your visit:
Downtown Atlanta
- Often associated with pre‑event crowds heading to:
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Popular with tourists staying near Centennial Olympic Park or the convention district
- Convenient to MARTA rail stations and major hotels
Midtown and In‑Town Areas
Even when a Meehan’s location isn’t active, Irish‑style pubs with a similar vibe often cluster around:
- Midtown – near Peachtree Street and arts venues
- Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park / Edgewood – for people combining pub food with a night out
- Virginia-Highland – known for neighborhood pubs and casual dining
Suburban Spots
At various times, Meehan’s‑branded or similar Irish pubs have appeared in suburban town centers around metro Atlanta. If you’re staying outside the city proper, it’s common to find this style of restaurant:
- Near mixed‑use developments
- Along major corridors like GA‑400, I‑75, or I‑285
- In historic downtowns of nearby cities
Because of frequent turnover in the restaurant industry, always verify a specific address and current branding before you go.
Checking Current Status: Is a Meehan’s Location Still Open?
Restaurants in Atlanta can change quickly—concepts are rebranded, ownership shifts, or spaces are taken over by new tenants. If you specifically want “Meehan’s Public House” and not just any Irish pub, it’s smart to:
✅ Use these quick checks:
Search the exact location name plus “Atlanta, GA”
Look for recent information about whether it’s open or has changed names.Check recent photos and reviews
New signage or references to a different name may indicate that the space is now a different restaurant.Call ahead
If you find a phone number associated with a Meehan’s location:- Confirm hours of operation
- Ask whether they still operate as Meehan’s Public House
- Verify parking and any event day changes
Check mapping apps for “Irish pub” near your part of Atlanta
If Meehan’s isn’t currently operating nearby, this can quickly surface alternatives with a similar feel.
What Locals and Visitors Usually Use Meehan’s‑Type Pubs For
If you’re trying to decide whether this type of restaurant fits into your Atlanta plans, it helps to know how people commonly use it:
Common reasons Atlantans head to an Irish pub like Meehan’s:
- Before or after games and concerts downtown
- Meeting friends after work for a drink and appetizers
- Casual group dinners where everyone can find something on the menu
- Watching international soccer or rugby in a crowd that actually follows the sport
- Low‑key weekend lunches with a pint
Families sometimes visit during the daytime or early evening, when the atmosphere is more relaxed. Late nights and big game days can be louder and more bar‑oriented.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlanta
If you do find an operating Meehan’s location or choose a similar Irish pub in Atlanta, these local tips can help your visit go more smoothly:
1. Time of Day and Crowds
- Weekday lunch: Often attracts workers from nearby offices; can be moderately busy.
- Weekday evenings: After‑work crowd; can be busy from about 5–8 p.m.
- Weekends and game days:
- Expect larger crowds and potential waits, especially downtown.
- Allow extra time for parking and traffic if there’s a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or a big event at State Farm Arena.
2. Parking and Transportation
For central Atlanta:
- Street parking may be limited or have time restrictions.
- Many areas use paid decks or surface lots; always check posted rates.
- To avoid parking hassles, many locals use:
- MARTA trains to Five Points, Peachtree Center, or GWCC/State Farm Arena stations (for downtown spots)
- Rideshare services when planning to drink
Suburban or edge‑of‑city locations may offer on‑site lots or shared parking with nearby businesses.
3. Large Groups and Events
If you’re planning to bring a group—for example, coworkers after a convention or friends before a Falcons or United match—it’s wise to:
- Call ahead and ask:
- Whether they accept reservations or call‑ahead seating
- If there are private or semi‑private areas
- How they handle separate checks
- Ask about game‑day policies, such as:
- Special menus
- Minimum spends for large tables
- Time limits on tables during peak hours
Quick Snapshot: What to Expect at a Meehan’s‑Style Pub in Atlanta
| Feature | What You’ll Typically Find in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Irish‑inspired pub food + American bar favorites |
| Price Range | Moderate – usually comparable to casual sit‑down chains |
| Dress Code | Casual; jerseys and team shirts common on game days |
| Best For | Drinks with friends, watching sports, casual meals, pre‑event meetups |
| Atmosphere | Lively, social, TVs playing sports, bar‑forward but usually family‑ok early |
| Service Style | Full‑service tables plus bar seating |
| Accessibility | Varies by location; check ahead if you need specific accommodations |
Alternatives if You Can’t Find an Active Meehan’s Location
If an Atlanta Meehan’s location is closed or rebranded when you check, you can still get a similar experience by searching for “Irish pub” or “Irish restaurant” near:
- Downtown Atlanta (for pre‑ or post‑event visits)
- Midtown (for a mix of nightlife and casual dining)
- Neighborhood centers like Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, or Decatur
You’ll often find:
- Comparable menus (fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, wings)
- A mix of Irish, British, and American beers
- TVs tuned to soccer, rugby, and American sports
- A familiar pub atmosphere that serves the same purpose for your outing
If your goal is a casual pub meal, a pint, and a good spot to catch a game in Atlanta, searching for Meehan’s Public House is a reasonable starting point—but because of the city’s changing restaurant landscape, always confirm the current status of any specific location and be ready to pivot to a similar Irish‑style pub nearby.