The Old Meridian Pub, at Old Meridian Street and Epler, recently opened in the building that for years was Smith & Dale's, then SmithDale's, then Mann's Tavern, although you'd never know it after the complete update it received this time. The old place was dumpy but small and cozy. After many years, Smith & Dale's' owner fell on hard economic times and sold out, after which it went through a couple of new owners who each renovated it, but not in a good way as far as I'm concerned: It went from comfortably well-lit to a dark and grungy little place that you only went to at the the end of your night (see a review of The Green Door for more on this phenomenon).
Now, however, I think I've found my new go-to place: The new owners are somehow related to famous old bar owner Red Taylor (of several Red's Corner(s) and The Hideaway fame) but apparently don't suffer from Red's cheapskateness (cheapskatery?) and completely gutted the place. They removed the drop ceiling, tiled the bar area, and carpeted the dining areas so it has a modern, comfortable, airy feel. The bar area is lit by cool hanging light fixtures that resemble old radio vacuum tubes (ya see, boys and girls, before there were transistors, the radios all had tubes. Huh? What're transistors? Oh, never mind! I'm old, okay?). The old game room is now an extra dining/party room. There are 6 big-screen TV's around the place, and the new sound system is GREAT! They had one of DirectTV's music channels going, and it made the new computerized juke box seem for a time unnecessary.
I'd heard a nasty rumor that the drink prices were sky-high, but they were quite reasonable: pints of domestic draft (which were good and COLD, other lesser bars TAKE HEED) cost $2.50 and glasses of Santa Angelita wines, of Chilean vintage, were $3.50 (Schneider's TAKE HEED!). We'd just eaten so we didn't order a meal, but Jeanie the bartender shared her cheese balls & ranch dressing appetizer with us. It was deeelicious, perfectly cooked (Yes, Virginia, you can screw up deep-fried cheese-- I've seen it done, but not here, thank Heaven). I really can't say enough good things about this place, although it sure looks like I've tried given the length of this post, huh? I just hope they advertise and get the word out so all those nice renovations don't go to waste....
UPDATE, 07/21/2014: Old Meridian Pub closed, dangit, but it has been bought and rechristened The Corner Pub. The old place had like 6 owners or something, one who was drunk all the time and as I understand it got barred out of his own bar, and as I understand it, the rest apparently couldn't agree with the managing partner on anything. There is just one new owner, so we'll see how she does with the place... fingers crossed!
UPDATE, 08/14/2014: I'm happy to say the Corner Pub is basically the Old Meridian renamed. Most of the same employees are back, including Steve the chef, so the food and booze is still good and reasonably priced. Hallelujah!
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