Mac McGee Irish Pub in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and craving a classic Irish pub experience with a strong kitchen and a serious bar program, Mac McGee Irish Pub is a name you’ll hear often—especially in and around Decatur. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to order, and how to make the most of a visit if you live in metro Atlanta or you’re just in town for a few days.

Where Mac McGee Fits in Atlanta’s Food and Drink Scene

Mac McGee sits in the “Kitchen and Bar” niche: it’s a full-service restaurant with a substantial menu, but the bar is a major attraction in its own right. For many Atlanta residents, it fills that “neighborhood pub” role—somewhere you’d go for:

• A proper pint of Guinness or Irish whiskey
• Comfort food with a pub-grub-meets-Southern edge
• A lively environment that still works for casual dinner

While Atlanta is full of bars and restaurants, Mac McGee stands out for people who specifically want an Irish-style pub experience without leaving the ITP/metro area.

Location, Parking, and Getting There

Mac McGee is closely associated with downtown Decatur, a walkable, transit-friendly hub just east of the City of Atlanta.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By MARTA:

• From most of Atlanta, you can reach Decatur via the Blue line.
• Get off at the Decatur MARTA Station. From there, Mac McGee is typically a short walk along the square, making it an easy choice if you don’t want to drive.

By Car:

• From Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, you’ll usually take Ponce de Leon Avenue east or use I-20 / I-285 depending on where you’re coming from.
• Expect heavier traffic on Friday and Saturday evenings, especially when the weather is nice and the Decatur square is busy.

Parking Tips

Parking in downtown Decatur can feel tight during peak times, but it’s manageable if you know what to expect:

• City parking decks around the square are common options.
• Street parking is often metered; time limits and enforcement hours are posted on the signs.
• On busy nights, plan an extra 10–15 minutes for parking and walking, especially if you’re meeting a group.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like Inside

Mac McGee aims for a traditional Irish pub vibe, blended with the energy you’d expect in a busy intown Atlanta neighborhood.

You can generally expect:

• Dark wood interiors, vintage decor, and cozy lighting
• A mix of bar seating, high-tops, and regular tables
• A crowd that ranges from after-work groups and couples to local residents

The noise level can get lively, particularly:

• Weekend evenings
• During big sports events or holidays

If you prefer a quieter visit, many Atlanta locals aim for:

• Weeknights (earlier in the evening)
• Weekend afternoons before the dinner rush

The Kitchen: Food You’re Likely to Find

While menus can change, Mac McGee’s kitchen typically focuses on Irish and pub-style dishes with accessible options for most tastes.

Common Pub Favorites

You will commonly find:

• Fish and chips – often a go-to recommendation for first-time visitors
• Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie – hearty, classic comfort food
• Burgers and sandwiches – options for those who want something familiar
• Bangers and mash – sausage and mashed potatoes with gravy-style sauces

Portions trend toward filling and hearty, which fits the pub style and makes it a solid choice if you’re out with friends or looking to fuel up before or after an event.

Starters and Shareables

If you’re visiting for drinks and light bites:

• Soft pretzels, fries, or loaded fries
• Fried snacks or small plates that are easy to share

These are popular with groups pairing food with beer or whiskey flights.

Dietary Considerations

While Mac McGee is not positioned as a specialized dietary restaurant, Atlanta diners who avoid certain foods often look for:

• Vegetarian-friendly starters or salads
• Options that can be modified (for example, removing cheese or sauces)

If you have serious food allergies or strict dietary needs, it is wise to:

• Ask staff directly about ingredients and preparation
• Confirm whether cross-contact with allergens is possible in the kitchen

The Bar: Beer, Whiskey, and Cocktails

For many Atlantans, the bar is the main reason to choose Mac McGee over a general restaurant.

Beer Selection

Expect:

• Irish staples such as Guinness and other well-known brands
• A mix of imported and domestic beers
• Rotating taps that may feature local Georgia breweries

This makes it appealing both to traditional beer drinkers and Atlanta craft-beer fans who want a pub setting.

Whiskey and Spirits

Mac McGee is often known for:

• A broad Irish whiskey selection
• Additional Scotch, bourbon, and other whiskeys
• Classic Irish cocktails and whiskey-based drinks

If you’re newer to whiskey, bartenders in pubs like this often:

• Suggest beginner-friendly pours
• Recommend different styles based on flavor preference (smoky, smooth, sweet, etc.)

Cocktails and Non-Alcoholic Options

In addition to beer and whiskey, expect:

• Classic cocktails and house specials
• At least a few non-alcoholic options (such as soft drinks, juices, and sometimes N/A beers or mocktails)

If you don’t drink alcohol, it’s helpful to ask what non-alcoholic choices are currently available, since these can rotate.

When to Go: Crowds, Timing, and Events

Like much of metro Atlanta’s bar-and-restaurant scene, Mac McGee’s crowd levels depend heavily on day and time.

Typical Patterns

• Weeknights (Mon–Thu):

  • Moderate crowds, especially around after-work hours.
  • Good for casual dinners or if you prefer less noise.

• Friday and Saturday nights:

  • Often the busiest times, with a lively bar atmosphere.
  • If you’re planning a group gathering, arriving earlier in the evening may help with seating.

• Weekend afternoons:

  • Popular with locals who want a late lunch or early drinks.
  • Often a comfortable time for families or visitors exploring Decatur.

Special Events and Game Days

In an Atlanta-area Irish pub, you can expect higher energy and potentially more crowds during:

• Major sports games (especially soccer, international tournaments, and sometimes local Atlanta teams)
• St. Patrick’s Day and other Irish-themed celebrations

If big crowds aren’t your thing, you might plan your visit outside of major events or call ahead to ask if anything special is happening.

What It Costs: Price Expectations

Prices can shift over time, but Mac McGee typically sits in the moderate range for an in-town Atlanta pub.

You can roughly expect:

• Starters and shareables: Lower to mid-range pricing
• Main dishes (burgers, fish and chips, pies): Mid-range for the metro area
• Beer and cocktails: Comparable to other intown Atlanta bars, with some higher-priced whiskeys depending on what you order

For budgeting:

• A casual dinner with a drink per person will usually land in the same neighborhood as other sit-down restaurants in Decatur.
• Multiple drinks or specialty whiskeys will increase the tab quickly, as they do at most whiskey-focused bars.

Who Mac McGee Is Best For

Based on how Atlanta-area diners tend to use it, Mac McGee usually works well for:

• Locals in Decatur, Druid Hills, and Intown neighborhoods who want a reliable pub with solid food
• Visitors staying in Atlanta who want an easy MARTA-accessible night out with a European pub feel
• Groups of friends or coworkers looking for a laid-back place to talk, drink, and share appetizers
• Food-focused pub-goers who value hearty, classic dishes along with a serious drink list

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for:

• A very quiet, fine-dining environment
• Highly specialized dietary menus (gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-specific programs)

Tips for a Smooth Visit

To get the most out of a trip to Mac McGee as an Atlanta-area guest:

1. Check current hours and offerings.
Menus and operating hours can change, especially around holidays or events.

2. Consider MARTA if you’re coming from central Atlanta.
Avoiding parking and traffic can make the evening more relaxed.

3. Time your visit.

• Go earlier in the evening or on weeknights if you want calmer energy.
• Aim for weekend nights if you’re seeking a more bustling pub atmosphere.

4. Ask about the day’s specials.
Pubs like this often have rotating items or drink features that don’t always appear in printed menus.

5. Communicate dietary needs clearly.
If you have allergies or restrictions, ask directly how dishes are prepared and whether modifications are possible.

Quick Snapshot: Mac McGee Irish Pub at a Glance

This gives you a realistic idea of what Mac McGee Irish Pub offers within the Atlanta-area restaurant and bar scene, so you can decide whether it fits your plans—whether you’re a Decatur regular, a Midtown commuter, or a visitor exploring the city for the first time.