Omnivore Atlanta

RING THE ALARM: Occupying prime real estate in the 100-year-old Engine 11 firehouse on North Avenue, this laid-back tavern — formerly the Spotted Dog — maintains its antique charm. Grand mahogany accents, dimly-lit lamps (made out of copper-plated fire extinguishers) and two large arched windows give the dining room and patio some common ground. The space upgrades to the present with three large plasma TVs broadcasting the latest games

HOSE ‘EM DOWN: The fully stocked bar houses 16 beers on draft, with most of the focus on domestic favorites. A few gem craft beers include Kona’s Fire Rock Pale Ale from Hawaii. There’s a small wine list, but beer and straightforward mixed drinks are the main draw for the after-work crowd.

STOP, DROP AND ONION ROLL: The menu features the usual bar fare as well as a few stand outs, including meat loaf and “Flashing Lights Shrimp” — fried shrimp with a trio of dipping sauces. If you really plan to chow down while throwing back a few, your best bet is to go with the juicy Engine 11 burger.

Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern, 30 North Ave. 404-873-3473. www.engine11atl.com. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.- 3 a.m.; Sunday 10:30-midnight.

(Photo courtesy Engine 11)

Bookmark to:

I had been serving at the Spotted Dog for over a month in June, and was shocked to see all of the patio furniture MIA when I arrived for my lunch shift. I swung open the back door to find the kitchen empty, except for one lonely cook tightening the lid of a pickle jar. He looked startled to see me standing bewildered in the doorway.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Oh, you didn’t hear?” he said, shaking his head. “We shut down. You’re out of a job.”

I trudged away.

So, the Spotted Dog left me hanging jobless and confused, without a definite reason why I was jobless and confused. The pub abandoned not only me, but North Avenue and their button-up Bank of America regulars. Since that gloomy day in June, it has been clear to everyone that the empty firehouse on North Ave. needed a hero.

This morning, whizzing by the ex-pub, I saw something bright floating over the patio. Was it a bird? A plane? No, it’s Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern! And even though the logo looks a bit like Firehouse Subs, I’m glad someone has recognized the space’s potential, because seriously, the location is ballin’ and they did a great job renovating the firehouse.

Engine 11 is putting the finishing touches on the menu and has not set an exact date for their grand opening. For more information, visit their website: www.engine11atl.com.

Bookmark to: