by Jay Bowman
Eating well on a collegiate budget is always a challenge but if you’re creative you can look forward to more than simply suffering through Ramen noodles just to splurge on the occasional delivery pizza. Though one can use an app that notifies you of area discounts, sometimes it is pleasant to become a regular at a given establishment.
Rí Rá Irish Pub is just such a place. Even without their daily specials, Rí Rá has a myriad of enticing features. A top pick by Fox Atlanta where locals can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Rí Rá hosts a week of events for those who cannot make the trip to celebrate in Savannah. Ri Ra also hosts an annual St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to raise money childhood cancer. The restaurant regularly features live music with their Rí Rá Late Night.
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The pub itself was handcrafted in Ireland and shipped to Atlanta where it was painstakingly reassembled at the corner of 12th Street and Crescent Avenue. From it’s amazing chandeliers to the Harland & Wolff parquet floors and their incredible Victorian snugs, the interior itself is a marvel. One would think that it would be out of a student’s price range but the previously mentioned daily specials make a $12 evening a distinct possibility.
Monday through Friday Rí Rá offers all-day drink specials and half price appetizers from 4 p. m. to 7 p.m. The Culinary Tourist recommendation, however, is to stop in on Thursdays when Ri Ra has half price hamburgers. The burgers are large and delicious with fries that are arguably Atlanta’s best. The adventurous should try the hooley kebab for a taste of an Irish gyro. Wash either down with any of the local craft beers which are $4 on Thursdays as well.
When the business crowd takes their lunches around noon, finding tables can be difficult. Around 2 p.m. the rush dies down and it is easier to find a seat close to an LCD featuring Irish football. Unless, of course, another major game is playing, in which case the pub is happy to show it. Check to see what’s on and then plan to meet friends to relax after a particularly grueling critique.
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Rí Rá Irish Pub: proximity to school, beautiful interior design and their outreach endeavors, just to name a few. Ultimately, the food and the atmosphere will bring you back. The range of affordable pub specials are just a bonus.