Atlanta-Based Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub Wins International Award as Irish Pub of the Year

While Irish pubs across the globe are preparing for their St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the party started early for Atlanta's Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub. The authentic Irish pub, with two locations in Milton and Atlanta, was chosen Irish Pub of the Year by the Irish Pubs Global Federation. The award was announced Feb. 27 at the Irish Pubs Global Gathering 2015 in Dublin.

"We are absolutely thrilled to receive this coveted award and recognition by our peers and experts in the industry as the 'top dog' of all Irish pubs," said Ron Wallace, owner of Olde Blind Dog.

The Irish Pubs Global Federation is based in Dublin and has 6,500 members worldwide. Criteria for selection included: authenticity, ambience, effective use of social media, market position, online customer ratings and warmth of staff. This is the first year that an American pub has won the award. Last year's winner was Killian's Irish Pub in Munich, Germany.

"When we opened the first Olde Blind Dog pub in Milton in 2009, authenticity was one of our top goals," explained Wallace. "We wanted to create an environment that was warm, friendly and authentic to the Irish pub experience. When you walk in the door of either of our locations, the atmosphere feels like it's been there for many years. We accomplished this by importing from Europe many of the elements used in the design of the pub."

"Our exceptional staff and high food quality further complements the overall authentic Irish pub experience," said Wallace.

While elements of old world permeate Olde Blind Dog, an entrepreneurial spirit keeps it cutting edge. The pub utilizes social media to keep patrons connected with happenings at the restaurant. Olde Blind Dog celebrates "St. Practice Day" the 17 th of each month with a celebration of the big event with Irish food, beverage, specials and live music. Local author and photographer Bob Meyers recently released a book with Wallace, "Irish Pubs in America: History, Lore and Recipes."

"This award is yet another achievement for this outstanding pub, its staff, management and owner," said Enda O'Coineen, Founder and Honorary President of Irish Pubs Global Federation. "A pub can have beautiful furniture, great service and wonderful food, but to be Irish Pub of the Year, it must also have a soul, that spark that sets it apart. That only comes through the warm and friendly atmosphere that we in Ireland call "craic". That is the essence of Olde Blind Dog."

Olde Blind Dog was named after Wallace's dog, Peaches, an American bulldog, who was in fact blind in one eye.

Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub is located in Milton at 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton, GA 30004 and in Town Brookhaven at 705 Town Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30319. The website is: http://oldeblinddog.com

SOURCE Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

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