TJ’s I found as a respite from Atlanta commuting, by driving a new route home one day and deciding to stop. It’s on Holcombe Bridge, east of Highway 400 and west of Spalding Drive, in a location I was surprised to find was in Alpharetta. The story of this bar is well told on its web site. The original was Timothy John’s, a bar in Sandy Springs founded by former Atlanta Flame Tim Ecclestone. This was closed and TJ’s was later opened.
TJs has a lot of the amenities of a good sports bar. There are the various teams whose fans call this location their Atlanta home: Florida State, Nebraska, and the Green Bay Packers. It has a huge TV centered in the dining area, perfect for Monday Night football. The waitstaff is generally attractive and usually dressed in black. The beers on draft are good. The total number of TVs numbers in the dozens, and there should be one screen devoted to the team you like.
What surprised me originally, however, was the quality of the food. They used to have a calamari plate, so tender and so fine I took my family back to the bar just to try it. Over time the menu has changed and the calamari appetizer is now gone. But they still have Sue’s Salad, a staple of my time here.
It’s a classic Caesar’s with 6 ounces of steak, cooked to order, tossed with blue cheese crumbles and full of flavor. I liked it then, I like it now. As my jobs have changed location, it’s no longer on my path home, so I’m no longer a ‘regular’ there. But it’s certainly worth a try if you’re in the area, or if it’s on your way home.
Verdict: Sports bar with a terrific history, excellent television viewing and food that’s a cut above. Recommended.
September 19, 2009 at 9:47 am
Best place to watch the NE. Huskers,Freindly staff, good food
August 16, 2010 at 11:14 pm
The owners are terrible!! I hosted my husband’s 40th birthday party there recently. During the party, the female owner Susan decided to eat off our buffet (that I paid for!) and stuck her finger in the left over cake to taste the icing. My husband approached her to see who she was and why she was eating our food. She would never apologize proclaiming she was the owner. Then she said “I only ate some of the celery so what’s the big deal!?” The male owner Tim said “she was just taste testing the food”. We were amazed….Our servers were very apologetic and they did a great job. The restaurant needs a MAJOR remodel. I went there 10 years ago and it has not changed at all. The air is rank from old carpet, old upholstery and cigarette smoke. I do not recommend this place for anyone.
August 12, 2011 at 3:57 pm
green bay !!