Old Blind Dog Irish Pub in Alpharetta is a beloved local establishment that captures the essence of a traditional Irish neighborhood pub. It has become a cultural touchstone, preserving and celebrating Irish heritage through its decor, music, and food. Patrons can enjoy hearty meals like shepherd's pie or fish and chips, often accompanied by a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
Since its opening, it has become a cornerstone of the Crabapple community, known for its warm hospitality, authentic ambiance, and menu that delights both locals and visitors alike. From the moment you step inside Old Blind Dog, you are transported to a cozy, inviting setting reminiscent of a true Irish pub from
centuries ago. The pub's design incorporates rich wood paneling, ornate stained glass, and vintage memorabilia that evoke the charm and history of Ireland and the British Isles. Dim lighting and comfortable seating areas create an atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying a quiet meal.
“I think what truly sets us apart from other places is not just our recipes but the quality of the ingredients we use, " says the general manager, Danny Edmonds. “We use ground lamb in our Shepherd’s Pie and top it with only the best Irish cheddar and the corned beef in our Reuben, Corned Beef, and Cabbage, and our eggrolls are the best!” Guests always return for incredible service, incomparable quality, and the unique atmosphere created by Ron Wallace, Old Blind Dog’s owner/operator.
The story behind the naming of Old Blind Dog Irish Pub is as unique as the pub itself. According to Wallace, choosing the name was more time-consuming than building the pub. Late one evening, Wallace compiled a list of ten Celtic-inspired names and sent it out to about 400 people, who then shared it
with their friends. In total, over 1,000 people participated in selecting their favorite name from the list. Wallace had promised that once a consensus was reached, that name would be chosen.
As fate would have it, while working on this list, Wallace's 125-pound American Bulldog, who was blind in one eye, lay beside his desk. As he guided her to bed that night, he casually remarked, "Okay, old blind dog, let's go to bed." On a whim, he added "Old Blind Dog" to the list of potential names as a joke.
To his surprise, the next day, the name "Old Blind Dog" overwhelmingly emerged as the favorite among the voters. And so, the pub was christened "Old Blind Dog Irish Pub," a name that carries with it a heartwarming story of an unexpected consensus and the loyal companionship of Wallace's beloved dog.
Old Blind Dog Irish Pub achieved a significant milestone in 2015 when it was awarded the title of Best Irish Pub in the World by The Federation of Irish Pubs, based in Dublin, Ireland. This prestigious recognition is given to pubs that excel in several categories, including drink, food, atmosphere, and, most importantly,
"Craic."
The selection process for this award is highly competitive, beginning with applications from pubs around the globe. Each year, ten finalists are chosen, and Old Blind Dog made the list in 2015. From there, the competition intensified as the judging committee conducted further evaluations. A team from The
The Federation of Irish Pubs visited Old Blind Dog, spending several days assessing the pub's various aspects. They conducted guest interviews, tasted the food and drinks, and immersed themselves in the atmosphere.
The highest point value was awarded for "Craic," an Irish term encapsulating the sense of fun, enjoyment,
and good times a pub offers. Pronounced "crack," Craic is essential to the Irish pub experience and reflects the lively, welcoming vibe that Old Blind Dog had successfully cultivated when they opened their doors to the very first guests.
Old Blind Dog is more than just a place to eat and drink; it is a cultural haven where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the spirit of community thrives. See you at the pub!
"It's not just our recipes but the quality of the ingredients."