Brick Store Pub

"Brick Store is a low-key dinner pub that takes beer very seriously. There are no televisions at the bar for mindless distraction and no commercial beers on tap. Instead, they have a special “Cellar List” of more than 650 vintage beers. Aside from the beer, this charmingly old-school tavern is still a great choice for a casual dinner in the Square. The menu covers all the classic pub staples (excellent fish and chips and a well-executed, juicy cheeseburger). They also flex some I-can't-believe-this-is-pub-food standouts, like fried pierogies and a short rib pot roast that’s the headliner here." - juli horsford, jacinta howard, nina reeder

"This popular Decatur beer pub offers a lengthy list of local, Belgian, and hard-to-find beers on the menu and more than two dozen on tap. It also includes a beer garden in the back, complete with a fire pit, a patio bar, and plenty of shady spots for both people and their dogs to relax. Dine on giant soft pretzels with beer cheese, fried pierogi, bacon and pimento cheeseburger, griddled mac and cheese, or a steak sandwich while sipping on locally brewed lagers and hoppy IPAs or imported hefeweizens, zwickelbiers, and English bitters. Dogs on leashes welcome. Family friendly." - Henna Bakshi

"Brick Store is an old-school dinner pub that takes beer very seriously. There are no televisions at the bar for mindless distraction and no commercial beers on tap. Instead, they have a special “Cellar List” of more than 650 vintage beers. But aside from being a beer lovers paradise, this charming pub with exposed brick and comfy, padded booths is still one of the best choices for a casual dinner in Decatur Square. The menu covers all the classic pub staples, from excellent fish and chips (giant pieces of cod) to a well-executed, juicy cheeseburger. They also flex some I-can't-beleive-this-is-pub-food standouts, like fried pierogies (we’re still working out how they get the potatoes inside to be so smooth) and a short rib pot roast that’s the headliner here. Food Rundown Short Rib Pot Roast This is so popular (and damn good) that it often sells out. They only offer it after 5pm, so plan accordingly if you're trying to get a taste. House Smoked Wings Juicy and plump, these wings are always reliable and can be ordered with either a spicy buffalo or the featured sauce of the day like hot honey. photo credit: Juli Horsford Fried Pierogies Get this (it really should be in all caps, but our style guide forbids this). You get four pierogies stuffed with the smoothest mashed potatoes in the world, sitting in a drinkable brown butter sauce with caramelized onions and an herb medley. photo credit: Tori Allen The Burger This should also be on the table. It’s as straightforward as burgers come (melty american cheese, lettuce, bread and butter pickles, a thick-ish patty, a tangy sauce, and a sesame seed bun), but it reaffirms our love for an American classic. Fish & Chips These three giant pieces of beer-battered cod are difficult to eat because the fish flakes away so perfectly. This is best when paired with a vintage beer from the cellar. Turkey Sandwich There’s no wow factor here, it’s just a really good turkey sandwich. The sliced turkey is piled high enough to warrant the use of a yard stick to measure it, and the tarragon mayo slathered on the rye bread gives it a little extra pizazz." - Juli Horsford

"The beloved Decatur beer bar will be open again this year starting at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day. Cozy up with a brew, including the cask selections and hard-to-find options from Belgium. Order the steaming chicken pot pie, with no grocery trip or cleanup required." - Caroline Eubanks

"This longtime downtown Decatur beer pub offers a lengthy, rotating list of local, Belgian, and hard-to-find beers on its menu and on its more than two dozens taps. Not to mention, the kitchen serves an excellent pub food menu for lunch and dinner. In 2020, the pub created a beer garden and outdoor bar out back, complete with a fire pit, its own beer list, snacks, and plenty of shady spots for the dogs." - Eater Staff, Lia Picard