Cheap Eats - Cypress Street Pint and Plate

Pub grub

Trendy gastro pubs serving glorified (and glorious) bar food alongside quality libations continue to spring up all over Atlanta. However fun these high-profile spots are, sometimes you just want to hit a cozy neighborhood pub in your worn-out Chucks.

Cypress Street Pint and Plate (817 W. Peachtree St., Suite E-125, 404-815-9243, www.cypressstreetpintandplate.com) is that kind of place: a brick building set on a quiet, tree-lined side street. The outdoor patio is remarkably pleasant in the summer heat and warmed by a built-in fire pit during chillier months. Inside boasts sleek wooden booths, a nifty tap suspended from the ceiling and a long, antique-ish wood table. The barkeeps are chatty and the prices modest. What else could you ask for?

Sliders ($9 for three or $17 for a “six-pack”) with dense “Mom’s meatballs,” peppery arugula, house pomodoro sauce and Romano cheese put a fun twist on a ubiquitous dish. The corn dogs ($6), with their crunchy, hand-dipped coating, are like hush puppies on steroids, except that the franks and smoky chipotle ketchup make them much more exciting. “Nachos Maximo” ($7.50) is a perfect plate to share with its hot chips, fresh jalapeño slices, toothsome chili and jalapeño-spiked cheese. Half-pound certified Angus beef burgers can be ordered five different ways ($7-$8.75) and are available rare – an unusual sight these days.

Beers range from Pabst ($3) served in a whimsical brown paper bag to high-gravity choices such as Chimay Blue Cap ($10). The bar makes its own Bloody Mary mix and the gin fizz is made with muddled fresh lemons ($7). The house wine selection reveals the pub’s endearing sense of humor – a reason to go back in itself; choices range from “Good” to “Best,” available by the glass ($6-$10) and bottle ($28-$48).