Meehan’s Public House in Atlanta: An Irish Pub with International Flair

If you’re looking for classic Irish pub atmosphere with a bit of international cuisine in Atlanta, Meehan’s Public House is one of the better-known names in the city. It blends pub comfort food, Irish favorites, and global influences in a space that feels approachable whether you’re a Midtown regular, downtown worker, or visiting from out of town.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, where it fits into Atlanta’s dining scene, and how to decide if it’s right for your next meal or night out.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Meehan’s Public House?

Meehan’s is best described as an Irish-style gastropub that fits under international cuisine in Atlanta’s restaurant landscape. It typically combines:

  • Irish and British pub staples (fish and chips, shepherd’s pie–style dishes, bangers and mash)
  • American bar favorites (burgers, wings, sandwiches)
  • A broad drink list with beer, whiskey, and cocktails

For Atlanta diners, that means you’re not getting a strictly traditional Irish menu, but rather a pub menu with international roots and plenty of familiar options.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Most Atlantans experience Meehan’s as:

  • Lively and social – especially on weekends, game days, or late evenings
  • Casual dress – jeans, T-shirts, and jerseys are common
  • Pub-style seating – high-top tables, bar seating, and some standard tables
  • TVs for sports – especially popular during soccer, football, and major sporting events

If you live or work nearby, Meehan’s often functions as a go-to neighborhood pub. If you’re visiting Atlanta, it’s a comfortable, low-pressure spot to grab a drink and a recognizable meal without needing a reservation at a high-end restaurant.

Typical Menu: Irish Roots with International and American Comfort Food

The exact offerings can vary by location and season, but diners in Atlanta usually find a menu that looks something like this:

Classic Pub and Irish-Inspired Dishes

You can usually expect:

  • Fish and chips – battered fish with fries and tartar sauce
  • Shepherd’s pie–style dishes – ground meat, vegetables, mashed potato topping
  • Bangers and mash–style plates – sausages with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Guinness or stout-influenced dishes – stews, sauces, or braises using dark beer

These are the items that anchor Meehan’s in the international/Irish pub category.

International Pub Food Meets American Favorites

In addition to Irish classics, many Atlantans go for:

  • Burgers and sliders – often with toppings like Irish cheese, bacon, or specialty sauces
  • Wings and shareable appetizers – tossed in different sauces, ideal for groups
  • Sandwiches and wraps – chicken, turkey, or roast beef options
  • Salads – for lighter meals, usually with the option to add protein

You’ll often see international touches (like European cheeses or pub-style sauces) layered onto American bar food, which makes the menu approachable even for picky eaters.

Vegetarian and Dietary Considerations

Most pub-style menus in Atlanta, including at places like Meehan’s, offer:

  • At least one vegetarian entrée or sandwich
  • Salads and sides that can be ordered without meat
  • Some gluten-conscious options, though heavily fried or breaded items are common

If you have strict dietary needs, it’s usually best to ask your server directly how items are prepared and whether modifications are possible.

Drinks: Beer, Whiskey, and More

A big part of the draw at Meehan’s Public House is the bar program, which typically includes:

  • Draft and bottled beers – Irish and British imports, plus American craft and domestic beer
  • Irish whiskeys – several labels, sometimes alongside Scotch and American whiskey
  • Ciders and lighter options – helpful for non-beer drinkers
  • Cocktails – classic mixed drinks and house specials

For Atlanta residents, Meehan’s often functions as a meetup spot for:

  • After-work drinks
  • Casual date nights
  • Pre- or post-event stops if you’re headed to nearby venues

If you’re visiting, it’s a straightforward place to try an Irish beer or whiskey in a comfortable Atlanta setting.

Locations and Getting There in Atlanta

Meehan’s has operated multiple locations in and around Atlanta over time, often in busy, walkable parts of town. Exact locations can change, but historically Atlantans have found Meehan’s in areas like:

  • Downtown / Five Points area – convenient to offices, hotels, and tourist sites
  • Midtown – close to offices, nightlife, and public transit
  • Suburban spots in the metro area – sometimes near shopping centers or mixed-use developments

Because restaurant openings, closings, and relocations do occur in Atlanta, it’s wise to:

  • ✅ Check the current address and hours before you go
  • ✅ Confirm parking options (street, deck, or valet) for that specific location
  • ✅ Look up whether a location is more office-worker focused (busy at lunch) or nightlife focused (busier in the evenings and on weekends)

When to Go: Timing Your Visit

Lunch vs. Dinner

In Atlanta, Meehan’s Public House tends to follow this general pattern:

  • Weekday lunch – At locations near offices, you’ll see a good mix of workers grabbing a quick bite.
  • Weeknight dinner – A bit more relaxed; easier to talk, good for small groups.
  • Weekend evenings – Can be louder and more crowded, especially when games are on.

If you’re hoping for a quieter meal, earlier in the evening or non-peak weekdays are usually better.

Game Days and Special Events

On days with:

  • Major soccer matches
  • College or NFL football
  • Big playoff or championship games

Meehan’s can feel like a sports bar with an Irish twist. Expect more noise, more standing guests, and a high-energy crowd. This can be fun if you want that vibe, but less ideal if you’re looking for a calm dinner.

Approximate Price Expectations

Exact pricing can vary, but Atlantans generally experience Meehan’s Public House as mid-range:

  • Starters / appetizers: Often in the lower to mid-teens
  • Main dishes / entrées: Typically in the mid-teens to low twenties, depending on the item
  • Beer and cocktails: In line with other centrally located Atlanta pubs

You’re likely to spend more than at a fast-casual spot, but less than at a white-tablecloth restaurant in Buckhead or Midtown.

Family-Friendliness and Group Visits

Bringing Kids

While Meehan’s is primarily a pub, many Atlanta-area locations do welcome families, especially earlier in the day:

  • Daytime and early evening: Usually comfortable for kids, with familiar menu options like fries, burgers, and chicken dishes.
  • Later at night: The atmosphere may lean more toward adult socializing and drinking, especially on weekends.

If you’re concerned, you can call ahead to check how family-oriented a specific location tends to be at the time you want to visit.

Groups and Meetups

Meehan’s can work well for:

  • Office happy hours
  • Birthday gatherings
  • Small social meetups or club outings

Larger groups in Atlanta often:

  • Call ahead to see if space can be held or if a section can be arranged
  • Check whether separate checks can be handled easily
  • Ask about any group menus or food-and-drink minimums, if applicable

How Meehan’s Fits into Atlanta’s International Cuisine Scene

Atlanta has a very broad international dining scene, from Buford Highway’s global strip malls to high-end international kitchens in Midtown and Buckhead. Meehan’s Public House offers:

  • A more casual, pub-focused take on international cuisine
  • Irish and British influence without requiring an adventurous palate
  • An easy way to add an international element to a night of drinks and sports

If you’re looking for deeply traditional or regional Irish cooking, you may still want to explore beyond pub fare. But if your priority is a comfortable pub with Irish and international touches in the heart of Atlanta, Meehan’s fits many people’s needs.

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

To make the most of a visit to Meehan’s Public House in Atlanta:

  • 📍 Confirm the active location you plan to visit, since restaurants can change addresses or close.
  • ⏰ Check hours and kitchen times, especially if you’re going late at night.
  • 🚗 Plan parking or transit – locations near MARTA stations can be convenient if you don’t want to drive.
  • 📞 Call ahead for larger groups or if you’re visiting during a major game or event.
  • 🍽️ If you have dietary restrictions, ask your server about ingredients and possible modifications, especially for fried or breaded items.

Meehan’s Public House gives Atlanta residents and visitors a recognizable Irish pub experience blended with internationally influenced comfort food, making it a useful option when you want something lively, social, and easy to enjoy without a lot of planning.