Meehan's Ale House

THE TWO LOCATIONS OF Meehan's Ale House in Vinings and Alpharetta have thrived with an upscale take on the traditional Irish pub. Part of 101 Concepts (which includes Food 101 and SoHo), they feature full bars, imported beers on tap and grub that goes beyond the usual. It wasn't a surprise, then, when a third Meehan's opened in Brookhaven in October, taking over the space occupied by its Italian cousin, Mangia 101. What's more interesting, all three Meehan's are now chef-run restaurants, with imaginative monthly special menus and events such as beer dinners and "Backyard BBQ" Sundays. SOLID STONE: Nestled in the crowded Brookhaven Station Shopping Center alley that's also home to Mellow Mushroom and Jocks and Jills, the rugged stacked stone exterior and courtyard-style patio of Meehan's definitely stand out. The interior tones down the faux pub motif a notch, as dim lighting, dark wooden tables and snugs, tiled floors and high ceilings covered with pressed tin all come together to create a solid atmosphere. ABOVE THE PUB: While the current regular menu includes burgers and sandwiches, as well as traditional Irish favorites such as fish and chips and shepherd's pie, 101 Executive Chef Scott Crawford has been tweaking things to roll out more exotic, "gastro pub"-type fare. Brookhaven chef Linda Harrell's most recent "Above the Pub" menus have included such creations as a sun-dried tomato turkey burger and pan-seared sea scallops served with Chinese long beans and papaya salsa.