Great lunch featured flat bread!!!! Loved it. Good service
(4)
Amanda W.
I really do like Leon's but I know that I'm probably not cool enough to eat there. It's definitely a hipster type place. And it seems to have gotten even more hipster-y, the longer it has been open. If you can get back the ironic hipster fashions and waxed mustaches, it's actually a pretty awesome restaurant. The cocktails are always top notch and creative. Many of the ingredients are fresh. While sitting at the bar, I saw them juicing cucumbers - just for one cocktail!!! The beer selection is also rather good too. The food is exceptional. One time I had Beet Hummus and it was just so good. I still yearn for it to this day. I don't think I've had anything bad at Leon's though. The menu is a bit too gourmet / frou-frou, in my opinion for a gastropub, but it's all very tasty (and on the pricier side too). For the pickier eaters, they do have a burger and fries. The burger is good but the fries are probably some of the best I have had. I also like the fact that you can get different dipping sauces for the fries. Another favorite dish of mine, are the Fried Chickpeas, if you're there later in the evening. They're heavenly and help quell the drunk munchies.
(5)
Mark B.
I have been wanting to go to Leon's for some time because of the recommendation of long time food critic John Kessler from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. My wife and I went Sunday afternoon since it was such a lovely day and I knew they had outdoor seating. Living intown we don't often get to Decatur. We did not have to wait and were seated near an open window since the outdoor seating was full. I love the design of the restaurant, the bar is covered but open and even the interior lends itself to light and airy environment. We started with apps and a cocktail; the deviled eggs and the pimento cheese. Both were excellent, the cheese had a really nice kick. We were relaxed and in no rush so we sat and enjoyed the weather. Our server Jeremy suggested the pork chop with eggplant and farro. The chop arrived bone in and the combination of flavors of the eggplant, and farro with the chop was outstanding. A very solid dish. I can see why Leon's is the perfect place for a cocktail, beer and a nice bite. There are many things that are recommended that I could not sample on the first visit. I also was impressed by the reasonable pricing. I see so often that you pay a high price for quality and often times will not get the flavor. The bar is fantastic. Our server was knowledgeable and judged our tastes well. What a gem for the neighborhood. I really love the food scene in Decatur and can't wait to return. Leon's is solid and I understand why it is so highly recommended.
(4)
Praise Chanme K.
Leon's Full Service is located in a great area within walking distance of the many stores/restaurants in downtown Decatur. Like most venues in the surrounding area, parking can be a pain at times, especially during summer evenings. I've dined at Leon's several times for different occasions, and it's always been a pleasurable experience. The service is extremely friendly and attentive; there's a nice, casual atmosphere; the food is pretty good. Their cocktails have some unique options and I like the bucket of fries with the myriad of sauce options. I do wish the dining menu was more expansive, as I feel like it's a bit limited, but from what they do have available, the food is not bad! Nothing in particular stuck out to me though - while the food was tasty, it didn't jump out as anything out of the ordinary. Overall, 3.5 stars for me. Always good company and pretty solid-tasting food, but nothing really that sets it apart from others.
(3)
Daniel B.
This review update for Leon's mainly covers new and different dishes I've tried since posting my original review. Therefore, my rating is based on the food, not the drinks. The menu, look, feel, vibe, and service at the restaurant has hardly changed over the past several years, so most of what's written in my previous review below still apply today. Leon's remains a happening spot (among many) in Decatur for its unique bites, assorted brews, friendly service, cool setting, and laid back and casual atmosphere. One thing that's great about Leon's is it's open late: until 1am, Sunday-Thursday nights, and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. Perfect for those looking for a good late night dinner. I've only visited at night, where prices run about $5-12 for small plates (appetizers and sides), roughly $12 for sandwiches/burgers, and $20-25 for entrees. No, they still don't take reservations. On weekends, be prepared for a wait. The bar always seems packed with waiting guests as a result. The bar area is cool. The exposed bulb light fixtures and contemporary-rustic design sort of remind me of Empire State South. Garage doors open up and connect the bar to the outdoor covered patio. In cold months, the patio is kept warm by ceiling heaters. The garage doors harken back to the days of the full service filling station (hence, Leon's Full Service). I've changed my mind about Leon's bacon in a glass. It's good. The bacon slices are rich, full-flavored, and not too fatty. The optional peanut butter "supplement" (dipping sauce), while tasty, isn't required. The bacon is good enough on its own. The fries have gotten better too. There are 14 different sauces to choose from to go with your fries. When in doubt, ask your server. I've revisited the beef brisket sandwich. It's OK. You get a lot of meat, but there are some tough, dry, and unappetizing chunks. New/different items I've tried include: Snacks: Moroccan-style beef brisket jerky Peppadews, goat cheese-stuffed Whole garlic-dill pickle Small plates: Frankfurter - Kohlrabi-kale slaw, fingerling potato chips, grain mustard Artisanal Cheeses: Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Consider Bardwell (Manchester, VT) Landaff cheese (Jasper Hills, VT) Mains: Pan-roasted wild striped bass, ragout of cannellini beans, pancetta & leeks, oven-dried tomato, crispy leeks, Grana Padano. Salad: Baby kale - shaved radish and carrots, preserved lemon, feta, tahini-sumac dressing Sandwiches: Burger - grass-fed beef, Tillamook cheddar, housemade catsup & mustard, B&B pickles, baby iceberg lettuce In general, the food here can be quite salty. Some dishes are loaded in so much sodium that they're hard to enjoy. Examples include the Frankfurter and striped bass (which was a special the time I tried it). Regardless, the Frankfurter sausage is plump and hearty and prepared with a different blend of spices. I really like the Kohlrabi-kale slaw (Kohlrabi is German turnip cabbage) that comes with. It's fresh and crispy. The spicy grain mustard is a nice touch too. When it comes to the striped bass entree, the fish itself tastes great. However, the bed of cannellini beans, leeks, dried tomato, and Grana Padano cheese are just too salty. The cured pancetta doesn't help. Same with the fried leeks, though they're probably added to the dish for extra texture (crispiness). If the saltiness was lessened, this could be a fantastic dish. I'm so-so on the new (new to me) snacks I've tried. The Moroccan-style beef brisket jerky tastes better than it looks. It's a plate of shredded, marinated beef brisket. If you like goat cheese, you'll probably like the cheese-stuffed peppadews. Peppadews are small, red, non-spicy peppers that resemble cherry tomatoes. The garlic-dill pickle is reminiscent of New York deli-style pickles. The meat and cheese selections are very good, so if you are into charcuterie and cheese boards, give them a look. The baby kale salad is good. It has a Mediterranean/Persian flavor to it because of the radish, lemon, and tahini (made from sesame seeds) and sumac (fruity Persian spice) dressing. The baby kale is expectedly smaller, softer, and more tender than regular kale. The burger at Leon's is OK. It's huge and looks funny (in a good way) when placed next to the accompanying B&B (bread and butter) pickle, which is tiny. The beef patty, which is nice and thick, is somewhat tough and chewy. The lightly toasted bun and Tillamook cheese are excellent though. Service is terrific. Self-serve bottles of water are provided at every table (and you're going to need it). I've never had a problem parking for Leon's. In Decatur, all metered parking is free after 6pm. I've been able to find a spot on E Ponce De Leon Ave, one block east of the restaurant, multiple times. If you absolutely can't find a spot, park at the courthouse parking deck on the other side of the square. It's free after 5pm.
(3)
Stephanie P.
BEST meal I had in Atlanta with STELLAR cocktails. Everything fresh and well presented and yummy. Farm to table with a southern comfort spin done RIGHT. Knocked down from 5 stars because of the rushed and somewhat unfriendly service, combined with having half my drink spilled by a waiter with shaky hands who apologized but ended it there. I still had to pay for the drink after 20% of it ended up on the bar. (Yes, waiter at the bar. Strange. Was served by all three people at the bar plus a table server. Added to the confusion.) But anyway YES to Leon's!
(4)
Vonda D.
A friend of mine and I split the burger. It was SO good! Since there were 3 of us and one friend got fries, we were able to try a lot of dipping sauces. We had goat cheese fondue, peppercorn gravy, smoked tomato mayonnaise, To wash it all down I ordered a miller's cucumber cooler that was perfect. The drink glasses were tiny, and a little over priced for how small they were. The food was really awesome! I'll be back.
(4)
Fefe P.
Honestly, I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write a review of Leon's...it's one of my favorite restaurants--LOVE! The reason though is the total experience I have every time I come here, hence 5 stars. The location is great and the restaurant/converted station is super cool, especially when they open up the "garage doors" between the patio and bar area...I love sitting there. And, going along with the Full Service theme, you can usually expect 2-3 servers to assist you at any given time. So, after yesterday's delicious lunch, I figured it's time to give Leon's its props!!! My entire family actual loves this place, which if you knew how many "picky" eaters are in the family...then you know that's a Big deal LOL. We have some great memories at Leon's and I've never had a bad meal. The menu changes and there have been a few items that I wish they would bring back. But the staples: Brisket Sandwich, Mussels, Warm Chickpea & Cherry Salad, Veggieloaf and most importantly, Pub Frites are keepers! Lastly, since this place can get jam packed during peak hours, try visiting for an early or late lunch if possible. They do not take reservations, unfortunately, so the wait can be lengthy. Plan accordingly and happy eating!!!
This is place is amazing and super busy. Very diverse menu, vegan friendly. Drinks are superb and different. Get the fries, duh. Delecious. Quail tasty but their heirloom tomatoes were wonderful. Staff was awesome and attentive granted how busy they were.
(5)
Kat D.
I am giving it two stars because the fries and dips are good, however I have not been happy with any of my other meals the two times I've gone. Mussels were okay, hummus okay.... Even the salad I ordered wasn't good.
(2)
Kenny N.
Vegetarians, be cautious when entering Leon's. There's a bad vegetarian lurking, luring people to the delicious bacon accompanied by peanut butter. My carnivorous friend and I got the right vegetarian waiter tonight. "Trust me, you'll want this bacon." He gave us the facts- origin, the farm, the smoking. Maybe a local would have been more appreciative like I am in Denver when hearing familiar farm and market origins. Regardless, that bacon (with peanut butter + $.50) was mouth watering good, a decadence, and so gorgeously striped in red and tan. Maybe Duke Ellington should devote a song to it?? A must also give a shoutout to my cocktail containing absinthe, green chartreuse, fig, and Leopold Bros Tart Cherry (CO shoutout!). To Leon's future cocktail customers, absinthe tastes like licorice. Don't be so surprised by that last note. This was the perfect multi-layered drink with something sweet, tart, herbal, and desserty. I wasn't feeling main entree-ish, so I delved into the sandwiches. They particularly sounded excellent because they come with a side. I ordered the fried green tomato sandwich and, sensing I was going Southern, the waiter suggested the corn and field peas. My friend went cheddarwurst and salad. First, the bread was great. Inside were two large fried green tomatoes and lardon that were found near the edges. You could also dip your sandwich in the bechamel sauce. The lardon was a little lost. The juices from the fried tomato and tomato relish made the bread slightly mushy, therefore burying the lardon. You could find it, but it wasn't nearly as memorable as our first dish. The corn and field peas was simply great, punchy vegetables providing a contrast against the sandwich. I might have to try Leon's again and maybe play bocce ball.
(4)
Kristin L.
This is one of my favorite spots to get brunch. While lively, you can always get a seat pretty quickly. The menu has many lunch and breakfast options to choose from. They also have a great list of cocktails. I would recommend the french fries with any of their many sauces or their amazing french toast.
(4)
Sarah Y.
I honesty don't get what all the fuss is about. We were not so impressed with either of our dishes, and frankly if you have to add bacon/ham to every dish for flavoring maybe you should go back to the old spice rack. Strongly advise fellow vegetarians to go elsewhere.
(3)
Whitney T.
Their beef brisket sandwich is very good and unique. If I ever return, I will definitely get this again. I didn't find that much on the menu that interest me, but I definitely made the right choice. The service was good also and the booth we sat in was so cool! I think it's the only one in the restaurant like it.
(3)
Sharon M.
This review is only about the bar. There was no food purchased this visit. I love this place for the care and love they used to create my drinks. I had two of the smoothest cherry screwdrivers. The orange juice was so fresh tasting like he just juiced them prior to me getting there. I hate when a drink doesn't have the correct alcohol ratios, but that wasn't a problem here. I really like the layout of this place. The staff was very friendly as well. Hmm, that just about covers it.
(4)
Vanessa M.
Wonderful food and atmosphere. Great place to go with friends. Love the outdoor area!
(5)
Jennifer N.
I will come back just for the cucumber cooler. It was so good! So 4 stars for the drink alone. I had the fried green tomato sandwich with corn and field peas for the side dish. The side dish was spicy and I liked it very much. The sandwich was pretty good as well, a little messy with the cheese sauce. My two guy friends both got the pulled pork sandwich which was served open faced. And fries on the side. They both enjoyed their dishes. We sat outside on the patio and it was a perfect start to our Decatur bar hopping night!
(4)
Saira K.
On a warm night, it is fun to sit in the patio and watch folks playing bocce ball - but I didn't enjoy the food - just so-so. The pub frite were disappointing.
(3)
Brian C.
Love this place, and by the constant crowd, I'd say so does everyone else. Haven't had much of their food, although the frites looked delicious and it seemed like everyone had them. Cocktails were some of the best I've had in ATL. Try "the wasp." Or the "day break."
(4)
Matt B.
Believe it or not a place that serves Bacon in a cup is great for vegetarians. for a starter, the Hummus was fresh and delicious. Creamy with a nice bite. Everyone does hummus but few are this memorable. the "veggieloaf" with shitake mushroom and pecan romesco felt filling but not unhealthy. Can't leave without desert, the molasses toffee pudding with sea salt was a taste sensation.
(5)
Susan M.
In town for the weekend for a conference... was really pushing myself a lot, so went and rested and then realized it was after 11pm and most places in town had just closed. I had bumped into somebody earlier that had recommended Leon's and saw they were still open, wasn't sure if the kitchen was... but figured it was worth a shot, even if it was just bar food. I got there and they were still serving the full menu until 1PM, I had just about made my choice and then I looked up and saw they had a whole other late menu in addition to their regular menu! I got a salad from the main menu and BBQ Tofu off the late menu that was AMAZING. Really big portion of really well flavored and amazing tofu! I'm so glad I stopped in! Also I forgot to tell the server I was allergic to cheese and to hold it on my salad, and they fixed it right away with no problems. Very sweet of them. So... 5 stars for making great food for night owls!
(5)
Michael P.
I cannot say enough good things about this spot. The food is excellent and the service is even better. If you are in Decatur, this is the place to be.
(5)
Kristin K.
You should definitely come here if you're looking for a bar with plenty of drink options, some of them out of the ordinary. I wasn't as impressed with the place as a lunch option, however. The menu was relatively limited and upscale, but the decor and music suggest that it's more of a laid-back farmhouse-turned-diner. I think it has an identity crisis. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Service was also decent.
(3)
Kevin M.
For almost 6 years, I have tried to warm up to Leon's Full Service. But I'm sorry to say I have not been able to do so. We went there today for brunch and once again, the staff was warm and friendly, but the restaurant feels cold and the rather ordinary food overpriced. We go out often and enjoy so many local restaurants. I returned to Leon's full of hope that the food had improved. It had not. Frankly, $20+ might be acceptable for an elaborate brunch but is too much for a Sunday lunch main. I am not a drinker, so I understand that I may be missing out on Leon's strongest suit. But we tried to cobble together a couple of dishes to make a decent and affordable meal. The beet hummus was good but the pickle plate was disappointing. The chickpea and cherry salad was good but certainly nothing special. In desperation, we ordered a bucket of fries just to feel as if we had been fed. And unfortunately, we left feeling unsatisfied. Once again, Leon's left me cold.
(1)
David L.
Trendy restaurant meets classic filling station. Upscale cuisine meets well-stocked pub. It's hard to believe, but that's what it is. We ate out on the patio, which is well but subtly lit. The trout was exemplary - great taste, great presentation. The fries were average, but the assorted dipping sauces made them special. The fries with dipping sauces seems to be a growing trend, and I'm glad to see it. Ketchup may be the American way, but it isn't the only way. Some things, like the "bacon in a glass" and the small water glasses without enough ice, are a little gimmicky, but I'll overlook them.
(5)
Kim N.
Can't say that I'm a fan just yet. I tried the bacon in a glass w/ peanut butter sauce like everyone suggested. I LOVE bacon and personally I didn't think the bacon was good, just very salty... the peanut butter sauce helped it a little but overall, I wouldn't order that again. The fries were alright; garlic dipping sauce was tasty. I really liked the desserts: coffee mousse tart & dark chocolate coconut pie. Everyone I encountered at Leon's was very nice and helpful. Definitely have to come back sometime to try out other items on the menu & hopefully update this review.
(3)
Luckie D.
Why 5.........Tasty creativity from the kitchen, TOP notch food quality, friendly service, nice vibe in the place, it has a real soul reminiscent of downtown Berkley or the Belltown area of Seattle. You can't miss with the burger topped with homemade ketchup and mustard, a real flavorful tomato slices and crispy lettuce. Do yourself a favor and get the bacon with peanut butter sauce.....that's right peanut butter.....I know ...but try it.
(5)
Delaine R.
Good food, good beer!
(5)
Karen H.
Three words my friends - brussel sprout hash. Deeeee-lish. I've been to Leon's several times now, and have never been disappointed. Good bar scene, with quick, amiable service and interesting drink choices. Oh, and the burger is pretty perfect too.
(4)
Kristin M.
Went for a large group birthday get-together and waited ~50 minutes (expected that) for a table. While we waited, we hung out in the bar area, and the host was very attentive in terms of checking in with us, and he made sure that the type of table where we'd be seated was going to be large enough to accommodate everyone. Also, there were a couple of people who were going to be a little late to arrive, and they still let us be seated, which was nice--(kind of a bummer when places won't let you be seated unit your whole party has arrived). We started out with the pub frites (two orders) and chose from a selection of dipping sauces. Our favorites were the curries, and the portion size of the frites were huge. We probably would've been fine with just one order--especially since we were all ordering other small plates or entrees as well--(e.g., brisket, various burgers, hummus, escarole salad.) We also ordered a mix of cocktails and wine. Sometimes the drinks took a little while to arrive, but again, on a Friday evening that's probably to be expected. Overall, the service was great--no complaints--and the food was solid upscale bar food.
(3)
Lisa L.
Leon's, why can't you be my neighbor? It's probably a good thing that I don't live closer because my F & B budget would take a serious hit if I did, as would my waistline. You had me at Pub Frites. They are sooo good here. Not too thin, not too think, super crispy on the outside and piping hot and fluffy on the inside, served with your choice of sauces which for me is that fab aioli and curry catsup. And it's a substantial serving to boot. But let's back up and talk about the space, which is really quite beautiful in it's industrial/rustic/filling station retro-ness. There's so much to look at here and I'm always happy to go to place with a diverse crowd where I don't have to feel out of place being the 50-something one of the bunch. Leon's gives us a respectable beer list and an acceptable wine list, but I'm most a fan of the seasonal and classic cocktails, expertly prepared. The Wolf Pack is delicious but I've also enjoyed the Old Fashioned, the Dark n Stormy, The Biter and The Bees Knees. They do please me. I can rarely pass up Tillamook Cheddar and it just makes Leon's burger that much more enjoyable. But I have to say that my favorite meal here is the Brisket Sandwich. The meat is fork tender and highly flavorful, especially with the addition of the peppercorn gravy, and then there's those damn french-fried onions. It's one of those sandwiches that you can't stop eating because it tastes so good, but know you should because you're stuffed to the gills. You won't have room for dessert, but since you've already overconsumed, go ahead and order it, but good luck choosing. I was here with a party of 5 recently, so we ordered them all and passed them around the table. They're all delicious, but my favorite is the Chocolate-Nutella Candy Bar with the Dark Chocolate and Coconut Pie coming in second. It's probably unfair but I knocked a star off of my rating because Leon's is always crowded and there's always a wait. Plus the parking situation is difficult in busy Decatur and that gets a little frustrating. Leon's is worth the effort, though.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I joined yelp specifically to give Leon's a 5-star review. Every time a guest comes to town, every time a group of friends can't decide where to meet for dinner, and every time an evening extends to impromptu drinks, we go to Leon's. The wait for tables is relatively short, even on weekends. If you're just there for drinks, there's good bar space and nooks at the front for groups. I'm not sure what is best about Leon's: the creative cocktails, the quality food, or the always friendly servers and bar staff. The seasonal cocktail menu keeps the Leon's experience fresh; the drinks are well balanced but unusual enough to be exciting. Leon's has awesome special menus, but I like the emphasis on reliable quality food in their standard menu. The fries (with the curry sauce) and the chick peas with cranberry are my particular favorites. Leon's is one of the few places in Atlanta where you can taste the quality of the beef in the burgers. One of the best parts about going to Leon's is that everyone that works there is awesome. If you and your friends are in the mood to be chatty, the servers will take their time at your table. If you are on a date, they give you some space. If you have some questions about the cocktails, they take the time to consult with the bar. All of the staff at Leon's take their jobs really seriously so food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time. It seems that all of the staff at Leon's are smart, interesting people, and lots of them are working on degrees from various colleges and universities around Atlanta. This means not only that you should do yourself the favor of chatting with them, but also that you should tip them well in support of their educational endeavors.
(5)
Robert M.
First off, I love the bar. It both welcomes and envelopes. The food menu, on the other hand, is just not my cup of tea. I looked over the food menu while sipping my Sierra Nevada Torpedo. 6 bucks for a plate of fries and two dipping sauces? Not gonna do it. None of the other food choices jumped out at me. Bacon in a glass? I will pass on that polished gem thank you. Brussel Sprouts Hash? I think not. Mountain Trout Gyro? I prefer my gyro more along the lines of the mountain goat variety. Weird looking / odd sounding food choices offered at premium prices is not my bag; never has been. Anyone who regularly reads my reviews knows that. The bar staff is certainly adept, friendly and knowledgeable but the food choices just don't work for me at all. Call be an unsophisticated buffoon or an obtuse eater; I don't care. The menu options are either prohibitely / too expensive for what you are getting, too weird sounding, or not appealing to me at all (in a comfort food / pub grub kind of way). There are too many other more appealing food choices in the neighborhood teeming with / replete with good bar food choices. The Brick Store Pub's menu, (same owners) for example, makes perfect sense to me; this menu clearly does not. Now let me be clear in that I do dig the hell out of the many various Sierra Nevada draft beer choices. I Loved the hell out of my SN Torpedo and my 30 Year Celebration ale. So there you have it; that is my take on LFS.
(3)
Fred D.
My first choice was to not write this review on Yelp. I went on the Leon's website to find a contact person to write to, unfortunately, one can not send a message to a Manager or Owner about the restaurant. My son recommended that we go to Leon's as he had heard good things about the restaurant. We arrived around 7.45 PM with a party of six. There were about 3-4 parties of 2-4 people waiting. We stood in line until our turn came. To me it seemed that the Host ( A Gentleman) might also be the Manager. He greeted us and said it will be approximately 45 minute wait for us to be seated and did not offer any options. I asked how long the wait would be if we split up, his response was that there was no wait. I was amazed a bit but followed him to the tables. He proceeded to seat us at the two Tables of four immediately behind the host area slightly to the left. Then came a stern warning, "I am not going to allow you to push these tables together" He had two tables side by side where he could have seated us instead he was by passing us and make us wait 45 minutes. He basically would not allow us to sit together by pushing the tables together. So My wife set with One son and his friend and I set with my other son and his friend. I really did not like the Host's attitude about our seating, he somehow wanted to make sure he impressed upon us that he was in charge. My wife asked the server when he arrived at her table whether the tables could be merged together, his response was well the tables belong to two servers so they cant be combined. All of my life I have always seen that the restaurants and Managers go out of their way to accommodate the customers, unfortunately, here there is NO customer focus, it is all about accommodating the waiters. "Manager" I think means "To Manage" and find a way to accommodate the customers, Leon's Failed here completely. We are a family that when we dine, we like to share the food which was difficult to do as we are seated at different tables and the food arrived at different times. In fairness to the restaurant the food was Good, I would give it four stars, unfortunately people in charge of running the dining room do not have a clue and managed to destroy a potentially enjoyable dining experience.
(1)
Cody K.
gotta say, after thinking about how well the restaurant handled it's poor service debacle I'm giving them a better rating. really went above and beyond the typical "we're sorry for the inconvenience" shpeal. only thing holding them back from a five is the necessity of the apologetic treatment.
(4)
Laura N.
This place was super packed on a Monday night when I went there for the very first time. Leon's food serves fancy bar food and an impressive collection of rare beers, according to my friends. (I don't drink.) The fries are excellent, and they come with a choice of 2 dipping sauces. The goat cheese fondue is a bit bland and very liquid. The bacon & tarragon mayonnaise is really delicious with a strong bacon flavor. Normally I hate mayo, but I enjoyed this one. 4 stars. The pan-seared fish with the warm orzo salad was unimpressive, bland, but also salty. However, the fish had the perfect texture, being neither overcooked nor undercooked. I suffered from dish envy while checking out my friend's entree. 3 stars. The grilled chicken breast with mushroom bread pudding and roasted greens was excellent, bursting with flavor and a hint of spiciness. The meat was so tender and juicy, and I kept sneaking the bread pudding off of my friend's plate. 4.5 stars.
(4)
S K.
Pretentious for Pretentious Sake... At the end of the day my experience at Leon's is probably my fault, and part of this review is a general statement about the state of restaurants in Atlanta. I say it was my fault because I did not do enough research on the menu before my wife and I went. While I am a more willing to try new foods and food experiences than my wife I did not realize she would struggle to find something to eat at a "GastroPub" only five sandwich options, including chicken schnitzel, no grilled chicken, no fish option. First, the food: Me: lamb burger with frites. The burger was tasty and the fries were much better than average. However, for $13 the burger should have been bigger (it was smaller than the bun) and I should have been able to get it cooked like I wanted medium rare, not "cooked through" i.e. medium bordering on well. Overall: B. My wife: burger with frites. She indicated that it was tasty, but she could only eat half because it was under cooked. She asked for medium, but the burger was a rare medium rare. Now before you say send it back, my wife worked in the restaurant business and will never send anything back she does not trust what may happen. Yes I know a her issue, but nonetheless the burger was prepared incorrectly. Overall: F. Things we can do without: #1: Frites? Really? It's Decatur, GA, not Paris for the love of all that is holy. #2: tepid (tap ???) water. Really no ice water? Tepid water served in shot glasses (ok they were a little bigger). Again it is not Europe it is Georgia; we know how to make ice. #3: the ginger ale. So after having enough of warm water my wife asked for a Sprite. They were out. WTF. Decatur is 30 minutes from the Coca Cola HQ and Leon's is 3 blocks from a grocery store; no one can go get Sprite. The worst part, my wife and I are 2 feet from the waitress when she tells us they are out and the delivery has not occurred yet, however we only heard about 2 words she says because she is whispering in a place I can barely here myself think. Oh yeah the ginger ale, $2 for less than 7 oz of some never heard of brand that has a weird after taste and almost zero ginger ale. #4: the crowd / vibe. I know this isn't Leon's fault, it may be some sort of crazy cultural shift Atlanta is going through, but personally I am tired of going to restaurants where the it feels the staff and other patrons look down their noses at you because its 1PM you are out for a burger and your wearing jeans and a t-shirt. And yes I mean jeans, good ol' Levi's not $200 fancy denim britches. I have lived in Atlanta for 20 years after growing up in Palm Beach. I have traveled, even to Europe (and yes I had tepid water there). I believe I know good food. I have seen the "eating out scene" and quality of food in restaurants in Atlanta change for the better over time, but the attitude that is invading the scene and the restaurants as part of the change is mind numbingly stupid. It should be enough that I am paying $13 for a burger, I don't need the attitude as well. Make good food and serve good food. Period. Food: C+/B- Atmosphere: F Pretentious: A+ Overall: C Would I go back: nope. I'd rather go to a dozen other pubs where the food is better (taste and value), the vibe is less snooty, and I can have a Sprite.
(2)
Beth S.
Amazing food, cocktails and the beer menu is great !!! I love that the servers all take care of you and are very knowledgable about the food and drinks. My 5 year old loves to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen!
(5)
Mala M.
yea this is another one that is a no go. GO for the beer if that' you're thing because this place will deliver on that, but everything else on their limited menu leaves much to be desired. I attempted their chicken schnitzel and not sure what type of chicken it was. I get down with farm to table and seasonal (you're talking to a former peace corps volunteer here) but this chicken was pretty in pink and I had to send it back. My tastebuds being shot..I simply ordered a salad. You can't go wrong with a salad and their salads are great. My BF ordered an apple sandwich (yea..swallow that idea).The frites-don't be fooled or intimidated by this word. My people frites are FRIES and all the hard work they put into their homemade sauces for their frites-they could stand to put in a little elbow grease in their food. All I have to say about Leons is IT'S A BOOBI PRIZE folks!
(2)
Brittiany M.
IF anyone knows anything about gastropubs, then you know that it will always be great to go here (except Tap) and the drink menu will be great and the food will be good. My favorite thing about Leon's was the concept behind it ( it used to be an auto service place) and that they have great table arrangements. We were place in a booth perfect for my boyfriends father and his sister's birthday dinner! I love Leon's ====everything was great and it is a perfect asset to Decatur. The one thing to always remember about a Gastropub is that at the end of the day, it is a pub. Pub food will be served....just in a fancier way :)
(4)
Jess P.
Leon's is one of my favorite spots for food and fancy drinks. Everything is just so delicious. They have these peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese that are to die for. Sometimes you get 5, sometimes you get 8...depending on size or generosity of the chef? *Shrug* Beet hummus is yummy. Grass-fed beef burger is very tasty, as well as the gyro (but I've definitely had better gyros at Mediterranean restaurants). The bacon in a glass is actually pretty filling and comes with a tasty peanut butter sauce - just try it! The pub frites with the various dipping sauces are definitely a go, too. Pretty much everything is very tasty and fresh. :) They are spot-on when it comes to drinks. Extensive beer menu and high-quality fancy cocktails. Pricey, yes, but you get what you pay for. When the weather is nice, it's fun to sit outside with your drink and watch people play bocce ball. A very cool addition to an already awesome place! Service varies greatly. Sometimes they are wonderful, sometimes they are snooty out of their minds, so you never know. :/ I'm planning on trying their brunch sometime soon! Anyway, yeah, this place rocks. I'm all about it.
(5)
Patrice M.
This place is great! Ask for Shawn! He's an awesome waiter! My grandfather ate the bacon with peanut butter..... He really liked it. The patio is SMALL dog friendly.
(5)
David L.
Meat. That's what they do here, and they do it oh so well. I'm a veggie most of the time, but when I was able to have dinner with my two childhood best buddies and their wives, I reverted to the meat-a-terian that I once was. Bacon with peanut butter sauce, pork belly, and I don't know what all else meant that I was in an alternative culinary universe, but I have to say, for one night in about a decade, it was awesome. Order anything. Order everything. Savor. Enjoy. Repeat.
(4)
Melanie M.
I love the charm and personality of Leon's, and it is my favorite place to visit and linger. When the weather is nice, I love sitting on the patio (my favorite in Atlanta). But if the wait is too long for the patio, inside is just as nice and airy when all the windows are open. The draft beer list is always solid with quite a few interesting selections, and several of my friends favor the handcrafted cocktails. Love the pub frites with tasty sauces (favorites are goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato may) to begin a meal. I'm semi-vegetarian, so I often opt for the zucchini-cheddar casserole for a small meal or the delicious veggieloaf if I'm really hungry. The chickpea cherry salad is also good. My boyfriend swears by the brisket sandwich. And the service is always outstanding. The place gets crowded in the evening, but in my experience, a table will be ready a little sooner than expected. Grab a beer at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Ray L.
I loved everything about this place. The space is open and breezy - perfect for a relaxing Sunday brunch. I fell in love the second I saw all the different dipping sauces for their fries. Holy moly. Garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, peppecorn cravy, masaman curry... and lots more. I didn't even have to read the menu to decide on what I wanted. I looked over my right and knew I had to have my own. Open faced brisket sandwich. The brisket was juicy and tender and sat atop a thick, crusty slice of bread that sopped up the juices - garnished with fried onion strings. The fries with a side of goat cheese fondue were a perfect companion. Atmosphere to the food... totally spot on.
(5)
Zlatko U.
We've spent the new year's eve here and it was fabulous. Cocktail by the bottle, fast service, full menu....the works!! The wait was pretty average but given the nightly event everything was running smoothly. The service was fast and the food was delicious. The drinks, however, were amaaaaazzzzing.
(5)
Cherry L.
SUPER FAN FAN FAN!!! Hi Leons, i think i've been 5-6x in the past 2 weeks and it has been fantastical! our server Lyndsy was amazingggggg. here's what i've had: -arugula salad: pretty standard, the dressing was a little too tart for me, but the cheese really balanced it -bacon in a glass: HOLY MOLY, SO DELISHHHHHH...best bacon and peanut butter AVARRRRR. its a little pricey, but do good if u want a little treat! -lamb rillettes: im not a rillette connoisseur, but this is a bit diff than the ones i've had before--its served in a jar, with a almost pulled confitted lamb meat with a layer of fat at the top, dressed with pink peppercorn and mustard seed. its not the absolute BEST, but very tasty and a VERY substantial portion. i say give it try! -grilled flat bread: skip! pretty lacklusted all around -charcuterie: had 2 meats and 2 pates i think, all pretty tasty -beef bistro steak sandwich: very tasty! the horseradish mayo is quite good -slow roasted beef brisket sandwich: tried my friends--served open faced, thick slice of bread gets a little soggy after all that gravy. LOTS of fried onions on top! -pork chop: i only tried a bit, but SO YUMMY! i was nervous that the 'white grape jus' was going to be sweet, but not at all! sooo gooood, but a little on the pricey end. -fries + sauce: good as always! last but not least.... THEIR HENDRICKS MARTINI IS SO GOOD!!!!
(5)
Amanda D.
I like coming here, but I don't because it always involves waiting fooooooorever. And if there is a random summer downpour, that makes the wait even longer as people with soaked tables now get priority for those indoor ones. And it's not just waiting for a table. Today, our beers came out with our food. They were taken off the check because of that, but seriously after waiting 40 minutes for a table I didn't want to have to wait for beer. Our server also brought us his two favorite sauces to go with our pub frites sides because of this, and I ended up liking the herb and bacon mayo and the smoked tomato mayo way more than my peppercorn gravy, which just tasted like I dipped my fries in straight beef fat. I have had better "au jus" at a chain restaurant than it. I don't know why I ordered it anyway, I think I was hoping for some sort of poutine effect that I did not get. The flies are still annoying as hell. If there are any large groups, they will be amplified extensively, despite the fact that if there's only one of them, it sounds like every table is talking loudly. But oh, the food is good beyond that gravy. Before they changed it up a bit I liked their skirt steak sandwich. Now, it's a "gyro." It's a bit hard to eat because the pita is far too tough of a bread, but it's still very good. We always get the goat cheese stuffed peppadews too. These are the only things you will never, ever have to wait very long for. It's like they are on their way the second you order them. The drink list is amazing, but expensive. That's why I was quite happy to find a very German hefeweizen on the draft list for basically half the price of my beloved French 75. Like I said, it took forever though, and it could have been much, much colder. By the time I was finishing, it was a bit room temperature...and I didn't even have it my whole meal.
(3)
John A.
One of my absolute favorite places in the Atlanta area. Outstanding beer menu and great craft cocktails. Menu is diverse and has lots of options for any taste. Food is reasonably priced for what you're getting. Love the atmosphere as well. Can't say enoguh good things about Leon's.
(5)
Shannon R.
Made an impromptu dinner stop here. Our other plans fell through, but this was great also. Had a cider and a couple sides- the corn and peas and an arugula/feta/peach/pecan small salad. I was full and the food was good. Very modern menu, dishes of all sizes- I got out for $15 and was very satisfied. Fun atmosphere, great decor. Check it out!
(3)
Kathleen O.
In order to be completely fair about my "ok" rating, I feel I should qualify and say that there was an arts festival going on today in Decatur so the crowds were probably greater than normal on a afternoon Sunday. We arrived at 12:45pm and, because of the large crowd waiting to be seated, we decided to take seats at the bar. After waiting 20 minutes for the bartender to take our order, we waited another 20 minutes to place an order for "bacon in a cup". The order came out relatively fast and we found the combination of bacon and peanut butter a pleasantly unique start to our meal. We placed our order for the main meal and, sadly, it took an hour and a half for it to come out. Once it came out, the brisket didn't disappoint. The fries were good but I think what made them special was the different sauces that went with them. (I highly recommend the bacon tomato sauce). The slow service put a damper on the experience for us but the food was good and the wait staff kind and apologetic for the delay.
(3)
Matt M.
This is my favorite place in Decatur. I've been a regular since it opened and haven't been bored with the menu or the drinks ever since it opened its doors. In any negative review Leons gets railed for being "pretentious" but anyone who thinks that probably shouldn't be in Decatur or should just look up the word they're misusing. This is a craft-style restaurant and that enthusiasm for food continues on in all sections of the restaurant, including behind the bar. Don't get upset if they don't have Grey Goose -- they will do their best to fix you a classic cocktail with precise measurements and won't charge you for a drink if they recommend it and you don't like it. Pretentious is charging $15 for drinks and not using a jigger or asking you how you like it. Quality places like Leon's pride themselves on service and fresh food. Your favorite meal might not be on the list a month later because the item is no longer in season. Try something new! I love the peppadews, had never thought of ordering a warm chickpea and cherry salad, and haven't had a better brussel sprout hash, even at home. Everything is priced well, though with the highly rated food sometimes I'll find myself with a big bill. Drinks are pricey, but the cocktails are mostly liquor, so you really get a 2 for 1 price with each. The staff is unparalleled -- make an effort to say hi to them and they'll know your name and trade stories with you each time you walk in the door. Mustachioed Chris is always friendly and ready to mix you a drink behind the bar, beautiful bartenders like Shannon make even the preppiest consider getting a tattoo, and Miles the Mixologist is second to none in Atlanta -- he has presented his recipes with Paula Deen and Giada of The Food Network. He's also been voted Atlanta's best bartender, two years in a row. Recommendations in general: branch out. I've heard they have a great burger, but I have yet to try it because there is so much more on the menu. Food recommendations: Pig smorgas, peppadews, steak sandwich, bacon in a glass (with hand made peanut butter), calamari with pickled onions, and the half-pound cookie (changes with the season). Drink recommendations: Ask your server what they would recommend based on what you like. Be prepared to taste some alcohol, though. Go for the cocktails, though the beers are based on the Brickstore list since it's a sister restaurant. Get something with eggwhites as an ingredient -- frothy and delicious. Order something that's not on the drink list and they'll know how to make it. Don't order a name-brand liquor; everything is made with top-shelf but special liquors and liquers ordered from all over -- this will take some trust. Finish off at the bar and then enjoy a game of bocce ball with some new friends outside.
(5)
Christine S.
Whether you just get the fries (definitely get the fries!) or a full dinner, you won't be disappointed with Leon's. They have a huge fancy cocktail menu but I usually ask the server for a recommendation that is strong and cheap, I'd rather spend my money on more food. Also, try the bacon and peanut butter! The service is always excellent. I have been with big groups and small, on one occasion the group brought in a birthday cake (for me!) and they were totally okay with that. Another time the waiter was willing to go bum cigarettes from another waiter for my dining companion. Parking can be a pain, but that's just how it goes on the Square.
(5)
Alex C.
This place is pretty awesome. Decor is great, service is great (even with our tipsy party) and the quality of food is good as well. If you're just looking for a snack, the fries are huge and come with plenty of sauces to share the fried goodness. This time around we had the schnitzel and the calamari. Both were well made, reasonably priced and delicious. I would give them 4 stars, but thanks to Crystal for being an awesome waitress, they get one more!
(5)
Kate W.
I wish I didn't love this place as much as I do, and I'm sure my wallet would be much happier. When I come here, I can't help but order 2+ cocktails. They approach alcohol the way a chef approaches meals--with care and careful attention to flavor so that every special is unique and tasty while augmenting the liquor instead of masking it. Their steak sandwich is reasonably priced ($12) and delicious. Their frites might not be good for you, but the bacon herb mayo really is as good as it gets. If you have some money and want a delicious meal in downtown Decatur--Leon's never fails to deliver.
(5)
Katrina W.
Another place I adore here in Decatur but have to time my visits accordingly due to tons of people flocking there. I hate waiting at restaurants so I typically try to go at down times, though I haven't quite figured out when that is for Leon's! I've eaten here once and the fries are really awesome, but I think my favorite is their fancy cocktails. My first drink here was an old fashioned and it was perfection, down to the perfect square ice cubes! The cocktails are pricey, but they pack a punch and have quality ingredients, so I don't mind so much. And I just feel so dang FANCY drinking them! :)
(4)
Lindsey H.
Sigh, the host was nice. We hosted my mom's small birthday dinner here with a group of 10 people. The waitress had such a negative attitude by being a little snob. I dared to ask more about bacon in the jar and caught her rolling her eyes to reply "It's bacon. . . in a jar." Another waitress came into the restroom later as i was freshening up my makeup in the mirror. She throw her apron on my purse. I then moved my purse out of her way. She didn't realize I was watching her in the mirror, and I caught her ROLLING HER EYES. It was like a bad dream and I was trapped in a snotty sorority house with girls that were mad it was their turn to work the kitchen. Don't know what's up with the eye rolling negative little girl party working here, but I do suggest they lighten up. To the say the least, I nor the 9 other people with me will be returning to Leon's. We all prefer happy, positive people. Oh and as for the food - it's ok, but not worth the drama.
(1)
Jon W.
Hands down some of the best whiskey drinks in the city. If you want an Old Fashioned made right come to Leon's Full Service. They know how to craft drinks, and their selection of beers is amazing.
(5)
Eric B.
I had the steak diner and apple pie desert; I liked the steak but I loved the apple pie and frites. The atmosphere is cozy.
(4)
Kate L.
This place has great bacon and peanut butter, fries, squash,chicken, and all the other goods. I'm going there for my birthday tommorow, but find it frusterating that they don't take reservations. :(
(4)
Michael H.
Cobbler Master...if that's not the chef's title, it should be. Always the food here is amazing, interesting, and unique. They do wonderful things reinterpreting how to make wonderful food. If there is such a thing as American fusion, this is it. Order anything here, you'll love it, but make sure you get a cobbler to finish. No one does them better.
(5)
Brian K.
Leon's is among the best gastropubs in Atlanta. Food: Leon's specializes in a diverse assortment of well executed, highly flavorful pub fare. I particularly enjoy their appetizers, including the pub frites (with your choice of a multitude of different sauces), lug nuts (changes daily, but my favorite are the bacon, peanut butter, and chocolate), and bacon in a glass (exactly what you'd expect, with the option of a side of peanut butter). I also enjoy their ice cream sandwich desserts, which frequently change with the season. The wine and beer selection are extraordinary and will please most reasonable palates. Service: The bartenders are among the best in the Atlanta. I normally go to Leon's at least once a week and have never experienced slow or unfriendly service, regardless of how busy they are. Atmosphere: Casual and extremely welcoming, regardless of age. Leon's is also equipped to accommodate most dining preferences, whether you'd prefer to eat at a traditional table, at the bar, under an umbrella on the outdoor patio overlooking Ponce, or sitting on a bench near the bocce court. Price: Moderately priced. Most cocktails will run you between $7 and $10. Appetizers or "snacks" are all under $5. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and sandwiches are around $10. Other: My only gripe with Leon's is that they change the menu so damn frequently. There are many items that I've really enjoyed that have subsequently disappeared from the menu. My anger is usually short lived though, as the dishes are normally replaced with something equally as innovative and delicious.
(5)
Dio S.
A bit harsh on my first review after a few visits, I've slowly liked Leon's more and more over the years. The drinks selections simply makes Leon's one of the best drinking establishments in the city. You are always treated to an excellent selection of about a dozen draft beers, cocktails that are on par with H&F, and thoughtful, well-stocked selection of assorted spirits and wines. The way the menu now presents a good sized list of classic cocktails (in addition to their own creations) in chronological order is really cool, and the drinks are made perfectly. Leon's also distinguishes itself as one of the very few (maybe the only) top notch drinking establishments where you can enjoy in the afternoon. Natural lights bath into the interior beautifully and the patio is great. You can't say the same of, say, H&F, Bocado, Sound Table, Ecco, JCT Kitchen, Iberian Pig. Now that I think about it, maybe it is the ONLY top notch drinking establishment that is open in the afternoon. And I love Leon's for that. The weakness is still the food. The selections are not the most exciting, looking like a typical bar-bistro. Other than the brisket sandwich, I have a hard time wanting to eat most of the things on the menu.
(4)
Lucy W.
Don't forget to wear your black rimmed glasses and your Chuck Taylors. Atmosphere- laidback cool vibe, with friendly service (our server brought us an extra sauce, her fave tomato mayo, with our frites, and expertly described all the flights and beers that are recommended). GREAT value- I had a beer (a white ale), a small entree (delicious flatbread w/ sundried tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, olives, arugula), and shared frites and it was under $20! Though their pub frites are awesome (and their sauces, while stingy in little cups, are awesomer)- you'll find that you will also end up smelling like an awesome frite when you leave...had to air out my coat for awhile. Unless you like smelling like a frite, of course.
(4)
Shauna L.
Great bar! Delightful Mai Thais! Way better than the last bar I went to: Bar Deville in Chicago. Do they know anything about cocktails there?
(5)
Nicole G.
I went here recently with his boyfriend and the parents. I was a little confused because we had two waiters (not sure what was going on with that), so I didn't know if one or the other knew what I wanted or what I was supposed to be getting. I ended up ordering a salad that was fairly decent, but I wished I had the fries. I had to steal a couple of my boyfriend's fries because they were so good.
(3)
Brook B.
I wandered into Leon's ravenous and desperately in need of a cool beverage. The sweet tea hit the spot, but their vegetarian options left a bit to be desired. They were entirely too few. To be fair and balanced, like Fox News, I think Leon's really deserves about a 3.75 star rating. But, when forced to choose between a 3 and a 4, I go with 3 because the menu, while innovative, only had a few things for vegetarians or vegans to choose from. And while that happens all the time, everywhere, it's especially egregious when it happens somewhere like Leon's, which obviously has a very talented crew. My food was tasty, but the portions were smaller than I wanted. I ordered the grilled flat bread with roasted oyster mushrooms, crispy capers, and a kale/walnut pesto. I also ordered a side salad, which was slightly smaller than a thimble; it did have a delightful orange/tobasco vinaigrette, though. My friend ordered a burger and fries and I wanted to follow suit, but sadly, they didn't offer a veggie burger option. I love the clean, modern interior and the patio, and I love that they offer and support so much local business. I think for vegetarians/vegans on a budget, drinks might be the best bet at leon's. I certainly hope to return and enjoy a libation or two.
(3)
Todd P.
Warm weather in February = desire to sit outside and bask in the low humidity air. Sat on the patio at Leon's early on a Saturday during a spate of warm weather this February. After having that day's signature cocktail, a yummy concoction of gin and some other odds and ends (wish I could remember what was in it, and the name was great too! The mind is going south, I tell ya!), I ordered the turkey schnitzel. Breaded in panko bread crumbs, fried crispy, tons of flavor; served on top of a grainy mustard based potato salad of sorts. This dish was a winner. I chased it down with a tall Hefeweizen, for good measure. Cheers to warm weather and tasty food at Leon's!
(4)
Christina H.
What we ate: Seafood stews, Burgers, Frites with garlic aoli and homemade bbq sauce When I was back home in Georgia visiting I crowd sourced a restaurant recommendation for Decatur, GA from friends on facebook. The overwhelming response was Leon's so off we went. In my crowd sourcing request I failed to mention I was going with my grandmother and parents, so it was a bit unfortunate to find Leon's in full on happy hour swing when we arrived (my grandmother is 80 and not the drinking type). She was a good sport though and we found a somewhat quiet table in the back corner of the restaurant so all started off well. I am not going to spend a lot of time here because overall we had a very poor experience. The service was inconsistent and inattentive (the world clueless also comes to mind). It took almost an hour to get our food (just us, all the tables around us arrived after and got their food much before). We ordered 2 burgers and 2 seafood stew specials. They blamed to long wait time on the fact my dad ordered his burger well done... sadly it was a laughable attempt at covering the fact they clearly forgot to place our mains after they brought the frites out. We ordered their prized frites with various sauces, but give me a break. These were pretty generic large cut fries with not very interesting sauces (sounded interesting but mostly tasted like mayonnaise). None of the mains, when they finally came, was anything worth going back for. We asked to speak to the manager and while I'm guessing he is the one who ultimately delivered our food to the table he never apologized or offered to make amends despite the fact that we had waited one hour, had to ask several severs about our order, requested to speak to someone, and finally gave up and begrudgingly ate our food because we had to leave quickly to make our scheduled plans after. While I would still ask my friends any day where to eat, this one sadly did not pan out. I wont bother to go back unless it is a beverage focused trip. And probably not even then.
(1)
Wesley L.
Leon's has such a good reputation, I'm finding it hard to add something new or fresh to their vast amount of great reviews. Here goes my shot... Leon's is da bombbbbbb!!! The bar not only looks cool with ladders and a movie theater style board displaying their draft beers but the liquor selection is enormous and the atmosphere is always lively. As far as food, I suggest the massaman curry sauce and the chicken sausage appetizer. It's the kind of place that you walk into and wonder, why don't I come here more often? (bc you're too busy trying all these new bars in hopes that you'll find something 'hip' or 'trendy'. Or you're trying to become yelp elite.)
(4)
Brad H.
Had a real five star experience here tonight (Friday before Christmas). Unlike Mala, I had a bit of my wife's schnitzel and it was fantastic. Red Cabbage and a dijonaise...just really good with really great bread. Also had some of her brussle sprouts (I usually hate) scramble. Really, really good. I had the spinach and pear salad with pinenuts, which was fantastic. I also had an app for my meal Cheddarwurst with broccoli and potatoes. If I was going to give some points off, it would be the broccoli didn't seemed to get strained well and that made it a little watery, but the rest and the drinks more than made up for it. I never give fives, y'all. Quite a few fours, but hardly ever fives. It was just great all around.
(5)
Erich F.
Great burgers and Veggie meatloaf. Cool vibe too. The fries and home made ketchup and curry sauce are amazing.
(4)
Stephanie F.
I've only been here twice but each time, I was blown away not only by the service (the people here are sooooo nice!!!!) but the food as well. First off, bacon in a glass is genius. Oh, and you can get a peanut butter supplement for an extra .50. Do it. So yummy! :) The peppadews stuffed with goat cheese are also one of my favorite appetizers. Now let's talk about the fries. I'm allergic to gluten. So, french fries are a treat for me. Not only are these some of the best pub fries I've ever had but they are 100% free of gluten and come with some of the best dipping sauces. I like the smokey tomato mayo. Speaking of gluten-free...I'm putting Leon's on my list of restaurants that are good for Celiacs and gluten-sensitive people because even though they don't have a separate gf menu, they all understand what it means to be gf and know which items on the menu are safe. I've gotten the gyro without the pita both times because I loved it so much. I need to branch out next time. :) The cocktails here need their own separate review but suffice it to say that they know what they are doing behind the bar. Make sure you try some of their specialty drinks when you are there. I can't drink beer but I'm sure it's good, too. Finally, we had key lime panna cotta for dessert topped with strawberry preserves. Out. Of. This. World. I also rarely get to have dessert at most restaurants because they are made with flour so it was nice to be able to indulge in that as well. Also, this place IS good for kids. We took our 6yo and got to sit in what she called the "secret table" which is tucked away next to the hostess stand behind the bar. The person seating us said the owner's kids call it Narnia. LOL. One last thing: they have a Bocce ball court outside. Enough said. Go here. You'll love it!
(5)
Terry F.
A friend and I went to this restaurant on a Sunday afternoon and received acceptable service. The pub frities (fries) were very good--and a huge portion size, too. The choice of several tasty sauces to accompany them made them even better. The goat cheese dip was probably my favorite. The arugula salad was very good, big enough for one meal by itself. My friend reported that the shrimp sandwich was huge and very yummy. If you are in downtown Decatur, this place is definitely recommended.
(3)
Jonah K.
So after a bad experience, the team at Leon's made up for it. We were seated quite quickly and the service we got was amazing as well. Here is a rundown of some of the dishes: Apps: Fries with dipping sauces - Have tried a few of these now, my favs are the curry and smoked tomato mayo. They are awesome fries. Smoked spicy chicken sausage - This was so good, I had to ask if it was in fact pork. It was probably the best sausage I have had, made in house or not. Bacon in a cup with peanut butter : I have always wondered what it was about these two together, it makes no sense to me. In fact this was really interesting and tasty combination of flavors. Very creamy, crunchy, and overall tasty. The mains: I split a burger and the flank steak gyro. The burger was tasty, but not bocado tasty. Prepared well and great flavor. The gyro I had previously which was made of fish was more interesting, but the steak gyro was good. I believe the pita is made in house, and its out of this world. Best pita I have had in the US! Keep up the good work!
(5)
William M.
Is this the same place as the reviews? First problem, incredible noise level. My ears were ringing and I became hoarse trying to talk over the din. Then, we are waiting at the bar to be seated - a close view that shows them to be clearly disorganized. I see the bartender pulling a tap and getting mostly foam. So she proceeds to another tap and fills the glass. Makes me wonder if I was served what I ordered... I had the eggplant/feta/ mint sandwich - two small slices of eggplant, no feta, no mint. The eggplant was tough and chewy, I'm not sure how that happens. Masaman curry on the fries is tasty. My companions vege loaf was tasty. The fennel soup was decent. One of our party had the brandy mousse for dessert, no trace of brandy there. The incredible noise level was a least partly from a large and young drinking party, it became better when they left. It would be preferable if management could ask them to quiet down. I was much less than impressed with the entire experience, and to save my hearing, I will not return.
(2)
Dalton S.
Delicious food and a good atmosphere. The drinks, however, are very small for their price and don't taste that great. I'd stick to the beer. They have an amazing selection of beer. DO sit outside of the weather is good. I've been here several times.
(4)
Dan A.
Not worth the wait. Our party of 3 arrived around. 7:45 on Friday evening and we're told we'd be seated in "15 to 25 minutes". I was a little put off by that somewhat strange time span, but we were hungry and decided to wait after all the rave reviews. My forebodings were realized when 15-25 turned into 60+! After finally being seated we placed our order with a very pleasant and efficient server. Too bad the only item we got that was worth getting excited about were the fries. Everything else was lukewarm, bland, and undistinguished, although made with very fresh ingredients. Frankly, the BS about the wait time was enough to knock off 1 and a half stars, and the so-so food brought our review down to 2.
(2)
Laura F.
Hands Down my FAVORITE restaurant in the area! I've frequented here quite often and always end up making the nom nom nom sound no matter what I select on the menu. These are a few of my Favorite things: (1) Leon's drink menu! Mixology is their middle name, and I get to be adventurous and choose from a varied selection of timeless and seasonal cocktails with every visit. (2) ambiance! From the front patio to the giant booth in the side room, I've sat in most every section and find it all appealing. (3) The wait staff. They are always friendly, knowledgable, and willing to entertain my massive amount of questions about the menu. Most recently, I played a game of foodie roulette with my waitress, and she Hit it OUT OF THE PARK! It was their pork chop with mustard butter, bok Choy and turnips. AMAZING!!! So go! Be adventurous, and come down with your own case of the nom noms! You'll thank me for sure!! :)
(5)
Picky As Hell C.
Boozy cocktails that are delish! The fries are fantastic too. I do wish they would expand the food menu to include more vegetarian options, but then I'd be there every week.
(5)
Alex H.
Try anything. You won't be disappointed. They change up constantly, so I'll try to go with themes over specifics. But my go-to items are: 1. Cocktail. They craft each one carefully and pick a unique presentation of ice appropriate for surface area and melting speed for each one. You can get nice beer and wine anywhere. Craft cocktails are a bit rarer. 2. Sausage. They either grind and season their own or have worked a deal out with a local craftsman. Either way, they are each uniquely flavored and satisfying. 3. The specific menu regulars that blow my mind: A. Roasted bacon. With peanut butter. B. Oatmeal cream pie with cherry buttercream frosting. This giant homemade wonder has the perfect frosting nestled between two chewy oatmeal cookies.
(5)
Chase M.
Two years ago I moved away from my home town of Atlanta to the small town of Los Angeles. There were many sacrifices I had to make when moving, losing friends, leaving family, even ending a relationship, but nothing was as hard as knowing I will not have access to Leon's Full Service. I have been to almost every Yelp restaurant in Los Angeles with Gastropub in the description but I just miss Leon's more. The Fries are something I dream about and I have yet to find a place that has better Cocktails. The Staff will offer wonderful suggestions and are somehow both trendy and friendly! Overall this is one of my favorite restaurants, and you should go.
(5)
David G.
Great food. Unique offerings. Don't skip the goat cheese stuffed grape tomatoes as an appetizer. For the entree, we had trout over a perfectly seasoned bed of Kale. We also had a fresh corn and peas dish with a yummy cilantro dressing on the side. Service was outstanding! Fast. Friendly. And very knowledgable about he offerings. I told my server about the type of beer I like and she suggested an absolutely delicious dark beer, that was unlike anything I had ver tried before. Overall, great experience. We'll be back.
(5)
Karen R.
Was looking for a burger and fries. Definitely something you can get there and their fries are famous for the dipping sauces. Burger was a little salty. I got the "gyro" that really wasn't because it was steak inside the wrap rather than actual gyro meat. It was tasty but if you are expecting gyro meat, disappointing. Atmosphere here is the best if you can get the patio on a cool night. Wait staff is top notch.
(3)
Carie F.
The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great! I was nervous that the food might be too heavy but we thoroughly enjoyed the turkey sausage appetizer and the chicken entree. The chickpea and cherry side dish was a great addition to the meal. Our server was helpful and professional- we never felt like she was intruding on the meal but also kept our wine and water glasses full all night. My only complaint was about the bar - I dig the "professional mixologist" and an intricate drink menu but when it takes 15+ minutes to actually get the drink? Yeah, not so cool. I ended up just canceling my drink order and going with a glass of wine. Waiting for my drink in the crowded bar was killin my vibe.
(5)
Emily G.
3 star reviews are the hardest ones to write. Its a perfect balance of giving credit (where credit is due) and showing why the place lacked a 'wow'ness factor- all while hoping to not sound like a food snob nor turning it into a whole Boner BBQ incident. So, here goes nothing: What makes Leon's stand out is their originality and inventiveness in their food and style. Its a cool combination of classic dishes (like gyros, burgers and fries) with a twist of flavor- like adding 10 different dipping sauces, sides like warm chickpeas and dried cherries, zucchini-and-cheese casserole, and more. Needless to say, I was definitely excited about the menu. The bar area is pretty cool and our bartender was very helpful. I loved that our hostess kept passing by every 5mins or less to make sure we had everything we needed, to give us an update on our table or even just to see if we were enjoying ourselves. The decor was simple and nice and the environment was pretty happy and enjoyable. The food, however, was a little bit of a 'hit and miss'. For example, while I loved that the bucket of fries is LITERALLY a bucket of fries ( a lot for $6) and the super long list of dipping sauces is exciting, the fries weren't really that crispy... and the dipping sauces weren't as awesome as I wished they could be. The goat cheese sauce was great in flavor but very runny as a sauce, while the smoked tomato mayo (a favorite among the Yelp reviews) lacked smokiness and just tasted like regular mayo. Next, we ordered the Gyro and brisket sandwiches with sides of beet salad and zucchini casserole. The side dishes were strange but pretty tasty: the beet salad was light and flavorful but I am not 100% sure that orange-flavored peanuts were the way to go on that salad. The zucchini casserole was served cold (do not know if that's how its supposed to be) and came with an onion gravy which was very interesting in taste, but felt weird as an ensemble to the casserole. My gyro was awesome and bold in flavor, but it used pieces of steak instead of the traditional gyro meat. That is perfectly fine in my book. However, if they were serving me large pieces of steak, I really wished they would have asked me how I liked it cooked, as I was a tad uncomfortable with how rare they were (not my eating style, sorry). When reheated as leftovers though, it was waaaay better. Last and definitely the most awkward part of my review- the service. Like I said, the host was beyond awesome in her care and attentiveness. All the servers seemed nice and very attentive of their tables... except for ours. She really seemed like she did NOT want to be there and was never around when we needed something, never asked how our food was or tried to make small-talk. We weren't a fan of her attitude and it really put a damper on our date night. So there you go folks. Take what you need, leave the rest. Not everyone can have an awesome experience and Leon's, so hopefully this will help you (the customer) and Leon's to plan ahead, make decisions and ensure a great foodie experience.
(3)
Kim A.
The waiter was awesome! As first time customers, he helped me and my friends. We all got sandwiches, which were okay but they weren't fantastic. They had that standard, mediocre taste. I guess I expected too much from you, Leon! However, the fries were pretty good and they had different dipping sauces all made from mayo.
(3)
Amy K.
Whenever I am taking friends from out of town to dinner in the ATL area, Leon's is always on the list of top 3 places to go. It's an experience from the atmosphere to the drinks to the food. They even have bocce ball in the back patio area. I have no idea how to play but after a few of their signature cocktails, I start making up the rules. It's hard to find a restaurant that has a balanced dining experience. I'll love something about a place but dislike something else about it. Leon's is pretty perfect from start to finish. Their cocktails are so creative and tasty that I eagerly stray from my love affair with wine every time I visit. The food is phenomenal. I've picked off of other's entrees and was impressed but I tend to get salads and appetizers as meals. That makes Leon's perfect for me because their portions are small and I can get a variety of things as a meal. I have a thing for mussels and they do them pretty well, I just wish they'd give you more. The service is exceptional and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about everything from the beer to the food. They also use local and organic food when possible. The only downside to this place is the noise level and long wait if you go during peak hours (you can't blame them for being popular). Parking is also difficult and I usually stick to the paid lot next to Raging Burrito. It's definitely worth the $3 for parking to eat and/or drink here every chance I get.
(4)
Keo S.
Great atmosphere, drinks, food, and service. What more could you ask for. :) My only feedback and room for improvement are that their specials are interesting, creative, but not necessarily tasty. I know that sounds worse than it is, but I've stuck to the "staples" there. It can get a little pricey, but I assume they have to pay the high rent as well. If you get the fries, there are so many - one bucket could literally feed 6 as an appetizer and you'll always want more dipping sauce. Good place to have fun!
(4)
Alli H.
I've never eaten here - I only come for the beer. I looked at the menu on a few occasions but remember not being thrilled by the veggie options. The variety of beer is awesome and you can usually get attentive, friendly service (...usually). It gets very crowded, especially on weekends, so you may find yourself waiting for a while to get a table to standing near the bar. Not one of my top choices in Decatur, but overall Leon's is a good bar.
(3)
Ash H.
One of the greatest places for a date night in the ATL. A tad bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Great beer selection. Chill environment and all of the servers are always helping one another w/ the tables. And, based on the business, the servers seem eager to be a part of your conversation if you want them to. Bacchi Ball outside if you're waiting for a seat. Cons: The water glasses are too small, but they do put a wine bottle of water at each table. But if you're w/ 4 or more, you will finish that bottle before the server gets your order. Outstanding fry "sauce" selection, no boring ketchup. Amazing burger and snitzel. Must try the "Bacon in a glass" w/ peanut butter!
(5)
Karen N.
Nommy! to the Nth degree! I really liked this place. I didn't mind waiting here. This is one of the few places on my visit to Atlanta that really did live up to the hype. From the hostess with the mostest, to the server, to the drinks, to the food... it was all fabtastic. Yup, made up a word. We waited a bit for a free table at the bar and had a few dranks. The vibe was really cool and I really liked the fact that the hostess came by and let us know that the table we were waiting for was almost ready. That's service. When our table did become available, our server, I think his name was Jason? Was pretty on point. We decided on splitting everything and he was kind enough to make sure that everything was split for us before it got to the table. I would go into details on what the items were but I think they frequently change up the menu so I'm not sure that's really helpful for ya. I don't think they change up the frites. GO WITH THOSE. You get your choice on sauces (two come with). I guess we got an extra sauce on the house and when I requested an extra two.. I was told it cost an extra $1.00. No amount of batting my eyelids got that gratis. I'm telling myself that it's just the way their system is built as the table challenged me to get it free and quite frankly, I hope I'm worth a buck. The winner of the night was the madras curry catsup. I am a freak for curry and ketchup. Put those together and I'd lick a frozen light pole to get more. Anyway, great meal, great vibe, good times. I'd do it over again.
(4)
Susan M.
My last words before I left Leon's, "We definitely need to come back here!" Cozy atmosphere, great drink selection (see photo I added), and good food. I probably didn't need to order the Mt. Trout Gyro after splitting Pub Frites with one other person, but it was all delicious, so whatever. There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said about Leon's. Just go, you'll like it! P.S. This is super close to MARTA. But if you drive, there's a $3.00 lot down Church St. a block or so.
(5)
Virginia D.
I don't know what the hell a "gastropub" is, but what I CAN tell you is Leon's has great fries & dipping sauces, along with creative cocktails. sadly, this is not a great place for vegans- I was not super impressed with the mushroom walnut pate- then ONLY vegan thing on the menu. (the veggie loaf has egg whites- dumb move) I paid $8 for their veganized arugula salad- basically 1/2 a cup of arugula, a tablespoon of pecans & 3 sliced of radish- no attempt to find an alternative dressing or other "goodies" to replace all the stuff they removed from the "regular" version. cool atmosphere... so I'd say a good place for after work drinks & snacks.
(3)
Michael D.
Oh my, what a place. Had the brisket sandwich and man was it HUGE...and good too. They make some mighty fine signature whiskey and rum drinks as well. And the bartenderettes / waitresses are definitely on par with the drinks. Bow wow wow, yippie yo, yippie yay !!! Will I be back ??? Oh but heck yes !!!
(4)
Ashley B.
Even though I'm holding out on the 5th star because I want to motivate them to make their veggieloaf vegan (get that egg white the heck out of your veggieloaf, Leon's!*), and even though I've been living in Atlanta only a little over a month now, I'm going to go ahead and say that Leon's is my favorite place in the ATL. And that says a lot, considering how few things on their menu are vegan (though a fair amount are veganizable - and delish!) First off. Their fries. HOLY EFFING YUM their fries. Best. Fries. Ever. And I like to consider myself a connoisseur of the fry. And these are AWESOME. Vegan dips include a few kinds of ketchup (imo the mango is better than the madras curry) and the BBQ sauce. Then there are the delicious libations. Amazing beer selections and a great little wine list, as well as seasonal cocktails (download the Vegan is Easy app or check out Barnivore.com if you're worried about the veg*ness of your drink!) PERFECT! And the food. When I've gone, I've gotten the carrot and pine nut hummus which is tasty and comes out a bright neon 80s orange. Amazing. The first time I went I ordered the Brussels sprouts and apple hash without the bacon, but this is a dish I'm sad to say definitely didn't translate without the added fat and smoke that I'm the sure the bacon gives it (cue remarks from all of you omnis about how bacon makes everything better/has magical powers/cures cancer and the common cold.) The SECOND time I went, I went with the chickpea and cherry salad, minus the provolone cheese and THIS one is a HUGE winner in its vegan form. I would have never thought to combine chickpeas and dried cherries but they are a match made in HEAVEN. The waiter was even nice enough to give us the rundown on how it's dressed so I can replicate this simple but delicious concoction at home. Which brings me to the staff. Hipsters are so much nicer in Atlanta than they are in San Francisco! It's really weirding me out! The tattooed, bespectacled, bearded, tight-jeaned, pearl-snap buttoned staff here has always been knowledgeable, laid-back, and super-friendly (my friend even had her number asked for by a waiter...but that's a different story, I guess.) Leon's for the win! *There are plenty of great vegan binders, Leon's chef! If you're not into the whole packaged Ener-G Egg Replacer thing, how about some ground flax meal simmered in water? Soy four, potato flour, tapioca flour, and cooked oatmeal (I'm serious!) would all also work wonders as a binding agent in your veggieloaf. Give the vegans an entree! We'll repay you with five stars and our awesome sexy frequent patronage, I swear! Also. I'm going to ask your waitstaff if the veggieloaf is vegan every. time. I come in. Doesn't that sound annoying? Do you really want to put your nice waitstaff through that? 1 Tbs flax meal to 3 Tbs water = 1 egg. You're welcome!
(4)
JH P.
We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday but have been wanting to check this place for some time. Loved the decor and the vibe. The food was good and glad they offered something for the vegetarians. The only issue we had were the drinks. Don't get me wrong. They're good and the drinks are what Leon's is known for. However, because they're so famous for their drinks, it takes an eternity to get them served to you. I guess they're worth the wait. The waitstaff and bartenders apologized for the wait and even comped the birthday boy with a drink. Overall if you're looking for something quick and easy, don't come here. If you're looking to hang out and have no time constraints and looking for good food and drinks, definitely check this place out!
(3)
Shyam S.
Leon's is a great addition to an already bustling Decatur social scene. I will admit that I was leery of the idea of a gastropub in the area - esp when Diet Coke comes in a small bottle at $1.50 a pop - but the place has really grown on me. For starters, I feel like it's a hot nerd paradise. Intellectual, liberal-leaning folks of all races and ages congregate here to socialize, politick and enjoy themselves. There seems to be quite an alcohol selection - but I don't drink - so the food is usually what gets my attention. Leon's prides themselves on using locally grown produce, meats and cheeses and their dishes all exemplify the quality ingredients. Most customers tend to drift towards the small dishes and snack food like pub frites and orzo, but there are some real winners all over the menu. My favorite dishes so far: - Berry cobbler with whipped cream. - Fried chickpeas. - Turkey sandwich But, the most appealing thing about Leon's to me is the spacious, sunny, natural light-penetrating indoors. Just the other day, I wondered in around 4 p.m. to find the place delightfuly cool in contrast to the enervating heat outside. I took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, had a warm chickpea salad, pub frites (with leon's bbq and spicy mango catsup), diet coke and water, and spent an enjoyable two hours listening to kick ass big band music and writing a syllabus. Maybe I was there at a time of the day when things were calm, but I had such a good idea doing academic work there that I will undoubtadly return.
(4)
Janelle D.
Wonderful atmosphere! Pretty lights! Great bar service! Great food! Me likey. We tried: Pub Frites: they were okay. This is a personal issue, though, because fries don't really ever impress me. But they have a great variety of dipping sauces. And, it came with lotssss of frites. Bacon in a Glass: What a great combo. I love when unexpected things go together and create a yummy treat for my palate. Grilled Flat Iron Steak: Tender, juicy, cooked perfectly, melted in my mouth. Scallops: THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD, hands down. It was absolutely, postively delicious, and I can't wait to go back to have them! I let my friends try them.. and everyone was over the moon with how good they were. And trust me, I've had a lot of scallops! Bread pudding: They were out of their normal chocolate-orange-type of pudding (which I didn't want to try) but when I heard they had a whiskey pecan bread pudding instead, I had to see what that was about. It was amazing. That poor bread pudding didn't see the light of day for very long. In a nutshell: yum!
(4)
Claudia L.
Came here last Friday night during peak hours and only waited about 10 minutes for table. Now, let me say that typically, I'm not a big fan of fries. My stomach can only hold so much food, and I prefer to fill it with vegetables, meat, and less filling but equally calorific alternatives. But some waitress had to walk past me with full bucket of fries (multiple times) and when the smell of those spiced, perfectly crisp fries hit me....I was sold. And with bacon mayo and goat cheese fondue?? Game over. The fries were perfectly done. The bacon mayo was ridiculously addictive and the goat cheese fondue was creamy and delicious. I barely had room for the mushroom flatbread that I ordered for my main course....but somehow, I finished that too. Grilled flatbread, oyster mushrooms, kale-walnut PESTO?? sold sold SOLD. My only gripe was that the mushrooms were cut into pretty large chunks, and it was a bit tough to bite through. But all it all...delicious. My friend had the grassfed burger which he said was also delicious. Leon's is a must try if you're in the ATL!
(4)
Bianca W.
I'm starting to believe that the Decatur square is home to small plates and even smaller cocktails. I love the atmosphere, decor, and patio. I was a little hesitant once I got to the outside area because it's covered in gravel, and we were seated at a high table. I was wearing a long dress and heels, so it was a little challenging getting into my chair and getting it as close to the table as possible. I ordered the petal pusher as my cocktail, which had a lemony-herbal taste. To be so small, the cocktails do pack a bit of a punch. My bf ordered a whisky sour, of which they make their own sour mix. Both drinks were tasty to me. We had the bacon in a glass ($5) as an appetizer with a side of peanut butter ($.50). it contained about three strips of bacon broken in half. Combined with the peanut butter, it was quite tasty. if you love bacon, I suggest you order one serving for yourself. For our entrees, I ordered the pan roasted trout ($16). It was a bit buttery/oily tasting (possibly from the german-style green sauce), but it was pretty tasty. My bf ordered the lamb with quinoa ($20). He loved it, but I felt like I have tasted better. These plates are not meant for sharing. My serving was enough to get me full (though I could have been full from the two bottles of water I drank throughout the meal). We'll be back for the ambience and patio, but the menu left much to long for in my opinion.
(3)
Paige N.
Last night, out to dinner in Decatur, Leon's called my name again. What can I say, the patio was beckoning, the temperature was phenomenal (especially after the earlier cold snap of the week), and the people were playing bocce ball with abandon - it was a perfect storm. So we sauntered up to the trendy hostess in her skinny leg blue (and I mean indigo blue) jeans and requested a table outside. Since none were quite ready, she took our name and sent us to the bar. Immediately both bartenders greeted us and while we debated our poisons for the evening they continued to pour beers and carry on with witty banter. We finally settled on the El Mirage and the Bermuda. Fair warning: Leon's drinks are STRONG. One sip could knock you flat on your keister if you're not careful. We hung out sipping slowly at the bar for about 10 minutes more than our little hostess came over and seated us at a perfect table for two on the gravel veranda. A waiter came over soon after to introduce himself, and answer any questions we might have. And after much deep thought and deliberation (plus I realized how hungry I was), we ordered the zucchini fritters, the pig smorgas, and the ginger chicken sausage to start. Eventually a different girl brought out a melange of plates for us and we dug in with gusto. The chicken sausage was excellent, especially dipping it back into the spicy mustard dipping sauce with the bok choy. Likewise the pig smorgas on toast with cherry jam and melted gruyere cheese on top was to die for. The final plate we got was actually someone else's grilled flatbread with mushrooms and pesto (we only realized this after we'd eaten half of it) - and I loved it since I adore any type of mushroom prepared in any way, but we alerted our waiter and he brought out some piping hot zuke fritters anyway. Those babies were outstanding - like hush puppies but SO much better - crispy on the outside, soft and flecked with green on the inside and they came with an awesome tahini goat's milk yogurt that was the perfect mild accompaniment. By the time we'd polished all of this off, an entree was out of the question. Plus, we'd already been at Leon's for about 2.5 hours just chillin'. That was another excellent experience for Leon's. Perfection on a patio.
(4)
Amy H.
Before reading this review you must know three things: 1) I have become a spoiled Chicago girl. Gastropubs aren't anything new to me. 2) I don't really "get" gastropubs. For instance, one of the most popular items at Leon's seems to be the bacon in a glass with peanut butter. Yummy? Yes. But to me it's just a few strips of bacon in a glass. What's the big hoopla?? 3) It's impossible to write this review without comparing Leon's to the Brick Store. Now that we have gotten that out of the way... The beer list at Leon's is phenomenal. It is hands down the best beer selection I have ever seen compiled in one place. It took me about 15 minutes to look through it and finally decide on my beer. One of my dining companions did not have such luck. He tried to order twice and both times they were out of what he wanted so he settled for a Bell's. We ordered the olive "snack" and it was super yum with orange zest and star anise infused olive oil. We also ordered the pub frites. Seriously people. They are just french fries. Granted they are good french fries, but still...just french fries. My friend told me to pick two dipping sauces for the french fries...uhm, sorry...the "pub frites", so I decided on the cucumber-dill yogurt. "That one isn't good" he said. Then our other friend picked the goat cheese fondue. "Nope, that's not a good one either...the sauce is really runny." Sigh. We finally decided on the horseradish mayo, which was heavy on the mayo flavor and light on the horseradish, and the masman curry and peppercorn gravy (both good!) The sandwich menu was kind of boring. I was instructed that the turkey sandwich was not that great either (so why the heck did this guy bring me here???) so I went with the beef brisket sandwich, served open faced with peppercorn gravy and fried onions on top. It was totally bland. I should have asked for more gravy to give it some oomph. As a side to my sandwich I ordered the warm chickpea salad and it was made of win! It was the best thing that I ate at Leon's. Warm chickpeas mixed with cherries, basil, and provolone in a red wine vinaigrette. Oh lordy! This was heaven in a little ramekin. I liked the beer selection at Leon's, but the food at the Brick Store is much much better. And if I'm going to go to a gastropub...I want my gastro's to be happy. Ok, wait. That sounds pretty gross.
(3)
J L.
Located right off of Decatur Square, this is a great place to stop by for drinks or dinner. One of my favorite entrees is the brisket, served open-faced. They have great cocktails, and a bocce ball court outside. The service is fun, friendly, and informative. I have never been disappointed. Leon's has outdoor seating, and sometimes when it's hot outside they have an awning so that you (and your drinks) can stay cool. I will say that it's a pebbly/gravely so ladies, don't wear your nice heels ;) It's one of those places you're walk or drive by that just looks fun and comfortable. Leon's is owned by the Brick Store folks, so you can expect greatness.
Love, love, love the atmosphere Leon's lends itself to. I suggest Leon's often when I just want to grab a specialty cocktail and play some bocce with friends. The service is always good. The food, however, is a hit or miss. I prefer their tapas over their entrees, and even most of their tapas I don't love. However, if drinks and friend are the focus for the evening -- Leon's is your place -- that is, if you don't mind a wait, even on a weekday. But that's ok, grab a cocktail, turn off your iphone and enjoy your guest's company. There's a reason why I keep on coming back. :-)
(3)
Stephie Z.
The problem with being wasted at a place like this is that I pick out a fablous stout and then I am way too drunk to remember what the hell I ordered. This means that every time I come here I have to start over with my choices. Good in a way since they have so many delicious beer choices, bad b/c I can never remember what to look for when I'm at Green's. Pub frites is the fucking shit. Top dips for me: the yogurt dill and the garlic aoli (my plan to find some dude to make out with went down the tubes with this dip though). The chickpea and cherry salad is top dog though I really haven't found a shitty thing on the menu be it food or beer.
(5)
Leanne E.
This is a super cute place to dine with friends. I ordered the soup of the day which was a sweet potato and Parmesan. It was very good and smooth. I shared an appetizer which looked like a personal pan pizza, and it was wonderful, perfect for two. They kept my sweet tea full, which is a keystone of good service for me.
(4)
Matthew D.
I went to Leon's for the first time after going to a Civil War / Mile Greene concert. I travel the eastern half of the US for my job, so I eat out for than I should and the one thing I always order if it is on the menu is mussels. With that preface, let me say, these are the BEST mussels I have ever had. Bar none. Ever. If you are a fan, this is your pilgrimage brother. Beyond that, the beer list is inventive and extensive, this staff is kind and quirky, but be warned, if you get there late, they are run out of dishes. Our first four choices were out, which attests to the freshness of the meals I suppose and we enjoyed what we had, but if you want your first choice, get there early. I also love the decor, light, bright and modern. The best spot in Decatur in my humble opinion.
(5)
Alexander C.
Not the best food I've ever had. Dry oso bucco, extremely salty fries. Seems like they were charging $10 over what their food was worth. Maybe I was just there on a bad night, all these reviews can't be wrong right? I'd rather go next door to 246.
(2)
Blair H.
Hipster paradise awaits you at Leon's Full Service! From the same wonderful people that bring you the Brickstore, this delightful establishment has a HUGE rotating draft beer list, extensive bottled beer & wine selection, as well as a FANTASTIC (running out of adjectives here) mixed drink menu. I usually dont like mixed drinks but the stuff they come up with here is great. Food is pretty good as well. Ditto on the patio. The wait can be long, but would there be a wait if it wasn't any good???? Recommend.
(4)
Sarah F.
We had such an amazing time here and a lot of that was due to the amazing waitress we had. She was awesome. It was like having the chef at our table. I have never had a waitress that knew so much about the food. Well maybe once at Eugene's but that is it. The drink I had was awesome and I loved the fries. Whoever was cooking that night was very heavy handed on the salt but otherwise it was a nice place and great food. I love brick store which I use to frequent every single weekend but now that I am older it's nice to have a place more about the food. My drink was so amazing though. I will go back just for that.
(5)
Kristie C.
Service - slow, and not very friendly. They brought out 1 entree late and didn't apologize for it, even though the rest of us sat there letting our food get cold. Food - on the salty side, my sandwich bread seemed stale. Pub Frites are pretty good, sauces are a must. Overall experience was just okay. Better place to just come for drinks + fries.
(2)
Ruksana H.
I've been here a bunch of time sand cannot get enough of those different sauces they offer for the fries, and then their mussels wooooowiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee! Thats my usual here, though I've tried things my friends have ordered and its really the case where anything your order just turns out great, you really cannot go wrong with a place like this. Great service, good food, casual ambience, in the heart of Decatur = pure awesomeness. Rock on!
(5)
Jenn D.
We had a great meal at Leon's last night! But I'm debating between three and four stars. I really liked the place and the food, but ultimately I probably wouldn't make the effort to return unless friends suggested it. Usually I give those a 3, but I REALLY like the food, so 4 it is. Drinks were reasonable and Tyler (our server) was able to help me quickly find a Guinness style beer. Service was overall very good, good timing and smiles from everyone we interacted with. It was late so we tried not to go overboard on ordering and shared the grass fed burger, orzo pasta salad, and the chicken liver croquettes. The burger was cooked perfectly, but the mustard was a little on the heavy side for my tastes. If you're not a big fan, I'd ask them to go easy. The orzo pasta salad was a treat! The flavors popped and blended in all the right places. I'd get the croquettes again and again, not even sure how to describe them, but if you like fried chicken livers and are open to variations on them - go for it! The crowd seem to be 30 something, doing pretty good, might have just bought a house in town ex-hipsters. I overheard some women high fiving over their 30s while drinking things that were not beer and eating their "pub frites". But the din of the place keeps most of the other people out of your conversation, even if you do have to raise your voice to hear your dining companion.
(4)
Alex C.
Oooh, Leon's is really cool! They've got really interesting beer selections. The food is yummy. And the servers are relatively nice and helpful. The french fries are obviously super delicious and I'd like to try all their dipping sauces. I ordered their hummus - I wouldn't really call it hummus, though. It was like a mash of fresh green peas. It tasted very "green." Not really creamy or starchy like how hummus usually is. It was good, but not what I was expecting. The bread that came with it was deliciously chewy and crusty. What I really liked was how casual and not stuck up the bartenders were. I'm kind of soft-spoken and a lot of the time bartenders seem to get a little frustrated with my soft voice, but not here. The bartender was just, really cool! I was totally comfortable ordering at the bar. Next time I go, I'd like to try some of their cocktails for sure!
(4)
Junior M.
I wish the steak sandwich was still on the menu, I used to go just for that. The wait for a table can be long, and the bar gets crowded, but I guess that's because so many people like it. Bacon in a glass. What else should I say?
(4)
Maura F.
Hands down, best cocktails in town! I really love this place. Great beer list, EXCELLENT cocktails, and really good food too. It's a little pricey. The drinks are worth it, the food is a little overpriced. Good service and friendly staff as well.
(4)
Caesar M.
I did not really like this place to much. I was not a fan of the atmosphere nor their menu. My roommate raved a lot about it so I decided to give it a try and I was not impressed. I ordered a few apetizers and a burger and was left wanting more. In fact we drove through the Mcdonald's drive-thru right after we left to satisfy my remaining apetite. I live in Atlantic Station and the drive was definitely not worth it.
(3)
Adam M.
I don't know if it was the Christmas spirit or the brick-store-like beer menu that hooked me, but Leon's left a pretty good impression despite our wait time for a table for 5 (damn stable restaurants with their happy patrons). I'll keep this one short as my memory has faded (or been erased) since just before the holidaze. I do recall that pretty much everything i put in my mouth was scrumptious. We tried the fries app and the lug nuts, as well as the bacon in a glass. Honestly, despite being a lover of bacon, i was not pleased with this cupped form and could have gone without. I've seen references to Leon's as "Brick Store with an emphasis on Food", and i can't entirely agree (personally, i love me some Brick Store brunswick stew and those chicken fingers...ahh...so glorious...). But still, the food has a slight "gastro" spin, so again, i can see the reference. The group all loved their food, and it escapes me exactly what everyone had, but my wife and i gobbled our food. The atmosphere was pretty vibrant but not overly loud. I think hanging here during warmer months will be a must - outdoor bocce and a decent sized courtyard tell me so. Seriously, for the life of me, i can't recall what we ate. I think the steak sandwich for me and a salad for the missus. Don't take that as a reflection of our satisfaction. Honestly, all i remember is that we had a hell of a time and the food was no exception. I do recall that a "late night" menu came around at 10:00 and i believe the kitchen is open until midnight (maybe later). You can't have enough late-night food options, so good info to keep in your back pocket when you want tasty food past standard dinner hours. Anyway, I'm done writing and off to Leon's for some Frites and a La fin du Monde. See you there...
(4)
Ryan K.
I was skeptical as I don't normally go for this type of fare, but they won me over. First, the high points. The chicken was crisp and juicy and well seasoned. The range of beer available was well selected and the pub frites were very nice with a wide variety of sauces. The location is fun in downtown Decatur and the arrangement of the restaurant with the outdoor seating in the front makes one feel like they are entering a welcoming community hang-out. The portions, especially of the frites, were ample. The service was attentive and friendly, but reading some of the other reviews I too had a mistake in my order, but it was corrected quickly. The vegetarian meat loaf fell short of the quality of the other food and was not something I would order again.
(4)
guido s.
Leons doesn't need my 5 star review, but it's one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere are all perfect for its price points. They have the best house-made cocktails in Atlanta, ever changing, and extremely creative. Go here if you haven't already. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it's so worth it!
(5)
Jackie V.
Leon's is a crowd pleaser - lots of options on the menu to fit any taste & nothing has ever disappointed. Love that they offer different dipping sauces with their fries - if you are with a group order a variety so you can try as many as possible - they are delicious. Great selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. They change regularly with the season (same as the menu).
(4)
Wesley C.
Haven't been here in a while, but definitely went a couple of times when it had just opened (week of, an several weeks later) . . . I'd have to say that some of the menu items were good, but not all of them. I went with a party of 4 or more each time, and we all tried each others' food . . . and I'd have to say that for the most part, we really weren't all that impressed. The roast beef sandwich was probably our favorite, followed by the grilled vegetable sandwich and beef brisket sandwich tied for a close second. The "pub frites" were okay . . . we tried multiple different sauces . . . but I'll be honest . . . it just wasn't my thing. I guess I'm just happy with some Heinz Ketchup. We haven't been back since it opened, and I'm not so sure that we will be returning anytime in the near future . . . although it's always a "happening" place . . . with the bocci ball outside, and sometimes hour-long wait for a seat . . . I just think there are so many other great options in the decatur square area that seem to be more appetizing to us.
(3)
Nick K.
Bacon in a glass. No more needs to be said. This is not a place to sit down and have a good conversation unless you are sitting outside. The drinks are good and the food is one of the better choices in Decatur. I like the place. If you are in Decatur stop by and check it out.
(4)
Sarah O.
Have been there twice during the evenings and loved it! Great ambience for date night or a big group. The drinks and wine were also great. Any of the reds or the gin/vodka drinks are highly recommended. Also the strawberry rhubarb pie is a must! Don't recommend the chocolate coconut - was not good at all and was dry. Staff are super friendly!
(4)
Rirry C.
Leon's is one of my fav spots in Decatur. Great cocktails and beer selection. Awesome food at fair prices. The cheddarwurst is amazing. The zucchini casserole and brussel sprouts with bacon are two of my favorite appetizers. The charcuterie plate was a little under whelming in flavor but was fun to eat, the mustard was delish. Omg, the dessert we had was a toffee pudding with pecans and fresh whipped cream, it was off the chaaaaaain.
(5)
Sam W.
I took my friend to Leon's to celebrate her birthday. I was disappointed in the food, the schtiznel was too salty and came with an oversized bun. My friend was disappointed in her Gyro. The fries were just a bunch of little scraps piled into a galvanized bucket. I wish I had chosen a different restaurant to celebrate. For the money, we had 4 glasses of wine between us and 2 entrees and spent more than $100.00 (that money would have been better spent at a place like Franco's or Farm Burger!) The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. Overall, a good place for drinks, but skip the food.
(2)
Jeff B.
I just like throwing a wrench in things I guess. This was an upscale place. We walked in without reservations and got seated right away. our service was good, though not up to the standards of what I expect from a place with these prices. The menu looked great, and I was looking forward to a great meal. At best what came was mediocre. I've had better burgers at taverns. The veggie loaf was rather tasteless and uninspired. Everything was overpriced and rather unimpressive.
(2)
Bonnie L.
Hostess was very friendly despite the crowd. Servers cruising the bar area were attentive and again, friendly. Not since Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor have I had such a great specialty cocktail. Extra points for serving pisco, even though they call it Peruvian and I'm on the Chile side of that debate. We snagged a couple of seats facing outside. When our wait got a little long - but not that long for a Saturday night - the bar server suggested that we get an appetizer and brought it quickly. The hostess came and got us when a table was ready and there was no awkwardness in the transition over. The server was pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable. She even had an answer for "what wine goes well with the veggie loaf?" The veggie loaf, by the way, was good! It tasted healthy, too. Service timing was nice, not too fast, not too slow, and nothing felt rushed. Afterward we headed to the botchiball court, the rest of our wine-that-went-with-the-veggie-loaf in tow. Very cool idea to have this kind of thing onsite. Too bad I royally suck at it. Fortunately, I can still have a good time at things I royally suck at. Leon's is one of those places I can't believe I hadn't been to before, and another reason to love downtown Decatur.
(5)
Michele D.
Cocktails are great! The summer drinks called going steady and the wasp are refreshing and worth the $10-11 price tag. We also got a bucket of frites with two sauces: goat cheese fondue and curry catsup. Sauces were tasty and frites were crispy.
(4)
Ethan T.
I really like this particularly on a spring day on the patio
(4)
Jennifer L.
Everyone seems to love this place, but I was underwhelmed. The pub fries were good, but it was over priced, and it gave me the vibe that it was trying really, REALLY hard to be cool.
(3)
Shoichi N.
I went there back in November with my friend and her husband during my stay in ATL for a movie shoot. Little bit of wait but we got the table eventually. Saturday night and the place was busy- mostly posh trendy crowd of this area. Good beer and wine selection, along with solid continental food menu. Living in New York. Good place to start out before heading to bars around the MARTA station.
(4)
Sarah S.
Everyone loves Leon's! No matter what night you go, this place will always have a decent crowd. Favorite thing...the fries! They even come with different sauces - all of them are delicious! Luckily I didn't have to pay when I went, it was a tad pricey but I give the disclaimer that i'm in college so everything is pricey to me. I dig the atmosphere of Leon's. It's very trendy, and has incredible outdoor seating! It's worth a visit for sure - highly doubt you'd be disappointed.
(4)
Amrita R.
Went here pretty late in the night to grab some dinner. The place is really nicely set up. It was definitely the first warm night of the year, and the start of spring. I loved the open windows and the breeze... until someone started smoking a cigar right outside. The staff was nice enough to come and close the windows though, and told us we were welcome to do so as well. We had the fries and I ate a side of their arugula salad with the creme fraiche dressing. The salad was rather bland... I wanted some other flavors in it. I probably should have swapped out the dressing. It tasted good when I ate a bit with a fry since it added some salt. I guess I could have just added some salt, come to think of it.... Either way, I couldn't finish it. The waitress let us try 3 sauces with our fries, but the black pepper mayonnaise won over the garlic aioli and the leon's catsup. The garlic aioli was so strongly garlicked, it was hard to eat. But the black pepper mayonnaise was just right. I think my friend enjoyed her veggie sandwich and my other friend ate a side of chickpeas. Overall, the place was definitely just A-ok since we didn't talk about the food at all, which is rare among my group. The drinks were also a tad bit expensive so we went to a different bar for that.
(3)
Emily N.
I adore Leon's, but mostly for a cocktail (or two) and a snack, rather than a meal. The bar is where Leon's really shines. They have a large cocktail menu rooted in antique cocktails with a modern, upscale twist, but ALSO have an ample selection of modern, inventive drinks. I have enjoyed the most delicious, complex, and unique cocktails ever at Leon's. As far as food goes, everything's been pretty good, though for someone who leans mostly toward vegetarian/pescatarian options, the menu is small-ish. What I really enjoy are the snack foods, specifically the fries! The portion is quite large, the fries themselves are nicely cooked and seasoned, and there's a large list of dipping sauce options of which you can select three. I loathe ketchup, and I'm thrilled to have such a nice spectrum of non-ketchup options. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the porch is among my top 5 favories in the city. They do not take reservations--not for the porch, and not for the indoor seating--so be ready for a wait, especially if you're married to the idea of sitting outside. It can become extremely crowded when the weather is good--even on weekday afternoons. The service is also extremely good, though be prepared to have multiple wait staff come to visit you throughout the evening. Everyone who I've ever been served by has had great knowledge of the menu, and helpful opinions and advice.
(4)
gabriel m.
How have I not reviewed Leon's yet?!? Been here so many times; where do I start? Drinks are inventive and tasty. Go often though or you'll miss them. Their menu changes often so if you like a drink, take advantage! The food is good to quite good. Some variety but would like to see some more of it. I do respect them sticking to what they know but be more inventive with it. The bocce ball outside is great and unique. A great way to waste the time away sipping inventive drinks. :) Inventive, the theme of today's review. Brought to you by.... Me!
(4)
Robert U.
Leon's Full Service really lives up to its name providing 5-star service to my friends and I one recent Friday evening. Leon's is clearly a Decatur favorite; when we walked in, the place was packed to the brim, but the magnificent hostess Molly made the wait much less stressful than it could have been. When we finally were able to both find a seat near the bar and have a bartender take our beer order amidst the flood of patrons, Molly kept periodically checking in with us making us cognizant of our place in line. When we were seated, we sat at a booth made for three; which definitely was cozy, but was the perfect size for three friends catching up. The restaurant was bustling but in our corner we had no problem hearing each other in our prime location. My friends and I each had a craving for a burger so we ordered Leon's version, complete with a side. Each of our burgers were cooked to perfection, and while they're not the absolute best burgers ever (I mean, burgers are so ubiquitous...) they were definitely a burger to remember. For sides, two of us had their pub frites with their delicious dipping sauces and my other friend had the iceberg wedge salad with an incredible herb caper creme fraiche. Outstanding. And the french fries were some of the best I've ever had. Hands down. When we left the restaurant at 9:00, we were almost unable to get out through the front door; it somehow got even more crowded. But with Leon's impeccable service (shout out to you Molly) and absolutely delicious food, it is really easy to see why.
(5)
Starbuck S.
Went to Leon's for the 3rd time last night. Yet again, everything was excellent! We started with delicious hoppy beers at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartender was super friendly & helpful despite being very busy making others' drinks. The beer selection via the beer menu & also on tap provide great, quality selections. We then went to have dinner in the restaurant area. The wait staff was super friendly & helpful despite having a large group of 10 near us. I ordered the veggie "meat"loaf. Please ignore the reviewer below who suggested that the veggie loaf was rather bland and tasteless. I totally dis-agree! Even for meat lovers, one cannot tell that this is a "veggie"-only loaf! It was extremely tasty & also HUGE. As it's made primarily from quinoa (yummy & healthy!), and other tasty, healthy veggies such as mushrooms, cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, it was extremely tasty & FILLING! We also got a side bucket of fries. Wow oh wow, their fries are consistently delish & they give you a ton of them to share! I've also tried other sides such as the chickpea & cherry salad (was delicious & had real, not the fake, cherries)! I was eyeing the brussel sprouts with bacon but would have been too much food. Definitely GO here if you've never been. Sure, expect a sometimes, usually long wait on weekend nights (go early or late or expect to wait at the bar if you don't mind that). This place & Brickstore (part of same ownership) are consistently fun & delicious, with great service & vibe at both places. Leon's would be considered a notch above Brickstore from an atmosphere, price & gourmet-food perspective. I love Brickstore too for a more "chill" scenario, so you certainly cannot go wrong at either place. BOTH places rule!! Enjoy!
(4)
Bobby D.
I've been here a few times and love the creativity the chef brings to flavoring dishes. My fav is the brisket sandwich with gravy and fried onions, it can't be good for you so run a few miles afterwards.
(5)
Roxy J.
To be fair, I came to this place to eat, not to drink and therefore did not have any alcoholic beverage. The food was very, salty. I ordered the scallops, they were overcooked. The Strawberry rhubarb was very good. The fries were dry and too salty. The tasting sauces were all basically mayo with this or that. Not bad, but definitely not as novel and interesting as they're featured on the menu. Which hinted at what to expect. The alcohol menu was several pages long, and there were only a couple of pages for food. The late night menu seemed more interesting than the day menu. Everyone there was drinking. I just wish I'd been less hungry and more prepared for a night of drinking. It's DEFINITELY a bar, but not so much a restaurant.
(2)
John E.
After reading some of the other most-recent reviews I was a bit hesitant regarding Leon's and attended a small dinner party of 8 last night (Friday) with some misgivings and lower expectations. I'm happy to say that this local restaurant/bar was much, much better than expected and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. My dining companion and I arrived about 8:00 PM - note that the city of Decatur had decided to close down the main drag and fill it with many tons of sand in order to create a festival "beach" atmosphere for whatever occasion they were celebrating - so the noise level and unwashed humanity were both intense (and parking minimal). We had just completed a ride on the Silver Comet taking time only to rinse down our bikes and thoroughly wash ourselves before heading to the birthday dinner - I think after parking and walking to the restaurant we made it by about 10 after. The honoree and his wife were waiting for us outside having a few brews so we joined them while waiting for the rest to arrive (all fashionably late I might add) - we asked to be seated outside at their long table (there may have been as many as 10 or 12 showing but some got scared off by the noise and lack of parking so the final tally was 8). While waiting I sampled some of their brews on tap - quite an assortment, enough to satisfy even the most picky of beer aficionados - and settled on a hoppy IPA for the evening. As people began to arrive we were seated and ordered some appetizers for the table - these included two buckets of pub frites (skin-on fried potatoes) and a pot of mussels. Leon's does something magical with your basic fries by doing them up crisp then allowing you to pick up to three of their sauces (so we tried 6 with the two buckets). To say these were good would be an understatement - our selection included: peppercorn gravy, masaman curry, madras curry catsup, smoked tomato mayonnaise, black pepper mayonnaise and fresh horseradish mayonnaise - I think my favorite was the horseradish mayo - what a great, inexpensive appetizer to get things going. The Prince Edward Island mussels we ordered were flat out great too - an amazing lemongrass broth and the baguettes were made for dipping - place a mussel on top and you get a satisfying, juicy, meaty bite. The pot was also a good appetizer to split - everyone got two or three bites - just enough to get the saliva going. Fortunately we weren't plagued by all the flies that Vanessa T. reported during her lunch visit (and we were outside - maybe the trick is to order them in the open?). For entrees we sampled a wide variety including three sammiches (burger, steak, beef brisket and turky schnitzel), ribeye, sea scallops, calamari, baby arugula, radishes, another order of pub frites and lug nuts (sort of a nut brittle, this one had almonds in it). Everything we shared and tried were wonderful with one exception - the burger came adorned with a mustard that obliterated the taste of the grass-fed beef (I'd recommend all the condiments on the side). I had the panko-coated, fried turkey schnitzel - your basic flattened turkey breast extending to two sides of a bun, covered in a chunky slaw and thin-sliced radishes. This was served with a tiny, crunchy and intense pickle and my chosen side, a really wonderful zucchini cheddar casserole with sweet onion gravy. Not for everyone, it was the perfect side for me to cut the fried flavors (not to mention the tiny pickle - could have eaten a handful of those). Between the two of us with drinks, two sandwiches and the pot of mussels, our portion of the bill was about $42 - not bad for an evening out in a nice restaurant. It could have been more however our guest of honor footed the bar tab (very nice of him) while we were waiting. The ambiance of the restaurant is very hipster and bar-like - makes sense as the place is a converted gas-station (there's a Purol sign hanging inside that may be original?). The noise level was high inside, and actually fairly calm outside considering the beach party going on less than a block away. VERY little lighting outside makes reading the menu difficult (most used the light from their mobile phones) but small votives came out about 8:00 PM. There's only street parking nearby with the exception of the very large deck across the street - $5 to park there. The best part of the experience here was the service - it was flat-out exceptional. From the hostess, the bartenders, the food runners and especially the servers, service was excellent, the people attentive and super-nice and extremely knowledgeable regarding the food, drink and beer selections. It's rare than you can get some honest recommendations using palette nuances simple for the diner to understand and where most servers fail. The training of the staff is exceptional.
(4)
Dru M.
Leon's is one of those places were friends of mine are always picking for birthday happy hours or dinners. That's because it's fun, has a awesome location and the food/drinks are great. Below I've listed a few highlights of mine. Enjoy! * They have a fun, decent sized bar and great bartenders and servers. * Drinks - pretty good beer list and their cocktails change by the season, which I love. Variety is the spice of life! * Favorite starters - pub frites (they come with 2 dipping sauces...my favorites are - garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, peppercorn gravy, leons bbq, black pepper mayonnaise and fresh horseradish mayonnaise). Also you MUST get the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. LOVE THEM! * I recommend the bistro steak sandwich and the grilled pork chop entree. Note - they tends to fill up fast...so I suggest going early in the evening or calling ahead to make a reservation. You can order food at the bar, but that fill up fast too. Bonus - they have a bocci ball court that has a few benches by it. Perfect place to hang out with a cocktail if you do have to wait for a table. Overall...one of Decatur's gems. If you haven't tried hem already...you should.
(4)
Stephanie R.
We got to Leon's quite often. Just cuz it's close to home and delicious. Bacon in a glass...great cocktails...deliciousness.
(4)
Melissa T.
The best way to enjoy Leon's is to have a few of the starters instead of a burger or entree. I've eaten here no less than 10 times and am never disappointed with the charcuterie plate, which is the best for the money I've found in Atl (Brick Store, by the same owners is also YUM). I also love the calamari, Pigs Smorgas, radishes, and the specials. Tonight it was Hunter's stew and was very yummy! The specialty cocktails and also very cool and reasonably priced. Miles (the bartender) makes them better than Holeman & Finch! There have so many neat ingredients they make right there. My husband had the Whiskey Pie tonight and it smelled lovely - and I don't even like Whiskey! Leon's gets very busy so I recommend going early or expect a wait. The crowd is usually younger and hip and if you have to wait, they have a Bocci Ball court for use during nice weather, which is awesome! The staff is equally awesome and the owners too. This is another Decatur treasure!
(4)
Mary M.
Incredible drinks. Absolutely incredible. I will go back for drinks alone. Food? Eh. It's not bad by any means, but I was not impressed with anything we had, nor any of the sauces and fondue that most people rave about, or even their homemade ketchup. I think most people don't realize how easy those are to make (the fondue & ketchup, at least), and with the obvious effort and care they put into the drinks they put out, it was a bit surprising to me that their food wasn't show stopping either. It won't stop me from going back though...there are pages of drinks I want to try. And on that note, our bartender Shanna was really friendly and attentive, and recommended a drink I would have never have tried otherwise, and I am so glad I did- it was probably one of the best drinks I have ever had. I am guessing it's a seasonal cocktail, so try it while they have it- it's called a Green Light. AMAZING.
(4)
Alain L.
Let me start off by saying that this is not a $$$ establishment, but more more of a $$ establishment. I mean that in a good way, you won't come away with that "I just burned a hole in my pocket" feeling. So Leon's I remember as a derelict auto shop that basically sat on this corner far too long. Glad someone took the initiative and put something useful here. Walking up I noticed the large windows as well as the gravel landscaping. One of the gravel yards was being used for bocci ball, very cool way to wait on a table. Tulie L, Lauren S. and I walk in and the place is pretty packed. We manage to get some seating at the bar and we're admiring the decor. One thing to know, or maybe this was an aberration, expect to wait a while on drinks at the bar. There seemed to be one person making them, so this was a bit of a low point. With that said, I had the 3 Hour Tour, let me just say, I stuck with the draught beer after that. We ordered the pub frites, as we were waiting on a few more people to join us for dinner. These were excellent, I recommend the smoked tomato as the sauce of choice. Once we're done here, we get to our table and it's one of the large semi-oval tables in the back of the main room. We get seated and the rest of the group shows up, Mark R., Leah F., Kit F, and 2 more friends of Tulie. I ordered the Crispy Rabbit Tenders (you read that right) to start and it really did taste like chicken. The main course was the pork osso bucco with the butternut squash. When this dish arrived, I thought it looked a little on the small side, but it had really big flavor. We got to sample a few bites from various dishes and not one was disappointing to me. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)
Jeremiah D.
My wife and I love Leon's. They have a fantastic beer selection in both draft and bottle, and the cocktails are even better. They take their cocktails seriously and change up the cocktail specials to reflect the seasons. The pub frites are a must, but I've loved everything I've ever had on the menu. The only thing I wish that had is something a little more kid friendly on the menu. This is regular first stop whenever we have date night in Decatur, and out of town visitors ask to go back as well.
(4)
Julia D.
We all know Leon's has great food, so I'm here to rave about their customer service. We had a graduation dinner there with around 15 people and, since they don't take reservations, I showed up an hour and a half early to let them know we'd have a big group coming. The hostess was great--she took my name and pointed out the largest table they had available and said she expected the diners at the table to be finished in an hour. Unfortunately, the diners at the big table loved Leon's as much as we did, so they stayed, and stayed, and stayed. There were no other tables large enough for our group, so the manager sat us outside in a make-shift set up and brought us a couple of complimentary appetizers while we waited for a few tables to open up. She apologized (even though it wasn't their fault at all) and took great care of us, taking our drink orders and checking on us often. One thing that I actually appreciated was that they didn't ever make the other party at the big table uncomfortable--even though they were no longer eating or drinking (meaning they weren't spending money), they didn't rush them to leave. They never did leave in time for us to snag their table, so we ended up pushing a few smaller tables together and it worked just fine. The food and drinks were all delicious, and what could have been a horrible night ended up being GREAT--all because of Leon's excellent customer service.
(4)
Andrea H.
Walked into Leon's for lunch after being told Brick Store had a 20 minute wait. Glad we stumbled in here! I ordered off their lunch special, a vegetable panini and it was fantastic. My husband ordered the hamburger with fries. The hamburger, while flavorful, was overcooked. Had it not been for the flavor, this review probably would have received 3 stars. The curry ketchup was also "ok," I've had better curry ketchups (namely, at BareBurger!) Cute spot though, would definitely return!
(4)
Courtney Allison B.
Whoa nelly! I experienced Leon's for the first time last night and I will definitely be returning. Met some friends for dinner at 9:30 pm - there was a half an hour wait, but it flew by between hanging out at the bar with an absolutely delicious Tom Collins and chatting with friends. We initially sat outside, but once it started drizzling pretty heavily, the girl who sat us asked if we wanted to move to the next open inside table, which happened to be available about two minutes after she asked. (The staff here was incredibly friendly and accommodating - love that!) Once inside, we ordered our food - I had the burger with the chickpea cherry salad side - it was PHENOMENAL, especially the salad. It was warm, sweet and savory and herbed just right. It was a little bit of heaven in my mouth. Everyone else I was with seemed very happy with their dishes as well. This place was fantastic!
(5)
Jennifer G.
I had a great experience at Leon's. Went here on a date and the food was so good, I went out with the guy again. It's that good, it will turn a 7 into a 10! All jokes aside, we had to wait at the bar for a table because it was packed and we were on a wait. We had some drinks and the peppadew appetizer. They were very good, if not a religious experience like Iberian Pig's bacon wrapped dates. The bartender was very personable. It's always great when the bartender treats you like a person instead of like someone that wandered into their own personal playhouse. Once we were seated, I had the mussels with frites. Very good and so was my date's food. Overall, service and food were great. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Ferdinand H.
Compared to the superlatively wondrous Brickstore, this venue still needs work. The ambiance is rather good; swanky yet low-key, with more metallic accents and chic lighting. The drink selection is decidedly up-market, and it still retains a pub like feel. It's not the Brickstore, and they've clearly tried to make sure that the visitor knows that. Metals instead of wood, lighting a bit more reminiscent of the art-deco era... An emphasis on Wine/cocktails and scotch as opposed to ales and beers comes to mind. The food is also a different sort, with more of a gastro-pub feel. This is where Leon's doesn't meet expectations. I had an osso bucco and bacon / peanut butter. Good, but not good enough to really make it shine. While I'd probably first go to Brickstore, this place makes a great second stop if the ol' pub is full. Don't get me wrong, I like this place; but it's parent is seriously stiff competition!
(4)
Kate S.
Leon's Full Service is a gem. The food is good, the drinks are unique and the service is wonderful. If you want something eclectic and combinations of food and drink that you wouldn't have imagined before, try Leon's. The only critique I have is that the prices are a bit high and there's usually a wait.
(4)
Tracey A.
The hubster and I were looking for a new, in-town and fun restaurant to try ... and selected Leon's Full Service. LOVE the vibe... it's in downtown Decatur and is hip, fun, cool, AND has really good food too. We had the calamari (with really unusual pickled onions on top); and a litle bucket of pub frites with a goat cheese fondue, and bacon herb dip sauce to start... then we each had sandwiches.. i had the gyro which was good , and husband had some sort of pork thing that looked quite good (and he seemed delighted with). We also had some interesting sides: a marinated chickpea, basil and feta salad with cranberries.... and a zucchini and cheddar tart. AND two great beers (they have an excellent selection of 'off-the-beaten-path' beers). Our waitress was lovely, engaging, attentive, and intuitive. (And got a 30% tip for her efforts!) We will definitely be back. Excellent find!
(5)
Laura M.
Leon's doesn't really need another review, but I'm bringin' it. Their food is excellent gastropub fare, their cocktails are expertly crafted and their beer/wine list well-curated, plus the service is chill but attentive. They don't take reservations, but they've allowed me to show up early and stake out a big table all by myself while waiting for tardy friends. I sometimes feel a little awkward doing it, but the policy has saved me in the past. Go on Monday evening (flight night) for great food and drink specials, or cruise in at 10:00 on a weeknight for their late-night menu and a nightcap.
(5)
Emily W.
The place looks so good on the surface but after our experience I just think it's trying too hard...pretentious much? The service was pretty ok, the crowd are hipsters along with the staff. The food was not so great. I had a gyro and the meat was chewy and the pita was way too thick and hard to eat. It also came with a salad which was good. The drinks are pricey...maybe they have a good happy hour? not sure. I would only return if someone else wanted to go or for a drink at the bar perhaps. oh! one thing I did enjoy was the small glasses of water they give you along with the chilled bottle for the table. for some reason i've always liked to drink water in small glasses, weirdo? yep, that's me!
(2)
Laura W.
I am ashamed to admit that I had never been here after living in Atlanta for 10 years, and I'm bummed that I have missed out for so long. The food was awesome. I had the Veggieloaf, which luckily enough had no soy in it (food allergies). I also took a bit of the duck and that was fantastic. Equally as good as the food is the drink selection, it isn't your typical rum and coke, and I like that. The atmosphere and decor here is also great, it reminded me of a late fifties (only without all the overhead lighting) meets speakeasy vibe. I tried both the molasses pudding and the nutella desert and I ate them both...so needles to say, they too were as awesome as the food and drinks. Can't wait to sit on their patio this summer!!!
(4)
B B.
I went in for lunch with a friend who was playing hookie from work. We ordered the trout gyro and an open face steak sandwich for our entrees. The sides are all good, you can't really go wrong. We ordered the chick peas and quiche and were very happy. We shared everything family style including the drinks. The Annoxicilion was my favorite, a taste of ginger flavored heaven. Save room for dessert the bread pudding is divine! This place is very stylish, in the best way possible. Everything is pleasantly organized. The seating is good for all sizes of groups, I even spotted a booth with no sunlight for those vampires out there. Coolest bathroom I've even experienced.
I went to Leon's Full Service tonight for the first time tonight with a couple of people from work. I am torn on my review stars - I would like to give it 3.5 stars to be exact. I had the flat iron steak, gravy and zucchini/cheddar casserole. We also split the frites with goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayo as an appetizer. The portions are not huge, but the food was good. The smoked tomato mayo was very good and the frites (fries) were really good and crispy. The steak was good, along with the gravy. The casserole was like a small souffle. I felt everything was good, but not great. I think like the food from the Brick Store Pub better. Also, the inside was extremely loud, making hard to even understand the people at the same table as you. I will give it another chance at some point, but I was not blown away. Maybe my expectations were too high? The drink menu looked very good, but I did not try for this visit.
(3)
Sergio S.
First time in Atlanta and this restaurant. This has to be one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The bourbon selection was fantastic. For my entree, I had the flat iron steak which is the best steak I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and a flavor/tenderness that I've never experienced on a steak before.
(5)
Heather N.
The thrill is gone... I went this week with a group and made the mistake of eating inside. I tried to plead my case for moving out to the patio, but no one could hear me. It was deafeningly loud, even on a Tuesday night. That is the drawback with austere decor~no sound barriers. The shrimp gyro was really tasty, but I think calling it a gyro because it is in a wrap is funny. It wasn't shaved meat...The spinach side was not great, I ended up eating it for mineral value alone. I tasted my friend's chickpea side, and it was almost gross. The chickpeas were hard and the cheese had melted and hardened again. Just not at all yummy. And my fave, the peppadews, were a wee bit aged-as in wrinkled skin. I have to say after having visited twice that the fries are good, but I don't think any of the dipping sauces are actually tasty WITH the fries. If I look at it as a cool bar with nice snacks, I am less disappointed than if I think of it as a restaurant with iffy food and a great drink menu.
(3)
Angela K.
I like Leon's. It's a great spot to have a drink with a friend, and their drink list is extensive. I've eaten there probably eight times over the years, and the food never quite lives up to the feeling I get when I walk in--that this is a cool place, and that the food is going to be something special. The food is serviceable, and certainly quirky (to a fault, I would argue), but it always feels a bit lacking when measured against my expectations. One exception is the french fry basket with a choice of about ten different dipping sauces; the masaman curry and sun-dried tomato mayo are my favorites, and it's fun to try a new flavor. The entrees and sandwiches I've had haven't been as good. I tried the gyro once, and thought it mediocre at best--the red onion pickles were especially strange in texture and devoid of flavor. I've tried the pork chop twice. The first time it was really yummy, accompanied by sweet potatoes and green beans, and I thought I'd finally found something I could get passionate about on the menu; the second time I tried it, alas, it was fatty and not nearly as palatable. Sometimes I get the feeling at Leon's that there's nothing that "sounds good" on the menu, and since I like all sorts of foods, this is not a good sign for me at a restaurant. Overall I'd say Leon's is recommended as a fun place to go with friends, especially just for cocktails, but is hit-or-miss with the food, so if that's your focus I'd say probably go elsewhere. The service is friendly and down-to-earth, in spite of the "cool kid" vibe they're rocking in there.
(3)
Andrew A.
Good burger and fries with very attentive service. The mayo and ketchup sauce for the french fries is very good. They have a limited but terrific selection of beers. The wait can be long and, unfortunately, on a rainy Saturday night we were unable to play bocce without rain boots.
(3)
Roy K.
No complaints at all. Great service & even better food. I had the brisket sandwich ( from Texas, I know me some Brisket) which had a cool 'french onion' thing going on. Had the chick-pea side dish and it was a good kind of different. Fritas were great - had the curry ketchup with them and i would do it all over again. As you can guess great beer on draft/bottle. Not as much as Brick Store but thats the point. Here and Brick Store not only Atlanta musts but should be on the regular list.
(5)
Bill S.
I went to Leons with some friends last night... a great little place for a drink and some food. The beer selection doesn't come close to what they offer at the Brick Store, but like Brick Store, none of the beers they carry are going to be available at your run of the mill bar. I asked the waitress for "something similar to Guinness", and she brought me a Donnybrook Stout. Very tasty beer I must say. My friends raved about the osso bucco, and it certainly looked delicious to me. I had eaten beforehand so just got an appetizer of pub frites. They were a bucket of hot and delicious fries with the skins still on and sauces which I thought were pretty flavorful. The menu says you get to choose two sauces, but they'll let you choose three. ;) I chose the bbq, massaman curry and goat cheese fondue. If you need to drown your fries in sauce it might not be enough, but if you just dip them as was intended, the three sauce bowls you get is plenty... these are fresh, flavorful fries that can stand on their own, not fast food fries. Service was excellent. I don't think we went more than 3-4 minutes without someone checking on us, and when we did request something it was brought to us very quickly. The staff were all very friendly too... easily 5 stars for the service. I give 4 stars overall because its small, leading to long waits unless you want to sit outside on a chilly evening like we did, and parking is a pain unless you want to pay to park nearby or you luck out with a street spot.
(4)
Matt L.
Absolutely loved Leons top to bottom, outside of the horrendous wait. Although, the wait is not only worth the atmosphere and the great food, it doesn't seem so terrible sitting outside on the patio with one of the great beers or cocktails that come from the very attentive bar. I figured as a newbie to the city of Atlanta, and enjoying learning about this fine city and all of its great food and drinks, I better start a yelp to provide reviews of all the places I attend. I have quite a back catalog of places I have visited in the past two months to review on here, but I had to start here, with Leons. I ordered the steak sandwich with fries and a few (1 too many) pilsners from the bar. The fries were absolutely top notch and so was the horseradish mayo steak sandwich. My brother ordered the pasta salad, and was quite surprised when it wasn't the traditional pasta salad he was used to in Ohio, so I took that down as well and was very surprised at how great it tasted. Overall, 4/5 to Leons. I could not give it 5 based on the fact we were told a 45 minute wait and waited almost 2 hours but we understood as they were slammed on a Saturday night.
(4)
Broderick S.
I've been to Leon's on a number of occasions but lately it's mostly been for the bar. Their main mixologist Miles is a regular at the food festivals I attend around town and his drinks really can't be beat. He's regularly at the bar on the left hand side near the kitchen and his energy is infectious. The drink menu changes regularly but feel free to have him customize a drink for you depending on what you're in the mood for. I promise you that you won't be disappointed. Leon's also has a regularly changing beer list that can't be beat.
(5)
Russ P.
Decent food but ALWAYS a ridiculous wait. It just shouldn't take an hour and a half to be seated.
(2)
wayne e.
Fantastic Cocktails! Fantastic Cocktails!! Did I mention Fantastic Cocktails!!!??!!! I'm been a fan of Absinthe since returning from Paris and the "Death & Company" is reason to return again, and again, and again! Service is great and the food was tasty. I love good food, but am a sucker for great drinks priced reasonably. Love the wait staff and plan to return very soon.
(4)
Katherine S.
I'm loving this new outpost from the brick store pub crew. The food is a little more upscale than what you'll find at brick store, but the best part is that the wait for a table isn't nearly as long. The true standout here are the cocktails. They are probably the best I've had in Atlanta. Whoever's tending bar here deserves a solid round of applause. Salads are delicious, the fries are awesome, and the charcuterie plate with cheeses and cured meats is to die for. I also would recommend the mussels as an app, and the radishes and goat-cheese stuffed peppers from the snacks section. If possible, request a table outside. The atmosphere is much cooler out there, but the inside isn't half-bad either.
(4)
Wesley T.
Great place. Used to be a gas station. Friendly wait staff. Hipster feel. Turkey schnitzel was awesome. Inventive drinks. Not too loud.
(5)
tony w.
Incredible. You know the high points: amazing cocktails, great beer, terrific service, fantastic airy space, but here's the real secret: Leon's serves a full menu until 12AM on school nights, and 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays. That's right, you can have a top notch meal *past midnight* on saturday. Most restaurants close at 10. Maybe 11. The kitchen here is open all the way to the end of the night - it closes only an hour before the whole place shuts down, and practically speaking you can be eating just before last call. Where else can you get this? Decatur Diner? Don't Joke. McDonalds? Ha. Zucca? Ugh. The food is mindblowingly good, and they really are the only game in town late at night. Get off work, need a beer, want a fantastic dinner after a long day - this is the place.
(5)
Shaun P.
My wife and I love this place. You can tell they spend a lot of time on the details. The staff has always been extremely friendly even when they have to navigate through some fairly thick bar crowds. Excellent beer selection but what would you expect from the guys that own The Brick Store. The food is very solid too. I avoid the foodie snob choices, curry-wurst, chicken liver etc. and stick with fresher healthier ingredients like their great salads. baby arugula, radishes, smoked pecans, garlic creme fraiche dressing, grana padano. Would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'd go 5 if the menu would expand a bit more.
(4)
Teddy N.
Too much BACON and salt. Great team service and knowledgeable wait staff. We started with the carrot curry soup. Man that was a little bit of heaven. Good stuff for sure. Next we split the scallops - too much bacon. Never thought I could say those words, but it's true. Bacon killed the scallops. Would have loved a cocktail that didn't have a sweeting agent added. I settled for the Terrapin Hopsecutioner. Scratch that I settled for two Hopsecutioners!
(3)
Nikkie F.
Tonight, our friends arrived at 7pm (with a meeting time of 7:30 with us) and put their names on the list. They were told about 20 minutes, but when we arrived at 7:30, they were still sitting at the bar. However, the hostess had been keeping tabs on them and letting them know the countdown to seating. We only waited about 15 more minutes after that, which was fine (a 15 minute wait for us, but 35 for our friends...). C'est la vie, I suppose. The place is very open and airy, with tall ceilings, big windows and lots of natural light. Huge, soft, comfy booths (and also tables BTW). However, the nicely painted but still bare walls didn't absorb ANY sound, and thus the very crowded and busy restaurant was also very loud. Except when the 3 year old in the booth behind us started screaming at the top of his lungs for no reason. Yeah. Then the restaurant went silent. ((The child was rapidly removed by his attentive parents, but srsly -- who brings a 3 year old to a place like this?)) There is outdoor seating out front (on Ponce), but it was just too hot today to sit out there. On the side of the building (Church St) there are wooden benches (and tables) so you can take your drink outside and have a smoke if need be. Also, there is Bocce ball. I don't know why, there just is. They have a very big bar with a big selection of wine, beer, and mix drinks. After all, (I'm told) this place is owned by the same people who own the Brick Store (YAY!). I don't drink, so I can't account for any of the alcoholic consumables. But everything LOOKED very pleasing. The service was okay - not great - just okay. We got everything that we ordered, correctly, the first time. It came exactly as we each specified: medium-rare, on the side, without, extra, blah blah blah. Good job guys. Except, every time we tried to catch our waiters attention for another drink or an extra napkin or whatever... he'd just miss us like... five times. As soon as we were able to catch his attention we got what we needed right away... but perhaps he was too busy? And now about the FOOD! The turkey sandwich was lovely. It was a pretty typical lunch-like turkey sandwich. It was good. I probably wouldn't get it again, but it was good. However -- it has Tillamook cheese on it! If you don't know about this cheese that comes from a small part of the Willamette Valley in Oregon... well... you are just missing out. No, really. It's just that amazing. And I haven't had it in YEARS. Apparently I was looking in all the wrong places. I have since adjusted my future shopping trips. Don't worry. I will get my cheese! My side order was the Fritas or fries, or whatever fancy word they want to give them. It comes with one dipping sauce, so I choose the Spicy Aoili. Mistake. It tasted like plain ole' mayonnaise. My husband got the Masaman dipping sauce... WOW! Yummy! My friend got the horseradish, which was pretty good too. Sadly, some crazy patron decided that it would be a good idea to open a window (inside = nice cool air conditioning & outside = 97 degrees and no breeze) and leave it open. After only a few minutes there were a handful of flies buzzing around us. Ick. But that was not the fault of the restaurant, rather the crazy patron. And, to just really top everything off... it was VERY REASONABLY PRICED! It was only 27$ for the hubby's big ol' beer, his bacon-cup app, his beefy burger, and my turkey sandwich! It's difficult to find quality service and food for this price. I think this was one of the most impressive things here. I will 100% go back, and I will 100% recommend my friends (that means YOU) to visit here as well. My friend had the veggie sandwich, that looked... simply wonderful! I know that I will be ordering that the next time I visit -- and YES, I will be visiting again.
(5)
Julia R.
Maybe it was the casual and upbeat vibe that this former petrol station- turned-gastropub exuded or the fact that masaman curry and goat cheese fondue were 2 of the choices in which to dip your "pub frites" that converted me into a Leon's fan. Despite the rainy day prohibiting us from enjoying the patio or the bocce ball outdoors, I am looking forward to another visit to Leon's so that I can sample more of their unique twists on traditional American cuisine. Friendly and attentive waitstaff with a style all their own provided excellent service and the drink menu was a book in and of itself...requiring a lot of thought in order to make the right selection! A mature crowd with a very congenial atmosphere made for instant comfort after walking inside Leon's doors. Slightly disappointed that they were out of Riesling, our waitress was able to make a recommendation that almost made me forget my original request. The portions were plentiful and the food, very flavorful. I tried the marinated skirt steak gyro--extremely good with the housemade dill and cucumber yogurt. Caution, however, this is not a gyro in the traditional sense so keep that in mind prior to ordering...you won't be disappointed, though. It was accompanied by a warm chickpea and cherry salad with aged provolone and basil...absolutely delightful. My husband had the open-faced beef brisket topped with crispy fried onions and a side of the pub frites with madras curry ketchup and dill yogurt for dipping. The only thing I regret is that we were too full for dessert. The menu featured items such as key lime pie with poached strawberries and coconut creme fraiche as well as a 1/2 pound homemade oatmeal cookie with cherry buttermilk icing. Perhaps on my next visit, I'll get that sought after glass of Riesling along with a dessert and be completely satisfied.
(4)
Erin O.
Great Beer Selection Excellent Cocktails Knowledgeable & Friendly Bartenders Pub Frites w/ Masaman Curry Sauce & Smoked Tomato Mayonnaise Fresh, Delicious Salads Bacon in a Glass (Yep!) Relaxed Atmosphere I also hear that the "liege" waffle is to die for. I LOVE this place...maybe even more than the Brick Store!! (Shhh!!)
(5)
Jeff M.
Brick Store Pub was THE place to go to in Decatur. Then along came Leon's Full Service. This place is awesome. Love the vibe. If the weather's nice, even better. Also a great beer selection, though not as extensive as Brick Store next door. The food, though not shut-someone-up delicious, it's definitely better than your normal bar fare. And has anyone noticed? If a dining establishment in Atlanta has a bocce ball court, it HAS to be good. This place is no exception. Visit this place and Brick Store in the same night and for sure it'll be a good one!
(4)
Kathryn J.
What keeps me going back to Leon's? Their seasonal cocktail menu. Admittedly, since I'm a grad student and money is always tight, and since I've managed to more-or-less replicate the Cucumber Cooler at home, I go here less often than I would like. But Leon's is a treat. I think I'll request it for my birthday dinner this year.
(5)
lindsay t.
I really love Leon's. And those I've gone there with love it as well! Try the Veggie Loaf (AMAZING) and don't miss one of their great cocktails (cucumber gin one is great). The fries and different sauces are a give-in --- you must try! The atmosphere in the restaurant is so comfortable, fun and fresh, and the staff is super friendly, and attentive. The best combination possible!
(5)
Laura W.
Boules, people. Boules! Or bocce, your call. But seriously, I can't wait to get back here on a non-rainy night to see if I've still got any of my childhood skills, while drinking some deliciously non-kiddie beer. Things I've had and liked: smoked tomato mayonnaise, the White Oaks burger (spot on!), the brisket, Etienne Dupont cider, Gulden Draak & St. Bernardus Pater 6 on tap (om nom). Things I've had reservations about: most of the other dipping sauces for the frites, warm chickpea & cherry salad (kind of weird, but maybe you'll like it?), some kind of rabbit appetizer done chicken-finger style (boring!). But more than anything else, the thing I really struggle with about Leon's is having yet another good option for food & drink in Decatur. Why, Decatur? Why must you have so many places that know their stuff when it comes to food and drink? You make my life so difficult.
(4)
Kevin K.
Wow, this place was fun! Went for lunch with my grandmother last weekend after wanting to try Leon's ever since they opened. Just amazingly fresh and flavorful food, which some really interesting taste combinations. We all tasted each others' food and I loved every bite. The winner was certainly the Brussels Sprouts hash, but the Zucchini Casserole and the Turkey Schnitzel sandwich were also favorites around the table. Great atmosphere, clean and bright. Friendly and attentive, but pleasantly casual service. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Michael M.
I might be biased because I know the chef but this is my favorite place in decatur.
(5)
J. B.
i can't believe i haven't wrote a review for leon's. i go here a lot, well as much as i can, and i have been happy every time. one of my favorite sides that they just cannot get rid of is the garbanzo beans baked with provolone and dried cherries. omg. it is so good. i probably should be writing this review right after i leave the joint, so everything is fresh in my mind, but this will have to do for now. the open face roast beef sandwich is so good, i couldn't stop eating it off my husband's plate. last time i was there i got a vegetarian sandwich with arugula, fresh tomatoes, cheese, balsamic, and i think there was an olive tapenade, and roasted onions on there as well. (my mommy brain is in full effect right now, so pardon the faint memories!) it was so yummy too! the pom frites are delish with many dipping sauces to choose from. i am still trying new ones every time i go! great beer list (craft beers too!), great cocktail list, and excellent staff. i have had great service from the servers and bartenders every time i go. friendly, knowledgeable, and they always take care of us at the table. this is a definite place to check out in the decatur area...and its family friendly too! say hi to leon for me, we are old pals.
(4)
Nathan C.
I work really close to Leon's, so I have been there about 4 times in the past few months for lunch, and 1 or 2 times for dinner. I like the food a lot. Nothing fancy, but smart takes on common food. The burgers, to me, are the best around. If I am in the mood for a burger, there is no question this is where I'd go. I've also had the chicken sand which on Foccia bread. It was really good and had a tangy mayo that made this ordinary sand which less ordinary. I think their sides are good too. Not what you'd expect. My favorite is the warm chick pea and cherry side. It's really good. The downside has been that the staff has been real hit and miss. The first waitress I had was very friendly. She talked about the vision of using local veggies and mentioned the tie to their other local place. However, the last few times I have been there with my kids, and honestly, I feel like I kind of got the cold shoulder. Not sure if they are trying to not be a place where kids are welcome, but I felt a little put off by how long it too our serve to take our order, verses those around us with no kids. It felt obvious to me. That doesn't change my liking for this place, but I will frequent there when I am on a business lunch and not on a family outing.
(3)
Christine H.
pig smorgas = benton's ham + gooey cheese + cherry preserves + pineapple bits + soggy toast grilled veggie sandwich = lots of veg + goat cheese + salty sun-dried tomato pesto + chewy bread peach & blueberry cobbler = wet mess + sugar-less whipped cream 1/2 pound oatmeal cream pie = fall-apart-when-you-pick-it-up cookies + painfully sweet cream this was my first visit. it may not have been phenomenal, but i'd definitely give it another shot. i'm dying to try some of their interesting salads. orange tabasco vinaigrette? yes, please. my veggie sandwich was solid - seasoned vegetables and not too crusty bread. the sun-dried tomato pesto really pulled the whole thing together. the pig smorgas were great, but were lacking something i couldn't put my finger on. i think all i could taste was cheese and pineapple. maybe more ham and crispier toast would have done the trick. i had a taste of the frites which were golden brown and delicious. the goat cheese fondue was ok. i preferred the spicy mango catsup. dessert was alright. the cobbler had great freshness from the peaches and blueberries, but the cobbler topping just didn't do it for me. it didn't hold up against all the liquid from the fruit and wound up being a rather bland doughy mess. based on texture alone, i wouldn't recommend it. the brown sugar whipped cream was plain whipped cream topped with a tiny sprinkle of sugar. there needed to be more sweetness to balance the tartness of the fruit. speaking of sugar, i guess it all wound up landing in the oatmeal cookie pie cream. overall it was pretty yummy (don't all reasonable people love sweets?) and a novel idea to serve at a restaurant, but my teeth felt like a chubby 7 year old's after halloween. all in all, it wasn't super fantastic, but it wasn't bad either. next time, i hope to try different dishes in the same great, uniquely casual atmosphere just COOLER. dress extra light for this place. it's an old building and i guess the AC doesn't work as well as most atlantan's would like it to.
(3)
Sheila M.
Our second visit to Leon's was a on a snowy Sunday night. So we lucked out--it wasn't crowded and we didn't have to worry about the wait. Just as before, service was efficient and friendly, food was great, wine and beer interesting. This will become a regular spot for us!
(4)
Sue L.
Excellent french fries, they let you pick a few sauces for the fries, and I love sauce, so I immediately fell in love with the place. I had some sandwish, but that was nothing superb, just average. They have a great selection of beer (although I'm not much a beer drinker) and also have a good mixed drink list, and they make it strong (I also like that very much). Only negative, LONG WAIT!!! We actually went to Starbucks next door and had lattes for an hour because there was no place to wait, and the bar was insanely crowded with others waiting for their tables. Finally, when they sat us, only available seating was in the enclosed patio area....and it was COLD...even with heat lamps. They were very accomodating though, they brought extra heat lamps so that we wouldn't freeze while dining. Good service!
(4)
Russ G.
Finally. I've tried to get in this place more times than a woman's pants. Every time I've ever gone by at night, it's packed. Hour wait minimum, usually more. Good I suppose since it means they're turning out great service, but dang, let other people have a turn. The lady and I were feeling a need for a breeze and a brew and on the way to Twain's she said "Let's try Leon's". What an idea. Parking of course sucked but we walked the few blocks and got right in, they were very non busy today for some reason. Decor is very nice. The whole place is very open feeling, lots of nice touches and clean paint work, the bathroom is magical almost it's so nice. Beer list, huge, which we knew already, prices are so-so. Some are priced competitively, others are just obscene. Menus is nicely laid out and the food all sounds pretty tasty. We weren't too hungry so we had sides, I got the fries and she got the currywurst, basically a big sausage with curry sauce to dip in. Very, very good. The fries come with your choice of numerous sauces, from black pepper mayo (yum) to their own homemade catsup, which was just glorious. The sausage was good but it looked to be a regular store bought one laid on a grill, maybe it was fresher than that but looks say a lot. Still good, just not what I'd assume they'd have with everything else being so fresh and unique. The service was dead on too, Holli was our server and she was extremely polite, timely, and helpful. One complaint is they bring a wine bottle full of water to the table for you, it tasted like tap water and got warm super quick, like the bottle wasn't chilled much and the water wasn't either. No big gripe, I drank beer anyway. **I forgot to add, before ordering the fries I checked on how they're cooked. I have a peanut oil allergy, not sure what the type it is but some fries cause a reaction. Holli verified they use soybean oil, which was what I wanted to hear. I also asked for the fries to be unsalted, which from other reviews seems to be an issue here. There was no problem, they came out fresh and salt free. Some places just don't care about little things like that so it was a nice plus.** So I'm anxious to try more menu offerings now that I've had a window inside and anxiously await to update this to 5 stars.
(4)
James H.
The booze and food here is absolute quality. Service is always great and if you need a breather, you've got Bocce court outside. Haven't had the bacon in the glass yet, but try the old fashioned from the bar that has bacon infused bourbon! incredible. also, everything is hand made behind the bar so it doesn't get any fresher. love this place, a nice change of pace from brickstore, which is usually where I get my warm up before going to Leon's.
Leon's Full Service in Decatur is a treat. I understand it can get very crowded on weekend nights, so I have only been here during the week and a late lunch on Sunday. Also, I have stuck with appetizers, salads and sandwiches and have not had any entrees. Food is very good and tasty. Several interesting items on the menu and a good burger and specials. Fries are excellent and the homemade catsup is wonderful. Great beer selection and some good wines. I was very impressed with the service and friendliness of the staff. This place years ago was a service station, than an upholstery shop, an antique shop and now a restaurant. It is a fine addition to the Decatur restaurant scene and you can bet we will be coming back. I recommend giving it a try.
(4)
Irene S.
Great beer selection. I was happy to see many local ingredients and grass feed meats. The goat cheese stuffed peppers were fantastic! I always eat here when I'm in Atlanta for work.
(4)
Laura P.
Leon's menu isn't anything special. I've been there several times, and I don't love it or dislike it. It's just okay. I always try something different and nothing really does it for me. I think their entrees are on the small side. The presentation isn't anything to write home to mom about. Their prices are okay, not great, not too pricey. It's just okay. The service, however , is always spot on. The staff there (and BSP) is always helpful, knowledgeable and overall excellent. It's a beautiful space and I think they did an amazing job building it out. No doubt, Leon's has a great atmosphere. I think their food is a bit on the over ratted side.
(3)
Jarrod C.
When I heard the owners of the Brick Store were going to be opening a new place right around the corner I already knew Leon's would be a cool, original place to go grab a high quality beer with friends. After checking it out on opening night I can honestly say it even exceeded my expectations for all of those things, and the food was very good. We started our meal with a basket of monk frites (french fries for you non-belgians) and got to choose 3 dipping sauces for them. I can see this becoming a very popular appetizer. They also have lots of random apps like bacon/waffles to go along with the standard meats/cheeses. For my main meal I had a pork shank type thing that was literally falling off the bone and had amazing flavor. I just wish it was a little bigger, but all of the portions seemed to be a little small (our main complaint). I tried a friend's steak and although she wasn't crazy about it, I thought it was really good. My wife raved about her steak sandwich and salad, and I must say it did look really good. We tried both the waffles/cream and cobbler dessert and while both were good, I would say neither were amazing or a "must." They certainly did an awesome job renovating this building and I can see the bar area (that has a garage door opening to the outside) becoming a huge warm weather hang out. They even have an area set up on the side to play Bocce Ball. You know you can always trust the "Brick Store guys" to have an amazing selection of beers from all over the world to enjoy in a unique environment...and I will continue to hang out wherever they open places. Update: The Beef Brisket sandwich is amazing. Portions are bigger. 5th star added.
(5)
Robyn M.
Finally tried Leon's over the weekend and can't wait to go back! Loved the laid back atmosphere and the restaurant decor. Food was awesome, as I expected. You must try the bacon and peanut butter, it was yummy! I was a little skeptical as it sounds rather strange, but I can say it's something we will get every time we go going forward! The frites, of course, were delicious and I loved all the different sauces you can try with them. Looking forward to trying Leon's late night after some drinks @ Brick Store as their late night menu (starts at 10:00) looked really good with some interesting choices (PBJB - Peanut Butter Jelly Bacon Sandwich)!
(4)
Travis S.
Not impressed with portions or service. Food tasted good but I wouldn't say it's worth what they charge.
(2)
Dave H.
My new review of Leon's is that it's a great low key place to get some great cocktails from a place that was the first to bring great cocktails to Decatur Square. Though I've had issues in the past, those seem to be resolved in the past few years so thumbs up all the way. Great service and great food and drink. Recommended.
(4)
Laura F.
Quite a few people recommended Leon's so I was anxious to get there! We tried it last night sooo here is my review... Great service, everyone there is super nice and fast and there are plenty of people walking around to help you at any moment, although they do circle like sharks that smell blood in the water. Seating was good, considering it was too hot to eat outside they have plenty of room indoors although the one room can be a bit bright around 6, so wear sunglasses. The fries, everyone talks about, they were okay. In NYC they have places like this with different sauces and they are much better, soo you should try them :). I wouldn't go to Leon's there specifically for fries. The menu is odd combinations of foods however everything sounded tasty. The mesculin salad was great with a bit of an orange twist!m I'm hoping to one day get back for a waffle for dessert. The portion sizes are reasonable but if you like big hearty dishes, probably not the place to go. Cheese in most dishes so for those like me, maybe not the ideal menu however they seem really cool and would probably remove the cheese...sometimes you gotta budge! The atmosphere is great, probably great for grabbing a drink. Three stars from me because the menu didn't have lots I was interested in past the desserts and appetizers.
(3)
Carole M.
Leon's is....okay. If you like expensive drinks, salty food, and incoherent service with an attitude, by all means head on over. We had: Fries with masaman curry, goat cheese, Leon's ketchup sauces. First two good, ketchup forgettable. Fries were maybe the best thing we ate. Trio of shredded brussel sprouts, the zucchini-cheese flan, and chickpeas with cherries. All interesting but TOO MUCH SALT. And I actually like salt. Similarly salty were the char and the pork chop. Good ingredients but mishandled. Different servers kept showing up with food and drinks and getting things wrong. Also been here for lunch. Similarly under-whelmed.
(2)
Herman N.
I visited Leon's twice in the first week it was open. Sat at the bar up against the windows with a friend the first night and sat at the main bar with my lady the second night. Both nights were very crowded (good for them), but it's hard to say if that's how it will be consistently (I've heard similar reports since) or if it was just first-week buzz. Additionally, while I found the noise level to be pretty appropriate, I've heard that the main dining areas with tables can be far too loud. As for the decor, it's a nice look, flashier than Brick Store and considerably more modern. Clean cut wooden planks (which can kind of be seen in the photo uploaded on this page) display main beer on draft and there is a pretty extensive list of bottles to boot. Speaking of drinks, there isn't much to complain about. Leon's is supposed to be more about the food (more on that in a minute) than Brick Store, and it is, but the beer list is ample. As a bonus, the mixologist here (Miles is his name, I believe) makes a mean drink. The vieux carre comes recommended, especially for cognac/whiskey fans. What I've had of the food has been pretty wonderful. As mentioned elsewhere in these reviews, the frites are a delight. Inventive/delicious dipping sauces are a joy, and the fries themselves are just great. The beef brisket I had was also tender and excellent, but quite peppery, so be warned if you don't like that sort of thing. Another winner is the waffle dessert option, cooke with sugar all over and housed in a wax bag as if you got it off the streets of Belgium. Pretty great so far, Leon's. Seems like those Brick Store boys may have hit a home run again.
(4)
Steven K.
Cup-o-Bacon. That's all I really need to say, but I will bring up the great variety of dipping sauces for the fries as well. The masaman was a bit runny as well as the goat cheese fondue, the madras curry, smoked tomato mayo, spicy mango ketchup and bacon & tarragon mayo were delicious. We also tried the beef bistro steak sandwich with gruyere, roasted red peppers and horseradish mayo and the Beef brisket sandwich, both of which were incredible. I will definitely be back. Oh yeah, drooling over all the food, I forgot to mention the great service.
(4)
Dennis S.
First of all, the staff (management & servers) are very nice and attentive. Now for the rest: I am a vegetarian, so, I went there after hearing great things about this place. Their menu offers only a FEW options for non-meat eaters, so I opted for the veggie loaf (approx. $15.00) and plenty large enough portion, and it was ok...not the best, certainly not the worst. Also, as per a suggestion, I ordered a side of fries, which were OK, although the portion was quite small, and at a cost of $4.50! Additionally, I asked for bread, and a tasty french bread with butter on the side platter was delivered, and the bread was the best part of the meal (cost of bread: $1.00). The server delivered fresh cold water in a chilled glass wine bottle (complimentary). So, for me, for lunch, the cost was about $26.00 (with gratuity) which is far too much for me to expect to spend for lunch. Would I return? Maybe with a group, and maybe only to try a dessert or something like that. With so many great places within walking distance of downtown Decatur, I suspect that my visits there will be VERY limited. Again, the staff/MGT was very nice, the place was clean, ambience nice. I did have difficulty accessing Wifi, so, it may not be available there.
(2)
MARK T.
This is the one of the bestest favoriteds of me and of the wife I am married to. I like to drinking drinks at this place because it has selection of good drinks for drinking. I like to eated all of the frenched fries and I liked the good gee-row with the seafoods in it.
(4)
Katie D.
Excellent meal, drinks and service. Definitely a must-try in Atlanta. The pub frites were divine and even better than expected. Will definitely visit again!
(5)
K S.
Love this place - the food, atmosphere, bocce, special beverage treats...
(4)
Jane B.
Leon's brings a little class to classic bar food. It is a fun spot for first dates and girl's nights. The drinks at Leons are always...an adventure. Good news is - they are always strong!
(4)
Andrea H.
Lots of gluten free options, including fries. Mussels can be modified to be GF, ask them to make the broth with wine instead of beer. Great food, drinks and service.
(5)
Rachel P.
Delicious cocktails. Loco bandito wanna make me marry a tequila bottle. Food is so tasty and the service was awesome, she knew her stuff and left us be...perfect!
(4)
Lori T.
took my parents here b/c The Brick Store was closed unusually for repairs. this 2nd choice wasn't so bad at all! my parents were a little hesitant about the beer choices - didn't enjoy the recommendations from our server & thought prices could be a tad lower (hence 4 stars for them!). on my end, i don't drink beer so i didn't order any. i stuck to water - which they serve in a cool decanter that is chilled. i enjoyed my food immensely! the burger was cooked exactly as i ordered. i love that they use local products and growers for their food - makes me feel good after visiting! the fries are amazing - i saw big buckets on other people's tables but i just had a side (which was plenty). the assortment of dips was super fun! i recommend the goat cheese fondue - if you are into goat cheese. my only complaint would be that i wish the dips were a bigger size! i went through it fast. i'd love to come back to try more on the menu. i agree the price was a little bit steep but the local growers and quality of food, made it worth it i'd say. cool retro vibe in this place too... i need to play bocce ball next time (they have a sand court to play on). FYI: having to park a little ways away and walking wouldn't be a con - but rather a pro so you can walk off the food you just ate :)
(4)
Esteban R.
Awesome!!!! Wow... I have never been here before but now I am hooked... Love the grass fed burgers and the lug nuts... Plus their selection of beers is insane... Highly recommended!
(5)
Lauren H.
We go to Leons a lot- mostly because we love love the fun, seasonal drinks but also because the service is always superb. The food is hit or miss in my opinion- we used to come a lot more often for some of our favorites- steak sandwich, calamari, seasonal flatbreads.. But unfortunately, many of our favorite dishes have been removed from the menu. I definitely like that they are experimenting with the menu and making sure to use only fresh, quality ingredients but some of the items are getting a little strange to me. We often don't know many of the items and have to ask the server for help- which they are usually great at but recently it seems as though they may be confused as well. Overall, I think it is a wonderful, fun place to eat and drink. I would highly recommend it and if my father was a more adventurous eater I would take my parents there when they come in town!
(4)
S.Y. D.
I recently visited a friend down in Atlanta for a weekend. I got in pretty late and he took me to this place to grab a bite to eat and some drinks. I thought the overall look and feel of the restautant was great. We got seated in one of their 2 outdoor areas. It was a gravel section of the restaurant. Although that does sound weird, it was fine actually. To start things off, we had really attentive servers without being overly intrusive. We decided to grab a few small plates. We had the hummus, chicken sausage and pub frites. For two people, it was a good amount of food. Their pub frites (french fries) had a long list of different dipping sauces. We had the garlic aioli, smoked tomato and garlib herb dips. All three were great. As for drinks, we decided to try a bunch of their summer cocktails. I had a drink with the cucumber and one with a peach. Although I hate fruity, sweet drinks, this was far from it. I highly suggest people try out their speciality cocktails. Overall, it was a great experience. If I lived in the Atlanta area, it would be a great go-to place to meet friends for good food and drinks.
(4)
Nadia B.
Amazing! Recently had the minerality flight of wine, a delicious small plate of asparagus & almonds with hollandaise, and then a ridiculously tasty burger. Great service, great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)
Cindy T.
my last dinner in atlanta!! the pub frites. deelish. i like the idea of picking your own sauce but i kinda wish they had a sampler of all the sauces or something so i could get a taste of everything. i also had this sandwich with beef brisket and little crispy onion rings on top. yum. as far as the atmosphere...i think it's a cute little date kind of place or meet with friends for a casual dinner place. i'd go back but i'm not in the area anymore :(
(4)
Pam S.
Worth the drive ITP. Good beer selection, good food, great atmosphere, and great neighbor (BSP). Sit at the bar & chat the staff up.... they know their hoppy goodness and love to talk beer!
(4)
Kimberly K.
Four words: bacon in a glass. Also an outstanding selection of beers.
(5)
Greg F.
I've been a couple of times now and have been consistently impressed. The beer selection on tap and in a bottle is great, and the mixed drinks aren't too shabby either. The waitstaff was friendly and helpful. We had a big group on a Saturday night, so we had to wait awhile but we were kept happy with free appetizers (which is always nice). We eventually got sat in the circular nook in the middle of the restaurant which is cozy little spot for good conversation. I had the scallops which were absolutely phenomenal. I also had a hearty portion of my girlfriend's flatbread which was quite tasty. There is a bit of a scenester/hipster ambiance, but its not over the top. It actually makes for some good people watching. Bocce ball outside is a great way to pass the time while you're waiting as well.
(4)
Miss B.
I had my first visit there and I really enjoyed myself. The atmosphere is really upbeat. While I thought the seating was a little cramped, it ended up working out great for my party. I just had drinks (so no food reviews here). With so many great places to eat in the Square, I suppose I would be less likely to order full meals at a bar. Anyhow, service was great. Everyone was enjoying themselves without anyone else being overbearing. They have a respectable beer, wine & drink selection. I would go again.
(4)
Laura G.
I love Leon's great selection of local craft beers and you can never give me enough choices for sauce in which to dip my delicious fries, so two thumbs up for Leon's! The warm chickpea salad with cherries and provolone is to die for and I can't get any other sides because I just can't pass it up. Currently, I miss my turkey sandwich, but I'm sure it'll return eventually. The only complaint I have about this great place is that they do "team serving" which sometimes is a little confusing because I feel like I've asked 3 different people for the same thing (i.e. extra sauce, etc.). Anyway, I'm a huge fan and will continue to frequent this place!
(4)
Cindy T.
Really great restaurant located in the Decatur square area. They are definitely known for their drinks so try them if you get the chance. Drinks can range from more bitters to a little more on the fruity side. Service is attentive and not pretentious. Food-wise, I'd say it was good. The trout I had was pretty good, lightly battered and flavorful. Open face flank steak burger could've been better. We wanted it medium but it came out more medium-well. Lacked some salt/flavor. Pub fries were good but nothing compared to Checker fries (Which is the holy grail of fries if you ask me. I could live off these and have no regrets). I didn't really see the hooplah. Bacon in a cup was a must order just to say you did. Bacon was nice, thick and salty as it should be. The peanut butter sauce that was recommended with it blew my mind. Who knew this combination would work out so well? Overall, nice place to grab a drink or quick dinner. Great patio space and a big bocce ball area that would be really fun when the weather is nice.
(4)
Michael L.
I'm just going to list a few items I've had the past couple of times I've been to Leon's... Turkey Schnitzel, Zuchini casserole Braised short rib with fuji apple jam, mashed potatoes Lamb burger with Morrocan spice, Veggie loaf....Pork belly flat bread (AUGH!) Everything I've had here in the last 1.5 years has been anywhere from very good to excellent. This place continues to impress me, and has definitely matured from the first time I tried it (4 days after opening). It can get pricey pretty quickly, but you really do get what you pay for. Excellent food and drinks.
(4)
Mark B.
First of the waiter was rude, but in a funny way. Maybe just extremely froward. Just had drinks that were really good. Like a lot of bars, they had a decent number of prohibition style cocktails. As I don't live in a Atlanta anymore I have to be taken to new more interesting places. Ended up at Cake and Ale and wish we had stayed here. Will definitely try the next time I am in town.
(4)
Mackenzie T.
One word: Veggieloaf. It's served with delicious roasted cauliflower and a slightly "nutty" sauce. I will probably get this every time I come here (besides it's the only vegetarian entree on the menu, but whateva). I also recommend the fries with the garlic aioli sauce. Atmosphere is great, the servers are friendly, and they have great cocktails; the last time I went I got the Bee's Knees. I've been here twice: the first time we were seated right away in a spacious booth and the second time we waited almost an hour. But I think the food makes up for any waiting.
(5)
Richard R.
We were back in Atlanta last weekend and made sure we had a return engagement at Leon's. We even had the same terrific server (Michelle). Everything was just as good as it was the first time!
(5)
Lauren A.
Leon's is a pretty rad place with some good food. Unfortunately the wait for this and many of the other nearby places in Decatur is always lengthy. On our most recent visit (a Friday night) we were given a 45 minute wait time. Luckily the outside was first come first serve and was pretty open based on the chilly weather. We took a seat and passed along our drink orders. We were slightly confused when a totally separate girl came to check on us minutes later and then the hostest came to get drink/food orders again from us later. Long story short, the restaurant has 'team' style serving where everybody works together. You can expect to have several peoeple assist you throughout the course of a single meal. The food was great. We started with the cup of bacon and peanut butter and the mussels. Both were good. If I had to put my finger on it, I would say the bacon and peanut butter reminds me a bit of boiled peanuts. I ordered three sides as a meal and they were all delicious (pictures posted) Everybody with us enjoyed their entrees as well. The kicker was that with all 3 or 4 people who helped serve us, one waitress managed to split our checks accurately and fast. She didnt ask us a single question even though she hadn't taken over half our order. We were super impressed.
(4)
Tom N.
The customer service, the food, and the atmosphere is great here. I ended up getting a free glass of red wine because I had to wait almost an hour for my first glass. I really appreciated the staff trying to make it right.
(4)
D D.
Lunch/early dinner is the best. Beef brisket with fries and multiple sauces = amazing. You'll definitely want a nap afterwards, though. I plan to frequent this place, since I've moved closer. Definitely a fan.
(5)
Elizabeth D.
Excellent meal! Excellent service! Our waiter, Mark, was very attentive and charming. Provide us with wonderful recommendations from the menu. Starter was the pickle plate-was slightly disappointed with the portion not enough for our table of four to have a small bite of each item. Main was the burger medium with a side of pub frittes and massam curry sauce. Superb burger cooked to perfection. Highly recommend the massam curry sauce. Dessert was quite the treat and a prefect way to finish our meal. The peach bread pudding with whipped cream on the side was truly scrumptious! The whipped cream was prefect with a slight hint if vanilla.
(4)
Kevin G.
Holy hot mess! The pickled veggies with cheese tray is unbelievable! Food was so good we just kept passing it around the table. Awesome meal, great vibe.
(5)
Melissa H.
I ended up back at Leon's with some friends last week. Service was excellent and the food and drinks were still delicious. I wish it wasn't always so loud in there, but what can you do? The place is popular.
(5)
Anita B.
My favorite, favorite. The food has always been on point, except for one time when I ordered some kind of PBJ with bacon which was ever so slightly less than awesome due to being too charred. This is the kind of place that makes you lose your appetite for finding new places to try. You change your outlook on exploring, and decide, I want to go to "my place," even though the staff is devastatingly cool and out of my league socially. Since they are paid to be nice to me, I feel like I can roll with them, attempt lamely to have a very serious conversation about cocktail ingredients, compliment the very creative use of Indian spice powders I grew up eating in the ketchup. I mean all this very seriously. It is not that this place is pretentious--they have high standards, and like good-tasting things, no doubt. They are also openly proud of their creativity at the bar and in the kitchen. Nothing wrong with that. But it's the fact that this place is so approachable and comfortable notwithstanding this pride is what makes me love this place. Good for y'all! Way to go.
(5)
Koala B.
Great food good service...overpriced. But hey it didn't break the bank :)
(4)
Greg C.
The staff works together as one unit taking care of your needs. From taking away plates to bringing out food, we saw about 6 servers last night and it was awesome. Oh, also the food and cocktails are amazing, prices are decent, and ambiance is great!
(5)
Jennifer L.
My first experience with Leons was years ago with the Bacon in a Glass. I'm a sucker for gimmicks involving bacon! In the years since, I've really become a believer in Leon's. I used to visit Decatur for the 'other' beer bar on the square.... but with each visit Leon's has proven itself to serve the best beer, cocktails and pub food in town. Experience itself is very welcoming. You'll find families intermixed with the indie crowd. All hosted by staff and bartenders who are super nice. By far, THE best item on their menu is the Saturday special Lamb Burger. I cannot tell you how happy this burger makes me. It's spectacular..... spiced lamb with arugula, mint chevre cheese and jam. Holy Moly! I love when I can find a spot that keeps my husband's beer-palate impressed while also keeping my foodie-palate equally content. Good stuff!
(5)
Jeremy A.
Leon's Full service is a trendy place in the heart of decatur that has some pretty good food but their cocktails is really where they standout. I've had the calamari before and pommes frites which are both pretty good but definitely smaller plates so don't plan to make a meal out of appetizers unless you get like 3. Next time I go back I'm definitely going to try the schnitzel sandwich because really, who doesn't love schnitzel. Its a bit on the pricey side but they have great drinks that will definitely have you trying a drink you havent heard of before. Bocce court is also great if you're looking to go with a group of friends and hang out on the patio.
(3)
Yisi L.
So this is where I spent my last moment of 2012 and first moment of 2013 ... The setup is more like a restaurant but the menu (and the quality of food) is like a bar. Service is pretty good. Our waitress was kinda busy but she checked our table frequently. She also gave us the curry dipping for free, which turned out to be my favorite! Okay back to my NYE celebration. We all had dinner so just ordered fries and drinks. The fries come in a bucket and the portion is HUGE. Good for three people, all night. What I like about the fries is that some still have skin on it and it taste good. What I don't like is that some are too short too tiny. You can choose two kinds of dipping but our nice waitress gave us an extra one for free, sweet! Their drink menu, is like a DICTIONARY, literally. Some may run out though. Be sure to check with your waiter/waitress. I'm not a big fan of alcohol, but I'm pretty sure any beer fan will love this place. Oh they gave away some party stuff for NYE celebration, like hats and other "make-some-noise" things. I would give a 4-star if the dessert was not that bland. The worst panna cotta ever. And a sticky spoon, what?? Don't worry, it is not on the regular menu- for NYE only. But when you put it on a special menu(it is NYE baby!), please make sure it lives up to the standard, period. 2/100 - My 2013 Yelp 100 Challenge
(3)
Abhi K.
My first time at Leon's was a great experience. We were a group of ten and we demanded to sit outside. Pretty audacious for a Sunday afternoon on a pleasant Atlanta summer day, right? We figured we would play bocce ball outside until our table was ready. We only got through one round before we were seated! We started with some of the fries with different dipping sauces. The bacon one and the smoked tomato were delicious. I do wish the size of the dipping sauces were bigger because the ratio of fries to sauce is quite large. I had the open faced brisket sandwich. It was, as expected, excellent. The meat was juicy, but not soggy. The bread was still toasted on the outside even though the juices from the meat permeated the middle. I had a side of zucchini cheddar casserole. That was actually even better than the brisket! It looked like a quiche from the outside, but it definitely wasn't as dry. It was way more melty than a quiche. Good times. I'd be happy to go back.
(4)
Ellie B.
Leon's is a kickass restaurant that has all of the foods you love but with a twist and done in a creative way. Our server was excellent. She was super knowledgeable and knew when to tend to us and when we were in a deep conversation huddle. I got a couple Bee's Knees cocktails and was pleased. I also really enjoyed the fries, the lug nuts, and my cheese plate. My meat-eater friends and husband got the bacon in a jar with PB, because, well, you just have to. My husband also enjoyed his pork belly dish. I had a bite of my friend's veggie loaf (hmmm, that could be a euphemism for something, right?) and it was surprisingly good! We need a better word than "loaf."
(5)
Emma G.
My first foodie adventure in the Atlanta area was lunch at Leon's, and I'm sold on the food scene here from this meal alone. Maybe it's because I'm comparing it to NYC, but the restaurant was HUGE! I tend to be suspicious of such large restaurants. However, no problem, all it meant was that there was no wait for this delicious food. They were ridiculously friendly at Leon's, explaining specials and menu items both spontaneously and as we asked about them. The server knew the farm origin of several items on the menu as well. Since it was basically my first time in the south, I ordered the fried green tomato sandwich, red onion pickles, baby arugula, Leon's remoulade, on herbed focaccia for the reasonable price of $11. My uncle got the daily special flatbread, with caramelized onions, gruyere, chicken, and something fruity, I think. Figs? Both entrees were beautiful. I didn't try the flatbread, but my eating partner loved it. My fried green tomato sandwich was actually PERFECTLY balanced. The foccacia was crisped on the outside, but had a beautiful moist crumb. The remoulade went perfectly. Red onion pickles and spicy arugula perfectly balanced the richness and juiciness of the fried green tomatoes. The sandwiches all come with your choice of one of their delightful sides- including creative salads and fries with cool sauces. I got the following salad. "baby spinach, cherry tomato, hard cooked farm egg, focaccia croutons, pine st. bacon vinaigrette". YES, THAT SAYS BACON VINAIGRETTE. YES, ITS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE. Picture making a vinaigrette, mortar-and-pestling some bacon, and whisking them together vigorously. This was not okay. By that I mean it was perfect. Holy shit. Also, this was not just a sliced-in-half hard-cooked egg. Imagine putting a hard-boiled egg through a large-holed garlic press or colander. It was like hard-cooked egg confetti. Delightful. I can't recommend Leon's enough. Reasonable prices, and also a great draft beer selection including Hell & High Watermelon Ale, which I can't seem to find anywhere in the past few months. Love it.
(5)
Autumn S.
The first time I went to Leon's (years ago) I was like wow, if only they could get the food right because the drink menu and atmosphere is great! Fast forward a few years and the third piece of the puzzle has clicked into place for me. My last few meals here(because who can resist trying a meal after enjoying the great beer selection all afternoon or night or both) have been satisfyingly good. Nothing is fussy or complicated and everything is fresh! They are defiantly proud to experiment with and serve local ingredients. The vegetable based side dishes in my opinion elevate most of the entrees. I had a Brussels sprout based hash that was so good, I ended up stealing it from my husband and leaving him with Leon's famous pub frites. I also do enjoy the smaller plates more than the entrees, where things like a pretzel and cheese based bread pudding haunt my dreams. All in all, I think Leon's is a great place to enjoy some great beverages and quality, locally grown/raised food without pretentious pricing or service.
(4)
Kate F.
We stopped in for lunch after having this place bookmarked for awhile. We decided to get a bunch of little plates and split them, which was very cost effective and allowed us to try a few different things. While we made some very rich choices (bacon, stuffed pappadews, fries) it didn't feel revoltingly heavy and we did split a salad, which was also quite tasty. Service was friendly. Next time I'd more likely stop in closer to dinner for some cocktails. The lunch scene was fairly wholesome (kids and senior citizens).
(4)
Robert A.
We came by in a group of 5 and had a really long wait due to it being cold outside, but the host and wait staff made up for it by being friendly and doing the best they could to get us seated ASAP. However, this did give my wife and friends a chance to go to the bar and sample some of their draft selection which was well priced and delicious. After finally being seated, we ordered almost immediately. I had the burger mid rare with the fries and curry ketchup to dip. The wife had the open faced brisket sandwich with the brussel sprout salad which was surprisingly a lot better than it sounds. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. Another friend got the duck and a bucket of fries which will also prepared perfectly. The key here is that despite our long wait at the start due to other customers not wanting to venture out into the cold, the staff were consistently friendly and the service was what made up for the wait. The waitress came around constantly to check for refills and the food itself was very tasty with some unique flavor combinations. Add to that a great selection of alcohol if that's your thing and you have the reasons Leon's is packed full of customers. We plan to go back soon.
(5)
Teddy D.
Aside from Decatur having lousy parking and Leon's often being very full, I really can't say anything bad about this place. It's a nice restaurant/bar, it was a cool classic design inside and out. They have large windows that they open on nicer days, which I love. The cocktail and beer menu are excellent. However, don't expect to be ordering any Jack Daniel's or High Life here. They have local and boutique brands when it comes to beer and liquor. Every dish I've had here has always been great. Price wise? Hmmm, I think it's a touch on the higher side, but what place in Decatur isn't. I can go here with my wife, friends and even bring my parents/in-laws here. Last time we ate here we took notice of the excellent music they were playing during the day "Thee Headcoatees". If you don't mind dealing with downtown Decatur parking and a busy restaurant then I highly suggest checking out Leon's. Just bring quarters for the meter.
(4)
Roy L.
Loved it! Miles the mixologer totally blew my mind with the Whiskey cocktails he made. I was a little skeptical at first, but my friend knowing I love alcohol said I would absolutely love this place. She was right! Not sure about the food because all we did was get our drank on. I would try the penicillin. Not on the drink menu, but if you drink whiskey, this is a pretty unique drink. You can also ask the mixologer to make you a drink based on your alcohol preference. Definitely will be back! Same owner as Brick Store Pub
(4)
Alex R.
They have bacon in a jar and it's really good. I would give this place a 5 if there wasn't always such a ridiculously long wait. Also, they have bocce ball. Highlights: Bacon in a jar Steak Sandwich Drinks(good beer selection and fancy cocktails) Bacon in a jar
(4)
Maggie W.
Leon's makes my Top 10 list. Introduced to this perfect little gastropub back in September, I've since eaten here 6 times and been more and more happy every time. I feel like, when reviewing a place in Decatur, I can never in good faith take points off for a bad parking situation. I basically just count on it. You probably shouldn't plan on driving home if you're going here after 8pm anyway, though... the bar here is good enough that, in all seriousness, two drinks will just be the beginning of your night. The food here has been really great every time I've been here. Flavorful, creative, well-executed, and downright delicious. My minor complaint was about the burger. I LOVE IT, except for the fact that the two times I've had it, the mustard was overwhelmingly placed and kinda took over. Love the house-made ketchup, do NOT love the amount of mustard they put on the burger. The rest of the burger is so good, if I could taste more of it. It's not even the flavor the mustard, just the amount. Their shrimp roll is delicious, their brisket sandwich is delicious, their pork chop is delicious... I have not had one mediocre dish here. Their drinks are delightful, their desserts are perfectly sized for sharing and utterly fantastic, the service has always been really great, even when I'm at the bar doing work and not really paying attention. Their bartenders know EVERYTHING. I'm convinced I could ask them to make any decision in my life for me, from drinks to guys to career choices, and they would have an insightful recommendation. They even know, off the top of their head, within .5%, the alcohol content of most of the beers served there. Frickin' geniuses. Leon's is one of those places that will be on every trip back home that I make for the rest of my life, and is one of the places I will truly in the depths of my teeny heart miss the most.
(5)
Kathy J.
When it first opened, we loved Leon's. Not now! We had a terrible experience with both service and food when we last visited. Took a client there and it was a disaster. Waited forever for service, then server neglected our requests, and told my client that the bar would not make him a Long Island Ice Tea "because we refuse to make them." I wrote to the manager and never received a response to what was a polite letter. We will not return to Leon's and neither will our Fortune 100 client.
(1)
Kathleen M.
I like Leon's more as a bar than as a restaurant. Despite the bar area always being packed, I'm happy to pop in to Leon's for a delicious cocktail or craft beer, as they've got an impressive list of both. I love their slightly enclosed patio, the bocce court out back, and I've never found service to be less than friendly. Except for that one time my gin and tonic took a good 20 minutes with little apology. The food I'm less impressed with, although it is still solid. It all sounds delicious but sometimes fails in execution. On my last visit I ordered the burger. The bun was heavenly, the beef tasty, but the rest just wasn't doing it for me. There was a weird tomato sauce (not ketchup) on it and as a whole it just wasn't a burger I'd find myself craving again. The fries are good and the myriad of dipping sauces can be overwhelming, but I've found all of them to be pretty tasty.
(3)
Larry W.
Great gastropub. The drinks and service are first class, like it's sister bar, the Brick Store Pub. Food is a bit hit or miss, but some of the items are quite good. The locale in the heart of Decatur is unbeatable and the building is a wonderful old re-purposed gas station. This is one of my favorite spots!
(5)
Ian Michael R.
Finally getting around to writing this review. I had been looking forward to going Leon's for quite a while. We went on a Friday night and waited a little bit but got a nice table outside. Before I go on, I'll just say that parking can be a pain in this area during busy times. Only street parking available. They have a nice inside bar inside as well. Our server suggested getting the fries appetizer and different dipping sauces. You get a huge serving of fries and the peppercorn gravy sauce was really good. Just a note, those fries fill you up pretty quickly and take that into account when ordering dinner! They also have a nice sampling of beers on tap. Definitely will be back here again soon.
(4)
BS K.
This was our first time to Leons. After reading the reviews we decided to try it out. The food was very flavorful. I had the mussels (which was really good exept on the small side) and the baby kale salad. I'm not a fan of vinaigrette dressing's so I requested it on the side. This was the BEST vinaigrete dressing EVER. My husband had a burger and fries and was really impressed. The service was great so we would definitley go back.
(3)
Charlene Ann B.
As a Kentucky-native, I have to say Leon's knows how to treat bourbon right! Their bourbon cocktails and drinks are mixed to perfection. Their bartender/mixologist is an artist. seriously. He made mixing drinks an art. Desserts are unbelievable. Pub Frites.. Oh. My. God.. the best fries and sauces I've ever had. Every time we have friends visit, we always take them to Leon's. Definitely the place you want to visit on your weekend trip in Decatur.
We LOVE playing bacce on their back deck! It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon with a drink in hand. You have to order the drinks at the bar, but then they will bring them out to you. We had some snacks: fries with multiple dipping sauces and hummus with toast, both which were good bar food.
(4)
Greg S.
Went with a couple of friends the other day to celebrate.. My experience was ruined by a snooty server who totally ignored me - didn't even make eye contact other than when it was time to take my order. We ended up just ordering drinks and had dinner elsewhere. Two stars because the drinks were good... but snooty high brow service by wait staff ruined someone's night out.
(2)
Joseph V.
When our party of four arrived we were told it would be a 20 minute wait on a Saturday night, which was perfectly reasonable. We were seated 45 minutes later which wouldn't have bothered me if I had not stood watching an empty table for the last 15 minutes (which we were sat at). The other gentleman in my party asked both hosts if we could have the empty table after it sat for 10 minutes. The first one denied us, the second one sat us. He asked both within 45 seconds of one another. I went with the trout and was reasonably pleased. The use of golden grapes to add a sweetness to otherwise salty dish was an interesting in itself. Everyone else at my table went with one of Leon's variations of the burger and fries. I don't eat deep fried/greasy food and I despise mayonaise so maybe I'm biased against the majority of the menu. A final aspect of the experience was the old wine bottles they bring to the table filled with tap water. I asked twice throughout the meal for a glass of ice which never came. Sitting outside in Atlanta in June during the evenings it's still an easy 80 degrees. When being served room temperature water in an old wine glass I don't believe asking for ice is unreasonable. But perhaps they think this gives them a European twist. It doesn't. Better management, ice to go with the water, and a few other healthier options would easily bump this place up to three or four stars. But I won't be returning without persuasion.
(2)
Shaun K.
Maura C. and I decided that since Tuesday was Friday for this short Thanksgiving week, it would be a great night to leave the comfort of midtown for a little adventure to the original suburb. So we hopped on the MARTA out to Decatur and hit up Leon's for dinner and drinks. After a short wait for some cocktails at the cozy bar area, we started out some cocktails. I don't like cocktails that are too ingredient-y and try to cover the flavor of the liquor rather than to complement it, so I was pleased that my Kirkwood had some rye kick to it. After the cocktails, I had a couple of some sort of porter that the waiter recommended that was pretty good. For food, we started off with an order of mussels which was the highlight of the meal, cooked just right, nice broth, and some bread to sop up the broth. My dinner was the open faced brisket sandwich which was tasty. I snagged a couple of the much-hyped (on Yelp and by the servers) frites off Maura's plate. They were okay, but not worth the hype. Everyone who works there was extremely friendly, though the service seemed a little scattered at times. Some sort of mixup on my first drink order. Then we were informed that they didn't actually have any of the beers on the menu. No biggie. It all worked out in the end since our server was knowledgeable about all the drink selections and able to make recommendations. Still, why even bother putting them on the menu... No real complaints. Leon's is a solid joint. Good food, good drinks, nice people.
(3)
Rob S.
Cool spot nice atmosphere, the food was good but I think the waitress forgot about us..lol.
(3)
Washington I.
great location.very good food menu that changes often with an excellent wine selection. outdoor seating.
(4)
Draft M.
Interesting items on the menu, great selection of beers and friendly service make Leon's a winner. We enjoyed fresh salads, brisket, bacon in a glass, fried green tomatoes and top notch service during this visit. Recommend.
(4)
Stephanie W.
I've now been to Leon's several times, so I think it's safe to pass out a rating at this point. The service is consistently excellent, sometimes phenomenal. The drinks are inventive and such an experience for your tastebuds. The fries are fun, we've been offered free sauces to try regularly. Also, who can pass up bacon in a glass? It can get quite crowded, and if you're sitting inside, the noise level can get rather overwhelming, but your mouth will thank you for going here. It seems to me that Leon's tries really hard to make you stop and pay attention to the flavors of the food, and that makes eating here really enjoyable. On top of that, with their commitment to local and sustainable foods, I'll know be back many more times. I'm also secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Leon, whose living quarters they say are up the ladder in the back of the restaurant. ;)
(5)
Mike Y.
The People that brought you Brickstore have done it again. I love that they kept a good size beer selection along with quality food and some fun cocktails. We had a decent sized party of 6 and the wait was over an hour. Normally I wouldn't wait this long for any restaurant, but I sucked it up and had a couple of beers while we waited. The draft selection is smaller than Brickstore's, but still had some solid choices available. We were finally seated in a cozy booth and since the wait was long we hastily ordered our grub. I heard from other Yelpers that the frites were great so we indulged. Along with chicken liver croquettes, and a nice charcuterie plate. I'm a sucker for Duchesse even in a bottle so I was loving every minute of it. I wanted something that wasn't so heavy so I opted for the steak sandwich. It was a light, but hearty dish. The Ciabatta bread was awesome. It was soft and chewy and still had a bit of warmth to it. A perfect compliment to the steak and arugula. My table mates ordered the brisket and from my view it looked massive. I was intending to try a bit, but I figured I could try it on my next visit. Leon's feels like an extension of Brickstore which I guess was the point. My only complaint was the wait, but that's something that cannot be avoided. It's a sign of a good restaurant and Leon's is certainly deserving of the praise. *** Cute waitresses too....*** ALWAYS A PLUS.... 16/365
(4)
Nancy R.
This restaurant on the corner of East Ponce de Leon and Church is quaint but has character. You can either play bocce ball or sit down to eat. FOOD: They have a good selection of beers, so i tried the pilsner which has good flavor and chilled nicely. They also have a wide selection of sauces for their fries, so I had to try it. I had the the beef brisket with fried onion on an open faced bread which comes with fries. When asked for suggestions on the sauces, the waiter gave his favorite, which I tried the smoked tomato mayo sauce. The sandwich and fries were very good for a decent price. TIP: The good thing is that anyone (waiter) can wait on you, and everyone is very helpful with suggestions. Only bad thing is like all of Decatur places, you have to find parking on the streets or lots.
(4)
Vanessa T.
Where The Flies Treat You Like A Starving, Third World Child I recently had a light lunch here after a harrowing visit at the Dekalb DDS. Having already been exposed to the ravages of bureaucracy and a war of waiting, I didn't have very high expectations for a quick bite. I just wanted to silence my rumbling stomach. And even still, my lowered expectations weren't met. My lunch companion and I started with the pub frites, choosing the goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayonnaise as accompanying sauces. The goat cheese fondue was thin and weak. It barely had any flavor and was far too watery to adhere to the frites. We ended up scrapping it early and just sticking to the smoked tomato mayonnaise, which was leagues better. I had the mussels. Or I tried to. The plate of mussels came out with its own army of flies closely hovering. There were seriously 8 to 12 of them congregating around my lunch. I had to swat them away the entire time. I understand flies can be part of the immediate environment if you're dining outside, but we were in the air conditioned indoors. Our server noticed the distracting and annoying issue, apologetically stating that for unknown reasons, they "have a fly problem." I continued to try to eat while moving my arms like Kali, but it quickly became tiresome. They definitely were fearless flies, kamikaze-ing into my broth, getting all up in my face. A woman by the name of Heather offered to address our buzzing, maggot-birthing inconvenience with moving our seats or bringing out a new order of mussels. I appreciated the gesture, but at that point, I just wanted it over with. I felt certain that if we moved to another area of the restaurant, those bastard flies would just, you know, fly over there. The mussels were fine, a little underwhelming. And certainly not worth the war I had to wage to protect them. I've definitely had much better mussels while shooing away less annoying creatures.
(2)
Steven L.
This is a cute little place right in downtown Decatur. Somewhat of a nautical feel with the light blue wallpaper and wooden booths. Came here for a late dinner with a couple of friends and was seated right away. Service here is top-notch, and the waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He recommended a Belgium beer (forgot the name) which I enjoyed. Food-wise, I thought this place was only ok. I had the open-faced beef brisket sandwich and though the portion was large, I found it somewhat dry and lacking in flavor. I had the frites as a side and they weren't anything to rave about. I was disappointed with the sauces as well: it was hard to detect the mango in the spicy mango catsup, and the masaman curry that my friend tried was very runny. Another friend had the gyro with brussel sprout hash, both of which I found more appetizing than my own food. I ended the night with the 1/2-pound peanut butter sandwich cookie with nutella buttercream icing. The cookie was hard and tough to bite into but the icing was delicious. A friend had the dark chocolate and espresso crunch tart, which was good. I love the atmosphere so I'll have to come back and try some different dishes for a second opinion.
(3)
Stone M.
Always a great time! The menu is adventurous and delicious! The staff is top notch. The atmosphere is comfy yet fancy, many places try for that and fail. Also the design is really unique, when the patio is the place to be just roll up the walls and make the indoors feel like outdoors.
(5)
Amy D.
While chatting with a few Atlantan's and discussing the near city of Decatur we were informed that we must go to Leon's to eat, and we were glad that we were given this advice. We came here mid afternoon looking for a drink and a small plate of food. Their drink menu is loaded with many original cocktails, we ordered the St James Daiquiri's. The drink down to the glass that it came in was totally original and delicious. I ordered the bucket of fries which comes with two dipping sauces of your choice. The homemade katsup and peppercorn gravy were tasty combined with the crispy and salty fries. My sis had the Toast's with ham, cherry jam, pineapple, Gruyere and arugula. The list of ingredients sounds quite lengthly but all of the components worked so well together, and it was the perfect snack. Overall Leon's full service is exactly what it proclaims, it provides great food, service and ambiance.
(4)
Taylor A.
The service here totally blew me away! Initially we were sitting outside and it was just too hot to sit out there without sweating to death. The servers were very cool about moving us inside and had a table ready for us right away. At Leon's you'll probably have a few different people waiting on you, so you'll always be able to find someone to help you if you need something. We started with the "pub frites", french fries to you and I, and they were decent. We chose the garlic aioli and some sort of tomato-mayo sauce. The garlic aioli tasted like plain mayo, and the other sauce wasn't that great, but the fries were decent. If you're looking for fantastic pub fries go over to the Porter Beer Bar. I had the steak and was better tasting than most of the other hangar steaks I've had. It was almost as good as a sirloin cut. My dining companion had a turkey sandwich and said it was pretty good. I'm not sure you can ruin a turkey sandwich... Anyways, the vibe here is very laid back for eating or just hanging out and having a beer. If I lived closer to Decatur I'd be here way more...
(4)
Steve B.
I don't normally trek to Decatur, but Leon's makes the trip worthwhile. The food and atmosphere are great. Perfect for late afternoon happy hour sitting outside, eating fries with goat cheese fondue and drinking a pumpkin beer. Butter! Plus, I think you can actually get your car serviced here.
(4)
Jessica K.
I love that you can order "bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter" though I usually don't. Also, giant bucket of mussels is $10. Love that. Updated: Recently ordered the mussels and they've changed it. Don't give you as much as before. :(
(4)
Ryan S.
Love this place for a weekend lunch or late afternoon meal. They have a nice patio facing Ponce so you can catch your friends walking by and chat. Umbrellas are included to help beat the heat. Also, bacon and peanut butter. The food menu is medium in size and, to some people, might be considered expensive. The sammiches and snacks are preiswert and it only gets expensive when you go to the full dinner dishes. This place also has a nice choice of alcohol. I can always find a few beers I like and the girlfriend has had great luck with their unique cocktails. They also have bocce but I haven't played yet. Edit: played bocce a few times now. Just a word to the wise, getting hit with one of those balls still hurts even if you are drunk.
(4)
Captain D.
Mr. Leon, It has been quite some time since I've had the opportunity to scrawl out a review of any earthside dining establishments and I would beg apology if anything which follows provides effrontery to you in any fashion whatsoever. Your servants were obsequious to a fault. Your food was in no way burned to a crisp or rendered inedible due to incompetence from your fine galley crew. Your beer was refreshing, the ambience of your filling station was friendly. In truth, I were cajoled into writing this review by a certain vegetarian lass what accompanied me to dine in your filling station several weeks ago when your town was encamped by gypsy tents filled with tacky, overpriced wares (aka The Decatur Arts Festicle). Says she (the wench): "Why don't you write a review of this place?" whilst emitting a highly confusing series of grimaces, smiles, frowns, hoots and partial nudity. In truth, she did none of these things (except the constant grimacing and frowning, which I attribute more to the strained and complex relationship I share with her) but I did rather hope that the promise of a tale of "partial nudity" might reduce the impact of the disappointment you are about to experience when you discover that I, Captain Drew, found your brisket profoundly unexciting. That's right. Un. Ex. Cite. Ing. In fact, I haven't been this unexcited by brisket since the Lesser Brisket Uprising of 1734, and that's saying something, Buster. I'd have been far less disappointed if your menu had referred to this sandwich with the more accurate description of "Watery Steamed Beef" because in the sector of space/time I hail from brisket is an art form of texture and subtle moisture, intense flavor and sustained emotion. Your very nice beer had more texture than the Soupy Bovine Sandwich I dined upon. Now. Having properly and rightfully informed you of my disappointments in front of God and Man alike, I would like to end this rebuke with some very real praise: your tater sauces are clever as brickbats!! From the reviews that others have left I do see that the smoked tomato mayo is universally appreciated. From a mouth feel perspective, all of the mayonnaise-based sauces we shared were mouth smackers. In addition to those I found the curries interesting, but they did compete far too much with the sharp acidity of the catsup. Also, I could not locate a RUM flavored dipping sauce? Was this an oversight? And finally, Mr. Leon, you are no businessman. Why are you not calling your filling station "Mr. Leon's Filling Station of Many Flavored Crisps"??? You would sell an immense number of taters in this fashion, which would provide you with enough money to chase those kids and their wooden balls out of your side yard. Ruffians. And no, if you must know.... I didn't "get any" and probably never shall again from that particular grimacing lassie. Oh, Brisket!!
(3)
Jodie B.
Mmmmm I LOVED Leons and would return any day. I visited with friends last Friday, and it was great! Loved the atmosphere, the AMAZING drinks & drink selection, and the food....omg...I had the peppedews, the pomme frittes with all kinds of delish dips, and the burger... Oh just thinking about it puts me in a good mood. :::longing for leons already:::
(5)
Tom C.
This place seems to have a lot of promise. It has a nice location, the space is pretty nice, and the service is tremendous. However, the food leaves something to be desired, and the restaurant seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. Let me explain. The building itself is very nice. Large windows with a nice outdoor area (including a bocce ball yard). The menu, though, is all over the place. My wife and I went there last week for the first time. we were surprised to see such a varied menu. We expected something more along the lines of a Belgian pub. There were mussels and frites, which I had. They were good, but nothing particularly special. My wife had hummus, which was made from carrots instead of chick peas. If I were the chef, I'd go with a more traditional hummus. This was pretty bland; the carrot base was probably more for effect than taste. My wife had the shrimp gyro. Again, it was OK, but nothing special. We also had a dessert, but I can't remember what it was, which indicates that I was not impressed. All-in-all, this place is nice and has a lot of potential. The service was tremendous - timely, enthusiastic, and just right. If they could nail down the menu a little better with a few more things that really stood out, this could be a great pub. But, as it is now, it strikes me as a wanna-be Belgian pub with an identity crisis. We don't plan to go back anytime soon,
(2)
Melissa B.
Curry catsup dipping sauce. Done. You can keep the fries (I mean, a fry is a fry, whatever). Just a bucket of dipping sauce thanks. The actually food is great too. Veggieloaf is very unique and quite delicious. Trout gyro? Who does that? But it definitely works. Nice draft beer selection too. Only bummer is that it's super tiny and pretty slow if you want an actual table. Other than that it's a great spot worth heading to Decatur for.
(4)
Rachel E.
Meh.. that's about all I can say. I went there for lunch today. The staff was nice and I like the set up. I find the menu to be a bit underwhelming. But, I had the open face brisket sandwich. The sandwich itself was good. Not spectacular but good.. again meh. I ordered the fries as my side because I've heard so much about them. The fries were just okay - I know that the dipping sauces are supposed to be good and I got the goat cheese fondue. It was pretty tasteless. Literally tasted like think warm buttermilk (maybe?). At any rate I was totally nonplussed about it. It wasn't terrible but I see no reason to go back. And, I understand they have this very "flowy" way that servers check on tables where no one is exactly assigned a table. Our service was fine this time. But, the first time I tried this place we waited so long for service that we finally got up and left. I didn't factor that into my review this time but says a lot to me about how this place is managed.
(2)
Sean S.
Fantastic dinner 11-April with close friend; perfect for an early spring night and catching up on news over dinner! Her: the beek brisket, falling off the bone (figuratively) and with a fantastic gravy. Me: The trout served on a bed of slaw. Wonderful. Bocce ball court off to the side is nice. Opened the meal with an app of pom frites and two dipping sauces: bacon-flavored mayo and a kind of mango chutney with a nice burn. At the bar: Have a glass of the Sazerac to start the night. Vy, vy smooth whiskey -- and vy, vy nice. Dessert: Special of the night was a pecan-caramel tarte with dark choc shavings and home-made cream. PERFECTION. And all this (minus bar tab) for less than $50!
(4)
Sarah M.
Leon's is one of the best things to happen to Decatur, ever. It holds a special niche in my heart - I can usually be found here during the week meeting a friend for dinner, or sometimes for an occasional weekend lunch. The menu is creative, gastropub fare - lots of great starters that I have always enjoyed more than the actual fare. I miss the carrot hummus that they recently took off the menu. The fries are an item that have been done all over town - but they execute them SO well here - they are huge, crispy, perfectly salted. I love these fries. I would eat raw spinach for dinner so I could have them. Vegetarians will go crazy for the seared veggie loaf - a delicious vegetarian entree. I have enjoyed the steak sandwich and most recently a fried trout sandwich special. I love the food at Leon's- it is such a great spot to meet up with friends - and by far my favorite Decatur spot. Dinner here adds up fast though, so don't let your guard down or you be paying $50 for lunch....
(4)
Phin S.
This place has really come into its own. While I would avoid coming during peak hours (even Sunday at 8PM is quite busy), Leon's is AWESOME service, incredible drinks and wonderful fries. The atmosphere can't be beat. It makes for a unique combination that often leaves me thinking... "let's go to Leons!"
(5)
Kate C.
Although I don't seem to regard Leon's as highly as some other Yelpers, it does have some great qualities. First are the french fries. Everyone likes their fries differently, but Leon's does it just how I like, soggy and really salty. Let's not forget about the dips. Goat cheese fondue is my absolute fav as well as the smoked tomato mayo. The warm chick pea salad is also a favorite. I do believe Leon's sometimes charges a little high for what you get. The drinks for instance. I don't mind paying $9, $10 for a killer drink. It's just that the ones I have tried are small in quantity and just okay in flavor. Maybe I should give it another shot. Who knows? The atmosphere is really relaxed, service is decent. It can get really loud on a busy day. One thing I have noticed is that there is also some bug flying around my head every time I go. For right now, I consider Leon's as a good restaurant not far from my house, but by no means is it a solid go-to pick.
(4)
Valerie B.
Delicious fries and fun ambiance but not very veg friendly
(3)
Canyouwoowoo W.
Wow. What's there not to like? Most of what needs to be said has been said, so I'll just add this... A beautiful place to spend a Saturday. Perch yourself along the counter, in the garage doorway that faces the patio and sidewalk, and just take in the scenary, as you slowly work yourself through your drinks, and chat with your companion next to you. Has the ambiance of a European novel.
(4)
Robert B.
Great atmosphere. Excellent beer selection - they've got a hoard of beers in the bottle and on tap. Their seasonal beer selection is also top notch. When I went for lunch with a coworker, our waiter was well versed in beer knowledge, and highly recommended the burger. They use White Oak Pastures beef out of south Georgia, and this might be the best burger I've ever purchased. They season it with salt and pepper and grill it exactly as you order. The frites are their specialty. Order enough for the table with several dipping sauces. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mary B.
I definitely enjoyed my time at Leon's, but I don't think I'd be a devoted regular if I lived in lovely ATL. Why? Waiting 20 minutes for 1 drink (in conjunction with the time spent waiting for a table) and then having to juggle it through a mob waiting at the bar is generally not something I enjoy that often. But I'm glad I got to try Leon's since it kept getting brought up during my visit in GA, and I'd have been a sad lil pander if I didn't see what all the hype was about. My group rolls up for dinner on a Thursday night and I'm kind of surprised at the crowd. My dream of sitting outside on that adorable gravel patio was quickly crushed but we could have still sat outside on the benches on the other side of the building if we had so desired. For the most part, the place looked great, though it was a bit sparse in terms of the atmosphere in the dining area. The bar area is really cool, loved the library style ladder behind the bar. I wonder if a sauced patron has attempted to reenact something from My Fair Lady or Funny Face. It took about 20 minutes to get each round of drinks, which I probably could have avoided if I had ordered beer instead of cocktails. I tried the Paddington and the Spring Chicken (any drink featuring egg white will get an auto-order from me.) Both were good, a little too cloyingly sweet for me, but I appreciated the creativeness and expert pours on each. The service at the bar was good, they were just so swamped that it was less enjoyable than it could have been due to the chaos. Y'all trying to revive Freaknik in here? We finally snagged a table and tried the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. These were excellent bar bite type morsels that fit the "I needs the cheese when drankin" bill in a way I've never had before. Next level ish. Our table got the duck entree, the burger, and I got the P.E.I. (big ups to the Maplelands!) mussels done in witbier and lemongrass broth and added on a side of frites with horseradish mayo. The frites were properly done and the dip had a nice bite. I have to say I was disappointed with the mussels a bit, they needed another flavor layer, preferably a spice as the witbier and the lemongrass were quite mild. The mussels themselves were good, though I probably wouldn't order again. I got an Avril (Belgian beer, not thine lass that so sangeth Sk8er Boi) with the meal and it was a great complement. No complaints from the rest of the table on their meals. You can't go Full Service without trying a dessert, right? We shared the oatmeal cream pie, which is basically a huge Little Debbie oatmeal pie. Could have used more cream, but the cookies were great (note to my brethren that cringe at raisins: they live in these cookies, but I managed to avoid them for the most part.) I guess I'd go back to Leon's if I was in the area and it wasn't a weekend evening. My arm wouldn't need to be twisted too much, especially when said arm would soon be holding a fancy Leon's cocktail or nicely selected craft beer from the draughts.
(3)
Ben G.
Horrible service. Took two family members there the day after Thanksgiving. Server was high and food lacked taste. Complained to Manager ( Chrystal ) who did nothing. All I was told was to ask for her when I come back to make sure I get better service. Why in the world would I come back?!?
(1)
Bobbin W.
After watching the Fourth of July fireworks from atop a downtown Decatur building, my friends and I moseyed to Leon's for a drink--not only to wait for the traffic to die down but also to relish having the next day off work. I need to remember that the bar was especially packed because of the patriotic rush, and to attribute that factor to my painfully long wait to receive my drink. The people who ordered beer quickly gripped their refreshing ales at the bar, but the bartender said that my Bee's Knees cocktail would "take a while," so she'd bring it to me on the Bocce Ball court. After a parched 20 minutes, a waitress brought two Bee's Knees for my friends and me on a tray. Sitting warm-yellow in a champagne glass, the libation summoned me to savor the first sip. I had to savor each sip indeed, as the mix of gin, local honey, lemon juice and lavender gave me a lot to process and stomach. I love the way lavender smells but not the way it tastes and ended my sampling of herb-infused cocktails right then and there. Because of the Flag Day crowd, my group of six or so sat along a stretch of wood at the edge of the Bocce Ball court, jeopardizing our toes' safety. I cheered a couple times during the intense girls versus guys game, but the snoots ignored my encouragement. I'd love to return to Leon's and order a different drink, as I'm sure the other options wouldn't leave my mouth smelling like Bath & Body Works' newest aromatherapy fragrance.
(3)
Caitlin B.
This place is AMAZING. I went here a couple weeks ago and I was impressed as I have never been to an establishment quite like this before, even here in Southern California. I've never been to a place where I can get such amazing drinks and unique food in my life. I can't wait to move to Atlanta and come back here many, many more times!
(5)
Cara B.
It's places like this that really make me wish I could give out 3.5 stars. The atmosphere is great, the fries were good, the dips with the fries were good too. My friend's brisket and orzo salad were great. I think my problem is that I ordered a weak item on the menu (the Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich). When I was expecting a bright, fresh flavor, all I got was a bit of a dull, old flavor (nothing vibrant about it). I've started eating a very vegetarian focused diet, so I just wasn't in the mood for meat. A lot of the items on the menu sounded good, so I am sure I will return, perhaps after a night out in Decatur because they are open late and very reasonably priced!
(3)
Angel M.
This is the real food place with the greatest and most creative drinks I have run into. Mix master miles is often putting it together....my fave...the El Diablo....or the Dark N Stormy with Ginger. What could be better than great drinks. Oatmeal Cream Pie. I often think back to my first oatmeal cream pie and I wonder...how in the hell did I ever walk into this spot. Now, I am forced to drive from downtown Atlanta to Decatur just for a cream pie....but wait I can also take the train....YUM for less! The vibe is cool. The staff is awesome...the menu is awesomer. If this place were in midtown it would be more pretentious but in Decatur it fits...its laid back....and Bacon in a Glass.....on that note I'm out! YUM!
(4)
Kyle J.
All around solid place. The beer selection is fantastic - I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the entire selection, which I think is hard to find. She knew exactly what each beer was and how it tasted, and her recommendations were spot on. She also suggested doing a side of fries instead of the bucket due to the size...unfortunately, we didn't listen to her on this one. HUGE thing of fries and barely made it through 1/3 of the bucket. The sauces are pretty good, and not overpowering. A nice compliment to the outstanding fries. I had the brisket sandwich, which is served open face, and got the orzo salad as my side - the orzo was better than the brisket, although it was still pretty decent. My girlfriend had the bistro steak sandwich (I think that's what it was) and after one bite, I made plans to order that my next time there. They also have a list of house cocktails - I didn't try any (more of a beer guy), but my girlfriend had the cucumber something or other and loved it. That was pretty much all they were mixing behind the bar, if that says anything about its popularity! Since we went on a Sunday around 5:30 or 6, we didn't wait at all and sat right down at the bar. Even if we had to wait, I would say it would have been worth it. Definitely going back, and SOON.
(4)
Sara C.
After being told the wait at Cakes & Ale would be an hour, we decided we were too hungry to wait. A local gave us a list of places to check out around the neighborhood and we decided on Leon's. This place did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the big open space of this converted gas station (thus the name) with big open windows, a patio out front, and cozy booths. Think retro/industrial/modern. While I didn't do as much of the drinking here (had a couple Coney Island lagers, I think?), the food was delicious. Believe the hype about the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. An explosion of spicy-sweet-cheesy goodness. Of course we had to get a round of the bacon and peanut butter - also great. I opted for the turkey sandwich - my only small complaint was that I would have liked the sandwich warm, it came out more like a deli sandwich - but the turkey, cheddar, and smoked tomato mayo were great. And the fries - holy crap - were great. We shared each other's dipping sauces - the garlic aioli, masaman curry, goat cheese fondue, and spicy mango catsup were a revelation. More restaurants need to offer multiple dipping sauces like this - what a fantastic idea! My coworker and I split the decadent oatmeal cream pie - an amazing treat that would be equally at home in Amish Country. Amazing. Finally, the service was most excellent - patient, helpful, and quick to split our checks individually. When I head back to ATL, I'll rush back here. So much fun.
(4)
Brooke B.
Leon's kicks bootay! The food is gastropub good (go for the frites and dipping sauces) and they make some smooth elixirs. I'd like to go back and try each of the imaginative cocktails... for the sake of experiment only, of course. Right. The service was good. Late on a Friday night we stopped in for an impromptu meal and were seated within 10 minutes, which surprised me. All around solid experience. I look forward to the next!
(5)
J H.
Not enough solid choices on the menu. Too many things that taste like semi-successful experiments. If you want to go sit around with hipsters pretending that the food and drinks are awesome,here you go. The sandwiches and fries are pretty good, but I've never been happy when I strayed beyond those.
(2)
Lauren N.
Pros: Trendy crowd, bar Cons: Small portions, odd food selection I thought this place was "okay." I came with my roommate over the summer for dinner. We started out at the bar and chose the cucumber cocktails, which the bartender recommended. I thought it was a strange selection as I don't really like cucumbers, but I was feeling adventurous. It was surprisingly delicious and quite refreshing! I highly recommend it. I should have been more adventurous with the food. I don't usually order pork or bird, so I went with the standard Chilean Sea Bass. The portion was small, but it was good. It was overpriced for the portion size. The burgers/sandwiches all look great though. Odd side note--we had five different waiters. They have no system for allocating wait staff. Didn't really bother me too much, but I thought it was strange that five waiters asked to take our order. Overall, I would probably come back, but it's definitely not top of my list.
(3)
Rebecca S.
Atmosphere was awesome and the food was delicious too. The fries are definitely the way to go. We will be back.
(5)
Mick D.
I hope Leon's becomes a True Decatur fixture. They clearly pay passionate attention to their menu. And the bar is completely staffed by wizards. Service is always excellent. The menu is fantastically original, as are the drinks. Your mouth will thank you. I look forward to my next trip there.
(5)
Nate C.
I've been using Yelp for a while, but this is my first review. The food, atmosphere and service at Leon's made me want to offer my praise. I mean, you gotta love a place that serves bacon in a cup with a side of peanut butter. And has a great beer list. I had a couple Terrapin Hopsecutioners. The waitress said it was a staff choice at their Super Bowl party. I had the beef brisket sandwich and my wife went with the shrimp gyro. Both excellent. She had the chick pea and cherry salad, which she loved, and I had pub frites as my side. I picked the curry and spicy mango catsup, which were both pretty good. The servers were knowledgeable and nice, and the atmosphere was great. This was our first trip to Decatur, and we had a great visit with our meal at Leon's as a highlight.
Probably my favorite casual restaurant in Atlanta. Amazing cocktails, excellent beer selection, delicious New American-style food, awesome frites and sauces. Service has always been exceptional, but sure, it naturally gets a little slower when they're busy. The patio section outside is a very chill place to waste away an afternoon. I've been visiting Leon's regularly for 3+ years and my opinion has not wavered.
(5)
Lindsey E.
I finally tried Leon's (yes for the first time) last weekend. It had been on my list for quite sometime so I was really looking forward to checking it out. It always looks so vibrant when I drive by on my weekly visit to Dekalb Farmers Market. But, it also looks packed and I'm generally not the waiting type.. especially when hunger strikes. We went early on a Sunday which was a good move because we were seated immediately but it was standing room only by the time we left (around 7). I should mention that we were seated indoors because the patio was in fact full. I didn't mind being indoors though because I wanted to see what the place looked like anyway. The service was good and I was especially impressed with our server's knowledge of beer. She recommended beers based on other beers that we liked and she was spot on. I love trying new alcohol! I was tempted to try one of their creative summer cocktails but I will save that for next time. I ordered the veggie loaf as my meal and it was quite delicious. I am always pleased when a non vegetarian restaurant offers vegetarian options that are not limited to salads and portabella burgers. The loaf was beautifully presented and full of flavor. My fellow diners ordered the beef brisket and the mussels with pub frites. I may have nibbled a frite or two and they were decent. Can I just call them french fries, though? There were a couple of other menu items that I curious about so I would be willing to go to Leon's again but there are still lots of other places that I want to try before returning.
(4)
Therealladyof L.
fwah. this place really gives good service. and it's crowded at 8pm saturday night, I ordered the mussles & a salad. My mussels came with 3 slices of baguette toast and unfortunately, because I don't drink, the beer in the mussels were too strong for me. When I asked for salt, they asked me if there was problem, I said the alcohol was too much for me and they offered to change me one. That was super nice! My husband had the sandwich, not sure which that was but he said the fried onions heap on top was superb which contrasted with the shredded meat and then all sitting a toasted bread. The combination was good. Will be back again for sure.
(4)
Maria S.
Ah, those pub frites with the garlic aioli at Leon's Full Service! Definitely some of the best I've ever tasted - anywhere. Crispy, salty, hot from the dedicated fryer, and oh so delicious. Paired with the PEI mussels and a gluten free Green's amber ale, it was quite the blissful lunch experience. (Side note - the arugula salad with the peaches and cojita cheese also totally rocked my world.) From the moment we entered Leon's on a beautiful summer afternoon, it seemed the universe was smiling on us. The hostess happily led us to an open table for our party of six, and our fabulous server Tiffany promptly appeared to take our drink orders. Do start with one of their signature cocktails if you can. I had a nice seasonal gin-based cucumber refresher that primed my palate nicely. Unlike other Yelpers, our party had absolutely no issues whatsoever with the staff or the service provided. Even though it was slightly after the lunch rush on a Saturday, just about every table was filled within fifteen minutes of our arrival. Tiffany was extra helpful steering me through their gluten free menu options and the busy food runners were efficient, yet gracious. So envious of those who live within walking distance of Leon's Full Service. Pub frites, I'll be seeing you in my dreams. Until next time...
(5)
Valerie N.
We came late one Saturday night after dinner at Iberian Pig and a round of beers at Brick Store. Someone wanted tea and so I figured, why not try Leon's? We were promptly seated in a cozy round booth and our waiter was a dream come true of witty pleasantness. I was ecstatic to find a sparkling chenin blanc on the menu - it was crazy delicious! We decided to get the famous bacon in a glass snack with peanut butter supplement to share between the 4 of us. I gotta say, I personally would never pair bacon with peanut butter, but man oh man, I may from now on! It is absolutely out of this world delicious and must be the best late night snack out there in the ATL. This was a fantastic place to finish off our night out in Decatur - I'd highly recommend Leon's as your last stop!
(4)
John W.
Good grub and creative cocktails. The bar can be crowded at times so try to get there early.
(4)
Rahul K.
Great food, drinks, ambience and excellent service! This place serves some great vegetarian stuff too which was quite a surprise for a southern joint, definitely our favorite place in Decatur!
(5)
Elizabeth S.
I can't rate the food as I've only visited for cocktails, but each time I am impressed by the speed & skills of the mixologist as well as the selection of whiskeys they offer. Always delicious and reasonable. Perfect spot for kicking back with a friend on a nice evening.
(5)
Ann L.
Met up with a friend for a drink here on a Saturday. There was ample seating available at the bar, service was friendly and present but was not pushy or very intrusive. Great place! The atmosphere and decor is spot on as well.
(5)
Rakesh R.
Our group of 6 went on a Friday evening. We expected the place to be packed, seeing that they do not take advance reservations. We had to wait nearly 1.5hrs for a table. The rain outside didn't help in people leaving quickly. The bar area was packed to the brim. Standing room only. Still had a good time waiting and chatting(shouting) with our friends. Lively, vibrant atmosphere. Buzzing. The food was worth the wait. A good 'fusion' kind of menu of the food as well as the cocktails. The Vegetable Meatloaf (I kid you not, it exists!) was the group favorite. Even the non-veg folk enjoyed it. Definitely worth a visit with friends. If you like the quite, scheduled kinda of a meal, this place is, quite surely, not for you.
(4)
Hanna K.
Leon's is great. I love everything about the decor, which is kind of like fusing a farm-house and a garage. In fact, Leon's has large garage doors that open onto the patio. It's trendy & buzzing, but is still a great place to bring your grandma-which is exactly what I did this past weekend. We were able to get seated right away on a nice Friday night, which was surprising to me. We sat at a high top in the main dining room, with the windows open next to us. My grandma thought it was slightly too loud, but she was completely charmed and felt like one of the cool kids. The service at Leon's is always attentive and friendly. Usually there is more than one person helping out at your table (a main waiter & bar runner?) but you get the sense the whole waitstaff has their own organized chaos worked out and I feel comfortable asking anyone for anything. They have a nice sized craft beer list and excellent house made cocktails, and the staff is always good about providing a good recommendation, since your average bear (me) doesn't recognize half the ingredients. The drinks are seasonal though, so don't get too attached! After many times at Leon's, I generally stick to the non-entree options. While their small plates seem to always exceed expectations, I've seen a few main plates come out average. The frites are always a go-to and I tend to close my eyes and point when it comes to sauces--they're all great! My grandma & I both ordered sidesalads, and then a cheese plate and an order of the shrimp to share. The cheese plate comes with a HUGE portion of bread and 3 nice sized cheese chunks. It would have been better for a group of 3-4. The side salads really are side sized. But then the "small plate" classified shrimp came out with another large piece of bread and a bowl full of huge Georgia shrimp. All in all, we had a perfect amount of food for a light dinner (because we didn't eat all the bread). The shrimp was some of the best I've had-you know it's fresh and it came in an excellent tomato based broth. Leon's also has an outdoor bocce ball court on their side patio, which I love. You can tell Leon's is a popular Decatur spot because you'll find all the usual suspects hanging out together here: dogs, little kids, and hipsters.
(4)
Caitlin H.
I really love Leon's full service for lunch. They have a daily menu that changes every day. I once had the lamb burger and it was probably one of the best things I've ever eaten. Great sandwiches that are always made to order and fresh salads to go along with it. Although I love lunch at Leon's I was kind of disappointed in Dinner. They DO NOT take reservations. The wait can be quite long if you don't get there early. Be warned about the Brisket "Sandwich" It's really just a big hunk of brisket with a piece of bread under it.. not really a sandwich, but the Burger is really quite good and delicious.
(4)
Jumi Y.
Ok, so after going to Leon's for a couple of years and really seeing how great their waitstaff is, this place gets 5 whole amazing stars. The food is always consistent. Nothing beats the burger and fries for me. I usually get the yogurt dill sauce with the fries, and it hits the spot everytime. The last time I was there, my friend was raving about the goat cheese dip and without us even asking, the waiter brought it out. Also, the waiters make sure that weird, drunk dudes don't ruin your girls night out by kindly kicking them out of your booth. =) Other things I really like include: Mussels. The broth is white wine based with some additional herbs and goodies. They don't use those gross gigantic mussels like in Chinese restaurants which is a huge plus. Also great with fries. Brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts are thinly sliced and sauteed with bacon. You don't get that weird mushiness that I usually expect with brussel sprouts. Hummus. Weird that hummus is on my list of favorites, but something about the way they do it is so good. And they bring out thick toasted slices of french bread. Mmm. Chicken sausage. It has a little kick to it and the bok choy is a nice addition. Their menu changes often, and I've enjoyed pretty much all the entrees I've tried. Even when I'm feeling a little daintier and order a salad, they hit the spot. BUT, the absolute star of this place... Drumroll.. is the penicillin cocktail. It's smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. And there is a gigantic icecube in it! And the flavor changes with each sip! I always think I will order another cocktail, but this is the one I always end up getting. Don't worry, there are other stuff on the drink list that is also great. Their beer and wine selections are not too bad either. So, Leon's thanks for being part of the neighborhood and treating me like you like me.
(5)
Angela B.
Can you say bacon and peanut butter?! Where else can you get that as an app? I love that the food taste market fresh here. The service was good as well. It has a nice relaxed feel and would be a good date night spot. They do have a full bar as well but I didn't drink this last go round. I believe the few times I've been here there was a wait but I didn't make reservations in advance.
(4)
Tom C.
Why didn't I eat at Leon's Full service earlier? I stopped in here for a snack. So a friend and I ordered the appetizers chicken sausage with bok choy and chick pea salad with cheese. The quality of the food was amazing. The chicken sausage came with a mustard type sauce that was creamy and sweet. Chick pea salad had no greens but a mix of chunks of cheese and dried cherries and the presentation of both of the foods were awesome. And the cocktails here are good too! My server was took care of us and kept filling out waters even though we didn't order much.
(5)
Heather S.
Great food, great drinks and a really fun atmosphere (both inside and out on the patio)!!
(4)
Stacy B.
Impeccable service. Beautifully prepared food. Great ambience. Perfect location. Hard to beat Leon's.
(5)
K D.
nmisses on every item ordered. server had a ridiculous get up. too much hipster hype.
(3)
brad h.
Nice atmosphere. Casual neat has a long wine and beer list. Cary (wife) had a fish plate, Char, she loved it... I took a bite and thought it was excellent. I was in the mood for a hamburger so I ordered their grass-fed beef burger with cheddar... also excellent. So you can't tell from the description of the food that this is a really cool place with a great casual atmosphere. They have a great patio, which I am told fills up early... The inside was just fine with me, open and airy. The windows are opened when the weather is appropriate. Our waitress was great - attentive but not overly so, she knew the answer to every question. Could suggest drinks from their impressive list. She knew one beer from another and made a few good suggestions... All together it's a very pleasant place to visit.
(4)
Omer G.
I've been here 3 times and every time has been great! Who wouldn't want bacon in a cup? Also the shrimp small plate is fantastic. Bread was a little too toasty which some may not like but I prefer. The fried green tomato on brioche was excellent and the portion was huge. Also a great beer selection. Must try if you are in the area
(5)
scott a.
Food was good but absolutely terrible service. From the slow bar to forgetful server. Won't go back there to wait ...
(2)
Wendell B.
Our third visit here! We had a special night tonight, renewing our friendship with a dear friend we hadn't seen in years, and his new wife whom we had never met. We started out with a visit to our favorite local brewery, Wild Heaven, and then went here for dinner late without a reservation. As expected, it was crowded on a Friday night, even late, and we had to wait, standing in the crowded bar, but honestly it was a quick hour since the bar is charming and the service amazingly efficient even with the crowd. So we started with the pub frites, a large cone of delicious French fries (which I am not usually a fan of,) served with my choice of two sauces: smoked tomato mayonnaise and Leon's catsup. We all enjoyed these since it was now 10:00 and we hadn't eaten yet! Three of the four of us ordered the brisket, and it was tender and delicious. Two of us had the zucchini/sharp cheddar casserole, served upside down out of the ramekin it had been cooked in. Amazing! My wife ordered the burger for a change from her usual, and said it was very good accompanied by the shredded Brussells sprouts. Servers were quick and efficient and we will be back to this former filling station for "full service" again.
We couldn't decide what to order, so we just chose a bunch of things and shared them all: brussel sprouts, mussels, beet salad, fries with special dipping sauces, scallops - and probably some other things I'm forgetting. Everything tasted great, and because we were heavier on the appetizers and sides than the main courses, it ended up being surprisingly affordable (probably about $20 a person).
(4)
Lincoln K.
ummm, way overrated. If the fries and sauces is what gets people, then sheeoot, by all means, get 'em. I've been three times and each time(there won't be another) I've told myself 'Do not go back'. The problem is...these reviews! A friend who has never been reads these reviews and is like "omg, we should totally go here! We'll wait 45 minutes for a $25 pork chop plate loaded with Quinoa" Ok, that's not verbatim. Let's just say I have had better. It's kinda annoying when everyone's plate comes with quinoa and a meat. For $25 a plate, I'd expect each plate to be unique. I'd give it one star, but they serve water in a giant wine bottle.
(2)
Andria C.
I love the environment here! Ended up here on a rainy evening one weekend. The wait was pretty long (probably about an hour), but it seemed to go by quickly. Our wait was a little longer than previously thought as, because of the weather, they had to re-seat some of the diners who'd chosen to eat on the patio once it started raining. Once we were seated, the hostess offered us a free appetizer for our wait. Aside from the hostess, the service was just okay. The waitress wasn't bad, but I wouldn't say she was good either. But whatever. I ordered the pork chop (which isn't something that I would normally do), but I'm really glad I did. It was deliciously moist and tender. Drinks were top notch - actually some of the best that I've had. We both had the Gutter Pop, which includes gin and house blood orange soda among other things - yummy!. Overall, it was a good experience and I'd definitely go back. Hopefully I'd get a more amicable server next time.
(4)
Patrick S.
The food is great and the service is excellent. I'm new to Atlanta and randomly stumbled on this place with a friend. The staff is super friendly and the is quality and fast. I'll be coming back soon!
(5)
Jose H.
Came here thinking it was a great place based on the reviews, the food was very bad, tasteless, plain. Fries were over cooked trout was burned.. Oh well, the place is great thought and people are friendly, the food sucks
(2)
Kristina A.
This place has my favorite drinks!!!!! Try the aviator and the Beez kneez!! I just need one drink. And I feel great! And its always fresh always great quality. The waiters always friendly and chic. The food... good# try the open face brisket and the different flavored ketchups!!
(5)
Bobby Y.
Best mussels I've had on the East Coast by far! (Best mussels I've had on the West Coast were at the Dundarave Fish Market in Vancouver, Canada - $17 a pot and worth every penny.) Leon's mussels are perfectly cooked - plump to the edge of the shell, and no dental-surprise crunchy shell or sand particles floating on top. Would've ordered 3 orders just for myself to get full, if it weren't for the ridiculously awesome warm chickpea/cherry salad. These two dishes, if eaten by one person alone, are probably the peanut butter & jelly, Ricky & Lucy, Tom & Jerry pairing of the year. One is sweet and tart, one is salty and savory. Both are executed perfectly (and it was after midnight I might add!) and if I were to go back I would order the EXACT same pair. Way to go, Leon!
(5)
Katy L.
For right now, I am in like, not in love. Not yet at least, but I probably could soon. I have been excited to try Leon's. A trip here on a Friday night was foiled by a long wait, but we walked in on Monday no problem and were seated outside. It was a delightful evening for patio dining so I was all set. I ordered the old fashioned, which was made with bacon flavored bourbon. Man, it was a delicious, delicious cocktail. I love that they serve their drinks with a singular cube of ice...it's a simple touch that I appreciate. They have a great cocktail and beer selection and I would have loved to sit out here all night and drink. But we were there for dinner so let's discuss the food. Now they don't have the largest menu in the world. A variety of small plates and larger entrees. Salads. Meat offerings. A few sandwiches. I consider myself somewhat of a foodie, and I struggled to find something that was appealing to me. My husband really struggled and ended up getting the zucchini fritters. He's not a picky eater at all either, so if even he can't find something he wants, that is saying something. I ended up getting the chicken schnitzel. It was pretty tasty, nothing out of this world. It had a good flavor and the chicken was nicely cooked. The bread it was on was dynamite, slathered in a very delicious mustard. And I don't even like mustard. I ordered the frites on the side. Oh the frites. Everyone seems to rave about the frites. To me, they were just eh. Not all that crispy and lacking in seasoning. I'm kind of sorry I wasted the stomach space. I got them with the goat cheese dipping sauce. I did not taste one speck of goat cheese...and I love me some goat cheese so that was disappointing. It's a nice spot, right off the square in Decatur. A great atmosphere and a great drink selection. The food leaves something to be desired, but maybe next time I'll find something more to my liking. And there will be a next time.
(3)
Sean Y.
Food never disappoints here. We are big can of the beer list and the food, however service is another story. It really is not too bad of service but they always miss something. Still a 4 star for us though.
(4)
Phil H.
The epicness of Leon's is what makes being awesome all about. I mean, c'mon, it used to be an old gas station and garage - and the large doors made into windows still open up making it a great open air experience. The decor is smart, shabby chic, modern, and exhudes a cool ambiance. There is outside seating in the front, and a full bocce ball court on the side of it. The beer list is kick ass. Hey, the guys that own the Brickstore Pub also own this place, so that should be expected. The food list is a combination of gastropub fare and comfort food staples with a twist. Waitresses are super cool, tattooed, and sexy. Bartenders also mix up some great speakeasy type cocktails. Had the pleasure of having dinner here last week with a client. I bow to this man's suggestion to come here. Picked a Left Hand Milk Stout as my beer of choice - oh yeah. We started with the Pub Frites ($6) which are served up in a large metal bucket and a choice of two sauces - madras curry catsup and smoked tomato mayo. The sauces kicked ass and the fries were perfectly browned on the outside and crispy. Done right! Went for a sandwich. I had the slow roasted beef brisket, black peppercorn gravy, fried onions, served open faced on a thick piece of fresh artisan bread ($11). Delicious, and the brisket was pull apart moist. Came with a side. I had a salad - baby mixed lettuces, laura chenel chèvre, pumpkin seeds, orange tabasco vinaigrette. Fresh and tasty. This is the type of place that can be described as to where hipsters with money would hang out at. I wish I had stayed in Decatur for a few more days so I could have tried out more of the menu. Especially the Bacon in a Glass for $5 (peanut butter extra $.50)!!! Man, I wish this place was up in NYC!
(5)
Kamil B.
This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Decatur. I always have fun here. The service is great and I always feel welcomed. The food is very good, and menu items are quite dynamic, to the extent that it will keep me coming back. On a nice day, it is always great to sit outside, and enjoy the cordial atmosphere. Great place for a Sunday brunch.
(4)
Rachael I.
During one of the most stressful times in my life, I went here with some close friends. Sat out on their patio, ordered their special, and breathed easy for a while. Very fond summer memory of mine. The people here are great. The restaurant is impeccable in terms of cleanliness, service, and quality of food. Their pomme frites? Great. Have tried a different sauce each time. All wonderful in their own way, but my fave's the aioli. Hands down. Would pay in gold for the recipe =) I love their lamb burger. Their schnitzel burger. Any of their sides [salads, casseroles, etc.] All awesome and share one very important ingredient: love. You can tell they care about the food they put out. Having dinner here (plus cocktails!) is next on my to-do list. I've only done lunch, but on a beautiful spring or summer day on Decatur Square, nothing beats it. Even if you've gotta wait, choose the patio. No better place to sit (and eat) a spell.
(4)
Meg S.
Came here on a Thursday evening around 6 to find a pretty full patio and bustling indoors. We were seated at an indoor table and by our own fault chose to sit facing the setting sun. Whoops! We got weird looks from other customers for about half an hour as we sat indoors with our sunglasses on, desperately trying to ignore the sun blazing in our faces. No curtains or sun shades to speak of in this well-windowed establishment - don't face the sun in the evenings! The draft beer selection was fun, and I was surprised to see Ayinger on the list. I'm a fan of their dopplebock and their witbier did not disappoint. Wasn't familiar with other beers on the draft list, though, and the menu did not help - did not specify which were ales, lagers, white beers, etc. The waiter did, however, patiently answer all of our questions of "what's this?" "why on earth doesn't your menu SAY that it's a red ale?" I can't tell if the food is carelessly plated or if the whole menu is a big joke - the goat cheese stuffed peppadews, which would have been seriously lacking in the flavor department without the garnish of basil - were thrown into a ramekin seemingly as an afterthought. The plating was insulting to the dish and my friend and I couldn't help but immediately come up with at least 5 different ways it could have been plated without insult. Fortunately I was familiar with peppadews and had the sense to order it, because the flavors meshed delightfully. We did get pretty tired of trying to interpret the menu, which was either foodie oriented or pompous, or both, and the waiters didn't seem to notice that some things on the menu are not immediately obvious. I ended up ordering the shrimp gyro with the arugula salad on the side, and my friend had the roasted veggie sandwich with the chickpea cherry salad. I insisted on "swapping halves" upon tasting his veggie sandwich, which I wished I had ordered. We picked up on the sense of humor of the place when we saw the "pickle" that came with his sandwich - a 1.5" baby pickle. Cute. The shrimp gyro was true to gyro flavors but the flavor of the shrimp was lost on the excessive expanse of pita bread, which dulled most of the sandwich's flavors. I was lost on why the arugula salad was a bed of arugula accompanied by freshly roasted peanuts - perhaps because peanuts seem like overkill on just about everything. They did nothing to add to the salad, though the arugula and dressing were more than satisfactory on their own. Overall I'd say I'll come here again, more to peruse the vegetarian menu options since the grilled veggie sandwich did not disappoint. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be much on the menu for that demographic, but we'll see. One last note - the place was packed when we left around 7:30pm on that Thursday night, and the bar - which is not large - was full of people eating. Perhaps not the place to be during dinnertime if you're aiming for beverages, which is disappointing since the beer selection is so intriguing. Maybe next time I'll try lunch on a weekday and hope for a different atmosphere.
(3)
Tom M.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Decatur. I love eating at the bar. One of the best hamburgers in the city. My only quibble is that this evening a man was at the bar waiting for his to-go order with his 2 year old child. Bars are not appropriate for children and, really, shouldn't there be adult only spaces? Most Decatur restaurants are like day care centers - bars should at least be sacrosanct.
(4)
Aurora N.
We came here several times while in town for a burlesque convention. They were open late so we thought we'd give it a try. The first night I had the pan roasted trout which was pretty good, the second night the mussels + frites that I had been craving! They were out of them the night before. Apparently they're pretty popular. Since I was with a group I got to try a few different things. They offer tons of sauces to go with their pub frites but it's hard to stick with only two. The mushroom and pesto flatbread was divine! I think I also had a baked camembert of some kind maybe with a fig spread? It was on the late night menu and was pretty good! Holy wow! The only thing I didn't like was the drink the bartender made me. I had asked for something that they happened to have all of the ingredients for and the bartender was pretty cocky. He told me he didn't want to make that and made me something else. It sucked and I gave it to my friend. Thankfully the nutella candy bar came to the rescue and put me into a sugar coma of the grandest kind.
(4)
Andrew C.
while I don't go for Decatur much (preferring Midtown, Inman and Old Fourth), I love Leon's. Open air when it's nice enough, bocce in the back, and top notch food and drinks. we had charcuterie (delectable) and split a burger with pub frites. Nice touch: they cut the burger, which was perfectly medium rare, and plated it separately with fries for us. No muss, no fuss. cocktails were exquisite, of course. If you're in Decatur for lunch or dinner, I have to recommend going.
(5)
Angela V.
This place is just what Decatur has needed for awhile - a moderately-priced restaurant that actually has good food and lots of waiting room! As much as we dig the Brick Store, we don't even consider it if there's a wait because there's just nowhere to stand. Leon's has plenty of room in the bar and on the petanque court (or whatever it is). Leon's food is excellent. I love the chick pea, cranberry, cheese salad (and so does my one-year old) and the burger is one of the best in the city. Fresh ingredients, friendly people and a selection of french fry dipping sauces -oh yeah!
(5)
Katherine M.
I've eaten here 4 or 5 times now, and every time I have really enjoyed the food. The fries are great, with lots of sauces to choose from. My favorite thing I've had so far is the steak sandwich. The grass-fed burger is also pretty good. The atmosphere is casual, and when its warm they open up the garage doors and it becomes a kind of open-air restaurant. Plus, it's farm to table and reasonably priced. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, but with the exception of Shanna (?), kind of sucks. Even though they can answer questions and smile, servers take forever to get to your table... so much so you may have to get up and make sure that whoever is responsible for your table knows that you are there. Then, don't bother ordering the cocktails- they are great, but if you order them don't expect them to come out quickly ... you have to wonder if the server forgot or if the bartender just hates making these cocktails so much that he doesn't bother making them when he should. Just stick to beer or wine since that comes out pretty quick. I would really like this place if I felt like my servers were working really hard to be attentive and available, or at least walking by my table once in a while to give me an opportunity to order another drink. Instead they disappear for long periods of time and I have to wait too long for someone to take my order and then wait too long for what I ordered to come out. It would be different if I had come in when the restaurant was busy, but coming in 3 or 4 times when it was pretty empty and getting crappy service each time? no thanks...
(2)
Laura B.
I've been hearing so much about this place that I was excited to try it. The atmosphere is great, very open, modern but casual. I was hoping they'd have more veggie options, but still had some very unusual choices. You can order a waffle in a bag, a glass of bacon or hummus that instead of chickpeas, is made with carrots. We split the veggie sandwich which was good but a lot of bread. My favorite part (aside from the great beer selection) was the order of fries with a choice of 2 out of 12 sauces. We actually ordered 3; the garlic aioli, spicy mango catsup and masaman curry. Delicious all the way around!
(4)
Jenny K.
Very good drinks and food. A bit on the pricey side, but worth it!
(4)
Stricky T.
I thought Shaun's @ Edgewood had the best pomme frites, now they have competition. Leon's takes it to whole new level with a wide array of sauces. Furthermore it is stepped up with the widest selection of Belgian beers under one roof.......petite houblon la chouffe.......is grand beer, with full flavour and an incredible body. Simply put...hoppy goodness
(4)
Wendy C.
This is a great place for cocktails but the food really pales in comparison. I had the pedal pusher which is a fantastic cocktail made with gin, elderberry, lemon and a hint of absyinthe. Sounds like a lot, but it really works. They were out of a lot of the dishes that we wanted to order, so that was a bummer. We ended up ordering the pub frites which were good, and the scallop entree. The scallops were really salty, and the risotto was extremely bland. Mussels were just ok as was the zucchini casserole. Drinks get 4 stars, and the food gets 2 stars. So I will split the difference and say 3 stars it is.
(3)
Matt C.
went to leon's for the first time this weekend and was very impressed with every aspect of the experience. table service seems to be a group effort, as we were looked after by about four members of the staff intermittently throughout our time there; every person was friendly, helpful, and attentive. vibe of the place is like most places in dtown decatur -- laidback and casual with just a hint of elitism (mostly among the clientele) our table tried quite a few things from the menu, and most were fantastic. the menu is stacked with delicious-sounding dishes, and making choices proved difficult. highlights were the pork chop, baby wedge, and the frites. i don't think i've ever thought of a wedge salad and frites as even close to the highlight of a meal anywhere else, but they are perfect here; frites are well seasoned, perfect texture, and the list of sauces you can choose from to accompany them will make you drool. we opted for the garlic aioli and massamun curry; highly recommend both. the wedge salad was made unique by featuring an 'herb-caper' creme fraiche versus the played-out bleu cheese dressing; it was delicious and rich, and the 'side' portion was the perfect size to go with an entree. we also made a point to try the 'bacon in a glass', which, i have to say, might be some of the best tasting bacon i've ever tried. had never heard of a pairing with peanut butter, but it was a very good combination. their drink list is full of good beers and interesting cocktails; we had a couple of each. i'd heard their original cocktails are some of the best in atlanta; though they were good, and i'd try them again..i wasn't wowed by them as i've been at places like JCT kitchen and 4th & swift. overall, a great experience and meal; we will definitely be returning.
(4)
Jody S.
The food is great. It's fresh & quirky. There is a large beer selection. The building is neat. Parking is tricky & you'll have to wait your turn, but it's very worth it.
(4)
Leah T.
I was excited to try this new restaurant and I enjoyed a fun evening out with friends. I loved the different dips for the fries (Pub Frites), but overall I thought the food was sub-par. The carrot and cilantro hummus tasted more like a carrot puree... carrot was really the only flavor I could taste. The curry veggies were alright, but again nothing spectacular. Great drink selection, though, and I liked the atmosphere of the place.
(3)
Carolyn B.
I've been Jonesin' to go to Leon's for the last year and I unsuspectingly made it over on St Patty's Day. The Marlay was on the agenda, but it was packed out so my fella and I made it down to LFS instead. The owners are the same as Brickstore, so you know it's gotta be uber cool! They have a huge beer selection, a great bar, friendly service, and although there was no live music, the sound system sounds killer and the joint was jammin with cool patrons. The calamari and scallops were teetering on good. The smorga's were fantastic, and by far my favorite bite of the nite. I also highly x3 recommend the cocktail with gin, honey, and lemon- it was so good that I had way too many and had a major headache at work the next morning, enough said!
(5)
Becca S.
Leon's Full Service is my favorite spot for a beer and a good bite when I get home late from work. After standing on my feet all night serving other peoples drinks it's nice to come sit down in the nice atmosphere of Leon's and just relax with good food, good service and great beer.
(5)
Jill K.
fries are great and all the sauces just make it fun. the sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese, yummy!
(4)
Tulie L.
Came here with friends Thursday, and I have to say for a weekday, the place was packed, the atmosphere was wonderful! Though the bar was packed, and service on the drinks were a bit slow, the bartender was nice enough to inform us our drinks were on it's way, and was apologetic for it's some what snail manner of service. I can't remember my choice of drinks, but it was good, the amount of alcohol was not very much, but it was good and you can tell it was made with some thought from the mixologist. I think they might have to get a couple more mixologists behind the bar to speed things up, but other then that, the bar was a great place to hangout and grab some drinks, and fries as an appetizer. The fries were great, and it come with 3 dips of your choice. I really liked the sundried tomatoes mayo, I also got the cucumber dill, and the goat cheese fondue, but these were not my favorite. The cucumber dill would actually really be great on some lamb kabob come to think of it. Well waiting about 30+ for our table and our party of 7 did not arrive on time, but Ryan (co-owner) was gracious enough to trust that our party would all eventually arrive, that he sat 3 of us who were there! I ordered the burger and it came out perfectly. meat was made to what I had asked for, and it was good. Is this the best burger I have eaten? Nope, Holeman and Finch still holds that candle.. but it's a very good burger none the less. You can tell it was made with quality ingredients. Service by far was very good for a place that has been shy of opening for 1 month. I really feel with time, this place will be one of my favorite spots in decatur!
(4)
dj j.
went last night to check it out just 'cause it was new... didn't know too much about the place going into it. the moon was out and the night's sky was 3 shades of blue. *there was no wait for the patio [possibly just good timing, and it was a tues night] *the food was fantastic *specialty drink was great [called a casino-something] *the massaman curry catsup on the pub fries was slammin' *the shrimp gyro with the chickpea/cherry salad was great *the mussels were great *the service was fabulous, our girl was cute, knew what she was doing and had personality we ran up a decent size bill, but i thoroughly enjoyed pretty much every aspect of the place.
(5)
Charlene H.
I ordered the steak sandwich based on the waitress recommendation medium rare. Let me say this sandwich was superb. I also ordered some kind of roasted pepper mayo on the side. This steak pepper on the side. It was lightly cooked on a piece of fresh bred with a nice slice of lettuce, etc. The fries were okay a little overcooked but still tasty. The ambiance is really nice. I went for lunch and later at dinner I noticed the place was even more packed. Leon's food takes dining to a whole new level.
(4)
Bobby H.
Great food (esp the bucket of fries!), great beer selection, and one of the best atmosphere's in all of Decatur/Atlanta. The wait can be long most evenings, but it is a fun place to actually enjoy the wait. Once you're seated, all of the staff seem great, but Tyler is a particularly fun, knowledgeable and attentive server.
(5)
Jeff P.
Service is excellent, brisket was very good, good choice of beers. Fries and tasty sauces are a must. Uncomfortably hot in the dining area.
(3)
Holly L.
This place was very busy, but my friends and I were entertained and we received great service from the bar staff before we were seated. The food was great! Good times...
(5)
Brandon T.
This is only a review of the bar & drinks, no food was ordered. Miles is the man, I told him what I liked and he stood studying the shelves for a minute and served me a Demerara Old Fashioned which is something he came up with himself a while back I guess. It was exactly what I was looking for. Also met Ryan, who is like the #2 guy there, who was a super cool dude. Was helping us out even though he wasn't working that day, just coming in real quick-like. I can't remember the first drink I ordered, but it was like a Flaming Pecara or something...whatever, it was only okay, no great, but my friend's Whiskey Grogg was fantastic. They also have a Swedish item on the menu which always gets an extra star from me ;) Smörgåsar! Also it's right next to the Marta which is awesome.
(5)
erika s.
the exterior of this place should get 5 stars. absolutely beautiful---love that it's a converted gas station. the food was really good as well. i got the gyro with a side of zucchini casserole and the spaghetti squash. the waiter recommended the zucchini, but i don't think it held a candle to the squash--really really good. if i was visiting atlanta again i'd probably just go here for the drinks. i believe what i had here was called the dark and stormy and it was one of the best cocktails i've ever had--loads of yummy ginger. the bartender and/or whomever comes up with the cocktails should be commended. they all look great and they're all really interesting. if cocktails aren't your thing, the beer and wine list looked pretty well rounded also.
(4)
Zhen L.
alagash and bacon with peanut butter all the way!!!
(5)
Birah R.
LOVE IT HERE! delicious and interesting cocktail creations, really delicious food, and oh wow, the pub frites.
(4)
a w.
bocce ball, bacon in a glass, and beer...oh my. ...that being said...expect a long wait and a loud crowd on weekend nights, but come on a quieter night and enjoy.
(5)
Amoura W.
It's good, the foods kinda dry.. the menu has more appeal than the food. The service was amazing, and the resturant has style. Next time i'll try the scallops.
(3)
Su N.
Best gastropub in Atl that I've checked out so far. I liked it better than Brick Store Pub actually, I know it's the same owners but the ambiance was def better, I liked how there was an outdoor patio area and the food choice was a lot better. Beer selection wasn't as extensive but it's decent.
(4)
Kelly H.
Really good food, consistently. Interesting drink menu. Love the pub fies with various sauces. Always a hit.
(4)
Holly B.
I finally decided to try Leons after driving over to the hair salon. It is on the corner, and has a real cute vibe! I especially like the way it is open and you can sit outside or inside. I tried the burger and fries and really enjoyed them. The burger came with homemake catsup, mustard and pickles since I forgot to specify. The fries were nice and hot, and I enjoyed the horseradish mayo. I would definately go here versus that other place that is so busy that you have to wait for an hour for a to-go order! Definately will be back to try some of the other offerings!
(4)
Henry L.
This is a business with growing pains still to be worked out. Beer selection is good, food is good but minimally portioned, menu is very imaginative which is a strong plus. Service is friendly but overly taxed. Leon's popularity works against it on prime nights (Thurs.,Fri., Sat). Business is brisk but orders get lost, forgotten or gotten wrong. The bar is often overwhelmed but the staff is clearly doing its best within the chaos. I can't tell if the crowds come here for the food, the crowd itself, or if Leons is just an overflow recepticle for BSP. Most other times the place is deserted. This tells me that the draw isn't the food, which is not "value priced". ($5 for bacon strips -in a glass- wtf?)
(3)
David F.
This is my go-to place for really good food where my wife can have some nice wine and we don't break the bank. I really like how bright the main dining room is. I met the owner the first time we went he was really cool and knows how to treat people. I've had the Osso Bucco twice and it's tremendous! And to say that the individual French Press coffee servings are beyond delicious would be an under statement. I don't know what kind of crack they put in that coffee. But I refuse to leave there without a plunger pot of decaf. Never had a bad meal here. Service is good. Food is great. Prices are very fair for what you get. I always look forward to going to Leon's.
(5)
Heather B.
Leon's is a great place for a casual but nice dinner out. The food is consistently very good, and the beer and wine selection is great. I also really like the atmosphere, and the service has always been good. It is often crowded, and on the weekends you can be sure that there will be a wait. Even on a Wednesday night we had to wait for 20 minutes. But we sat at the bar and had a drink (one of the best dirty martinis I've ever had!) and shared an order of the goat cheese stuffed pepperdews. Those are delicious! Of the 3 times I've had dinner here, the food has been cooked perfectly. The scallops, steak, and trout are all delicious. The bistro steak sandwich is amazing, as is the chickpea salad. You can also never go wrong with the pub frites, mostly because of the delicious variety of dipping sauces. This is a great thing to order with a bigger group of people, since you will have a bigger variety of sauces. The food tends to be on the expensive side, especially the entrees. But it's Decatur, and almost everything there is overpriced. I am willing to pay a bit more for consistently good food in a place with a cool ambiance that supports local farms. I would definitely recommend Leon's as a place for a group outing, a date, or a place to bring out of town visitors.
(4)
josie p.
Super cool new addition to Decatur... Love the retro meets modern interior design, but the open air bar looking out on the fun bocci ball courts really is the cherry on top of this inspired "gastropub." Leon's boasts a generous drink list that should please anyone's palate... Same goes for the food. I went with a group of girls & we got a hodgepodge of dishes. The fries were delicious & didn't even need a dipping sauce, but we opted for the smoked tomato mayo... good, but could've used a little more flavor or oomph to be considered smoked tomato. I was also slightly disappointed in the Curry Cauliflower & Broccoli side... loved the hint of Indian spice, but found the dish to be saturated in oil. That said, the Warm Chickpea & Cherry Salad (tossed w/ basil, provolone & a vinaigrette) was surprisingly fantastic! Very unique & they give you a hearty portion! The Orange Tabasco Vinaigrette makes the mixed green salad, & you don't even need the flat bread that wraps around the shrimp gyro since the inside really is THAT good. Despite a few minimal shortcomings, Leon's is still very new, so I'm sure they're still working out the kinks. They've done a great job with the space & there's a lot of soul. It has a great vibe & encompasses much of what Decatur is about... I'll definitely haunt this neighborhood joint!
(4)
Rachel B.
Leon's is my new favorite gastropub. I got in with the family right before it got super busy at about 5:30 pm. I haven't had such personal and friendly service in awhile. The pub frites remind me of Pommes Frites in NYC - a fun selection of sauces. We had the catsup curry, peppercorn gravy and cucumber dill; I thought all three were tasty. My order of open face brisket and curried veggies really hit the spot. The bread under the brisket was just the right ratio of chewy and crusty. Plus they added a little cornichon on the side - it's like they read my mind. The dessert was just okay - next time I'll spend money on the appetizers instead. Also, you can play bocce ball if you catch it when there is a wait!
(5)
Laura R.
The general consensus seems to be that the food here isn't great, but we just went for drinks last night, and I really enjoyed it. They have a great porch...will be good once it actually gets warm out...and a bocce ball court. The big glass garage wall/door thing rolls up, so the indoor bar area becomes semi alfresco as well. The beer selection was good, and I liked the decor. I think it would be a great place to stroll over to especially if the Brick Store is too crowded and/or hot, like it often is. I don't know if this place gets very crowded, too, but it was not bad at all when we were there on Friday.
(4)
Ben L.
My girlfriend and I went here to hangout before our dinner reservatons at another restaurant. It has a very nice atmostphere,and with the right weather can remind you of the beach. We sat at the open bar at Leon's and didn't stay too long. The drinks were superb, namely the 'Toes in the Sand' special. We had an order of the pub frites, which was enough to feed more than two people! Recommend trying the fries. I also thought it went well with the garlic aioli sauce. Overall, we'll definitely be returning to try some of the other courses.
(4)
Joe A.
Leon's was an excellent surprise. Their sister restaurant -- The Brickstore -- is a staple in Decatur for anyone that loves great beer. We went there on a Saturday night, and the wait wasn't too long, even though there were a lot of people there. The restaurant itself is not too huge, and the bar area can feel a tad claustrophobic. However we were eventually seated and, though it didn't seem large, it wasn't overly loud or crowded -- though that may just be because there was a quieter crowd there. As I said above anyone that appreciates a good beer selection will not be disappointed here. The draught selection is perhaps a bit light, but if you're really looking for something specific, just head to the Brickstore after dinner, it's right around the corner (that's what we did!). Besides the beer, there is a full bar where they made a point of letting us know that the juices used in drinks were fresh-squeezed, the fruit was fresh. I opted to try one of their house drinks -- Miller's Cucumber Shooter. A gin concoction with fresh cucumber and lime juice, sugarcane syrup, and soda. It was light and refreshing enough that I would drink it on a hot summer day instead of lemonade. Our group was aiming to sample quite a bit since it was our first trip, so I will only give the highlights. The "pub frites" (fries) are a staple here, and come with your choice of 2 out of about a dozen dipping sauces. Ranging from goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayonnaise to spicy mango catsup or peppercorn gravy. Definitely a table-sharing hit (especially at $5). I had the slow roasted, open faced beef brisket sandwich, which was excellent. The brisket was tender and flavorful, and it was served on a thick, tough bread (I want to say it was sourdough, though it may have just been similar) that soaked up the peppercorn gravy very well ($9). The service here was excellent, the hostess was attentive and aware, seating people quickly. Our waitress was an excellent guide offering suggestions about everything from the beer through dessert. The restaurant has a gourmet feel with unique food at extremely reasonable prices, the staff is friendly, and this is a great way to start an evening in Decatur. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Andrew J.
Terrible service and overpriced. Burger was supposed to be well done and it was bloody. Waitress Michelle B was very unfriendly and we had to ask for ice water. Def am not coming back here again.
(2)
Vlad T.
Leon's bar program is a half step behind Holeman & Finch and Kimball House in my experience so far, but it's a comfortable and high quality food and drink experience. They're working with some interesting products--I'd never heard of Batavia-Arrack or Byrrh--but how well they connect them requires some more, um, research. King Bird, for example, is delicious if a little confused. Blended scotch, bourbon, and rye? With all three you've cancelled out any predominant flavor profile--it's just "whisky." And I never refuse a nice, big single cube of ice, but it's a cloudy mold-formed cube. Getting crystal clear ice is a hassle to be sure, but worth it at this level. My duck was perfectly cooked and loved the grilled breast and confit leg together. You notice the rounded plate? That's to keep that savory duck in its juices and not mess up the beautiful presentation. Wonderful.
(4)
michael r.
This is a great restaurant. I will make it a usual haunt if I can. Very pleasant atmosphere, Extremely attentive service, almost (but not) too much. place your empty glass on the edge of the table, blink, and it's gone. not kidding. I met some friends there for dinner about 2 weeks ago (sorry for my delay in my review). We met pretty early, around 5 ish, but there was already a good crowd there. The 4 of us were set immediately, With water and for drink orders pretty quickly. My friends and I took a while to order drinks, reviewing the large selection of drinks. We decided on beers and a mixed drink. Food was awsome, we started off with some frites. Two orders with a selection of sauces. The smoky tomato and the pepper mayo were my favorite. Also to come was hummus and fried calamari. both were good, but will get the calamri (lightly fried to perfection) with the smoky tomato mayo instead of the ketchup next time. For entrees we each ordered something different. I had the "Bird". This was served in the middle of a pile of stone ground grits with a mushroom au jus. Also at the table were the Burger, the open faced brisket sandwich and the shrimp gyro. It was all very tasty. we shared all around. The sides that came with the other meals were very good and imaginative, the chickpea salad and spinach both favorites at the table. Personally, I could have had a large bowl of those grits with a spoon. For dessert, we ordered the apple crisp, the chocolate course, and chocolate waffle. All very good, but the waffles were a bit on the dry side, needed a chocolate syrup or something. All in all, a very good place. Will enjoy it again.
(4)
Stacy A.
Finally tried Leon's Full Service and it was worth the trip. Ordered the goat cheese peppers as an appetizer which were good. Had the turkey schnitzel sandwich which was great and too big to eat in one sitting. Husband had the mussels and fries, both were quite delicious. Service was attentive.
(4)
Karen O.
I've been here at least 6 or 7 times now.......both with friends and with the family. I am a beer snob and suffice it to say, they have great beers and a knowledgeable beer staff, as does The Brick Store. They also have great, fresh and interesting cocktails. So hard to choose! I am seriously hooked on their Veggie Loaf. Even my non-veggie friends had to admit they loved it. It's very earthy, complex, nutty, rich and just plain hearty. I love to start with the buttered, salted radishes. I've been making them at home now too.......such a simple thing but they go so great with a drink and don't fill you up. They do NOT have a kids menu here but will make your kids a grilled cheese with fries for $4.00......unfortunately, no other options at this time. I would love to see a simple kids dish, like a fried Tilapia with plain mashed potatoes and broccoli.....or even just a fish sandwich or taco or, ahem, some kind of pasta. I know they aren't really looking to cater to the kids in the area, and that's okay, but I won't be able to go here as often as I would like, because the kids will veto it if they aren't in the mood for a grilled cheese.
I love, love, love this restaurant. Unfortunately, too many people do, and you can easily have a 2 hour wait, but it's worth it nonetheless. My favorites: the frites, chickpea cherry salad (side), earth veggieloaf, mtn trout gyro, their yummy seasonal desserts, and (obviously) their unique beer selection.
(5)
Mario R.
Kudos to the hostess for initially recommending the large rectangle table, though we chose the round booth to allow everyone (10) in our party to engage freely in conversation. Our server started a bit listless as we had to prod him about drink / food specials but once the ball was rolling he was on top of it. The Pig Smorgas and the Mussels we started with were very popular and interestingly flavored. You can't go wrong with Benton's bacon! I appreciate that the mussels were served in a lemongrass broth( not a Sherry) and that the portion was big enough to share with the table. The scallops we ordered were lightly browned and plated very well with tasty Oyster Mushrooms and red wine mustard, yum. Following dinner we were treated to crepes and cobbler which were an excellent finish to an excellent meal. On a side note, the staff was not impeded by our Super Hero inspired birthday balloons! Hooray!
(4)
Josh G.
I should have left a review for Leon's years ago but better late than never! After an inspiring meal last night, I felt that I must praise the quality and atmosphere of this wonderful Decatur establishment. First off, hands down some of the best cocktails in town. In addition to the cocktails the food is on point and delicious. Last night I had the okra, mussels and zucchini cake along with a fresh salad. Everything was spot on and the sauce for the mussels was on point. The only recommendation I would make is to go on an off night as it gets crazy on the weekends.
(5)
SC S.
So, I've been to Leon's several times. The first couple times were in the summer. On the patio, several rounds of drinks and several friends, and those times were the best. The drinks--house specials, mixed drinks--are good and strong, the beer selection is great, the wine (though limited compared to the beer and spirits) seems well selected. But in the winter, when I'm inside, and not as prone to drinking, I have to focus on the food. The mussels are always great--I love the broth and the crusty baguette is perfect for sopping it up with. But the entrees have left something to be desired. The trout gyro is not good. I've had it twice, and its been dissapointing each time. The artic char was oooohhhhkkk, i guess--maybe a 2. The frittes are not that great--certainly not as good as the porter--and the dipping sauces (all of them) just tastes like warm, whipped butter. I like this place in the summer, but when its cold outside and I'm looking for a great meal with less atmosphere, I head elsewhere.
(3)
Lisa C.
My family and I love this place. Great food. Great beer! We are here a lot.
(5)
Amy H.
on new year's eve, i embarked on a two week migratory adventure back to my home away from home. prior to my departure, i turned to atlanta's definitive source on local culture, creative loafing, for a survey of worthwhile craft cocktail purveyors. having already traversed holeman & finch on a previous itinerary, leon's was next on the list. a meandering drive down ponce and we arrived in downtown decatur, a suburb within the perimeter. my displaced seattle shipmate and i settled in for an evening of mediocre gastropub fare and lost cocktail thursdays debriefs. being that we were seated in the dining area, our waitress relayed our drink order to the bar and some fumbled instruction later, what arrived was lost in translation. not quite the premium fantasy i had hoped for, i received exactly what i asked the waitress to avoid, fernet with rye. now don't get me wrong, rye has it's place of grandeur in the world, but that place is not yet located on my palette. my drink ended up like a disillusioned child, dragging its heels back to the bar for a replacement. had i been at the bar, things might have been different, for i honestly believe the quality of a craft cocktail is directly proportionate to the distance of the barkeep. consider it the 'proximity quality quotient'.
(3)
Kevin Y.
Living in downtown Decatur has its perks. Leon's is one of them. Great menu selection, from affordable, decadent beef brisket sandwiches to fairly priced entree plates. The fries are tasty and the custom made dipping sauces give the meal an extra dimension besides "ketchup." It's a great place to grab a drink as well; although Brick Store has it handily beat in terms of beer selection, Leon's keeps a steady supply of beers on tap and custom liquor beverages as well. And who can deny bocce?
(4)
Mike P.
Okay, gotta start by saying I can't speak about the food because I didn't stay to experience anything but the cheese plate and I'll tell you the reason why. From the moment I walked in I felt awkward. They were having a beer dinner and it was a little crowded, no hostess to be found. Stood there for a sec and a server asked if we needed a table and then showed us to a table. When i say that these tables were close I mean that I had to stick my ass in the neighboring tables face to scoot to the bench seat and could have easily rested my elbows on either of the tables beside us. We were greeted by our server (or one of them) quickly and poured glasses of water and right after we told her we would need a minute with the extensive beer list another server greeted us and went through the same speal. I thought that they would work it out, but we were bombarded by two servers the entire time. After a beer and some cheese we got the hell out of there and went to Fontain's for some delicious oysters. Probably will not go back, but the menu (and the food on the table next to us) did look like nice, just not my scene and the whole two server deal killed it.
(2)
Angela S.
Okay...I come to Decatur a lot from the burbs but have a mission the taco place or Watershed and just have not gotten my friends to agree to come here? Well dud it was great food and service YEA!! Another great find in Decatur... Great service! Everyone there was very kind and knowledgeable. Felt like family and very welcome here. Glad I followed my servers suggestions and tried something out of the box for me. Got the fries with the sauces and oh my wonderful did not know fries could be so yummy. Loved the smoked tomato mayo sauce I know, I know does not sound all that good oh but was it. Got the cheese fondu sauce too and it was just as good. I think we tried them all and those are the 2 best!! Got the special of the day and it was really good too...I won't tell you about it since more than likely on the day you go it will not be there...but it was really good. Have a great beer list too...great place try it! I will be back really soon. Happy Eating!
(5)
Terry M.
Having eaten there several times, trying something different each time, we have never been disappointed. The service is excellent, even when you have to wait due to its popularity. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. It's the best casual dining experience in DEC.
(5)
Michael J.
I'm not from this area and we don't have anything quite like this where I live so I'm not exactly a beer connoisseur nor have much experience with exotic and craft beers but I enjoyed this place. The staff is pretty knowledgeable and can help you if you are unfamiliar with the beer selection. If you are familiar then you will love the selection they have. It just so happens that my best friend who I was in town visiting works there.
(4)
Rick C.
We went to Leon's for my birthday last night. I picked it from the reviews here and the menu and beer list. I enjoy good draft beers and Leon's has some great ones. I started with the mcauslan oatmeal stout which was very good. They also have a unique selection of mixed drinks from the 1800's thru the mid 1900's. I next tried a Hanky Panky ( it is my birthday after all) - very strong but also good. For dinner i had the earth, seared "veggieloaf", roasted cauliflower-shitake-sundried tomato salad, pecan romesco. Also delicious! Also ordered the rilled flatbread, ricotta cheese, roasted tomato coulis, olive-caper tapenade, baby arugula, olive oil starter and the big fries for the table. A variety of other dinners were order and everyone at the table had no complaints. It is not 5 star food but for the price it is an excellent value. The waiter was very good, always kept our drinks and water filled and took the time to let us know some history about the drinks and beers. It is a little loud but we had a round table for six that was very secluded and helped muffle the noise. It was a little warm out so we didn't get a chance to try the bocce, but we will definitely be back.
(4)
Katheryn O.
I randomly went here on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. On Friday I had Mikkeller's Simcoe which was of course amazing and the pub frites which were pretty good. On Saturday I had the burger. This was one of the best burgers I've ever had. I highly recommend it. They use grass fed beef from a local farm as well. I got the baby arugula salad with radishes, smoked pecans, garlic creme fraiche dressing and grana padano as my side. The smoked pecans were a nice touch to the salad. Get it! The thing I liked most about Leon's was the service. On both days everybody was so nice. They all just seemed genuinely friendly and they are also knowledgeable about their food and beer. I was surprised at how much I liked it here because I think the service at the Brick Store generally sucks. Perhaps this is because those that work at Leon's look like they enjoy being there where as at the Brick Store they don't look so happy to be there.
(5)
gunr w.
great food and drinks. try the chick pea and cherry salad. and get miles to make you a drink.
(5)
Amanda C.
I was a little wary about the food here after reading some of the other reviews but I was pleasantly surprised about the food, the drinks and the atmosphere. I had the "closing argument" and "gutterpop" cocktails - I definitely preferred the closing argument to the gutterpop - I'm just not a fan of cloves unless it's in something with cinnamon or pumpkin or something similar. Then for an appetizer we had the pig smorgas - it was delicious. Toasted bread with ham, cheese, pineapple and some kind of fruity jam. It was a great combination of savory and sweet. I had the mountain trout entree for my dinner and my husband had the burger. I loved the trout - cooked perfectly and tasty. My husband said the burger was good but nothing to write home about. Our dinner companions had various other entrees and sandwiches and liked everything. We sat in the "hot tub" table - a semi-circle booth that was very cozy and allowed us to actually hear each other without shouting over the crowd noise. I think this is a great place for a night out with friends or a great place to stop for just cocktails and some snacks. I'm definitely going back.
(4)
E A.
I met two friends there over the weekend. The place was PACKED. I know this is still a relatively new restaurant so that could account for some of the crowd. We checked in with the hostess at 8pm and were told it was a 30 min wait. at 8:05 we got in line at the bar (which is way too small by the way) and didnt get drinks until 8:30. We didnt actually get seated until 9:30pm. I was livid - and had I been alone - I would have just left. Once we sat down - our waiter was cool - but I wouldnt say the service was AMAZING or anything. He brought us two wine bottles filled with room temperature water (after the wait we had - I would have expected atleast iced?). Everyone raves about the fries - so I ordered that with a hamburger. My "well" burger came out totally charred. It was actually hard to eat. The french fries are delicious - and the curry dipping sauce was very nice. I dont see myself going back anytime soon. Stick to Brickstore.
(2)
Johnny W.
Leon's was such an amazing spot to go to after getting married at the courthouse in downtown Decatur! They easily accompanied my party of 12 in the the small alcove of the restaurant (3 tables all close together). We started with a round of drinks (I must say that the beer list was exceptional). We started with appetizers and not one tale could get away without ordering the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. The mussels too were fantastic! The entrees that came out were incredible! I had the brisket sandwich which was a mountain of a half sandwich filled with amazing-ness. My wife got the pork belly which was also a winner! I have never been here before and I will definitely be back. From there my party moved outside to the bocce ball lawn court where we played for hours drinking more beers. The atmosphere of Leons is just great and a wonderful spot to sample in Decatur Square!!
(5)
Jamie P.
Can't give a full review, but I'll definitely be back again to do so! All we had was dessert and coffee. That being said, the strawberry cobbler is to die for!
(4)
Keisha B.
Leon's has to be by far one of the best places I have visit. I'm never disappointed here. There is something for everyone and I am amaze how they consistently reinvent their drinks and food menu. The Whiskey Smash $10 is just one of my favorites. I could sit at the bar and nurse this drink all night. The food options are fantastic and they pretty much cater to all. The veggie loaf with spaghetti squash is to die for. The grilled duck breast with Brussels sprout is another favorite. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I have dine here a few times alone, and have never felt lonely.
(5)
Alex H.
I love me some Leon's. Whoever made the cocktail menu is an absolute genius. #blessed
(5)
Meredith R.
The advantage of friending likeminded Yelpers, is the distinct possibility that they'll turn you on to a dish -- maybe two -- that you wouldn't otherwise choose. Never have I ordered brisket in a restaurant. But if you're vacillating over a few choices (including the brisket) I wholeheartedly say, "brisket all the way!" This is one good sandwich. Coupled with a generous order of pommes frites, there was more food than I could finish. My husband ordered the potatoes with a different dipping sauce. Mine was good -- the masaman curry -- but his garlic aioli was even better. (I think the masaman should be somewhat thicker.) I withheld a fifth star for a few reasons: - Oy! Was it hot!! With the open air concept it was bordering on uncomfortable inside. - A bottle of help-yourself-water is left on the table. (I like that!) But why was it tepid? - Wine. My wine -- an okay glass of merlot/syrrah -- cost almost as much as the sandwich. Why not offer house wine, a California red and white, in the $6 range?
(4)
Jessica Y.
Good vibes, great service! $7 for a dinner serving portion of fries and countless sauces to choose from. Done! Mic drop. P.S. I love fresh fries so this is the place to be if you have a fry fetish like me.
(5)
Michelle T.
I went back to Leon's and I wanted to update it because this time I sat at a table and wanted to talk about customer service. Our server, Jeremy was excellent. I liked that all of us didn't have to be there to sit at the table. And Jeremy was patient with us while we were waiting for our third party who was taking forever. At no point did we feel rushed since we just had some drinks and the fries while waiting. The servers are knowledgeable about the drinks as well and I appreciate that. I ordered the pork belly/kimchi grits starter. Can I tell you, pork belly is my new crush. This dish was so yummy, although spicy which I was not expecting. Unfortunately, I had to send the dish back because there was a hair in it. Now I don't get crazy about this type of stuff because things happen. But I do get crazy if it is not handled in the right way. Jeremy took the dish and asked no questions. Well he asked if I wanted a fresh order, but I said it was a little more spicy than I was expecting. He said he can get me the pork belly and switch it up for me. A fresh dish came out, piping hot, with pork belly and rice and it was great!!! Any they also took the dish off the bill. See that's how I want to feel if something unfortunate happens. And I have to say Leon's staff handled it like a champ.
(5)
Celia W.
The service here was impeccable. The food was great. We ate outside on the patio the weather was beautiful and so was the food. We ordered the shrimp appetizer along with 2 entrees market fish (red snapper) and mussels. They have amazing dipping sauces to go along with their insanely delicious frittes (fries).
(5)
Veda W.
I just happened to be in the neighborhood and saw this place in passing. The name rang a bell so I immediately checked to see if it was on my list of places to try. Indeed it was so I called a friend to join me. We went inside around 9 pm and the place was packed. It is a quaint, cute little spot not at all what I expected. When our 30 minute wait turned into 40 I was actually about to throw in the towel and say goodnight. No waiting area except standing by the door waiting to be seated or praying for an open space at the bar pretty much sucked. I had on heels and a one point I thought my toes actually screamed at me. Imagine that. Just as we were about to leave, the sweet little hostess said that she had a table for us. Sweet relief, my toe thanks her. We had the sweetest waitress named Sarah. I asked for a drink recommendation explaining what I was looking for. She recommended the "travel more" and it was perfect. A nice subtle hint of raspberry indeed and all I needed was one. I ordered the brisket along with pub frites. Spicy tomato mayo and massaman curry were both my sauce of choice for my frites. My friend ordered a hamburger that she proclaimed to be "as good as her grandmothers homemade burgers". She said it was seasoned perfectly and the meat was tender and juicy. I thought wow, that burger really must be good! I thoroughly enjoyed the frites. They were seasoned well and I thought the massaman curry was a great accompaniment. Being a lover of all things spicy, I found the spicy tomato mayo to be a bit bland. I could have eaten the frites alone and everything would have been right with the world. Now about my my brisket. It was a little on the cold side. Not refrigerator cold. I mean cold like it was plated and sat aside while waiting on my frites to cook. It is served open face so I had to knife and fork it which was a bit of a struggle because my bread was very chewy. There was some type of salty goodness on the bread that was tasty but nonetheless it was very chewy. The ends were a little burnt which I did not mind but it was a small struggle to cut into pieces. My friend got in a good laugh watching me work and I admit it was funny. Although it wasn't hot, the brisket itself was very tender and oh so perfect. Will I visit and order it again? Absolutely yes but I will make sure to go at a time when they are not so crowded. I don't think my poor feet will have it any other way.
(4)
Erin H.
Leon's is a block off the square with indoor and outdoor seating. Parking can be difficult especially on weekends. Its has a hip atmosphere and a delicious menu and great drinks! Its a bit pricey in my opinion, especially the drinks. I would go more often if it was a bit less expensive, but I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Cassandra M.
Great restaurant in downtown Decatur. Probably the tastiest burger I've had in years. Great fries and I loved the zucchini casserole. I took a slightly skeptical friend and the waiter coaxed her into ordering the snapper dish EXACTLY as it was offered and make adjustments after she ate it. She loved it. Ate the whole entree with no modifications. Great service, great food. Leon can service me anytime...
(5)
Andrea M.
Tihs review concerns the bar only: The bartender was such a sweetheart. She def knew her stuff. I heard that this place was a hopping place. And it seems so from what I observed with the crowd flow. I ordered the good habit. It was pretty tasty. This was ordered from the seasonal area on the alcohol menu. For my second drink, I ordered something on draft that I cannot remember. Tip: You can also sample the beers if you're unsure of what to get. My friend got the jitterbug perfume, and that thing was bitter since it had beets in it. His coworker got something with pumpkin spice in it, and it was pretty good. There were also nibble food here if you're hungry. Metered parking is free on the weekends according to my friend. It's either that or free after a set time. I can't remember... lol. Well, it seems so since my car was fine when I found it again around 2:30 AM with no tickets or boots. Lol.
(4)
Dene L.
Leon's sources local farms. Food is excellent and fresh. Took the kids who also found enjoyable options. We had the bacon in a glass, quail, kale salad, a burger and an iceberg wedge and ate every bit of all of it. For dessert, the cheese plate and jam is excellent. Great service, lovely environment.
(4)
Breall s.
Amazing waiters, so knowledgable and eager to make your experience great. I know I'm picky, but they never cease to amaze me. I wish their wine list would get a tune-up. So many Sauv. Blancs yet not one oaky Chard. Regardless this place is one of my faves in Decatur. They even brought out veggies for my dog (we were on the patio)
(5)
Doug G.
What a great place. Been here several times, but sadly my first review...so I will make it a good one. I really have a growing love for this place. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, it is a great experience. I wont name particular dishes, as I have had many, but I can tell you that I have never had a bad dish here! The bar is great with friendly bartenders and knowledgeable mixologists that put a personal touch on each interaction. The hostesses have always been pleasant, even with a long wait and then the dining room staff is superb as well. The feel of the place is friendly, the menu is farm to table and the drinks are strong and tasty. I honestly have nothing negative to say about this place. It is a favorite of mine in the downtown Decatur area and is a clear recommendation for you all!
(5)
Margaret H.
A friend and I came here after walking around Decatur, waiting for a Yelp event to begin. The food: Perfect, every bit of it. I had the Beef Brisket after numerous recommendations from Yelp and FourSquare. I ate until I could eat no more. It was perfectly cooked, so much flavor, and a huge portion! For my sides, I had the baby kale salad and the spaghetti squash. The spaghetti squash was a bit more bitter than I thought it would be, but would be great to the right person. The atmosphere: Love the decor! The service: It was a really busy night for a Wednesday. I thought we had to waive down our server a few times, but they were very kind and offered good suggestions.
(4)
Ellen M.
Happened upon Leon's and glad we decided to try it. The brisket was great and the pub frites, not only are they yummy but how nice to be offered several different sauces for dipping . Will definitely return.
(4)
Sallie L.
I was excited to try this place because I heard it was good, but this place didn't really wow me. Parking - There's a deck that you have to pay for (pretty expensive on the weekends) and some street parking. Service - The waiter was quite attentive. We came on a Saturday afternoon and didn't have to wait to be seated. Food: +Hand cut pomme frites "in the bucket" ($7) - These are fries that come in a bucket with 2 sauces of your choice. We got the chipotle mayonnaise and goat cheese fondue which were both good. However, the fries themselves weren't that great. You know those overcrisp tiny leftover fries that everybody avoids? That was pretty much our entire bucket. I don't think this is the norm, but I'm not sure why they would serve these leftover bits to us. +Baby kale salad ($8 though listed as $6 for small and $10 for large) - On the menu it said "shaved radish, green onion, cotija cheese, smoked pecans, tahini-lemon dressing." In reality, it seemed more like some kale and cheese and dressing. It was quite underwhelming. +Warm chickpea and cherry salad ($6 or as a side to an entree) - This was actually very good. It came with provolone, basil, and red wine vinaigrette. However, the more you eat it, the heavier it gets. There's way too much cheese in my opinion. +Burger ($13) - This is supposedly very good, but everybody's burger was overcooked when we went. The medium rare looked pretty well done. Though it was still tasty, it definitely could have been executed better.
(3)
Chamberlaine B.
As mediocre as I think the food here tastes, I have to give credit to the presentation, the creativity and the atmosphere of Leon's. Every time I look at the menu, I am literally drooling over the descriptions printed, yet, every time, I am disappointed in what is brought out. Don't get me wrong, the food looks amazing (important) and smells good (also important) and is portioned well (very important!), but the fries, the fritters, my veggieloaf, and even the sandwich were all lacking... well, flavor! On the other hand, their cocktails do not disappoint! And I did like the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. THAT is not lacking in flavor. This place is popular, so expect to have to wait for your table on the weekends (and even some weeknights), but no worries, take advantage of their full bar, or hang out on the patio. I always have so much fun here. The aesthetics are wonderful- stark, yet cozy- and has a fantastic patio. Leon's is perfect for group get-togethers. I hate that I don't like their food- I want so badly to love it to warrant coming on a weekly basis.
(3)
Kai E.
My new favorite restaurant in downtown Decatur. Although, it was extremely busy on a Friday night the staff was friendly and very organized. We sat on the side of the bar in this cool little section kind of away from the excited crowd yet close enough to join in if we desired to. The drinks were amazing I had a lemon drop martini and my BF had some ginger drink and he was impressed. The food was fresh and delicious seasoned impeccably I had the grilled duck and it was probably the best duck I have ever had cooked perfect. My BF had the Trout which was equally tasty. Great for any occasion especially if you want to impress someone.
(5)
K H.
The food is solid. The pub fries are good as are the drinks. The seasonal chicken dish was also decent. It was a good meal with friends In a good atmosphere A bit pricey but worth it.
(4)
Tilia M.
I'm a senior citizen it seems, as I generally make it a rule to never eat after 7pm. That said, I ended up visiting Leon's at around 9:30p for a very intimate birthday dinner. It was one of the best eating and overall dining experiences I've had in a long while. The atmosphere was super trendy in that hipster, down home kind of way. The crowd was thinning out, so, we had the attention of the waitstaff, who was knowledgeable and friendly, but didn't hover. It was dark and moody, with an amazing music playlist. All this added to the amazing, AMAZING food and drinks we had. I told my waiter that I liked drinks that weren't too sweet, and had a penchant for bourbon and whiskey in general, and he suggested The Wasp (george dickel rye, peach honey, lemon, salt & pepper) Which was by far one of my favorite drinks like, ever. Outstanding, balanced, tangy and sweet. We started with a app of bacon in a glass (its like they know me personally). I had the shrimp, which came heads-on, huge, swimming in a pool of spicy sauce, as well as a side salad (baby kale, bacon, hard boiled eggs) that I demolished in like 2 minutes. My sig had the lamb which was everything, and we finished it all up with the pound cake that came with a sauce(toasted pound cake, georgia blueberry, earl grey ice cream, almond crumble, lemon zest), which was, of course, also outstanding. I don't hand out very many 5 stars around these parts, but all in all, Leon's was a great experience with great food, and a great overall atmosphere. I completely recommend this place.
(5)
Melanie K.
Walked in and were passed by several servers. None acknowledged us for a few minutes. Just as I was saying we should leave someone came to seat us. Luke warm water served at the table. We ordered pork belly croquettes and the fries with sauces. The croquettes were dry and disappointing. Not the foodie dream they sounded on the menu. The fries were ok, sauces were amazing. When you go somewhere and the sauce is what you rave about it's one you take off the list. And filthy. We were seated at a booth and between the cushion and the seat was a plethora of other people's food. Might explain the flies buzzing around.
(2)
Jen H.
I had dinner with a friend here and loved their food and creative drinks. We started with some fries as appetizers totally worth trying. I had two of special cocktails and both were deliciously made. I had orders the vegetarian meatloaf it was so good I'd become vegetarian if I got to eat that everyday. I loved the outdoor botchy ball court and the patio seating
(4)
Cole O.
Leon's is a personal favorite of mine..especially when in Decatur. This place has everything - a cocktail list to die for, cool people working there, a solid patio, and generally just a fun atmosphere. Get the mussels. Promise. Also - snag a signature cocktail. Cheers.
(4)
Melissa A.
The server was very sweet and friendly, the service was excellent. The food was just okay. I had the pork chop, very very fatty. I am aware that pork chops do have fat but this one had 80% fat surrounding it. The rice underneath and sauce wasn't that hot either. my boyfriend had the burger and it was just okay. The drinks weren't anything special, but we both LOVE bacon and the combination between the peanut butter and bacon appetizer was AMAZING. I don't think we would come back again.
(3)
Zach T.
I don't have a very large sample size, but so far my best vegetarian meal in Atlanta was at Leon's. Beware, this place is packed on weekends. First, this place has a cool, laid-back atmosphere. The bar area is pretty nice and prominently displays all their draft beer options. They've got a pretty decent beer selection - not sure how frequently they rotate their taps, but there were several nice options I've never tried before. Second, the service was great. The waiter was fun and engaging, and most importantly gave good beer and food recommendations. Third, the food was excellent. I had the veggieloaf. The portion size was on the verge between just right and just enough to put me in a food coma. It was pretty rich, but had some light elements (mushrooms and lemon/pinenuts) that balanced it out nicely. The loaf itself is made from some combination of lentils, quinoa etc (I think). It's served on top of delicate spaghetti squash in some creamy broth. The broth has a nicely developed parmesan flavor. The pine nuts on top were also excellent. Finally, I think the price was pretty reasonable for the quality of the food. Highly recommended.
(5)
Angela K.
Leon's was the fourth place my friend and I visited during our Decatur Adventures day. We were so full from having eaten at 3 different places previously but couldn't leave Leon's out! First of all, love the interior and atmosphere. The patio area is beautiful! My friend and I sat at the bar area that's indoors but facing the outdoor patio. We wanted to try their winter special cocktails so the bartender gave us some recommendations. We ended up ordering Travel More and Trial and Error. We also ordered the pub frites which comes with 2 sauces of your choice (we got the barbeque and cheese fondue). Loved the drinks, they were a bit pricey but they were awesome. It was adequately sweet and sour. The fries were great too. The bbq sauce was different from other bbq sauces I've had before. Tangier? Anyways, it was great. I'm definitely returning in the future. Can't wait to try the other drinks.
(5)
Shannon S.
It was good and really fresh. They were really busy which was a little surprise for a Friday afternoon. So service was fine. we had the brisket which was amazing, and the fries- oh my god. Their homemade sauces were good too! It's in a cute part of Atlanta.
(4)
Elissa W.
So good! My boyfriend got the beef brisket and it was to die for, I got the burger which was amazing too, but I'm going back got that brisket in the near future for sure. We got an extra bucket of fries to split because they're so good. I definitely recommend the massaman curry and garlic aioli dipping sauce. Everyone at the table got cocktails and we passed them around to try, all were amazing. The inly down side was it was a little slow service wise, but they were packed (in the middle of the week too, after dinner rush) and for good reason. I'll definitely be back soon
(5)
Rachel P.
I really enjoyed Leon's. I had tried to come here one other time a couple years ago, but it was a warm, bustling Saturday night in Decatur and there was a 2 hour wait, so we ended up going somewhere else. On my recent visit, it was a chilly, less-bustling Saturday night in Decatur so we only waited an hour. I say this to say: they do not take reservations, so either come prepared to wait, or come very early or very late. Our hour wait was actually fine thanks to the great service we received. The bar area was hella packed, but we managed to carve out a tiny area where we could sit and wait. Just at the exact moment when our hanger was setting in (45 minutes into the wait), a server came by and brought us a complimentary app, sparkling wine, and beer. It was most excellent and appreciated! When we made it to the table we ordered ALL THE FOOD! A charcuterie plate, their beef and red potato soup special, baby kale salad, lemongrass and witbier mussels, and their famous brisket with pub frites and massaman curry dipping sauce. Everything was excellent. The charcuterie was a perfect spread of meats and pickled veg. The mussel broth was rich and flavorful. The massaman sauce was to die for on the perfectly cooked fries. My only beef (har har har) was that the brisket wasn't really all that briskety. It kind of reminded me of roast beef. Very tasty though. The cocktails also deserve a special shout-out. I tried the signature eggnog and LOVED it. I'm not usually an eggnog gal but my cocktail intution told me this would be delicious. And it was. I also tried the Ski Bunny, a limey, coconutty, mole mezcal drink. It was divine. In short: I thoroughly recommend, and can't wait to come back!
(4)
Nicoleta P.
I was really looking forward to eating here because I heard it was a great spot. Not a fan and I won't be going back not worth my drive and this is why. Got there and there was a 30-45 minute wait (which is not bad) Ordered drinks from the bar while we waited, got our ticket to pay for our drinks WAY before we ever got our drinks- I felt like this was a little rude considering their wait time was at least 30 minutes. There was finally a table for us outside, we took it. Sat down, looked over the menu and started to give our order to the waitress. They were out of several of the appetizers, so we decided fine we will just order our food then...well they were out of half of the stuff in that category as well. (oh yeah it was a Saturday night)...So pretty much half of the menu was out. I feel like that is something that the hostess should have told us up front...before making anyone wait only to find out half of the stuff on their menu isn't available...I mean who does the ordering?? It was a Saturday night. Needless to say I won't be back. Sorry!
(1)
Brian M.
Love the atmosphere and experience at Leon's. It's a nice, unique environment and the food is very solid. Personally like the fries and the beef brisket. Fries with the variety of sauces is very nice. Catch can be the lines, it gets pretty busy.
(4)
Aaron P.
This place is awesome! I love a good restaurant that has a beautiful outdoor dining section where dogs are allowed. The food was great, the staff is nice, and the ambiance is laid back but classy. They have a great list of beer and cocktails to complement their food. You really can't go wrong. This place is a staple of downtown Decatur.
(5)
Steph C.
I had a hearty late lunch at Leon's Full Service, at 3:00 on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I was starving when we arrived, and that meal really hit the spot. The restaurant was pretty busy when we arrived, and at first, our party of three could only get seating on the patio. The patio was nice, but we didn't have full cover, and as the day was hot, our server moved us inside as soon as space became available. We got a comfortable booth in the main dining area, and two other friends joined later for drinks. We spent a pleasant couple hours in that booth. The space was bright and attractive with a bustling gastropub atmosphere. Service was excellent, very friendly and attentive. There was one drink order that went forgotten for about ten minutes, and it was comped with apologies in the end. I had a beer (forget which one, but it was on tap) and a Bloody Mary with my lunch, and was very happy with both. Our server asked if I was okay with salami in my Bloody Mary and I just grinned back at her. Salami is always welcome. The Bloody Mary was truly delicious, spicy and thick with a salt rim, garnished with a fat olive and that peppery slice of meat. The food was great, too. I had the beef brisket sandwich--slow roasted brisket with black peppercorn gravy and fried onions, served open faced on a thick crusty slab of bread. This was really satisfying, stick-to-the-ribs kind of food. The meat was flavorful and juicy, and I loved the gravy. The sandwich came with a side, and I elected the roasted corn with field peas, cotija cheese, and cilantro. This was even better than the sandwich, every bit of it bursting with flavor. I also went in on some pub frites with barbecue sauce, and these were good. I had a lot of fun at Leon's Full Service, and I'd definitely come back if I lived in town. It's a great all-purpose kind of spot, and I'll keep it in mind on future visits to Atlanta.
(5)
Lindsay W.
I have been wanting to go here for a while now and finally went for my birthday dinner. I really wanted to go somewhere that is kid free. When we got there it was not very busy, but they sat us next to a large loud party and another table that was sat right before us. It was a little odd since they had a lot of other open areas. Whatever, it was fine. On the plus side, we got a window view. So the meal was good. We split two entrees and the server was gracious enough to have the kitchen split them for us so we each got two small plates. I really liked that she took the extra minute to have them do this and to not have them combine the two onto one plate since the flavors were so different. We had the trout and the veggie loaf. The trout was just ok. It a little bit on the salty. I liked the textures and the nuts really helped with that. The portion size was good too. The big surprise was the veggie loaf. It was SO GOOD! The creamy sauce with the mushrooms were so delicious and the veggie loaf had a lot of in depth flavors going on. Presentation was good too. Now, the reason I did not give this 4 stars was because 1) we were not asked if this was our first time there, 2) no specials/suggestions were mentioned, 3) our server took over 10 minutes to check to make sure everything was ok. I wish that they would have suggested appetizers to us or some of their favorites on the menu. I would have liked my dinner to last longer than 30 minutes....but it didn't. Would I go back, maybe with a group, but I would really hope that they would try to sell me on some food and drinks.
(3)
Amy H.
Came here with some girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon at 4 pm and they were packed!! We sat outside in the heated patio, which was super cute!! We did some wine and some apps! They have a GREAT wine list ranging from cheaper to more expensive so I always love that. The fries were out of this WORLD good!!!! Did the peppercorn gravy, garlic aioli and the ketchup for our sauces. I would come back JUST to eat these bad boys so good!! We did the three cheese plate and it was awesome, came w french baguette and the cheese slices were pretty big in size. And then there was the beer cheese.... we were thinking it was more like a fondue it was not... horrible menu item. The server laughed with us when she saw us take a bite of it. She was a GREAT sport when we told her it was HORRIBLE and she gave us some fun stories about the hit and miss of the BEER cheese. Server was great too, she was BUSY and you could tell and while we all split the wine and apps she went ahead and separated the bills 5 ways for each item. I cannot wait to come here again!!
(5)
Karla N.
We usually come here to drink because of their patio area. I had some pisco drink and it was really good we ordered the muscles to shared which came with fries and they were so good kind of addictive and I could not stop eating them at all I wanted more their sauces were great very tasty. The drinks took a little long due to that they had a large party that had the bar tied up and the server brought us dessert on the house which was really nice. now that I write this review I could only want more fries. I will be back to try more of their food im sure it will be great.
(4)
Lindsey D.
I love the food, especially the cream-cheese-stuffed peppers - they are to DIE for, if you go there, you MUST try them. The drinks aren't my favorite, though, too bitter for me, they literally don't have a single sweet cocktail drink listed on their menu. The setting is casual-trendy and they've got outdoor seating. It's usually crowded and fairly loud so if you're going with a big group, I suggest you make a reservation in advance. Staff is nice and accommodating.
(4)
Terri S.
Amazing food, friendly, attentive service, innovative and delicious drinks, vibrant crowd. Love the water misters on the patio for hot weather and the whole vibe. Try the quail with cornbread stuffing and a side of green beans with crispy shallots and bread crumbs. You will not be disappointed. Camel and Bramble is my fav drink.
(5)
Pam C.
Had the duck with brussell sprout and potato hash...so good. Brisket was also good. Don't miss out on their cocktails. Ski bunny...must like mescal, a very smoky flavor, not for everyone. Religious Experience is strong on the juniper flavor, very apt cocktail for Christmas time. Three Point Punch...delicious! Egg nog...great dessert cocktail. I could have had two!
(4)
Sara M.
I'll be honest - I haven't reviewed Leon's until now because I had been unable to decide between three or four stars. I've been a handful of times since moving to Decatur and left conflicted each time. Service was wonderful but the food never impressed me. I'm going with four stars because the service and drinks are really great and more than make up for the generally lackluster food. Fries, fine. Sauces that come with them, also fine. Bacon in a glass...it's bacon, which is awesome, but $5 for literally just bacon pieces in a jar, which is ludicrous Salad, fine. Sandwich, fine. Are you seeing a pattern here? The very first thing I had here was a shrimp po' boy at brunch, which was the most boring sandwich I've ever had outside of the POS's I make in my own kitchen. And there were exactly three shrimps. The cost of the sandwich was $4 per shrimp. Which makes me extremely hesitant to order a full-on entree. Over the years, the visits have been better food-wise (although I have still never ordered an entree), culminating in the deeeeelicious littleneck clams my friends and I had the other night. They came in a sauce that smelled strongly of Frank's Red Hot but tasted much more complex. My only beef was that it came with two pieces of bread and 18 pieces worth of sauce. However, a server noticed we were out of bread and staring longingly at the rest of the sauce, and so offered to bring more bread out. As for the booze, no complaints here. I figure that since this is a cocktail bar, I should have one. They're always good. But when I inevitably switch to beer, I'm glad they have a great list. My favorite thing, aside from the service, is the space. On nice days, the outdoor patio and bar area flow into each other, while further inside, you have a cozy area of tables and booths that fit into little nooks. On the Church Street side of the restaurant are outdoor bocce courts and a bit more outdoor seating. Overall, I am filing Leon's into the drinks and light bites category of restaurants i enjoy. I will gladly come for a good cocktail and maybe a snack or two in a great space.
(4)
Victoria S.
I'm in LOVE with the freshness of this establishment's food. Being a first timer, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but Leon's came highly recommended. I knew I wanted to try the bacon in a glass as an appetizer--and Benton's smokey bacon delivered! I could've personally passed on the peanut butter thought it would've been good with some warm bread. I was uncertain on my entree and our waiter suggested the chicken (roasted brussels sprouts, bacon-braised cabbage, crispy fingerling potatoes) and slow braised pork shank (spatzle, kale, pickled mustard seeds, parsley salad)--winners!! The chicken skin was browned and sooo crisp yet amazingly tender and the pork shank--well, we ate every MORSEL of meat until we could pick no more off that poor bone. Oh, I also tried one of their specialty cocktails that I can't recall the name but it was spiced with cayenne pepper and ginger--quite good too. I will visit again the next time I'm in Atlanta!
(4)
Janet K.
My husband and I love this restaurant! We love how they change their menu seasonally and we LOVE their fries and dipping sauce selections! Sometime they're a bit pushy on the cocktails maybe that was because my husband and I don't consume alcohol, but is felt funny that we had to ask about the non-alcoholic drinks. Either way SO MUCH GREAT FOOD and SERVICE!!
(5)
Monique R.
My husband and I went on a couples date here and I'm so glad we did. The food and the service were both excellent and I plan on returning soon with some girlfriends. I loved the inside space as much as the outside space. Definitely a great summer spot if you're looking for some good food, good fun and interesting drinks.
(4)
Pedro T.
Listen girlfriend: this place is the bee's knees, & they can make you one too! (I know, it's lovely!) The lamb burger will make you slap someone. The poutine could solve world hunger. The fried tofu & fried chick peas will make you kick about. The brisket will make you show your "O-face". And the drinks will cause your knickers to fly across the room like a g*d d*mned lawn dart!
(5)
Brett R.
Stopped in for a late lunch. Should've taken a cue from all the photos of the brisket sandwich but was up for a burger. Tillamook cheeseburger at that. Pretty disappointing surprisingly. The burger was smaller that expected for the price but was cooked well. Server failed to put mustard on side so my wife, who I split it with, took two bites and was done. Fries are good but the garlic aioli was lackluster. Also, for a gastro pub I expected a better selection of craft beers. That have 14 on draught but they were primarily IPA bastardizations. Bartender wasn't well versed in the beer types, but I imagine there's a pretty routine rotation. All in all a pretty standard place to grab a beer and a bite. Wasn't awful, but didn't blow me away either. I'll give them another shot. Not sure wifey feels the same however. I must add that the bartender/server felt really bad when wifey only ate two bites and offered to make her a new burger. Wife declined but they still gave us a discount on the tab on their own accord.
(3)
Ryan B.
Totally fantastic! Ate here twice on a short trip - mainly for the merits of their house ginger beer (it's so good). The food is great. Had: poutine, the frites (garlic aioli for the win), fried Camembert (great but a little bit too small), brisket sandwich. All phenomenal. The service is great, the atmosphere is awesome. Go here!
(4)
Linda V.
5 stars for service 0 starts for food & drinks Came here with a group of friends on the Sunday before Labor day and we were ALL disappointed. I was shocked since I've heard so many great things about this place. We started off with a few cocktails: millers cucumber, air mail, and bee's knees. All were just okay, I believe this was due to the busyness of the bar. A few steps might have been skipped, did not taste like crafty cocktails whatsoever. Mussels, hummus, and fries were next. This was by far the worst mussels I've ever had, extremely overcooked and barely any flavor. Fries were supposedly the best in the area but they were a bit on the soggy side. Their sauces for the fries on the other hand was great! Entrees were burgers(no seasoning - something I could do at home myself), brisket sandwiches(dry and bread was soaked with too much grease), steak(too tough), and veggie loaf(let's just say more than 2/3 was still left on the plate). Service was great and I loved the bar area. Nice place to hang out but I will not likely come back since there are too many places nearby that have great food and drinks. Side note - Establishment was extremely busy due to the holiday weekend, this might have had something to do with my food and drink experience.
(2)
Juan M.
Embarrassing. As I was eating, juice and flavor (yes, "flavor") was oozing everywhere. This was a business lunch. Always have loved the cool space and remembered the food was good, but damn... Had the gyro and fries. Sounds innocuous, right? I want to have this in bed with my wife and then be fed grapes afterwards. Or something.
(5)
Will C.
Went there for the first time for a late lunch on a Saturday with a group of eight. We were sat quickly and received great service throughout our meal. The waitress was very helpful in making recommendations for beer and specialty cocktails for several people in our group that they were all happy with. We ordered fries, bacon strips, and chick peas for starters and all were very good. I had the Georgia shrimp as a small plate and it was so good that I would go back for this dish alone! Side note for any bourbon connoisseurs, they have an awesome selection of hard to find bourbons/whiskeys (e.g. Old Rip Van Winkle, Parker's Heritage Wheat, Belle Meade Sherry) and most are priced pretty reasonably.
(5)
Lesly W.
Leon's is my absolutely favorite place to dine in Decatur, hell it's one of my favorite restaurants to dine in Georgia! For the prices, you would think this place to be stuffy and pretentious but it's the complete opposite! The servers are super attentive. The service is GREAT! If your water filled about 75%, Leon's will fill it up to the complete 100%. The food is absolutely divine and so fun. The seasonal cocktails are my favorite thing about the menu. Every time i go, I never know what type of drinks are up for tasting and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I try a new cocktail, usually based on the waiters/ waitress recommendation. I love that the menu changes seasonally so i know I'm getting the freshest veggies and seafood! My favorites and recommendations off of the menu include the Pub Frites with the Mango- Peppadew (obsessed!) and Garlic Aioli Sauces, the Pei mussels steamed with lemongrass and witbier. These are probably the best mussels I've ever had in my entire lifetime and the portion of the appetizer is pretty fantastic too. My favorite entree is the pan seared trout as its lightly crisp on the outside, and perfectly cooked and seasoned on the inside. It comes with baby bok choi, broccoli, jicama hash, thai cashew sauce, and mushrooms! For the finale and my favorite part of any menu is the DESSERT! The Georgia Peach Soda Float is ridiculously good. It's mixed with Vanilla, white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. You can make it a Rum Float for $4 more. I go through extreme withdrawals from this soda float. Let's start a chant now.....LEON'S LEON'S LEON'S LEON'S!!
(5)
Alison W.
It was nice sampling the sauces for the fries, but I really wasn't impressed by the rest of my dinner. Food is mediocre and overpriced. The cocktails are amazing, but also pricey. I am not a big drinker, so it was hard for met o justify ordering a drink that cost more than my entree.
(3)
Stephanie A.
It's rare I venture down to delicious Decatur but it is high time I visited Leon's. This former service station has a clean modern yet casual feel. The outdoor seating is as well laid out and attractive as it is indoors. Lots of windows inside so you get almost an outdoor feeling in there (dependent upon where you're seated of course). The menu is short, sweet, and seasonal. The purveyors the food is coming from is listed on a chalkboard on the wall in the main dining room. I love a restaurant that proudly displays their sources. Just a handful of menu options each salads, small plates, entrees, cheeses and sandwiches. Even though the menu is limited the bar selection is not. This is a gastropub after all! The food clearly pairs well with cocktails, beer and wines. I got an order of the pork belly with kimchi grits. Hello my name is SPICY!! Super creamy and spicy grits topped with three slices of perfectly tender pork belly and fresh bright crunch kimchi slaw. Really creative and interesting dish. I couldn't resist pub fries with smoked tomato mayo. They did not disappoint. Crispy double cooked skin on fries with your choice of condiment. A luscious side of brussel spouts hash is not to be missed. Chock full of bacon, apples and onions it really is a star on the menu even though it's a side. Leon's has many vegetarian options that won't leave a vegetarian feeling like an afterthought but still options for the carnivore to feel satisfied. Great attentive service too. I'd be a regular if I lived in Decatur.
(4)
Sue B.
I used to love this place, especially sitting outside on a summer's evening. We went last night, and what a disappointment. The chef from next door has taken over, and, well, sigh. The menu seemed smaller, and the fish options were quite limited. The quail was rather tasteless. The cioppino broth was excellent, but the serving was small and was dwarfed by the two enormous pieces of bread accompanying it. Leon's used to be our neighborhood-y place. Alas, no more.
(2)
Robert T.
The "Mrs" and I came here to celebrate my birthday. I am glad we did as we had a really good time, enjoyed some good food, and had great service. Add to the fact that I did a triple dog dare and the "Mrs" came up with her catch phrase for 2015! We started out with the cheese plate. You select 3 for $12 or 1 for $5. We opted for the 3. A couple are better than the other but don't bother with the Kentucky one! She had the Brisket....yummy... it was so juicy and tender, but her fries were even better. Served with a selection of dipping sauces I kept stealing some from her plate. We had the smoked tomato and the garlic aioli. Both were great - and I don't even like tomatoes! I dined on the scallops, but replaced the usual sides with the sides of the short ribs - horseradish mashed potatoes and carrots. The sides were great, and the scallops were just ok. I have had better. I have had worse. Located in Downtown Decatur you just park where you can so sometimes that can be an issue. Although it was too cold last night to take part in the outdoor patio, it is heated! I think this would be a great place to hang out on a summer evening. Since Leon's was on the list of Atlanta Magazine 50 Best Bars we had to try some drinks! The Moscow Mule - although not served in a copper cup, is one of the best that I have had. The lady enjoyed a Lemon Drop (or two) and for the purposes of being able to review the place sufficiently i had a sip and can state it was TASTY! All in all.... an enjoyable evening..
(4)
Janos J.
Been back here two more times since my last review. Both times were excellent. Service was great, had one issue and manager took care of it right away with me even asking to see the manager. She just stopped by to make sure everything was okay. Told her about the good and I was given a replacement. I am very pleased and will return. Having a good relationship with your customers is important. The customer is not always right. However, when something is wrong it is nice to see the people at an establishment try to make things right.
(5)
J B.
Owned by the same group as the brick store pub. Incredible beer, wine and cocktail list. The food is great and the patio is absolutely beautiful. Expect to wait in line.
(4)
Matthew E.
Cool place. Burger and open brisket sandwich were both just "ok." The brisket was more like pot roast meat. The fries were good and the sauce selection to go along with the fries were really good.
(3)
Kait M.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta! I've frequented this place many times because of it's friendly and welcoming atmosphere and tasty food. The location is perfect and EVERYONE can find something they enjoy. My favorite thing is definitely the pub frites and dipping sauce. I get it every time I go, and everyone I take loves them, too. Great for a date night!
(5)
Michael M.
Terrific menu...lots of fun new things to try. Can't wait to come back.
(4)
Tiff H.
After living in Decatur for four years I realized I didn't spend much time exploring the area before I moved OTP. Memorial Day seemed like a good idea to spend the day off eating and walking around Decatur. Unfortunately, many of the restaurants were closed, but we noticed Leon's Full Service was open (hooray!) and went in gladly since we were starving... The restaurant interior was very modern and clean. We were seated in a very bright sun-lit room. My friend ordered a Dark and Stormy (cocktails were pretty expensive, with no drink specials at lunch) and I ordered a beer (.5L of the Sierra Nevada Kellerweis) which was delicious, although super filling with my meal. Later, I looked online to find it as number 15 in a list of most fattening beers. How delightful. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich. It was PHENOMENAL. The beef was tender and well roasted The open face sandwich made it hard to eat as an actual sandwich so I ditched the bread and attacked the meat and fried onions. It paired well with the Brussels sprout hash that I ordered. Although no longer on the menu, it was a little sour for me at first, but the tangy juices mixed with the salty and tender bacon - thank god for that, i hate when the bacon is rock hard - it became perfect. Overall the meal was satisfyingly awesome. Apparently the late night menu is superb and a must try, so I will have drop in again since I've heard great things about bar hopping in Decatur :)
(4)
Julie S.
Good spot for lunch in Decatur. Loved the hummus plate and the zucchini cheese side. Didn't care for the grilled trout sandwich but I think that was primarily due to the mustard on it. They make their bread in house!
(3)
Richard F.
I'm kind of torn with Leon's. Parts of the meal were really good but parts of it were not so good. The atmosphere and service were great. We got there around 8, it was a Saturday, and grabbed a seat at the bar while we were waiting on our table. The bar staff was great and answered some questions my GF had. While waiting we had the crispy pig ears. They were great. The pork was nice and crispy while the slaw and pickled onions provided a nice acid component. The food came out very quickly and we had plenty of time to finish before getting our table, around 20 minutes. Once we got to our table we split some of their fries. They were good but nothing crazy. For my main I got their special which was tuna over arborio rice with bok choy and okra. This is where I have some complaints. I found a couple bones in my tuna. It shouldn't happen but it not the end of the world. The fish was cooked and seasoned well. My other complaint is with the rice. If you are going to list arborio rice then serve arborio rice. This dish was served with a long grain rice. Part of the reason that I ordered the special was because it listed arborio rice. I wanted the nice creaminess that you get with arborio rice. With that said the rice was cooked well and it worked with the vegetables. I think it would have been much better with actual arborio rice. My GF got their soup special and it was very good. It was a curried sweet potato soup and it was done very well. For dessert we got their special dessert which was a deconstructed cheese cake and their chocolate nutella candy bar. The deconstructed cheese cake was kind of lack luster. I could see were the dish was going but it needed some work. The cheese cake tasted very sharp and yogurt like. The candy bar on the other hand was spot on. I would order that again and again and again and one more time for good measure. I really wish I could give Leon's 3.5 stars. Parts of the meal were really good but parts were bad. I just can't look past bones in the fish and not serving what is listed on the menu.
(3)
Nichole K.
I absolutely love this gastropub. One of my most favorites to go to. A must is the bacon is the glass with peanut butter dipping sauce. The goat cheese stuffed peppers are excellent as well. Mussels are delicious and so are the fries. Service has always been friendly and on point. I've never had dinner here only their craft brews and apps, but from what I've tasted I have no doubt their dinner times are excellent as well.
(4)
Dave B.
Moroccan-spiced lamb burger, black cherry jam. Spicy but not over powering . Very filling. Omero Willamette Valley Pinot Noir clmplimented the spice and jam.
(4)
Renae J.
This is how you do it....great service, great atmosphere and great food. I popped in and sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. I could tell he really enjoyed working there. The way he interacted with the customers was awesome! I ordered the pickle plate and the shrimp appetizer. The pickled veggies were crisp and had great flavor. The shrimp appetizer had 6 large shrimp in a spicy sauce that had the perfect level of heat. The only downfall is that I am leaving town tonight. If I am in town again, I will be back!
(5)
Kelsey F.
I'm a big fan of Leon's. After coming here several times for bocce and drinks, two friends and I finally made it to Decatur for brunch to get the full experience. The space is divided into 4 basic sections, each with its own perfect vibe. The outside patio is open and airy. The tables have umbrellas and it is a great place to sit and watch people go by on the street. The bar area is super hip. It is a perfect place to try Leon's late supper which features things like pb&j with bacon. The beers on tap rotate and the cocktails are seasonal as well. On the far side of the building you will find the bocce court and outside patio. Most evenings, this space is bustling. There is limited service outside, so I would recommend ordering at the bar if you are especially thirsty or hungry. The final space is the restaurant itself. There are not tons of tables inside, but I find the other three areas stay more crowded. That being said, the "restaurant" area is also very charming. During my brunch trip, it looked like rain so we decided to sit inside. At Leon's they serve their regular menu plus 2-3 brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday. There was no wait around 11:30 on a Sunday, but by about 12:30 the crowd really picked up. My table of three shared the cheese plate (a non-traditional brunch option, but hey who doesn't love a cheese plate). It is served with a sizable piece of bread, three cheese options and a jam of sorts for $12. This cheese plate is a solid deal and one of the more interesting ones (in a good way) I have had. For our actual meal, I ordered the "breakfast sandwich" special. This was house cured pancetta, a fried goose egg, and cheddar cheese served on a deliciously fluffy biscuit and it came with a side. They do not have "brunch" sides exactly so I ordered french fries. Actually all three of us ordered fries as our side so we got to sample the garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, and mango-peppadew catsup. I would say Leon's is relatively well known for their pub frites served with various dipping sauces and I recommend absolutely giving these a try. I could only eat about half of my meal, but it was really delicious. Leon's staff is also great. They match the relaxed, but trendy atmosphere perfectly. Highly recommend checking out Leon's for a delightful outdoor experience, afternoon bocce, late night drinks with snacks or a splendid meal.
(4)
Judith C.
Leon's is a restaurant in Downtown Decatur that always seems to be bustling with life. It's quite popular and I've usually had to wait ~15-30 minutes whenever I come here. There's lots of interesting foods to choose from, so here are a few that I've tried: -pub frites: yummmayyyy but man, get the 1/2 size because you really cannot finish the full size unless you're sharing with 4+ people. Love getting the garlic aioli and goat cheese fondue as dips - burger (under the 'sandwich' section): really good, but man, could barely finish this because I was stuffed from the pub frites. - beef brisket: my boyfriend got this when he visited, he got this and it was pretty good, although somewhat messy to eat
(4)
Shayna P.
I visited Leon's on a Friday night at around 7.30 PM. We put our names on the list and went to the bar to grab beer. The beer selection was good, as always. I chose a new IPA and my friend had a pilsener. I really like the bar here. I've been quite a few times for drinks, and the bartenders are always attentive. The set-up is just really nice. It feels very classy. It was beautiful, so we went outside to play bocce ball. Unfortunately, a group of other patrons was standing in the bocce ball court--not playing; just standing. Not Leon's fault at all, but it was still a little annoying. Fortunately, we were seated really quickly. We started with the hummus plate. The bread was tasty, and I like the other accoutrements (pickles and radishes). The hummus was a little grainy but still good. For dinner, I ordered the trout, and my friend had the steak. Mine was good, although a bit salty. I did like the greens that came with it. My date said his steak was good. His shoestring fries and the house made ketchup were also tasty. Up until now, this certainly sounds like a four star review. ALAS, they rushed us. Bad. We were not leisurely sitting there. They didn't even have people really waiting to sit inside (too nice outside). The waitress probably asked us 5 times if we were done eating. We wanted another beer, and we were enjoying ourselves. However, the constant pestering got really annoying and we threw in the towel and left. Ugh. It's Friday night. It's a reasonably nice place. Just let us eat dinner in peace! I'll probably be back for a drink, but the food isn't good enough to merit the rush.
(3)
Nicole A.
Everything is amazing here, including how long the wait is for a drink on a busy night. Leon's is one of my favorite places for lunch or happy hour, but when it is crowded it is much less fun. All of the food I have had here is amazing- especially the pub frites (fries), which comes with tasting dipping sauces- I've loved all that I have tried. The appetizers are great to pair with drinks. I like the olives, which you get a big quantity of. Lunch and dinner entrees are delicious, though pricey. Go for the drinks. The cocktails are amazing, but the menu changes frequently enough that I don't need to mention any by name. If you want something classic, they pour an amazing martini, of course. The service is excellent, though the bar does get slow when they are very busy.
(5)
Melissa N.
This dining experience exceeded my expectations. The ambiance had a dual affect-- romantic and casual. The dim lighting set the romantic vibe and the plaid button up shirts mixed with the exposed wood dressed it as causal chic. Service was evenly paced and with good character. Our server Jeremy was playful and new his menu very well. I highly recommend this restaurant for excellent service and fine food/cocktails. And yes, peanut butter and bacon complement each other very well... Trust me and order it.
(5)
Rose J.
PARKING: street parking only. However, there are 2 nearby paid parking lots that you can park at and walk less than 3 minutes to the restaurant. One parking lot is on E. Ponce De Leon and it's just past the restaurant's outdoor seating, but there are limited parking spots since it's located centrally among many shops. The second parking lot is on Church street about 2 blocks down from the restaurant and there's ample parking there; that parking lot is a flat $6/daily rate (they accept credit cards). FOOD: I ordered their grass-fed burger with a side of their pub fries. Their fries come with a choice of a dipping sauce (there's about 8-10 to choose from). I choose the garlic aioli sauce and our waiter said he'd surprise me with a second sauce that he highly recommends. Burger and fries was good, bu BOTH weret on the salty side, especially the fries. I enjoyed the dipping sauces the most. We both shared the garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, leon's bbq, and the smoked tomato mayo; they were all soo good! Our waiter even gave us suggestions to double dip the leon's bbq w/ the goat cheese fondue, which was amazing! Lastly, their freshly squeezed orange juice is pretty amazing! Not your typical OJ from the cart taste....it tasted like they were honey tangerine juice mixed with valencia oranges. I highly recommend their OJ! SERVICE: Our waiter was initially too busy to take notice that we were ready to order; it was super busy. He was very knowledgeable of the menu, provided suggestions, very polite and courteous. OVERALL: Pretty good, casual dining in Decatur w/ decent fries, but amazing dipping sauces! You can elevate your burger with any one of their signature dipping sauces (garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue). Get the orange juice! Definitely will be back just to try their other awesome sauces! Parking can be a nightmare if you're looking for free street parking. Otherwise, it's not too complicated if you park in one of the near paid parking lots.
(3)
Amy H.
Hands down the best scallops I have had in a long time. The pork belly made the broth pretty much to die for. The cocktails were fantastic. The waiter even took a shot with us at the end of our meal! I will be visiting Decatur again this year & I definitely want to go back to Leon's.
(5)
Karen T.
Service is nice and love their great offer . Deserve 5 star for their effort and serving .
(5)
H P.
It takes a lot to impress this girl and from "go" Leon's has blown the roof off of any expectations I may ever have of any place from here on out. Drinks, appetizers, main course, dessert, service, seriously?! This place is the epitome of REAL. Authentic, chef inspired, and just plain GOOD! I can't brag enough and we will be back!! Trendy, friendly, and everything was like being on an adventure. Fabulous!!
(5)
Elizabeth K.
I love Leon's. It's a cool atmosphere in an old garage, great cocktails and an impressive beer list, reasonable prices, and really great food. The french fries and dipping sauces are definitely my favorite. The only downside is that the bartenders can be a little snooty, and it's often really crowded. Wait times are really long, even when there are open tables. Last time I was there, the bar tender forgot my drink (but didn't forget to charge me for it), served everyone else I was with, and when asked (the asking took a while, of course) acted like it was just taking a really long time but would've happened anyway and was definitely annoyed. Don't let that put you off though! I have a baby face and often get treated like an annoying child in restaurants. And, seriously, great food/drinks.
(4)
Brandy D.
Had a burger and fries. Loved all the sauces and the burger was excellent! Would love to explore the menu more on a future visit.
(4)
Tanya D.
Our chef friend brought us here while we were visiting. The wait wasn't too long and since the weather was so nice we ate outside. (It was a bit noisy inside.) of course we shared an order of the frites but I can only remember the masaman curry sauce. Before I tell you about what the grown ups are, I have to say how great the server and kitchen were accommodating our picky eater daughter. She was allowed to sit by herself and they made her a simply cooked trout with fries. She ate the whole thing and would have eaten more. The one carnivore in the group (the chef) had the scallops, I think, but I know he enjoyed it. We veggies had a feast. Since my two comrade each got the two vegetarian entrees, I was free to try a couple of apps- plus get to taste theirs! I could have licked the plate clean of the beet-cashew hummus. So bright! And the za'atar oil! The baby kale salad with yellow beets was tasty and perfectly dressed- not swimming. Wish I had ordered a large (but then I wouldn't have been able to eat everything else.) I also got the zucchini- cheddar casserole (on the sides menu.) It was a small portion but it was everything you wish you had at thanksgiving, creamy and rich. And the onion gravy was like jam. They should bottle that. I tasted my friend's spätzle with mushrooms and fresh peas in a creamy cheese sauce. Total comfort. I got to eat more of my husband's veggie loaf with roasted broccoli and a romesco sauce. It had good texture and flavor, not your 70s Vegetarian Times loaf! Super yum!
(5)
Fernandez X.
We were a party of 5, with 3 ordering entrees, and others ordering apps, which created for a tapas like sharing experience where we all partook and enjoyed what the others had. Food was delicious. The pub frites and sauces initially drew us to the middle of the table with hungry hands, and did not disappoint. The brisket sandwich peeking under a bed of fried onion strings were juicy and flavorful. The hummus made from black eyed peas was something special...you really could write home about. The zucchini casserole was melt in your mouth goodness. The fried okra, my personal favoritie, was one of the best I've ever had. Capped off by a chocolate bar dessert made with Nutella..."heaven". Good selection of bourbon's, whiskeys and beer...which we also enjoyed. It's a great space with outdoor seating and bocchi if you please. The people were so attentive and friendly. Shawn, our food sherpa, was so knowledgeable. His passion and enthusiasm for the food carried us through the experience. We left the place in such good spirits, happy and with warm bellies.
(4)
Jai R.
Why have I waited so long.... O yeah, because I heard the wait time was so long. Well, again. It's worth it. Just go to the bar order a drink and have a friendly conversation while you wait. It will be totally worth your time and the service is quite friendly. For some time we just started at the bartending staff as they mixed all these crafty drinks amongst a million glass bottles. Finally got seated on a Wednesday night after about an hour wait. Quickly were served drinks and given food recommendations. We ordered the Trout and Clams. Holy moly, the clams were outrageously good, mixed with a Thai curry sauce to pack some heat and bacon. Yeah, bacon makes everything better and this combination was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. As for the Trout, the fella was amazed as well and almost licking his plate. I tried it and I love, the skin is crisp and sea salted. Overall, I'm a fan. I just hate there isn't reservations but I totally get it! I'll be back without a complaint.
(5)
Hiro T.
Great environment! We sat out on the patio for a late night snack (i.e. craving for fries), so we ducked into Leon's. Of course, we went with the fries. Our server was really great and ended up giving us a third dipping sauce. The goat cheese fondue dip was excellent. I wanted to lick the container at the end, but I resisted the urge and just tried to sweep as much as I could onto each and every last fry. I will return to try the rest of the menu. Definitely a great place to have a few drinks, share a good conversation, and nibble on some fries!
(4)
Samantha M.
Stopped in a few Saturdays ago for some apps & a drink before running errands. We got a shrimp dish & some goat cheese stuffed pepadews. Both were very tasty, as was my cocktail (came in a coconut cup) and my friends specialty beer. My only complaint was that even though it was a busy Saturday, we waited over 30min for our drinks & 45mins for our appetizers. We placed both orders as soon as the waitress appeared, as we had already been sitting there about 15mins with menus by that time. We were going to eat a full lunch, but decided we didn't have the time after how long we had already been there. I'm not sure if they were understaffed or what was going on, I didn't get the impression it was anything against us though. Everything we did try was really good, so I'm sure we'll try again at some point.
(4)
Amanda L.
Great service and the food was great! Tried the mussels and fries - with their homemade ketchup! Everything was fresh and tasty. Our server was awesome!
(5)
Tawny P.
Bacon in a glass is both genius and delicious! They serve Benton's Bacon, a local, aged maple bacon with a house made peanut butter sauce. Need I say more? The pig ears were weird. My boyfriend likened them to fried pig flavored gummies.... Mmm.... Yeah. I reckon that's not too far off. Great drinks though and awesome dipping sauces for the French fries. Don't sleep on the basics here: fries, booze and bacon.
(4)
Michelle S.
Service was great, thank you Shaun, as well as the food. The lack 5 stars is because of the Georgia Shrimp - it tasted like hot sauce on shrimp. Love the craft cocktails!
(4)
Christine A.
Great drinks, great eats, and my fav dessert in town (the Nutella candy bar, it is amazing)
(4)
Melissa K.
I think Chamerlaine B. hit the nail on the head with her review of this place! My partner's family likes to meet us here any time we have a special day - Birthday, promotion, etc - that needs an understated lunchtime celebration. Alas, I'm hoping that maybe next time we can mix it up and try another place since LFS has gone from pretty damn good to just a-ok. Every time something has been a bit off - frites have been blah/cold, salads tiny and missing integral ingredients (please, please, please inform me if you are out of components or subbing fruits, etc when I order!), bread hard enough to tear up the roof of my mouth and/or flavor lacking all around in side dishes. The menu isn't very large at all (very meat centric but this vegetarian finds something every visit) so it's strange that things aren't up to par. Every restaurant has a 'slump' and maybe we just tend to visit now during the low periods. That said, let me give share some high points. Desserts are still excellent with reasonable portions. Service is laid back but generally friendly and quick. Food wait times are reasonable and the pacing of the ordering is usually spot on. The beer list is divided in an easy-to-read way despite it being extensive and the late night snack menu often looks better than what our options are at lunch. It's always very clean, bright and uncluttered in the main spaces. Oh, and one more yay/meh combo - I like that water is always at the table although it could be chilled or room temperature depending on how crowded it is or how interested your server is in provided you with continuity. Maybe have 1 bottle per 2 people instead of 1 for the whole table? We often run out since we are heavy water drinkers. It may also be beneficial to put up signage about rules regarding the bocce court. I've wanted to play every single time but there are people standing in the designated area just chit chatting or kids hurling the balls at each other (OUCH!) or something like that. Or the area could be used for more seating. Maybe just for those wanting to have a drink and relax?
(3)
Amari C.
First time ever on this street! Nifty little hipster, indie-vibed area with lots of unique restaurants and men with beards. Ordered the burger medium well and the pub frites (French fries) and was pleased with it! They change their menus 5 times a year for seasonal purposes, and they also print new menus like weekly. My menu today was printed on the 3rd. Nevertheless the fries were good though it was a tid too much salt, but just a tid. They had some funky sauces like bacon herb mayonnaise. Didn't like that one. I tasted no bacon. I did like the smoked tomato mayonnaise tho and the mango peppadew catsup one. I don't think they just have regular ketchup. That's rather nifty. Makes u step outside your comfort zone.
(4)
Steven S.
The baby brother to Atlanta's food & beverage institution, Brick Store Pub, Leon's Full Service is an awesome alternative in Decatur that has charm & a unique setting with memorable food too! What once was an old, full service gas station, the restaurant uses both the mechanic garage area & the filling station area as the dining area for patrons. Our booth was where the door once was & it was converted into a round booth. Our server was excellent, food was awesome, drinks were delicious & prices are reasonable. Turn the corner in Decatur Square & check Leon's out!
(5)
Kay F.
I really love Leon's. I've been coming here practically since it opened and it is a consistently great experience. The atmosphere is casual but nice, it's a place that's comfortable to go to in jeans or a dress. I've brought many a date here, my family, my friends, and everyone has liked it. The servers are by and large very friendly, the food is interesting without being incomprehensible, and the frites are popular for good reason! Sometimes I stop by just to get those for a snack. It's my pet place to nurse a hangover, with some bacon and peppadews (yes, together!) their nutella candy bar is a great innovative dessert. The bartenders are also very talented, my favorite being the death and company that's a fall cocktail.
(4)
L W.
Great central location. Inside open and airy, nice staff. Trout was good, Brisket sandwich was ok. Fries were overcooked. Short ribs were very tasty. Bread pudding was cold; should have been served warm, which is why it's getting a 3 star, otherwise it would receive a 4 star.
(3)
Minoo H.
I love this place and have come back about once a week for the past year. HOWEVER, I gave 3 stars for two reasons: 1. They used to serve french press coffee and they no longer do that 2. The quality of the fries has gone down a LOT. And yes, I can tell because, again, I come once a week! The fries used to be gourmet-style and delicious. However, now they taste greasier than they used to and the oil is different. They are no longer gourmet fries. They taste like fast-food fries. I am sad to see the good fries gone, but everything else there is great! Love the peppadews and the brussels hash, great service!
(3)
Alessandro N.
Great spot in Decatur that does not come off as hipster and pretentious as some of the other venues in the area. This made for an enjoyable experience and great night out. The menu is small but from what we tried they did it all very well. The pub fries with goat cheese fondue and garlic aioli were amazing and the lamb ribs (special for the week) were an amazing appetizer. For dinner the brisket sandwich was on point and the burger was good too. All in all a great spot to come eat. As for drinks we had the Bordeaux and for some reason it was chilled to almost refrigerator temperature which numbed the flavors. After letting it sit and warm up the wine was just as good as the meal. Definitely recommend coming here.
(5)
Anthony R.
Leon's has been quite consistent over the course of our recent visits. And today they went above and beyond: a member of our party presently has several dietary restrictions and expressed those to our server. The server listened attentively and brought a kitchen staff member to the table to consult with my friend and to devise a meal that was both sensitive to my friend's dietary needs and pleasing to his palate. The chef hit it out the park. Besides that, all of our meals were well prepared and tasty. (I had the trout. One person had the chicken, and two people ordered the brisket.) The waitstaff was also very attentive to our needs during the meal without being intrusive - always full water glasses and no finished plates lingering. We will definitely return to Leon's Full Service. :-)
(5)
Sebastian M.
We went last Saturday night. This place has really good drinks and really good burger. I feel like it's really not that hard to have a good restaurant now a days. Just have good drinks at a decent price, have a cool and unconventional menu that tastes good at a good price, and great service and there you have it a 5 star restaurant. This place is an excellent example of that.
(5)
Phong T.
First time here was a week ago when my friend and I dined in. The place was pretty packed on a Sunday evening. We were seated quickly; within 5 min. The host and our waiter was super cool and friendly. With that said, the food was delish. Very interesting menu -- took me awhile to go through everything. I didn't know what to try so it made everything more exciting. APPETIZER: Artisanal Cheese plate of 3 - douceur du jura, meadow greek grayson, and capriole old kentucker tomme. The 3 cheese was served with bread and a jam. It was different, but very tasty. ENTREE: fish of the day - mine was grouper and it was served over spaghetti squash. the entree consisted of pine st. bacon, baby kale, roasted garlic butter, vinegar peppers, buckwheat lettuce. this was a perfect portion delicious meal that i ordered. chicken entree - my friend ordered this. it was grilled chicken breast i believe served with some greens and rice. i don't recall what exactly, but how tasty it was. cool gastropub joint to dine or grab drinks in Decatur. i'll definitely be back to try other items on the menu.
(4)
Kristin L.
Leon's is just one of those places that makes you feel good. The server was personable but not corny, cool but not hipster, and knowledgeable but not snotty. He asked good questions and got a feel for what we would like. Pappadews: outstanding. Sweet and vinegary tender pepper outside, rich fresh cheese inside. Beautifully presented with tiny slivers of basil. Radish: don't get. This has been reinterpreted. Dull, mostly cucumber and scary brown slices of chewy bread. No. Used to be radishes and butter. But no more. I forgive them though, because the Brussels hash and the warm chickpeas made a warm hash of my tongue and heart. Charcuterie platter was interesting and generous. We nibbled on these small plates plus one entree, the short ribs. The single bite I had was spectacularly tender and flavorful. Very rich and with a skilled hand. Sauerkraut wasn't very krauty, but was very yummy. Lovely space to while away a couple of hours with friends who have good stories and like their food a tad (but not too far) on the cheffy side.
(5)
Dan M.
Great food. good beer selection... good cocktails, good atmosphere.
(5)
Robin S.
The corn and chickpea side alone made Leon's a good choice last night (It was difficult passing up the pub frites). Leon's has never disappointed. Their food is well thought out, beer list awesome and the service usually very good, although it's a bit unnerving sometimes seeing the servers walk their 'rounds'. Is there a better twosome than Brick Store and Leon's? Hard to think of one, although Fox Bros and Big Tex Cantina might get a vote (and they'll be part of a threesome soon).
(4)
Tina C.
Fun and cool place, patio misters are a nice summer relief as well as a smooth cocktail. Interesting wording of menu items so.just ask. Unusual and delisiois drinks and beers.
(4)
Ryan L.
I've been to Leon's three times since moving to Atlanta just a few weeks ago. While I still have a lot more exploring to do, I think I can safely say that Leon's is going to be my primary spot from now on. It's literally everything I want in a bar. The atmosphere is fantastic. The design is tastefully laid back; not overpowering, but not at all forgettable. It makes me feel at home right away. And it seems to bring out the fun side of folks, as everyone just gives of this vibe like they're having a great time. The bartenders are AMAZING at what they do, and they're incredibly friendly. I think I've had all of their summer cocktails, and each one was creative, and expertly made. These people know their stuff, and while they're busy, they're never too busy to check in with you, make some conversation, and get you another drink without missing a beat. The food is excellent, too. I haven't actually had dinner here, but I usually order several small plates and share them with whoever I'm with, and that fills us up and we don't even have to spend a ton of money. The items I've ordered have been slight variations on standards - hummus, fried okra - but not in a way that you've seen before, and also not in a way that makes the food unfamiliar. It's just creative and delicious. I can't say enough good things about Leon's, and I look forward to spending my weekends here over the next few years while I'm in school. If you're in the area, I think this place deserves to be your first choice for a night out.
(5)
Kathryn W.
Excellent cocktails and salads. The staff is friendly and seem committed to the craft. The Kentucky Derby viewing party should not be missed. also... I saw Owen Wilson there :)
(5)
Emily S. O.
Awesome service, awesomER food! :) Ask for the vegetarian specialties because they are amazing! Of note: the pot pie, portabello patty melt, and side of Brussels sprouts (they'll sub out the bacon for pecans--perfect!). Overall great experience--even having to wait 45 mins for a table (plan for that on a weekend night); grab a couple drinks at the bar, they're just as attentive as the servers.
(5)
Lawrence C.
Very reasonable prices for the quality. Mains of Artic Char & Scallops were $16 and $19 respectively. Side veggie plate was $8. Desserts are plentiful @ $5. Assorted wines/glass average $10.
(4)
Shelly H.
Perfect place for a night out with the girls as well as a great date night place. Menu is small but everything on it is superb. Wonderful selection of beer, cocktails, and wine. And of course the staff was helpful as well. This will definitely be a place I will recommend to friends and visit again :)
(4)
Peezyheadz.com N.
Some friends took me to this place for my birthday and It was a great experience. It took a little while for the waitress to start our order, but it was a saturday and when she came she more than made up for it. She patiently answered our many questions and give descriptions of the menu items like an expert. She offered a sample of a drink that we were curious about. Im sure we took more time than the average customer, but she was patient, kind and delightful. The food and drinks were excellent. They are farm to table and make everything from scratch even the raspberry syrup that we had added to our margaritas. Loved this spot.
(5)
Steven G.
Drove by this place soooo many times and we said we would stop. Well, we tried one time and the place was freakin' packed so we abandoned that idea and went somewhere else. So, finally, we were able to make this place by getting there early on a Monday evening. Much to our surprise, the restaurant stayed 'dead' for most of the evening...very strange. Any way, here's my review :) Ok, my first thoughts of this place was 'trendy hipster hangout' and that remains the case in my opinion. Maybe I'm wrong but that's the vibe I got. That doesn't really bother me but the prices usually associated with that description do. I'm not trendy and don't give a sh*t about fashion, I like to eat and that's what I came here to do. So, let's dive in to the food. The menu was a little small but that doesn't mean that it's not adequate. I would have liked to see a few more items listed but can't really complain as long as what they make is good. Started out with the goat-cheese stuffed peppadews, which were outstanding if you like that type of thing...they had just a tinge of heat and the goat-cheese was fresh and flavorful! My wife just watched as I stuffed my face...yum. Then, we go into our main course, I had the grass-fed burger and can't remember what wifey had. Any way, the burger was just ok. It came with a side of the Pom Frites (or fries) with several sauces that you get to choose from. Neat idea but the sauces were just ok. I liked the fries but the burger just didn't hit the spot...I'm not sure exactly what I didn't like about it but I just found it ordinary. Service was pretty good, I kinda felt like our waiter was looking down on us or something. He seemed nice and all but I felt like he was being snarky with us. Eh, just not sure about him. Anyway, he came back to check on us often so no complaints there. We sat outside on the patio which was pretty nice so I didn't really get to see the inside. They were still working on the Bocce Ball courts so those were dead as well. Overall, it wasn't bad just nothing really stood out as being great.
(3)
Michael W.
Service, drinks, food and wine list are all tremendous, and always so. If there were anything I'd change, it would be the volume level, but it is a pretty trendy bar, so that's to be expected.
(5)
Alison L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Atlanta area. Owner Ryan and his staff are always knowledgeable and friendly. There's a great outdoor dining area in the front. You cannot visit Leon's without ordering their legendary frites with homemade dipping sauces. Get a bucket of them and share with some smoked mayo and goat cheese fondue. Options available for vegetarians and gluten-free guests. Drinks are fancy.
(5)
Anthony T.
Stopped in for a drink with some friends. I had the Muddy Waters which a bourbon drink with a hint of coffee (not hot). The flavors blended very well together. I enjoyed it do much I ended up having another. Even though we all had just come from dinner we couldn't resist trying the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. It is just that. Slices of bacon served with peanut butter on the side. We ordered a second helping if that too. I will be back to try dinner.
(5)
Lia P.
My husband and I took a little trip out to Decatur and I KNEW we had to go to Leon's. It was pleasantly busy at 2pm on a Saturday. The outside patio was really inviting (especially with space heaters, it was chilly) but there were no tables available. Instead we got a spacious booth in the windowy dining area. Very light and cozy all at the same time. Of course I had to get a cocktail- the waiter explained to me the list went from light/refreshing to heavier cocktails. This was good to know since I was considering one of the heaviest ones and that might not have been the best idea for the afternoon. So I went with "apples to pears": gin, pear, lemon and cinnamon. You can't go wrong with that. And it was light and refreshing (not to be confused with weak). For food I went with a side of the zucchini casserole and side escarole salad. The casserole was ok. Really small for the $4.50. Definitely not worth it. The salad was also small but nicely loaded with eggplant and other veggies. This was filling enough at the time but if I had been hungrier I would've been in trouble. My husband had the cheeseburger which was delicious. He really appreciated the grass-beef. We also appreciated that his burger came with a side which is rare at these kinds of places. He went with the fries and goat cheese fondue dipping sauce. The fries are amazing as was the sauce. I really really wanted to try dessert, but I'll just have to save it for another time!
(4)
Jessica F.
Yummy!!! Everyone who works here is eager to serve and it's a great environment!!! We had our children with us and they loved it too!
(5)
Marc H.
Great dinner at Leon's last night. Wife had the veggie loaf which she pronounced delish! I enjoyed the open faced brisket sandwich and hummus starter. Cool vibe, date night, drinks and families. Bocci ball court outside. Fun to walk around downtown Decatur after a lovely meal. We'll be back.
(4)
Stephanie Z.
I ate here for the first time a couple months ago. This was definitely the best meal I have ever had at a bar. Even though it was absolutely packed, the bartender still provided excellent service. There was an excellent wine selection (I have Celiacs so I cannot drink beer but it seemed like they had a great beer selection as well). The bartender was also very knowledgeable about gluten free options for food. I was delighted to find out that I could even eat the fries which are done in a dedicated fryer with no contamination chance.
(5)
Tim P.
Love this place. I go for the cocktails, but the food is great from what I've had. One of the best places in all of Atlanta for cocktails. Keen attention to detail. They use BIG ice for their rocks drinks... Important for a cocktail geek like myself. Being a bourbon guy, I almost always get the "Death & Company"... Mmmmmm The burger is great, and I'm picky about my burgers. Great choice of dipping sauces for the very good frites. I enjoy sitting in front of the service bar to watch the bartenders there crank out one craft cocktail after another. Great technique used here, the way cocktails should be made.
(5)
Andrew W.
My experience at Leon's Full Service was a little bit hit and miss. The wait was particularly long on this Sunday late afternoon. After well over 20 minutes, we were finally seated, albeit within uncomfortably close proximity to another couple dining next to us. I suppose it's just some kind of hipster "community" thing or something - well either that, or a poor floor plan layout. With all the surrounding noise, it was difficult to carry on a conversation. Okay, so those were the "misses". The menu items, of course, were the "hits". We ordered a couple of tasty alcoholic beverages and the peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese. I've really come to love peppadew peppers - they're kind of like what you would get if a cherry tomato and a pepper got together and had a baby. It's got some of the fleshy textural elements of a tomato with a sweet and mild piquancy that you would find in peppers. The tanginess of the goat cheese stuffed into the peppadews was an excellent pairing of flavors. The goat cheese really tamed the mild heat. Also a chiffonade of fresh basil on top of the peppadews added a herbaceous, slightly sweet flavor and added textural note. It's a really good thing when you can get so much complexity out of three simple ingredients. Good on Leon's for offering such a compelling appetizer. Then, I ordered their roast beef sandwich special (sans red onion). It was served on herbed focaccia bread with a slice of cheese, horseradish spread, and watercress. Again, simple, but very tasty. The horseradish was present, but certainly not overdone (as sometimes is the case when ordering a roast beef sandwich). The pepperiness of the watercress was perfect with roast beef - no other leafy green would have contributed as nicely. I went with the pub frites as a side with two dipping sauces: garlic aioli (a bit strong for my liking), and goat cheese fondue (Yum!). I really liked the food, but I'm not sure this place was really my scene.
(3)
Amanda S.
I really LOVE the drinks and beer selection at Leon's. Their outdoor patio is legit and their indoor decor is super bright and unique. I am a big fan of their brisket sandwich, sometimes it needs a bit more gravy, but the flavors are spot on. I always order the same thing and my boyfriend gets something different. He had the burger and said it was a standard burger, but their variety of dipping sauces are fun and go well with the fries. Last night he got the duck breast and loved it. The waitstaff is always friendly and very attentive. I recommend the goat cheese peppadews for starters and their bloody Mary's are delicious! Definitely visit Leon's for a fun and tasty dining experience!
(4)
Melissa Z.
I've been here twice: once for lunch and once for just drinks. To be honest, when I took my mom for lunch (though, admittedly, this was a couple of years ago), we were not impressed with the food. They had a limited menu and did not enjoy what we ordered. Fast forward to this past weekend, I went with my boyfriend for a few drinks and they were amazing! Speakeasy cocktails in a open layout urban bar. What I also loved was the seasonal cocktail menu. Such creative drinks to go with fall and Halloween. I will definitely be back for the drinks!
(4)
Angela H.
The first time I came to Leon's Full Service was over a year ago with a group of six, and I fondly recall enjoying the burger I had ordered. During my most recent visit, I dined with a significantly larger group - a group of 20! My friend, who organized the dinner, had told all of us to arrive promptly at 6:30 pm on a Saturday since Leon's doesn't take reservations. She thought that arriving somewhat early for dinner would give us the best shot at getting tables right next to each other for 20 people. She was totally right. Two of my friends and I were the first to arrive about ten minutes early, so we went ahead and informed the hostess that we were part of a group of 20. I also told her that everyone was "supposed" to arrive by 6:30 pm. She didn't seem alarmed and kindly told me that she would have two large tables (right next to each other) set up for us right away. Less than five minutes later, she allowed the three of us to sit - even though the rest of our group hadn't even arrived yet! I really appreciated her kindness and promptness! As it turned out, the rest of our group trickled in within the next half hour. While we waited for the majority of our group to arrive, our server took our drink orders. Although I'm not really a fan of beer, I decided to try something new that sounded pretty good - a "Biggie Shorty" glass of the New Belgium Tart Lychee. Although it wasn't as sweet as I had imagined it would be, the beer had a nice hint of lychee flavor. It definitely still tasted like beer, but I think I might order it again if I were in the mood for a beer at Leon's! Our server (one for each of the two tables) had checked on us periodically (but not TOO often) to ask if we were ready to order as our table filled up. She also went ahead and informed us that she would be happy to provide separate checks for each of us as long as we stay in our seats and don't move around. When we were finally ready to order, I simply chose the burger (requested medium temperature) with pub frites (french fries) and garlic aioli sauce. * Sauces (You get one if you choose pub frites as a side for your entree, or two if you order the pub frites a-la-carte): Garlic aioli Goat cheese fondue Peppercorn gravy Masaman curry Madras curry catsup Leon's bbq Traditional mayonnaise Smoked tomato mayonnaise Black pepper mayonnaise Fresh horseradish mayonnaise Bacon herb mayonnaise Cucumber-dill yogurt Mango-peppadew catsup Leon's catsup * Burger w/Pub Frites ($11) - Per the menu description, Leon's burger contains "Grass-fed beef, tillamook cheddar, house made catsup & mustard, b & b pickles, baby iceberg lettuce." The burger was better than I remembered from the first time I tried it over a year ago! The beef was cooked with a perfectly pink center. It was so juicy! Not as flavorful as the beef at my beloved Bocado, but it was still pretty tasty. I asked for the pickles on the side because I hate the taste of pickles in my burger but still wanted to taste them. Turns out, the pickles were yummy! They're sweet and reminded me of the pickles at H&F. Finally, the pub frites were great, especially with the garlic aioli, which was tasty and lemony. I tried bits of my friends' food, like the Chicken Breast ("Main" menu) and brussels sprout hash (side item). Every was delicious! Finally, I'm not normally a dessert person, but my friend ordered one to share and I could not resist "tasting" it... * Chocolate-Smoked Pecan Cheesecake ($5) - This round piece of cheesecake looked just like a Hostess "Ho Ho," but it was WAY more amazing. It's served on a plate drizzled with "rye whiskey caramel" and topped with "sea salt whipped cream." I had a "tiny" bite at first, but couldn't help but have several extra forkfuls. The cheesecake was rich yet not overly sweet, the caramel was tasty, and the sea salt added a unique but great twist to the flavors. So good! I highly recommend this for everyone who has a sweet tooth! Overall, Leon's Full Service gets 4.5 stars for their delicious food and amazing, truly "full service" servers! Not only were they able to accommodate our large group, they were friendly and super efficient. We didn't have to wait very long (definitely less than 15 minutes) for our table to be served our entrees, and we had no issues/discrepancies with our separate checks. Although I would come back more often if I could, the main thing that deters me from doing so is the fact that finding parking can be such a pain in Decatur Square. Nevertheless, I will definitely be back before too long. [Review 283 of 366]
(4)
Robert H.
Great selection of beers. Service is always outstanding. Very cool atmosphere. Food hits the spot every time. Wish more places were as consistent as this
(4)
Duc L.
I love the decatur area as a whole and everything it has to offer. Leon's full service is part of the strip that I like about the area. Good food, nice drinks, and it has a bocci ball court outside!! This place takes up a corner lot of the street, so as for square footage, it's decently spaced. It has a bocci ball court on the main street side and also an outside patio-ish set up that's chained in next to the front door which is a nice outside lounge area if it's not too busy. Will serve as outside seating when it does get busier. Open bar to the right of the main door, dining area to the left. That's the general layout of the place. Come here on a friday/saturday night, expect about a 2 hour wait for dinner during prime time. This place gets full, fast. Head to the bar and have a drink or two while waiting, it'll take a while. I think this place is my second go to spot for just hanging out for a drink and food, after brick store which is around the corner. I've only been here twice, have tried the burger and the gyro. Both of which is decent. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 on a wow factor. What does impress me is the selection of sauces that they have for the fries. From home made ketchup, different mayonnaise, curry types, and a couple more that I can't remember. It would be one of my top recommendations for someone looking for someone to do around the decatur area. So 4/5, if they could somehow expand out a little more room for the bar or control crowd congestion when it's really busy, I would give it 5 stars. Otherwise, nice place to be to have a drink and hang out.
(4)
Maddie R.
Spilled my drink all over so I had to go buy new pants. I come back and get a burger that's so burned I can't eat the outside and they don't even care. Never coming back.
(2)
Sarah K.
I've lived in Decatur for a couple years now and just recently went here. Fantastic cocktails and great food. You won't find either anywhere else. The atmosphere is laid back yet classy at the same time. The staff seems to truly enjoy or at least be great at what they do. A must try location.
(5)
Sadiha A.
I heard so many great things about this restaurant and I was seriously disappointed. I am def not coming back to visit. Our waitress was nice at first, but wasn't the best at being attentive to her table, especially when we waited 45 mins+ for our food (two burgers, chicken, and shrimp...none of which take super long to cook) When she brought our food to the table, we asked if it normally took this long. She explained that it was the first day the patio was open so things were taking longer. Shouldn't they be staffed to cover all their tables? Ok, we will give them a pass on that....The burgers were overcooked and so were the shrimp...but we thought ok whatever. We were ready to eat and get outta there considering we waited so long for our food. Finally when our waitress came to check on us (because she didn't much), she told us the kitchen wanted to give us some desserts on the house. Of course we were all ready to accept it, in hopes that it would help recover a less than ok night out. She spent another 30 mins coming back to ask us which dessert we wanted. Honestly, we would have walked out at this point, but we had to pay our check. When the desserts finally came (after our waitress had to come back 15 mins later to check what we had ordered again) they were burnt and dry. In the end, it was not worth our time or money or the calories. The fries were good...overcooked but maybe that's how they are supposed to be?
(1)
Rachel w.
A friend and I met at Leon's to catch up - she ordered the veggie loaf (much more delicious than it sounds), and I the mussels. I also ordered the chickpea side since several friends had raved about them, and I can now see why. Both of us left dinner incredibly satisfied, and also impressed by the great beer menu, reasonable wine list, and intriguing cocktails. Still, it was not the food, drinks, or ambiance that made the meal memorable... As we wrapped up dinner, we could see the tables to the left and right of us were a-buzz. Before my friend and I could figure out what was happening, along came Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. As they made their way to the exit, Jimmy made eye contact with us and wished my friend and I a good night. WOW! :)
(4)
George H.
I meant to update from my last few visits but really must have forgotten. Visiting Leon's again during the winter storm of 2011 was a great comfort. Tried some new drinks off the draft list and had a really empty place to talk with friends and have some great food. The three stars stems from my previous visits where the mussels and artic char just weren't up the freshness standards that I feel Leon's puts into the rest of their dishes. Last night's scallops for me were pretty phenomenal and the portion is always surprising when good sized scallops come on my plate. Friends tried the flatbread which looked good and the beef brisket which also has that great smoky taste. The fried onions don't hurt either ;)
(3)
Annie R.
Ok let me preface this by saying I rarely give 5 stars, like ever. Gastropubs are a bit played out I agree, the food is always a little different than standard American fare. Leons is perfect, extremely tasty, great service, and not that expensive. The beer list is fantastic and I love when places carry independent liquors instead of the big boys. There are a few things that stand out, the chickpea and cherry salad, the brussel sprout hash, and the trout, well and obviously the bacon in a glass with peanut butter. Check this place out, the food is fantastic, and the service is wonderful and it wont cost you an arm and a leg.
(5)
Erica D.
I've been to Leon's a handful of times, both for drinks and food, and have always had a good experience. There was one time I tried to go with a group but the place was packed and crowded bars aren't my scene, so if you have a similar preference then avoid Leon's during peak hours. The pub frites are great, of course, and the beer selection is fantastic in most respects. The staff is very knowledgeable about the beverages and can make recommendations if they don't have you favorite (bring back the Ayinger brau weisse!). I've had their old cold veggie sandwich and the new one and both were good...though the chilliness is a little disconcerting. The veggieloaf is absolutely AMAZING and I can't recommend it enough. The lunch atmosphere is quite pleasant and I would love to try it for dinner some time.
(4)
Jeff D.
Second time going to Leon's last night and I have to say that this is a place you go to drink or to eat if you're already drunk. It's not for the healthiest eater as almost everything on the menu is either greasy, rich, cheesy, or all three. I'm not saying it's not good, but if you go seeking a light meal, you're going to be disappointed. The frites are probably they're strongest fare, but it's pretty hard to screw up french fries. The assortment of dipping sauces make the $6 mini-bucket well worth it. When it comes to the entrees; there's much to be desired. The artic char we had was way too smoky and salty and was drenched in oil. Oh yeah...if you have high blood pressure don't go here. Salt is slung around this place like it's going out of style. May not bother some, but unless you're Mr. Ed, you're probably going to notice it. Leon's has a great beer and wine list that is literally about 35 pages long. So if you're in the mood to get wasted and gnash on some greasy food, this is your place.
(3)
Aaron H.
This is great place nestled in a great place! After selecting a beer from the extensive beer list, we ordered the "Bacon in a Glass" with the peanut butter dipping sauce--which is exactly what it is--a yummy helping of bacon...in a glass. After a long flight, how can you go wrong with that? The atmosphere is great and the weather was nice enough for outdoor seating. I had the beef bistro steak, sandwich...a great lunch or dinner with steak, gruyere chesse, charred red pepper, baby arugula, horseradish mayo $11 . But wait! The side was even better and plan to make it in my own kitchen when I get home: brussel sprout hash, gala apple, pine st. bacon, sweet onion zucchini-sharp cheddar casserole, sweet onion gravy, arugula, lemon oil . I also nibbled on fries with a large selection of dipping sauces. The server that initially took our order was spunky, fun, friendly and then we got traded out for David Copperfield...the vanishing waiter... who gave us little to no eye contact and hardly checked on our table. Too bad. This is a great place if you are in Decatur. Cheers!
(4)
Nathan A.
Just when you thought the Brickstore couldn't get any better! I was excited about the opening of Leon's a few years ago, but I never knew that it would become MY FAVORITE CHILL SPOT in all of Decatur (perhaps, even Atlanta). The atmosphere/aesthetic is casual, yet still cool & sophisticated. I feel like I'm transported elsewhere whenever I enter the doors. I'm a creature of habit, so I usually just default to the Bistro Steak Sandwich - with it's arugula, horseradish mayo, red peppers & chewy artisan bread. Not to mention the 'cook-to-order' steak in the middle. Delicious! Drinks: I'm a big fan of their OLD STYLE/mixology drink selection. Their ol' fashioned is my staple! I've been to other mixology spots in Atlanta, and this one always changes it up & seems to find the perfect balance between flavor & strong alcohol content. Also, love the frites - goat cheese fondue & massaman curry are my jams!
(5)
Akhil C.
Great lamb burger and great selection of sauces. Love the atmosphere and the bar area. Parking can be tough, but that holds true for all of Decatur. Worth the trip!
(4)
Kristi B.
Everything here is delicious. The mixologist makes cocktails I dream about. I haven't ordered anything on the menu I didn't like - and I've ordered a lot! The bocce ball court is great, the atmosphere is fun, I love the outdoor seating. My only complaint is they don't take reservations. The wait is always long on the weekends and most week nights, but the wait is always worth it!
(4)
Rebecca C.
Not a bad place to grab a drink. Nice to sit outside. I had lunch today and it was ok, but not great. I had the steak bistro sandwich with pub frites and spicy mango catchup. Quite frankly, it was a kind of a wish sandwich - where you have two slices of bread (big thick bread) and you wish you had some meat. There just wasn't enough filling for the bread and the fillings were not that flavorful - so it was mostly bread. The fries were good, but not outstanding. I may give it another try - the mussels looked good - but so far, the food did not impress.
(3)
Lauren K.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet - there are a lot better places to eat in Decatur. It wasn't bad, just not terribly good and certainly not justifiable for the price. I am, however, a HUGE fan of their bar, patio, and people watching. The one thing they definitely get right is their cocktail list. FANTASTIC selection of drinks with a changing special that provides a good variety for anyone to be able to find something they like. Don't expect to recognize a lot on the ingredient list as they tend to use old-fashioned recipes and the all-the-rage mixology technique. I also like that they include more gentlemanly drinks than a lot of places - lowballs with large ice cubes and heavy on the dark spirits. Sometimes it's nice to have a good scotch or whiskey cocktail; something a lot of Atlanta bars have forgotten (ahem, 246...). Anyway, go sit and enjoy your vice of choice and watch the crowd and when warmer the enjoy the patio. You can't go wrong on this!
(3)
Arjun R.
Don't really think Leon's needs more reviews ;p Nonetheless, it was the third time that I was returning to Leon's (there seems to be some strange trend of me reviewing places after I've been there thrice). Great Beer list; relatively extensive selection on tap. Wished they had a little more to offer in terms of Islay's - but haven't really found a bar in Atl yet that has a full deck of Islay's. Ordered the Pub frites - comes with a choice of a bunch of dipping sauces - which were yummy. The burger was juicy,juicy,juicy. Best part of Leon's to me is the ambiance and the vibe of the place - which is only further embellished by the company of good friends :)
(4)
Amrit B.
So I guess I technically did get this as a freebie because it was something that we had as a work evening out, but it was a fantastic one. Great place to take clients and discuss business. The patio is pretty well lit but also still contributes to the unique atmosphere Leon's provides. We went during one of their beer flights and they were served chilled and in something other than pint glasses. I actually took the 'flight sheet' with me that had a clever-written description of each of the beers that were being tasted. Services was quick and friendly. Definitely recommend you get the frites to start off as an appetizer. All the dippings were great but my favorite was the massaman curry and cucumber!
(4)
Bill S.
It's very challenging to rate Leon's. It's run by very nice folks, and there are some very nice things about it. Maybe it deserves three stars. Or 2.9. And I admit that yet another review--there are nearly 300 now--adds little to the restaurant's reputation or others' feelings about it. Draw your own conclusions. Briefly though, we first object to the noise; it's deafening and insistent, every night we've ever been. The only relief came on the patio. Hence conversation becomes minimal, and that's a big no-no for us. The food is quirky, sometimes yummy (love those fries!), but too often it seems to us a little bizarre, almost circus-like, a little too calculated. We respect differences of opinion, but now you've got ours.The servers are friendly (when we can hear them), the bartenders excellent, the prices a mite high, arguably, for what you get. A three-star rating is "A-OK" here on Yelp, and that just doesn't quite get it right for us. Sorry, Leon's. Talking is an important part of sharing at a dining experience for us. CAN YOU HEAR ME???
(2)
Anna W.
On my way to my hotel, I passed by some restaurants, and Leon's caught my eye. The specials looked pretty blah--some salad and flatbread--so I moved along my merry way. After checking in, I went out with some guys, who I believe have a less discerning palate (ha), and, fortunately, the Thai place didn't look appealing to them, and we wound up at Leon's. This was on a Saturday afternoon, and there was a 25-minute wait. One sassy lady thought I was trying to cut in line in putting my name on the list when I asked how long the wait would be. When I explained I wasn't cutting, just asking about the wait, she was still Ms. Grumpypants and huffed, "You better not have been." An Atlanta throwdown would've been a great story to take back to Houston. Oh, well. I got a seasonal alcoholic beverage of some sort (the only drinker of the group, haha), which was very tasty and not strong on the alcohol. Another in my group got sweetened tea, which came in a medium-sized jug (hmm, the size of a baby's head). Sodas came in the bottles, which were a nice touch. Service was friendly, and our server made sure my drink made it to my table. The food was fan-frickin'-tastic. I got some sides. The server recommended the brussel sprout hash, which has fuji apple, pine st. bacon, and sweet onion. Though I don't like brussel sprouts, I think the bacon won me over. The warm chickpea and cherry salad was even better, but I could tell it was fattening, with the coating of oil, and the cherry and chunks of cheese made it better. My friends had no complaints about the hummus and frites. There's a place in New York which is the bizness and serves thick fries with an amazing variety of sauces. The sauces here were pretty darn tootin' good, too. Of the goat cheese fondue, black pepper mayo, leons bbq, and garlic aioli, the goat cheese fondue was the best. I think it's always a good rule to go with fat (mayo) and more fat (goat cheese). Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches, salads, smaller plates $8-12, and mains $15-18. One friend kept complaining about the prices, but he must dine out at Subway or something.... I had the worst time finding Leon's to review on Yelp. I kept seeing "Leon's Full Service," and thinking, "I don't want to review an auto shop!"
(4)
Haley C.
Nothing better to cure the rainy day blues than having a dark and stormy (or 5) from Leon's...and with the $5 specials, you'll forget it's raining! I'm relatively a newbie to the drinking game (legally, anyways), but I can say without a doubt Leon's, hands down, has the best cocktails in the Atl-- Always strong and always full of flavor (the whiskey ones will surely knock your socks off). The yummy pub frites with the diverse selection of tastey aiolis are always a nice compliment when you're getting your drink on. The staff is usually always friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is great. I've never had a bad experience. It is a staple to the Decatur downtown community that I hope stays around for a long time.
(5)
Jenny L.
don't have enough good things to say about this place. amazing service - their servers and bartenders know their stuff. their cocktails are insanely good, always creative ingredients and in-season. the food is delicious and very consistent. this place never disappoints.
(5)
Katie C.
Well after our disappointing adventure to Cakes and Ale, a group of us met up at Leon's for after dinner drinks. We were able to commandeer a small bar table right by the front door and the waiter greeted us quickly with drink and food menus. After some confusion, our server let us know that the board above the bar has the most up-to-date beer information and the paper menu is more for mixed drinks and wines. Since I didn't recognize the majority of the beers on the board, I asked our server if he had any recommendation (after I told him other beers I liked). He was really knowledgeable about what they offered and he recommended the Bell's Amber. Turns out, he really knew what he was talking about. After the first round we were feeling hungry again (the portions at Cakes and Ale are *small*) and my friend ordered the fries with the goat cheese fondue and peppercorn gravy. Everyone but me liked the peppercorn gravy. I just didn't think it was anything special. However, the goat cheese fondue was really, really, good. It reminded me of the smoky mayonnaise from Flip. We also ordered another round and I told the waiter that I was craving stout this time and that I trusted him to pick something good for me. Again, he didn't disappoint. He brought out the cappuccino stout and it. was. good. All-in-all Leon's is great place to relax with friends, drinks, a great conversation and good food. I've definitely found my new favorite place in Decatur.
(5)
Kristi G.
Every detail makes this place my all-time favorite restaurant in Atlanta -- from the simple rustic atmosphere, to the classy tatted servers delivering reused glass bottles of water to your table upon being seated. THE best wedge salad that I have ever tasted -- topped with their bananas yummy smoked bacon, hard boiled eggs, capers and CREME FRAICHE....I literally went home and tried to replicate it so that I could eat this daily. My husband loved the open faced brisket sandwich. The kids love the pub frites with peppercorn gravy and horseradish mayo, and the chickpea and cherry salad. My fave sandwich is the shrimp roll. Fresh with a little kick...so yummy. Great beverage selection. Recommend Leon's to anyone wanting to enjoy food that's creative, but not crossing the line of being "annoyingly" adventurous. Awesome outdoor bocce ball court and sweet "zen" patio set up for outdoor dining. Literally, LOVE this place in case you can't tell. Anyone that I have brought from out of town is instantly enamored as well.
(5)
Jessica O.
Went to Leon's before a theater event in Decatur - I recommend getting there early - 6:00 PM or before! After that, it gets packed and they don't take reservations (which is a minus in my book). Luckily, we were there at 6:00 sharp so we got a booth quickly. The seating is quirky and cozy at Leon's, which I like. The drink menu was good and both cocktails we ordered were yummy. The menu doesn't have much for vegetarians, FYI. I got a burger and it was really plain, but the fries were good. Overall, a good experience, but I'm not sure I'd go back soon, with so many other places in the city to try.
(3)
Tressi J.
i loved my dinner here tonight! Everything tasted so fresh and the flavors were superb. Shrimp gyro was delicious, and the bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter was over the top, in a good way! Even the dessert, a seasonal berry cobbler with fresh whipped cream was amazing. I'll definitely be a return customer!
Like another reviewer said, 3 star reviews are the hardest to write especially since everyone at Leon's was really nice. No one noticeably spit in our food, spilled anything in our lap, or outright insulted us. But, I walked away feeling no so great about the experience. Aesthetically, I love the place, but the menu is workable only in theory. There's nothing wrong with playing with ingredients that don't normally go together, but the pig smörgas and chickpea side dish (chick peas, cherries, and big chunks of cheese) was like eating drunk food at a hipsters house. The saving grace was the gutter pop cocktail. As a bartender, I love playing with ingredients and obscure liqueurs and the bar at Leon's does a fine job. But, for gods sake, don't rest on your laurels back of the house.
(3)
Katie C.
I love Leons! It's a favorite in the Atlanta area for sure! Feels a little like home. Wonderful seasonal cocktails, fresh ingredients, and charming waitstaff. Great outdoor seating and bocce ball. Worth the wait (there definitely is one on the weekend nights).
(5)
S B.
This place is awesome. Hands down best lunch place in Decatur. It's cute, reasonably priced, and has great service. The water service is great; despite the teensy tiny water glasses, the used-to-be-wine bottle of water is never left empty for long. The goat cheese stuffed peppadews are refreshing and tangy. The warm chick pea/cherry/feta side dish is awesome, as are most of the other side dishes. The frites are plentiful and the sauces are awesome (cheese fondue!). Sandwiches are great, lamb burger was great (a little overcooked), but I think the apps are where it's at. Radish appetizer was fantastic. Again, don't miss out on the peppadews. The beer list is pretty good and I'd also like to come back sometime for dinner/drinks and try the hand crafted cocktails. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)
Lori F.
I planned an AtlantaBlogs.com meetup here earlier this week, and we found ourselves a little nook by the bar. I know serving 10+ people on separate checks is a pain in the ass unto itself, but the staff took care of us with great service. Drinks kept coming, the food was excellent, and we were always attended to by an array of folks. A few of us started with the bacon in a glass, which was delish. I ended up with the shrimp gyro which had a nice spicy kick to it & chose a side of vinegary spinach. And the fruit cobbler was just perfect. The bartender was even cool enough to make me a "dangerous club soda" with house made pineapple syrup. Way to keep a preggo happy! We stayed late into the night, as it was comfy, fun, and we were being well taken care of - stellar time.
(5)
Laura M.
Okay...it's official. I think Leon's is my favorite restaurant. It's really just my kind of place. Interesting atmosphere & design? Check Awesome servers who tell you you look just like Jennifer Goodwin, are funny and knowledgeable? Check Food is fun, they offer above standard bar fare with some special surprises? Check All in a casual atmosphere that is clean & nice, but completely without pretension? Check Have specialty cocktails designed for the seasons that are slap yo' mama delicious? Check Did I say I was obsessed with Leons? Check
(5)
Molly W.
My parents took my boyfriend and I here for my birthday dinner. So we get there and we have to wait a little bit for a table, which I was impressed because at that time they hadn't been open for that long. So we grab a seat at the bar and drink beers waiting for our little buzzer doo-dad to go off. We notice that their beers were very extreme. They either had the traditional (miller lite, bud light etc) or they had micro-brews. I am SO not complaining but I thought it was something to bring up. ANYWAYS, so we get seated and are approached by our waiter who was very cool and we order the drunken mussels. I really should know better about ordering seafood so far away from the coast, because I always want something magical and my soul dies a little every time I'm a little disappointed. SO, the drunken mussels were good, but not the best I've had, but I really should just learn. The 2 bottles of wine I split with my moms helped to wash away that disappointment in measures of cool intoxication. Yes, their wine selection was AWESOME. I notice the cup o'bacon on the menu and as a baconite (i made a bacon apple pie once... or three times) I was immediately intrigued. I veered away from it to try something new, and just enjoyed the drunken mussels. BUT then the cup o'bacon came back to haunt me and I ordered it to go along with the steak that I had. This is how that conversation went: "can I have the steak?" "sure" "is there anyway you can add bacon to that?" *cricket cricket* "I'll get it figured out for you" "THANKS!" *drunken wave* I don't remember the sides but the bacon and steak... hkmcfdrool On a side note: Found out one of my coworkers works at Leon's and she was super fantastic with saying hi and shtuff she met my rents and was super cool. So YA AMY! Hopefully next time when I can afford to go back I'll have Amy as my waitress. She's probably a super cool waiter to have while at Leon's. No offense waiter dude who got me my cup o'bacon
(4)
Caitlin L.
Just another shout out to Amy R. who made my boyfriend and my evening awesome at Leon's! -Fried Okra -Pig Smorgas -Steak Sandwich with fries and bacon mayo -Brisket Sandwich with fries and tomato mayo Everything was awesome and our enthusiastic server was great!
(5)
Kevin G.
Great food, Great drinks, Great Service = a 5/5! The food menu is amazing. Everything I have had or my friends have had has received great reviews. I am pretty partial to the Brisket Sandwich. It is one of those meals where you sit around afterward and just bask in the afterglow of food pleasure. It is one of those meals that just lingers in memory for good bit until you realize you are missing it in your life. The small plates are great as well. They have an awesome seasonal cheese and meat selection. The pub frites offer great variety in wonderful sauces. The staff here is great. I have never had a bad server. Everyone is extremely nice and willing to share their opinions on food. When I can't decide on what to get I have no problem asking for a little direction. I have never been steered in the wrong direction. They even helped my mom find a drink she liked, which is tough to do! The beer selection is only second to the Brickstore, which is to be expected. However they always have a treat in store when I walk in. Take a couple of hours and enjoy this place. Not to missed or rushed through.
(5)
Belle S.
I've been here many times within the past few years and it's always been great. I like the environment, whether inside or outside and the food/drinks have always been superb. It's always been pretty crowded, so don't come here starving. Parking can be really difficult to find, but eventually you will find something. They've recently changed their menu, which is sometimes exciting to try new things... but I also miss some of the older items that were very good. It's been a while since I've been back here, but I'll have to be back soon.
(4)
Lizzy S.
When I'm looking for a nice place to take someone who likes good food, I take them to Leon's. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend their french fries, which come with an array of amazing sauces! The portions are average and fill you up. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. But what I like the best is the atmosphere. I always feel like I'm on vacation at Leon's.
(4)
Janner M.
My wife and I drove to Decatur after we hiked up Stone Mountain. We were excited to try this place for the first time. Sad I'm leaving a one star review, because it has nothing to do with the food. The food was good, but the service we got from our server was the worst we have gotten in awhile. The server never once! Checked on how things were doing, he just kept avoiding coming to our table.never asked how the food was. I had to get his attention from across the dining room to ask for more sauce and he never came back with it, instead he came back with another tables togo box and just kept serving his other tables. Later the host came and brought our sauce we waited for. He also didn't care to bring us another bottle of water after seeing our bottle and GLASSES were empty. Last but not least he didn't ask again how our experience was and thank us for our business. Just dropped the check and that was all. Not a kind word was even said. Luckily we have a family member who own a restaurant and we understand how to tip well and still left him a 20% tip. Sad to say but I doubt we'll be telling family or friends about this place, other than the fact of the service we got.
(1)
Kev K.
I'm over it. They have been consistently raising their prices (who isn't) BUT they have removing middle category items. Items that would suffice for a great meal and are in the 8-11 range. I think there are only 4 or 5 sandwiches left (brisket is off the chain!) Thats really the only reason why I cannot give them a better star rating. Their food is great, only had a couple bad experiences, and the waitstaff will shame your attempts at coolness. Sorry your not as cool as the staff at Leon's. Fries are great, mussels are great, pig smorgas is pretty great, scallops are semi great. They do have Ice spheres on occasion, which I do fancy, but I have to beg to get one in my Bulleit. Their fancy cocktails are great, I have always had a good experience with them (at times they get delivered and attempt to whittle away my masculinity) and the super serious cocktail professional that puts every molecule of their sole into making it. Great spot for a proper meal out, but it has lost its lore for me.
(3)
Chad J.
Our evening started out excellent. I have not been back to Atlanta in a while and wanted to treat my partner to a great meal. Finding a gluten free menu can be tough depending on where you are in the USA. We decided to try Leon's and started with fries, chicken sausage and split a salad. I have to admit, the appetizers were outstanding. Great flavor, texture and a sense of surprise in each bite. The server was kind and courteous and offered great suggestions for drinks and our meal. Unfortunately, my partner ordered the duck as an entree and it came out with farro. So, the skinny is, there is no such think as gluten free farro. Farro is a low gluten grain that for those that have celiac's does NOT work! We were disappointed that given the restaurant's attention to detail (including a separate frier for gluten free fries) that they would make this mistake. My partner unfortunately took a bite before he noticed and was sick the next day. Forgetting the fact that we all have uncomfortable stomach experiences here and there when we eat out, Celiac's is a serious disease and even small traces of gluten over time can lead to serious health challenges in the future. I hope that Leon's will hold true their otherwise great attention to detail and make sure the food is safe for those that seek to venture out in an often unsafe food environment. This would have been a great opportunity to comp an entree for the confusion and instead the house decided to comp us 2 espressos. It reinforces for me that the industry has not yet fully understood and embraced the severity of gluten intolerance and its long term medical/health implications for Celiac's sufferers.
(2)
Akshata M.
We happened to arrive at Leons late around 11.30pm as it was the only restaurant open as we were driving by downtown Decatur. The ambiance was really nice, though a bit loud which is to be expected as they have a bar and restaurant. I am not much of a drinker so I can't comment on their beverage selection but the drinks are not cheap our alcohol bill was over $45 for just 4 drinks. The food was alright the appetizers were small ...we ordered mussels and calamari which I have definitely eaten better. Though my husband enjoyed them probably coz he was crazy hungry by then. For the main course I had the pork chop which was excellent except for the sides which totally disappointed. The green beans were not done properly and I kept wanting the fingerling potatoes from my Fil's plate instead. The service was polite and helpful but beware this place will charge 20% gratuity on parties 5 or more and they considered my kids under 5 as a person even though they did not eat!!! The bill including gratuity and taxes is enough to go to another restaurant and eat better food! I will not visit this restaurant again unless we are stuck in a bind because we are out and about late and need to eat. .
Before I start, I'm going to ditto a lot of people that my true rating is more a 3 1/2. Tonight was my first time at Leon's, though I've heard a lot about it. I've always been a fan of Brickstore, so this was a much-anticipated visit! I went to meet a very old friend for dinner, and she was running late, so our server (Shannon, she rocks!) helped me pick out a beer and chatted with me about beer and breweries. I will say that even though we loved Shannon, things were a little slow sometimes-- that being said, they're also a pretty new place so some of the servers are probably getting used to things still. On to the food! I started with the calamari, which was fantastic-- perfect texture and level of rubberiness, and great flavors. I'm a BBQ sauce connoisseur and I really liked theirs, tangy with a bit of bite to it. I got the burger (with Gruyere instead of cheddar) with a side salad and was pleased with the meal, though I didn't find anything particularly special about the burger-- which I expected since it's grass-fed beef. The salad was phenomenal, the mesclun greens with the pumpkin seeds and orange tobasco vinaigrette was inspired! My friend had the shrimp gyro and the arugala salad and enjoyed hers. We finished with the fruit cobbler, a blueberry peach cobbler which was SO good. I mean, it's hard to be bad when you're combining blueberry and peach, but it was the perfect size for the two of us to share for a little something sweet at the end of the meal. We ended up hanging out and having another beer, and spent about $60 for the two of us which seemed a little pricey for just two and not leaving very full, but I also don't feel like it was a total rip off either-- I think I feel the same way as a lot of my friends that I felt like it was about $10 too much. The atmosphere was really nice, the theme was cute but not overdone, and the patio was very pleasant. I know it's a picky thing, but the chairs did hurt my butt a little-- we were sitting on the slatted-bottom chairs outside and after an hour it got a little old. All in all, the food is probably worth it if you have the cash to drop. I also really enjoyed that when I ordered my sweet tea, I got a cute little jug of it to sit on the table for refills! I would label it more as a casual special-occasion place than a go grab dinner kind of place, it's just out of reach of that price range. Plus, the food is pretty snazzy!
(3)
Andrew T.
I tried Leon's for lunch on Memorial Day because pretty much nothing else was open, and I'm glad I did. I had the pub frites with the goat cheese fondue and the bacon herb mayonnaise and both were heavenly. The beef burger was cooked perfectly and I enjoyed the homemade tomato sauce. Looking forward to going back.
(4)
C.E. D.
Meh. We went for brunch today. It took 45 minutes to get our food, which in my opinion rated a C+. Flavorless mussels, overly balsamicy chickpea salad with cheese in it (odd), and a chicken schnitzel that was reminiscent of chicken tenders. The special roast beef sandwich was also pretty average. And, all of it was overpriced for what you got.
(2)
Paul S.
I was brought here for my birthday and we had a great time! We'd talked about coming for a while and it was worth the wait. The restaurant design is so simply done and incredibly inviting. The menu itself just sounds interesting and with several dishes including complex flavors it made it difficult to decide on an entree. For an appetizer we shared the Pork Smorgas. Great, but not as amazing as it sounded and my date I agreed that more ham is needed. Flavorful but left me wanting just a little bit more... My Burger was great. Hey, with a lot of choices you usually can't go wrong with a great burger. Nothing too out of this world and over the top, they just served me a really well prepared burger. Home made catsup and mustard, bread and butter pickles and Tillamook cheddar cheese. The meat was cooked perfectly and the bread made the sandwich all that much better! My date had the Grilled Veggie sandwich which I tried and was slightly jealous of. The leftovers are in the fridge and it's taking all of me not to eat it before she comes over tonight! Side of the day: Grilled Kale, Corn and Bacon... Yes, Yes and YEEESSSSS... Layered flavors in every bite with little bits of rectangular heaven in the form of bacon tossed in vinegary love. Tangy greatness.... The Pub Frites were some damn amazing fries... With Goat Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mango Catsup as my two sauces I consumed every little shard of fry served to me. Amazing... We culminated our evening with two desserts. One for here, one TOGO. We shared the Seasonal fresh fruit cobbler which had great flavor from the local peaches but it appeared there was no sugar in the whipped cream. It was good, but could have been a lot better. Half Pound Oatmeal Cream Pie? Surely they've got to be kidding, right? Served in a brown paper bag at the table along side a knife this creamy cookie with hints of cream cheese had just enough filling to balance the cookie. Very well done... and served in a perfect carrying case to take home with you. Cons: Slow service and the place was unbelievably warm. I could hear the AC running but couldn't feel it AT ALL... blah! Georgia in June!! I just felt.... ugggh. It wasn't comfortable and that bothered me.
(4)
Ellen Y.
I tried Leon's Full Service for the first time on a Friday night and was a bit nervous as I had heard a lot of hype and they don't accept reservations but figured it had to be worth it right? Upon arrival, we were informed the wait was over an hour long but we cozied up to the bar and with the amazing assortment of cocktails, we were thoroughly entertained the entire time - it honestly did not feel like a wait at all, just a little pre-dinner party. When we were seated, our party opted to order several small plates in lieu of one main course each. If your group is comfortable with this, I highly recommend this route as literally everything we tried was delicious. If you opt for a single entree and are having trouble deciding, just ask your server. They are incredibly knowledgeable and will actually offer opinions about the menu. I can't wait to go back during the warmer months to enjoy the bocce ball and outdoor patio!
(5)
Elizabeth G.
I dream of the turkey schnitzel sandwich. Absolutely fantastic.
(5)
Jim D.
Ms. L. and I have eaten here three times. In fact, our first date was at Leon's, so we have a soft spot for it. We love the food, we love the drinks. The wait staff has been great two of the three times we've gone. However . . . unless you're a master lip reader, don't go to Leon's thinking you'll be able to catch up with friends over a nice drink. It has been too loud for conversation every single time we've been. It's one thing to yell at your date to be heard during a Zoroaster show at Masquerade, but it's just wrong to be served food and booze this good in such a loud atmosphere! This is a physical problem with the space, not about the clientele, and it could be fixed. Others have commented on specific dishes: the frites, the mussels, the brussels sprouts. They're all great. Last night the mussels really wowed us: fat and sweet with a wonderful fresh basil flavor. The wait staff was also outstanding last night. We waited about an hour for a table (understandable for a Saturday), and the greeter (Molly?) checked on us repeatedly, apologized for the wait, and comped us an appetizer when she noticed how long we'd been waiting. Once we were seated, all was well. I got a really tasty weissbier I'd never had before, and the food came out quickly and was super. Ms. L. thought the trout in the trout gyro was perhaps less fresh than she liked, but that was the only complaint we had about anything we were served. Try the fried spiced chickpeas! To be honest, I love the food, and the location is too convenient to avoid, but until I hear they've done something about the acoustics, I won't be back.
(3)
T M.
Stopped by Leon's while on business. It was a long day and wanted to try out a local business. This restaurant far exceeded my expectations. A comparable meal in NY or Boston would have been at least double the price. The experience was great in all facets. Friendly and knowledgable staff, excellent cocktail program and great food. I tried the chicken sausage following the recommendation of the bartender and was not disappointed. The gastropub concept has been a bit overdone lately, but the food at Leon's Full Service is of exceptional quality. Don't think I will be back in Atlanta any time soon, but i'd highly suggest it to anyone that is. Give it a try!
(5)
Iffat B.
First off....the service here is amazing! My friend and I split the beef brisket sandwich and they brought it out, neatly cut into two pieces, on two different plates. The sandwich was fantastic and it was even better since we didn't have to split it ourselves! We also got the infamous fries with madras curry catsup, smoked tomato mayo, and the garlic aioli. My favorite was definitely the smoked tomato mayo. The dish comes with 2 sauces, but if you sweet talk the waitress, she'll give you 3 :)
(4)
Courtney R.
I really wanted to love this place more. I was happy to see the old antique shop was being remodeled and couldn't wait to partake in the yummy goodness that imagined exuding from the very funky digs. An offshoot of the Brick Store folks I had high expectations. The beer selection is decent, but no where near what you'll find around the corner at the pub. The food was okay, but I was expecting better. We ordered the mussels but the flavor was bland and I still have yet to find mussels that I enjoy more than those at the Highlander. We also had the calamari which was decent, much better than the mussels but nothing that would cause me to crave Leon's after leaving. Overall, in comparing to other Decatur eating spots Leon's would land towards the bottom. I just wasn't wow'ed on my first visit.
(3)
Live To Feast I.
As I left Leon's Full Service for the first time, I looked back at the locals who still packed the patio with envy. Granted, it is only 15-20 minutes from my place in Buckhead. But considering how often I intend to come back, I should probably just save myself the gas and look into breaking my lease. Upon arriving on the Friday night that my girlfriend and I went to the first come, first served neighborhood pub, it was apparent we were a little behind the 8-ball in discovering this place. It was packed. Since we were staring down a 1.5 hour wait, we decided to pony up to the bar. It is not often that I would cite a cocktail as THE highlight of an overall fantastic meal, but I might just have to in this case. If you are a bourbon drinker (as I am) and you love bacon (as you should), then don't leave here without trying the Benton's Old Fashioned. They save the drippings from all of the Benton's country ham and bacon used in their various dishes and soak it overnight in bourbon. They then freeze the mixture and cut off the solidified fat, leaving behind a bourbon that is deliciously rich with the smoky and meaty taste of the bacon. This balances beautifully with the maple syrup and bitters to make a cocktail that you can't get anywhere else in town. *Side note* - The bacon-bourbon easy to duplicate at home. I have gone through more than one bottle of it since originally writing this review, but that is a post for another day.... The pub frites are a great way to start the meal, and there is a wide selection of great dipping sauces to pair with them. We had the smokey Leon's BBQ sauce, goat cheese fondue, and the black pepper mayo. I would recommend all of them. Next, we munched on the Pig Smorgas, which was probably my favorite dish that we ordered. The country ham, melted gruyere, cherry jam, and pineapple all blend wonderfully. The salty smokiness is cut by the sharp gruyere, balanced by the sweetness of the cherry and pineapples, and the crunchy toast gives it a nice texture. I honestly considered bypassing a main dish and just ordering four more of them. I was really eyeballing the beef brisket sandwich for my main dish, but I went with the waiter's recommendation and had the Beef Bistro steak instead, which was really the only lackluster part of the meal. "Lackluster" may be a little harsh...it just wasn't AS great as everything else. I think the bread was just a little too thick, which gave the sandwich a dryness that was a distraction from the otherwise nice flavor combinations of the roasted red peppers and the horseradish mayo. Overall, this place is great for dinner, for drinks, or for both. But I guess that's kind of the idea with the whole Gastropub thing, and they pull it off wonderfully.
(4)
Stormtrooper H.
we found Leon's to be VERY LOUD inside and hard to hear the people at our table. The food was fine. Parking was a real pain and I'm not sure the AC was working as it was cooler outside (at 89 degrees) than it was inside..
(2)
John G.
Seriously one of my favorite places to eat. The service is seamless and friendly with everyone being attentive and quick to help. The dining space is comfortable , full of light and classy yet not pretentious. The food is spot on, clean fresh flavors, not too expensive for what you get, and just experimental enough to stay interesting. Love it. Kudos to the owners and back and front of the house staff!! My place to grab some small plates and a sandwich on a weekend afternoon.
(5)
John H.
I love Leon's. From the special cocktails to the fries to the bocce ball court, it is awesome. The decor is very interesting, I'm not sure how to describe it; 50s soda joint meets modern loft? But lets talk about the food. The Pub Frites are amazing as an appetizer or as a side. I have now tried three sauces: masaman curry, bacon and terragon mayonaise, and smoked tomato mayonaise. The masaman curry was a little lacking but the two mayonaise sauces were to die for (which could probably happen if you keep eating them, but it would be such a sweet death). The peppadews stuffed with goat cheese were fantastilicious. I had never heard of peppadews before, but now I love them. These tasted like unfried jalapeno poppers. I am craving them now. We were a little hesitant to try the Bacon in a Glass with Peanut Butter, but I think I'll definitely get that next time. As far as the entrees, these were maybe my least favorite part of the meal, but they were still awesome. I had the halibut and the beau had the Pork Chop. The pork chop was delicious all the way down to the fingerling potatoes. My fish was pretty good, but I would not order it again (and it appears to not be on the menu anymore anyway). All in all it was a fabulous night out. I will definitely be returning.
(4)
Ryan L.
My fiancee and I came here for one of our first meals since moving to the metro area and have been back about once a week ever since. The dipping sauces for the fries are almost all amazing (personal preference), the bar drinks are really good, the servers are nice and attentive but not over bearing, and the mains dishes are excellent. I almost always get the cheese burger and it never disappoints. On our last visit a few days ago, I tried one of the daily specials (a filet with mashed potatoes and fried kelp) and I can honestly say it was the best steak I've ever had, and probably the best meal.
(5)
Kelli A.
Over to Atlanta for a day of shopping and found Leon's. The waitress spent a lot of time explaining the menu and letting us know that they don't own a freezer and that everything was freshly prepared. We started out with the lug nuts because it was late in the day. They were delicious nuts with toasted with spices. Lunch came out pretty quickly and my husband had the burger and fries. I'm not much of a burger person but this one was perfectly cooked and juicy. He had the homemade BBQ sauce with his fries. A bit spicey but nice. I had the mussels with side salad. The mussels came with toasted bread for dipping in the yummy broth. Now I'm back home to figure out that broth recipe!
(5)
Bill K.
Very well done gastropub. Couldn't stop eating the food (brisket sandwich and Brussels sprout hash). And the service was attentive even though they were slammed.
(5)
Maral B.
Awesome laid back atmosphere but dressy enough for a special occasion. All the ingredients come from local businesses. The food was delicious and the drinks are awesome. If you are looking for variety in drinks and menu items, you'll find it here. Anybody from the burger connoisseur to the vegetarian will be satisfied with menu options and their meal. The staff was super helpful and willing to make alterations as needed. The bathrooms were clean and aesthetically pleasing. You couldn't ask for more from a restaurant!
(5)
Ben H.
We went here with some peeps for drinks and dinner. I was looking forward to giving this place another go. As you can see in Todd's picture, the bar here is pretty cool - it has that wicked sliding ladder and the large draft displays. I dig it. The beer selection is pretty good here (as to be expected). Mmmmm N'ice Chouffe. And I really like their attention to proper glassware here - getting a beer in a glass that is made for it is nice. Anyway - on to food and service! Bucket O' Fries - Got this bad boy again. It was decent though it could've been better - hotter, better seasoned, etc. The fries weren't bad - they just seemed a little on the bland side. We ended up with 2 of the same sauces I'd had before - goat cheese fondue and smoky tomato mayo. The tomato mayo was still good and the goat cheese fondue was still too bland and liquidy. Brisket sandwich - This was a much better option than the frighteningly awful burger I had last time. The bread is great, the meat is pretty good, and all the flavors work really well together. I recommend getting the gravy on the side - TAKE THE POWER BACK and now you control the gravification of your sandwich. Overall, this was a good offering - I'd get it again. Salad - Unfortunately, one huge strike for Leon's is the completely lack of sides other than salads. The Bucket O' Fries is a pretty common appetizer for people so unless you really can't stuff your face full of enough fries - excuse me, pub frites - you are pretty much forced into getting a salad. I like the arugula salad I had, but I'd like more options on the menu. Service - Our server was pretty good and made a lot of effort for our table despite being slightly (faux?) awkward. Anyway, Leon's is definitely a step up from last time but it's still not quite into awesome territory yet for me. 3.5
(3)
Stephen F.
Ok, perhaps I am not a beer person or perhaps I am not a gastro-pub person. Or, perhaps I am just a really picky eater. Leon's was OK. We went there early in the evening because we were told that the wait can get very long. We had some apps. The hummus was so-so. The waitress warned us that it was more of a take off on hummus rather than your traditional hummus. Yes, indeed, it was. It was orange. Not orange as in a nice Florida orange, it was orange like the sun at sunset on the beach. Fire flame orange. The taste was not very good. A little too heavy handed. The olives were great but how can you mess them up! The nuts were roasted with a nice glaze and had a spicy kick. I will give them props for the hand made "lug nuts." I tried some of the pomme frites and I did not care for them at all. The taste was rather tasteless truth be told. They came with many dipping sauce choices and I began to wonder if it was more about the dipping sauces and less about the pomme frites. I had the scallops and they were overcooked. I am a big fan of sea scallops but I like them translucent. These were over cooked and on the dry side. Dessert was a big bomb. We tried the cobbler and the waffle. The waffle was dry and the chocolate on top was kinda cold by the time it hit the table. It reminded me of Sunday breakfast that was sitting out too long. The cobbler was OK. The ice cream was awesome but who doesn't love anything with the work cream in it! The wait staff was excellent and they are quite knowledgeable about the beers. I had no idea what they were talking about and it was almost like they were speaking a foreign language...hoppy, barley, blah, blah, blah. But they appear to know their crap when it comes to beer. Oh yea, the place is really cool on the inside. For those of you who remember the old shop and the gas station, the interior is really cool and it is hard to believe it is now a restaurant.
(3)
Lyn P.
Brittany Grace was our waitress and she was exceptional....personable, built rapport, made excellent recommendations and was very attentive. We stayed at least 45 minutes after we paid and she still came over to refill our waters a few times. Usually after you pay in other establishments they're done with you...not here. This place is the place to be! Fantastic atmosphere (noisy but fun). The food is out of this world! We tried a few things...we had a plate of three cheeses with bread, the Pig Smorgas, the plate of olives, and the glass of bacon for appetizers. Everything was perfect. For our entrees we had the gyro with ribeye strips, the shrimp roll, and the grass fed burger which Brittany Grace recommended to get medium well which came out perfect for my friend. He was pleased. We also had plenty of frittes and the dips were great(they have a lot to choose from). Oh, I also forgot to mention how I loved my bloody Mary's...they had spicy salami in them! I will definitely be a frequenter!!!
(5)
Julia S.
The food I had here was decent, I just wish that the one main dish they have would be vegan rather than just vegetarian (their veggieloaf has egg in it, so even if you ask for it without cheese, I still couldn't eat it). Also, considering this is in downtown Decatur, I think it's disappointing that they don't have a veggie burger. The fries are good. Their carrot pine nut hummus is OK, but honestly I have a recipe at home that is much better than it. All in all, if you're a cheese-loving vegetarian, there are lots of yummy options for you. As a vegan, not so much.
(3)
Megan M.
Great food -- really interesting combinations (I have yet to find one that doesn't work). Great atmosphere and service. A little loud at times but lots of good energy.
(4)
Emily R.
I really, really wanted to like this place. Honestly. I think they did such a gorgeous job with the renovation, turning what was really becoming an eye sore into something so amazing. Plus I think the Brick Store really hits all the right notes, so what went wrong here? Where to start? My meal was an almost complete disaster from start to finish. My server was so neglectful, at one point I wondered if he'd gone home. He only stopped by my table 4 times while I was there. The crazy thing was that all of the other servers seemed like they were really on top of their tables and even would refill my water glass as they passed by as my guy clearly wasn't doing it. It was one of these servers who brought me extra ketchup for my burger after I waited for my server to come back and check on me, which never happened. I ordered the "leige" waffles to start. I should have known that being unable to spell liege waffle would also lead to being unable to produce a liege waffle. What I was served was dried out and had sparse patches of sugar. I'm pretty sure that they made them in advance, then just re-heated them with the sugar. There isn't any reason why they can't make them to order, it only takes about 2 minutes for the dough to cook and serving anything other than freshly cooked waffles is a travesty. If they can't do it, they need to take them off the menu. For my entree, I tried the grass fed burger. This is not the H&F burger. The meat had an oddly chewy/spongy texture and other than that it was completely run of the mill. The fries were good, not great, but definitely hand cut and twice fried and served piping hot. What made them stand out were the sauces. I tried smoked tomato mayo which was very nice and the pepper gravy, which was a very nice rich gravy that could have used a touch more black pepper and that would make excellent poutine with some nice cheese curds on those fries. I should have stopped there, but no, I had to try dessert. Fuji apple "cobbler" to be exact. This consisted of dried out diced fuji apple chunks with leathery bits of skin on nearly every piece, topped by half baked crisp topping, not cobbler, with nearly raw bits of oats and sandy brown sugar. Because it hadn't baked long enough, the apples hadn't released any juice, so the whole dish was just dry and unappealing save for the whipped cream which did not go far enough to fix that mess. Would I go back? I don't know. The other servers seemed to be professional and it certainly was crowded so hypothetically there may be items on the menu that are successful, but I just don't see it. Combine that with scarcity of parking and this place is just more hassle than it's worth, which is really too bad.
(2)
Johnston O.
Since my first review I've been back about a dozen times - this is one of my lunch go-tos on Sundays after a DeKalb Farmer's market visit. Service is great and I have always been pleased with my meals; you'll definitely want to try the daily special sandwiches and brunches. Awesome beer selection as well; I really need to make a dinner visit.
(5)
Erin M.
Three bads before I get the ball rolling: -I feel like it's just a little too pricey. (Sides are $4? Fries are $5? Really?) -I also have a bone to pick with them, their drink menu online is different from the one I saw at the restaurant (the mixed drink I wanted was $8, really? I'll pass.) -The wait... it's insane. So aside from not remembering the drink I wanted from online and gasping at the prices - I had an AWESOME time. I guess it helps that we went with someone who works there. We were seriously treated like Rockstars! ;) I watched the servers at their other tables and they were all pretty bad ass, honestly, and I served for almost 10 years. We met the manager and I think one of the owners... feeling slightly ditzy today. They were very nice and were making rounds checking on tables - love it when they do that. We sampled a bunch of stuff! The peppadews were so yummy, brilliant idea! The currywurst was supposedly really good, but I won't eat that. Lol. Radishes were interesting and different. The fries were really good but I expected more out of the horseradish dipping stuff, it wasn't horsey enough. Meals were plentiful. The brisket sandwich was HUGE. I didn't eat any but the girl who had it loved it. I split the turkey sandwich with my girl and enjoy it, but it wasn't anything special. I think we really just got it for the tillamook, as my girl is from OR/WA and grew up on the stuff. I'd probably go back to this place just to hang out with my friend and the staff, but I don't know that I'd eat. #1 I'm cheap and #2 I'm really picky and just didn't see much on the menu that appealed to me. So yea for those people who want farm fresh and are willing to pay for it. And yea for Leon's using that stuff. I'm just not that into it. And no points were harmed because of that. Points were solely taken away for the three bads I listed first. PS... their fish is supposed to be really good! My friend is biased, but she told me to try it next time. We'll see.
(3)
Dave A.
Great food--try the brisket! An incredible bar staff and menu! I love Leon's! Now, seriously, let's get moving on the Grant Park location at Ormewood & Confederate. The neighborhood cannot wait for more Brick Store/Leon's goodness.
(5)
Justin H.
Awesome food, great atmosphere, terrific drinks and GIANT ICE CUBES. One of the best spots in Decatur.
(5)
Judy S.
Bliss can be found at Leon's in Decatur Georgia, a town that merges seamlessly with Atlanta. I had redfish on couscous seasoned with Tasso ham and shrimp that was a superb blending of texture and flavor. One companion had the vegetarian meatloaf, which sounded awful to me,but which had a robust and fresh flavor. My other companion had the vegetable pot pie which tasted of roux and winter vegetables and was simply perfect. The restaurant is located on Decatur Square which is a shopping area of small boutiques , great restaurants and a really terrific bookstore called the Little shop of stories. The restaurant is pretty noisy, but if you ask for table near the back sound levels levels drop immediately. The waitstaff is spot on and the wine list is quite nice.
(5)
Garrett L.
We went early on a Saturday night for a light dinner and a few drinks. We are greeted with a friendly wait staff and a laid back atmosphere. They have a decent drink menu with interesting (although a little watered down) and seasonal feeling choices. We got the special with gin and absinthe which was surprising,smooth and refreshing. We started with the pub frites with three dipping sauces - we picked goat cheese fondue and curry catsup and our waitress brought us the smoked tomato mayonaise on her. The mayonaise sauce is her favorite and ours, the goat cheese fondue was too lite in flavor and the curry catsup was nice but not extrodinary. We also ordered the goat cheese stuffed peppadews to start. They were great, a combination of sweet cheese and slightly hot peppers - the portion was small but perfect for a taste. We will return in a month or so.
(4)
Michelle K.
I have a thing for fries so when I saw the pub frites on the menu, I was in heaven! The fries were the kind with the skin on and cooked with the perfect crispiness so you definitely won't have a "soggy fry!" The black pepper mayonnaise & cucumber dill-yogurt are my favorite dipping sauces. I got a chance to try their bacon in a glass with peanut butter dipping sauce and I must say, it's quite the surprise in your mouth. You'll just have to try it out to see if you like it yourself. :) If you're into beer, then this is the place to be for sure as they advertise their beers throughout the back of the bar. Waitstaff was pleasant and the atmosphere is pretty casual but has a great energy!
(4)
Sid P.
Pretty damn good. The wife and I are pretty much junkies for Leon's now. Bacon in a glass is as ridiculous as it sounds - probably the best bacon you've ever eaten, with delicious peanut butter. It sounds insane, but it's pretty good. The fries are excellent (try the curry ketchup) and the burger is outstanding. I've had the brisket too, and while it's good, it's not as good as my mama's. Our server was great, and that's one thing I really liked about Leon's - the staff are all kind of hipster types, but they're generally enthusiastic and helpful, instead of being sullen and indolent, like you'd expect. Beer selection is pretty solid, too. We will probably go back again in the next week or two, and again after that - Taco Mac is really calling us now that football is back, but Leon's is calling us with delicious delicious food. WHICH ONE WILL WIN!?!?!?!?
(5)
Foodie Buddha F.
Disregard the rating / Open one day so there is. no way to really rate the restaurant properly. // So we checked out Leon's Full Service tonight. It was opening night, and not surprisingly - there were some winners and some losers. I'll save the meat of the review for my blog post, but I wanted to give people a summary over here. The interior is spacious and clean; the sky blue paint job is accented with wood booths and metal chairs for the free-standing tables. In that respect, it is quite a step up from the Brick Store (which is owned and operated by the same group). The atmosphere is lively but does not lend itself to pretentious attitudes. It helps that the restaurant sits in that old gas station building on the corner of E. Ponce and Church (hence the "full service" reference in the name). Service was surprisingly good for an opening night. It looks like they have a pretty solid system in place. A main waiter is assigned to a group of tables, runners handle the food delivery, and a handful of people were there to oversee and maintain order. How much of this was the result of opening night enthusiasm remains to be seen. The bar area is well laid out and visually appealing. Two columns of nameplates that list the available beers hang behind the bartenders. A nice touch if you ask me. In addition to the beers, a full selection of liquor and wine is available. The beverages are reasonably priced and I suspect this will be a big draw for LFS. The menu, which includes a variety of options, is very enticing at first glance. Things that caught my eye the first time through were the pub frites, the snacks, and the diversity amongst the remaining items. While the fare at the Brick Store is straight forward and simple, Leon's seems to employee a more diverse set of ingredients and dishes. Nothing here is earth shatteringly progressive, yet there is a nice....fresh appeal to the ingredient list. However, after I wrapped up my meal, I quickly surmised that there are a number of needed improvements. In that spirit, the Brick Store gets too much love for their food. I would not be surprised to see that happen with Leon's. My beef w. the food at Brick Store and LFS is low quality of ingredients. At Leon's, it seems ownership took the time to "raise the bar" with the menu composition but not with the quality of product used to create the dishes. I don't care how good of a chef you are... crap in = crap out. The French fry list is pretty cool. You get a basic order or French fries (which I found to be tasty on their own), but you have a choice of roughly 12 dipping sauces. You can order them as a side with one sauce (4 bucks) or you can get them with three sauces (6 bucks). Our waiter was super cool...I ordered the fries as a side with my main course. I started with the horseradish mayo but since the portion was small... I asked if I could try the smoked tomato may ... he happily brought me the extra sauce gratis. I'm inclined to say that this will be one of the better items on the menu. I am inclined to return so that I can check out the more adventurous concoctions (goat cheese fondue anyone???) In addition to a handful of appetizers, Leon's offers up several snack selections. We elected to sample the lug nuts (a.k.a. almonds) for $3. The portion was too small for the price point - but I did enjoy the sweet flavor. For a starter, I went with the rabbit tenders. They came with a lemon and caper relish and sweet mustard. The dish was a disaster. The sauces did not lend themselves well to the flavor of the tenders. Granted, the tenders themselves were poorly executed...but even if that was not the case... I think the dish would have been a failure. The batter was light, but the rabbit was gamey, dry (aka overcooked), and not particularly flavorful. For our main courses, I went with the beef bistro steak and Brian had the shrimp gyro. I had a bite of his gyro - the bread was waaaaay too stiff, but the cucumber yogurt was well balanced and lent itself well to the shrimp. Not a bad dish - but at $10, I was disappointed with the quality of ingredients (anyone starting to see a pattern develop?). My sandwich was a muddled execution of mediocrity. The steak was "okay", but the gruyere, charred red pepper, arugula, and horseradish mayo were slopped on. It seemed like someone hired to read a list of ingredients was responsible for its creation. As for quality of ingredients .... take a guess. The bun was the biggest disappointment ... it was nothing more than a stale bun that wasn't even toasted. After 2 liquor drinks, 2 glasses of wine, 1 app, 1 snack, 1 side and two sandwiches, our bill came to $75 including tip. That's a little much. All in all, I absolutely dug the vibe, and the service, but I thought the food left a lot to be desired. I expect this place to be a darling of the neighborhood. Will I eat here again? Yes... Will I ever go here to eat? Not so sure at this point.
(2)
Beth G.
Love this place! The foods and beverages are all created with fresh local products. The specialty cocktails are inventive (egg nog is great, Stackhouse is so-so but definitely an original). The idea of the "Biggy Shorty" deal - shared specialty 750 ml beers - is a great one. The menu is appealing and good for sharing with a date or with friends. Reasonably priced. We shared their famous fries, which they swapped out for us when we realized we had all little ends and pieces. I had chicken liver croquettes - delicious. And in the end, we walked for about $20 or $25 per person, plus tip.
(5)
Danielle H.
We went to Leon's when it first opened...I guess what...2 or 3 years ago...sat inside and had a fancy pork roast dinner. At the time we were seriously unimpressed...a bit full of itself...just didn't seem worth it. Great style...very cool...the food wasn't even bad...just so damn loud! However over the last few months we've been finding ourselves there more and more and enjoying it more each time. It's still awfully loud inside and unbelievable busy on Friday and Saturday...getting to the bar can be quite a chore...but thankfully the staff always seem to be exceedingly friendly and helpful...not to mention very knowledgeable. A couple of our fave waitstaff have been Amy, Adam...and a blonde guy can't remember his name but he was great as well. Our preference is to sit outside and order the pub frites and masaman curry sauce with a couple, delicious Belgian beers. Also the bacon in a glass...wow! Try it with the Peat Monster Scotch! Heaven! Also, never disappointed with the flat bread starters. Highlights: Service, patio, bocce court, pub frites Low points: very loud, crowded Enjoy!
(4)
Dara F.
One of Decatur's best spots. Drinks are always amazing, food is always magical and the servers are beyond awesome, nice and helpful. Get the bacon in the glass and a gutterpop!
(5)
Lisa K.
Everytime summer is on the horizon I get that spring fever and want to run far far far away from Atlanta. Luckily, this spring brought Leon's, which has saved me (so far). Instead of running away I just go to this pleasant bar in Decatur. Unlike its counterpart, the Brickstore, Leon's is much more inviting: open, friendly, unimposing yet hip, etc. I love sitting and drinking my beer while the breeze blows through the open windows and I listen to the clicking of the bocce balls outside. I can almost pretend I'm not even in Atlanta when I'm here, and for that, I'm very happy.
(4)
Adam K.
This is by far one of my favorite places to in Decatur. It's also one of the few places I can go where I can sit at the bar, order a beer, read my book, and not get a strange look for doing so. Speaking of beer, like its big bro, Brick Store, Leon's always has a great selection on tap. As for food you can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu, and of course their Pub Frites (with various dipping sauces) are just great. The atmosphere is open and friendly while keeping a little bit of a contemporary edge. The staff is very friendly, and always happy to have chat with you. My only complaint is that their vegetarian choices are rather limited, and while my wife would like to come more often; there's only so many times you can eat the same two menu items.
(4)
Kendall C.
Food was okay but service was not. We ordered a few dishes but, though the place was not crowded, the waiters did not stop by our table often. We ordered the pecan pie, and ended up waiting half an hour and asking two waiters a total of three times about the pie. Wish they would have just let us know about the pie.
(1)
Vincent M.
During the Decatur Arts Festival we stopped into Leon's Full Service for lunch.. Wow is all I have to say, since the antique shop closed and Leon's took its place we have resisted because it looked just too hipster with the bocce court on the side and the whole gastro pub vibe. I have to say I really denied myself some great food and just as wonderful beer selections. I know it was a hectic day for the waitstaff but not once were we left feeling ignored or neglected. I will say that so many folks helped us I forget who our waitress really was. I really didnt know what I wanted to drink that day and gave our waitress free reign to bring whatever she thought I might like. She asked me a few questions and immediately had a selection for me. Same goes for the dipping sauces that accompanied the Pub Fries and my side dish. She was never condescending or short with me, she was friendly and checked back several times to make sure I liked her selections. Our pub fries came out, with 3 sauces not just the 2 we ordered. Fries are one of those things that are either great or OK, these were GREAT.. Nice crunch, not greasy, and a nice light flavor... Our waitress had thrown in a third sauce that she remembered she liked, she explained when the were delivered and she described each of the dipping sauces. The crab roll I had was excellent ! Nice light crab taste with the herbs and sauce (mayo ?) highlighting the crab not overpowering it. The orzo salad she recommended was excellent, so glad that she came up with this one. My partner had the Cobb Salad, I am guessing it was as good because both our plates were clean. Oh the bacon on this salad was INCREDIBLE, just smokey enough and salty enough. Unlike many places there was just enough fat showing to make it recognizable as bacon. I stole half of it off his plate. We have promised to go back and as the summer nights get longer and hotter I can see spending many nights on the patio enjoying a beer and some light food.
(4)
Cyndi P.
Loved Leon's! Went on my birthday last week with three other friends for pre-dinner drinks and apps. Was perfect! Fries with multiple dipping sauces (Smoked tomato mayonnaise was my fave), waffles in a bag, tiny sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese (yes, please!) and lots of fall drink specials. The atmosphere is very laid-back, open air. Perfect for conversations with friends or just hanging out with a book. Definitely want to go back for a full course.
(4)
Gina B.
I come through Atlanta a couple times of year to visit my parents, and I always try to make a stop in Decatur. This is, by far, my favorite restaurant in the area. Their burgers may just be the best I've ever had, and I love that they use grass-fed beef. Their beer selection is also great. Leon's is a must-do in Atlanta!
(5)
Bindi N.
My experience included a couple of good cold beers, my first game of Bocce ball with a couple of friendly hippies (well, Decatur hippies anyway), a very friendly bartender who was helpful and attentive despite the crowd. Yes please, I'll have another. I've also been here for lunch and am a fan of the food. I found it to be simple yet interesting. I definately am looking forward to going back.
(4)
theron t.
Leon's to me is still trying to find is niche. Your experience can be awesome if you find the diamonds in the rough here. I have friends who work here and own the place, and they certainly know what they are doing, the kitchen just needs to step it up a little. 1. Drinks--Leon's has one of the best cocktail menus in the Atlanta/Decatur area. Miles and the rest of the staff do a great job in crafting some very original offerings. Think house made syrups and extracts, fresh cut fruit, and hand carved ice cubes. Liquors are all small batch, craft spirits. Decently priced. 2. Beer--Like its sister restaurant, Leon's has an extensive selection of beer on draft and in the bottle. Rotating taps on a weekly basis. You won't find any Bud, Coors, etc. Ask your server or bartender if you are unsure what to get, that is what they are there for. 3. Food--Here's where it gets tricky. Leon's has several entrees and sandwiches priced moderately. I had the steak entree, which was a flat iron cut served with a zucchini casserole. Wasn't terrible, but for the price, a little disappointing. This is usually a very cheap, although delicious cut of meat, why the high price? It's the same price as the duck and the grouper. Also had the brisket sandwich, which was lacking in flavor. The burger is very good, but I've found little else that impresses me. What can make a great outing here though is the apps and small plates. Their charcuterie and cheeses are usually very good. Calamari, although cliche in most places, is good here. Fries don't disappoint. Benton Farms ham on toast with jam, excellent. Mussels and hummus are also popular choices. All small salads that I've had were very well done. 4. Service. I have only sat at the bar on my numerous visits, and service is always great. WARNING, this place can get packed on the weekends in the evening. Overall, I'm a fan, but I would like to see some more improvement from the kitchen with sandwiches and entrees. Also, the quicker we can get rid of the term "gastro-pub" to describe places that have a good drink selection and good food, the better. I remember when we would call places like that simply, a great place.
(4)
Dee W.
I LOVE this place, and the atmosphere is great. I had the burger which was really good and my friend had the brisket, which I tried, and was really good too. I really cool spot in Downtown Decatur!
(5)
Kara M.
Big Girl's Dream! BACON IN A GLASS? What magic is that you ask, well it's seriously bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter! Delicious! Everything was great from the service, to the adorable restored filling station, to the food! I had the brisket sandwich and fries... great! We had another appetizer, pig somethin' don't remember but it was fabulous too! (kinda like a monte cristo on non-french toast) EAT THERE!
(5)
Scott G.
I was in town on business and came on two different nights to have drinks with some friends. Then, I came and had lunch. It was lovely! The food was excellent, vegetarian/carnivore-friendly, and served by helpful and attentive-but-not-too-clingy servers. I'm coming back when I'm in town again, absolutely!
(5)
Delores C.
Can't say enough good things about Leon's. I love this restaurant. Menu is very well rounded and everything is executed wonderfully. Bet to Leon's as soon as possible. CHEERS!
(4)
Diana U.
Very very cool place. Leon's food can be considered bar food, but there are definitely other things you can get on the menu that is not so "bar-ish" like their scallops. My boyfriend and I just got sandwiches which came with two sides because we weren't very hungry. That alone only cost us 15 bucks and the sides are big too. I loved their frites (aka fries) which come with 3 different dips. The smoked tomato sauce was recommended by our waiter and it was pretty tasty. The ambiance is fun and lively. I went on quite a unique day when it was snowing in Atlanta and the waiters and customers were participating in snow fights outside Leon's. The employees just seem like a very warm group of people. I'd definitely come back with a group of friends for some drinks.
(4)
Sarah F.
Leon's was fun. The food was good. A bit different from standard pub fare, which was nice. And the cocktails were very tasty. I agree with the reviewer who said that the dipping sauces for the fries don't really enhance the fries. That said, the fries are tasty and a yummy way to begin our meal. We sat outside on the patio and it was lovely outside. Not too many buggies. The service was mediocre. Sweet but disorganized waitress. Our food arrived much later than the other tables around us and my order was not correct. However, they corrected it quickly and let me keep the wrong sides they brought out. Overall they seemed confused but eager and eager covers a multitude of sins. Here's the annoying thing (and this has, in no way affected my rating, but I thought you might enjoy the story, so here goes): I was wearing my cute strappy pink sandals that signal that summer has indeed arrived. My foot happens to have a tattoo on it. Y'all, it's 2009, surely you've seen tattoos by now, right. So these two weirdos were sitting outside too and they kept looking at my foot. I mean, gawking. My friends and I all noticed. So we turned and looked at them. I made the comment "it's just a tattoo, folks." One would assume that would have been the end of it. It wasn't! They continued not only to gawk, but pulled out their iPhone and started taking pictures. So strange. So I hid my foot until finally they left and my foot was liberated. All very random. My feet and I will take ourselves back sometime.
(3)
Angelica C.
I LOVE the pub fries here. DELICIOUS. I picked the bacon & tarragon mayonnaise, Leon's catsup and the spicy mango catsup for my choices of sauce. All are excellent. The service is ridiculously slow.
(4)
K E.
Went with 8 friends on my visit home to Atlanta...awesome as ever!! The Pimm's Cup was delicious, as was the Trout Gyro. Truly my favorite restaurant in my hometown! :)
(5)
Katie C.
I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could. I love coming here. The cocktails are always amazing--they change the drinks around for every season. Great selections of beers, as well. Love the atmosphere at the bar and sitting outside or hanging out at the bocce court. The food never disappoints, either. The only bad thing is that they don't take reservations and the regular dining room lacks atmosphere, in my opinion. Neither of those things are a major turn-off, though.
(4)
Ryan F.
Whenever I hear the name Leon, I am immediately taken back to Midnight Madness's quirky but brilliant scavenger hunt mastermind, Leon. Now that I got that out of the way, let's talk about the restaurant. Apparently this place is run by the Brickstore folks, and it shows in the beer list and wait que. Leon's is already immensely popular but I only found myself here for the first time this past weekend. And crowded it was. Fortunately for the GF and I, some of the tables are screwed into the floor and can only be occupied by two guests. Needless to say, we were seated immediately. I really liked the interior design of this place and while it was very crowded, it wasn't too noisy. We started out with an order of pommes frites, which come with two (out of about a list of ten) complimentary dipping sauces. Sadly, this was a tough choice and I wish they gave the customer two more additional choices per order. The fries are very tasty with a great exterior crunchiness and interior puffiness that is ideal. Unfortunately, our order was over-salted. Both the sauces were lacking in the flavor and texture department, but I preferred the spicy mango catsup over the goat-cheese fondue. The fondue was not fondue-y at all; It was more grainy like Kraft Mac & Cheese. For my main, I got the brisket sandwich with the side special of the night, duck-curry soup. The sandwich was served open faced with tender brisket covered in peppercorn gravy and onion strings. The real star of the sandwich was the bread. It's a thick, crusty slice but is excellently chewy and it never got soggy through entire the course of the meal. I love peppercorn gravy, but it was used pretty sparingly. The onion strings were actually excellent - they were flavorful and firm, not like the soggy mess that are served at too many other places. The duck-curry soup was tasty, but was a little too close to chicken soup. All the typical vegetables were present and the broth really didn't taste heavily enough of curry. There were only about three detectable pieces of duck in the cup as well. GF got the shrimp gyro and enjoyed it very much. She opted for the warm chickpea & cherry salad with basil, aged provolone, and red wine vinaigrette. Chickpeas are not my cup of tea but these, with the cherries (although we thought they were cranberries) were a tasty preparation of something I typically dislike. All of the other sides, outside of the fries, are much healthier than what you will find at gastro-pubs. In fact, they were all salads. This is both a negative and a positive in my book. They have a great sandwich menu and most times, people want something starchy to go with the sammie besides the quintessential fries. However, I give them props because not only are they providing some healthier options to onion rings or mashed potatoes, but the salad the GF got was unique and actually tasted good! So collectively, Leon's was a great success in my book. I'd go back for the sandwich and pomme frites alone and most of the items sounded and looked tasty. If there actually is a guy named Leon behind this place, perhaps it is the genius from Midnight Madness who never reappeared after 1988's Riding Fast. Poor guy.
(5)
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Address :131 E Ponce De Leon Ave
Decatur, GA, 30030
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Hilary C.
Great lunch featured flat bread!!!! Loved it. Good service
(4)Amanda W.
I really do like Leon's but I know that I'm probably not cool enough to eat there. It's definitely a hipster type place. And it seems to have gotten even more hipster-y, the longer it has been open. If you can get back the ironic hipster fashions and waxed mustaches, it's actually a pretty awesome restaurant. The cocktails are always top notch and creative. Many of the ingredients are fresh. While sitting at the bar, I saw them juicing cucumbers - just for one cocktail!!! The beer selection is also rather good too. The food is exceptional. One time I had Beet Hummus and it was just so good. I still yearn for it to this day. I don't think I've had anything bad at Leon's though. The menu is a bit too gourmet / frou-frou, in my opinion for a gastropub, but it's all very tasty (and on the pricier side too). For the pickier eaters, they do have a burger and fries. The burger is good but the fries are probably some of the best I have had. I also like the fact that you can get different dipping sauces for the fries. Another favorite dish of mine, are the Fried Chickpeas, if you're there later in the evening. They're heavenly and help quell the drunk munchies.
(5)Mark B.
I have been wanting to go to Leon's for some time because of the recommendation of long time food critic John Kessler from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. My wife and I went Sunday afternoon since it was such a lovely day and I knew they had outdoor seating. Living intown we don't often get to Decatur. We did not have to wait and were seated near an open window since the outdoor seating was full. I love the design of the restaurant, the bar is covered but open and even the interior lends itself to light and airy environment. We started with apps and a cocktail; the deviled eggs and the pimento cheese. Both were excellent, the cheese had a really nice kick. We were relaxed and in no rush so we sat and enjoyed the weather. Our server Jeremy suggested the pork chop with eggplant and farro. The chop arrived bone in and the combination of flavors of the eggplant, and farro with the chop was outstanding. A very solid dish. I can see why Leon's is the perfect place for a cocktail, beer and a nice bite. There are many things that are recommended that I could not sample on the first visit. I also was impressed by the reasonable pricing. I see so often that you pay a high price for quality and often times will not get the flavor. The bar is fantastic. Our server was knowledgeable and judged our tastes well. What a gem for the neighborhood. I really love the food scene in Decatur and can't wait to return. Leon's is solid and I understand why it is so highly recommended.
(4)Praise Chanme K.
Leon's Full Service is located in a great area within walking distance of the many stores/restaurants in downtown Decatur. Like most venues in the surrounding area, parking can be a pain at times, especially during summer evenings. I've dined at Leon's several times for different occasions, and it's always been a pleasurable experience. The service is extremely friendly and attentive; there's a nice, casual atmosphere; the food is pretty good. Their cocktails have some unique options and I like the bucket of fries with the myriad of sauce options. I do wish the dining menu was more expansive, as I feel like it's a bit limited, but from what they do have available, the food is not bad! Nothing in particular stuck out to me though - while the food was tasty, it didn't jump out as anything out of the ordinary. Overall, 3.5 stars for me. Always good company and pretty solid-tasting food, but nothing really that sets it apart from others.
(3)Daniel B.
This review update for Leon's mainly covers new and different dishes I've tried since posting my original review. Therefore, my rating is based on the food, not the drinks. The menu, look, feel, vibe, and service at the restaurant has hardly changed over the past several years, so most of what's written in my previous review below still apply today. Leon's remains a happening spot (among many) in Decatur for its unique bites, assorted brews, friendly service, cool setting, and laid back and casual atmosphere. One thing that's great about Leon's is it's open late: until 1am, Sunday-Thursday nights, and 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. Perfect for those looking for a good late night dinner. I've only visited at night, where prices run about $5-12 for small plates (appetizers and sides), roughly $12 for sandwiches/burgers, and $20-25 for entrees. No, they still don't take reservations. On weekends, be prepared for a wait. The bar always seems packed with waiting guests as a result. The bar area is cool. The exposed bulb light fixtures and contemporary-rustic design sort of remind me of Empire State South. Garage doors open up and connect the bar to the outdoor covered patio. In cold months, the patio is kept warm by ceiling heaters. The garage doors harken back to the days of the full service filling station (hence, Leon's Full Service). I've changed my mind about Leon's bacon in a glass. It's good. The bacon slices are rich, full-flavored, and not too fatty. The optional peanut butter "supplement" (dipping sauce), while tasty, isn't required. The bacon is good enough on its own. The fries have gotten better too. There are 14 different sauces to choose from to go with your fries. When in doubt, ask your server. I've revisited the beef brisket sandwich. It's OK. You get a lot of meat, but there are some tough, dry, and unappetizing chunks. New/different items I've tried include: Snacks: Moroccan-style beef brisket jerky Peppadews, goat cheese-stuffed Whole garlic-dill pickle Small plates: Frankfurter - Kohlrabi-kale slaw, fingerling potato chips, grain mustard Artisanal Cheeses: Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog Consider Bardwell (Manchester, VT) Landaff cheese (Jasper Hills, VT) Mains: Pan-roasted wild striped bass, ragout of cannellini beans, pancetta & leeks, oven-dried tomato, crispy leeks, Grana Padano. Salad: Baby kale - shaved radish and carrots, preserved lemon, feta, tahini-sumac dressing Sandwiches: Burger - grass-fed beef, Tillamook cheddar, housemade catsup & mustard, B&B pickles, baby iceberg lettuce In general, the food here can be quite salty. Some dishes are loaded in so much sodium that they're hard to enjoy. Examples include the Frankfurter and striped bass (which was a special the time I tried it). Regardless, the Frankfurter sausage is plump and hearty and prepared with a different blend of spices. I really like the Kohlrabi-kale slaw (Kohlrabi is German turnip cabbage) that comes with. It's fresh and crispy. The spicy grain mustard is a nice touch too. When it comes to the striped bass entree, the fish itself tastes great. However, the bed of cannellini beans, leeks, dried tomato, and Grana Padano cheese are just too salty. The cured pancetta doesn't help. Same with the fried leeks, though they're probably added to the dish for extra texture (crispiness). If the saltiness was lessened, this could be a fantastic dish. I'm so-so on the new (new to me) snacks I've tried. The Moroccan-style beef brisket jerky tastes better than it looks. It's a plate of shredded, marinated beef brisket. If you like goat cheese, you'll probably like the cheese-stuffed peppadews. Peppadews are small, red, non-spicy peppers that resemble cherry tomatoes. The garlic-dill pickle is reminiscent of New York deli-style pickles. The meat and cheese selections are very good, so if you are into charcuterie and cheese boards, give them a look. The baby kale salad is good. It has a Mediterranean/Persian flavor to it because of the radish, lemon, and tahini (made from sesame seeds) and sumac (fruity Persian spice) dressing. The baby kale is expectedly smaller, softer, and more tender than regular kale. The burger at Leon's is OK. It's huge and looks funny (in a good way) when placed next to the accompanying B&B (bread and butter) pickle, which is tiny. The beef patty, which is nice and thick, is somewhat tough and chewy. The lightly toasted bun and Tillamook cheese are excellent though. Service is terrific. Self-serve bottles of water are provided at every table (and you're going to need it). I've never had a problem parking for Leon's. In Decatur, all metered parking is free after 6pm. I've been able to find a spot on E Ponce De Leon Ave, one block east of the restaurant, multiple times. If you absolutely can't find a spot, park at the courthouse parking deck on the other side of the square. It's free after 5pm.
(3)Stephanie P.
BEST meal I had in Atlanta with STELLAR cocktails. Everything fresh and well presented and yummy. Farm to table with a southern comfort spin done RIGHT. Knocked down from 5 stars because of the rushed and somewhat unfriendly service, combined with having half my drink spilled by a waiter with shaky hands who apologized but ended it there. I still had to pay for the drink after 20% of it ended up on the bar. (Yes, waiter at the bar. Strange. Was served by all three people at the bar plus a table server. Added to the confusion.) But anyway YES to Leon's!
(4)Vonda D.
A friend of mine and I split the burger. It was SO good! Since there were 3 of us and one friend got fries, we were able to try a lot of dipping sauces. We had goat cheese fondue, peppercorn gravy, smoked tomato mayonnaise, To wash it all down I ordered a miller's cucumber cooler that was perfect. The drink glasses were tiny, and a little over priced for how small they were. The food was really awesome! I'll be back.
(4)Fefe P.
Honestly, I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write a review of Leon's...it's one of my favorite restaurants--LOVE! The reason though is the total experience I have every time I come here, hence 5 stars. The location is great and the restaurant/converted station is super cool, especially when they open up the "garage doors" between the patio and bar area...I love sitting there. And, going along with the Full Service theme, you can usually expect 2-3 servers to assist you at any given time. So, after yesterday's delicious lunch, I figured it's time to give Leon's its props!!! My entire family actual loves this place, which if you knew how many "picky" eaters are in the family...then you know that's a Big deal LOL. We have some great memories at Leon's and I've never had a bad meal. The menu changes and there have been a few items that I wish they would bring back. But the staples: Brisket Sandwich, Mussels, Warm Chickpea & Cherry Salad, Veggieloaf and most importantly, Pub Frites are keepers! Lastly, since this place can get jam packed during peak hours, try visiting for an early or late lunch if possible. They do not take reservations, unfortunately, so the wait can be lengthy. Plan accordingly and happy eating!!!
(5)Thomas L.
Leon Full Service another gastropub. These seem to have gained a great deal of popularity over the past few years and I think that's a good thing. Like most of these places I've been so far, it's quite good. Leon's is located near Decatur Square and has a cool, Americana look to it. The place either was or was intended to look like a former service station. There's a really nice outdoor patio but we didn't sit there due to some rain. Business seems to be good at Leon's. I've walked past it on a Saturday night, and it was, as to be expected, packed. It was a Thursday night when we went to eat, and there was about a 15 - 20 minute wait. So, keep that in my mind if you're like me and loathe sitting around hungry waiting to eat. The food was outstanding. We started with the bacon in the glass with peanut butter. The bacon itself is certainly more delicious and crispy than one typically gets at a "normal" restaurant but that homemade peanut butter made all the difference. Oh man, was that good. It tasted very different, and much better, than the Jif you grew up on. It's very coarse, with chunks still visible. I have no idea how they made it, but it tasted like a bit of honey and unsalted, roasted peanuts to me. For dinner, we both had the brisket with gravy. It's served open-faced on a slice of sour dough and topped with crispy onion rings and a side of fries. Each of these was fantastic in its own right. Also, I was very impressed with the serving size. Each entrée is plenty, and maybe more than an average person could comfortably eat. Finally, Leon's is definitely a cool place with great food and I definitely look forward to going back, having some more of that bacon and peanut butter and sampling some other items from the menu.
(4)Rachel M.
This is place is amazing and super busy. Very diverse menu, vegan friendly. Drinks are superb and different. Get the fries, duh. Delecious. Quail tasty but their heirloom tomatoes were wonderful. Staff was awesome and attentive granted how busy they were.
(5)Kat D.
I am giving it two stars because the fries and dips are good, however I have not been happy with any of my other meals the two times I've gone. Mussels were okay, hummus okay.... Even the salad I ordered wasn't good.
(2)Kenny N.
Vegetarians, be cautious when entering Leon's. There's a bad vegetarian lurking, luring people to the delicious bacon accompanied by peanut butter. My carnivorous friend and I got the right vegetarian waiter tonight. "Trust me, you'll want this bacon." He gave us the facts- origin, the farm, the smoking. Maybe a local would have been more appreciative like I am in Denver when hearing familiar farm and market origins. Regardless, that bacon (with peanut butter + $.50) was mouth watering good, a decadence, and so gorgeously striped in red and tan. Maybe Duke Ellington should devote a song to it?? A must also give a shoutout to my cocktail containing absinthe, green chartreuse, fig, and Leopold Bros Tart Cherry (CO shoutout!). To Leon's future cocktail customers, absinthe tastes like licorice. Don't be so surprised by that last note. This was the perfect multi-layered drink with something sweet, tart, herbal, and desserty. I wasn't feeling main entree-ish, so I delved into the sandwiches. They particularly sounded excellent because they come with a side. I ordered the fried green tomato sandwich and, sensing I was going Southern, the waiter suggested the corn and field peas. My friend went cheddarwurst and salad. First, the bread was great. Inside were two large fried green tomatoes and lardon that were found near the edges. You could also dip your sandwich in the bechamel sauce. The lardon was a little lost. The juices from the fried tomato and tomato relish made the bread slightly mushy, therefore burying the lardon. You could find it, but it wasn't nearly as memorable as our first dish. The corn and field peas was simply great, punchy vegetables providing a contrast against the sandwich. I might have to try Leon's again and maybe play bocce ball.
(4)Kristin L.
This is one of my favorite spots to get brunch. While lively, you can always get a seat pretty quickly. The menu has many lunch and breakfast options to choose from. They also have a great list of cocktails. I would recommend the french fries with any of their many sauces or their amazing french toast.
(4)Sarah Y.
I honesty don't get what all the fuss is about. We were not so impressed with either of our dishes, and frankly if you have to add bacon/ham to every dish for flavoring maybe you should go back to the old spice rack. Strongly advise fellow vegetarians to go elsewhere.
(3)Whitney T.
Their beef brisket sandwich is very good and unique. If I ever return, I will definitely get this again. I didn't find that much on the menu that interest me, but I definitely made the right choice. The service was good also and the booth we sat in was so cool! I think it's the only one in the restaurant like it.
(3)Sharon M.
This review is only about the bar. There was no food purchased this visit. I love this place for the care and love they used to create my drinks. I had two of the smoothest cherry screwdrivers. The orange juice was so fresh tasting like he just juiced them prior to me getting there. I hate when a drink doesn't have the correct alcohol ratios, but that wasn't a problem here. I really like the layout of this place. The staff was very friendly as well. Hmm, that just about covers it.
(4)Vanessa M.
Wonderful food and atmosphere. Great place to go with friends. Love the outdoor area!
(5)Jennifer N.
I will come back just for the cucumber cooler. It was so good! So 4 stars for the drink alone. I had the fried green tomato sandwich with corn and field peas for the side dish. The side dish was spicy and I liked it very much. The sandwich was pretty good as well, a little messy with the cheese sauce. My two guy friends both got the pulled pork sandwich which was served open faced. And fries on the side. They both enjoyed their dishes. We sat outside on the patio and it was a perfect start to our Decatur bar hopping night!
(4)Saira K.
On a warm night, it is fun to sit in the patio and watch folks playing bocce ball - but I didn't enjoy the food - just so-so. The pub frite were disappointing.
(3)Brian C.
Love this place, and by the constant crowd, I'd say so does everyone else. Haven't had much of their food, although the frites looked delicious and it seemed like everyone had them. Cocktails were some of the best I've had in ATL. Try "the wasp." Or the "day break."
(4)Matt B.
Believe it or not a place that serves Bacon in a cup is great for vegetarians. for a starter, the Hummus was fresh and delicious. Creamy with a nice bite. Everyone does hummus but few are this memorable. the "veggieloaf" with shitake mushroom and pecan romesco felt filling but not unhealthy. Can't leave without desert, the molasses toffee pudding with sea salt was a taste sensation.
(5)Susan M.
In town for the weekend for a conference... was really pushing myself a lot, so went and rested and then realized it was after 11pm and most places in town had just closed. I had bumped into somebody earlier that had recommended Leon's and saw they were still open, wasn't sure if the kitchen was... but figured it was worth a shot, even if it was just bar food. I got there and they were still serving the full menu until 1PM, I had just about made my choice and then I looked up and saw they had a whole other late menu in addition to their regular menu! I got a salad from the main menu and BBQ Tofu off the late menu that was AMAZING. Really big portion of really well flavored and amazing tofu! I'm so glad I stopped in! Also I forgot to tell the server I was allergic to cheese and to hold it on my salad, and they fixed it right away with no problems. Very sweet of them. So... 5 stars for making great food for night owls!
(5)Michael P.
I cannot say enough good things about this spot. The food is excellent and the service is even better. If you are in Decatur, this is the place to be.
(5)Kristin K.
You should definitely come here if you're looking for a bar with plenty of drink options, some of them out of the ordinary. I wasn't as impressed with the place as a lunch option, however. The menu was relatively limited and upscale, but the decor and music suggest that it's more of a laid-back farmhouse-turned-diner. I think it has an identity crisis. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Service was also decent.
(3)Kevin M.
For almost 6 years, I have tried to warm up to Leon's Full Service. But I'm sorry to say I have not been able to do so. We went there today for brunch and once again, the staff was warm and friendly, but the restaurant feels cold and the rather ordinary food overpriced. We go out often and enjoy so many local restaurants. I returned to Leon's full of hope that the food had improved. It had not. Frankly, $20+ might be acceptable for an elaborate brunch but is too much for a Sunday lunch main. I am not a drinker, so I understand that I may be missing out on Leon's strongest suit. But we tried to cobble together a couple of dishes to make a decent and affordable meal. The beet hummus was good but the pickle plate was disappointing. The chickpea and cherry salad was good but certainly nothing special. In desperation, we ordered a bucket of fries just to feel as if we had been fed. And unfortunately, we left feeling unsatisfied. Once again, Leon's left me cold.
(1)David L.
Trendy restaurant meets classic filling station. Upscale cuisine meets well-stocked pub. It's hard to believe, but that's what it is. We ate out on the patio, which is well but subtly lit. The trout was exemplary - great taste, great presentation. The fries were average, but the assorted dipping sauces made them special. The fries with dipping sauces seems to be a growing trend, and I'm glad to see it. Ketchup may be the American way, but it isn't the only way. Some things, like the "bacon in a glass" and the small water glasses without enough ice, are a little gimmicky, but I'll overlook them.
(5)Kim N.
Can't say that I'm a fan just yet. I tried the bacon in a glass w/ peanut butter sauce like everyone suggested. I LOVE bacon and personally I didn't think the bacon was good, just very salty... the peanut butter sauce helped it a little but overall, I wouldn't order that again. The fries were alright; garlic dipping sauce was tasty. I really liked the desserts: coffee mousse tart & dark chocolate coconut pie. Everyone I encountered at Leon's was very nice and helpful. Definitely have to come back sometime to try out other items on the menu & hopefully update this review.
(3)Luckie D.
Why 5.........Tasty creativity from the kitchen, TOP notch food quality, friendly service, nice vibe in the place, it has a real soul reminiscent of downtown Berkley or the Belltown area of Seattle. You can't miss with the burger topped with homemade ketchup and mustard, a real flavorful tomato slices and crispy lettuce. Do yourself a favor and get the bacon with peanut butter sauce.....that's right peanut butter.....I know ...but try it.
(5)Delaine R.
Good food, good beer!
(5)Karen H.
Three words my friends - brussel sprout hash. Deeeee-lish. I've been to Leon's several times now, and have never been disappointed. Good bar scene, with quick, amiable service and interesting drink choices. Oh, and the burger is pretty perfect too.
(4)Kristin M.
Went for a large group birthday get-together and waited ~50 minutes (expected that) for a table. While we waited, we hung out in the bar area, and the host was very attentive in terms of checking in with us, and he made sure that the type of table where we'd be seated was going to be large enough to accommodate everyone. Also, there were a couple of people who were going to be a little late to arrive, and they still let us be seated, which was nice--(kind of a bummer when places won't let you be seated unit your whole party has arrived). We started out with the pub frites (two orders) and chose from a selection of dipping sauces. Our favorites were the curries, and the portion size of the frites were huge. We probably would've been fine with just one order--especially since we were all ordering other small plates or entrees as well--(e.g., brisket, various burgers, hummus, escarole salad.) We also ordered a mix of cocktails and wine. Sometimes the drinks took a little while to arrive, but again, on a Friday evening that's probably to be expected. Overall, the service was great--no complaints--and the food was solid upscale bar food.
(3)Lisa L.
Leon's, why can't you be my neighbor? It's probably a good thing that I don't live closer because my F & B budget would take a serious hit if I did, as would my waistline. You had me at Pub Frites. They are sooo good here. Not too thin, not too think, super crispy on the outside and piping hot and fluffy on the inside, served with your choice of sauces which for me is that fab aioli and curry catsup. And it's a substantial serving to boot. But let's back up and talk about the space, which is really quite beautiful in it's industrial/rustic/filling station retro-ness. There's so much to look at here and I'm always happy to go to place with a diverse crowd where I don't have to feel out of place being the 50-something one of the bunch. Leon's gives us a respectable beer list and an acceptable wine list, but I'm most a fan of the seasonal and classic cocktails, expertly prepared. The Wolf Pack is delicious but I've also enjoyed the Old Fashioned, the Dark n Stormy, The Biter and The Bees Knees. They do please me. I can rarely pass up Tillamook Cheddar and it just makes Leon's burger that much more enjoyable. But I have to say that my favorite meal here is the Brisket Sandwich. The meat is fork tender and highly flavorful, especially with the addition of the peppercorn gravy, and then there's those damn french-fried onions. It's one of those sandwiches that you can't stop eating because it tastes so good, but know you should because you're stuffed to the gills. You won't have room for dessert, but since you've already overconsumed, go ahead and order it, but good luck choosing. I was here with a party of 5 recently, so we ordered them all and passed them around the table. They're all delicious, but my favorite is the Chocolate-Nutella Candy Bar with the Dark Chocolate and Coconut Pie coming in second. It's probably unfair but I knocked a star off of my rating because Leon's is always crowded and there's always a wait. Plus the parking situation is difficult in busy Decatur and that gets a little frustrating. Leon's is worth the effort, though.
(4)Jennifer S.
I joined yelp specifically to give Leon's a 5-star review. Every time a guest comes to town, every time a group of friends can't decide where to meet for dinner, and every time an evening extends to impromptu drinks, we go to Leon's. The wait for tables is relatively short, even on weekends. If you're just there for drinks, there's good bar space and nooks at the front for groups. I'm not sure what is best about Leon's: the creative cocktails, the quality food, or the always friendly servers and bar staff. The seasonal cocktail menu keeps the Leon's experience fresh; the drinks are well balanced but unusual enough to be exciting. Leon's has awesome special menus, but I like the emphasis on reliable quality food in their standard menu. The fries (with the curry sauce) and the chick peas with cranberry are my particular favorites. Leon's is one of the few places in Atlanta where you can taste the quality of the beef in the burgers. One of the best parts about going to Leon's is that everyone that works there is awesome. If you and your friends are in the mood to be chatty, the servers will take their time at your table. If you are on a date, they give you some space. If you have some questions about the cocktails, they take the time to consult with the bar. All of the staff at Leon's take their jobs really seriously so food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time. It seems that all of the staff at Leon's are smart, interesting people, and lots of them are working on degrees from various colleges and universities around Atlanta. This means not only that you should do yourself the favor of chatting with them, but also that you should tip them well in support of their educational endeavors.
(5)Robert M.
First off, I love the bar. It both welcomes and envelopes. The food menu, on the other hand, is just not my cup of tea. I looked over the food menu while sipping my Sierra Nevada Torpedo. 6 bucks for a plate of fries and two dipping sauces? Not gonna do it. None of the other food choices jumped out at me. Bacon in a glass? I will pass on that polished gem thank you. Brussel Sprouts Hash? I think not. Mountain Trout Gyro? I prefer my gyro more along the lines of the mountain goat variety. Weird looking / odd sounding food choices offered at premium prices is not my bag; never has been. Anyone who regularly reads my reviews knows that. The bar staff is certainly adept, friendly and knowledgeable but the food choices just don't work for me at all. Call be an unsophisticated buffoon or an obtuse eater; I don't care. The menu options are either prohibitely / too expensive for what you are getting, too weird sounding, or not appealing to me at all (in a comfort food / pub grub kind of way). There are too many other more appealing food choices in the neighborhood teeming with / replete with good bar food choices. The Brick Store Pub's menu, (same owners) for example, makes perfect sense to me; this menu clearly does not. Now let me be clear in that I do dig the hell out of the many various Sierra Nevada draft beer choices. I Loved the hell out of my SN Torpedo and my 30 Year Celebration ale. So there you have it; that is my take on LFS.
(3)Fred D.
My first choice was to not write this review on Yelp. I went on the Leon's website to find a contact person to write to, unfortunately, one can not send a message to a Manager or Owner about the restaurant. My son recommended that we go to Leon's as he had heard good things about the restaurant. We arrived around 7.45 PM with a party of six. There were about 3-4 parties of 2-4 people waiting. We stood in line until our turn came. To me it seemed that the Host ( A Gentleman) might also be the Manager. He greeted us and said it will be approximately 45 minute wait for us to be seated and did not offer any options. I asked how long the wait would be if we split up, his response was that there was no wait. I was amazed a bit but followed him to the tables. He proceeded to seat us at the two Tables of four immediately behind the host area slightly to the left. Then came a stern warning, "I am not going to allow you to push these tables together" He had two tables side by side where he could have seated us instead he was by passing us and make us wait 45 minutes. He basically would not allow us to sit together by pushing the tables together. So My wife set with One son and his friend and I set with my other son and his friend. I really did not like the Host's attitude about our seating, he somehow wanted to make sure he impressed upon us that he was in charge. My wife asked the server when he arrived at her table whether the tables could be merged together, his response was well the tables belong to two servers so they cant be combined. All of my life I have always seen that the restaurants and Managers go out of their way to accommodate the customers, unfortunately, here there is NO customer focus, it is all about accommodating the waiters. "Manager" I think means "To Manage" and find a way to accommodate the customers, Leon's Failed here completely. We are a family that when we dine, we like to share the food which was difficult to do as we are seated at different tables and the food arrived at different times. In fairness to the restaurant the food was Good, I would give it four stars, unfortunately people in charge of running the dining room do not have a clue and managed to destroy a potentially enjoyable dining experience.
(1)Cody K.
gotta say, after thinking about how well the restaurant handled it's poor service debacle I'm giving them a better rating. really went above and beyond the typical "we're sorry for the inconvenience" shpeal. only thing holding them back from a five is the necessity of the apologetic treatment.
(4)Laura N.
This place was super packed on a Monday night when I went there for the very first time. Leon's food serves fancy bar food and an impressive collection of rare beers, according to my friends. (I don't drink.) The fries are excellent, and they come with a choice of 2 dipping sauces. The goat cheese fondue is a bit bland and very liquid. The bacon & tarragon mayonnaise is really delicious with a strong bacon flavor. Normally I hate mayo, but I enjoyed this one. 4 stars. The pan-seared fish with the warm orzo salad was unimpressive, bland, but also salty. However, the fish had the perfect texture, being neither overcooked nor undercooked. I suffered from dish envy while checking out my friend's entree. 3 stars. The grilled chicken breast with mushroom bread pudding and roasted greens was excellent, bursting with flavor and a hint of spiciness. The meat was so tender and juicy, and I kept sneaking the bread pudding off of my friend's plate. 4.5 stars.
(4)S K.
Pretentious for Pretentious Sake... At the end of the day my experience at Leon's is probably my fault, and part of this review is a general statement about the state of restaurants in Atlanta. I say it was my fault because I did not do enough research on the menu before my wife and I went. While I am a more willing to try new foods and food experiences than my wife I did not realize she would struggle to find something to eat at a "GastroPub" only five sandwich options, including chicken schnitzel, no grilled chicken, no fish option. First, the food: Me: lamb burger with frites. The burger was tasty and the fries were much better than average. However, for $13 the burger should have been bigger (it was smaller than the bun) and I should have been able to get it cooked like I wanted medium rare, not "cooked through" i.e. medium bordering on well. Overall: B. My wife: burger with frites. She indicated that it was tasty, but she could only eat half because it was under cooked. She asked for medium, but the burger was a rare medium rare. Now before you say send it back, my wife worked in the restaurant business and will never send anything back she does not trust what may happen. Yes I know a her issue, but nonetheless the burger was prepared incorrectly. Overall: F. Things we can do without: #1: Frites? Really? It's Decatur, GA, not Paris for the love of all that is holy. #2: tepid (tap ???) water. Really no ice water? Tepid water served in shot glasses (ok they were a little bigger). Again it is not Europe it is Georgia; we know how to make ice. #3: the ginger ale. So after having enough of warm water my wife asked for a Sprite. They were out. WTF. Decatur is 30 minutes from the Coca Cola HQ and Leon's is 3 blocks from a grocery store; no one can go get Sprite. The worst part, my wife and I are 2 feet from the waitress when she tells us they are out and the delivery has not occurred yet, however we only heard about 2 words she says because she is whispering in a place I can barely here myself think. Oh yeah the ginger ale, $2 for less than 7 oz of some never heard of brand that has a weird after taste and almost zero ginger ale. #4: the crowd / vibe. I know this isn't Leon's fault, it may be some sort of crazy cultural shift Atlanta is going through, but personally I am tired of going to restaurants where the it feels the staff and other patrons look down their noses at you because its 1PM you are out for a burger and your wearing jeans and a t-shirt. And yes I mean jeans, good ol' Levi's not $200 fancy denim britches. I have lived in Atlanta for 20 years after growing up in Palm Beach. I have traveled, even to Europe (and yes I had tepid water there). I believe I know good food. I have seen the "eating out scene" and quality of food in restaurants in Atlanta change for the better over time, but the attitude that is invading the scene and the restaurants as part of the change is mind numbingly stupid. It should be enough that I am paying $13 for a burger, I don't need the attitude as well. Make good food and serve good food. Period. Food: C+/B- Atmosphere: F Pretentious: A+ Overall: C Would I go back: nope. I'd rather go to a dozen other pubs where the food is better (taste and value), the vibe is less snooty, and I can have a Sprite.
(2)Beth S.
Amazing food, cocktails and the beer menu is great !!! I love that the servers all take care of you and are very knowledgable about the food and drinks. My 5 year old loves to sit at the bar and watch the kitchen!
(5)Mala M.
yea this is another one that is a no go. GO for the beer if that' you're thing because this place will deliver on that, but everything else on their limited menu leaves much to be desired. I attempted their chicken schnitzel and not sure what type of chicken it was. I get down with farm to table and seasonal (you're talking to a former peace corps volunteer here) but this chicken was pretty in pink and I had to send it back. My tastebuds being shot..I simply ordered a salad. You can't go wrong with a salad and their salads are great. My BF ordered an apple sandwich (yea..swallow that idea).The frites-don't be fooled or intimidated by this word. My people frites are FRIES and all the hard work they put into their homemade sauces for their frites-they could stand to put in a little elbow grease in their food. All I have to say about Leons is IT'S A BOOBI PRIZE folks!
(2)Brittiany M.
IF anyone knows anything about gastropubs, then you know that it will always be great to go here (except Tap) and the drink menu will be great and the food will be good. My favorite thing about Leon's was the concept behind it ( it used to be an auto service place) and that they have great table arrangements. We were place in a booth perfect for my boyfriends father and his sister's birthday dinner! I love Leon's ====everything was great and it is a perfect asset to Decatur. The one thing to always remember about a Gastropub is that at the end of the day, it is a pub. Pub food will be served....just in a fancier way :)
(4)Jess P.
Leon's is one of my favorite spots for food and fancy drinks. Everything is just so delicious. They have these peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese that are to die for. Sometimes you get 5, sometimes you get 8...depending on size or generosity of the chef? *Shrug* Beet hummus is yummy. Grass-fed beef burger is very tasty, as well as the gyro (but I've definitely had better gyros at Mediterranean restaurants). The bacon in a glass is actually pretty filling and comes with a tasty peanut butter sauce - just try it! The pub frites with the various dipping sauces are definitely a go, too. Pretty much everything is very tasty and fresh. :) They are spot-on when it comes to drinks. Extensive beer menu and high-quality fancy cocktails. Pricey, yes, but you get what you pay for. When the weather is nice, it's fun to sit outside with your drink and watch people play bocce ball. A very cool addition to an already awesome place! Service varies greatly. Sometimes they are wonderful, sometimes they are snooty out of their minds, so you never know. :/ I'm planning on trying their brunch sometime soon! Anyway, yeah, this place rocks. I'm all about it.
(5)Patrice M.
This place is great! Ask for Shawn! He's an awesome waiter! My grandfather ate the bacon with peanut butter..... He really liked it. The patio is SMALL dog friendly.
(5)David L.
Meat. That's what they do here, and they do it oh so well. I'm a veggie most of the time, but when I was able to have dinner with my two childhood best buddies and their wives, I reverted to the meat-a-terian that I once was. Bacon with peanut butter sauce, pork belly, and I don't know what all else meant that I was in an alternative culinary universe, but I have to say, for one night in about a decade, it was awesome. Order anything. Order everything. Savor. Enjoy. Repeat.
(4)Melanie M.
I love the charm and personality of Leon's, and it is my favorite place to visit and linger. When the weather is nice, I love sitting on the patio (my favorite in Atlanta). But if the wait is too long for the patio, inside is just as nice and airy when all the windows are open. The draft beer list is always solid with quite a few interesting selections, and several of my friends favor the handcrafted cocktails. Love the pub frites with tasty sauces (favorites are goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato may) to begin a meal. I'm semi-vegetarian, so I often opt for the zucchini-cheddar casserole for a small meal or the delicious veggieloaf if I'm really hungry. The chickpea cherry salad is also good. My boyfriend swears by the brisket sandwich. And the service is always outstanding. The place gets crowded in the evening, but in my experience, a table will be ready a little sooner than expected. Grab a beer at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)Ray L.
I loved everything about this place. The space is open and breezy - perfect for a relaxing Sunday brunch. I fell in love the second I saw all the different dipping sauces for their fries. Holy moly. Garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, peppecorn cravy, masaman curry... and lots more. I didn't even have to read the menu to decide on what I wanted. I looked over my right and knew I had to have my own. Open faced brisket sandwich. The brisket was juicy and tender and sat atop a thick, crusty slice of bread that sopped up the juices - garnished with fried onion strings. The fries with a side of goat cheese fondue were a perfect companion. Atmosphere to the food... totally spot on.
(5)Zlatko U.
We've spent the new year's eve here and it was fabulous. Cocktail by the bottle, fast service, full menu....the works!! The wait was pretty average but given the nightly event everything was running smoothly. The service was fast and the food was delicious. The drinks, however, were amaaaaazzzzing.
(5)Cherry L.
SUPER FAN FAN FAN!!! Hi Leons, i think i've been 5-6x in the past 2 weeks and it has been fantastical! our server Lyndsy was amazingggggg. here's what i've had: -arugula salad: pretty standard, the dressing was a little too tart for me, but the cheese really balanced it -bacon in a glass: HOLY MOLY, SO DELISHHHHHH...best bacon and peanut butter AVARRRRR. its a little pricey, but do good if u want a little treat! -lamb rillettes: im not a rillette connoisseur, but this is a bit diff than the ones i've had before--its served in a jar, with a almost pulled confitted lamb meat with a layer of fat at the top, dressed with pink peppercorn and mustard seed. its not the absolute BEST, but very tasty and a VERY substantial portion. i say give it try! -grilled flat bread: skip! pretty lacklusted all around -charcuterie: had 2 meats and 2 pates i think, all pretty tasty -beef bistro steak sandwich: very tasty! the horseradish mayo is quite good -slow roasted beef brisket sandwich: tried my friends--served open faced, thick slice of bread gets a little soggy after all that gravy. LOTS of fried onions on top! -pork chop: i only tried a bit, but SO YUMMY! i was nervous that the 'white grape jus' was going to be sweet, but not at all! sooo gooood, but a little on the pricey end. -fries + sauce: good as always! last but not least.... THEIR HENDRICKS MARTINI IS SO GOOD!!!!
(5)Amanda D.
I like coming here, but I don't because it always involves waiting fooooooorever. And if there is a random summer downpour, that makes the wait even longer as people with soaked tables now get priority for those indoor ones. And it's not just waiting for a table. Today, our beers came out with our food. They were taken off the check because of that, but seriously after waiting 40 minutes for a table I didn't want to have to wait for beer. Our server also brought us his two favorite sauces to go with our pub frites sides because of this, and I ended up liking the herb and bacon mayo and the smoked tomato mayo way more than my peppercorn gravy, which just tasted like I dipped my fries in straight beef fat. I have had better "au jus" at a chain restaurant than it. I don't know why I ordered it anyway, I think I was hoping for some sort of poutine effect that I did not get. The flies are still annoying as hell. If there are any large groups, they will be amplified extensively, despite the fact that if there's only one of them, it sounds like every table is talking loudly. But oh, the food is good beyond that gravy. Before they changed it up a bit I liked their skirt steak sandwich. Now, it's a "gyro." It's a bit hard to eat because the pita is far too tough of a bread, but it's still very good. We always get the goat cheese stuffed peppadews too. These are the only things you will never, ever have to wait very long for. It's like they are on their way the second you order them. The drink list is amazing, but expensive. That's why I was quite happy to find a very German hefeweizen on the draft list for basically half the price of my beloved French 75. Like I said, it took forever though, and it could have been much, much colder. By the time I was finishing, it was a bit room temperature...and I didn't even have it my whole meal.
(3)John A.
One of my absolute favorite places in the Atlanta area. Outstanding beer menu and great craft cocktails. Menu is diverse and has lots of options for any taste. Food is reasonably priced for what you're getting. Love the atmosphere as well. Can't say enoguh good things about Leon's.
(5)Shannon R.
Made an impromptu dinner stop here. Our other plans fell through, but this was great also. Had a cider and a couple sides- the corn and peas and an arugula/feta/peach/pecan small salad. I was full and the food was good. Very modern menu, dishes of all sizes- I got out for $15 and was very satisfied. Fun atmosphere, great decor. Check it out!
(3)Kathleen O.
In order to be completely fair about my "ok" rating, I feel I should qualify and say that there was an arts festival going on today in Decatur so the crowds were probably greater than normal on a afternoon Sunday. We arrived at 12:45pm and, because of the large crowd waiting to be seated, we decided to take seats at the bar. After waiting 20 minutes for the bartender to take our order, we waited another 20 minutes to place an order for "bacon in a cup". The order came out relatively fast and we found the combination of bacon and peanut butter a pleasantly unique start to our meal. We placed our order for the main meal and, sadly, it took an hour and a half for it to come out. Once it came out, the brisket didn't disappoint. The fries were good but I think what made them special was the different sauces that went with them. (I highly recommend the bacon tomato sauce). The slow service put a damper on the experience for us but the food was good and the wait staff kind and apologetic for the delay.
(3)Matt M.
This is my favorite place in Decatur. I've been a regular since it opened and haven't been bored with the menu or the drinks ever since it opened its doors. In any negative review Leons gets railed for being "pretentious" but anyone who thinks that probably shouldn't be in Decatur or should just look up the word they're misusing. This is a craft-style restaurant and that enthusiasm for food continues on in all sections of the restaurant, including behind the bar. Don't get upset if they don't have Grey Goose -- they will do their best to fix you a classic cocktail with precise measurements and won't charge you for a drink if they recommend it and you don't like it. Pretentious is charging $15 for drinks and not using a jigger or asking you how you like it. Quality places like Leon's pride themselves on service and fresh food. Your favorite meal might not be on the list a month later because the item is no longer in season. Try something new! I love the peppadews, had never thought of ordering a warm chickpea and cherry salad, and haven't had a better brussel sprout hash, even at home. Everything is priced well, though with the highly rated food sometimes I'll find myself with a big bill. Drinks are pricey, but the cocktails are mostly liquor, so you really get a 2 for 1 price with each. The staff is unparalleled -- make an effort to say hi to them and they'll know your name and trade stories with you each time you walk in the door. Mustachioed Chris is always friendly and ready to mix you a drink behind the bar, beautiful bartenders like Shannon make even the preppiest consider getting a tattoo, and Miles the Mixologist is second to none in Atlanta -- he has presented his recipes with Paula Deen and Giada of The Food Network. He's also been voted Atlanta's best bartender, two years in a row. Recommendations in general: branch out. I've heard they have a great burger, but I have yet to try it because there is so much more on the menu. Food recommendations: Pig smorgas, peppadews, steak sandwich, bacon in a glass (with hand made peanut butter), calamari with pickled onions, and the half-pound cookie (changes with the season). Drink recommendations: Ask your server what they would recommend based on what you like. Be prepared to taste some alcohol, though. Go for the cocktails, though the beers are based on the Brickstore list since it's a sister restaurant. Get something with eggwhites as an ingredient -- frothy and delicious. Order something that's not on the drink list and they'll know how to make it. Don't order a name-brand liquor; everything is made with top-shelf but special liquors and liquers ordered from all over -- this will take some trust. Finish off at the bar and then enjoy a game of bocce ball with some new friends outside.
(5)Christine S.
Whether you just get the fries (definitely get the fries!) or a full dinner, you won't be disappointed with Leon's. They have a huge fancy cocktail menu but I usually ask the server for a recommendation that is strong and cheap, I'd rather spend my money on more food. Also, try the bacon and peanut butter! The service is always excellent. I have been with big groups and small, on one occasion the group brought in a birthday cake (for me!) and they were totally okay with that. Another time the waiter was willing to go bum cigarettes from another waiter for my dining companion. Parking can be a pain, but that's just how it goes on the Square.
(5)Alex C.
This place is pretty awesome. Decor is great, service is great (even with our tipsy party) and the quality of food is good as well. If you're just looking for a snack, the fries are huge and come with plenty of sauces to share the fried goodness. This time around we had the schnitzel and the calamari. Both were well made, reasonably priced and delicious. I would give them 4 stars, but thanks to Crystal for being an awesome waitress, they get one more!
(5)Kate W.
I wish I didn't love this place as much as I do, and I'm sure my wallet would be much happier. When I come here, I can't help but order 2+ cocktails. They approach alcohol the way a chef approaches meals--with care and careful attention to flavor so that every special is unique and tasty while augmenting the liquor instead of masking it. Their steak sandwich is reasonably priced ($12) and delicious. Their frites might not be good for you, but the bacon herb mayo really is as good as it gets. If you have some money and want a delicious meal in downtown Decatur--Leon's never fails to deliver.
(5)Katrina W.
Another place I adore here in Decatur but have to time my visits accordingly due to tons of people flocking there. I hate waiting at restaurants so I typically try to go at down times, though I haven't quite figured out when that is for Leon's! I've eaten here once and the fries are really awesome, but I think my favorite is their fancy cocktails. My first drink here was an old fashioned and it was perfection, down to the perfect square ice cubes! The cocktails are pricey, but they pack a punch and have quality ingredients, so I don't mind so much. And I just feel so dang FANCY drinking them! :)
(4)Lindsey H.
Sigh, the host was nice. We hosted my mom's small birthday dinner here with a group of 10 people. The waitress had such a negative attitude by being a little snob. I dared to ask more about bacon in the jar and caught her rolling her eyes to reply "It's bacon. . . in a jar." Another waitress came into the restroom later as i was freshening up my makeup in the mirror. She throw her apron on my purse. I then moved my purse out of her way. She didn't realize I was watching her in the mirror, and I caught her ROLLING HER EYES. It was like a bad dream and I was trapped in a snotty sorority house with girls that were mad it was their turn to work the kitchen. Don't know what's up with the eye rolling negative little girl party working here, but I do suggest they lighten up. To the say the least, I nor the 9 other people with me will be returning to Leon's. We all prefer happy, positive people. Oh and as for the food - it's ok, but not worth the drama.
(1)Jon W.
Hands down some of the best whiskey drinks in the city. If you want an Old Fashioned made right come to Leon's Full Service. They know how to craft drinks, and their selection of beers is amazing.
(5)Eric B.
I had the steak diner and apple pie desert; I liked the steak but I loved the apple pie and frites. The atmosphere is cozy.
(4)Kate L.
This place has great bacon and peanut butter, fries, squash,chicken, and all the other goods. I'm going there for my birthday tommorow, but find it frusterating that they don't take reservations. :(
(4)Michael H.
Cobbler Master...if that's not the chef's title, it should be. Always the food here is amazing, interesting, and unique. They do wonderful things reinterpreting how to make wonderful food. If there is such a thing as American fusion, this is it. Order anything here, you'll love it, but make sure you get a cobbler to finish. No one does them better.
(5)Brian K.
Leon's is among the best gastropubs in Atlanta. Food: Leon's specializes in a diverse assortment of well executed, highly flavorful pub fare. I particularly enjoy their appetizers, including the pub frites (with your choice of a multitude of different sauces), lug nuts (changes daily, but my favorite are the bacon, peanut butter, and chocolate), and bacon in a glass (exactly what you'd expect, with the option of a side of peanut butter). I also enjoy their ice cream sandwich desserts, which frequently change with the season. The wine and beer selection are extraordinary and will please most reasonable palates. Service: The bartenders are among the best in the Atlanta. I normally go to Leon's at least once a week and have never experienced slow or unfriendly service, regardless of how busy they are. Atmosphere: Casual and extremely welcoming, regardless of age. Leon's is also equipped to accommodate most dining preferences, whether you'd prefer to eat at a traditional table, at the bar, under an umbrella on the outdoor patio overlooking Ponce, or sitting on a bench near the bocce court. Price: Moderately priced. Most cocktails will run you between $7 and $10. Appetizers or "snacks" are all under $5. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and sandwiches are around $10. Other: My only gripe with Leon's is that they change the menu so damn frequently. There are many items that I've really enjoyed that have subsequently disappeared from the menu. My anger is usually short lived though, as the dishes are normally replaced with something equally as innovative and delicious.
(5)Dio S.
A bit harsh on my first review after a few visits, I've slowly liked Leon's more and more over the years. The drinks selections simply makes Leon's one of the best drinking establishments in the city. You are always treated to an excellent selection of about a dozen draft beers, cocktails that are on par with H&F, and thoughtful, well-stocked selection of assorted spirits and wines. The way the menu now presents a good sized list of classic cocktails (in addition to their own creations) in chronological order is really cool, and the drinks are made perfectly. Leon's also distinguishes itself as one of the very few (maybe the only) top notch drinking establishments where you can enjoy in the afternoon. Natural lights bath into the interior beautifully and the patio is great. You can't say the same of, say, H&F, Bocado, Sound Table, Ecco, JCT Kitchen, Iberian Pig. Now that I think about it, maybe it is the ONLY top notch drinking establishment that is open in the afternoon. And I love Leon's for that. The weakness is still the food. The selections are not the most exciting, looking like a typical bar-bistro. Other than the brisket sandwich, I have a hard time wanting to eat most of the things on the menu.
(4)Lucy W.
Don't forget to wear your black rimmed glasses and your Chuck Taylors. Atmosphere- laidback cool vibe, with friendly service (our server brought us an extra sauce, her fave tomato mayo, with our frites, and expertly described all the flights and beers that are recommended). GREAT value- I had a beer (a white ale), a small entree (delicious flatbread w/ sundried tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, olives, arugula), and shared frites and it was under $20! Though their pub frites are awesome (and their sauces, while stingy in little cups, are awesomer)- you'll find that you will also end up smelling like an awesome frite when you leave...had to air out my coat for awhile. Unless you like smelling like a frite, of course.
(4)Shauna L.
Great bar! Delightful Mai Thais! Way better than the last bar I went to: Bar Deville in Chicago. Do they know anything about cocktails there?
(5)Nicole G.
I went here recently with his boyfriend and the parents. I was a little confused because we had two waiters (not sure what was going on with that), so I didn't know if one or the other knew what I wanted or what I was supposed to be getting. I ended up ordering a salad that was fairly decent, but I wished I had the fries. I had to steal a couple of my boyfriend's fries because they were so good.
(3)Brook B.
I wandered into Leon's ravenous and desperately in need of a cool beverage. The sweet tea hit the spot, but their vegetarian options left a bit to be desired. They were entirely too few. To be fair and balanced, like Fox News, I think Leon's really deserves about a 3.75 star rating. But, when forced to choose between a 3 and a 4, I go with 3 because the menu, while innovative, only had a few things for vegetarians or vegans to choose from. And while that happens all the time, everywhere, it's especially egregious when it happens somewhere like Leon's, which obviously has a very talented crew. My food was tasty, but the portions were smaller than I wanted. I ordered the grilled flat bread with roasted oyster mushrooms, crispy capers, and a kale/walnut pesto. I also ordered a side salad, which was slightly smaller than a thimble; it did have a delightful orange/tobasco vinaigrette, though. My friend ordered a burger and fries and I wanted to follow suit, but sadly, they didn't offer a veggie burger option. I love the clean, modern interior and the patio, and I love that they offer and support so much local business. I think for vegetarians/vegans on a budget, drinks might be the best bet at leon's. I certainly hope to return and enjoy a libation or two.
(3)Todd P.
Warm weather in February = desire to sit outside and bask in the low humidity air. Sat on the patio at Leon's early on a Saturday during a spate of warm weather this February. After having that day's signature cocktail, a yummy concoction of gin and some other odds and ends (wish I could remember what was in it, and the name was great too! The mind is going south, I tell ya!), I ordered the turkey schnitzel. Breaded in panko bread crumbs, fried crispy, tons of flavor; served on top of a grainy mustard based potato salad of sorts. This dish was a winner. I chased it down with a tall Hefeweizen, for good measure. Cheers to warm weather and tasty food at Leon's!
(4)Christina H.
What we ate: Seafood stews, Burgers, Frites with garlic aoli and homemade bbq sauce When I was back home in Georgia visiting I crowd sourced a restaurant recommendation for Decatur, GA from friends on facebook. The overwhelming response was Leon's so off we went. In my crowd sourcing request I failed to mention I was going with my grandmother and parents, so it was a bit unfortunate to find Leon's in full on happy hour swing when we arrived (my grandmother is 80 and not the drinking type). She was a good sport though and we found a somewhat quiet table in the back corner of the restaurant so all started off well. I am not going to spend a lot of time here because overall we had a very poor experience. The service was inconsistent and inattentive (the world clueless also comes to mind). It took almost an hour to get our food (just us, all the tables around us arrived after and got their food much before). We ordered 2 burgers and 2 seafood stew specials. They blamed to long wait time on the fact my dad ordered his burger well done... sadly it was a laughable attempt at covering the fact they clearly forgot to place our mains after they brought the frites out. We ordered their prized frites with various sauces, but give me a break. These were pretty generic large cut fries with not very interesting sauces (sounded interesting but mostly tasted like mayonnaise). None of the mains, when they finally came, was anything worth going back for. We asked to speak to the manager and while I'm guessing he is the one who ultimately delivered our food to the table he never apologized or offered to make amends despite the fact that we had waited one hour, had to ask several severs about our order, requested to speak to someone, and finally gave up and begrudgingly ate our food because we had to leave quickly to make our scheduled plans after. While I would still ask my friends any day where to eat, this one sadly did not pan out. I wont bother to go back unless it is a beverage focused trip. And probably not even then.
(1)Wesley L.
Leon's has such a good reputation, I'm finding it hard to add something new or fresh to their vast amount of great reviews. Here goes my shot... Leon's is da bombbbbbb!!! The bar not only looks cool with ladders and a movie theater style board displaying their draft beers but the liquor selection is enormous and the atmosphere is always lively. As far as food, I suggest the massaman curry sauce and the chicken sausage appetizer. It's the kind of place that you walk into and wonder, why don't I come here more often? (bc you're too busy trying all these new bars in hopes that you'll find something 'hip' or 'trendy'. Or you're trying to become yelp elite.)
(4)Brad H.
Had a real five star experience here tonight (Friday before Christmas). Unlike Mala, I had a bit of my wife's schnitzel and it was fantastic. Red Cabbage and a dijonaise...just really good with really great bread. Also had some of her brussle sprouts (I usually hate) scramble. Really, really good. I had the spinach and pear salad with pinenuts, which was fantastic. I also had an app for my meal Cheddarwurst with broccoli and potatoes. If I was going to give some points off, it would be the broccoli didn't seemed to get strained well and that made it a little watery, but the rest and the drinks more than made up for it. I never give fives, y'all. Quite a few fours, but hardly ever fives. It was just great all around.
(5)Erich F.
Great burgers and Veggie meatloaf. Cool vibe too. The fries and home made ketchup and curry sauce are amazing.
(4)Stephanie F.
I've only been here twice but each time, I was blown away not only by the service (the people here are sooooo nice!!!!) but the food as well. First off, bacon in a glass is genius. Oh, and you can get a peanut butter supplement for an extra .50. Do it. So yummy! :) The peppadews stuffed with goat cheese are also one of my favorite appetizers. Now let's talk about the fries. I'm allergic to gluten. So, french fries are a treat for me. Not only are these some of the best pub fries I've ever had but they are 100% free of gluten and come with some of the best dipping sauces. I like the smokey tomato mayo. Speaking of gluten-free...I'm putting Leon's on my list of restaurants that are good for Celiacs and gluten-sensitive people because even though they don't have a separate gf menu, they all understand what it means to be gf and know which items on the menu are safe. I've gotten the gyro without the pita both times because I loved it so much. I need to branch out next time. :) The cocktails here need their own separate review but suffice it to say that they know what they are doing behind the bar. Make sure you try some of their specialty drinks when you are there. I can't drink beer but I'm sure it's good, too. Finally, we had key lime panna cotta for dessert topped with strawberry preserves. Out. Of. This. World. I also rarely get to have dessert at most restaurants because they are made with flour so it was nice to be able to indulge in that as well. Also, this place IS good for kids. We took our 6yo and got to sit in what she called the "secret table" which is tucked away next to the hostess stand behind the bar. The person seating us said the owner's kids call it Narnia. LOL. One last thing: they have a Bocce ball court outside. Enough said. Go here. You'll love it!
(5)Terry F.
A friend and I went to this restaurant on a Sunday afternoon and received acceptable service. The pub frities (fries) were very good--and a huge portion size, too. The choice of several tasty sauces to accompany them made them even better. The goat cheese dip was probably my favorite. The arugula salad was very good, big enough for one meal by itself. My friend reported that the shrimp sandwich was huge and very yummy. If you are in downtown Decatur, this place is definitely recommended.
(3)Jonah K.
So after a bad experience, the team at Leon's made up for it. We were seated quite quickly and the service we got was amazing as well. Here is a rundown of some of the dishes: Apps: Fries with dipping sauces - Have tried a few of these now, my favs are the curry and smoked tomato mayo. They are awesome fries. Smoked spicy chicken sausage - This was so good, I had to ask if it was in fact pork. It was probably the best sausage I have had, made in house or not. Bacon in a cup with peanut butter : I have always wondered what it was about these two together, it makes no sense to me. In fact this was really interesting and tasty combination of flavors. Very creamy, crunchy, and overall tasty. The mains: I split a burger and the flank steak gyro. The burger was tasty, but not bocado tasty. Prepared well and great flavor. The gyro I had previously which was made of fish was more interesting, but the steak gyro was good. I believe the pita is made in house, and its out of this world. Best pita I have had in the US! Keep up the good work!
(5)William M.
Is this the same place as the reviews? First problem, incredible noise level. My ears were ringing and I became hoarse trying to talk over the din. Then, we are waiting at the bar to be seated - a close view that shows them to be clearly disorganized. I see the bartender pulling a tap and getting mostly foam. So she proceeds to another tap and fills the glass. Makes me wonder if I was served what I ordered... I had the eggplant/feta/ mint sandwich - two small slices of eggplant, no feta, no mint. The eggplant was tough and chewy, I'm not sure how that happens. Masaman curry on the fries is tasty. My companions vege loaf was tasty. The fennel soup was decent. One of our party had the brandy mousse for dessert, no trace of brandy there. The incredible noise level was a least partly from a large and young drinking party, it became better when they left. It would be preferable if management could ask them to quiet down. I was much less than impressed with the entire experience, and to save my hearing, I will not return.
(2)Dalton S.
Delicious food and a good atmosphere. The drinks, however, are very small for their price and don't taste that great. I'd stick to the beer. They have an amazing selection of beer. DO sit outside of the weather is good. I've been here several times.
(4)Dan A.
Not worth the wait. Our party of 3 arrived around. 7:45 on Friday evening and we're told we'd be seated in "15 to 25 minutes". I was a little put off by that somewhat strange time span, but we were hungry and decided to wait after all the rave reviews. My forebodings were realized when 15-25 turned into 60+! After finally being seated we placed our order with a very pleasant and efficient server. Too bad the only item we got that was worth getting excited about were the fries. Everything else was lukewarm, bland, and undistinguished, although made with very fresh ingredients. Frankly, the BS about the wait time was enough to knock off 1 and a half stars, and the so-so food brought our review down to 2.
(2)Laura F.
Hands Down my FAVORITE restaurant in the area! I've frequented here quite often and always end up making the nom nom nom sound no matter what I select on the menu. These are a few of my Favorite things: (1) Leon's drink menu! Mixology is their middle name, and I get to be adventurous and choose from a varied selection of timeless and seasonal cocktails with every visit. (2) ambiance! From the front patio to the giant booth in the side room, I've sat in most every section and find it all appealing. (3) The wait staff. They are always friendly, knowledgable, and willing to entertain my massive amount of questions about the menu. Most recently, I played a game of foodie roulette with my waitress, and she Hit it OUT OF THE PARK! It was their pork chop with mustard butter, bok Choy and turnips. AMAZING!!! So go! Be adventurous, and come down with your own case of the nom noms! You'll thank me for sure!! :)
(5)Picky As Hell C.
Boozy cocktails that are delish! The fries are fantastic too. I do wish they would expand the food menu to include more vegetarian options, but then I'd be there every week.
(5)Alex H.
Try anything. You won't be disappointed. They change up constantly, so I'll try to go with themes over specifics. But my go-to items are: 1. Cocktail. They craft each one carefully and pick a unique presentation of ice appropriate for surface area and melting speed for each one. You can get nice beer and wine anywhere. Craft cocktails are a bit rarer. 2. Sausage. They either grind and season their own or have worked a deal out with a local craftsman. Either way, they are each uniquely flavored and satisfying. 3. The specific menu regulars that blow my mind: A. Roasted bacon. With peanut butter. B. Oatmeal cream pie with cherry buttercream frosting. This giant homemade wonder has the perfect frosting nestled between two chewy oatmeal cookies.
(5)Chase M.
Two years ago I moved away from my home town of Atlanta to the small town of Los Angeles. There were many sacrifices I had to make when moving, losing friends, leaving family, even ending a relationship, but nothing was as hard as knowing I will not have access to Leon's Full Service. I have been to almost every Yelp restaurant in Los Angeles with Gastropub in the description but I just miss Leon's more. The Fries are something I dream about and I have yet to find a place that has better Cocktails. The Staff will offer wonderful suggestions and are somehow both trendy and friendly! Overall this is one of my favorite restaurants, and you should go.
(5)David G.
Great food. Unique offerings. Don't skip the goat cheese stuffed grape tomatoes as an appetizer. For the entree, we had trout over a perfectly seasoned bed of Kale. We also had a fresh corn and peas dish with a yummy cilantro dressing on the side. Service was outstanding! Fast. Friendly. And very knowledgable about he offerings. I told my server about the type of beer I like and she suggested an absolutely delicious dark beer, that was unlike anything I had ver tried before. Overall, great experience. We'll be back.
(5)Karen R.
Was looking for a burger and fries. Definitely something you can get there and their fries are famous for the dipping sauces. Burger was a little salty. I got the "gyro" that really wasn't because it was steak inside the wrap rather than actual gyro meat. It was tasty but if you are expecting gyro meat, disappointing. Atmosphere here is the best if you can get the patio on a cool night. Wait staff is top notch.
(3)Carie F.
The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great! I was nervous that the food might be too heavy but we thoroughly enjoyed the turkey sausage appetizer and the chicken entree. The chickpea and cherry side dish was a great addition to the meal. Our server was helpful and professional- we never felt like she was intruding on the meal but also kept our wine and water glasses full all night. My only complaint was about the bar - I dig the "professional mixologist" and an intricate drink menu but when it takes 15+ minutes to actually get the drink? Yeah, not so cool. I ended up just canceling my drink order and going with a glass of wine. Waiting for my drink in the crowded bar was killin my vibe.
(5)Emily G.
3 star reviews are the hardest ones to write. Its a perfect balance of giving credit (where credit is due) and showing why the place lacked a 'wow'ness factor- all while hoping to not sound like a food snob nor turning it into a whole Boner BBQ incident. So, here goes nothing: What makes Leon's stand out is their originality and inventiveness in their food and style. Its a cool combination of classic dishes (like gyros, burgers and fries) with a twist of flavor- like adding 10 different dipping sauces, sides like warm chickpeas and dried cherries, zucchini-and-cheese casserole, and more. Needless to say, I was definitely excited about the menu. The bar area is pretty cool and our bartender was very helpful. I loved that our hostess kept passing by every 5mins or less to make sure we had everything we needed, to give us an update on our table or even just to see if we were enjoying ourselves. The decor was simple and nice and the environment was pretty happy and enjoyable. The food, however, was a little bit of a 'hit and miss'. For example, while I loved that the bucket of fries is LITERALLY a bucket of fries ( a lot for $6) and the super long list of dipping sauces is exciting, the fries weren't really that crispy... and the dipping sauces weren't as awesome as I wished they could be. The goat cheese sauce was great in flavor but very runny as a sauce, while the smoked tomato mayo (a favorite among the Yelp reviews) lacked smokiness and just tasted like regular mayo. Next, we ordered the Gyro and brisket sandwiches with sides of beet salad and zucchini casserole. The side dishes were strange but pretty tasty: the beet salad was light and flavorful but I am not 100% sure that orange-flavored peanuts were the way to go on that salad. The zucchini casserole was served cold (do not know if that's how its supposed to be) and came with an onion gravy which was very interesting in taste, but felt weird as an ensemble to the casserole. My gyro was awesome and bold in flavor, but it used pieces of steak instead of the traditional gyro meat. That is perfectly fine in my book. However, if they were serving me large pieces of steak, I really wished they would have asked me how I liked it cooked, as I was a tad uncomfortable with how rare they were (not my eating style, sorry). When reheated as leftovers though, it was waaaay better. Last and definitely the most awkward part of my review- the service. Like I said, the host was beyond awesome in her care and attentiveness. All the servers seemed nice and very attentive of their tables... except for ours. She really seemed like she did NOT want to be there and was never around when we needed something, never asked how our food was or tried to make small-talk. We weren't a fan of her attitude and it really put a damper on our date night. So there you go folks. Take what you need, leave the rest. Not everyone can have an awesome experience and Leon's, so hopefully this will help you (the customer) and Leon's to plan ahead, make decisions and ensure a great foodie experience.
(3)Kim A.
The waiter was awesome! As first time customers, he helped me and my friends. We all got sandwiches, which were okay but they weren't fantastic. They had that standard, mediocre taste. I guess I expected too much from you, Leon! However, the fries were pretty good and they had different dipping sauces all made from mayo.
(3)Amy K.
Whenever I am taking friends from out of town to dinner in the ATL area, Leon's is always on the list of top 3 places to go. It's an experience from the atmosphere to the drinks to the food. They even have bocce ball in the back patio area. I have no idea how to play but after a few of their signature cocktails, I start making up the rules. It's hard to find a restaurant that has a balanced dining experience. I'll love something about a place but dislike something else about it. Leon's is pretty perfect from start to finish. Their cocktails are so creative and tasty that I eagerly stray from my love affair with wine every time I visit. The food is phenomenal. I've picked off of other's entrees and was impressed but I tend to get salads and appetizers as meals. That makes Leon's perfect for me because their portions are small and I can get a variety of things as a meal. I have a thing for mussels and they do them pretty well, I just wish they'd give you more. The service is exceptional and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about everything from the beer to the food. They also use local and organic food when possible. The only downside to this place is the noise level and long wait if you go during peak hours (you can't blame them for being popular). Parking is also difficult and I usually stick to the paid lot next to Raging Burrito. It's definitely worth the $3 for parking to eat and/or drink here every chance I get.
(4)Keo S.
Great atmosphere, drinks, food, and service. What more could you ask for. :) My only feedback and room for improvement are that their specials are interesting, creative, but not necessarily tasty. I know that sounds worse than it is, but I've stuck to the "staples" there. It can get a little pricey, but I assume they have to pay the high rent as well. If you get the fries, there are so many - one bucket could literally feed 6 as an appetizer and you'll always want more dipping sauce. Good place to have fun!
(4)Alli H.
I've never eaten here - I only come for the beer. I looked at the menu on a few occasions but remember not being thrilled by the veggie options. The variety of beer is awesome and you can usually get attentive, friendly service (...usually). It gets very crowded, especially on weekends, so you may find yourself waiting for a while to get a table to standing near the bar. Not one of my top choices in Decatur, but overall Leon's is a good bar.
(3)Ash H.
One of the greatest places for a date night in the ATL. A tad bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Great beer selection. Chill environment and all of the servers are always helping one another w/ the tables. And, based on the business, the servers seem eager to be a part of your conversation if you want them to. Bacchi Ball outside if you're waiting for a seat. Cons: The water glasses are too small, but they do put a wine bottle of water at each table. But if you're w/ 4 or more, you will finish that bottle before the server gets your order. Outstanding fry "sauce" selection, no boring ketchup. Amazing burger and snitzel. Must try the "Bacon in a glass" w/ peanut butter!
(5)Karen N.
Nommy! to the Nth degree! I really liked this place. I didn't mind waiting here. This is one of the few places on my visit to Atlanta that really did live up to the hype. From the hostess with the mostest, to the server, to the drinks, to the food... it was all fabtastic. Yup, made up a word. We waited a bit for a free table at the bar and had a few dranks. The vibe was really cool and I really liked the fact that the hostess came by and let us know that the table we were waiting for was almost ready. That's service. When our table did become available, our server, I think his name was Jason? Was pretty on point. We decided on splitting everything and he was kind enough to make sure that everything was split for us before it got to the table. I would go into details on what the items were but I think they frequently change up the menu so I'm not sure that's really helpful for ya. I don't think they change up the frites. GO WITH THOSE. You get your choice on sauces (two come with). I guess we got an extra sauce on the house and when I requested an extra two.. I was told it cost an extra $1.00. No amount of batting my eyelids got that gratis. I'm telling myself that it's just the way their system is built as the table challenged me to get it free and quite frankly, I hope I'm worth a buck. The winner of the night was the madras curry catsup. I am a freak for curry and ketchup. Put those together and I'd lick a frozen light pole to get more. Anyway, great meal, great vibe, good times. I'd do it over again.
(4)Susan M.
My last words before I left Leon's, "We definitely need to come back here!" Cozy atmosphere, great drink selection (see photo I added), and good food. I probably didn't need to order the Mt. Trout Gyro after splitting Pub Frites with one other person, but it was all delicious, so whatever. There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said about Leon's. Just go, you'll like it! P.S. This is super close to MARTA. But if you drive, there's a $3.00 lot down Church St. a block or so.
(5)Virginia D.
I don't know what the hell a "gastropub" is, but what I CAN tell you is Leon's has great fries & dipping sauces, along with creative cocktails. sadly, this is not a great place for vegans- I was not super impressed with the mushroom walnut pate- then ONLY vegan thing on the menu. (the veggie loaf has egg whites- dumb move) I paid $8 for their veganized arugula salad- basically 1/2 a cup of arugula, a tablespoon of pecans & 3 sliced of radish- no attempt to find an alternative dressing or other "goodies" to replace all the stuff they removed from the "regular" version. cool atmosphere... so I'd say a good place for after work drinks & snacks.
(3)Michael D.
Oh my, what a place. Had the brisket sandwich and man was it HUGE...and good too. They make some mighty fine signature whiskey and rum drinks as well. And the bartenderettes / waitresses are definitely on par with the drinks. Bow wow wow, yippie yo, yippie yay !!! Will I be back ??? Oh but heck yes !!!
(4)Ashley B.
Even though I'm holding out on the 5th star because I want to motivate them to make their veggieloaf vegan (get that egg white the heck out of your veggieloaf, Leon's!*), and even though I've been living in Atlanta only a little over a month now, I'm going to go ahead and say that Leon's is my favorite place in the ATL. And that says a lot, considering how few things on their menu are vegan (though a fair amount are veganizable - and delish!) First off. Their fries. HOLY EFFING YUM their fries. Best. Fries. Ever. And I like to consider myself a connoisseur of the fry. And these are AWESOME. Vegan dips include a few kinds of ketchup (imo the mango is better than the madras curry) and the BBQ sauce. Then there are the delicious libations. Amazing beer selections and a great little wine list, as well as seasonal cocktails (download the Vegan is Easy app or check out Barnivore.com if you're worried about the veg*ness of your drink!) PERFECT! And the food. When I've gone, I've gotten the carrot and pine nut hummus which is tasty and comes out a bright neon 80s orange. Amazing. The first time I went I ordered the Brussels sprouts and apple hash without the bacon, but this is a dish I'm sad to say definitely didn't translate without the added fat and smoke that I'm the sure the bacon gives it (cue remarks from all of you omnis about how bacon makes everything better/has magical powers/cures cancer and the common cold.) The SECOND time I went, I went with the chickpea and cherry salad, minus the provolone cheese and THIS one is a HUGE winner in its vegan form. I would have never thought to combine chickpeas and dried cherries but they are a match made in HEAVEN. The waiter was even nice enough to give us the rundown on how it's dressed so I can replicate this simple but delicious concoction at home. Which brings me to the staff. Hipsters are so much nicer in Atlanta than they are in San Francisco! It's really weirding me out! The tattooed, bespectacled, bearded, tight-jeaned, pearl-snap buttoned staff here has always been knowledgeable, laid-back, and super-friendly (my friend even had her number asked for by a waiter...but that's a different story, I guess.) Leon's for the win! *There are plenty of great vegan binders, Leon's chef! If you're not into the whole packaged Ener-G Egg Replacer thing, how about some ground flax meal simmered in water? Soy four, potato flour, tapioca flour, and cooked oatmeal (I'm serious!) would all also work wonders as a binding agent in your veggieloaf. Give the vegans an entree! We'll repay you with five stars and our awesome sexy frequent patronage, I swear! Also. I'm going to ask your waitstaff if the veggieloaf is vegan every. time. I come in. Doesn't that sound annoying? Do you really want to put your nice waitstaff through that? 1 Tbs flax meal to 3 Tbs water = 1 egg. You're welcome!
(4)JH P.
We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday but have been wanting to check this place for some time. Loved the decor and the vibe. The food was good and glad they offered something for the vegetarians. The only issue we had were the drinks. Don't get me wrong. They're good and the drinks are what Leon's is known for. However, because they're so famous for their drinks, it takes an eternity to get them served to you. I guess they're worth the wait. The waitstaff and bartenders apologized for the wait and even comped the birthday boy with a drink. Overall if you're looking for something quick and easy, don't come here. If you're looking to hang out and have no time constraints and looking for good food and drinks, definitely check this place out!
(3)Shyam S.
Leon's is a great addition to an already bustling Decatur social scene. I will admit that I was leery of the idea of a gastropub in the area - esp when Diet Coke comes in a small bottle at $1.50 a pop - but the place has really grown on me. For starters, I feel like it's a hot nerd paradise. Intellectual, liberal-leaning folks of all races and ages congregate here to socialize, politick and enjoy themselves. There seems to be quite an alcohol selection - but I don't drink - so the food is usually what gets my attention. Leon's prides themselves on using locally grown produce, meats and cheeses and their dishes all exemplify the quality ingredients. Most customers tend to drift towards the small dishes and snack food like pub frites and orzo, but there are some real winners all over the menu. My favorite dishes so far: - Berry cobbler with whipped cream. - Fried chickpeas. - Turkey sandwich But, the most appealing thing about Leon's to me is the spacious, sunny, natural light-penetrating indoors. Just the other day, I wondered in around 4 p.m. to find the place delightfuly cool in contrast to the enervating heat outside. I took off my jacket, rolled up my sleeves, had a warm chickpea salad, pub frites (with leon's bbq and spicy mango catsup), diet coke and water, and spent an enjoyable two hours listening to kick ass big band music and writing a syllabus. Maybe I was there at a time of the day when things were calm, but I had such a good idea doing academic work there that I will undoubtadly return.
(4)Janelle D.
Wonderful atmosphere! Pretty lights! Great bar service! Great food! Me likey. We tried: Pub Frites: they were okay. This is a personal issue, though, because fries don't really ever impress me. But they have a great variety of dipping sauces. And, it came with lotssss of frites. Bacon in a Glass: What a great combo. I love when unexpected things go together and create a yummy treat for my palate. Grilled Flat Iron Steak: Tender, juicy, cooked perfectly, melted in my mouth. Scallops: THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD, hands down. It was absolutely, postively delicious, and I can't wait to go back to have them! I let my friends try them.. and everyone was over the moon with how good they were. And trust me, I've had a lot of scallops! Bread pudding: They were out of their normal chocolate-orange-type of pudding (which I didn't want to try) but when I heard they had a whiskey pecan bread pudding instead, I had to see what that was about. It was amazing. That poor bread pudding didn't see the light of day for very long. In a nutshell: yum!
(4)Claudia L.
Came here last Friday night during peak hours and only waited about 10 minutes for table. Now, let me say that typically, I'm not a big fan of fries. My stomach can only hold so much food, and I prefer to fill it with vegetables, meat, and less filling but equally calorific alternatives. But some waitress had to walk past me with full bucket of fries (multiple times) and when the smell of those spiced, perfectly crisp fries hit me....I was sold. And with bacon mayo and goat cheese fondue?? Game over. The fries were perfectly done. The bacon mayo was ridiculously addictive and the goat cheese fondue was creamy and delicious. I barely had room for the mushroom flatbread that I ordered for my main course....but somehow, I finished that too. Grilled flatbread, oyster mushrooms, kale-walnut PESTO?? sold sold SOLD. My only gripe was that the mushrooms were cut into pretty large chunks, and it was a bit tough to bite through. But all it all...delicious. My friend had the grassfed burger which he said was also delicious. Leon's is a must try if you're in the ATL!
(4)Bianca W.
I'm starting to believe that the Decatur square is home to small plates and even smaller cocktails. I love the atmosphere, decor, and patio. I was a little hesitant once I got to the outside area because it's covered in gravel, and we were seated at a high table. I was wearing a long dress and heels, so it was a little challenging getting into my chair and getting it as close to the table as possible. I ordered the petal pusher as my cocktail, which had a lemony-herbal taste. To be so small, the cocktails do pack a bit of a punch. My bf ordered a whisky sour, of which they make their own sour mix. Both drinks were tasty to me. We had the bacon in a glass ($5) as an appetizer with a side of peanut butter ($.50). it contained about three strips of bacon broken in half. Combined with the peanut butter, it was quite tasty. if you love bacon, I suggest you order one serving for yourself. For our entrees, I ordered the pan roasted trout ($16). It was a bit buttery/oily tasting (possibly from the german-style green sauce), but it was pretty tasty. My bf ordered the lamb with quinoa ($20). He loved it, but I felt like I have tasted better. These plates are not meant for sharing. My serving was enough to get me full (though I could have been full from the two bottles of water I drank throughout the meal). We'll be back for the ambience and patio, but the menu left much to long for in my opinion.
(3)Paige N.
Last night, out to dinner in Decatur, Leon's called my name again. What can I say, the patio was beckoning, the temperature was phenomenal (especially after the earlier cold snap of the week), and the people were playing bocce ball with abandon - it was a perfect storm. So we sauntered up to the trendy hostess in her skinny leg blue (and I mean indigo blue) jeans and requested a table outside. Since none were quite ready, she took our name and sent us to the bar. Immediately both bartenders greeted us and while we debated our poisons for the evening they continued to pour beers and carry on with witty banter. We finally settled on the El Mirage and the Bermuda. Fair warning: Leon's drinks are STRONG. One sip could knock you flat on your keister if you're not careful. We hung out sipping slowly at the bar for about 10 minutes more than our little hostess came over and seated us at a perfect table for two on the gravel veranda. A waiter came over soon after to introduce himself, and answer any questions we might have. And after much deep thought and deliberation (plus I realized how hungry I was), we ordered the zucchini fritters, the pig smorgas, and the ginger chicken sausage to start. Eventually a different girl brought out a melange of plates for us and we dug in with gusto. The chicken sausage was excellent, especially dipping it back into the spicy mustard dipping sauce with the bok choy. Likewise the pig smorgas on toast with cherry jam and melted gruyere cheese on top was to die for. The final plate we got was actually someone else's grilled flatbread with mushrooms and pesto (we only realized this after we'd eaten half of it) - and I loved it since I adore any type of mushroom prepared in any way, but we alerted our waiter and he brought out some piping hot zuke fritters anyway. Those babies were outstanding - like hush puppies but SO much better - crispy on the outside, soft and flecked with green on the inside and they came with an awesome tahini goat's milk yogurt that was the perfect mild accompaniment. By the time we'd polished all of this off, an entree was out of the question. Plus, we'd already been at Leon's for about 2.5 hours just chillin'. That was another excellent experience for Leon's. Perfection on a patio.
(4)Amy H.
Before reading this review you must know three things: 1) I have become a spoiled Chicago girl. Gastropubs aren't anything new to me. 2) I don't really "get" gastropubs. For instance, one of the most popular items at Leon's seems to be the bacon in a glass with peanut butter. Yummy? Yes. But to me it's just a few strips of bacon in a glass. What's the big hoopla?? 3) It's impossible to write this review without comparing Leon's to the Brick Store. Now that we have gotten that out of the way... The beer list at Leon's is phenomenal. It is hands down the best beer selection I have ever seen compiled in one place. It took me about 15 minutes to look through it and finally decide on my beer. One of my dining companions did not have such luck. He tried to order twice and both times they were out of what he wanted so he settled for a Bell's. We ordered the olive "snack" and it was super yum with orange zest and star anise infused olive oil. We also ordered the pub frites. Seriously people. They are just french fries. Granted they are good french fries, but still...just french fries. My friend told me to pick two dipping sauces for the french fries...uhm, sorry...the "pub frites", so I decided on the cucumber-dill yogurt. "That one isn't good" he said. Then our other friend picked the goat cheese fondue. "Nope, that's not a good one either...the sauce is really runny." Sigh. We finally decided on the horseradish mayo, which was heavy on the mayo flavor and light on the horseradish, and the masman curry and peppercorn gravy (both good!) The sandwich menu was kind of boring. I was instructed that the turkey sandwich was not that great either (so why the heck did this guy bring me here???) so I went with the beef brisket sandwich, served open faced with peppercorn gravy and fried onions on top. It was totally bland. I should have asked for more gravy to give it some oomph. As a side to my sandwich I ordered the warm chickpea salad and it was made of win! It was the best thing that I ate at Leon's. Warm chickpeas mixed with cherries, basil, and provolone in a red wine vinaigrette. Oh lordy! This was heaven in a little ramekin. I liked the beer selection at Leon's, but the food at the Brick Store is much much better. And if I'm going to go to a gastropub...I want my gastro's to be happy. Ok, wait. That sounds pretty gross.
(3)J L.
Located right off of Decatur Square, this is a great place to stop by for drinks or dinner. One of my favorite entrees is the brisket, served open-faced. They have great cocktails, and a bocce ball court outside. The service is fun, friendly, and informative. I have never been disappointed. Leon's has outdoor seating, and sometimes when it's hot outside they have an awning so that you (and your drinks) can stay cool. I will say that it's a pebbly/gravely so ladies, don't wear your nice heels ;) It's one of those places you're walk or drive by that just looks fun and comfortable. Leon's is owned by the Brick Store folks, so you can expect greatness.
(4)Jim O.
So I'm going to update my review, not as an overall experience change because I still like this place well enough, but as a visit review because this time I would not give it the 4 stars I did my first visit. This time we had burgers. As much as I like supporting locally grown and/or organic and/or grass-fed meats, I cannot say that these burgers were all that great. Sure they were OK but only just OK. They had a lot of black pepper on them which neither my fiancé or I cared for that much but generally they were average at best. (Note: I would say Farm Burger is a far better burger in comparison.) They also sell "Side Frites," 2 for $6.00. Basically, these are just side condiments or dipping sauces of various ilk, in small metal ramekins (Too small for $3 each, if you ask me; but I digress...). These "frites" were good enough in their own right, but if you try to put them on a burger that already has been doused with ketchup and mustard, then you can hardly taste any "Frite" you put on your burger to try. I ordered the Bacon and Herb Mayo to try but because my burger had mustard and ketchup on it already, I couldn't even taste the mayo. I would recommend either leaving the ketchup and mustard off and putting them on the side or asking folks what they would like on their burger first. I would also recommend you avoid sitting in the high-tops along with windows in the back during the late day or early evening as the sun is glaring through even with the translucent, white shades pulled down. This made for a very warm (read: hot) dinner time for us during this visit. I think they had the AC on; but you couldn't tell sitting at these sunny tables. With all that being said, I still find them to have a very nice beer selection and their wait staff seems friendly enough. We'll see how it goes next time...
(3)Monica S.
Love, love, love the atmosphere Leon's lends itself to. I suggest Leon's often when I just want to grab a specialty cocktail and play some bocce with friends. The service is always good. The food, however, is a hit or miss. I prefer their tapas over their entrees, and even most of their tapas I don't love. However, if drinks and friend are the focus for the evening -- Leon's is your place -- that is, if you don't mind a wait, even on a weekday. But that's ok, grab a cocktail, turn off your iphone and enjoy your guest's company. There's a reason why I keep on coming back. :-)
(3)Stephie Z.
The problem with being wasted at a place like this is that I pick out a fablous stout and then I am way too drunk to remember what the hell I ordered. This means that every time I come here I have to start over with my choices. Good in a way since they have so many delicious beer choices, bad b/c I can never remember what to look for when I'm at Green's. Pub frites is the fucking shit. Top dips for me: the yogurt dill and the garlic aoli (my plan to find some dude to make out with went down the tubes with this dip though). The chickpea and cherry salad is top dog though I really haven't found a shitty thing on the menu be it food or beer.
(5)Leanne E.
This is a super cute place to dine with friends. I ordered the soup of the day which was a sweet potato and Parmesan. It was very good and smooth. I shared an appetizer which looked like a personal pan pizza, and it was wonderful, perfect for two. They kept my sweet tea full, which is a keystone of good service for me.
(4)Matthew D.
I went to Leon's for the first time after going to a Civil War / Mile Greene concert. I travel the eastern half of the US for my job, so I eat out for than I should and the one thing I always order if it is on the menu is mussels. With that preface, let me say, these are the BEST mussels I have ever had. Bar none. Ever. If you are a fan, this is your pilgrimage brother. Beyond that, the beer list is inventive and extensive, this staff is kind and quirky, but be warned, if you get there late, they are run out of dishes. Our first four choices were out, which attests to the freshness of the meals I suppose and we enjoyed what we had, but if you want your first choice, get there early. I also love the decor, light, bright and modern. The best spot in Decatur in my humble opinion.
(5)Alexander C.
Not the best food I've ever had. Dry oso bucco, extremely salty fries. Seems like they were charging $10 over what their food was worth. Maybe I was just there on a bad night, all these reviews can't be wrong right? I'd rather go next door to 246.
(2)Blair H.
Hipster paradise awaits you at Leon's Full Service! From the same wonderful people that bring you the Brickstore, this delightful establishment has a HUGE rotating draft beer list, extensive bottled beer & wine selection, as well as a FANTASTIC (running out of adjectives here) mixed drink menu. I usually dont like mixed drinks but the stuff they come up with here is great. Food is pretty good as well. Ditto on the patio. The wait can be long, but would there be a wait if it wasn't any good???? Recommend.
(4)Sarah F.
We had such an amazing time here and a lot of that was due to the amazing waitress we had. She was awesome. It was like having the chef at our table. I have never had a waitress that knew so much about the food. Well maybe once at Eugene's but that is it. The drink I had was awesome and I loved the fries. Whoever was cooking that night was very heavy handed on the salt but otherwise it was a nice place and great food. I love brick store which I use to frequent every single weekend but now that I am older it's nice to have a place more about the food. My drink was so amazing though. I will go back just for that.
(5)Kristie C.
Service - slow, and not very friendly. They brought out 1 entree late and didn't apologize for it, even though the rest of us sat there letting our food get cold. Food - on the salty side, my sandwich bread seemed stale. Pub Frites are pretty good, sauces are a must. Overall experience was just okay. Better place to just come for drinks + fries.
(2)Ruksana H.
I've been here a bunch of time sand cannot get enough of those different sauces they offer for the fries, and then their mussels wooooowiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee! Thats my usual here, though I've tried things my friends have ordered and its really the case where anything your order just turns out great, you really cannot go wrong with a place like this. Great service, good food, casual ambience, in the heart of Decatur = pure awesomeness. Rock on!
(5)Jenn D.
We had a great meal at Leon's last night! But I'm debating between three and four stars. I really liked the place and the food, but ultimately I probably wouldn't make the effort to return unless friends suggested it. Usually I give those a 3, but I REALLY like the food, so 4 it is. Drinks were reasonable and Tyler (our server) was able to help me quickly find a Guinness style beer. Service was overall very good, good timing and smiles from everyone we interacted with. It was late so we tried not to go overboard on ordering and shared the grass fed burger, orzo pasta salad, and the chicken liver croquettes. The burger was cooked perfectly, but the mustard was a little on the heavy side for my tastes. If you're not a big fan, I'd ask them to go easy. The orzo pasta salad was a treat! The flavors popped and blended in all the right places. I'd get the croquettes again and again, not even sure how to describe them, but if you like fried chicken livers and are open to variations on them - go for it! The crowd seem to be 30 something, doing pretty good, might have just bought a house in town ex-hipsters. I overheard some women high fiving over their 30s while drinking things that were not beer and eating their "pub frites". But the din of the place keeps most of the other people out of your conversation, even if you do have to raise your voice to hear your dining companion.
(4)Alex C.
Oooh, Leon's is really cool! They've got really interesting beer selections. The food is yummy. And the servers are relatively nice and helpful. The french fries are obviously super delicious and I'd like to try all their dipping sauces. I ordered their hummus - I wouldn't really call it hummus, though. It was like a mash of fresh green peas. It tasted very "green." Not really creamy or starchy like how hummus usually is. It was good, but not what I was expecting. The bread that came with it was deliciously chewy and crusty. What I really liked was how casual and not stuck up the bartenders were. I'm kind of soft-spoken and a lot of the time bartenders seem to get a little frustrated with my soft voice, but not here. The bartender was just, really cool! I was totally comfortable ordering at the bar. Next time I go, I'd like to try some of their cocktails for sure!
(4)Junior M.
I wish the steak sandwich was still on the menu, I used to go just for that. The wait for a table can be long, and the bar gets crowded, but I guess that's because so many people like it. Bacon in a glass. What else should I say?
(4)Maura F.
Hands down, best cocktails in town! I really love this place. Great beer list, EXCELLENT cocktails, and really good food too. It's a little pricey. The drinks are worth it, the food is a little overpriced. Good service and friendly staff as well.
(4)Caesar M.
I did not really like this place to much. I was not a fan of the atmosphere nor their menu. My roommate raved a lot about it so I decided to give it a try and I was not impressed. I ordered a few apetizers and a burger and was left wanting more. In fact we drove through the Mcdonald's drive-thru right after we left to satisfy my remaining apetite. I live in Atlantic Station and the drive was definitely not worth it.
(3)Adam M.
I don't know if it was the Christmas spirit or the brick-store-like beer menu that hooked me, but Leon's left a pretty good impression despite our wait time for a table for 5 (damn stable restaurants with their happy patrons). I'll keep this one short as my memory has faded (or been erased) since just before the holidaze. I do recall that pretty much everything i put in my mouth was scrumptious. We tried the fries app and the lug nuts, as well as the bacon in a glass. Honestly, despite being a lover of bacon, i was not pleased with this cupped form and could have gone without. I've seen references to Leon's as "Brick Store with an emphasis on Food", and i can't entirely agree (personally, i love me some Brick Store brunswick stew and those chicken fingers...ahh...so glorious...). But still, the food has a slight "gastro" spin, so again, i can see the reference. The group all loved their food, and it escapes me exactly what everyone had, but my wife and i gobbled our food. The atmosphere was pretty vibrant but not overly loud. I think hanging here during warmer months will be a must - outdoor bocce and a decent sized courtyard tell me so. Seriously, for the life of me, i can't recall what we ate. I think the steak sandwich for me and a salad for the missus. Don't take that as a reflection of our satisfaction. Honestly, all i remember is that we had a hell of a time and the food was no exception. I do recall that a "late night" menu came around at 10:00 and i believe the kitchen is open until midnight (maybe later). You can't have enough late-night food options, so good info to keep in your back pocket when you want tasty food past standard dinner hours. Anyway, I'm done writing and off to Leon's for some Frites and a La fin du Monde. See you there...
(4)Ryan K.
I was skeptical as I don't normally go for this type of fare, but they won me over. First, the high points. The chicken was crisp and juicy and well seasoned. The range of beer available was well selected and the pub frites were very nice with a wide variety of sauces. The location is fun in downtown Decatur and the arrangement of the restaurant with the outdoor seating in the front makes one feel like they are entering a welcoming community hang-out. The portions, especially of the frites, were ample. The service was attentive and friendly, but reading some of the other reviews I too had a mistake in my order, but it was corrected quickly. The vegetarian meat loaf fell short of the quality of the other food and was not something I would order again.
(4)guido s.
Leons doesn't need my 5 star review, but it's one of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere are all perfect for its price points. They have the best house-made cocktails in Atlanta, ever changing, and extremely creative. Go here if you haven't already. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it's so worth it!
(5)Jackie V.
Leon's is a crowd pleaser - lots of options on the menu to fit any taste & nothing has ever disappointed. Love that they offer different dipping sauces with their fries - if you are with a group order a variety so you can try as many as possible - they are delicious. Great selection of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. They change regularly with the season (same as the menu).
(4)Wesley C.
Haven't been here in a while, but definitely went a couple of times when it had just opened (week of, an several weeks later) . . . I'd have to say that some of the menu items were good, but not all of them. I went with a party of 4 or more each time, and we all tried each others' food . . . and I'd have to say that for the most part, we really weren't all that impressed. The roast beef sandwich was probably our favorite, followed by the grilled vegetable sandwich and beef brisket sandwich tied for a close second. The "pub frites" were okay . . . we tried multiple different sauces . . . but I'll be honest . . . it just wasn't my thing. I guess I'm just happy with some Heinz Ketchup. We haven't been back since it opened, and I'm not so sure that we will be returning anytime in the near future . . . although it's always a "happening" place . . . with the bocci ball outside, and sometimes hour-long wait for a seat . . . I just think there are so many other great options in the decatur square area that seem to be more appetizing to us.
(3)Nick K.
Bacon in a glass. No more needs to be said. This is not a place to sit down and have a good conversation unless you are sitting outside. The drinks are good and the food is one of the better choices in Decatur. I like the place. If you are in Decatur stop by and check it out.
(4)Sarah O.
Have been there twice during the evenings and loved it! Great ambience for date night or a big group. The drinks and wine were also great. Any of the reds or the gin/vodka drinks are highly recommended. Also the strawberry rhubarb pie is a must! Don't recommend the chocolate coconut - was not good at all and was dry. Staff are super friendly!
(4)Rirry C.
Leon's is one of my fav spots in Decatur. Great cocktails and beer selection. Awesome food at fair prices. The cheddarwurst is amazing. The zucchini casserole and brussel sprouts with bacon are two of my favorite appetizers. The charcuterie plate was a little under whelming in flavor but was fun to eat, the mustard was delish. Omg, the dessert we had was a toffee pudding with pecans and fresh whipped cream, it was off the chaaaaaain.
(5)Sam W.
I took my friend to Leon's to celebrate her birthday. I was disappointed in the food, the schtiznel was too salty and came with an oversized bun. My friend was disappointed in her Gyro. The fries were just a bunch of little scraps piled into a galvanized bucket. I wish I had chosen a different restaurant to celebrate. For the money, we had 4 glasses of wine between us and 2 entrees and spent more than $100.00 (that money would have been better spent at a place like Franco's or Farm Burger!) The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was great. Overall, a good place for drinks, but skip the food.
(2)Jeff B.
I just like throwing a wrench in things I guess. This was an upscale place. We walked in without reservations and got seated right away. our service was good, though not up to the standards of what I expect from a place with these prices. The menu looked great, and I was looking forward to a great meal. At best what came was mediocre. I've had better burgers at taverns. The veggie loaf was rather tasteless and uninspired. Everything was overpriced and rather unimpressive.
(2)Bonnie L.
Hostess was very friendly despite the crowd. Servers cruising the bar area were attentive and again, friendly. Not since Zingerman's Roadhouse in Ann Arbor have I had such a great specialty cocktail. Extra points for serving pisco, even though they call it Peruvian and I'm on the Chile side of that debate. We snagged a couple of seats facing outside. When our wait got a little long - but not that long for a Saturday night - the bar server suggested that we get an appetizer and brought it quickly. The hostess came and got us when a table was ready and there was no awkwardness in the transition over. The server was pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable. She even had an answer for "what wine goes well with the veggie loaf?" The veggie loaf, by the way, was good! It tasted healthy, too. Service timing was nice, not too fast, not too slow, and nothing felt rushed. Afterward we headed to the botchiball court, the rest of our wine-that-went-with-the-veggie-loaf in tow. Very cool idea to have this kind of thing onsite. Too bad I royally suck at it. Fortunately, I can still have a good time at things I royally suck at. Leon's is one of those places I can't believe I hadn't been to before, and another reason to love downtown Decatur.
(5)Michele D.
Cocktails are great! The summer drinks called going steady and the wasp are refreshing and worth the $10-11 price tag. We also got a bucket of frites with two sauces: goat cheese fondue and curry catsup. Sauces were tasty and frites were crispy.
(4)Ethan T.
I really like this particularly on a spring day on the patio
(4)Jennifer L.
Everyone seems to love this place, but I was underwhelmed. The pub fries were good, but it was over priced, and it gave me the vibe that it was trying really, REALLY hard to be cool.
(3)Shoichi N.
I went there back in November with my friend and her husband during my stay in ATL for a movie shoot. Little bit of wait but we got the table eventually. Saturday night and the place was busy- mostly posh trendy crowd of this area. Good beer and wine selection, along with solid continental food menu. Living in New York. Good place to start out before heading to bars around the MARTA station.
(4)Sarah S.
Everyone loves Leon's! No matter what night you go, this place will always have a decent crowd. Favorite thing...the fries! They even come with different sauces - all of them are delicious! Luckily I didn't have to pay when I went, it was a tad pricey but I give the disclaimer that i'm in college so everything is pricey to me. I dig the atmosphere of Leon's. It's very trendy, and has incredible outdoor seating! It's worth a visit for sure - highly doubt you'd be disappointed.
(4)Amrita R.
Went here pretty late in the night to grab some dinner. The place is really nicely set up. It was definitely the first warm night of the year, and the start of spring. I loved the open windows and the breeze... until someone started smoking a cigar right outside. The staff was nice enough to come and close the windows though, and told us we were welcome to do so as well. We had the fries and I ate a side of their arugula salad with the creme fraiche dressing. The salad was rather bland... I wanted some other flavors in it. I probably should have swapped out the dressing. It tasted good when I ate a bit with a fry since it added some salt. I guess I could have just added some salt, come to think of it.... Either way, I couldn't finish it. The waitress let us try 3 sauces with our fries, but the black pepper mayonnaise won over the garlic aioli and the leon's catsup. The garlic aioli was so strongly garlicked, it was hard to eat. But the black pepper mayonnaise was just right. I think my friend enjoyed her veggie sandwich and my other friend ate a side of chickpeas. Overall, the place was definitely just A-ok since we didn't talk about the food at all, which is rare among my group. The drinks were also a tad bit expensive so we went to a different bar for that.
(3)Emily N.
I adore Leon's, but mostly for a cocktail (or two) and a snack, rather than a meal. The bar is where Leon's really shines. They have a large cocktail menu rooted in antique cocktails with a modern, upscale twist, but ALSO have an ample selection of modern, inventive drinks. I have enjoyed the most delicious, complex, and unique cocktails ever at Leon's. As far as food goes, everything's been pretty good, though for someone who leans mostly toward vegetarian/pescatarian options, the menu is small-ish. What I really enjoy are the snack foods, specifically the fries! The portion is quite large, the fries themselves are nicely cooked and seasoned, and there's a large list of dipping sauce options of which you can select three. I loathe ketchup, and I'm thrilled to have such a nice spectrum of non-ketchup options. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the porch is among my top 5 favories in the city. They do not take reservations--not for the porch, and not for the indoor seating--so be ready for a wait, especially if you're married to the idea of sitting outside. It can become extremely crowded when the weather is good--even on weekday afternoons. The service is also extremely good, though be prepared to have multiple wait staff come to visit you throughout the evening. Everyone who I've ever been served by has had great knowledge of the menu, and helpful opinions and advice.
(4)gabriel m.
How have I not reviewed Leon's yet?!? Been here so many times; where do I start? Drinks are inventive and tasty. Go often though or you'll miss them. Their menu changes often so if you like a drink, take advantage! The food is good to quite good. Some variety but would like to see some more of it. I do respect them sticking to what they know but be more inventive with it. The bocce ball outside is great and unique. A great way to waste the time away sipping inventive drinks. :) Inventive, the theme of today's review. Brought to you by.... Me!
(4)Robert U.
Leon's Full Service really lives up to its name providing 5-star service to my friends and I one recent Friday evening. Leon's is clearly a Decatur favorite; when we walked in, the place was packed to the brim, but the magnificent hostess Molly made the wait much less stressful than it could have been. When we finally were able to both find a seat near the bar and have a bartender take our beer order amidst the flood of patrons, Molly kept periodically checking in with us making us cognizant of our place in line. When we were seated, we sat at a booth made for three; which definitely was cozy, but was the perfect size for three friends catching up. The restaurant was bustling but in our corner we had no problem hearing each other in our prime location. My friends and I each had a craving for a burger so we ordered Leon's version, complete with a side. Each of our burgers were cooked to perfection, and while they're not the absolute best burgers ever (I mean, burgers are so ubiquitous...) they were definitely a burger to remember. For sides, two of us had their pub frites with their delicious dipping sauces and my other friend had the iceberg wedge salad with an incredible herb caper creme fraiche. Outstanding. And the french fries were some of the best I've ever had. Hands down. When we left the restaurant at 9:00, we were almost unable to get out through the front door; it somehow got even more crowded. But with Leon's impeccable service (shout out to you Molly) and absolutely delicious food, it is really easy to see why.
(5)Starbuck S.
Went to Leon's for the 3rd time last night. Yet again, everything was excellent! We started with delicious hoppy beers at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartender was super friendly & helpful despite being very busy making others' drinks. The beer selection via the beer menu & also on tap provide great, quality selections. We then went to have dinner in the restaurant area. The wait staff was super friendly & helpful despite having a large group of 10 near us. I ordered the veggie "meat"loaf. Please ignore the reviewer below who suggested that the veggie loaf was rather bland and tasteless. I totally dis-agree! Even for meat lovers, one cannot tell that this is a "veggie"-only loaf! It was extremely tasty & also HUGE. As it's made primarily from quinoa (yummy & healthy!), and other tasty, healthy veggies such as mushrooms, cauliflower, sun-dried tomatoes, it was extremely tasty & FILLING! We also got a side bucket of fries. Wow oh wow, their fries are consistently delish & they give you a ton of them to share! I've also tried other sides such as the chickpea & cherry salad (was delicious & had real, not the fake, cherries)! I was eyeing the brussel sprouts with bacon but would have been too much food. Definitely GO here if you've never been. Sure, expect a sometimes, usually long wait on weekend nights (go early or late or expect to wait at the bar if you don't mind that). This place & Brickstore (part of same ownership) are consistently fun & delicious, with great service & vibe at both places. Leon's would be considered a notch above Brickstore from an atmosphere, price & gourmet-food perspective. I love Brickstore too for a more "chill" scenario, so you certainly cannot go wrong at either place. BOTH places rule!! Enjoy!
(4)Bobby D.
I've been here a few times and love the creativity the chef brings to flavoring dishes. My fav is the brisket sandwich with gravy and fried onions, it can't be good for you so run a few miles afterwards.
(5)Roxy J.
To be fair, I came to this place to eat, not to drink and therefore did not have any alcoholic beverage. The food was very, salty. I ordered the scallops, they were overcooked. The Strawberry rhubarb was very good. The fries were dry and too salty. The tasting sauces were all basically mayo with this or that. Not bad, but definitely not as novel and interesting as they're featured on the menu. Which hinted at what to expect. The alcohol menu was several pages long, and there were only a couple of pages for food. The late night menu seemed more interesting than the day menu. Everyone there was drinking. I just wish I'd been less hungry and more prepared for a night of drinking. It's DEFINITELY a bar, but not so much a restaurant.
(2)John E.
After reading some of the other most-recent reviews I was a bit hesitant regarding Leon's and attended a small dinner party of 8 last night (Friday) with some misgivings and lower expectations. I'm happy to say that this local restaurant/bar was much, much better than expected and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. My dining companion and I arrived about 8:00 PM - note that the city of Decatur had decided to close down the main drag and fill it with many tons of sand in order to create a festival "beach" atmosphere for whatever occasion they were celebrating - so the noise level and unwashed humanity were both intense (and parking minimal). We had just completed a ride on the Silver Comet taking time only to rinse down our bikes and thoroughly wash ourselves before heading to the birthday dinner - I think after parking and walking to the restaurant we made it by about 10 after. The honoree and his wife were waiting for us outside having a few brews so we joined them while waiting for the rest to arrive (all fashionably late I might add) - we asked to be seated outside at their long table (there may have been as many as 10 or 12 showing but some got scared off by the noise and lack of parking so the final tally was 8). While waiting I sampled some of their brews on tap - quite an assortment, enough to satisfy even the most picky of beer aficionados - and settled on a hoppy IPA for the evening. As people began to arrive we were seated and ordered some appetizers for the table - these included two buckets of pub frites (skin-on fried potatoes) and a pot of mussels. Leon's does something magical with your basic fries by doing them up crisp then allowing you to pick up to three of their sauces (so we tried 6 with the two buckets). To say these were good would be an understatement - our selection included: peppercorn gravy, masaman curry, madras curry catsup, smoked tomato mayonnaise, black pepper mayonnaise and fresh horseradish mayonnaise - I think my favorite was the horseradish mayo - what a great, inexpensive appetizer to get things going. The Prince Edward Island mussels we ordered were flat out great too - an amazing lemongrass broth and the baguettes were made for dipping - place a mussel on top and you get a satisfying, juicy, meaty bite. The pot was also a good appetizer to split - everyone got two or three bites - just enough to get the saliva going. Fortunately we weren't plagued by all the flies that Vanessa T. reported during her lunch visit (and we were outside - maybe the trick is to order them in the open?). For entrees we sampled a wide variety including three sammiches (burger, steak, beef brisket and turky schnitzel), ribeye, sea scallops, calamari, baby arugula, radishes, another order of pub frites and lug nuts (sort of a nut brittle, this one had almonds in it). Everything we shared and tried were wonderful with one exception - the burger came adorned with a mustard that obliterated the taste of the grass-fed beef (I'd recommend all the condiments on the side). I had the panko-coated, fried turkey schnitzel - your basic flattened turkey breast extending to two sides of a bun, covered in a chunky slaw and thin-sliced radishes. This was served with a tiny, crunchy and intense pickle and my chosen side, a really wonderful zucchini cheddar casserole with sweet onion gravy. Not for everyone, it was the perfect side for me to cut the fried flavors (not to mention the tiny pickle - could have eaten a handful of those). Between the two of us with drinks, two sandwiches and the pot of mussels, our portion of the bill was about $42 - not bad for an evening out in a nice restaurant. It could have been more however our guest of honor footed the bar tab (very nice of him) while we were waiting. The ambiance of the restaurant is very hipster and bar-like - makes sense as the place is a converted gas-station (there's a Purol sign hanging inside that may be original?). The noise level was high inside, and actually fairly calm outside considering the beach party going on less than a block away. VERY little lighting outside makes reading the menu difficult (most used the light from their mobile phones) but small votives came out about 8:00 PM. There's only street parking nearby with the exception of the very large deck across the street - $5 to park there. The best part of the experience here was the service - it was flat-out exceptional. From the hostess, the bartenders, the food runners and especially the servers, service was excellent, the people attentive and super-nice and extremely knowledgeable regarding the food, drink and beer selections. It's rare than you can get some honest recommendations using palette nuances simple for the diner to understand and where most servers fail. The training of the staff is exceptional.
(4)Dru M.
Leon's is one of those places were friends of mine are always picking for birthday happy hours or dinners. That's because it's fun, has a awesome location and the food/drinks are great. Below I've listed a few highlights of mine. Enjoy! * They have a fun, decent sized bar and great bartenders and servers. * Drinks - pretty good beer list and their cocktails change by the season, which I love. Variety is the spice of life! * Favorite starters - pub frites (they come with 2 dipping sauces...my favorites are - garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, peppercorn gravy, leons bbq, black pepper mayonnaise and fresh horseradish mayonnaise). Also you MUST get the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. LOVE THEM! * I recommend the bistro steak sandwich and the grilled pork chop entree. Note - they tends to fill up fast...so I suggest going early in the evening or calling ahead to make a reservation. You can order food at the bar, but that fill up fast too. Bonus - they have a bocci ball court that has a few benches by it. Perfect place to hang out with a cocktail if you do have to wait for a table. Overall...one of Decatur's gems. If you haven't tried hem already...you should.
(4)Stephanie R.
We got to Leon's quite often. Just cuz it's close to home and delicious. Bacon in a glass...great cocktails...deliciousness.
(4)Melissa T.
The best way to enjoy Leon's is to have a few of the starters instead of a burger or entree. I've eaten here no less than 10 times and am never disappointed with the charcuterie plate, which is the best for the money I've found in Atl (Brick Store, by the same owners is also YUM). I also love the calamari, Pigs Smorgas, radishes, and the specials. Tonight it was Hunter's stew and was very yummy! The specialty cocktails and also very cool and reasonably priced. Miles (the bartender) makes them better than Holeman & Finch! There have so many neat ingredients they make right there. My husband had the Whiskey Pie tonight and it smelled lovely - and I don't even like Whiskey! Leon's gets very busy so I recommend going early or expect a wait. The crowd is usually younger and hip and if you have to wait, they have a Bocci Ball court for use during nice weather, which is awesome! The staff is equally awesome and the owners too. This is another Decatur treasure!
(4)Mary M.
Incredible drinks. Absolutely incredible. I will go back for drinks alone. Food? Eh. It's not bad by any means, but I was not impressed with anything we had, nor any of the sauces and fondue that most people rave about, or even their homemade ketchup. I think most people don't realize how easy those are to make (the fondue & ketchup, at least), and with the obvious effort and care they put into the drinks they put out, it was a bit surprising to me that their food wasn't show stopping either. It won't stop me from going back though...there are pages of drinks I want to try. And on that note, our bartender Shanna was really friendly and attentive, and recommended a drink I would have never have tried otherwise, and I am so glad I did- it was probably one of the best drinks I have ever had. I am guessing it's a seasonal cocktail, so try it while they have it- it's called a Green Light. AMAZING.
(4)Alain L.
Let me start off by saying that this is not a $$$ establishment, but more more of a $$ establishment. I mean that in a good way, you won't come away with that "I just burned a hole in my pocket" feeling. So Leon's I remember as a derelict auto shop that basically sat on this corner far too long. Glad someone took the initiative and put something useful here. Walking up I noticed the large windows as well as the gravel landscaping. One of the gravel yards was being used for bocci ball, very cool way to wait on a table. Tulie L, Lauren S. and I walk in and the place is pretty packed. We manage to get some seating at the bar and we're admiring the decor. One thing to know, or maybe this was an aberration, expect to wait a while on drinks at the bar. There seemed to be one person making them, so this was a bit of a low point. With that said, I had the 3 Hour Tour, let me just say, I stuck with the draught beer after that. We ordered the pub frites, as we were waiting on a few more people to join us for dinner. These were excellent, I recommend the smoked tomato as the sauce of choice. Once we're done here, we get to our table and it's one of the large semi-oval tables in the back of the main room. We get seated and the rest of the group shows up, Mark R., Leah F., Kit F, and 2 more friends of Tulie. I ordered the Crispy Rabbit Tenders (you read that right) to start and it really did taste like chicken. The main course was the pork osso bucco with the butternut squash. When this dish arrived, I thought it looked a little on the small side, but it had really big flavor. We got to sample a few bites from various dishes and not one was disappointing to me. Overall, a very good experience.
(4)Jeremiah D.
My wife and I love Leon's. They have a fantastic beer selection in both draft and bottle, and the cocktails are even better. They take their cocktails seriously and change up the cocktail specials to reflect the seasons. The pub frites are a must, but I've loved everything I've ever had on the menu. The only thing I wish that had is something a little more kid friendly on the menu. This is regular first stop whenever we have date night in Decatur, and out of town visitors ask to go back as well.
(4)Julia D.
We all know Leon's has great food, so I'm here to rave about their customer service. We had a graduation dinner there with around 15 people and, since they don't take reservations, I showed up an hour and a half early to let them know we'd have a big group coming. The hostess was great--she took my name and pointed out the largest table they had available and said she expected the diners at the table to be finished in an hour. Unfortunately, the diners at the big table loved Leon's as much as we did, so they stayed, and stayed, and stayed. There were no other tables large enough for our group, so the manager sat us outside in a make-shift set up and brought us a couple of complimentary appetizers while we waited for a few tables to open up. She apologized (even though it wasn't their fault at all) and took great care of us, taking our drink orders and checking on us often. One thing that I actually appreciated was that they didn't ever make the other party at the big table uncomfortable--even though they were no longer eating or drinking (meaning they weren't spending money), they didn't rush them to leave. They never did leave in time for us to snag their table, so we ended up pushing a few smaller tables together and it worked just fine. The food and drinks were all delicious, and what could have been a horrible night ended up being GREAT--all because of Leon's excellent customer service.
(4)Andrea H.
Walked into Leon's for lunch after being told Brick Store had a 20 minute wait. Glad we stumbled in here! I ordered off their lunch special, a vegetable panini and it was fantastic. My husband ordered the hamburger with fries. The hamburger, while flavorful, was overcooked. Had it not been for the flavor, this review probably would have received 3 stars. The curry ketchup was also "ok," I've had better curry ketchups (namely, at BareBurger!) Cute spot though, would definitely return!
(4)Courtney Allison B.
Whoa nelly! I experienced Leon's for the first time last night and I will definitely be returning. Met some friends for dinner at 9:30 pm - there was a half an hour wait, but it flew by between hanging out at the bar with an absolutely delicious Tom Collins and chatting with friends. We initially sat outside, but once it started drizzling pretty heavily, the girl who sat us asked if we wanted to move to the next open inside table, which happened to be available about two minutes after she asked. (The staff here was incredibly friendly and accommodating - love that!) Once inside, we ordered our food - I had the burger with the chickpea cherry salad side - it was PHENOMENAL, especially the salad. It was warm, sweet and savory and herbed just right. It was a little bit of heaven in my mouth. Everyone else I was with seemed very happy with their dishes as well. This place was fantastic!
(5)Jennifer G.
I had a great experience at Leon's. Went here on a date and the food was so good, I went out with the guy again. It's that good, it will turn a 7 into a 10! All jokes aside, we had to wait at the bar for a table because it was packed and we were on a wait. We had some drinks and the peppadew appetizer. They were very good, if not a religious experience like Iberian Pig's bacon wrapped dates. The bartender was very personable. It's always great when the bartender treats you like a person instead of like someone that wandered into their own personal playhouse. Once we were seated, I had the mussels with frites. Very good and so was my date's food. Overall, service and food were great. I'll definitely go back.
(4)Ferdinand H.
Compared to the superlatively wondrous Brickstore, this venue still needs work. The ambiance is rather good; swanky yet low-key, with more metallic accents and chic lighting. The drink selection is decidedly up-market, and it still retains a pub like feel. It's not the Brickstore, and they've clearly tried to make sure that the visitor knows that. Metals instead of wood, lighting a bit more reminiscent of the art-deco era... An emphasis on Wine/cocktails and scotch as opposed to ales and beers comes to mind. The food is also a different sort, with more of a gastro-pub feel. This is where Leon's doesn't meet expectations. I had an osso bucco and bacon / peanut butter. Good, but not good enough to really make it shine. While I'd probably first go to Brickstore, this place makes a great second stop if the ol' pub is full. Don't get me wrong, I like this place; but it's parent is seriously stiff competition!
(4)Kate S.
Leon's Full Service is a gem. The food is good, the drinks are unique and the service is wonderful. If you want something eclectic and combinations of food and drink that you wouldn't have imagined before, try Leon's. The only critique I have is that the prices are a bit high and there's usually a wait.
(4)Tracey A.
The hubster and I were looking for a new, in-town and fun restaurant to try ... and selected Leon's Full Service. LOVE the vibe... it's in downtown Decatur and is hip, fun, cool, AND has really good food too. We had the calamari (with really unusual pickled onions on top); and a litle bucket of pub frites with a goat cheese fondue, and bacon herb dip sauce to start... then we each had sandwiches.. i had the gyro which was good , and husband had some sort of pork thing that looked quite good (and he seemed delighted with). We also had some interesting sides: a marinated chickpea, basil and feta salad with cranberries.... and a zucchini and cheddar tart. AND two great beers (they have an excellent selection of 'off-the-beaten-path' beers). Our waitress was lovely, engaging, attentive, and intuitive. (And got a 30% tip for her efforts!) We will definitely be back. Excellent find!
(5)Laura M.
Leon's doesn't really need another review, but I'm bringin' it. Their food is excellent gastropub fare, their cocktails are expertly crafted and their beer/wine list well-curated, plus the service is chill but attentive. They don't take reservations, but they've allowed me to show up early and stake out a big table all by myself while waiting for tardy friends. I sometimes feel a little awkward doing it, but the policy has saved me in the past. Go on Monday evening (flight night) for great food and drink specials, or cruise in at 10:00 on a weeknight for their late-night menu and a nightcap.
(5)Emily W.
The place looks so good on the surface but after our experience I just think it's trying too hard...pretentious much? The service was pretty ok, the crowd are hipsters along with the staff. The food was not so great. I had a gyro and the meat was chewy and the pita was way too thick and hard to eat. It also came with a salad which was good. The drinks are pricey...maybe they have a good happy hour? not sure. I would only return if someone else wanted to go or for a drink at the bar perhaps. oh! one thing I did enjoy was the small glasses of water they give you along with the chilled bottle for the table. for some reason i've always liked to drink water in small glasses, weirdo? yep, that's me!
(2)Laura W.
I am ashamed to admit that I had never been here after living in Atlanta for 10 years, and I'm bummed that I have missed out for so long. The food was awesome. I had the Veggieloaf, which luckily enough had no soy in it (food allergies). I also took a bit of the duck and that was fantastic. Equally as good as the food is the drink selection, it isn't your typical rum and coke, and I like that. The atmosphere and decor here is also great, it reminded me of a late fifties (only without all the overhead lighting) meets speakeasy vibe. I tried both the molasses pudding and the nutella desert and I ate them both...so needles to say, they too were as awesome as the food and drinks. Can't wait to sit on their patio this summer!!!
(4)B B.
I went in for lunch with a friend who was playing hookie from work. We ordered the trout gyro and an open face steak sandwich for our entrees. The sides are all good, you can't really go wrong. We ordered the chick peas and quiche and were very happy. We shared everything family style including the drinks. The Annoxicilion was my favorite, a taste of ginger flavored heaven. Save room for dessert the bread pudding is divine! This place is very stylish, in the best way possible. Everything is pleasantly organized. The seating is good for all sizes of groups, I even spotted a booth with no sunlight for those vampires out there. Coolest bathroom I've even experienced.
(5)Leiana J.
YUM. Get the fries. It says you can only get 2 dipping sauces, but they always let you get 3- as you should because there are so many great options. I have never been disappointed with anything I've ordered at Leon's, including the oatmeal cookie (the cherry taste in the buttercream is perfectly subtle), arugula salad, sandwiches and corndog. The service is fine, although it can get pretty busy. I've waited for an hour for table on a weekend night. The décor is industrially elegant, having replaced a former auto repair shop. The candle-lit outside seating is very romantic.
(5)eve m.
I went to Leon's Full Service tonight for the first time tonight with a couple of people from work. I am torn on my review stars - I would like to give it 3.5 stars to be exact. I had the flat iron steak, gravy and zucchini/cheddar casserole. We also split the frites with goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayo as an appetizer. The portions are not huge, but the food was good. The smoked tomato mayo was very good and the frites (fries) were really good and crispy. The steak was good, along with the gravy. The casserole was like a small souffle. I felt everything was good, but not great. I think like the food from the Brick Store Pub better. Also, the inside was extremely loud, making hard to even understand the people at the same table as you. I will give it another chance at some point, but I was not blown away. Maybe my expectations were too high? The drink menu looked very good, but I did not try for this visit.
(3)Sergio S.
First time in Atlanta and this restaurant. This has to be one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The bourbon selection was fantastic. For my entree, I had the flat iron steak which is the best steak I've ever had. Cooked to perfection and a flavor/tenderness that I've never experienced on a steak before.
(5)Heather N.
The thrill is gone... I went this week with a group and made the mistake of eating inside. I tried to plead my case for moving out to the patio, but no one could hear me. It was deafeningly loud, even on a Tuesday night. That is the drawback with austere decor~no sound barriers. The shrimp gyro was really tasty, but I think calling it a gyro because it is in a wrap is funny. It wasn't shaved meat...The spinach side was not great, I ended up eating it for mineral value alone. I tasted my friend's chickpea side, and it was almost gross. The chickpeas were hard and the cheese had melted and hardened again. Just not at all yummy. And my fave, the peppadews, were a wee bit aged-as in wrinkled skin. I have to say after having visited twice that the fries are good, but I don't think any of the dipping sauces are actually tasty WITH the fries. If I look at it as a cool bar with nice snacks, I am less disappointed than if I think of it as a restaurant with iffy food and a great drink menu.
(3)Angela K.
I like Leon's. It's a great spot to have a drink with a friend, and their drink list is extensive. I've eaten there probably eight times over the years, and the food never quite lives up to the feeling I get when I walk in--that this is a cool place, and that the food is going to be something special. The food is serviceable, and certainly quirky (to a fault, I would argue), but it always feels a bit lacking when measured against my expectations. One exception is the french fry basket with a choice of about ten different dipping sauces; the masaman curry and sun-dried tomato mayo are my favorites, and it's fun to try a new flavor. The entrees and sandwiches I've had haven't been as good. I tried the gyro once, and thought it mediocre at best--the red onion pickles were especially strange in texture and devoid of flavor. I've tried the pork chop twice. The first time it was really yummy, accompanied by sweet potatoes and green beans, and I thought I'd finally found something I could get passionate about on the menu; the second time I tried it, alas, it was fatty and not nearly as palatable. Sometimes I get the feeling at Leon's that there's nothing that "sounds good" on the menu, and since I like all sorts of foods, this is not a good sign for me at a restaurant. Overall I'd say Leon's is recommended as a fun place to go with friends, especially just for cocktails, but is hit-or-miss with the food, so if that's your focus I'd say probably go elsewhere. The service is friendly and down-to-earth, in spite of the "cool kid" vibe they're rocking in there.
(3)Andrew A.
Good burger and fries with very attentive service. The mayo and ketchup sauce for the french fries is very good. They have a limited but terrific selection of beers. The wait can be long and, unfortunately, on a rainy Saturday night we were unable to play bocce without rain boots.
(3)Roy K.
No complaints at all. Great service & even better food. I had the brisket sandwich ( from Texas, I know me some Brisket) which had a cool 'french onion' thing going on. Had the chick-pea side dish and it was a good kind of different. Fritas were great - had the curry ketchup with them and i would do it all over again. As you can guess great beer on draft/bottle. Not as much as Brick Store but thats the point. Here and Brick Store not only Atlanta musts but should be on the regular list.
(5)Bill S.
I went to Leons with some friends last night... a great little place for a drink and some food. The beer selection doesn't come close to what they offer at the Brick Store, but like Brick Store, none of the beers they carry are going to be available at your run of the mill bar. I asked the waitress for "something similar to Guinness", and she brought me a Donnybrook Stout. Very tasty beer I must say. My friends raved about the osso bucco, and it certainly looked delicious to me. I had eaten beforehand so just got an appetizer of pub frites. They were a bucket of hot and delicious fries with the skins still on and sauces which I thought were pretty flavorful. The menu says you get to choose two sauces, but they'll let you choose three. ;) I chose the bbq, massaman curry and goat cheese fondue. If you need to drown your fries in sauce it might not be enough, but if you just dip them as was intended, the three sauce bowls you get is plenty... these are fresh, flavorful fries that can stand on their own, not fast food fries. Service was excellent. I don't think we went more than 3-4 minutes without someone checking on us, and when we did request something it was brought to us very quickly. The staff were all very friendly too... easily 5 stars for the service. I give 4 stars overall because its small, leading to long waits unless you want to sit outside on a chilly evening like we did, and parking is a pain unless you want to pay to park nearby or you luck out with a street spot.
(4)Matt L.
Absolutely loved Leons top to bottom, outside of the horrendous wait. Although, the wait is not only worth the atmosphere and the great food, it doesn't seem so terrible sitting outside on the patio with one of the great beers or cocktails that come from the very attentive bar. I figured as a newbie to the city of Atlanta, and enjoying learning about this fine city and all of its great food and drinks, I better start a yelp to provide reviews of all the places I attend. I have quite a back catalog of places I have visited in the past two months to review on here, but I had to start here, with Leons. I ordered the steak sandwich with fries and a few (1 too many) pilsners from the bar. The fries were absolutely top notch and so was the horseradish mayo steak sandwich. My brother ordered the pasta salad, and was quite surprised when it wasn't the traditional pasta salad he was used to in Ohio, so I took that down as well and was very surprised at how great it tasted. Overall, 4/5 to Leons. I could not give it 5 based on the fact we were told a 45 minute wait and waited almost 2 hours but we understood as they were slammed on a Saturday night.
(4)Broderick S.
I've been to Leon's on a number of occasions but lately it's mostly been for the bar. Their main mixologist Miles is a regular at the food festivals I attend around town and his drinks really can't be beat. He's regularly at the bar on the left hand side near the kitchen and his energy is infectious. The drink menu changes regularly but feel free to have him customize a drink for you depending on what you're in the mood for. I promise you that you won't be disappointed. Leon's also has a regularly changing beer list that can't be beat.
(5)Russ P.
Decent food but ALWAYS a ridiculous wait. It just shouldn't take an hour and a half to be seated.
(2)wayne e.
Fantastic Cocktails! Fantastic Cocktails!! Did I mention Fantastic Cocktails!!!??!!! I'm been a fan of Absinthe since returning from Paris and the "Death & Company" is reason to return again, and again, and again! Service is great and the food was tasty. I love good food, but am a sucker for great drinks priced reasonably. Love the wait staff and plan to return very soon.
(4)Katherine S.
I'm loving this new outpost from the brick store pub crew. The food is a little more upscale than what you'll find at brick store, but the best part is that the wait for a table isn't nearly as long. The true standout here are the cocktails. They are probably the best I've had in Atlanta. Whoever's tending bar here deserves a solid round of applause. Salads are delicious, the fries are awesome, and the charcuterie plate with cheeses and cured meats is to die for. I also would recommend the mussels as an app, and the radishes and goat-cheese stuffed peppers from the snacks section. If possible, request a table outside. The atmosphere is much cooler out there, but the inside isn't half-bad either.
(4)Wesley T.
Great place. Used to be a gas station. Friendly wait staff. Hipster feel. Turkey schnitzel was awesome. Inventive drinks. Not too loud.
(5)tony w.
Incredible. You know the high points: amazing cocktails, great beer, terrific service, fantastic airy space, but here's the real secret: Leon's serves a full menu until 12AM on school nights, and 1AM on Fridays and Saturdays. That's right, you can have a top notch meal *past midnight* on saturday. Most restaurants close at 10. Maybe 11. The kitchen here is open all the way to the end of the night - it closes only an hour before the whole place shuts down, and practically speaking you can be eating just before last call. Where else can you get this? Decatur Diner? Don't Joke. McDonalds? Ha. Zucca? Ugh. The food is mindblowingly good, and they really are the only game in town late at night. Get off work, need a beer, want a fantastic dinner after a long day - this is the place.
(5)Shaun P.
My wife and I love this place. You can tell they spend a lot of time on the details. The staff has always been extremely friendly even when they have to navigate through some fairly thick bar crowds. Excellent beer selection but what would you expect from the guys that own The Brick Store. The food is very solid too. I avoid the foodie snob choices, curry-wurst, chicken liver etc. and stick with fresher healthier ingredients like their great salads. baby arugula, radishes, smoked pecans, garlic creme fraiche dressing, grana padano. Would give them a 4.5 if I could. I'd go 5 if the menu would expand a bit more.
(4)Teddy N.
Too much BACON and salt. Great team service and knowledgeable wait staff. We started with the carrot curry soup. Man that was a little bit of heaven. Good stuff for sure. Next we split the scallops - too much bacon. Never thought I could say those words, but it's true. Bacon killed the scallops. Would have loved a cocktail that didn't have a sweeting agent added. I settled for the Terrapin Hopsecutioner. Scratch that I settled for two Hopsecutioners!
(3)Nikkie F.
Tonight, our friends arrived at 7pm (with a meeting time of 7:30 with us) and put their names on the list. They were told about 20 minutes, but when we arrived at 7:30, they were still sitting at the bar. However, the hostess had been keeping tabs on them and letting them know the countdown to seating. We only waited about 15 more minutes after that, which was fine (a 15 minute wait for us, but 35 for our friends...). C'est la vie, I suppose. The place is very open and airy, with tall ceilings, big windows and lots of natural light. Huge, soft, comfy booths (and also tables BTW). However, the nicely painted but still bare walls didn't absorb ANY sound, and thus the very crowded and busy restaurant was also very loud. Except when the 3 year old in the booth behind us started screaming at the top of his lungs for no reason. Yeah. Then the restaurant went silent. ((The child was rapidly removed by his attentive parents, but srsly -- who brings a 3 year old to a place like this?)) There is outdoor seating out front (on Ponce), but it was just too hot today to sit out there. On the side of the building (Church St) there are wooden benches (and tables) so you can take your drink outside and have a smoke if need be. Also, there is Bocce ball. I don't know why, there just is. They have a very big bar with a big selection of wine, beer, and mix drinks. After all, (I'm told) this place is owned by the same people who own the Brick Store (YAY!). I don't drink, so I can't account for any of the alcoholic consumables. But everything LOOKED very pleasing. The service was okay - not great - just okay. We got everything that we ordered, correctly, the first time. It came exactly as we each specified: medium-rare, on the side, without, extra, blah blah blah. Good job guys. Except, every time we tried to catch our waiters attention for another drink or an extra napkin or whatever... he'd just miss us like... five times. As soon as we were able to catch his attention we got what we needed right away... but perhaps he was too busy? And now about the FOOD! The turkey sandwich was lovely. It was a pretty typical lunch-like turkey sandwich. It was good. I probably wouldn't get it again, but it was good. However -- it has Tillamook cheese on it! If you don't know about this cheese that comes from a small part of the Willamette Valley in Oregon... well... you are just missing out. No, really. It's just that amazing. And I haven't had it in YEARS. Apparently I was looking in all the wrong places. I have since adjusted my future shopping trips. Don't worry. I will get my cheese! My side order was the Fritas or fries, or whatever fancy word they want to give them. It comes with one dipping sauce, so I choose the Spicy Aoili. Mistake. It tasted like plain ole' mayonnaise. My husband got the Masaman dipping sauce... WOW! Yummy! My friend got the horseradish, which was pretty good too. Sadly, some crazy patron decided that it would be a good idea to open a window (inside = nice cool air conditioning & outside = 97 degrees and no breeze) and leave it open. After only a few minutes there were a handful of flies buzzing around us. Ick. But that was not the fault of the restaurant, rather the crazy patron. And, to just really top everything off... it was VERY REASONABLY PRICED! It was only 27$ for the hubby's big ol' beer, his bacon-cup app, his beefy burger, and my turkey sandwich! It's difficult to find quality service and food for this price. I think this was one of the most impressive things here. I will 100% go back, and I will 100% recommend my friends (that means YOU) to visit here as well. My friend had the veggie sandwich, that looked... simply wonderful! I know that I will be ordering that the next time I visit -- and YES, I will be visiting again.
(5)Julia R.
Maybe it was the casual and upbeat vibe that this former petrol station- turned-gastropub exuded or the fact that masaman curry and goat cheese fondue were 2 of the choices in which to dip your "pub frites" that converted me into a Leon's fan. Despite the rainy day prohibiting us from enjoying the patio or the bocce ball outdoors, I am looking forward to another visit to Leon's so that I can sample more of their unique twists on traditional American cuisine. Friendly and attentive waitstaff with a style all their own provided excellent service and the drink menu was a book in and of itself...requiring a lot of thought in order to make the right selection! A mature crowd with a very congenial atmosphere made for instant comfort after walking inside Leon's doors. Slightly disappointed that they were out of Riesling, our waitress was able to make a recommendation that almost made me forget my original request. The portions were plentiful and the food, very flavorful. I tried the marinated skirt steak gyro--extremely good with the housemade dill and cucumber yogurt. Caution, however, this is not a gyro in the traditional sense so keep that in mind prior to ordering...you won't be disappointed, though. It was accompanied by a warm chickpea and cherry salad with aged provolone and basil...absolutely delightful. My husband had the open-faced beef brisket topped with crispy fried onions and a side of the pub frites with madras curry ketchup and dill yogurt for dipping. The only thing I regret is that we were too full for dessert. The menu featured items such as key lime pie with poached strawberries and coconut creme fraiche as well as a 1/2 pound homemade oatmeal cookie with cherry buttermilk icing. Perhaps on my next visit, I'll get that sought after glass of Riesling along with a dessert and be completely satisfied.
(4)Erin O.
Great Beer Selection Excellent Cocktails Knowledgeable & Friendly Bartenders Pub Frites w/ Masaman Curry Sauce & Smoked Tomato Mayonnaise Fresh, Delicious Salads Bacon in a Glass (Yep!) Relaxed Atmosphere I also hear that the "liege" waffle is to die for. I LOVE this place...maybe even more than the Brick Store!! (Shhh!!)
(5)Jeff M.
Brick Store Pub was THE place to go to in Decatur. Then along came Leon's Full Service. This place is awesome. Love the vibe. If the weather's nice, even better. Also a great beer selection, though not as extensive as Brick Store next door. The food, though not shut-someone-up delicious, it's definitely better than your normal bar fare. And has anyone noticed? If a dining establishment in Atlanta has a bocce ball court, it HAS to be good. This place is no exception. Visit this place and Brick Store in the same night and for sure it'll be a good one!
(4)Kathryn J.
What keeps me going back to Leon's? Their seasonal cocktail menu. Admittedly, since I'm a grad student and money is always tight, and since I've managed to more-or-less replicate the Cucumber Cooler at home, I go here less often than I would like. But Leon's is a treat. I think I'll request it for my birthday dinner this year.
(5)lindsay t.
I really love Leon's. And those I've gone there with love it as well! Try the Veggie Loaf (AMAZING) and don't miss one of their great cocktails (cucumber gin one is great). The fries and different sauces are a give-in --- you must try! The atmosphere in the restaurant is so comfortable, fun and fresh, and the staff is super friendly, and attentive. The best combination possible!
(5)Laura W.
Boules, people. Boules! Or bocce, your call. But seriously, I can't wait to get back here on a non-rainy night to see if I've still got any of my childhood skills, while drinking some deliciously non-kiddie beer. Things I've had and liked: smoked tomato mayonnaise, the White Oaks burger (spot on!), the brisket, Etienne Dupont cider, Gulden Draak & St. Bernardus Pater 6 on tap (om nom). Things I've had reservations about: most of the other dipping sauces for the frites, warm chickpea & cherry salad (kind of weird, but maybe you'll like it?), some kind of rabbit appetizer done chicken-finger style (boring!). But more than anything else, the thing I really struggle with about Leon's is having yet another good option for food & drink in Decatur. Why, Decatur? Why must you have so many places that know their stuff when it comes to food and drink? You make my life so difficult.
(4)Kevin K.
Wow, this place was fun! Went for lunch with my grandmother last weekend after wanting to try Leon's ever since they opened. Just amazingly fresh and flavorful food, which some really interesting taste combinations. We all tasted each others' food and I loved every bite. The winner was certainly the Brussels Sprouts hash, but the Zucchini Casserole and the Turkey Schnitzel sandwich were also favorites around the table. Great atmosphere, clean and bright. Friendly and attentive, but pleasantly casual service. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Michael M.
I might be biased because I know the chef but this is my favorite place in decatur.
(5)J. B.
i can't believe i haven't wrote a review for leon's. i go here a lot, well as much as i can, and i have been happy every time. one of my favorite sides that they just cannot get rid of is the garbanzo beans baked with provolone and dried cherries. omg. it is so good. i probably should be writing this review right after i leave the joint, so everything is fresh in my mind, but this will have to do for now. the open face roast beef sandwich is so good, i couldn't stop eating it off my husband's plate. last time i was there i got a vegetarian sandwich with arugula, fresh tomatoes, cheese, balsamic, and i think there was an olive tapenade, and roasted onions on there as well. (my mommy brain is in full effect right now, so pardon the faint memories!) it was so yummy too! the pom frites are delish with many dipping sauces to choose from. i am still trying new ones every time i go! great beer list (craft beers too!), great cocktail list, and excellent staff. i have had great service from the servers and bartenders every time i go. friendly, knowledgeable, and they always take care of us at the table. this is a definite place to check out in the decatur area...and its family friendly too! say hi to leon for me, we are old pals.
(4)Nathan C.
I work really close to Leon's, so I have been there about 4 times in the past few months for lunch, and 1 or 2 times for dinner. I like the food a lot. Nothing fancy, but smart takes on common food. The burgers, to me, are the best around. If I am in the mood for a burger, there is no question this is where I'd go. I've also had the chicken sand which on Foccia bread. It was really good and had a tangy mayo that made this ordinary sand which less ordinary. I think their sides are good too. Not what you'd expect. My favorite is the warm chick pea and cherry side. It's really good. The downside has been that the staff has been real hit and miss. The first waitress I had was very friendly. She talked about the vision of using local veggies and mentioned the tie to their other local place. However, the last few times I have been there with my kids, and honestly, I feel like I kind of got the cold shoulder. Not sure if they are trying to not be a place where kids are welcome, but I felt a little put off by how long it too our serve to take our order, verses those around us with no kids. It felt obvious to me. That doesn't change my liking for this place, but I will frequent there when I am on a business lunch and not on a family outing.
(3)Christine H.
pig smorgas = benton's ham + gooey cheese + cherry preserves + pineapple bits + soggy toast grilled veggie sandwich = lots of veg + goat cheese + salty sun-dried tomato pesto + chewy bread peach & blueberry cobbler = wet mess + sugar-less whipped cream 1/2 pound oatmeal cream pie = fall-apart-when-you-pick-it-up cookies + painfully sweet cream this was my first visit. it may not have been phenomenal, but i'd definitely give it another shot. i'm dying to try some of their interesting salads. orange tabasco vinaigrette? yes, please. my veggie sandwich was solid - seasoned vegetables and not too crusty bread. the sun-dried tomato pesto really pulled the whole thing together. the pig smorgas were great, but were lacking something i couldn't put my finger on. i think all i could taste was cheese and pineapple. maybe more ham and crispier toast would have done the trick. i had a taste of the frites which were golden brown and delicious. the goat cheese fondue was ok. i preferred the spicy mango catsup. dessert was alright. the cobbler had great freshness from the peaches and blueberries, but the cobbler topping just didn't do it for me. it didn't hold up against all the liquid from the fruit and wound up being a rather bland doughy mess. based on texture alone, i wouldn't recommend it. the brown sugar whipped cream was plain whipped cream topped with a tiny sprinkle of sugar. there needed to be more sweetness to balance the tartness of the fruit. speaking of sugar, i guess it all wound up landing in the oatmeal cookie pie cream. overall it was pretty yummy (don't all reasonable people love sweets?) and a novel idea to serve at a restaurant, but my teeth felt like a chubby 7 year old's after halloween. all in all, it wasn't super fantastic, but it wasn't bad either. next time, i hope to try different dishes in the same great, uniquely casual atmosphere just COOLER. dress extra light for this place. it's an old building and i guess the AC doesn't work as well as most atlantan's would like it to.
(3)Sheila M.
Our second visit to Leon's was a on a snowy Sunday night. So we lucked out--it wasn't crowded and we didn't have to worry about the wait. Just as before, service was efficient and friendly, food was great, wine and beer interesting. This will become a regular spot for us!
(4)Sue L.
Excellent french fries, they let you pick a few sauces for the fries, and I love sauce, so I immediately fell in love with the place. I had some sandwish, but that was nothing superb, just average. They have a great selection of beer (although I'm not much a beer drinker) and also have a good mixed drink list, and they make it strong (I also like that very much). Only negative, LONG WAIT!!! We actually went to Starbucks next door and had lattes for an hour because there was no place to wait, and the bar was insanely crowded with others waiting for their tables. Finally, when they sat us, only available seating was in the enclosed patio area....and it was COLD...even with heat lamps. They were very accomodating though, they brought extra heat lamps so that we wouldn't freeze while dining. Good service!
(4)Russ G.
Finally. I've tried to get in this place more times than a woman's pants. Every time I've ever gone by at night, it's packed. Hour wait minimum, usually more. Good I suppose since it means they're turning out great service, but dang, let other people have a turn. The lady and I were feeling a need for a breeze and a brew and on the way to Twain's she said "Let's try Leon's". What an idea. Parking of course sucked but we walked the few blocks and got right in, they were very non busy today for some reason. Decor is very nice. The whole place is very open feeling, lots of nice touches and clean paint work, the bathroom is magical almost it's so nice. Beer list, huge, which we knew already, prices are so-so. Some are priced competitively, others are just obscene. Menus is nicely laid out and the food all sounds pretty tasty. We weren't too hungry so we had sides, I got the fries and she got the currywurst, basically a big sausage with curry sauce to dip in. Very, very good. The fries come with your choice of numerous sauces, from black pepper mayo (yum) to their own homemade catsup, which was just glorious. The sausage was good but it looked to be a regular store bought one laid on a grill, maybe it was fresher than that but looks say a lot. Still good, just not what I'd assume they'd have with everything else being so fresh and unique. The service was dead on too, Holli was our server and she was extremely polite, timely, and helpful. One complaint is they bring a wine bottle full of water to the table for you, it tasted like tap water and got warm super quick, like the bottle wasn't chilled much and the water wasn't either. No big gripe, I drank beer anyway. **I forgot to add, before ordering the fries I checked on how they're cooked. I have a peanut oil allergy, not sure what the type it is but some fries cause a reaction. Holli verified they use soybean oil, which was what I wanted to hear. I also asked for the fries to be unsalted, which from other reviews seems to be an issue here. There was no problem, they came out fresh and salt free. Some places just don't care about little things like that so it was a nice plus.** So I'm anxious to try more menu offerings now that I've had a window inside and anxiously await to update this to 5 stars.
(4)James H.
The booze and food here is absolute quality. Service is always great and if you need a breather, you've got Bocce court outside. Haven't had the bacon in the glass yet, but try the old fashioned from the bar that has bacon infused bourbon! incredible. also, everything is hand made behind the bar so it doesn't get any fresher. love this place, a nice change of pace from brickstore, which is usually where I get my warm up before going to Leon's.
(5)Emily W.
My girlfriends and I went to Leon's last night. I live near Decatur, and have known about the new restaurant for a while and was anxious to give it a try, especially since it's by the same people as Brickstore... which is one of my favorite restaurants/pubs in Atlanta. The service was GREAT, our server was very attentive, and other staff members came by throughout the meal to check on us. We started with an order of the Pub Frites with masaman curry and the goat cheese fondue dipping sauce. The fries were delicious, cooked perfect. The dipping sauce was yummy too, but they didn't give us nearly enough for the whole basket of fries. Then I ordered the white oak pastures grass-fed burger as my entrée. I was massively disappointed in the burger - it lacked flavor. The bun was kind of hard, the pickles were gross. The burger was just an overall disappointment. My girlfriends seemed to enjoy their meal, but none of them were blown away. We got the cobbler for dessert, and in my opinion was a waste of money. The only good part was the brown sugar whipped cream on top. The texture of the cobbler was waxy --- not very good. The drink menu was respectable and I thought the wine selection was reasonably priced. Bottom line --- Leon's probably deserves another chance but ... you'll most likely see me at Brick Store before you see me at Leon's again.
(3)Keith B.
Leon's Full Service in Decatur is a treat. I understand it can get very crowded on weekend nights, so I have only been here during the week and a late lunch on Sunday. Also, I have stuck with appetizers, salads and sandwiches and have not had any entrees. Food is very good and tasty. Several interesting items on the menu and a good burger and specials. Fries are excellent and the homemade catsup is wonderful. Great beer selection and some good wines. I was very impressed with the service and friendliness of the staff. This place years ago was a service station, than an upholstery shop, an antique shop and now a restaurant. It is a fine addition to the Decatur restaurant scene and you can bet we will be coming back. I recommend giving it a try.
(4)Irene S.
Great beer selection. I was happy to see many local ingredients and grass feed meats. The goat cheese stuffed peppers were fantastic! I always eat here when I'm in Atlanta for work.
(4)Laura P.
Leon's menu isn't anything special. I've been there several times, and I don't love it or dislike it. It's just okay. I always try something different and nothing really does it for me. I think their entrees are on the small side. The presentation isn't anything to write home to mom about. Their prices are okay, not great, not too pricey. It's just okay. The service, however , is always spot on. The staff there (and BSP) is always helpful, knowledgeable and overall excellent. It's a beautiful space and I think they did an amazing job building it out. No doubt, Leon's has a great atmosphere. I think their food is a bit on the over ratted side.
(3)Jarrod C.
When I heard the owners of the Brick Store were going to be opening a new place right around the corner I already knew Leon's would be a cool, original place to go grab a high quality beer with friends. After checking it out on opening night I can honestly say it even exceeded my expectations for all of those things, and the food was very good. We started our meal with a basket of monk frites (french fries for you non-belgians) and got to choose 3 dipping sauces for them. I can see this becoming a very popular appetizer. They also have lots of random apps like bacon/waffles to go along with the standard meats/cheeses. For my main meal I had a pork shank type thing that was literally falling off the bone and had amazing flavor. I just wish it was a little bigger, but all of the portions seemed to be a little small (our main complaint). I tried a friend's steak and although she wasn't crazy about it, I thought it was really good. My wife raved about her steak sandwich and salad, and I must say it did look really good. We tried both the waffles/cream and cobbler dessert and while both were good, I would say neither were amazing or a "must." They certainly did an awesome job renovating this building and I can see the bar area (that has a garage door opening to the outside) becoming a huge warm weather hang out. They even have an area set up on the side to play Bocce Ball. You know you can always trust the "Brick Store guys" to have an amazing selection of beers from all over the world to enjoy in a unique environment...and I will continue to hang out wherever they open places. Update: The Beef Brisket sandwich is amazing. Portions are bigger. 5th star added.
(5)Robyn M.
Finally tried Leon's over the weekend and can't wait to go back! Loved the laid back atmosphere and the restaurant decor. Food was awesome, as I expected. You must try the bacon and peanut butter, it was yummy! I was a little skeptical as it sounds rather strange, but I can say it's something we will get every time we go going forward! The frites, of course, were delicious and I loved all the different sauces you can try with them. Looking forward to trying Leon's late night after some drinks @ Brick Store as their late night menu (starts at 10:00) looked really good with some interesting choices (PBJB - Peanut Butter Jelly Bacon Sandwich)!
(4)Travis S.
Not impressed with portions or service. Food tasted good but I wouldn't say it's worth what they charge.
(2)Dave H.
My new review of Leon's is that it's a great low key place to get some great cocktails from a place that was the first to bring great cocktails to Decatur Square. Though I've had issues in the past, those seem to be resolved in the past few years so thumbs up all the way. Great service and great food and drink. Recommended.
(4)Laura F.
Quite a few people recommended Leon's so I was anxious to get there! We tried it last night sooo here is my review... Great service, everyone there is super nice and fast and there are plenty of people walking around to help you at any moment, although they do circle like sharks that smell blood in the water. Seating was good, considering it was too hot to eat outside they have plenty of room indoors although the one room can be a bit bright around 6, so wear sunglasses. The fries, everyone talks about, they were okay. In NYC they have places like this with different sauces and they are much better, soo you should try them :). I wouldn't go to Leon's there specifically for fries. The menu is odd combinations of foods however everything sounded tasty. The mesculin salad was great with a bit of an orange twist!m I'm hoping to one day get back for a waffle for dessert. The portion sizes are reasonable but if you like big hearty dishes, probably not the place to go. Cheese in most dishes so for those like me, maybe not the ideal menu however they seem really cool and would probably remove the cheese...sometimes you gotta budge! The atmosphere is great, probably great for grabbing a drink. Three stars from me because the menu didn't have lots I was interested in past the desserts and appetizers.
(3)Carole M.
Leon's is....okay. If you like expensive drinks, salty food, and incoherent service with an attitude, by all means head on over. We had: Fries with masaman curry, goat cheese, Leon's ketchup sauces. First two good, ketchup forgettable. Fries were maybe the best thing we ate. Trio of shredded brussel sprouts, the zucchini-cheese flan, and chickpeas with cherries. All interesting but TOO MUCH SALT. And I actually like salt. Similarly salty were the char and the pork chop. Good ingredients but mishandled. Different servers kept showing up with food and drinks and getting things wrong. Also been here for lunch. Similarly under-whelmed.
(2)Herman N.
I visited Leon's twice in the first week it was open. Sat at the bar up against the windows with a friend the first night and sat at the main bar with my lady the second night. Both nights were very crowded (good for them), but it's hard to say if that's how it will be consistently (I've heard similar reports since) or if it was just first-week buzz. Additionally, while I found the noise level to be pretty appropriate, I've heard that the main dining areas with tables can be far too loud. As for the decor, it's a nice look, flashier than Brick Store and considerably more modern. Clean cut wooden planks (which can kind of be seen in the photo uploaded on this page) display main beer on draft and there is a pretty extensive list of bottles to boot. Speaking of drinks, there isn't much to complain about. Leon's is supposed to be more about the food (more on that in a minute) than Brick Store, and it is, but the beer list is ample. As a bonus, the mixologist here (Miles is his name, I believe) makes a mean drink. The vieux carre comes recommended, especially for cognac/whiskey fans. What I've had of the food has been pretty wonderful. As mentioned elsewhere in these reviews, the frites are a delight. Inventive/delicious dipping sauces are a joy, and the fries themselves are just great. The beef brisket I had was also tender and excellent, but quite peppery, so be warned if you don't like that sort of thing. Another winner is the waffle dessert option, cooke with sugar all over and housed in a wax bag as if you got it off the streets of Belgium. Pretty great so far, Leon's. Seems like those Brick Store boys may have hit a home run again.
(4)Steven K.
Cup-o-Bacon. That's all I really need to say, but I will bring up the great variety of dipping sauces for the fries as well. The masaman was a bit runny as well as the goat cheese fondue, the madras curry, smoked tomato mayo, spicy mango ketchup and bacon & tarragon mayo were delicious. We also tried the beef bistro steak sandwich with gruyere, roasted red peppers and horseradish mayo and the Beef brisket sandwich, both of which were incredible. I will definitely be back. Oh yeah, drooling over all the food, I forgot to mention the great service.
(4)Dennis S.
First of all, the staff (management & servers) are very nice and attentive. Now for the rest: I am a vegetarian, so, I went there after hearing great things about this place. Their menu offers only a FEW options for non-meat eaters, so I opted for the veggie loaf (approx. $15.00) and plenty large enough portion, and it was ok...not the best, certainly not the worst. Also, as per a suggestion, I ordered a side of fries, which were OK, although the portion was quite small, and at a cost of $4.50! Additionally, I asked for bread, and a tasty french bread with butter on the side platter was delivered, and the bread was the best part of the meal (cost of bread: $1.00). The server delivered fresh cold water in a chilled glass wine bottle (complimentary). So, for me, for lunch, the cost was about $26.00 (with gratuity) which is far too much for me to expect to spend for lunch. Would I return? Maybe with a group, and maybe only to try a dessert or something like that. With so many great places within walking distance of downtown Decatur, I suspect that my visits there will be VERY limited. Again, the staff/MGT was very nice, the place was clean, ambience nice. I did have difficulty accessing Wifi, so, it may not be available there.
(2)MARK T.
This is the one of the bestest favoriteds of me and of the wife I am married to. I like to drinking drinks at this place because it has selection of good drinks for drinking. I like to eated all of the frenched fries and I liked the good gee-row with the seafoods in it.
(4)Katie D.
Excellent meal, drinks and service. Definitely a must-try in Atlanta. The pub frites were divine and even better than expected. Will definitely visit again!
(5)K S.
Love this place - the food, atmosphere, bocce, special beverage treats...
(4)Jane B.
Leon's brings a little class to classic bar food. It is a fun spot for first dates and girl's nights. The drinks at Leons are always...an adventure. Good news is - they are always strong!
(4)Andrea H.
Lots of gluten free options, including fries. Mussels can be modified to be GF, ask them to make the broth with wine instead of beer. Great food, drinks and service.
(5)Rachel P.
Delicious cocktails. Loco bandito wanna make me marry a tequila bottle. Food is so tasty and the service was awesome, she knew her stuff and left us be...perfect!
(4)Lori T.
took my parents here b/c The Brick Store was closed unusually for repairs. this 2nd choice wasn't so bad at all! my parents were a little hesitant about the beer choices - didn't enjoy the recommendations from our server & thought prices could be a tad lower (hence 4 stars for them!). on my end, i don't drink beer so i didn't order any. i stuck to water - which they serve in a cool decanter that is chilled. i enjoyed my food immensely! the burger was cooked exactly as i ordered. i love that they use local products and growers for their food - makes me feel good after visiting! the fries are amazing - i saw big buckets on other people's tables but i just had a side (which was plenty). the assortment of dips was super fun! i recommend the goat cheese fondue - if you are into goat cheese. my only complaint would be that i wish the dips were a bigger size! i went through it fast. i'd love to come back to try more on the menu. i agree the price was a little bit steep but the local growers and quality of food, made it worth it i'd say. cool retro vibe in this place too... i need to play bocce ball next time (they have a sand court to play on). FYI: having to park a little ways away and walking wouldn't be a con - but rather a pro so you can walk off the food you just ate :)
(4)Esteban R.
Awesome!!!! Wow... I have never been here before but now I am hooked... Love the grass fed burgers and the lug nuts... Plus their selection of beers is insane... Highly recommended!
(5)Lauren H.
We go to Leons a lot- mostly because we love love the fun, seasonal drinks but also because the service is always superb. The food is hit or miss in my opinion- we used to come a lot more often for some of our favorites- steak sandwich, calamari, seasonal flatbreads.. But unfortunately, many of our favorite dishes have been removed from the menu. I definitely like that they are experimenting with the menu and making sure to use only fresh, quality ingredients but some of the items are getting a little strange to me. We often don't know many of the items and have to ask the server for help- which they are usually great at but recently it seems as though they may be confused as well. Overall, I think it is a wonderful, fun place to eat and drink. I would highly recommend it and if my father was a more adventurous eater I would take my parents there when they come in town!
(4)S.Y. D.
I recently visited a friend down in Atlanta for a weekend. I got in pretty late and he took me to this place to grab a bite to eat and some drinks. I thought the overall look and feel of the restautant was great. We got seated in one of their 2 outdoor areas. It was a gravel section of the restaurant. Although that does sound weird, it was fine actually. To start things off, we had really attentive servers without being overly intrusive. We decided to grab a few small plates. We had the hummus, chicken sausage and pub frites. For two people, it was a good amount of food. Their pub frites (french fries) had a long list of different dipping sauces. We had the garlic aioli, smoked tomato and garlib herb dips. All three were great. As for drinks, we decided to try a bunch of their summer cocktails. I had a drink with the cucumber and one with a peach. Although I hate fruity, sweet drinks, this was far from it. I highly suggest people try out their speciality cocktails. Overall, it was a great experience. If I lived in the Atlanta area, it would be a great go-to place to meet friends for good food and drinks.
(4)Nadia B.
Amazing! Recently had the minerality flight of wine, a delicious small plate of asparagus & almonds with hollandaise, and then a ridiculously tasty burger. Great service, great atmosphere, reasonable prices.
(5)Cindy T.
my last dinner in atlanta!! the pub frites. deelish. i like the idea of picking your own sauce but i kinda wish they had a sampler of all the sauces or something so i could get a taste of everything. i also had this sandwich with beef brisket and little crispy onion rings on top. yum. as far as the atmosphere...i think it's a cute little date kind of place or meet with friends for a casual dinner place. i'd go back but i'm not in the area anymore :(
(4)Pam S.
Worth the drive ITP. Good beer selection, good food, great atmosphere, and great neighbor (BSP). Sit at the bar & chat the staff up.... they know their hoppy goodness and love to talk beer!
(4)Kimberly K.
Four words: bacon in a glass. Also an outstanding selection of beers.
(5)Greg F.
I've been a couple of times now and have been consistently impressed. The beer selection on tap and in a bottle is great, and the mixed drinks aren't too shabby either. The waitstaff was friendly and helpful. We had a big group on a Saturday night, so we had to wait awhile but we were kept happy with free appetizers (which is always nice). We eventually got sat in the circular nook in the middle of the restaurant which is cozy little spot for good conversation. I had the scallops which were absolutely phenomenal. I also had a hearty portion of my girlfriend's flatbread which was quite tasty. There is a bit of a scenester/hipster ambiance, but its not over the top. It actually makes for some good people watching. Bocce ball outside is a great way to pass the time while you're waiting as well.
(4)Miss B.
I had my first visit there and I really enjoyed myself. The atmosphere is really upbeat. While I thought the seating was a little cramped, it ended up working out great for my party. I just had drinks (so no food reviews here). With so many great places to eat in the Square, I suppose I would be less likely to order full meals at a bar. Anyhow, service was great. Everyone was enjoying themselves without anyone else being overbearing. They have a respectable beer, wine & drink selection. I would go again.
(4)Laura G.
I love Leon's great selection of local craft beers and you can never give me enough choices for sauce in which to dip my delicious fries, so two thumbs up for Leon's! The warm chickpea salad with cherries and provolone is to die for and I can't get any other sides because I just can't pass it up. Currently, I miss my turkey sandwich, but I'm sure it'll return eventually. The only complaint I have about this great place is that they do "team serving" which sometimes is a little confusing because I feel like I've asked 3 different people for the same thing (i.e. extra sauce, etc.). Anyway, I'm a huge fan and will continue to frequent this place!
(4)Cindy T.
Really great restaurant located in the Decatur square area. They are definitely known for their drinks so try them if you get the chance. Drinks can range from more bitters to a little more on the fruity side. Service is attentive and not pretentious. Food-wise, I'd say it was good. The trout I had was pretty good, lightly battered and flavorful. Open face flank steak burger could've been better. We wanted it medium but it came out more medium-well. Lacked some salt/flavor. Pub fries were good but nothing compared to Checker fries (Which is the holy grail of fries if you ask me. I could live off these and have no regrets). I didn't really see the hooplah. Bacon in a cup was a must order just to say you did. Bacon was nice, thick and salty as it should be. The peanut butter sauce that was recommended with it blew my mind. Who knew this combination would work out so well? Overall, nice place to grab a drink or quick dinner. Great patio space and a big bocce ball area that would be really fun when the weather is nice.
(4)Michael L.
I'm just going to list a few items I've had the past couple of times I've been to Leon's... Turkey Schnitzel, Zuchini casserole Braised short rib with fuji apple jam, mashed potatoes Lamb burger with Morrocan spice, Veggie loaf....Pork belly flat bread (AUGH!) Everything I've had here in the last 1.5 years has been anywhere from very good to excellent. This place continues to impress me, and has definitely matured from the first time I tried it (4 days after opening). It can get pricey pretty quickly, but you really do get what you pay for. Excellent food and drinks.
(4)Mark B.
First of the waiter was rude, but in a funny way. Maybe just extremely froward. Just had drinks that were really good. Like a lot of bars, they had a decent number of prohibition style cocktails. As I don't live in a Atlanta anymore I have to be taken to new more interesting places. Ended up at Cake and Ale and wish we had stayed here. Will definitely try the next time I am in town.
(4)Mackenzie T.
One word: Veggieloaf. It's served with delicious roasted cauliflower and a slightly "nutty" sauce. I will probably get this every time I come here (besides it's the only vegetarian entree on the menu, but whateva). I also recommend the fries with the garlic aioli sauce. Atmosphere is great, the servers are friendly, and they have great cocktails; the last time I went I got the Bee's Knees. I've been here twice: the first time we were seated right away in a spacious booth and the second time we waited almost an hour. But I think the food makes up for any waiting.
(5)Richard R.
We were back in Atlanta last weekend and made sure we had a return engagement at Leon's. We even had the same terrific server (Michelle). Everything was just as good as it was the first time!
(5)Lauren A.
Leon's is a pretty rad place with some good food. Unfortunately the wait for this and many of the other nearby places in Decatur is always lengthy. On our most recent visit (a Friday night) we were given a 45 minute wait time. Luckily the outside was first come first serve and was pretty open based on the chilly weather. We took a seat and passed along our drink orders. We were slightly confused when a totally separate girl came to check on us minutes later and then the hostest came to get drink/food orders again from us later. Long story short, the restaurant has 'team' style serving where everybody works together. You can expect to have several peoeple assist you throughout the course of a single meal. The food was great. We started with the cup of bacon and peanut butter and the mussels. Both were good. If I had to put my finger on it, I would say the bacon and peanut butter reminds me a bit of boiled peanuts. I ordered three sides as a meal and they were all delicious (pictures posted) Everybody with us enjoyed their entrees as well. The kicker was that with all 3 or 4 people who helped serve us, one waitress managed to split our checks accurately and fast. She didnt ask us a single question even though she hadn't taken over half our order. We were super impressed.
(4)Tom N.
The customer service, the food, and the atmosphere is great here. I ended up getting a free glass of red wine because I had to wait almost an hour for my first glass. I really appreciated the staff trying to make it right.
(4)D D.
Lunch/early dinner is the best. Beef brisket with fries and multiple sauces = amazing. You'll definitely want a nap afterwards, though. I plan to frequent this place, since I've moved closer. Definitely a fan.
(5)Elizabeth D.
Excellent meal! Excellent service! Our waiter, Mark, was very attentive and charming. Provide us with wonderful recommendations from the menu. Starter was the pickle plate-was slightly disappointed with the portion not enough for our table of four to have a small bite of each item. Main was the burger medium with a side of pub frittes and massam curry sauce. Superb burger cooked to perfection. Highly recommend the massam curry sauce. Dessert was quite the treat and a prefect way to finish our meal. The peach bread pudding with whipped cream on the side was truly scrumptious! The whipped cream was prefect with a slight hint if vanilla.
(4)Kevin G.
Holy hot mess! The pickled veggies with cheese tray is unbelievable! Food was so good we just kept passing it around the table. Awesome meal, great vibe.
(5)Melissa H.
I ended up back at Leon's with some friends last week. Service was excellent and the food and drinks were still delicious. I wish it wasn't always so loud in there, but what can you do? The place is popular.
(5)Anita B.
My favorite, favorite. The food has always been on point, except for one time when I ordered some kind of PBJ with bacon which was ever so slightly less than awesome due to being too charred. This is the kind of place that makes you lose your appetite for finding new places to try. You change your outlook on exploring, and decide, I want to go to "my place," even though the staff is devastatingly cool and out of my league socially. Since they are paid to be nice to me, I feel like I can roll with them, attempt lamely to have a very serious conversation about cocktail ingredients, compliment the very creative use of Indian spice powders I grew up eating in the ketchup. I mean all this very seriously. It is not that this place is pretentious--they have high standards, and like good-tasting things, no doubt. They are also openly proud of their creativity at the bar and in the kitchen. Nothing wrong with that. But it's the fact that this place is so approachable and comfortable notwithstanding this pride is what makes me love this place. Good for y'all! Way to go.
(5)Koala B.
Great food good service...overpriced. But hey it didn't break the bank :)
(4)Greg C.
The staff works together as one unit taking care of your needs. From taking away plates to bringing out food, we saw about 6 servers last night and it was awesome. Oh, also the food and cocktails are amazing, prices are decent, and ambiance is great!
(5)Jennifer L.
My first experience with Leons was years ago with the Bacon in a Glass. I'm a sucker for gimmicks involving bacon! In the years since, I've really become a believer in Leon's. I used to visit Decatur for the 'other' beer bar on the square.... but with each visit Leon's has proven itself to serve the best beer, cocktails and pub food in town. Experience itself is very welcoming. You'll find families intermixed with the indie crowd. All hosted by staff and bartenders who are super nice. By far, THE best item on their menu is the Saturday special Lamb Burger. I cannot tell you how happy this burger makes me. It's spectacular..... spiced lamb with arugula, mint chevre cheese and jam. Holy Moly! I love when I can find a spot that keeps my husband's beer-palate impressed while also keeping my foodie-palate equally content. Good stuff!
(5)Jeremy A.
Leon's Full service is a trendy place in the heart of decatur that has some pretty good food but their cocktails is really where they standout. I've had the calamari before and pommes frites which are both pretty good but definitely smaller plates so don't plan to make a meal out of appetizers unless you get like 3. Next time I go back I'm definitely going to try the schnitzel sandwich because really, who doesn't love schnitzel. Its a bit on the pricey side but they have great drinks that will definitely have you trying a drink you havent heard of before. Bocce court is also great if you're looking to go with a group of friends and hang out on the patio.
(3)Yisi L.
So this is where I spent my last moment of 2012 and first moment of 2013 ... The setup is more like a restaurant but the menu (and the quality of food) is like a bar. Service is pretty good. Our waitress was kinda busy but she checked our table frequently. She also gave us the curry dipping for free, which turned out to be my favorite! Okay back to my NYE celebration. We all had dinner so just ordered fries and drinks. The fries come in a bucket and the portion is HUGE. Good for three people, all night. What I like about the fries is that some still have skin on it and it taste good. What I don't like is that some are too short too tiny. You can choose two kinds of dipping but our nice waitress gave us an extra one for free, sweet! Their drink menu, is like a DICTIONARY, literally. Some may run out though. Be sure to check with your waiter/waitress. I'm not a big fan of alcohol, but I'm pretty sure any beer fan will love this place. Oh they gave away some party stuff for NYE celebration, like hats and other "make-some-noise" things. I would give a 4-star if the dessert was not that bland. The worst panna cotta ever. And a sticky spoon, what?? Don't worry, it is not on the regular menu- for NYE only. But when you put it on a special menu(it is NYE baby!), please make sure it lives up to the standard, period. 2/100 - My 2013 Yelp 100 Challenge
(3)Abhi K.
My first time at Leon's was a great experience. We were a group of ten and we demanded to sit outside. Pretty audacious for a Sunday afternoon on a pleasant Atlanta summer day, right? We figured we would play bocce ball outside until our table was ready. We only got through one round before we were seated! We started with some of the fries with different dipping sauces. The bacon one and the smoked tomato were delicious. I do wish the size of the dipping sauces were bigger because the ratio of fries to sauce is quite large. I had the open faced brisket sandwich. It was, as expected, excellent. The meat was juicy, but not soggy. The bread was still toasted on the outside even though the juices from the meat permeated the middle. I had a side of zucchini cheddar casserole. That was actually even better than the brisket! It looked like a quiche from the outside, but it definitely wasn't as dry. It was way more melty than a quiche. Good times. I'd be happy to go back.
(4)Ellie B.
Leon's is a kickass restaurant that has all of the foods you love but with a twist and done in a creative way. Our server was excellent. She was super knowledgeable and knew when to tend to us and when we were in a deep conversation huddle. I got a couple Bee's Knees cocktails and was pleased. I also really enjoyed the fries, the lug nuts, and my cheese plate. My meat-eater friends and husband got the bacon in a jar with PB, because, well, you just have to. My husband also enjoyed his pork belly dish. I had a bite of my friend's veggie loaf (hmmm, that could be a euphemism for something, right?) and it was surprisingly good! We need a better word than "loaf."
(5)Emma G.
My first foodie adventure in the Atlanta area was lunch at Leon's, and I'm sold on the food scene here from this meal alone. Maybe it's because I'm comparing it to NYC, but the restaurant was HUGE! I tend to be suspicious of such large restaurants. However, no problem, all it meant was that there was no wait for this delicious food. They were ridiculously friendly at Leon's, explaining specials and menu items both spontaneously and as we asked about them. The server knew the farm origin of several items on the menu as well. Since it was basically my first time in the south, I ordered the fried green tomato sandwich, red onion pickles, baby arugula, Leon's remoulade, on herbed focaccia for the reasonable price of $11. My uncle got the daily special flatbread, with caramelized onions, gruyere, chicken, and something fruity, I think. Figs? Both entrees were beautiful. I didn't try the flatbread, but my eating partner loved it. My fried green tomato sandwich was actually PERFECTLY balanced. The foccacia was crisped on the outside, but had a beautiful moist crumb. The remoulade went perfectly. Red onion pickles and spicy arugula perfectly balanced the richness and juiciness of the fried green tomatoes. The sandwiches all come with your choice of one of their delightful sides- including creative salads and fries with cool sauces. I got the following salad. "baby spinach, cherry tomato, hard cooked farm egg, focaccia croutons, pine st. bacon vinaigrette". YES, THAT SAYS BACON VINAIGRETTE. YES, ITS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE. Picture making a vinaigrette, mortar-and-pestling some bacon, and whisking them together vigorously. This was not okay. By that I mean it was perfect. Holy shit. Also, this was not just a sliced-in-half hard-cooked egg. Imagine putting a hard-boiled egg through a large-holed garlic press or colander. It was like hard-cooked egg confetti. Delightful. I can't recommend Leon's enough. Reasonable prices, and also a great draft beer selection including Hell & High Watermelon Ale, which I can't seem to find anywhere in the past few months. Love it.
(5)Autumn S.
The first time I went to Leon's (years ago) I was like wow, if only they could get the food right because the drink menu and atmosphere is great! Fast forward a few years and the third piece of the puzzle has clicked into place for me. My last few meals here(because who can resist trying a meal after enjoying the great beer selection all afternoon or night or both) have been satisfyingly good. Nothing is fussy or complicated and everything is fresh! They are defiantly proud to experiment with and serve local ingredients. The vegetable based side dishes in my opinion elevate most of the entrees. I had a Brussels sprout based hash that was so good, I ended up stealing it from my husband and leaving him with Leon's famous pub frites. I also do enjoy the smaller plates more than the entrees, where things like a pretzel and cheese based bread pudding haunt my dreams. All in all, I think Leon's is a great place to enjoy some great beverages and quality, locally grown/raised food without pretentious pricing or service.
(4)Kate F.
We stopped in for lunch after having this place bookmarked for awhile. We decided to get a bunch of little plates and split them, which was very cost effective and allowed us to try a few different things. While we made some very rich choices (bacon, stuffed pappadews, fries) it didn't feel revoltingly heavy and we did split a salad, which was also quite tasty. Service was friendly. Next time I'd more likely stop in closer to dinner for some cocktails. The lunch scene was fairly wholesome (kids and senior citizens).
(4)Robert A.
We came by in a group of 5 and had a really long wait due to it being cold outside, but the host and wait staff made up for it by being friendly and doing the best they could to get us seated ASAP. However, this did give my wife and friends a chance to go to the bar and sample some of their draft selection which was well priced and delicious. After finally being seated, we ordered almost immediately. I had the burger mid rare with the fries and curry ketchup to dip. The wife had the open faced brisket sandwich with the brussel sprout salad which was surprisingly a lot better than it sounds. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. Another friend got the duck and a bucket of fries which will also prepared perfectly. The key here is that despite our long wait at the start due to other customers not wanting to venture out into the cold, the staff were consistently friendly and the service was what made up for the wait. The waitress came around constantly to check for refills and the food itself was very tasty with some unique flavor combinations. Add to that a great selection of alcohol if that's your thing and you have the reasons Leon's is packed full of customers. We plan to go back soon.
(5)Teddy D.
Aside from Decatur having lousy parking and Leon's often being very full, I really can't say anything bad about this place. It's a nice restaurant/bar, it was a cool classic design inside and out. They have large windows that they open on nicer days, which I love. The cocktail and beer menu are excellent. However, don't expect to be ordering any Jack Daniel's or High Life here. They have local and boutique brands when it comes to beer and liquor. Every dish I've had here has always been great. Price wise? Hmmm, I think it's a touch on the higher side, but what place in Decatur isn't. I can go here with my wife, friends and even bring my parents/in-laws here. Last time we ate here we took notice of the excellent music they were playing during the day "Thee Headcoatees". If you don't mind dealing with downtown Decatur parking and a busy restaurant then I highly suggest checking out Leon's. Just bring quarters for the meter.
(4)Roy L.
Loved it! Miles the mixologer totally blew my mind with the Whiskey cocktails he made. I was a little skeptical at first, but my friend knowing I love alcohol said I would absolutely love this place. She was right! Not sure about the food because all we did was get our drank on. I would try the penicillin. Not on the drink menu, but if you drink whiskey, this is a pretty unique drink. You can also ask the mixologer to make you a drink based on your alcohol preference. Definitely will be back! Same owner as Brick Store Pub
(4)Alex R.
They have bacon in a jar and it's really good. I would give this place a 5 if there wasn't always such a ridiculously long wait. Also, they have bocce ball. Highlights: Bacon in a jar Steak Sandwich Drinks(good beer selection and fancy cocktails) Bacon in a jar
(4)Maggie W.
Leon's makes my Top 10 list. Introduced to this perfect little gastropub back in September, I've since eaten here 6 times and been more and more happy every time. I feel like, when reviewing a place in Decatur, I can never in good faith take points off for a bad parking situation. I basically just count on it. You probably shouldn't plan on driving home if you're going here after 8pm anyway, though... the bar here is good enough that, in all seriousness, two drinks will just be the beginning of your night. The food here has been really great every time I've been here. Flavorful, creative, well-executed, and downright delicious. My minor complaint was about the burger. I LOVE IT, except for the fact that the two times I've had it, the mustard was overwhelmingly placed and kinda took over. Love the house-made ketchup, do NOT love the amount of mustard they put on the burger. The rest of the burger is so good, if I could taste more of it. It's not even the flavor the mustard, just the amount. Their shrimp roll is delicious, their brisket sandwich is delicious, their pork chop is delicious... I have not had one mediocre dish here. Their drinks are delightful, their desserts are perfectly sized for sharing and utterly fantastic, the service has always been really great, even when I'm at the bar doing work and not really paying attention. Their bartenders know EVERYTHING. I'm convinced I could ask them to make any decision in my life for me, from drinks to guys to career choices, and they would have an insightful recommendation. They even know, off the top of their head, within .5%, the alcohol content of most of the beers served there. Frickin' geniuses. Leon's is one of those places that will be on every trip back home that I make for the rest of my life, and is one of the places I will truly in the depths of my teeny heart miss the most.
(5)Kathy J.
When it first opened, we loved Leon's. Not now! We had a terrible experience with both service and food when we last visited. Took a client there and it was a disaster. Waited forever for service, then server neglected our requests, and told my client that the bar would not make him a Long Island Ice Tea "because we refuse to make them." I wrote to the manager and never received a response to what was a polite letter. We will not return to Leon's and neither will our Fortune 100 client.
(1)Kathleen M.
I like Leon's more as a bar than as a restaurant. Despite the bar area always being packed, I'm happy to pop in to Leon's for a delicious cocktail or craft beer, as they've got an impressive list of both. I love their slightly enclosed patio, the bocce court out back, and I've never found service to be less than friendly. Except for that one time my gin and tonic took a good 20 minutes with little apology. The food I'm less impressed with, although it is still solid. It all sounds delicious but sometimes fails in execution. On my last visit I ordered the burger. The bun was heavenly, the beef tasty, but the rest just wasn't doing it for me. There was a weird tomato sauce (not ketchup) on it and as a whole it just wasn't a burger I'd find myself craving again. The fries are good and the myriad of dipping sauces can be overwhelming, but I've found all of them to be pretty tasty.
(3)Larry W.
Great gastropub. The drinks and service are first class, like it's sister bar, the Brick Store Pub. Food is a bit hit or miss, but some of the items are quite good. The locale in the heart of Decatur is unbeatable and the building is a wonderful old re-purposed gas station. This is one of my favorite spots!
(5)Ian Michael R.
Finally getting around to writing this review. I had been looking forward to going Leon's for quite a while. We went on a Friday night and waited a little bit but got a nice table outside. Before I go on, I'll just say that parking can be a pain in this area during busy times. Only street parking available. They have a nice inside bar inside as well. Our server suggested getting the fries appetizer and different dipping sauces. You get a huge serving of fries and the peppercorn gravy sauce was really good. Just a note, those fries fill you up pretty quickly and take that into account when ordering dinner! They also have a nice sampling of beers on tap. Definitely will be back here again soon.
(4)BS K.
This was our first time to Leons. After reading the reviews we decided to try it out. The food was very flavorful. I had the mussels (which was really good exept on the small side) and the baby kale salad. I'm not a fan of vinaigrette dressing's so I requested it on the side. This was the BEST vinaigrete dressing EVER. My husband had a burger and fries and was really impressed. The service was great so we would definitley go back.
(3)Charlene Ann B.
As a Kentucky-native, I have to say Leon's knows how to treat bourbon right! Their bourbon cocktails and drinks are mixed to perfection. Their bartender/mixologist is an artist. seriously. He made mixing drinks an art. Desserts are unbelievable. Pub Frites.. Oh. My. God.. the best fries and sauces I've ever had. Every time we have friends visit, we always take them to Leon's. Definitely the place you want to visit on your weekend trip in Decatur.
(5)David Z.
Wow, I wish I'd been coming to Leon's as regularly as Zlatko U and his girlfriend. I joined them and another couple for dinner on a rainy Monday evening, and we enjoyed one of my favorite dinners I've ever had in Atlanta. We started with a cup up lugnuts. I didn't know what to expect, but was immediately addicted. Cashews, pecans and peanuts, all honeysweet with a touch of lavender. The whole group got Dark 'n Stormys, which were only $5 since it was raining. They were delicious, as was my Diamond Rock cocktail (flavored with cardamom). I shared a special small zucchini soufflé as an appetizer, and had the Veggieloaf as my entree. The veggieloaf was delicious, especially the bed of stewed vegetables underneath. The loaf itself was a little bready/heavy, but I still liked it. There are few restaurants around who put so much attention into every detail--decor, drinks, menu, presentation, service. All were outstanding.
(5)AB H.
We LOVE playing bacce on their back deck! It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon with a drink in hand. You have to order the drinks at the bar, but then they will bring them out to you. We had some snacks: fries with multiple dipping sauces and hummus with toast, both which were good bar food.
(4)Greg S.
Went with a couple of friends the other day to celebrate.. My experience was ruined by a snooty server who totally ignored me - didn't even make eye contact other than when it was time to take my order. We ended up just ordering drinks and had dinner elsewhere. Two stars because the drinks were good... but snooty high brow service by wait staff ruined someone's night out.
(2)Joseph V.
When our party of four arrived we were told it would be a 20 minute wait on a Saturday night, which was perfectly reasonable. We were seated 45 minutes later which wouldn't have bothered me if I had not stood watching an empty table for the last 15 minutes (which we were sat at). The other gentleman in my party asked both hosts if we could have the empty table after it sat for 10 minutes. The first one denied us, the second one sat us. He asked both within 45 seconds of one another. I went with the trout and was reasonably pleased. The use of golden grapes to add a sweetness to otherwise salty dish was an interesting in itself. Everyone else at my table went with one of Leon's variations of the burger and fries. I don't eat deep fried/greasy food and I despise mayonaise so maybe I'm biased against the majority of the menu. A final aspect of the experience was the old wine bottles they bring to the table filled with tap water. I asked twice throughout the meal for a glass of ice which never came. Sitting outside in Atlanta in June during the evenings it's still an easy 80 degrees. When being served room temperature water in an old wine glass I don't believe asking for ice is unreasonable. But perhaps they think this gives them a European twist. It doesn't. Better management, ice to go with the water, and a few other healthier options would easily bump this place up to three or four stars. But I won't be returning without persuasion.
(2)Shaun K.
Maura C. and I decided that since Tuesday was Friday for this short Thanksgiving week, it would be a great night to leave the comfort of midtown for a little adventure to the original suburb. So we hopped on the MARTA out to Decatur and hit up Leon's for dinner and drinks. After a short wait for some cocktails at the cozy bar area, we started out some cocktails. I don't like cocktails that are too ingredient-y and try to cover the flavor of the liquor rather than to complement it, so I was pleased that my Kirkwood had some rye kick to it. After the cocktails, I had a couple of some sort of porter that the waiter recommended that was pretty good. For food, we started off with an order of mussels which was the highlight of the meal, cooked just right, nice broth, and some bread to sop up the broth. My dinner was the open faced brisket sandwich which was tasty. I snagged a couple of the much-hyped (on Yelp and by the servers) frites off Maura's plate. They were okay, but not worth the hype. Everyone who works there was extremely friendly, though the service seemed a little scattered at times. Some sort of mixup on my first drink order. Then we were informed that they didn't actually have any of the beers on the menu. No biggie. It all worked out in the end since our server was knowledgeable about all the drink selections and able to make recommendations. Still, why even bother putting them on the menu... No real complaints. Leon's is a solid joint. Good food, good drinks, nice people.
(3)Rob S.
Cool spot nice atmosphere, the food was good but I think the waitress forgot about us..lol.
(3)Washington I.
great location.very good food menu that changes often with an excellent wine selection. outdoor seating.
(4)Draft M.
Interesting items on the menu, great selection of beers and friendly service make Leon's a winner. We enjoyed fresh salads, brisket, bacon in a glass, fried green tomatoes and top notch service during this visit. Recommend.
(4)Stephanie W.
I've now been to Leon's several times, so I think it's safe to pass out a rating at this point. The service is consistently excellent, sometimes phenomenal. The drinks are inventive and such an experience for your tastebuds. The fries are fun, we've been offered free sauces to try regularly. Also, who can pass up bacon in a glass? It can get quite crowded, and if you're sitting inside, the noise level can get rather overwhelming, but your mouth will thank you for going here. It seems to me that Leon's tries really hard to make you stop and pay attention to the flavors of the food, and that makes eating here really enjoyable. On top of that, with their commitment to local and sustainable foods, I'll know be back many more times. I'm also secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Leon, whose living quarters they say are up the ladder in the back of the restaurant. ;)
(5)Mike Y.
The People that brought you Brickstore have done it again. I love that they kept a good size beer selection along with quality food and some fun cocktails. We had a decent sized party of 6 and the wait was over an hour. Normally I wouldn't wait this long for any restaurant, but I sucked it up and had a couple of beers while we waited. The draft selection is smaller than Brickstore's, but still had some solid choices available. We were finally seated in a cozy booth and since the wait was long we hastily ordered our grub. I heard from other Yelpers that the frites were great so we indulged. Along with chicken liver croquettes, and a nice charcuterie plate. I'm a sucker for Duchesse even in a bottle so I was loving every minute of it. I wanted something that wasn't so heavy so I opted for the steak sandwich. It was a light, but hearty dish. The Ciabatta bread was awesome. It was soft and chewy and still had a bit of warmth to it. A perfect compliment to the steak and arugula. My table mates ordered the brisket and from my view it looked massive. I was intending to try a bit, but I figured I could try it on my next visit. Leon's feels like an extension of Brickstore which I guess was the point. My only complaint was the wait, but that's something that cannot be avoided. It's a sign of a good restaurant and Leon's is certainly deserving of the praise. *** Cute waitresses too....*** ALWAYS A PLUS.... 16/365
(4)Nancy R.
This restaurant on the corner of East Ponce de Leon and Church is quaint but has character. You can either play bocce ball or sit down to eat. FOOD: They have a good selection of beers, so i tried the pilsner which has good flavor and chilled nicely. They also have a wide selection of sauces for their fries, so I had to try it. I had the the beef brisket with fried onion on an open faced bread which comes with fries. When asked for suggestions on the sauces, the waiter gave his favorite, which I tried the smoked tomato mayo sauce. The sandwich and fries were very good for a decent price. TIP: The good thing is that anyone (waiter) can wait on you, and everyone is very helpful with suggestions. Only bad thing is like all of Decatur places, you have to find parking on the streets or lots.
(4)Vanessa T.
Where The Flies Treat You Like A Starving, Third World Child I recently had a light lunch here after a harrowing visit at the Dekalb DDS. Having already been exposed to the ravages of bureaucracy and a war of waiting, I didn't have very high expectations for a quick bite. I just wanted to silence my rumbling stomach. And even still, my lowered expectations weren't met. My lunch companion and I started with the pub frites, choosing the goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayonnaise as accompanying sauces. The goat cheese fondue was thin and weak. It barely had any flavor and was far too watery to adhere to the frites. We ended up scrapping it early and just sticking to the smoked tomato mayonnaise, which was leagues better. I had the mussels. Or I tried to. The plate of mussels came out with its own army of flies closely hovering. There were seriously 8 to 12 of them congregating around my lunch. I had to swat them away the entire time. I understand flies can be part of the immediate environment if you're dining outside, but we were in the air conditioned indoors. Our server noticed the distracting and annoying issue, apologetically stating that for unknown reasons, they "have a fly problem." I continued to try to eat while moving my arms like Kali, but it quickly became tiresome. They definitely were fearless flies, kamikaze-ing into my broth, getting all up in my face. A woman by the name of Heather offered to address our buzzing, maggot-birthing inconvenience with moving our seats or bringing out a new order of mussels. I appreciated the gesture, but at that point, I just wanted it over with. I felt certain that if we moved to another area of the restaurant, those bastard flies would just, you know, fly over there. The mussels were fine, a little underwhelming. And certainly not worth the war I had to wage to protect them. I've definitely had much better mussels while shooing away less annoying creatures.
(2)Steven L.
This is a cute little place right in downtown Decatur. Somewhat of a nautical feel with the light blue wallpaper and wooden booths. Came here for a late dinner with a couple of friends and was seated right away. Service here is top-notch, and the waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He recommended a Belgium beer (forgot the name) which I enjoyed. Food-wise, I thought this place was only ok. I had the open-faced beef brisket sandwich and though the portion was large, I found it somewhat dry and lacking in flavor. I had the frites as a side and they weren't anything to rave about. I was disappointed with the sauces as well: it was hard to detect the mango in the spicy mango catsup, and the masaman curry that my friend tried was very runny. Another friend had the gyro with brussel sprout hash, both of which I found more appetizing than my own food. I ended the night with the 1/2-pound peanut butter sandwich cookie with nutella buttercream icing. The cookie was hard and tough to bite into but the icing was delicious. A friend had the dark chocolate and espresso crunch tart, which was good. I love the atmosphere so I'll have to come back and try some different dishes for a second opinion.
(3)Stone M.
Always a great time! The menu is adventurous and delicious! The staff is top notch. The atmosphere is comfy yet fancy, many places try for that and fail. Also the design is really unique, when the patio is the place to be just roll up the walls and make the indoors feel like outdoors.
(5)Amy D.
While chatting with a few Atlantan's and discussing the near city of Decatur we were informed that we must go to Leon's to eat, and we were glad that we were given this advice. We came here mid afternoon looking for a drink and a small plate of food. Their drink menu is loaded with many original cocktails, we ordered the St James Daiquiri's. The drink down to the glass that it came in was totally original and delicious. I ordered the bucket of fries which comes with two dipping sauces of your choice. The homemade katsup and peppercorn gravy were tasty combined with the crispy and salty fries. My sis had the Toast's with ham, cherry jam, pineapple, Gruyere and arugula. The list of ingredients sounds quite lengthly but all of the components worked so well together, and it was the perfect snack. Overall Leon's full service is exactly what it proclaims, it provides great food, service and ambiance.
(4)Taylor A.
The service here totally blew me away! Initially we were sitting outside and it was just too hot to sit out there without sweating to death. The servers were very cool about moving us inside and had a table ready for us right away. At Leon's you'll probably have a few different people waiting on you, so you'll always be able to find someone to help you if you need something. We started with the "pub frites", french fries to you and I, and they were decent. We chose the garlic aioli and some sort of tomato-mayo sauce. The garlic aioli tasted like plain mayo, and the other sauce wasn't that great, but the fries were decent. If you're looking for fantastic pub fries go over to the Porter Beer Bar. I had the steak and was better tasting than most of the other hangar steaks I've had. It was almost as good as a sirloin cut. My dining companion had a turkey sandwich and said it was pretty good. I'm not sure you can ruin a turkey sandwich... Anyways, the vibe here is very laid back for eating or just hanging out and having a beer. If I lived closer to Decatur I'd be here way more...
(4)Steve B.
I don't normally trek to Decatur, but Leon's makes the trip worthwhile. The food and atmosphere are great. Perfect for late afternoon happy hour sitting outside, eating fries with goat cheese fondue and drinking a pumpkin beer. Butter! Plus, I think you can actually get your car serviced here.
(4)Jessica K.
I love that you can order "bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter" though I usually don't. Also, giant bucket of mussels is $10. Love that. Updated: Recently ordered the mussels and they've changed it. Don't give you as much as before. :(
(4)Ryan S.
Love this place for a weekend lunch or late afternoon meal. They have a nice patio facing Ponce so you can catch your friends walking by and chat. Umbrellas are included to help beat the heat. Also, bacon and peanut butter. The food menu is medium in size and, to some people, might be considered expensive. The sammiches and snacks are preiswert and it only gets expensive when you go to the full dinner dishes. This place also has a nice choice of alcohol. I can always find a few beers I like and the girlfriend has had great luck with their unique cocktails. They also have bocce but I haven't played yet. Edit: played bocce a few times now. Just a word to the wise, getting hit with one of those balls still hurts even if you are drunk.
(4)Captain D.
Mr. Leon, It has been quite some time since I've had the opportunity to scrawl out a review of any earthside dining establishments and I would beg apology if anything which follows provides effrontery to you in any fashion whatsoever. Your servants were obsequious to a fault. Your food was in no way burned to a crisp or rendered inedible due to incompetence from your fine galley crew. Your beer was refreshing, the ambience of your filling station was friendly. In truth, I were cajoled into writing this review by a certain vegetarian lass what accompanied me to dine in your filling station several weeks ago when your town was encamped by gypsy tents filled with tacky, overpriced wares (aka The Decatur Arts Festicle). Says she (the wench): "Why don't you write a review of this place?" whilst emitting a highly confusing series of grimaces, smiles, frowns, hoots and partial nudity. In truth, she did none of these things (except the constant grimacing and frowning, which I attribute more to the strained and complex relationship I share with her) but I did rather hope that the promise of a tale of "partial nudity" might reduce the impact of the disappointment you are about to experience when you discover that I, Captain Drew, found your brisket profoundly unexciting. That's right. Un. Ex. Cite. Ing. In fact, I haven't been this unexcited by brisket since the Lesser Brisket Uprising of 1734, and that's saying something, Buster. I'd have been far less disappointed if your menu had referred to this sandwich with the more accurate description of "Watery Steamed Beef" because in the sector of space/time I hail from brisket is an art form of texture and subtle moisture, intense flavor and sustained emotion. Your very nice beer had more texture than the Soupy Bovine Sandwich I dined upon. Now. Having properly and rightfully informed you of my disappointments in front of God and Man alike, I would like to end this rebuke with some very real praise: your tater sauces are clever as brickbats!! From the reviews that others have left I do see that the smoked tomato mayo is universally appreciated. From a mouth feel perspective, all of the mayonnaise-based sauces we shared were mouth smackers. In addition to those I found the curries interesting, but they did compete far too much with the sharp acidity of the catsup. Also, I could not locate a RUM flavored dipping sauce? Was this an oversight? And finally, Mr. Leon, you are no businessman. Why are you not calling your filling station "Mr. Leon's Filling Station of Many Flavored Crisps"??? You would sell an immense number of taters in this fashion, which would provide you with enough money to chase those kids and their wooden balls out of your side yard. Ruffians. And no, if you must know.... I didn't "get any" and probably never shall again from that particular grimacing lassie. Oh, Brisket!!
(3)Jodie B.
Mmmmm I LOVED Leons and would return any day. I visited with friends last Friday, and it was great! Loved the atmosphere, the AMAZING drinks & drink selection, and the food....omg...I had the peppedews, the pomme frittes with all kinds of delish dips, and the burger... Oh just thinking about it puts me in a good mood. :::longing for leons already:::
(5)Tom C.
This place seems to have a lot of promise. It has a nice location, the space is pretty nice, and the service is tremendous. However, the food leaves something to be desired, and the restaurant seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. Let me explain. The building itself is very nice. Large windows with a nice outdoor area (including a bocce ball yard). The menu, though, is all over the place. My wife and I went there last week for the first time. we were surprised to see such a varied menu. We expected something more along the lines of a Belgian pub. There were mussels and frites, which I had. They were good, but nothing particularly special. My wife had hummus, which was made from carrots instead of chick peas. If I were the chef, I'd go with a more traditional hummus. This was pretty bland; the carrot base was probably more for effect than taste. My wife had the shrimp gyro. Again, it was OK, but nothing special. We also had a dessert, but I can't remember what it was, which indicates that I was not impressed. All-in-all, this place is nice and has a lot of potential. The service was tremendous - timely, enthusiastic, and just right. If they could nail down the menu a little better with a few more things that really stood out, this could be a great pub. But, as it is now, it strikes me as a wanna-be Belgian pub with an identity crisis. We don't plan to go back anytime soon,
(2)Melissa B.
Curry catsup dipping sauce. Done. You can keep the fries (I mean, a fry is a fry, whatever). Just a bucket of dipping sauce thanks. The actually food is great too. Veggieloaf is very unique and quite delicious. Trout gyro? Who does that? But it definitely works. Nice draft beer selection too. Only bummer is that it's super tiny and pretty slow if you want an actual table. Other than that it's a great spot worth heading to Decatur for.
(4)Rachel E.
Meh.. that's about all I can say. I went there for lunch today. The staff was nice and I like the set up. I find the menu to be a bit underwhelming. But, I had the open face brisket sandwich. The sandwich itself was good. Not spectacular but good.. again meh. I ordered the fries as my side because I've heard so much about them. The fries were just okay - I know that the dipping sauces are supposed to be good and I got the goat cheese fondue. It was pretty tasteless. Literally tasted like think warm buttermilk (maybe?). At any rate I was totally nonplussed about it. It wasn't terrible but I see no reason to go back. And, I understand they have this very "flowy" way that servers check on tables where no one is exactly assigned a table. Our service was fine this time. But, the first time I tried this place we waited so long for service that we finally got up and left. I didn't factor that into my review this time but says a lot to me about how this place is managed.
(2)Sean S.
Fantastic dinner 11-April with close friend; perfect for an early spring night and catching up on news over dinner! Her: the beek brisket, falling off the bone (figuratively) and with a fantastic gravy. Me: The trout served on a bed of slaw. Wonderful. Bocce ball court off to the side is nice. Opened the meal with an app of pom frites and two dipping sauces: bacon-flavored mayo and a kind of mango chutney with a nice burn. At the bar: Have a glass of the Sazerac to start the night. Vy, vy smooth whiskey -- and vy, vy nice. Dessert: Special of the night was a pecan-caramel tarte with dark choc shavings and home-made cream. PERFECTION. And all this (minus bar tab) for less than $50!
(4)Sarah M.
Leon's is one of the best things to happen to Decatur, ever. It holds a special niche in my heart - I can usually be found here during the week meeting a friend for dinner, or sometimes for an occasional weekend lunch. The menu is creative, gastropub fare - lots of great starters that I have always enjoyed more than the actual fare. I miss the carrot hummus that they recently took off the menu. The fries are an item that have been done all over town - but they execute them SO well here - they are huge, crispy, perfectly salted. I love these fries. I would eat raw spinach for dinner so I could have them. Vegetarians will go crazy for the seared veggie loaf - a delicious vegetarian entree. I have enjoyed the steak sandwich and most recently a fried trout sandwich special. I love the food at Leon's- it is such a great spot to meet up with friends - and by far my favorite Decatur spot. Dinner here adds up fast though, so don't let your guard down or you be paying $50 for lunch....
(4)Phin S.
This place has really come into its own. While I would avoid coming during peak hours (even Sunday at 8PM is quite busy), Leon's is AWESOME service, incredible drinks and wonderful fries. The atmosphere can't be beat. It makes for a unique combination that often leaves me thinking... "let's go to Leons!"
(5)Kate C.
Although I don't seem to regard Leon's as highly as some other Yelpers, it does have some great qualities. First are the french fries. Everyone likes their fries differently, but Leon's does it just how I like, soggy and really salty. Let's not forget about the dips. Goat cheese fondue is my absolute fav as well as the smoked tomato mayo. The warm chick pea salad is also a favorite. I do believe Leon's sometimes charges a little high for what you get. The drinks for instance. I don't mind paying $9, $10 for a killer drink. It's just that the ones I have tried are small in quantity and just okay in flavor. Maybe I should give it another shot. Who knows? The atmosphere is really relaxed, service is decent. It can get really loud on a busy day. One thing I have noticed is that there is also some bug flying around my head every time I go. For right now, I consider Leon's as a good restaurant not far from my house, but by no means is it a solid go-to pick.
(4)Valerie B.
Delicious fries and fun ambiance but not very veg friendly
(3)Canyouwoowoo W.
Wow. What's there not to like? Most of what needs to be said has been said, so I'll just add this... A beautiful place to spend a Saturday. Perch yourself along the counter, in the garage doorway that faces the patio and sidewalk, and just take in the scenary, as you slowly work yourself through your drinks, and chat with your companion next to you. Has the ambiance of a European novel.
(4)Robert B.
Great atmosphere. Excellent beer selection - they've got a hoard of beers in the bottle and on tap. Their seasonal beer selection is also top notch. When I went for lunch with a coworker, our waiter was well versed in beer knowledge, and highly recommended the burger. They use White Oak Pastures beef out of south Georgia, and this might be the best burger I've ever purchased. They season it with salt and pepper and grill it exactly as you order. The frites are their specialty. Order enough for the table with several dipping sauces. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Mary B.
I definitely enjoyed my time at Leon's, but I don't think I'd be a devoted regular if I lived in lovely ATL. Why? Waiting 20 minutes for 1 drink (in conjunction with the time spent waiting for a table) and then having to juggle it through a mob waiting at the bar is generally not something I enjoy that often. But I'm glad I got to try Leon's since it kept getting brought up during my visit in GA, and I'd have been a sad lil pander if I didn't see what all the hype was about. My group rolls up for dinner on a Thursday night and I'm kind of surprised at the crowd. My dream of sitting outside on that adorable gravel patio was quickly crushed but we could have still sat outside on the benches on the other side of the building if we had so desired. For the most part, the place looked great, though it was a bit sparse in terms of the atmosphere in the dining area. The bar area is really cool, loved the library style ladder behind the bar. I wonder if a sauced patron has attempted to reenact something from My Fair Lady or Funny Face. It took about 20 minutes to get each round of drinks, which I probably could have avoided if I had ordered beer instead of cocktails. I tried the Paddington and the Spring Chicken (any drink featuring egg white will get an auto-order from me.) Both were good, a little too cloyingly sweet for me, but I appreciated the creativeness and expert pours on each. The service at the bar was good, they were just so swamped that it was less enjoyable than it could have been due to the chaos. Y'all trying to revive Freaknik in here? We finally snagged a table and tried the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. These were excellent bar bite type morsels that fit the "I needs the cheese when drankin" bill in a way I've never had before. Next level ish. Our table got the duck entree, the burger, and I got the P.E.I. (big ups to the Maplelands!) mussels done in witbier and lemongrass broth and added on a side of frites with horseradish mayo. The frites were properly done and the dip had a nice bite. I have to say I was disappointed with the mussels a bit, they needed another flavor layer, preferably a spice as the witbier and the lemongrass were quite mild. The mussels themselves were good, though I probably wouldn't order again. I got an Avril (Belgian beer, not thine lass that so sangeth Sk8er Boi) with the meal and it was a great complement. No complaints from the rest of the table on their meals. You can't go Full Service without trying a dessert, right? We shared the oatmeal cream pie, which is basically a huge Little Debbie oatmeal pie. Could have used more cream, but the cookies were great (note to my brethren that cringe at raisins: they live in these cookies, but I managed to avoid them for the most part.) I guess I'd go back to Leon's if I was in the area and it wasn't a weekend evening. My arm wouldn't need to be twisted too much, especially when said arm would soon be holding a fancy Leon's cocktail or nicely selected craft beer from the draughts.
(3)Ben G.
Horrible service. Took two family members there the day after Thanksgiving. Server was high and food lacked taste. Complained to Manager ( Chrystal ) who did nothing. All I was told was to ask for her when I come back to make sure I get better service. Why in the world would I come back?!?
(1)Bobbin W.
After watching the Fourth of July fireworks from atop a downtown Decatur building, my friends and I moseyed to Leon's for a drink--not only to wait for the traffic to die down but also to relish having the next day off work. I need to remember that the bar was especially packed because of the patriotic rush, and to attribute that factor to my painfully long wait to receive my drink. The people who ordered beer quickly gripped their refreshing ales at the bar, but the bartender said that my Bee's Knees cocktail would "take a while," so she'd bring it to me on the Bocce Ball court. After a parched 20 minutes, a waitress brought two Bee's Knees for my friends and me on a tray. Sitting warm-yellow in a champagne glass, the libation summoned me to savor the first sip. I had to savor each sip indeed, as the mix of gin, local honey, lemon juice and lavender gave me a lot to process and stomach. I love the way lavender smells but not the way it tastes and ended my sampling of herb-infused cocktails right then and there. Because of the Flag Day crowd, my group of six or so sat along a stretch of wood at the edge of the Bocce Ball court, jeopardizing our toes' safety. I cheered a couple times during the intense girls versus guys game, but the snoots ignored my encouragement. I'd love to return to Leon's and order a different drink, as I'm sure the other options wouldn't leave my mouth smelling like Bath & Body Works' newest aromatherapy fragrance.
(3)Caitlin B.
This place is AMAZING. I went here a couple weeks ago and I was impressed as I have never been to an establishment quite like this before, even here in Southern California. I've never been to a place where I can get such amazing drinks and unique food in my life. I can't wait to move to Atlanta and come back here many, many more times!
(5)Cara B.
It's places like this that really make me wish I could give out 3.5 stars. The atmosphere is great, the fries were good, the dips with the fries were good too. My friend's brisket and orzo salad were great. I think my problem is that I ordered a weak item on the menu (the Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich). When I was expecting a bright, fresh flavor, all I got was a bit of a dull, old flavor (nothing vibrant about it). I've started eating a very vegetarian focused diet, so I just wasn't in the mood for meat. A lot of the items on the menu sounded good, so I am sure I will return, perhaps after a night out in Decatur because they are open late and very reasonably priced!
(3)Angel M.
This is the real food place with the greatest and most creative drinks I have run into. Mix master miles is often putting it together....my fave...the El Diablo....or the Dark N Stormy with Ginger. What could be better than great drinks. Oatmeal Cream Pie. I often think back to my first oatmeal cream pie and I wonder...how in the hell did I ever walk into this spot. Now, I am forced to drive from downtown Atlanta to Decatur just for a cream pie....but wait I can also take the train....YUM for less! The vibe is cool. The staff is awesome...the menu is awesomer. If this place were in midtown it would be more pretentious but in Decatur it fits...its laid back....and Bacon in a Glass.....on that note I'm out! YUM!
(4)Kyle J.
All around solid place. The beer selection is fantastic - I sat at the bar and the bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the entire selection, which I think is hard to find. She knew exactly what each beer was and how it tasted, and her recommendations were spot on. She also suggested doing a side of fries instead of the bucket due to the size...unfortunately, we didn't listen to her on this one. HUGE thing of fries and barely made it through 1/3 of the bucket. The sauces are pretty good, and not overpowering. A nice compliment to the outstanding fries. I had the brisket sandwich, which is served open face, and got the orzo salad as my side - the orzo was better than the brisket, although it was still pretty decent. My girlfriend had the bistro steak sandwich (I think that's what it was) and after one bite, I made plans to order that my next time there. They also have a list of house cocktails - I didn't try any (more of a beer guy), but my girlfriend had the cucumber something or other and loved it. That was pretty much all they were mixing behind the bar, if that says anything about its popularity! Since we went on a Sunday around 5:30 or 6, we didn't wait at all and sat right down at the bar. Even if we had to wait, I would say it would have been worth it. Definitely going back, and SOON.
(4)Sara C.
After being told the wait at Cakes & Ale would be an hour, we decided we were too hungry to wait. A local gave us a list of places to check out around the neighborhood and we decided on Leon's. This place did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the big open space of this converted gas station (thus the name) with big open windows, a patio out front, and cozy booths. Think retro/industrial/modern. While I didn't do as much of the drinking here (had a couple Coney Island lagers, I think?), the food was delicious. Believe the hype about the goat cheese stuffed peppadews. An explosion of spicy-sweet-cheesy goodness. Of course we had to get a round of the bacon and peanut butter - also great. I opted for the turkey sandwich - my only small complaint was that I would have liked the sandwich warm, it came out more like a deli sandwich - but the turkey, cheddar, and smoked tomato mayo were great. And the fries - holy crap - were great. We shared each other's dipping sauces - the garlic aioli, masaman curry, goat cheese fondue, and spicy mango catsup were a revelation. More restaurants need to offer multiple dipping sauces like this - what a fantastic idea! My coworker and I split the decadent oatmeal cream pie - an amazing treat that would be equally at home in Amish Country. Amazing. Finally, the service was most excellent - patient, helpful, and quick to split our checks individually. When I head back to ATL, I'll rush back here. So much fun.
(4)Brooke B.
Leon's kicks bootay! The food is gastropub good (go for the frites and dipping sauces) and they make some smooth elixirs. I'd like to go back and try each of the imaginative cocktails... for the sake of experiment only, of course. Right. The service was good. Late on a Friday night we stopped in for an impromptu meal and were seated within 10 minutes, which surprised me. All around solid experience. I look forward to the next!
(5)J H.
Not enough solid choices on the menu. Too many things that taste like semi-successful experiments. If you want to go sit around with hipsters pretending that the food and drinks are awesome,here you go. The sandwiches and fries are pretty good, but I've never been happy when I strayed beyond those.
(2)Lauren N.
Pros: Trendy crowd, bar Cons: Small portions, odd food selection I thought this place was "okay." I came with my roommate over the summer for dinner. We started out at the bar and chose the cucumber cocktails, which the bartender recommended. I thought it was a strange selection as I don't really like cucumbers, but I was feeling adventurous. It was surprisingly delicious and quite refreshing! I highly recommend it. I should have been more adventurous with the food. I don't usually order pork or bird, so I went with the standard Chilean Sea Bass. The portion was small, but it was good. It was overpriced for the portion size. The burgers/sandwiches all look great though. Odd side note--we had five different waiters. They have no system for allocating wait staff. Didn't really bother me too much, but I thought it was strange that five waiters asked to take our order. Overall, I would probably come back, but it's definitely not top of my list.
(3)Rebecca S.
Atmosphere was awesome and the food was delicious too. The fries are definitely the way to go. We will be back.
(5)Mick D.
I hope Leon's becomes a True Decatur fixture. They clearly pay passionate attention to their menu. And the bar is completely staffed by wizards. Service is always excellent. The menu is fantastically original, as are the drinks. Your mouth will thank you. I look forward to my next trip there.
(5)Nate C.
I've been using Yelp for a while, but this is my first review. The food, atmosphere and service at Leon's made me want to offer my praise. I mean, you gotta love a place that serves bacon in a cup with a side of peanut butter. And has a great beer list. I had a couple Terrapin Hopsecutioners. The waitress said it was a staff choice at their Super Bowl party. I had the beef brisket sandwich and my wife went with the shrimp gyro. Both excellent. She had the chick pea and cherry salad, which she loved, and I had pub frites as my side. I picked the curry and spicy mango catsup, which were both pretty good. The servers were knowledgeable and nice, and the atmosphere was great. This was our first trip to Decatur, and we had a great visit with our meal at Leon's as a highlight.
(4)Todd B.
You have to give downtown Decatur credit - they have a number of nice restaurants, pubs and bars, and Leon's is on that list. My girlfriend and I were looking for a place to just chill out after a day with her family, and we decided to come here. There's a lot it has going for it - cool décor, a patio, and the bar opens up to the outside (the old service station bay doors open up to let the air in). They have an extensive beer selection with lots of microbrews, and a drink menu that's very interesting We both ordered some speak-easy kind of drinks, and though they took time to make, they were excellent. Their special drinks change with the seasons, and their fall drinks were excellent. Had a great time just hanging out and relaxing with some special drinks in a laid back atmosphere. Check it out.
(4)Chris S.
Probably my favorite casual restaurant in Atlanta. Amazing cocktails, excellent beer selection, delicious New American-style food, awesome frites and sauces. Service has always been exceptional, but sure, it naturally gets a little slower when they're busy. The patio section outside is a very chill place to waste away an afternoon. I've been visiting Leon's regularly for 3+ years and my opinion has not wavered.
(5)Lindsey E.
I finally tried Leon's (yes for the first time) last weekend. It had been on my list for quite sometime so I was really looking forward to checking it out. It always looks so vibrant when I drive by on my weekly visit to Dekalb Farmers Market. But, it also looks packed and I'm generally not the waiting type.. especially when hunger strikes. We went early on a Sunday which was a good move because we were seated immediately but it was standing room only by the time we left (around 7). I should mention that we were seated indoors because the patio was in fact full. I didn't mind being indoors though because I wanted to see what the place looked like anyway. The service was good and I was especially impressed with our server's knowledge of beer. She recommended beers based on other beers that we liked and she was spot on. I love trying new alcohol! I was tempted to try one of their creative summer cocktails but I will save that for next time. I ordered the veggie loaf as my meal and it was quite delicious. I am always pleased when a non vegetarian restaurant offers vegetarian options that are not limited to salads and portabella burgers. The loaf was beautifully presented and full of flavor. My fellow diners ordered the beef brisket and the mussels with pub frites. I may have nibbled a frite or two and they were decent. Can I just call them french fries, though? There were a couple of other menu items that I curious about so I would be willing to go to Leon's again but there are still lots of other places that I want to try before returning.
(4)Therealladyof L.
fwah. this place really gives good service. and it's crowded at 8pm saturday night, I ordered the mussles & a salad. My mussels came with 3 slices of baguette toast and unfortunately, because I don't drink, the beer in the mussels were too strong for me. When I asked for salt, they asked me if there was problem, I said the alcohol was too much for me and they offered to change me one. That was super nice! My husband had the sandwich, not sure which that was but he said the fried onions heap on top was superb which contrasted with the shredded meat and then all sitting a toasted bread. The combination was good. Will be back again for sure.
(4)Maria S.
Ah, those pub frites with the garlic aioli at Leon's Full Service! Definitely some of the best I've ever tasted - anywhere. Crispy, salty, hot from the dedicated fryer, and oh so delicious. Paired with the PEI mussels and a gluten free Green's amber ale, it was quite the blissful lunch experience. (Side note - the arugula salad with the peaches and cojita cheese also totally rocked my world.) From the moment we entered Leon's on a beautiful summer afternoon, it seemed the universe was smiling on us. The hostess happily led us to an open table for our party of six, and our fabulous server Tiffany promptly appeared to take our drink orders. Do start with one of their signature cocktails if you can. I had a nice seasonal gin-based cucumber refresher that primed my palate nicely. Unlike other Yelpers, our party had absolutely no issues whatsoever with the staff or the service provided. Even though it was slightly after the lunch rush on a Saturday, just about every table was filled within fifteen minutes of our arrival. Tiffany was extra helpful steering me through their gluten free menu options and the busy food runners were efficient, yet gracious. So envious of those who live within walking distance of Leon's Full Service. Pub frites, I'll be seeing you in my dreams. Until next time...
(5)Valerie N.
We came late one Saturday night after dinner at Iberian Pig and a round of beers at Brick Store. Someone wanted tea and so I figured, why not try Leon's? We were promptly seated in a cozy round booth and our waiter was a dream come true of witty pleasantness. I was ecstatic to find a sparkling chenin blanc on the menu - it was crazy delicious! We decided to get the famous bacon in a glass snack with peanut butter supplement to share between the 4 of us. I gotta say, I personally would never pair bacon with peanut butter, but man oh man, I may from now on! It is absolutely out of this world delicious and must be the best late night snack out there in the ATL. This was a fantastic place to finish off our night out in Decatur - I'd highly recommend Leon's as your last stop!
(4)John W.
Good grub and creative cocktails. The bar can be crowded at times so try to get there early.
(4)Rahul K.
Great food, drinks, ambience and excellent service! This place serves some great vegetarian stuff too which was quite a surprise for a southern joint, definitely our favorite place in Decatur!
(5)Elizabeth S.
I can't rate the food as I've only visited for cocktails, but each time I am impressed by the speed & skills of the mixologist as well as the selection of whiskeys they offer. Always delicious and reasonable. Perfect spot for kicking back with a friend on a nice evening.
(5)Ann L.
Met up with a friend for a drink here on a Saturday. There was ample seating available at the bar, service was friendly and present but was not pushy or very intrusive. Great place! The atmosphere and decor is spot on as well.
(5)Rakesh R.
Our group of 6 went on a Friday evening. We expected the place to be packed, seeing that they do not take advance reservations. We had to wait nearly 1.5hrs for a table. The rain outside didn't help in people leaving quickly. The bar area was packed to the brim. Standing room only. Still had a good time waiting and chatting(shouting) with our friends. Lively, vibrant atmosphere. Buzzing. The food was worth the wait. A good 'fusion' kind of menu of the food as well as the cocktails. The Vegetable Meatloaf (I kid you not, it exists!) was the group favorite. Even the non-veg folk enjoyed it. Definitely worth a visit with friends. If you like the quite, scheduled kinda of a meal, this place is, quite surely, not for you.
(4)Hanna K.
Leon's is great. I love everything about the decor, which is kind of like fusing a farm-house and a garage. In fact, Leon's has large garage doors that open onto the patio. It's trendy & buzzing, but is still a great place to bring your grandma-which is exactly what I did this past weekend. We were able to get seated right away on a nice Friday night, which was surprising to me. We sat at a high top in the main dining room, with the windows open next to us. My grandma thought it was slightly too loud, but she was completely charmed and felt like one of the cool kids. The service at Leon's is always attentive and friendly. Usually there is more than one person helping out at your table (a main waiter & bar runner?) but you get the sense the whole waitstaff has their own organized chaos worked out and I feel comfortable asking anyone for anything. They have a nice sized craft beer list and excellent house made cocktails, and the staff is always good about providing a good recommendation, since your average bear (me) doesn't recognize half the ingredients. The drinks are seasonal though, so don't get too attached! After many times at Leon's, I generally stick to the non-entree options. While their small plates seem to always exceed expectations, I've seen a few main plates come out average. The frites are always a go-to and I tend to close my eyes and point when it comes to sauces--they're all great! My grandma & I both ordered sidesalads, and then a cheese plate and an order of the shrimp to share. The cheese plate comes with a HUGE portion of bread and 3 nice sized cheese chunks. It would have been better for a group of 3-4. The side salads really are side sized. But then the "small plate" classified shrimp came out with another large piece of bread and a bowl full of huge Georgia shrimp. All in all, we had a perfect amount of food for a light dinner (because we didn't eat all the bread). The shrimp was some of the best I've had-you know it's fresh and it came in an excellent tomato based broth. Leon's also has an outdoor bocce ball court on their side patio, which I love. You can tell Leon's is a popular Decatur spot because you'll find all the usual suspects hanging out together here: dogs, little kids, and hipsters.
(4)Caitlin H.
I really love Leon's full service for lunch. They have a daily menu that changes every day. I once had the lamb burger and it was probably one of the best things I've ever eaten. Great sandwiches that are always made to order and fresh salads to go along with it. Although I love lunch at Leon's I was kind of disappointed in Dinner. They DO NOT take reservations. The wait can be quite long if you don't get there early. Be warned about the Brisket "Sandwich" It's really just a big hunk of brisket with a piece of bread under it.. not really a sandwich, but the Burger is really quite good and delicious.
(4)Jumi Y.
Ok, so after going to Leon's for a couple of years and really seeing how great their waitstaff is, this place gets 5 whole amazing stars. The food is always consistent. Nothing beats the burger and fries for me. I usually get the yogurt dill sauce with the fries, and it hits the spot everytime. The last time I was there, my friend was raving about the goat cheese dip and without us even asking, the waiter brought it out. Also, the waiters make sure that weird, drunk dudes don't ruin your girls night out by kindly kicking them out of your booth. =) Other things I really like include: Mussels. The broth is white wine based with some additional herbs and goodies. They don't use those gross gigantic mussels like in Chinese restaurants which is a huge plus. Also great with fries. Brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts are thinly sliced and sauteed with bacon. You don't get that weird mushiness that I usually expect with brussel sprouts. Hummus. Weird that hummus is on my list of favorites, but something about the way they do it is so good. And they bring out thick toasted slices of french bread. Mmm. Chicken sausage. It has a little kick to it and the bok choy is a nice addition. Their menu changes often, and I've enjoyed pretty much all the entrees I've tried. Even when I'm feeling a little daintier and order a salad, they hit the spot. BUT, the absolute star of this place... Drumroll.. is the penicillin cocktail. It's smoky, savory, and slightly sweet. And there is a gigantic icecube in it! And the flavor changes with each sip! I always think I will order another cocktail, but this is the one I always end up getting. Don't worry, there are other stuff on the drink list that is also great. Their beer and wine selections are not too bad either. So, Leon's thanks for being part of the neighborhood and treating me like you like me.
(5)Angela B.
Can you say bacon and peanut butter?! Where else can you get that as an app? I love that the food taste market fresh here. The service was good as well. It has a nice relaxed feel and would be a good date night spot. They do have a full bar as well but I didn't drink this last go round. I believe the few times I've been here there was a wait but I didn't make reservations in advance.
(4)Tom C.
Why didn't I eat at Leon's Full service earlier? I stopped in here for a snack. So a friend and I ordered the appetizers chicken sausage with bok choy and chick pea salad with cheese. The quality of the food was amazing. The chicken sausage came with a mustard type sauce that was creamy and sweet. Chick pea salad had no greens but a mix of chunks of cheese and dried cherries and the presentation of both of the foods were awesome. And the cocktails here are good too! My server was took care of us and kept filling out waters even though we didn't order much.
(5)Heather S.
Great food, great drinks and a really fun atmosphere (both inside and out on the patio)!!
(4)Stacy B.
Impeccable service. Beautifully prepared food. Great ambience. Perfect location. Hard to beat Leon's.
(5)K D.
nmisses on every item ordered. server had a ridiculous get up. too much hipster hype.
(3)brad h.
Nice atmosphere. Casual neat has a long wine and beer list. Cary (wife) had a fish plate, Char, she loved it... I took a bite and thought it was excellent. I was in the mood for a hamburger so I ordered their grass-fed beef burger with cheddar... also excellent. So you can't tell from the description of the food that this is a really cool place with a great casual atmosphere. They have a great patio, which I am told fills up early... The inside was just fine with me, open and airy. The windows are opened when the weather is appropriate. Our waitress was great - attentive but not overly so, she knew the answer to every question. Could suggest drinks from their impressive list. She knew one beer from another and made a few good suggestions... All together it's a very pleasant place to visit.
(4)Omer G.
I've been here 3 times and every time has been great! Who wouldn't want bacon in a cup? Also the shrimp small plate is fantastic. Bread was a little too toasty which some may not like but I prefer. The fried green tomato on brioche was excellent and the portion was huge. Also a great beer selection. Must try if you are in the area
(5)scott a.
Food was good but absolutely terrible service. From the slow bar to forgetful server. Won't go back there to wait ...
(2)Wendell B.
Our third visit here! We had a special night tonight, renewing our friendship with a dear friend we hadn't seen in years, and his new wife whom we had never met. We started out with a visit to our favorite local brewery, Wild Heaven, and then went here for dinner late without a reservation. As expected, it was crowded on a Friday night, even late, and we had to wait, standing in the crowded bar, but honestly it was a quick hour since the bar is charming and the service amazingly efficient even with the crowd. So we started with the pub frites, a large cone of delicious French fries (which I am not usually a fan of,) served with my choice of two sauces: smoked tomato mayonnaise and Leon's catsup. We all enjoyed these since it was now 10:00 and we hadn't eaten yet! Three of the four of us ordered the brisket, and it was tender and delicious. Two of us had the zucchini/sharp cheddar casserole, served upside down out of the ramekin it had been cooked in. Amazing! My wife ordered the burger for a change from her usual, and said it was very good accompanied by the shredded Brussells sprouts. Servers were quick and efficient and we will be back to this former filling station for "full service" again.
(5)Brian B.
The food was amazing. I had the fries and the burger, but my buddy had the amazing flatbread dinner entrée. The meal was delicious but I have to rave a bit about the fully stocked bar. A plethora of delicious beers on tap, accompanied by a menagerie of bottled delights, and a host of mixed beverages that complement the already well stocked bar. The atmosphere was similar to what you would get if a gastropub and a nice restaurant had a child. Hipster central, but still family friendly.
(5)Mariel J.
We couldn't decide what to order, so we just chose a bunch of things and shared them all: brussel sprouts, mussels, beet salad, fries with special dipping sauces, scallops - and probably some other things I'm forgetting. Everything tasted great, and because we were heavier on the appetizers and sides than the main courses, it ended up being surprisingly affordable (probably about $20 a person).
(4)Lincoln K.
ummm, way overrated. If the fries and sauces is what gets people, then sheeoot, by all means, get 'em. I've been three times and each time(there won't be another) I've told myself 'Do not go back'. The problem is...these reviews! A friend who has never been reads these reviews and is like "omg, we should totally go here! We'll wait 45 minutes for a $25 pork chop plate loaded with Quinoa" Ok, that's not verbatim. Let's just say I have had better. It's kinda annoying when everyone's plate comes with quinoa and a meat. For $25 a plate, I'd expect each plate to be unique. I'd give it one star, but they serve water in a giant wine bottle.
(2)Andria C.
I love the environment here! Ended up here on a rainy evening one weekend. The wait was pretty long (probably about an hour), but it seemed to go by quickly. Our wait was a little longer than previously thought as, because of the weather, they had to re-seat some of the diners who'd chosen to eat on the patio once it started raining. Once we were seated, the hostess offered us a free appetizer for our wait. Aside from the hostess, the service was just okay. The waitress wasn't bad, but I wouldn't say she was good either. But whatever. I ordered the pork chop (which isn't something that I would normally do), but I'm really glad I did. It was deliciously moist and tender. Drinks were top notch - actually some of the best that I've had. We both had the Gutter Pop, which includes gin and house blood orange soda among other things - yummy!. Overall, it was a good experience and I'd definitely go back. Hopefully I'd get a more amicable server next time.
(4)Patrick S.
The food is great and the service is excellent. I'm new to Atlanta and randomly stumbled on this place with a friend. The staff is super friendly and the is quality and fast. I'll be coming back soon!
(5)Jose H.
Came here thinking it was a great place based on the reviews, the food was very bad, tasteless, plain. Fries were over cooked trout was burned.. Oh well, the place is great thought and people are friendly, the food sucks
(2)Kristina A.
This place has my favorite drinks!!!!! Try the aviator and the Beez kneez!! I just need one drink. And I feel great! And its always fresh always great quality. The waiters always friendly and chic. The food... good# try the open face brisket and the different flavored ketchups!!
(5)Bobby Y.
Best mussels I've had on the East Coast by far! (Best mussels I've had on the West Coast were at the Dundarave Fish Market in Vancouver, Canada - $17 a pot and worth every penny.) Leon's mussels are perfectly cooked - plump to the edge of the shell, and no dental-surprise crunchy shell or sand particles floating on top. Would've ordered 3 orders just for myself to get full, if it weren't for the ridiculously awesome warm chickpea/cherry salad. These two dishes, if eaten by one person alone, are probably the peanut butter & jelly, Ricky & Lucy, Tom & Jerry pairing of the year. One is sweet and tart, one is salty and savory. Both are executed perfectly (and it was after midnight I might add!) and if I were to go back I would order the EXACT same pair. Way to go, Leon!
(5)Katy L.
For right now, I am in like, not in love. Not yet at least, but I probably could soon. I have been excited to try Leon's. A trip here on a Friday night was foiled by a long wait, but we walked in on Monday no problem and were seated outside. It was a delightful evening for patio dining so I was all set. I ordered the old fashioned, which was made with bacon flavored bourbon. Man, it was a delicious, delicious cocktail. I love that they serve their drinks with a singular cube of ice...it's a simple touch that I appreciate. They have a great cocktail and beer selection and I would have loved to sit out here all night and drink. But we were there for dinner so let's discuss the food. Now they don't have the largest menu in the world. A variety of small plates and larger entrees. Salads. Meat offerings. A few sandwiches. I consider myself somewhat of a foodie, and I struggled to find something that was appealing to me. My husband really struggled and ended up getting the zucchini fritters. He's not a picky eater at all either, so if even he can't find something he wants, that is saying something. I ended up getting the chicken schnitzel. It was pretty tasty, nothing out of this world. It had a good flavor and the chicken was nicely cooked. The bread it was on was dynamite, slathered in a very delicious mustard. And I don't even like mustard. I ordered the frites on the side. Oh the frites. Everyone seems to rave about the frites. To me, they were just eh. Not all that crispy and lacking in seasoning. I'm kind of sorry I wasted the stomach space. I got them with the goat cheese dipping sauce. I did not taste one speck of goat cheese...and I love me some goat cheese so that was disappointing. It's a nice spot, right off the square in Decatur. A great atmosphere and a great drink selection. The food leaves something to be desired, but maybe next time I'll find something more to my liking. And there will be a next time.
(3)Sean Y.
Food never disappoints here. We are big can of the beer list and the food, however service is another story. It really is not too bad of service but they always miss something. Still a 4 star for us though.
(4)Phil H.
The epicness of Leon's is what makes being awesome all about. I mean, c'mon, it used to be an old gas station and garage - and the large doors made into windows still open up making it a great open air experience. The decor is smart, shabby chic, modern, and exhudes a cool ambiance. There is outside seating in the front, and a full bocce ball court on the side of it. The beer list is kick ass. Hey, the guys that own the Brickstore Pub also own this place, so that should be expected. The food list is a combination of gastropub fare and comfort food staples with a twist. Waitresses are super cool, tattooed, and sexy. Bartenders also mix up some great speakeasy type cocktails. Had the pleasure of having dinner here last week with a client. I bow to this man's suggestion to come here. Picked a Left Hand Milk Stout as my beer of choice - oh yeah. We started with the Pub Frites ($6) which are served up in a large metal bucket and a choice of two sauces - madras curry catsup and smoked tomato mayo. The sauces kicked ass and the fries were perfectly browned on the outside and crispy. Done right! Went for a sandwich. I had the slow roasted beef brisket, black peppercorn gravy, fried onions, served open faced on a thick piece of fresh artisan bread ($11). Delicious, and the brisket was pull apart moist. Came with a side. I had a salad - baby mixed lettuces, laura chenel chèvre, pumpkin seeds, orange tabasco vinaigrette. Fresh and tasty. This is the type of place that can be described as to where hipsters with money would hang out at. I wish I had stayed in Decatur for a few more days so I could have tried out more of the menu. Especially the Bacon in a Glass for $5 (peanut butter extra $.50)!!! Man, I wish this place was up in NYC!
(5)Kamil B.
This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Decatur. I always have fun here. The service is great and I always feel welcomed. The food is very good, and menu items are quite dynamic, to the extent that it will keep me coming back. On a nice day, it is always great to sit outside, and enjoy the cordial atmosphere. Great place for a Sunday brunch.
(4)Rachael I.
During one of the most stressful times in my life, I went here with some close friends. Sat out on their patio, ordered their special, and breathed easy for a while. Very fond summer memory of mine. The people here are great. The restaurant is impeccable in terms of cleanliness, service, and quality of food. Their pomme frites? Great. Have tried a different sauce each time. All wonderful in their own way, but my fave's the aioli. Hands down. Would pay in gold for the recipe =) I love their lamb burger. Their schnitzel burger. Any of their sides [salads, casseroles, etc.] All awesome and share one very important ingredient: love. You can tell they care about the food they put out. Having dinner here (plus cocktails!) is next on my to-do list. I've only done lunch, but on a beautiful spring or summer day on Decatur Square, nothing beats it. Even if you've gotta wait, choose the patio. No better place to sit (and eat) a spell.
(4)Meg S.
Came here on a Thursday evening around 6 to find a pretty full patio and bustling indoors. We were seated at an indoor table and by our own fault chose to sit facing the setting sun. Whoops! We got weird looks from other customers for about half an hour as we sat indoors with our sunglasses on, desperately trying to ignore the sun blazing in our faces. No curtains or sun shades to speak of in this well-windowed establishment - don't face the sun in the evenings! The draft beer selection was fun, and I was surprised to see Ayinger on the list. I'm a fan of their dopplebock and their witbier did not disappoint. Wasn't familiar with other beers on the draft list, though, and the menu did not help - did not specify which were ales, lagers, white beers, etc. The waiter did, however, patiently answer all of our questions of "what's this?" "why on earth doesn't your menu SAY that it's a red ale?" I can't tell if the food is carelessly plated or if the whole menu is a big joke - the goat cheese stuffed peppadews, which would have been seriously lacking in the flavor department without the garnish of basil - were thrown into a ramekin seemingly as an afterthought. The plating was insulting to the dish and my friend and I couldn't help but immediately come up with at least 5 different ways it could have been plated without insult. Fortunately I was familiar with peppadews and had the sense to order it, because the flavors meshed delightfully. We did get pretty tired of trying to interpret the menu, which was either foodie oriented or pompous, or both, and the waiters didn't seem to notice that some things on the menu are not immediately obvious. I ended up ordering the shrimp gyro with the arugula salad on the side, and my friend had the roasted veggie sandwich with the chickpea cherry salad. I insisted on "swapping halves" upon tasting his veggie sandwich, which I wished I had ordered. We picked up on the sense of humor of the place when we saw the "pickle" that came with his sandwich - a 1.5" baby pickle. Cute. The shrimp gyro was true to gyro flavors but the flavor of the shrimp was lost on the excessive expanse of pita bread, which dulled most of the sandwich's flavors. I was lost on why the arugula salad was a bed of arugula accompanied by freshly roasted peanuts - perhaps because peanuts seem like overkill on just about everything. They did nothing to add to the salad, though the arugula and dressing were more than satisfactory on their own. Overall I'd say I'll come here again, more to peruse the vegetarian menu options since the grilled veggie sandwich did not disappoint. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be much on the menu for that demographic, but we'll see. One last note - the place was packed when we left around 7:30pm on that Thursday night, and the bar - which is not large - was full of people eating. Perhaps not the place to be during dinnertime if you're aiming for beverages, which is disappointing since the beer selection is so intriguing. Maybe next time I'll try lunch on a weekday and hope for a different atmosphere.
(3)Tom M.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Decatur. I love eating at the bar. One of the best hamburgers in the city. My only quibble is that this evening a man was at the bar waiting for his to-go order with his 2 year old child. Bars are not appropriate for children and, really, shouldn't there be adult only spaces? Most Decatur restaurants are like day care centers - bars should at least be sacrosanct.
(4)Aurora N.
We came here several times while in town for a burlesque convention. They were open late so we thought we'd give it a try. The first night I had the pan roasted trout which was pretty good, the second night the mussels + frites that I had been craving! They were out of them the night before. Apparently they're pretty popular. Since I was with a group I got to try a few different things. They offer tons of sauces to go with their pub frites but it's hard to stick with only two. The mushroom and pesto flatbread was divine! I think I also had a baked camembert of some kind maybe with a fig spread? It was on the late night menu and was pretty good! Holy wow! The only thing I didn't like was the drink the bartender made me. I had asked for something that they happened to have all of the ingredients for and the bartender was pretty cocky. He told me he didn't want to make that and made me something else. It sucked and I gave it to my friend. Thankfully the nutella candy bar came to the rescue and put me into a sugar coma of the grandest kind.
(4)Andrew C.
while I don't go for Decatur much (preferring Midtown, Inman and Old Fourth), I love Leon's. Open air when it's nice enough, bocce in the back, and top notch food and drinks. we had charcuterie (delectable) and split a burger with pub frites. Nice touch: they cut the burger, which was perfectly medium rare, and plated it separately with fries for us. No muss, no fuss. cocktails were exquisite, of course. If you're in Decatur for lunch or dinner, I have to recommend going.
(5)Angela V.
This place is just what Decatur has needed for awhile - a moderately-priced restaurant that actually has good food and lots of waiting room! As much as we dig the Brick Store, we don't even consider it if there's a wait because there's just nowhere to stand. Leon's has plenty of room in the bar and on the petanque court (or whatever it is). Leon's food is excellent. I love the chick pea, cranberry, cheese salad (and so does my one-year old) and the burger is one of the best in the city. Fresh ingredients, friendly people and a selection of french fry dipping sauces -oh yeah!
(5)Katherine M.
I've eaten here 4 or 5 times now, and every time I have really enjoyed the food. The fries are great, with lots of sauces to choose from. My favorite thing I've had so far is the steak sandwich. The grass-fed burger is also pretty good. The atmosphere is casual, and when its warm they open up the garage doors and it becomes a kind of open-air restaurant. Plus, it's farm to table and reasonably priced. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, but with the exception of Shanna (?), kind of sucks. Even though they can answer questions and smile, servers take forever to get to your table... so much so you may have to get up and make sure that whoever is responsible for your table knows that you are there. Then, don't bother ordering the cocktails- they are great, but if you order them don't expect them to come out quickly ... you have to wonder if the server forgot or if the bartender just hates making these cocktails so much that he doesn't bother making them when he should. Just stick to beer or wine since that comes out pretty quick. I would really like this place if I felt like my servers were working really hard to be attentive and available, or at least walking by my table once in a while to give me an opportunity to order another drink. Instead they disappear for long periods of time and I have to wait too long for someone to take my order and then wait too long for what I ordered to come out. It would be different if I had come in when the restaurant was busy, but coming in 3 or 4 times when it was pretty empty and getting crappy service each time? no thanks...
(2)Laura B.
I've been hearing so much about this place that I was excited to try it. The atmosphere is great, very open, modern but casual. I was hoping they'd have more veggie options, but still had some very unusual choices. You can order a waffle in a bag, a glass of bacon or hummus that instead of chickpeas, is made with carrots. We split the veggie sandwich which was good but a lot of bread. My favorite part (aside from the great beer selection) was the order of fries with a choice of 2 out of 12 sauces. We actually ordered 3; the garlic aioli, spicy mango catsup and masaman curry. Delicious all the way around!
(4)Jenny K.
Very good drinks and food. A bit on the pricey side, but worth it!
(4)Stricky T.
I thought Shaun's @ Edgewood had the best pomme frites, now they have competition. Leon's takes it to whole new level with a wide array of sauces. Furthermore it is stepped up with the widest selection of Belgian beers under one roof.......petite houblon la chouffe.......is grand beer, with full flavour and an incredible body. Simply put...hoppy goodness
(4)Wendy C.
This is a great place for cocktails but the food really pales in comparison. I had the pedal pusher which is a fantastic cocktail made with gin, elderberry, lemon and a hint of absyinthe. Sounds like a lot, but it really works. They were out of a lot of the dishes that we wanted to order, so that was a bummer. We ended up ordering the pub frites which were good, and the scallop entree. The scallops were really salty, and the risotto was extremely bland. Mussels were just ok as was the zucchini casserole. Drinks get 4 stars, and the food gets 2 stars. So I will split the difference and say 3 stars it is.
(3)Matt C.
went to leon's for the first time this weekend and was very impressed with every aspect of the experience. table service seems to be a group effort, as we were looked after by about four members of the staff intermittently throughout our time there; every person was friendly, helpful, and attentive. vibe of the place is like most places in dtown decatur -- laidback and casual with just a hint of elitism (mostly among the clientele) our table tried quite a few things from the menu, and most were fantastic. the menu is stacked with delicious-sounding dishes, and making choices proved difficult. highlights were the pork chop, baby wedge, and the frites. i don't think i've ever thought of a wedge salad and frites as even close to the highlight of a meal anywhere else, but they are perfect here; frites are well seasoned, perfect texture, and the list of sauces you can choose from to accompany them will make you drool. we opted for the garlic aioli and massamun curry; highly recommend both. the wedge salad was made unique by featuring an 'herb-caper' creme fraiche versus the played-out bleu cheese dressing; it was delicious and rich, and the 'side' portion was the perfect size to go with an entree. we also made a point to try the 'bacon in a glass', which, i have to say, might be some of the best tasting bacon i've ever tried. had never heard of a pairing with peanut butter, but it was a very good combination. their drink list is full of good beers and interesting cocktails; we had a couple of each. i'd heard their original cocktails are some of the best in atlanta; though they were good, and i'd try them again..i wasn't wowed by them as i've been at places like JCT kitchen and 4th & swift. overall, a great experience and meal; we will definitely be returning.
(4)Jody S.
The food is great. It's fresh & quirky. There is a large beer selection. The building is neat. Parking is tricky & you'll have to wait your turn, but it's very worth it.
(4)Leah T.
I was excited to try this new restaurant and I enjoyed a fun evening out with friends. I loved the different dips for the fries (Pub Frites), but overall I thought the food was sub-par. The carrot and cilantro hummus tasted more like a carrot puree... carrot was really the only flavor I could taste. The curry veggies were alright, but again nothing spectacular. Great drink selection, though, and I liked the atmosphere of the place.
(3)Carolyn B.
I've been Jonesin' to go to Leon's for the last year and I unsuspectingly made it over on St Patty's Day. The Marlay was on the agenda, but it was packed out so my fella and I made it down to LFS instead. The owners are the same as Brickstore, so you know it's gotta be uber cool! They have a huge beer selection, a great bar, friendly service, and although there was no live music, the sound system sounds killer and the joint was jammin with cool patrons. The calamari and scallops were teetering on good. The smorga's were fantastic, and by far my favorite bite of the nite. I also highly x3 recommend the cocktail with gin, honey, and lemon- it was so good that I had way too many and had a major headache at work the next morning, enough said!
(5)Becca S.
Leon's Full Service is my favorite spot for a beer and a good bite when I get home late from work. After standing on my feet all night serving other peoples drinks it's nice to come sit down in the nice atmosphere of Leon's and just relax with good food, good service and great beer.
(5)Jill K.
fries are great and all the sauces just make it fun. the sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese, yummy!
(4)Tulie L.
Came here with friends Thursday, and I have to say for a weekday, the place was packed, the atmosphere was wonderful! Though the bar was packed, and service on the drinks were a bit slow, the bartender was nice enough to inform us our drinks were on it's way, and was apologetic for it's some what snail manner of service. I can't remember my choice of drinks, but it was good, the amount of alcohol was not very much, but it was good and you can tell it was made with some thought from the mixologist. I think they might have to get a couple more mixologists behind the bar to speed things up, but other then that, the bar was a great place to hangout and grab some drinks, and fries as an appetizer. The fries were great, and it come with 3 dips of your choice. I really liked the sundried tomatoes mayo, I also got the cucumber dill, and the goat cheese fondue, but these were not my favorite. The cucumber dill would actually really be great on some lamb kabob come to think of it. Well waiting about 30+ for our table and our party of 7 did not arrive on time, but Ryan (co-owner) was gracious enough to trust that our party would all eventually arrive, that he sat 3 of us who were there! I ordered the burger and it came out perfectly. meat was made to what I had asked for, and it was good. Is this the best burger I have eaten? Nope, Holeman and Finch still holds that candle.. but it's a very good burger none the less. You can tell it was made with quality ingredients. Service by far was very good for a place that has been shy of opening for 1 month. I really feel with time, this place will be one of my favorite spots in decatur!
(4)dj j.
went last night to check it out just 'cause it was new... didn't know too much about the place going into it. the moon was out and the night's sky was 3 shades of blue. *there was no wait for the patio [possibly just good timing, and it was a tues night] *the food was fantastic *specialty drink was great [called a casino-something] *the massaman curry catsup on the pub fries was slammin' *the shrimp gyro with the chickpea/cherry salad was great *the mussels were great *the service was fabulous, our girl was cute, knew what she was doing and had personality we ran up a decent size bill, but i thoroughly enjoyed pretty much every aspect of the place.
(5)Charlene H.
I ordered the steak sandwich based on the waitress recommendation medium rare. Let me say this sandwich was superb. I also ordered some kind of roasted pepper mayo on the side. This steak pepper on the side. It was lightly cooked on a piece of fresh bred with a nice slice of lettuce, etc. The fries were okay a little overcooked but still tasty. The ambiance is really nice. I went for lunch and later at dinner I noticed the place was even more packed. Leon's food takes dining to a whole new level.
(4)Bobby H.
Great food (esp the bucket of fries!), great beer selection, and one of the best atmosphere's in all of Decatur/Atlanta. The wait can be long most evenings, but it is a fun place to actually enjoy the wait. Once you're seated, all of the staff seem great, but Tyler is a particularly fun, knowledgeable and attentive server.
(5)Jeff P.
Service is excellent, brisket was very good, good choice of beers. Fries and tasty sauces are a must. Uncomfortably hot in the dining area.
(3)Holly L.
This place was very busy, but my friends and I were entertained and we received great service from the bar staff before we were seated. The food was great! Good times...
(5)Brandon T.
This is only a review of the bar & drinks, no food was ordered. Miles is the man, I told him what I liked and he stood studying the shelves for a minute and served me a Demerara Old Fashioned which is something he came up with himself a while back I guess. It was exactly what I was looking for. Also met Ryan, who is like the #2 guy there, who was a super cool dude. Was helping us out even though he wasn't working that day, just coming in real quick-like. I can't remember the first drink I ordered, but it was like a Flaming Pecara or something...whatever, it was only okay, no great, but my friend's Whiskey Grogg was fantastic. They also have a Swedish item on the menu which always gets an extra star from me ;) Smörgåsar! Also it's right next to the Marta which is awesome.
(5)erika s.
the exterior of this place should get 5 stars. absolutely beautiful---love that it's a converted gas station. the food was really good as well. i got the gyro with a side of zucchini casserole and the spaghetti squash. the waiter recommended the zucchini, but i don't think it held a candle to the squash--really really good. if i was visiting atlanta again i'd probably just go here for the drinks. i believe what i had here was called the dark and stormy and it was one of the best cocktails i've ever had--loads of yummy ginger. the bartender and/or whomever comes up with the cocktails should be commended. they all look great and they're all really interesting. if cocktails aren't your thing, the beer and wine list looked pretty well rounded also.
(4)Zhen L.
alagash and bacon with peanut butter all the way!!!
(5)Birah R.
LOVE IT HERE! delicious and interesting cocktail creations, really delicious food, and oh wow, the pub frites.
(4)a w.
bocce ball, bacon in a glass, and beer...oh my. ...that being said...expect a long wait and a loud crowd on weekend nights, but come on a quieter night and enjoy.
(5)Amoura W.
It's good, the foods kinda dry.. the menu has more appeal than the food. The service was amazing, and the resturant has style. Next time i'll try the scallops.
(3)Su N.
Best gastropub in Atl that I've checked out so far. I liked it better than Brick Store Pub actually, I know it's the same owners but the ambiance was def better, I liked how there was an outdoor patio area and the food choice was a lot better. Beer selection wasn't as extensive but it's decent.
(4)Kelly H.
Really good food, consistently. Interesting drink menu. Love the pub fies with various sauces. Always a hit.
(4)Holly B.
I finally decided to try Leons after driving over to the hair salon. It is on the corner, and has a real cute vibe! I especially like the way it is open and you can sit outside or inside. I tried the burger and fries and really enjoyed them. The burger came with homemake catsup, mustard and pickles since I forgot to specify. The fries were nice and hot, and I enjoyed the horseradish mayo. I would definately go here versus that other place that is so busy that you have to wait for an hour for a to-go order! Definately will be back to try some of the other offerings!
(4)Henry L.
This is a business with growing pains still to be worked out. Beer selection is good, food is good but minimally portioned, menu is very imaginative which is a strong plus. Service is friendly but overly taxed. Leon's popularity works against it on prime nights (Thurs.,Fri., Sat). Business is brisk but orders get lost, forgotten or gotten wrong. The bar is often overwhelmed but the staff is clearly doing its best within the chaos. I can't tell if the crowds come here for the food, the crowd itself, or if Leons is just an overflow recepticle for BSP. Most other times the place is deserted. This tells me that the draw isn't the food, which is not "value priced". ($5 for bacon strips -in a glass- wtf?)
(3)David F.
This is my go-to place for really good food where my wife can have some nice wine and we don't break the bank. I really like how bright the main dining room is. I met the owner the first time we went he was really cool and knows how to treat people. I've had the Osso Bucco twice and it's tremendous! And to say that the individual French Press coffee servings are beyond delicious would be an under statement. I don't know what kind of crack they put in that coffee. But I refuse to leave there without a plunger pot of decaf. Never had a bad meal here. Service is good. Food is great. Prices are very fair for what you get. I always look forward to going to Leon's.
(5)Heather B.
Leon's is a great place for a casual but nice dinner out. The food is consistently very good, and the beer and wine selection is great. I also really like the atmosphere, and the service has always been good. It is often crowded, and on the weekends you can be sure that there will be a wait. Even on a Wednesday night we had to wait for 20 minutes. But we sat at the bar and had a drink (one of the best dirty martinis I've ever had!) and shared an order of the goat cheese stuffed pepperdews. Those are delicious! Of the 3 times I've had dinner here, the food has been cooked perfectly. The scallops, steak, and trout are all delicious. The bistro steak sandwich is amazing, as is the chickpea salad. You can also never go wrong with the pub frites, mostly because of the delicious variety of dipping sauces. This is a great thing to order with a bigger group of people, since you will have a bigger variety of sauces. The food tends to be on the expensive side, especially the entrees. But it's Decatur, and almost everything there is overpriced. I am willing to pay a bit more for consistently good food in a place with a cool ambiance that supports local farms. I would definitely recommend Leon's as a place for a group outing, a date, or a place to bring out of town visitors.
(4)josie p.
Super cool new addition to Decatur... Love the retro meets modern interior design, but the open air bar looking out on the fun bocci ball courts really is the cherry on top of this inspired "gastropub." Leon's boasts a generous drink list that should please anyone's palate... Same goes for the food. I went with a group of girls & we got a hodgepodge of dishes. The fries were delicious & didn't even need a dipping sauce, but we opted for the smoked tomato mayo... good, but could've used a little more flavor or oomph to be considered smoked tomato. I was also slightly disappointed in the Curry Cauliflower & Broccoli side... loved the hint of Indian spice, but found the dish to be saturated in oil. That said, the Warm Chickpea & Cherry Salad (tossed w/ basil, provolone & a vinaigrette) was surprisingly fantastic! Very unique & they give you a hearty portion! The Orange Tabasco Vinaigrette makes the mixed green salad, & you don't even need the flat bread that wraps around the shrimp gyro since the inside really is THAT good. Despite a few minimal shortcomings, Leon's is still very new, so I'm sure they're still working out the kinks. They've done a great job with the space & there's a lot of soul. It has a great vibe & encompasses much of what Decatur is about... I'll definitely haunt this neighborhood joint!
(4)Rachel B.
Leon's is my new favorite gastropub. I got in with the family right before it got super busy at about 5:30 pm. I haven't had such personal and friendly service in awhile. The pub frites remind me of Pommes Frites in NYC - a fun selection of sauces. We had the catsup curry, peppercorn gravy and cucumber dill; I thought all three were tasty. My order of open face brisket and curried veggies really hit the spot. The bread under the brisket was just the right ratio of chewy and crusty. Plus they added a little cornichon on the side - it's like they read my mind. The dessert was just okay - next time I'll spend money on the appetizers instead. Also, you can play bocce ball if you catch it when there is a wait!
(5)Laura R.
The general consensus seems to be that the food here isn't great, but we just went for drinks last night, and I really enjoyed it. They have a great porch...will be good once it actually gets warm out...and a bocce ball court. The big glass garage wall/door thing rolls up, so the indoor bar area becomes semi alfresco as well. The beer selection was good, and I liked the decor. I think it would be a great place to stroll over to especially if the Brick Store is too crowded and/or hot, like it often is. I don't know if this place gets very crowded, too, but it was not bad at all when we were there on Friday.
(4)Ben L.
My girlfriend and I went here to hangout before our dinner reservatons at another restaurant. It has a very nice atmostphere,and with the right weather can remind you of the beach. We sat at the open bar at Leon's and didn't stay too long. The drinks were superb, namely the 'Toes in the Sand' special. We had an order of the pub frites, which was enough to feed more than two people! Recommend trying the fries. I also thought it went well with the garlic aioli sauce. Overall, we'll definitely be returning to try some of the other courses.
(4)Joe A.
Leon's was an excellent surprise. Their sister restaurant -- The Brickstore -- is a staple in Decatur for anyone that loves great beer. We went there on a Saturday night, and the wait wasn't too long, even though there were a lot of people there. The restaurant itself is not too huge, and the bar area can feel a tad claustrophobic. However we were eventually seated and, though it didn't seem large, it wasn't overly loud or crowded -- though that may just be because there was a quieter crowd there. As I said above anyone that appreciates a good beer selection will not be disappointed here. The draught selection is perhaps a bit light, but if you're really looking for something specific, just head to the Brickstore after dinner, it's right around the corner (that's what we did!). Besides the beer, there is a full bar where they made a point of letting us know that the juices used in drinks were fresh-squeezed, the fruit was fresh. I opted to try one of their house drinks -- Miller's Cucumber Shooter. A gin concoction with fresh cucumber and lime juice, sugarcane syrup, and soda. It was light and refreshing enough that I would drink it on a hot summer day instead of lemonade. Our group was aiming to sample quite a bit since it was our first trip, so I will only give the highlights. The "pub frites" (fries) are a staple here, and come with your choice of 2 out of about a dozen dipping sauces. Ranging from goat cheese fondue and smoked tomato mayonnaise to spicy mango catsup or peppercorn gravy. Definitely a table-sharing hit (especially at $5). I had the slow roasted, open faced beef brisket sandwich, which was excellent. The brisket was tender and flavorful, and it was served on a thick, tough bread (I want to say it was sourdough, though it may have just been similar) that soaked up the peppercorn gravy very well ($9). The service here was excellent, the hostess was attentive and aware, seating people quickly. Our waitress was an excellent guide offering suggestions about everything from the beer through dessert. The restaurant has a gourmet feel with unique food at extremely reasonable prices, the staff is friendly, and this is a great way to start an evening in Decatur. I highly recommend it.
(4)Andrew J.
Terrible service and overpriced. Burger was supposed to be well done and it was bloody. Waitress Michelle B was very unfriendly and we had to ask for ice water. Def am not coming back here again.
(2)Vlad T.
Leon's bar program is a half step behind Holeman & Finch and Kimball House in my experience so far, but it's a comfortable and high quality food and drink experience. They're working with some interesting products--I'd never heard of Batavia-Arrack or Byrrh--but how well they connect them requires some more, um, research. King Bird, for example, is delicious if a little confused. Blended scotch, bourbon, and rye? With all three you've cancelled out any predominant flavor profile--it's just "whisky." And I never refuse a nice, big single cube of ice, but it's a cloudy mold-formed cube. Getting crystal clear ice is a hassle to be sure, but worth it at this level. My duck was perfectly cooked and loved the grilled breast and confit leg together. You notice the rounded plate? That's to keep that savory duck in its juices and not mess up the beautiful presentation. Wonderful.
(4)michael r.
This is a great restaurant. I will make it a usual haunt if I can. Very pleasant atmosphere, Extremely attentive service, almost (but not) too much. place your empty glass on the edge of the table, blink, and it's gone. not kidding. I met some friends there for dinner about 2 weeks ago (sorry for my delay in my review). We met pretty early, around 5 ish, but there was already a good crowd there. The 4 of us were set immediately, With water and for drink orders pretty quickly. My friends and I took a while to order drinks, reviewing the large selection of drinks. We decided on beers and a mixed drink. Food was awsome, we started off with some frites. Two orders with a selection of sauces. The smoky tomato and the pepper mayo were my favorite. Also to come was hummus and fried calamari. both were good, but will get the calamri (lightly fried to perfection) with the smoky tomato mayo instead of the ketchup next time. For entrees we each ordered something different. I had the "Bird". This was served in the middle of a pile of stone ground grits with a mushroom au jus. Also at the table were the Burger, the open faced brisket sandwich and the shrimp gyro. It was all very tasty. we shared all around. The sides that came with the other meals were very good and imaginative, the chickpea salad and spinach both favorites at the table. Personally, I could have had a large bowl of those grits with a spoon. For dessert, we ordered the apple crisp, the chocolate course, and chocolate waffle. All very good, but the waffles were a bit on the dry side, needed a chocolate syrup or something. All in all, a very good place. Will enjoy it again.
(4)Stacy A.
Finally tried Leon's Full Service and it was worth the trip. Ordered the goat cheese peppers as an appetizer which were good. Had the turkey schnitzel sandwich which was great and too big to eat in one sitting. Husband had the mussels and fries, both were quite delicious. Service was attentive.
(4)Karen O.
I've been here at least 6 or 7 times now.......both with friends and with the family. I am a beer snob and suffice it to say, they have great beers and a knowledgeable beer staff, as does The Brick Store. They also have great, fresh and interesting cocktails. So hard to choose! I am seriously hooked on their Veggie Loaf. Even my non-veggie friends had to admit they loved it. It's very earthy, complex, nutty, rich and just plain hearty. I love to start with the buttered, salted radishes. I've been making them at home now too.......such a simple thing but they go so great with a drink and don't fill you up. They do NOT have a kids menu here but will make your kids a grilled cheese with fries for $4.00......unfortunately, no other options at this time. I would love to see a simple kids dish, like a fried Tilapia with plain mashed potatoes and broccoli.....or even just a fish sandwich or taco or, ahem, some kind of pasta. I know they aren't really looking to cater to the kids in the area, and that's okay, but I won't be able to go here as often as I would like, because the kids will veto it if they aren't in the mood for a grilled cheese.
(4)Nancy C.
Love Love this place. Aside from the food, I love how the building used to be a service station, and that they have a bocce ball court. Came here on a Friday around dinner, so we had to wait a little bit (20-30 min??), but got a beer at the bar, and hung out outside at the bocce ball court and chatted for a while. Now for the food. Went here on a date night with the bf for something a little different and outside of our usual price range for a Friday night dinner, so we both ordered off of the entrée menu. If I was just stopping in for lunch or a more casual dinner, I probably would have gone the sandwich route, not only for price, but because they also looked delicious and I really want to try their chickpea/cranberry side thing. We got the mussels appetizer, which was delicious as mussels usually are. My bf ordered the duck entrée and I ordered the pork. I was admittedly completely thrown off when the waitress asked how I would like it cooked. In my head, I said it's pork, cook it so I don't get sick, but no words came out just a confused look on my face, so she proceeded to tell me that the pork was really high quality and they knew where it came from, so it was safe. Never having really had this option before, I asked for a recommendation, and she said medium, so I went with it. Awesome choice for me. The pork was super moist and tender, and came with this delicious green curry sauce and a crisp slaw. The duck was also very tender and delicious--of course I tried some. Excellent entrées with a casual atmosphere! I am looking forward to going back to try some sandwiches!
(5)Michelle H.
I love, love, love this restaurant. Unfortunately, too many people do, and you can easily have a 2 hour wait, but it's worth it nonetheless. My favorites: the frites, chickpea cherry salad (side), earth veggieloaf, mtn trout gyro, their yummy seasonal desserts, and (obviously) their unique beer selection.
(5)Mario R.
Kudos to the hostess for initially recommending the large rectangle table, though we chose the round booth to allow everyone (10) in our party to engage freely in conversation. Our server started a bit listless as we had to prod him about drink / food specials but once the ball was rolling he was on top of it. The Pig Smorgas and the Mussels we started with were very popular and interestingly flavored. You can't go wrong with Benton's bacon! I appreciate that the mussels were served in a lemongrass broth( not a Sherry) and that the portion was big enough to share with the table. The scallops we ordered were lightly browned and plated very well with tasty Oyster Mushrooms and red wine mustard, yum. Following dinner we were treated to crepes and cobbler which were an excellent finish to an excellent meal. On a side note, the staff was not impeded by our Super Hero inspired birthday balloons! Hooray!
(4)Josh G.
I should have left a review for Leon's years ago but better late than never! After an inspiring meal last night, I felt that I must praise the quality and atmosphere of this wonderful Decatur establishment. First off, hands down some of the best cocktails in town. In addition to the cocktails the food is on point and delicious. Last night I had the okra, mussels and zucchini cake along with a fresh salad. Everything was spot on and the sauce for the mussels was on point. The only recommendation I would make is to go on an off night as it gets crazy on the weekends.
(5)SC S.
So, I've been to Leon's several times. The first couple times were in the summer. On the patio, several rounds of drinks and several friends, and those times were the best. The drinks--house specials, mixed drinks--are good and strong, the beer selection is great, the wine (though limited compared to the beer and spirits) seems well selected. But in the winter, when I'm inside, and not as prone to drinking, I have to focus on the food. The mussels are always great--I love the broth and the crusty baguette is perfect for sopping it up with. But the entrees have left something to be desired. The trout gyro is not good. I've had it twice, and its been dissapointing each time. The artic char was oooohhhhkkk, i guess--maybe a 2. The frittes are not that great--certainly not as good as the porter--and the dipping sauces (all of them) just tastes like warm, whipped butter. I like this place in the summer, but when its cold outside and I'm looking for a great meal with less atmosphere, I head elsewhere.
(3)Lisa C.
My family and I love this place. Great food. Great beer! We are here a lot.
(5)Amy H.
on new year's eve, i embarked on a two week migratory adventure back to my home away from home. prior to my departure, i turned to atlanta's definitive source on local culture, creative loafing, for a survey of worthwhile craft cocktail purveyors. having already traversed holeman & finch on a previous itinerary, leon's was next on the list. a meandering drive down ponce and we arrived in downtown decatur, a suburb within the perimeter. my displaced seattle shipmate and i settled in for an evening of mediocre gastropub fare and lost cocktail thursdays debriefs. being that we were seated in the dining area, our waitress relayed our drink order to the bar and some fumbled instruction later, what arrived was lost in translation. not quite the premium fantasy i had hoped for, i received exactly what i asked the waitress to avoid, fernet with rye. now don't get me wrong, rye has it's place of grandeur in the world, but that place is not yet located on my palette. my drink ended up like a disillusioned child, dragging its heels back to the bar for a replacement. had i been at the bar, things might have been different, for i honestly believe the quality of a craft cocktail is directly proportionate to the distance of the barkeep. consider it the 'proximity quality quotient'.
(3)Kevin Y.
Living in downtown Decatur has its perks. Leon's is one of them. Great menu selection, from affordable, decadent beef brisket sandwiches to fairly priced entree plates. The fries are tasty and the custom made dipping sauces give the meal an extra dimension besides "ketchup." It's a great place to grab a drink as well; although Brick Store has it handily beat in terms of beer selection, Leon's keeps a steady supply of beers on tap and custom liquor beverages as well. And who can deny bocce?
(4)Mike P.
Okay, gotta start by saying I can't speak about the food because I didn't stay to experience anything but the cheese plate and I'll tell you the reason why. From the moment I walked in I felt awkward. They were having a beer dinner and it was a little crowded, no hostess to be found. Stood there for a sec and a server asked if we needed a table and then showed us to a table. When i say that these tables were close I mean that I had to stick my ass in the neighboring tables face to scoot to the bench seat and could have easily rested my elbows on either of the tables beside us. We were greeted by our server (or one of them) quickly and poured glasses of water and right after we told her we would need a minute with the extensive beer list another server greeted us and went through the same speal. I thought that they would work it out, but we were bombarded by two servers the entire time. After a beer and some cheese we got the hell out of there and went to Fontain's for some delicious oysters. Probably will not go back, but the menu (and the food on the table next to us) did look like nice, just not my scene and the whole two server deal killed it.
(2)Angela S.
Okay...I come to Decatur a lot from the burbs but have a mission the taco place or Watershed and just have not gotten my friends to agree to come here? Well dud it was great food and service YEA!! Another great find in Decatur... Great service! Everyone there was very kind and knowledgeable. Felt like family and very welcome here. Glad I followed my servers suggestions and tried something out of the box for me. Got the fries with the sauces and oh my wonderful did not know fries could be so yummy. Loved the smoked tomato mayo sauce I know, I know does not sound all that good oh but was it. Got the cheese fondu sauce too and it was just as good. I think we tried them all and those are the 2 best!! Got the special of the day and it was really good too...I won't tell you about it since more than likely on the day you go it will not be there...but it was really good. Have a great beer list too...great place try it! I will be back really soon. Happy Eating!
(5)Terry M.
Having eaten there several times, trying something different each time, we have never been disappointed. The service is excellent, even when you have to wait due to its popularity. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. It's the best casual dining experience in DEC.
(5)Michael J.
I'm not from this area and we don't have anything quite like this where I live so I'm not exactly a beer connoisseur nor have much experience with exotic and craft beers but I enjoyed this place. The staff is pretty knowledgeable and can help you if you are unfamiliar with the beer selection. If you are familiar then you will love the selection they have. It just so happens that my best friend who I was in town visiting works there.
(4)Rick C.
We went to Leon's for my birthday last night. I picked it from the reviews here and the menu and beer list. I enjoy good draft beers and Leon's has some great ones. I started with the mcauslan oatmeal stout which was very good. They also have a unique selection of mixed drinks from the 1800's thru the mid 1900's. I next tried a Hanky Panky ( it is my birthday after all) - very strong but also good. For dinner i had the earth, seared "veggieloaf", roasted cauliflower-shitake-sundried tomato salad, pecan romesco. Also delicious! Also ordered the rilled flatbread, ricotta cheese, roasted tomato coulis, olive-caper tapenade, baby arugula, olive oil starter and the big fries for the table. A variety of other dinners were order and everyone at the table had no complaints. It is not 5 star food but for the price it is an excellent value. The waiter was very good, always kept our drinks and water filled and took the time to let us know some history about the drinks and beers. It is a little loud but we had a round table for six that was very secluded and helped muffle the noise. It was a little warm out so we didn't get a chance to try the bocce, but we will definitely be back.
(4)Katheryn O.
I randomly went here on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. On Friday I had Mikkeller's Simcoe which was of course amazing and the pub frites which were pretty good. On Saturday I had the burger. This was one of the best burgers I've ever had. I highly recommend it. They use grass fed beef from a local farm as well. I got the baby arugula salad with radishes, smoked pecans, garlic creme fraiche dressing and grana padano as my side. The smoked pecans were a nice touch to the salad. Get it! The thing I liked most about Leon's was the service. On both days everybody was so nice. They all just seemed genuinely friendly and they are also knowledgeable about their food and beer. I was surprised at how much I liked it here because I think the service at the Brick Store generally sucks. Perhaps this is because those that work at Leon's look like they enjoy being there where as at the Brick Store they don't look so happy to be there.
(5)gunr w.
great food and drinks. try the chick pea and cherry salad. and get miles to make you a drink.
(5)Amanda C.
I was a little wary about the food here after reading some of the other reviews but I was pleasantly surprised about the food, the drinks and the atmosphere. I had the "closing argument" and "gutterpop" cocktails - I definitely preferred the closing argument to the gutterpop - I'm just not a fan of cloves unless it's in something with cinnamon or pumpkin or something similar. Then for an appetizer we had the pig smorgas - it was delicious. Toasted bread with ham, cheese, pineapple and some kind of fruity jam. It was a great combination of savory and sweet. I had the mountain trout entree for my dinner and my husband had the burger. I loved the trout - cooked perfectly and tasty. My husband said the burger was good but nothing to write home about. Our dinner companions had various other entrees and sandwiches and liked everything. We sat in the "hot tub" table - a semi-circle booth that was very cozy and allowed us to actually hear each other without shouting over the crowd noise. I think this is a great place for a night out with friends or a great place to stop for just cocktails and some snacks. I'm definitely going back.
(4)E A.
I met two friends there over the weekend. The place was PACKED. I know this is still a relatively new restaurant so that could account for some of the crowd. We checked in with the hostess at 8pm and were told it was a 30 min wait. at 8:05 we got in line at the bar (which is way too small by the way) and didnt get drinks until 8:30. We didnt actually get seated until 9:30pm. I was livid - and had I been alone - I would have just left. Once we sat down - our waiter was cool - but I wouldnt say the service was AMAZING or anything. He brought us two wine bottles filled with room temperature water (after the wait we had - I would have expected atleast iced?). Everyone raves about the fries - so I ordered that with a hamburger. My "well" burger came out totally charred. It was actually hard to eat. The french fries are delicious - and the curry dipping sauce was very nice. I dont see myself going back anytime soon. Stick to Brickstore.
(2)Johnny W.
Leon's was such an amazing spot to go to after getting married at the courthouse in downtown Decatur! They easily accompanied my party of 12 in the the small alcove of the restaurant (3 tables all close together). We started with a round of drinks (I must say that the beer list was exceptional). We started with appetizers and not one tale could get away without ordering the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. The mussels too were fantastic! The entrees that came out were incredible! I had the brisket sandwich which was a mountain of a half sandwich filled with amazing-ness. My wife got the pork belly which was also a winner! I have never been here before and I will definitely be back. From there my party moved outside to the bocce ball lawn court where we played for hours drinking more beers. The atmosphere of Leons is just great and a wonderful spot to sample in Decatur Square!!
(5)Jamie P.
Can't give a full review, but I'll definitely be back again to do so! All we had was dessert and coffee. That being said, the strawberry cobbler is to die for!
(4)Keisha B.
Leon's has to be by far one of the best places I have visit. I'm never disappointed here. There is something for everyone and I am amaze how they consistently reinvent their drinks and food menu. The Whiskey Smash $10 is just one of my favorites. I could sit at the bar and nurse this drink all night. The food options are fantastic and they pretty much cater to all. The veggie loaf with spaghetti squash is to die for. The grilled duck breast with Brussels sprout is another favorite. The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I have dine here a few times alone, and have never felt lonely.
(5)Alex H.
I love me some Leon's. Whoever made the cocktail menu is an absolute genius. #blessed
(5)Meredith R.
The advantage of friending likeminded Yelpers, is the distinct possibility that they'll turn you on to a dish -- maybe two -- that you wouldn't otherwise choose. Never have I ordered brisket in a restaurant. But if you're vacillating over a few choices (including the brisket) I wholeheartedly say, "brisket all the way!" This is one good sandwich. Coupled with a generous order of pommes frites, there was more food than I could finish. My husband ordered the potatoes with a different dipping sauce. Mine was good -- the masaman curry -- but his garlic aioli was even better. (I think the masaman should be somewhat thicker.) I withheld a fifth star for a few reasons: - Oy! Was it hot!! With the open air concept it was bordering on uncomfortable inside. - A bottle of help-yourself-water is left on the table. (I like that!) But why was it tepid? - Wine. My wine -- an okay glass of merlot/syrrah -- cost almost as much as the sandwich. Why not offer house wine, a California red and white, in the $6 range?
(4)Jessica Y.
Good vibes, great service! $7 for a dinner serving portion of fries and countless sauces to choose from. Done! Mic drop. P.S. I love fresh fries so this is the place to be if you have a fry fetish like me.
(5)Michelle T.
I went back to Leon's and I wanted to update it because this time I sat at a table and wanted to talk about customer service. Our server, Jeremy was excellent. I liked that all of us didn't have to be there to sit at the table. And Jeremy was patient with us while we were waiting for our third party who was taking forever. At no point did we feel rushed since we just had some drinks and the fries while waiting. The servers are knowledgeable about the drinks as well and I appreciate that. I ordered the pork belly/kimchi grits starter. Can I tell you, pork belly is my new crush. This dish was so yummy, although spicy which I was not expecting. Unfortunately, I had to send the dish back because there was a hair in it. Now I don't get crazy about this type of stuff because things happen. But I do get crazy if it is not handled in the right way. Jeremy took the dish and asked no questions. Well he asked if I wanted a fresh order, but I said it was a little more spicy than I was expecting. He said he can get me the pork belly and switch it up for me. A fresh dish came out, piping hot, with pork belly and rice and it was great!!! Any they also took the dish off the bill. See that's how I want to feel if something unfortunate happens. And I have to say Leon's staff handled it like a champ.
(5)Celia W.
The service here was impeccable. The food was great. We ate outside on the patio the weather was beautiful and so was the food. We ordered the shrimp appetizer along with 2 entrees market fish (red snapper) and mussels. They have amazing dipping sauces to go along with their insanely delicious frittes (fries).
(5)Veda W.
I just happened to be in the neighborhood and saw this place in passing. The name rang a bell so I immediately checked to see if it was on my list of places to try. Indeed it was so I called a friend to join me. We went inside around 9 pm and the place was packed. It is a quaint, cute little spot not at all what I expected. When our 30 minute wait turned into 40 I was actually about to throw in the towel and say goodnight. No waiting area except standing by the door waiting to be seated or praying for an open space at the bar pretty much sucked. I had on heels and a one point I thought my toes actually screamed at me. Imagine that. Just as we were about to leave, the sweet little hostess said that she had a table for us. Sweet relief, my toe thanks her. We had the sweetest waitress named Sarah. I asked for a drink recommendation explaining what I was looking for. She recommended the "travel more" and it was perfect. A nice subtle hint of raspberry indeed and all I needed was one. I ordered the brisket along with pub frites. Spicy tomato mayo and massaman curry were both my sauce of choice for my frites. My friend ordered a hamburger that she proclaimed to be "as good as her grandmothers homemade burgers". She said it was seasoned perfectly and the meat was tender and juicy. I thought wow, that burger really must be good! I thoroughly enjoyed the frites. They were seasoned well and I thought the massaman curry was a great accompaniment. Being a lover of all things spicy, I found the spicy tomato mayo to be a bit bland. I could have eaten the frites alone and everything would have been right with the world. Now about my my brisket. It was a little on the cold side. Not refrigerator cold. I mean cold like it was plated and sat aside while waiting on my frites to cook. It is served open face so I had to knife and fork it which was a bit of a struggle because my bread was very chewy. There was some type of salty goodness on the bread that was tasty but nonetheless it was very chewy. The ends were a little burnt which I did not mind but it was a small struggle to cut into pieces. My friend got in a good laugh watching me work and I admit it was funny. Although it wasn't hot, the brisket itself was very tender and oh so perfect. Will I visit and order it again? Absolutely yes but I will make sure to go at a time when they are not so crowded. I don't think my poor feet will have it any other way.
(4)Erin H.
Leon's is a block off the square with indoor and outdoor seating. Parking can be difficult especially on weekends. Its has a hip atmosphere and a delicious menu and great drinks! Its a bit pricey in my opinion, especially the drinks. I would go more often if it was a bit less expensive, but I'll definitely be back.
(4)Cassandra M.
Great restaurant in downtown Decatur. Probably the tastiest burger I've had in years. Great fries and I loved the zucchini casserole. I took a slightly skeptical friend and the waiter coaxed her into ordering the snapper dish EXACTLY as it was offered and make adjustments after she ate it. She loved it. Ate the whole entree with no modifications. Great service, great food. Leon can service me anytime...
(5)Andrea M.
Tihs review concerns the bar only: The bartender was such a sweetheart. She def knew her stuff. I heard that this place was a hopping place. And it seems so from what I observed with the crowd flow. I ordered the good habit. It was pretty tasty. This was ordered from the seasonal area on the alcohol menu. For my second drink, I ordered something on draft that I cannot remember. Tip: You can also sample the beers if you're unsure of what to get. My friend got the jitterbug perfume, and that thing was bitter since it had beets in it. His coworker got something with pumpkin spice in it, and it was pretty good. There were also nibble food here if you're hungry. Metered parking is free on the weekends according to my friend. It's either that or free after a set time. I can't remember... lol. Well, it seems so since my car was fine when I found it again around 2:30 AM with no tickets or boots. Lol.
(4)Dene L.
Leon's sources local farms. Food is excellent and fresh. Took the kids who also found enjoyable options. We had the bacon in a glass, quail, kale salad, a burger and an iceberg wedge and ate every bit of all of it. For dessert, the cheese plate and jam is excellent. Great service, lovely environment.
(4)Breall s.
Amazing waiters, so knowledgable and eager to make your experience great. I know I'm picky, but they never cease to amaze me. I wish their wine list would get a tune-up. So many Sauv. Blancs yet not one oaky Chard. Regardless this place is one of my faves in Decatur. They even brought out veggies for my dog (we were on the patio)
(5)Doug G.
What a great place. Been here several times, but sadly my first review...so I will make it a good one. I really have a growing love for this place. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, it is a great experience. I wont name particular dishes, as I have had many, but I can tell you that I have never had a bad dish here! The bar is great with friendly bartenders and knowledgeable mixologists that put a personal touch on each interaction. The hostesses have always been pleasant, even with a long wait and then the dining room staff is superb as well. The feel of the place is friendly, the menu is farm to table and the drinks are strong and tasty. I honestly have nothing negative to say about this place. It is a favorite of mine in the downtown Decatur area and is a clear recommendation for you all!
(5)Margaret H.
A friend and I came here after walking around Decatur, waiting for a Yelp event to begin. The food: Perfect, every bit of it. I had the Beef Brisket after numerous recommendations from Yelp and FourSquare. I ate until I could eat no more. It was perfectly cooked, so much flavor, and a huge portion! For my sides, I had the baby kale salad and the spaghetti squash. The spaghetti squash was a bit more bitter than I thought it would be, but would be great to the right person. The atmosphere: Love the decor! The service: It was a really busy night for a Wednesday. I thought we had to waive down our server a few times, but they were very kind and offered good suggestions.
(4)Ellen M.
Happened upon Leon's and glad we decided to try it. The brisket was great and the pub frites, not only are they yummy but how nice to be offered several different sauces for dipping . Will definitely return.
(4)Sallie L.
I was excited to try this place because I heard it was good, but this place didn't really wow me. Parking - There's a deck that you have to pay for (pretty expensive on the weekends) and some street parking. Service - The waiter was quite attentive. We came on a Saturday afternoon and didn't have to wait to be seated. Food: +Hand cut pomme frites "in the bucket" ($7) - These are fries that come in a bucket with 2 sauces of your choice. We got the chipotle mayonnaise and goat cheese fondue which were both good. However, the fries themselves weren't that great. You know those overcrisp tiny leftover fries that everybody avoids? That was pretty much our entire bucket. I don't think this is the norm, but I'm not sure why they would serve these leftover bits to us. +Baby kale salad ($8 though listed as $6 for small and $10 for large) - On the menu it said "shaved radish, green onion, cotija cheese, smoked pecans, tahini-lemon dressing." In reality, it seemed more like some kale and cheese and dressing. It was quite underwhelming. +Warm chickpea and cherry salad ($6 or as a side to an entree) - This was actually very good. It came with provolone, basil, and red wine vinaigrette. However, the more you eat it, the heavier it gets. There's way too much cheese in my opinion. +Burger ($13) - This is supposedly very good, but everybody's burger was overcooked when we went. The medium rare looked pretty well done. Though it was still tasty, it definitely could have been executed better.
(3)Chamberlaine B.
As mediocre as I think the food here tastes, I have to give credit to the presentation, the creativity and the atmosphere of Leon's. Every time I look at the menu, I am literally drooling over the descriptions printed, yet, every time, I am disappointed in what is brought out. Don't get me wrong, the food looks amazing (important) and smells good (also important) and is portioned well (very important!), but the fries, the fritters, my veggieloaf, and even the sandwich were all lacking... well, flavor! On the other hand, their cocktails do not disappoint! And I did like the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. THAT is not lacking in flavor. This place is popular, so expect to have to wait for your table on the weekends (and even some weeknights), but no worries, take advantage of their full bar, or hang out on the patio. I always have so much fun here. The aesthetics are wonderful- stark, yet cozy- and has a fantastic patio. Leon's is perfect for group get-togethers. I hate that I don't like their food- I want so badly to love it to warrant coming on a weekly basis.
(3)Kai E.
My new favorite restaurant in downtown Decatur. Although, it was extremely busy on a Friday night the staff was friendly and very organized. We sat on the side of the bar in this cool little section kind of away from the excited crowd yet close enough to join in if we desired to. The drinks were amazing I had a lemon drop martini and my BF had some ginger drink and he was impressed. The food was fresh and delicious seasoned impeccably I had the grilled duck and it was probably the best duck I have ever had cooked perfect. My BF had the Trout which was equally tasty. Great for any occasion especially if you want to impress someone.
(5)K H.
The food is solid. The pub fries are good as are the drinks. The seasonal chicken dish was also decent. It was a good meal with friends In a good atmosphere A bit pricey but worth it.
(4)Tilia M.
I'm a senior citizen it seems, as I generally make it a rule to never eat after 7pm. That said, I ended up visiting Leon's at around 9:30p for a very intimate birthday dinner. It was one of the best eating and overall dining experiences I've had in a long while. The atmosphere was super trendy in that hipster, down home kind of way. The crowd was thinning out, so, we had the attention of the waitstaff, who was knowledgeable and friendly, but didn't hover. It was dark and moody, with an amazing music playlist. All this added to the amazing, AMAZING food and drinks we had. I told my waiter that I liked drinks that weren't too sweet, and had a penchant for bourbon and whiskey in general, and he suggested The Wasp (george dickel rye, peach honey, lemon, salt & pepper) Which was by far one of my favorite drinks like, ever. Outstanding, balanced, tangy and sweet. We started with a app of bacon in a glass (its like they know me personally). I had the shrimp, which came heads-on, huge, swimming in a pool of spicy sauce, as well as a side salad (baby kale, bacon, hard boiled eggs) that I demolished in like 2 minutes. My sig had the lamb which was everything, and we finished it all up with the pound cake that came with a sauce(toasted pound cake, georgia blueberry, earl grey ice cream, almond crumble, lemon zest), which was, of course, also outstanding. I don't hand out very many 5 stars around these parts, but all in all, Leon's was a great experience with great food, and a great overall atmosphere. I completely recommend this place.
(5)Melanie K.
Walked in and were passed by several servers. None acknowledged us for a few minutes. Just as I was saying we should leave someone came to seat us. Luke warm water served at the table. We ordered pork belly croquettes and the fries with sauces. The croquettes were dry and disappointing. Not the foodie dream they sounded on the menu. The fries were ok, sauces were amazing. When you go somewhere and the sauce is what you rave about it's one you take off the list. And filthy. We were seated at a booth and between the cushion and the seat was a plethora of other people's food. Might explain the flies buzzing around.
(2)Jen H.
I had dinner with a friend here and loved their food and creative drinks. We started with some fries as appetizers totally worth trying. I had two of special cocktails and both were deliciously made. I had orders the vegetarian meatloaf it was so good I'd become vegetarian if I got to eat that everyday. I loved the outdoor botchy ball court and the patio seating
(4)Cole O.
Leon's is a personal favorite of mine..especially when in Decatur. This place has everything - a cocktail list to die for, cool people working there, a solid patio, and generally just a fun atmosphere. Get the mussels. Promise. Also - snag a signature cocktail. Cheers.
(4)Melissa A.
The server was very sweet and friendly, the service was excellent. The food was just okay. I had the pork chop, very very fatty. I am aware that pork chops do have fat but this one had 80% fat surrounding it. The rice underneath and sauce wasn't that hot either. my boyfriend had the burger and it was just okay. The drinks weren't anything special, but we both LOVE bacon and the combination between the peanut butter and bacon appetizer was AMAZING. I don't think we would come back again.
(3)Zach T.
I don't have a very large sample size, but so far my best vegetarian meal in Atlanta was at Leon's. Beware, this place is packed on weekends. First, this place has a cool, laid-back atmosphere. The bar area is pretty nice and prominently displays all their draft beer options. They've got a pretty decent beer selection - not sure how frequently they rotate their taps, but there were several nice options I've never tried before. Second, the service was great. The waiter was fun and engaging, and most importantly gave good beer and food recommendations. Third, the food was excellent. I had the veggieloaf. The portion size was on the verge between just right and just enough to put me in a food coma. It was pretty rich, but had some light elements (mushrooms and lemon/pinenuts) that balanced it out nicely. The loaf itself is made from some combination of lentils, quinoa etc (I think). It's served on top of delicate spaghetti squash in some creamy broth. The broth has a nicely developed parmesan flavor. The pine nuts on top were also excellent. Finally, I think the price was pretty reasonable for the quality of the food. Highly recommended.
(5)Angela K.
Leon's was the fourth place my friend and I visited during our Decatur Adventures day. We were so full from having eaten at 3 different places previously but couldn't leave Leon's out! First of all, love the interior and atmosphere. The patio area is beautiful! My friend and I sat at the bar area that's indoors but facing the outdoor patio. We wanted to try their winter special cocktails so the bartender gave us some recommendations. We ended up ordering Travel More and Trial and Error. We also ordered the pub frites which comes with 2 sauces of your choice (we got the barbeque and cheese fondue). Loved the drinks, they were a bit pricey but they were awesome. It was adequately sweet and sour. The fries were great too. The bbq sauce was different from other bbq sauces I've had before. Tangier? Anyways, it was great. I'm definitely returning in the future. Can't wait to try the other drinks.
(5)Shannon S.
It was good and really fresh. They were really busy which was a little surprise for a Friday afternoon. So service was fine. we had the brisket which was amazing, and the fries- oh my god. Their homemade sauces were good too! It's in a cute part of Atlanta.
(4)Elissa W.
So good! My boyfriend got the beef brisket and it was to die for, I got the burger which was amazing too, but I'm going back got that brisket in the near future for sure. We got an extra bucket of fries to split because they're so good. I definitely recommend the massaman curry and garlic aioli dipping sauce. Everyone at the table got cocktails and we passed them around to try, all were amazing. The inly down side was it was a little slow service wise, but they were packed (in the middle of the week too, after dinner rush) and for good reason. I'll definitely be back soon
(5)Rachel P.
I really enjoyed Leon's. I had tried to come here one other time a couple years ago, but it was a warm, bustling Saturday night in Decatur and there was a 2 hour wait, so we ended up going somewhere else. On my recent visit, it was a chilly, less-bustling Saturday night in Decatur so we only waited an hour. I say this to say: they do not take reservations, so either come prepared to wait, or come very early or very late. Our hour wait was actually fine thanks to the great service we received. The bar area was hella packed, but we managed to carve out a tiny area where we could sit and wait. Just at the exact moment when our hanger was setting in (45 minutes into the wait), a server came by and brought us a complimentary app, sparkling wine, and beer. It was most excellent and appreciated! When we made it to the table we ordered ALL THE FOOD! A charcuterie plate, their beef and red potato soup special, baby kale salad, lemongrass and witbier mussels, and their famous brisket with pub frites and massaman curry dipping sauce. Everything was excellent. The charcuterie was a perfect spread of meats and pickled veg. The mussel broth was rich and flavorful. The massaman sauce was to die for on the perfectly cooked fries. My only beef (har har har) was that the brisket wasn't really all that briskety. It kind of reminded me of roast beef. Very tasty though. The cocktails also deserve a special shout-out. I tried the signature eggnog and LOVED it. I'm not usually an eggnog gal but my cocktail intution told me this would be delicious. And it was. I also tried the Ski Bunny, a limey, coconutty, mole mezcal drink. It was divine. In short: I thoroughly recommend, and can't wait to come back!
(4)Nicoleta P.
I was really looking forward to eating here because I heard it was a great spot. Not a fan and I won't be going back not worth my drive and this is why. Got there and there was a 30-45 minute wait (which is not bad) Ordered drinks from the bar while we waited, got our ticket to pay for our drinks WAY before we ever got our drinks- I felt like this was a little rude considering their wait time was at least 30 minutes. There was finally a table for us outside, we took it. Sat down, looked over the menu and started to give our order to the waitress. They were out of several of the appetizers, so we decided fine we will just order our food then...well they were out of half of the stuff in that category as well. (oh yeah it was a Saturday night)...So pretty much half of the menu was out. I feel like that is something that the hostess should have told us up front...before making anyone wait only to find out half of the stuff on their menu isn't available...I mean who does the ordering?? It was a Saturday night. Needless to say I won't be back. Sorry!
(1)Brian M.
Love the atmosphere and experience at Leon's. It's a nice, unique environment and the food is very solid. Personally like the fries and the beef brisket. Fries with the variety of sauces is very nice. Catch can be the lines, it gets pretty busy.
(4)Aaron P.
This place is awesome! I love a good restaurant that has a beautiful outdoor dining section where dogs are allowed. The food was great, the staff is nice, and the ambiance is laid back but classy. They have a great list of beer and cocktails to complement their food. You really can't go wrong. This place is a staple of downtown Decatur.
(5)Steph C.
I had a hearty late lunch at Leon's Full Service, at 3:00 on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. I was starving when we arrived, and that meal really hit the spot. The restaurant was pretty busy when we arrived, and at first, our party of three could only get seating on the patio. The patio was nice, but we didn't have full cover, and as the day was hot, our server moved us inside as soon as space became available. We got a comfortable booth in the main dining area, and two other friends joined later for drinks. We spent a pleasant couple hours in that booth. The space was bright and attractive with a bustling gastropub atmosphere. Service was excellent, very friendly and attentive. There was one drink order that went forgotten for about ten minutes, and it was comped with apologies in the end. I had a beer (forget which one, but it was on tap) and a Bloody Mary with my lunch, and was very happy with both. Our server asked if I was okay with salami in my Bloody Mary and I just grinned back at her. Salami is always welcome. The Bloody Mary was truly delicious, spicy and thick with a salt rim, garnished with a fat olive and that peppery slice of meat. The food was great, too. I had the beef brisket sandwich--slow roasted brisket with black peppercorn gravy and fried onions, served open faced on a thick crusty slab of bread. This was really satisfying, stick-to-the-ribs kind of food. The meat was flavorful and juicy, and I loved the gravy. The sandwich came with a side, and I elected the roasted corn with field peas, cotija cheese, and cilantro. This was even better than the sandwich, every bit of it bursting with flavor. I also went in on some pub frites with barbecue sauce, and these were good. I had a lot of fun at Leon's Full Service, and I'd definitely come back if I lived in town. It's a great all-purpose kind of spot, and I'll keep it in mind on future visits to Atlanta.
(5)Lindsay W.
I have been wanting to go here for a while now and finally went for my birthday dinner. I really wanted to go somewhere that is kid free. When we got there it was not very busy, but they sat us next to a large loud party and another table that was sat right before us. It was a little odd since they had a lot of other open areas. Whatever, it was fine. On the plus side, we got a window view. So the meal was good. We split two entrees and the server was gracious enough to have the kitchen split them for us so we each got two small plates. I really liked that she took the extra minute to have them do this and to not have them combine the two onto one plate since the flavors were so different. We had the trout and the veggie loaf. The trout was just ok. It a little bit on the salty. I liked the textures and the nuts really helped with that. The portion size was good too. The big surprise was the veggie loaf. It was SO GOOD! The creamy sauce with the mushrooms were so delicious and the veggie loaf had a lot of in depth flavors going on. Presentation was good too. Now, the reason I did not give this 4 stars was because 1) we were not asked if this was our first time there, 2) no specials/suggestions were mentioned, 3) our server took over 10 minutes to check to make sure everything was ok. I wish that they would have suggested appetizers to us or some of their favorites on the menu. I would have liked my dinner to last longer than 30 minutes....but it didn't. Would I go back, maybe with a group, but I would really hope that they would try to sell me on some food and drinks.
(3)Amy H.
Came here with some girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon at 4 pm and they were packed!! We sat outside in the heated patio, which was super cute!! We did some wine and some apps! They have a GREAT wine list ranging from cheaper to more expensive so I always love that. The fries were out of this WORLD good!!!! Did the peppercorn gravy, garlic aioli and the ketchup for our sauces. I would come back JUST to eat these bad boys so good!! We did the three cheese plate and it was awesome, came w french baguette and the cheese slices were pretty big in size. And then there was the beer cheese.... we were thinking it was more like a fondue it was not... horrible menu item. The server laughed with us when she saw us take a bite of it. She was a GREAT sport when we told her it was HORRIBLE and she gave us some fun stories about the hit and miss of the BEER cheese. Server was great too, she was BUSY and you could tell and while we all split the wine and apps she went ahead and separated the bills 5 ways for each item. I cannot wait to come here again!!
(5)Karla N.
We usually come here to drink because of their patio area. I had some pisco drink and it was really good we ordered the muscles to shared which came with fries and they were so good kind of addictive and I could not stop eating them at all I wanted more their sauces were great very tasty. The drinks took a little long due to that they had a large party that had the bar tied up and the server brought us dessert on the house which was really nice. now that I write this review I could only want more fries. I will be back to try more of their food im sure it will be great.
(4)Lindsey D.
I love the food, especially the cream-cheese-stuffed peppers - they are to DIE for, if you go there, you MUST try them. The drinks aren't my favorite, though, too bitter for me, they literally don't have a single sweet cocktail drink listed on their menu. The setting is casual-trendy and they've got outdoor seating. It's usually crowded and fairly loud so if you're going with a big group, I suggest you make a reservation in advance. Staff is nice and accommodating.
(4)Terri S.
Amazing food, friendly, attentive service, innovative and delicious drinks, vibrant crowd. Love the water misters on the patio for hot weather and the whole vibe. Try the quail with cornbread stuffing and a side of green beans with crispy shallots and bread crumbs. You will not be disappointed. Camel and Bramble is my fav drink.
(5)Pam C.
Had the duck with brussell sprout and potato hash...so good. Brisket was also good. Don't miss out on their cocktails. Ski bunny...must like mescal, a very smoky flavor, not for everyone. Religious Experience is strong on the juniper flavor, very apt cocktail for Christmas time. Three Point Punch...delicious! Egg nog...great dessert cocktail. I could have had two!
(4)Sara M.
I'll be honest - I haven't reviewed Leon's until now because I had been unable to decide between three or four stars. I've been a handful of times since moving to Decatur and left conflicted each time. Service was wonderful but the food never impressed me. I'm going with four stars because the service and drinks are really great and more than make up for the generally lackluster food. Fries, fine. Sauces that come with them, also fine. Bacon in a glass...it's bacon, which is awesome, but $5 for literally just bacon pieces in a jar, which is ludicrous Salad, fine. Sandwich, fine. Are you seeing a pattern here? The very first thing I had here was a shrimp po' boy at brunch, which was the most boring sandwich I've ever had outside of the POS's I make in my own kitchen. And there were exactly three shrimps. The cost of the sandwich was $4 per shrimp. Which makes me extremely hesitant to order a full-on entree. Over the years, the visits have been better food-wise (although I have still never ordered an entree), culminating in the deeeeelicious littleneck clams my friends and I had the other night. They came in a sauce that smelled strongly of Frank's Red Hot but tasted much more complex. My only beef was that it came with two pieces of bread and 18 pieces worth of sauce. However, a server noticed we were out of bread and staring longingly at the rest of the sauce, and so offered to bring more bread out. As for the booze, no complaints here. I figure that since this is a cocktail bar, I should have one. They're always good. But when I inevitably switch to beer, I'm glad they have a great list. My favorite thing, aside from the service, is the space. On nice days, the outdoor patio and bar area flow into each other, while further inside, you have a cozy area of tables and booths that fit into little nooks. On the Church Street side of the restaurant are outdoor bocce courts and a bit more outdoor seating. Overall, I am filing Leon's into the drinks and light bites category of restaurants i enjoy. I will gladly come for a good cocktail and maybe a snack or two in a great space.
(4)Victoria S.
I'm in LOVE with the freshness of this establishment's food. Being a first timer, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but Leon's came highly recommended. I knew I wanted to try the bacon in a glass as an appetizer--and Benton's smokey bacon delivered! I could've personally passed on the peanut butter thought it would've been good with some warm bread. I was uncertain on my entree and our waiter suggested the chicken (roasted brussels sprouts, bacon-braised cabbage, crispy fingerling potatoes) and slow braised pork shank (spatzle, kale, pickled mustard seeds, parsley salad)--winners!! The chicken skin was browned and sooo crisp yet amazingly tender and the pork shank--well, we ate every MORSEL of meat until we could pick no more off that poor bone. Oh, I also tried one of their specialty cocktails that I can't recall the name but it was spiced with cayenne pepper and ginger--quite good too. I will visit again the next time I'm in Atlanta!
(4)Janet K.
My husband and I love this restaurant! We love how they change their menu seasonally and we LOVE their fries and dipping sauce selections! Sometime they're a bit pushy on the cocktails maybe that was because my husband and I don't consume alcohol, but is felt funny that we had to ask about the non-alcoholic drinks. Either way SO MUCH GREAT FOOD and SERVICE!!
(5)Monique R.
My husband and I went on a couples date here and I'm so glad we did. The food and the service were both excellent and I plan on returning soon with some girlfriends. I loved the inside space as much as the outside space. Definitely a great summer spot if you're looking for some good food, good fun and interesting drinks.
(4)Pedro T.
Listen girlfriend: this place is the bee's knees, & they can make you one too! (I know, it's lovely!) The lamb burger will make you slap someone. The poutine could solve world hunger. The fried tofu & fried chick peas will make you kick about. The brisket will make you show your "O-face". And the drinks will cause your knickers to fly across the room like a g*d d*mned lawn dart!
(5)Brett R.
Stopped in for a late lunch. Should've taken a cue from all the photos of the brisket sandwich but was up for a burger. Tillamook cheeseburger at that. Pretty disappointing surprisingly. The burger was smaller that expected for the price but was cooked well. Server failed to put mustard on side so my wife, who I split it with, took two bites and was done. Fries are good but the garlic aioli was lackluster. Also, for a gastro pub I expected a better selection of craft beers. That have 14 on draught but they were primarily IPA bastardizations. Bartender wasn't well versed in the beer types, but I imagine there's a pretty routine rotation. All in all a pretty standard place to grab a beer and a bite. Wasn't awful, but didn't blow me away either. I'll give them another shot. Not sure wifey feels the same however. I must add that the bartender/server felt really bad when wifey only ate two bites and offered to make her a new burger. Wife declined but they still gave us a discount on the tab on their own accord.
(3)Ryan B.
Totally fantastic! Ate here twice on a short trip - mainly for the merits of their house ginger beer (it's so good). The food is great. Had: poutine, the frites (garlic aioli for the win), fried Camembert (great but a little bit too small), brisket sandwich. All phenomenal. The service is great, the atmosphere is awesome. Go here!
(4)Linda V.
5 stars for service 0 starts for food & drinks Came here with a group of friends on the Sunday before Labor day and we were ALL disappointed. I was shocked since I've heard so many great things about this place. We started off with a few cocktails: millers cucumber, air mail, and bee's knees. All were just okay, I believe this was due to the busyness of the bar. A few steps might have been skipped, did not taste like crafty cocktails whatsoever. Mussels, hummus, and fries were next. This was by far the worst mussels I've ever had, extremely overcooked and barely any flavor. Fries were supposedly the best in the area but they were a bit on the soggy side. Their sauces for the fries on the other hand was great! Entrees were burgers(no seasoning - something I could do at home myself), brisket sandwiches(dry and bread was soaked with too much grease), steak(too tough), and veggie loaf(let's just say more than 2/3 was still left on the plate). Service was great and I loved the bar area. Nice place to hang out but I will not likely come back since there are too many places nearby that have great food and drinks. Side note - Establishment was extremely busy due to the holiday weekend, this might have had something to do with my food and drink experience.
(2)Juan M.
Embarrassing. As I was eating, juice and flavor (yes, "flavor") was oozing everywhere. This was a business lunch. Always have loved the cool space and remembered the food was good, but damn... Had the gyro and fries. Sounds innocuous, right? I want to have this in bed with my wife and then be fed grapes afterwards. Or something.
(5)Will C.
Went there for the first time for a late lunch on a Saturday with a group of eight. We were sat quickly and received great service throughout our meal. The waitress was very helpful in making recommendations for beer and specialty cocktails for several people in our group that they were all happy with. We ordered fries, bacon strips, and chick peas for starters and all were very good. I had the Georgia shrimp as a small plate and it was so good that I would go back for this dish alone! Side note for any bourbon connoisseurs, they have an awesome selection of hard to find bourbons/whiskeys (e.g. Old Rip Van Winkle, Parker's Heritage Wheat, Belle Meade Sherry) and most are priced pretty reasonably.
(5)Lesly W.
Leon's is my absolutely favorite place to dine in Decatur, hell it's one of my favorite restaurants to dine in Georgia! For the prices, you would think this place to be stuffy and pretentious but it's the complete opposite! The servers are super attentive. The service is GREAT! If your water filled about 75%, Leon's will fill it up to the complete 100%. The food is absolutely divine and so fun. The seasonal cocktails are my favorite thing about the menu. Every time i go, I never know what type of drinks are up for tasting and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I try a new cocktail, usually based on the waiters/ waitress recommendation. I love that the menu changes seasonally so i know I'm getting the freshest veggies and seafood! My favorites and recommendations off of the menu include the Pub Frites with the Mango- Peppadew (obsessed!) and Garlic Aioli Sauces, the Pei mussels steamed with lemongrass and witbier. These are probably the best mussels I've ever had in my entire lifetime and the portion of the appetizer is pretty fantastic too. My favorite entree is the pan seared trout as its lightly crisp on the outside, and perfectly cooked and seasoned on the inside. It comes with baby bok choi, broccoli, jicama hash, thai cashew sauce, and mushrooms! For the finale and my favorite part of any menu is the DESSERT! The Georgia Peach Soda Float is ridiculously good. It's mixed with Vanilla, white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. You can make it a Rum Float for $4 more. I go through extreme withdrawals from this soda float. Let's start a chant now.....LEON'S LEON'S LEON'S LEON'S!!
(5)Alison W.
It was nice sampling the sauces for the fries, but I really wasn't impressed by the rest of my dinner. Food is mediocre and overpriced. The cocktails are amazing, but also pricey. I am not a big drinker, so it was hard for met o justify ordering a drink that cost more than my entree.
(3)Stephanie A.
It's rare I venture down to delicious Decatur but it is high time I visited Leon's. This former service station has a clean modern yet casual feel. The outdoor seating is as well laid out and attractive as it is indoors. Lots of windows inside so you get almost an outdoor feeling in there (dependent upon where you're seated of course). The menu is short, sweet, and seasonal. The purveyors the food is coming from is listed on a chalkboard on the wall in the main dining room. I love a restaurant that proudly displays their sources. Just a handful of menu options each salads, small plates, entrees, cheeses and sandwiches. Even though the menu is limited the bar selection is not. This is a gastropub after all! The food clearly pairs well with cocktails, beer and wines. I got an order of the pork belly with kimchi grits. Hello my name is SPICY!! Super creamy and spicy grits topped with three slices of perfectly tender pork belly and fresh bright crunch kimchi slaw. Really creative and interesting dish. I couldn't resist pub fries with smoked tomato mayo. They did not disappoint. Crispy double cooked skin on fries with your choice of condiment. A luscious side of brussel spouts hash is not to be missed. Chock full of bacon, apples and onions it really is a star on the menu even though it's a side. Leon's has many vegetarian options that won't leave a vegetarian feeling like an afterthought but still options for the carnivore to feel satisfied. Great attentive service too. I'd be a regular if I lived in Decatur.
(4)Sue B.
I used to love this place, especially sitting outside on a summer's evening. We went last night, and what a disappointment. The chef from next door has taken over, and, well, sigh. The menu seemed smaller, and the fish options were quite limited. The quail was rather tasteless. The cioppino broth was excellent, but the serving was small and was dwarfed by the two enormous pieces of bread accompanying it. Leon's used to be our neighborhood-y place. Alas, no more.
(2)Robert T.
The "Mrs" and I came here to celebrate my birthday. I am glad we did as we had a really good time, enjoyed some good food, and had great service. Add to the fact that I did a triple dog dare and the "Mrs" came up with her catch phrase for 2015! We started out with the cheese plate. You select 3 for $12 or 1 for $5. We opted for the 3. A couple are better than the other but don't bother with the Kentucky one! She had the Brisket....yummy... it was so juicy and tender, but her fries were even better. Served with a selection of dipping sauces I kept stealing some from her plate. We had the smoked tomato and the garlic aioli. Both were great - and I don't even like tomatoes! I dined on the scallops, but replaced the usual sides with the sides of the short ribs - horseradish mashed potatoes and carrots. The sides were great, and the scallops were just ok. I have had better. I have had worse. Located in Downtown Decatur you just park where you can so sometimes that can be an issue. Although it was too cold last night to take part in the outdoor patio, it is heated! I think this would be a great place to hang out on a summer evening. Since Leon's was on the list of Atlanta Magazine 50 Best Bars we had to try some drinks! The Moscow Mule - although not served in a copper cup, is one of the best that I have had. The lady enjoyed a Lemon Drop (or two) and for the purposes of being able to review the place sufficiently i had a sip and can state it was TASTY! All in all.... an enjoyable evening..
(4)Janos J.
Been back here two more times since my last review. Both times were excellent. Service was great, had one issue and manager took care of it right away with me even asking to see the manager. She just stopped by to make sure everything was okay. Told her about the good and I was given a replacement. I am very pleased and will return. Having a good relationship with your customers is important. The customer is not always right. However, when something is wrong it is nice to see the people at an establishment try to make things right.
(5)J B.
Owned by the same group as the brick store pub. Incredible beer, wine and cocktail list. The food is great and the patio is absolutely beautiful. Expect to wait in line.
(4)Matthew E.
Cool place. Burger and open brisket sandwich were both just "ok." The brisket was more like pot roast meat. The fries were good and the sauce selection to go along with the fries were really good.
(3)Kait M.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta! I've frequented this place many times because of it's friendly and welcoming atmosphere and tasty food. The location is perfect and EVERYONE can find something they enjoy. My favorite thing is definitely the pub frites and dipping sauce. I get it every time I go, and everyone I take loves them, too. Great for a date night!
(5)Michael M.
Terrific menu...lots of fun new things to try. Can't wait to come back.
(4)Tiff H.
After living in Decatur for four years I realized I didn't spend much time exploring the area before I moved OTP. Memorial Day seemed like a good idea to spend the day off eating and walking around Decatur. Unfortunately, many of the restaurants were closed, but we noticed Leon's Full Service was open (hooray!) and went in gladly since we were starving... The restaurant interior was very modern and clean. We were seated in a very bright sun-lit room. My friend ordered a Dark and Stormy (cocktails were pretty expensive, with no drink specials at lunch) and I ordered a beer (.5L of the Sierra Nevada Kellerweis) which was delicious, although super filling with my meal. Later, I looked online to find it as number 15 in a list of most fattening beers. How delightful. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich. It was PHENOMENAL. The beef was tender and well roasted The open face sandwich made it hard to eat as an actual sandwich so I ditched the bread and attacked the meat and fried onions. It paired well with the Brussels sprout hash that I ordered. Although no longer on the menu, it was a little sour for me at first, but the tangy juices mixed with the salty and tender bacon - thank god for that, i hate when the bacon is rock hard - it became perfect. Overall the meal was satisfyingly awesome. Apparently the late night menu is superb and a must try, so I will have drop in again since I've heard great things about bar hopping in Decatur :)
(4)Julie S.
Good spot for lunch in Decatur. Loved the hummus plate and the zucchini cheese side. Didn't care for the grilled trout sandwich but I think that was primarily due to the mustard on it. They make their bread in house!
(3)Richard F.
I'm kind of torn with Leon's. Parts of the meal were really good but parts of it were not so good. The atmosphere and service were great. We got there around 8, it was a Saturday, and grabbed a seat at the bar while we were waiting on our table. The bar staff was great and answered some questions my GF had. While waiting we had the crispy pig ears. They were great. The pork was nice and crispy while the slaw and pickled onions provided a nice acid component. The food came out very quickly and we had plenty of time to finish before getting our table, around 20 minutes. Once we got to our table we split some of their fries. They were good but nothing crazy. For my main I got their special which was tuna over arborio rice with bok choy and okra. This is where I have some complaints. I found a couple bones in my tuna. It shouldn't happen but it not the end of the world. The fish was cooked and seasoned well. My other complaint is with the rice. If you are going to list arborio rice then serve arborio rice. This dish was served with a long grain rice. Part of the reason that I ordered the special was because it listed arborio rice. I wanted the nice creaminess that you get with arborio rice. With that said the rice was cooked well and it worked with the vegetables. I think it would have been much better with actual arborio rice. My GF got their soup special and it was very good. It was a curried sweet potato soup and it was done very well. For dessert we got their special dessert which was a deconstructed cheese cake and their chocolate nutella candy bar. The deconstructed cheese cake was kind of lack luster. I could see were the dish was going but it needed some work. The cheese cake tasted very sharp and yogurt like. The candy bar on the other hand was spot on. I would order that again and again and again and one more time for good measure. I really wish I could give Leon's 3.5 stars. Parts of the meal were really good but parts were bad. I just can't look past bones in the fish and not serving what is listed on the menu.
(3)Nichole K.
I absolutely love this gastropub. One of my most favorites to go to. A must is the bacon is the glass with peanut butter dipping sauce. The goat cheese stuffed peppers are excellent as well. Mussels are delicious and so are the fries. Service has always been friendly and on point. I've never had dinner here only their craft brews and apps, but from what I've tasted I have no doubt their dinner times are excellent as well.
(4)Dave B.
Moroccan-spiced lamb burger, black cherry jam. Spicy but not over powering . Very filling. Omero Willamette Valley Pinot Noir clmplimented the spice and jam.
(4)Renae J.
This is how you do it....great service, great atmosphere and great food. I popped in and sat at the bar and the bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. I could tell he really enjoyed working there. The way he interacted with the customers was awesome! I ordered the pickle plate and the shrimp appetizer. The pickled veggies were crisp and had great flavor. The shrimp appetizer had 6 large shrimp in a spicy sauce that had the perfect level of heat. The only downfall is that I am leaving town tonight. If I am in town again, I will be back!
(5)Kelsey F.
I'm a big fan of Leon's. After coming here several times for bocce and drinks, two friends and I finally made it to Decatur for brunch to get the full experience. The space is divided into 4 basic sections, each with its own perfect vibe. The outside patio is open and airy. The tables have umbrellas and it is a great place to sit and watch people go by on the street. The bar area is super hip. It is a perfect place to try Leon's late supper which features things like pb&j with bacon. The beers on tap rotate and the cocktails are seasonal as well. On the far side of the building you will find the bocce court and outside patio. Most evenings, this space is bustling. There is limited service outside, so I would recommend ordering at the bar if you are especially thirsty or hungry. The final space is the restaurant itself. There are not tons of tables inside, but I find the other three areas stay more crowded. That being said, the "restaurant" area is also very charming. During my brunch trip, it looked like rain so we decided to sit inside. At Leon's they serve their regular menu plus 2-3 brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday. There was no wait around 11:30 on a Sunday, but by about 12:30 the crowd really picked up. My table of three shared the cheese plate (a non-traditional brunch option, but hey who doesn't love a cheese plate). It is served with a sizable piece of bread, three cheese options and a jam of sorts for $12. This cheese plate is a solid deal and one of the more interesting ones (in a good way) I have had. For our actual meal, I ordered the "breakfast sandwich" special. This was house cured pancetta, a fried goose egg, and cheddar cheese served on a deliciously fluffy biscuit and it came with a side. They do not have "brunch" sides exactly so I ordered french fries. Actually all three of us ordered fries as our side so we got to sample the garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, and mango-peppadew catsup. I would say Leon's is relatively well known for their pub frites served with various dipping sauces and I recommend absolutely giving these a try. I could only eat about half of my meal, but it was really delicious. Leon's staff is also great. They match the relaxed, but trendy atmosphere perfectly. Highly recommend checking out Leon's for a delightful outdoor experience, afternoon bocce, late night drinks with snacks or a splendid meal.
(4)Judith C.
Leon's is a restaurant in Downtown Decatur that always seems to be bustling with life. It's quite popular and I've usually had to wait ~15-30 minutes whenever I come here. There's lots of interesting foods to choose from, so here are a few that I've tried: -pub frites: yummmayyyy but man, get the 1/2 size because you really cannot finish the full size unless you're sharing with 4+ people. Love getting the garlic aioli and goat cheese fondue as dips - burger (under the 'sandwich' section): really good, but man, could barely finish this because I was stuffed from the pub frites. - beef brisket: my boyfriend got this when he visited, he got this and it was pretty good, although somewhat messy to eat
(4)Shayna P.
I visited Leon's on a Friday night at around 7.30 PM. We put our names on the list and went to the bar to grab beer. The beer selection was good, as always. I chose a new IPA and my friend had a pilsener. I really like the bar here. I've been quite a few times for drinks, and the bartenders are always attentive. The set-up is just really nice. It feels very classy. It was beautiful, so we went outside to play bocce ball. Unfortunately, a group of other patrons was standing in the bocce ball court--not playing; just standing. Not Leon's fault at all, but it was still a little annoying. Fortunately, we were seated really quickly. We started with the hummus plate. The bread was tasty, and I like the other accoutrements (pickles and radishes). The hummus was a little grainy but still good. For dinner, I ordered the trout, and my friend had the steak. Mine was good, although a bit salty. I did like the greens that came with it. My date said his steak was good. His shoestring fries and the house made ketchup were also tasty. Up until now, this certainly sounds like a four star review. ALAS, they rushed us. Bad. We were not leisurely sitting there. They didn't even have people really waiting to sit inside (too nice outside). The waitress probably asked us 5 times if we were done eating. We wanted another beer, and we were enjoying ourselves. However, the constant pestering got really annoying and we threw in the towel and left. Ugh. It's Friday night. It's a reasonably nice place. Just let us eat dinner in peace! I'll probably be back for a drink, but the food isn't good enough to merit the rush.
(3)Nicole A.
Everything is amazing here, including how long the wait is for a drink on a busy night. Leon's is one of my favorite places for lunch or happy hour, but when it is crowded it is much less fun. All of the food I have had here is amazing- especially the pub frites (fries), which comes with tasting dipping sauces- I've loved all that I have tried. The appetizers are great to pair with drinks. I like the olives, which you get a big quantity of. Lunch and dinner entrees are delicious, though pricey. Go for the drinks. The cocktails are amazing, but the menu changes frequently enough that I don't need to mention any by name. If you want something classic, they pour an amazing martini, of course. The service is excellent, though the bar does get slow when they are very busy.
(5)Melissa N.
This dining experience exceeded my expectations. The ambiance had a dual affect-- romantic and casual. The dim lighting set the romantic vibe and the plaid button up shirts mixed with the exposed wood dressed it as causal chic. Service was evenly paced and with good character. Our server Jeremy was playful and new his menu very well. I highly recommend this restaurant for excellent service and fine food/cocktails. And yes, peanut butter and bacon complement each other very well... Trust me and order it.
(5)Rose J.
PARKING: street parking only. However, there are 2 nearby paid parking lots that you can park at and walk less than 3 minutes to the restaurant. One parking lot is on E. Ponce De Leon and it's just past the restaurant's outdoor seating, but there are limited parking spots since it's located centrally among many shops. The second parking lot is on Church street about 2 blocks down from the restaurant and there's ample parking there; that parking lot is a flat $6/daily rate (they accept credit cards). FOOD: I ordered their grass-fed burger with a side of their pub fries. Their fries come with a choice of a dipping sauce (there's about 8-10 to choose from). I choose the garlic aioli sauce and our waiter said he'd surprise me with a second sauce that he highly recommends. Burger and fries was good, bu BOTH weret on the salty side, especially the fries. I enjoyed the dipping sauces the most. We both shared the garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue, leon's bbq, and the smoked tomato mayo; they were all soo good! Our waiter even gave us suggestions to double dip the leon's bbq w/ the goat cheese fondue, which was amazing! Lastly, their freshly squeezed orange juice is pretty amazing! Not your typical OJ from the cart taste....it tasted like they were honey tangerine juice mixed with valencia oranges. I highly recommend their OJ! SERVICE: Our waiter was initially too busy to take notice that we were ready to order; it was super busy. He was very knowledgeable of the menu, provided suggestions, very polite and courteous. OVERALL: Pretty good, casual dining in Decatur w/ decent fries, but amazing dipping sauces! You can elevate your burger with any one of their signature dipping sauces (garlic aioli, goat cheese fondue). Get the orange juice! Definitely will be back just to try their other awesome sauces! Parking can be a nightmare if you're looking for free street parking. Otherwise, it's not too complicated if you park in one of the near paid parking lots.
(3)Amy H.
Hands down the best scallops I have had in a long time. The pork belly made the broth pretty much to die for. The cocktails were fantastic. The waiter even took a shot with us at the end of our meal! I will be visiting Decatur again this year & I definitely want to go back to Leon's.
(5)Karen T.
Service is nice and love their great offer . Deserve 5 star for their effort and serving .
(5)H P.
It takes a lot to impress this girl and from "go" Leon's has blown the roof off of any expectations I may ever have of any place from here on out. Drinks, appetizers, main course, dessert, service, seriously?! This place is the epitome of REAL. Authentic, chef inspired, and just plain GOOD! I can't brag enough and we will be back!! Trendy, friendly, and everything was like being on an adventure. Fabulous!!
(5)Elizabeth K.
I love Leon's. It's a cool atmosphere in an old garage, great cocktails and an impressive beer list, reasonable prices, and really great food. The french fries and dipping sauces are definitely my favorite. The only downside is that the bartenders can be a little snooty, and it's often really crowded. Wait times are really long, even when there are open tables. Last time I was there, the bar tender forgot my drink (but didn't forget to charge me for it), served everyone else I was with, and when asked (the asking took a while, of course) acted like it was just taking a really long time but would've happened anyway and was definitely annoyed. Don't let that put you off though! I have a baby face and often get treated like an annoying child in restaurants. And, seriously, great food/drinks.
(4)Brandy D.
Had a burger and fries. Loved all the sauces and the burger was excellent! Would love to explore the menu more on a future visit.
(4)Tanya D.
Our chef friend brought us here while we were visiting. The wait wasn't too long and since the weather was so nice we ate outside. (It was a bit noisy inside.) of course we shared an order of the frites but I can only remember the masaman curry sauce. Before I tell you about what the grown ups are, I have to say how great the server and kitchen were accommodating our picky eater daughter. She was allowed to sit by herself and they made her a simply cooked trout with fries. She ate the whole thing and would have eaten more. The one carnivore in the group (the chef) had the scallops, I think, but I know he enjoyed it. We veggies had a feast. Since my two comrade each got the two vegetarian entrees, I was free to try a couple of apps- plus get to taste theirs! I could have licked the plate clean of the beet-cashew hummus. So bright! And the za'atar oil! The baby kale salad with yellow beets was tasty and perfectly dressed- not swimming. Wish I had ordered a large (but then I wouldn't have been able to eat everything else.) I also got the zucchini- cheddar casserole (on the sides menu.) It was a small portion but it was everything you wish you had at thanksgiving, creamy and rich. And the onion gravy was like jam. They should bottle that. I tasted my friend's spätzle with mushrooms and fresh peas in a creamy cheese sauce. Total comfort. I got to eat more of my husband's veggie loaf with roasted broccoli and a romesco sauce. It had good texture and flavor, not your 70s Vegetarian Times loaf! Super yum!
(5)Fernandez X.
We were a party of 5, with 3 ordering entrees, and others ordering apps, which created for a tapas like sharing experience where we all partook and enjoyed what the others had. Food was delicious. The pub frites and sauces initially drew us to the middle of the table with hungry hands, and did not disappoint. The brisket sandwich peeking under a bed of fried onion strings were juicy and flavorful. The hummus made from black eyed peas was something special...you really could write home about. The zucchini casserole was melt in your mouth goodness. The fried okra, my personal favoritie, was one of the best I've ever had. Capped off by a chocolate bar dessert made with Nutella..."heaven". Good selection of bourbon's, whiskeys and beer...which we also enjoyed. It's a great space with outdoor seating and bocchi if you please. The people were so attentive and friendly. Shawn, our food sherpa, was so knowledgeable. His passion and enthusiasm for the food carried us through the experience. We left the place in such good spirits, happy and with warm bellies.
(4)Jai R.
Why have I waited so long.... O yeah, because I heard the wait time was so long. Well, again. It's worth it. Just go to the bar order a drink and have a friendly conversation while you wait. It will be totally worth your time and the service is quite friendly. For some time we just started at the bartending staff as they mixed all these crafty drinks amongst a million glass bottles. Finally got seated on a Wednesday night after about an hour wait. Quickly were served drinks and given food recommendations. We ordered the Trout and Clams. Holy moly, the clams were outrageously good, mixed with a Thai curry sauce to pack some heat and bacon. Yeah, bacon makes everything better and this combination was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. As for the Trout, the fella was amazed as well and almost licking his plate. I tried it and I love, the skin is crisp and sea salted. Overall, I'm a fan. I just hate there isn't reservations but I totally get it! I'll be back without a complaint.
(5)Hiro T.
Great environment! We sat out on the patio for a late night snack (i.e. craving for fries), so we ducked into Leon's. Of course, we went with the fries. Our server was really great and ended up giving us a third dipping sauce. The goat cheese fondue dip was excellent. I wanted to lick the container at the end, but I resisted the urge and just tried to sweep as much as I could onto each and every last fry. I will return to try the rest of the menu. Definitely a great place to have a few drinks, share a good conversation, and nibble on some fries!
(4)Samantha M.
Stopped in a few Saturdays ago for some apps & a drink before running errands. We got a shrimp dish & some goat cheese stuffed pepadews. Both were very tasty, as was my cocktail (came in a coconut cup) and my friends specialty beer. My only complaint was that even though it was a busy Saturday, we waited over 30min for our drinks & 45mins for our appetizers. We placed both orders as soon as the waitress appeared, as we had already been sitting there about 15mins with menus by that time. We were going to eat a full lunch, but decided we didn't have the time after how long we had already been there. I'm not sure if they were understaffed or what was going on, I didn't get the impression it was anything against us though. Everything we did try was really good, so I'm sure we'll try again at some point.
(4)Amanda L.
Great service and the food was great! Tried the mussels and fries - with their homemade ketchup! Everything was fresh and tasty. Our server was awesome!
(5)Tawny P.
Bacon in a glass is both genius and delicious! They serve Benton's Bacon, a local, aged maple bacon with a house made peanut butter sauce. Need I say more? The pig ears were weird. My boyfriend likened them to fried pig flavored gummies.... Mmm.... Yeah. I reckon that's not too far off. Great drinks though and awesome dipping sauces for the French fries. Don't sleep on the basics here: fries, booze and bacon.
(4)Michelle S.
Service was great, thank you Shaun, as well as the food. The lack 5 stars is because of the Georgia Shrimp - it tasted like hot sauce on shrimp. Love the craft cocktails!
(4)Christine A.
Great drinks, great eats, and my fav dessert in town (the Nutella candy bar, it is amazing)
(4)Melissa K.
I think Chamerlaine B. hit the nail on the head with her review of this place! My partner's family likes to meet us here any time we have a special day - Birthday, promotion, etc - that needs an understated lunchtime celebration. Alas, I'm hoping that maybe next time we can mix it up and try another place since LFS has gone from pretty damn good to just a-ok. Every time something has been a bit off - frites have been blah/cold, salads tiny and missing integral ingredients (please, please, please inform me if you are out of components or subbing fruits, etc when I order!), bread hard enough to tear up the roof of my mouth and/or flavor lacking all around in side dishes. The menu isn't very large at all (very meat centric but this vegetarian finds something every visit) so it's strange that things aren't up to par. Every restaurant has a 'slump' and maybe we just tend to visit now during the low periods. That said, let me give share some high points. Desserts are still excellent with reasonable portions. Service is laid back but generally friendly and quick. Food wait times are reasonable and the pacing of the ordering is usually spot on. The beer list is divided in an easy-to-read way despite it being extensive and the late night snack menu often looks better than what our options are at lunch. It's always very clean, bright and uncluttered in the main spaces. Oh, and one more yay/meh combo - I like that water is always at the table although it could be chilled or room temperature depending on how crowded it is or how interested your server is in provided you with continuity. Maybe have 1 bottle per 2 people instead of 1 for the whole table? We often run out since we are heavy water drinkers. It may also be beneficial to put up signage about rules regarding the bocce court. I've wanted to play every single time but there are people standing in the designated area just chit chatting or kids hurling the balls at each other (OUCH!) or something like that. Or the area could be used for more seating. Maybe just for those wanting to have a drink and relax?
(3)Amari C.
First time ever on this street! Nifty little hipster, indie-vibed area with lots of unique restaurants and men with beards. Ordered the burger medium well and the pub frites (French fries) and was pleased with it! They change their menus 5 times a year for seasonal purposes, and they also print new menus like weekly. My menu today was printed on the 3rd. Nevertheless the fries were good though it was a tid too much salt, but just a tid. They had some funky sauces like bacon herb mayonnaise. Didn't like that one. I tasted no bacon. I did like the smoked tomato mayonnaise tho and the mango peppadew catsup one. I don't think they just have regular ketchup. That's rather nifty. Makes u step outside your comfort zone.
(4)Steven S.
The baby brother to Atlanta's food & beverage institution, Brick Store Pub, Leon's Full Service is an awesome alternative in Decatur that has charm & a unique setting with memorable food too! What once was an old, full service gas station, the restaurant uses both the mechanic garage area & the filling station area as the dining area for patrons. Our booth was where the door once was & it was converted into a round booth. Our server was excellent, food was awesome, drinks were delicious & prices are reasonable. Turn the corner in Decatur Square & check Leon's out!
(5)Kay F.
I really love Leon's. I've been coming here practically since it opened and it is a consistently great experience. The atmosphere is casual but nice, it's a place that's comfortable to go to in jeans or a dress. I've brought many a date here, my family, my friends, and everyone has liked it. The servers are by and large very friendly, the food is interesting without being incomprehensible, and the frites are popular for good reason! Sometimes I stop by just to get those for a snack. It's my pet place to nurse a hangover, with some bacon and peppadews (yes, together!) their nutella candy bar is a great innovative dessert. The bartenders are also very talented, my favorite being the death and company that's a fall cocktail.
(4)L W.
Great central location. Inside open and airy, nice staff. Trout was good, Brisket sandwich was ok. Fries were overcooked. Short ribs were very tasty. Bread pudding was cold; should have been served warm, which is why it's getting a 3 star, otherwise it would receive a 4 star.
(3)Minoo H.
I love this place and have come back about once a week for the past year. HOWEVER, I gave 3 stars for two reasons: 1. They used to serve french press coffee and they no longer do that 2. The quality of the fries has gone down a LOT. And yes, I can tell because, again, I come once a week! The fries used to be gourmet-style and delicious. However, now they taste greasier than they used to and the oil is different. They are no longer gourmet fries. They taste like fast-food fries. I am sad to see the good fries gone, but everything else there is great! Love the peppadews and the brussels hash, great service!
(3)Alessandro N.
Great spot in Decatur that does not come off as hipster and pretentious as some of the other venues in the area. This made for an enjoyable experience and great night out. The menu is small but from what we tried they did it all very well. The pub fries with goat cheese fondue and garlic aioli were amazing and the lamb ribs (special for the week) were an amazing appetizer. For dinner the brisket sandwich was on point and the burger was good too. All in all a great spot to come eat. As for drinks we had the Bordeaux and for some reason it was chilled to almost refrigerator temperature which numbed the flavors. After letting it sit and warm up the wine was just as good as the meal. Definitely recommend coming here.
(5)Anthony R.
Leon's has been quite consistent over the course of our recent visits. And today they went above and beyond: a member of our party presently has several dietary restrictions and expressed those to our server. The server listened attentively and brought a kitchen staff member to the table to consult with my friend and to devise a meal that was both sensitive to my friend's dietary needs and pleasing to his palate. The chef hit it out the park. Besides that, all of our meals were well prepared and tasty. (I had the trout. One person had the chicken, and two people ordered the brisket.) The waitstaff was also very attentive to our needs during the meal without being intrusive - always full water glasses and no finished plates lingering. We will definitely return to Leon's Full Service. :-)
(5)Sebastian M.
We went last Saturday night. This place has really good drinks and really good burger. I feel like it's really not that hard to have a good restaurant now a days. Just have good drinks at a decent price, have a cool and unconventional menu that tastes good at a good price, and great service and there you have it a 5 star restaurant. This place is an excellent example of that.
(5)Phong T.
First time here was a week ago when my friend and I dined in. The place was pretty packed on a Sunday evening. We were seated quickly; within 5 min. The host and our waiter was super cool and friendly. With that said, the food was delish. Very interesting menu -- took me awhile to go through everything. I didn't know what to try so it made everything more exciting. APPETIZER: Artisanal Cheese plate of 3 - douceur du jura, meadow greek grayson, and capriole old kentucker tomme. The 3 cheese was served with bread and a jam. It was different, but very tasty. ENTREE: fish of the day - mine was grouper and it was served over spaghetti squash. the entree consisted of pine st. bacon, baby kale, roasted garlic butter, vinegar peppers, buckwheat lettuce. this was a perfect portion delicious meal that i ordered. chicken entree - my friend ordered this. it was grilled chicken breast i believe served with some greens and rice. i don't recall what exactly, but how tasty it was. cool gastropub joint to dine or grab drinks in Decatur. i'll definitely be back to try other items on the menu.
(4)Kristin L.
Leon's is just one of those places that makes you feel good. The server was personable but not corny, cool but not hipster, and knowledgeable but not snotty. He asked good questions and got a feel for what we would like. Pappadews: outstanding. Sweet and vinegary tender pepper outside, rich fresh cheese inside. Beautifully presented with tiny slivers of basil. Radish: don't get. This has been reinterpreted. Dull, mostly cucumber and scary brown slices of chewy bread. No. Used to be radishes and butter. But no more. I forgive them though, because the Brussels hash and the warm chickpeas made a warm hash of my tongue and heart. Charcuterie platter was interesting and generous. We nibbled on these small plates plus one entree, the short ribs. The single bite I had was spectacularly tender and flavorful. Very rich and with a skilled hand. Sauerkraut wasn't very krauty, but was very yummy. Lovely space to while away a couple of hours with friends who have good stories and like their food a tad (but not too far) on the cheffy side.
(5)Dan M.
Great food. good beer selection... good cocktails, good atmosphere.
(5)Robin S.
The corn and chickpea side alone made Leon's a good choice last night (It was difficult passing up the pub frites). Leon's has never disappointed. Their food is well thought out, beer list awesome and the service usually very good, although it's a bit unnerving sometimes seeing the servers walk their 'rounds'. Is there a better twosome than Brick Store and Leon's? Hard to think of one, although Fox Bros and Big Tex Cantina might get a vote (and they'll be part of a threesome soon).
(4)Tina C.
Fun and cool place, patio misters are a nice summer relief as well as a smooth cocktail. Interesting wording of menu items so.just ask. Unusual and delisiois drinks and beers.
(4)Ryan L.
I've been to Leon's three times since moving to Atlanta just a few weeks ago. While I still have a lot more exploring to do, I think I can safely say that Leon's is going to be my primary spot from now on. It's literally everything I want in a bar. The atmosphere is fantastic. The design is tastefully laid back; not overpowering, but not at all forgettable. It makes me feel at home right away. And it seems to bring out the fun side of folks, as everyone just gives of this vibe like they're having a great time. The bartenders are AMAZING at what they do, and they're incredibly friendly. I think I've had all of their summer cocktails, and each one was creative, and expertly made. These people know their stuff, and while they're busy, they're never too busy to check in with you, make some conversation, and get you another drink without missing a beat. The food is excellent, too. I haven't actually had dinner here, but I usually order several small plates and share them with whoever I'm with, and that fills us up and we don't even have to spend a ton of money. The items I've ordered have been slight variations on standards - hummus, fried okra - but not in a way that you've seen before, and also not in a way that makes the food unfamiliar. It's just creative and delicious. I can't say enough good things about Leon's, and I look forward to spending my weekends here over the next few years while I'm in school. If you're in the area, I think this place deserves to be your first choice for a night out.
(5)Kathryn W.
Excellent cocktails and salads. The staff is friendly and seem committed to the craft. The Kentucky Derby viewing party should not be missed. also... I saw Owen Wilson there :)
(5)Emily S. O.
Awesome service, awesomER food! :) Ask for the vegetarian specialties because they are amazing! Of note: the pot pie, portabello patty melt, and side of Brussels sprouts (they'll sub out the bacon for pecans--perfect!). Overall great experience--even having to wait 45 mins for a table (plan for that on a weekend night); grab a couple drinks at the bar, they're just as attentive as the servers.
(5)Lawrence C.
Very reasonable prices for the quality. Mains of Artic Char & Scallops were $16 and $19 respectively. Side veggie plate was $8. Desserts are plentiful @ $5. Assorted wines/glass average $10.
(4)Shelly H.
Perfect place for a night out with the girls as well as a great date night place. Menu is small but everything on it is superb. Wonderful selection of beer, cocktails, and wine. And of course the staff was helpful as well. This will definitely be a place I will recommend to friends and visit again :)
(4)Peezyheadz.com N.
Some friends took me to this place for my birthday and It was a great experience. It took a little while for the waitress to start our order, but it was a saturday and when she came she more than made up for it. She patiently answered our many questions and give descriptions of the menu items like an expert. She offered a sample of a drink that we were curious about. Im sure we took more time than the average customer, but she was patient, kind and delightful. The food and drinks were excellent. They are farm to table and make everything from scratch even the raspberry syrup that we had added to our margaritas. Loved this spot.
(5)Steven G.
Drove by this place soooo many times and we said we would stop. Well, we tried one time and the place was freakin' packed so we abandoned that idea and went somewhere else. So, finally, we were able to make this place by getting there early on a Monday evening. Much to our surprise, the restaurant stayed 'dead' for most of the evening...very strange. Any way, here's my review :) Ok, my first thoughts of this place was 'trendy hipster hangout' and that remains the case in my opinion. Maybe I'm wrong but that's the vibe I got. That doesn't really bother me but the prices usually associated with that description do. I'm not trendy and don't give a sh*t about fashion, I like to eat and that's what I came here to do. So, let's dive in to the food. The menu was a little small but that doesn't mean that it's not adequate. I would have liked to see a few more items listed but can't really complain as long as what they make is good. Started out with the goat-cheese stuffed peppadews, which were outstanding if you like that type of thing...they had just a tinge of heat and the goat-cheese was fresh and flavorful! My wife just watched as I stuffed my face...yum. Then, we go into our main course, I had the grass-fed burger and can't remember what wifey had. Any way, the burger was just ok. It came with a side of the Pom Frites (or fries) with several sauces that you get to choose from. Neat idea but the sauces were just ok. I liked the fries but the burger just didn't hit the spot...I'm not sure exactly what I didn't like about it but I just found it ordinary. Service was pretty good, I kinda felt like our waiter was looking down on us or something. He seemed nice and all but I felt like he was being snarky with us. Eh, just not sure about him. Anyway, he came back to check on us often so no complaints there. We sat outside on the patio which was pretty nice so I didn't really get to see the inside. They were still working on the Bocce Ball courts so those were dead as well. Overall, it wasn't bad just nothing really stood out as being great.
(3)Michael W.
Service, drinks, food and wine list are all tremendous, and always so. If there were anything I'd change, it would be the volume level, but it is a pretty trendy bar, so that's to be expected.
(5)Alison L.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Atlanta area. Owner Ryan and his staff are always knowledgeable and friendly. There's a great outdoor dining area in the front. You cannot visit Leon's without ordering their legendary frites with homemade dipping sauces. Get a bucket of them and share with some smoked mayo and goat cheese fondue. Options available for vegetarians and gluten-free guests. Drinks are fancy.
(5)Anthony T.
Stopped in for a drink with some friends. I had the Muddy Waters which a bourbon drink with a hint of coffee (not hot). The flavors blended very well together. I enjoyed it do much I ended up having another. Even though we all had just come from dinner we couldn't resist trying the bacon and peanut butter appetizer. It is just that. Slices of bacon served with peanut butter on the side. We ordered a second helping if that too. I will be back to try dinner.
(5)Lia P.
My husband and I took a little trip out to Decatur and I KNEW we had to go to Leon's. It was pleasantly busy at 2pm on a Saturday. The outside patio was really inviting (especially with space heaters, it was chilly) but there were no tables available. Instead we got a spacious booth in the windowy dining area. Very light and cozy all at the same time. Of course I had to get a cocktail- the waiter explained to me the list went from light/refreshing to heavier cocktails. This was good to know since I was considering one of the heaviest ones and that might not have been the best idea for the afternoon. So I went with "apples to pears": gin, pear, lemon and cinnamon. You can't go wrong with that. And it was light and refreshing (not to be confused with weak). For food I went with a side of the zucchini casserole and side escarole salad. The casserole was ok. Really small for the $4.50. Definitely not worth it. The salad was also small but nicely loaded with eggplant and other veggies. This was filling enough at the time but if I had been hungrier I would've been in trouble. My husband had the cheeseburger which was delicious. He really appreciated the grass-beef. We also appreciated that his burger came with a side which is rare at these kinds of places. He went with the fries and goat cheese fondue dipping sauce. The fries are amazing as was the sauce. I really really wanted to try dessert, but I'll just have to save it for another time!
(4)Jessica F.
Yummy!!! Everyone who works here is eager to serve and it's a great environment!!! We had our children with us and they loved it too!
(5)Marc H.
Great dinner at Leon's last night. Wife had the veggie loaf which she pronounced delish! I enjoyed the open faced brisket sandwich and hummus starter. Cool vibe, date night, drinks and families. Bocci ball court outside. Fun to walk around downtown Decatur after a lovely meal. We'll be back.
(4)Stephanie Z.
I ate here for the first time a couple months ago. This was definitely the best meal I have ever had at a bar. Even though it was absolutely packed, the bartender still provided excellent service. There was an excellent wine selection (I have Celiacs so I cannot drink beer but it seemed like they had a great beer selection as well). The bartender was also very knowledgeable about gluten free options for food. I was delighted to find out that I could even eat the fries which are done in a dedicated fryer with no contamination chance.
(5)Tim P.
Love this place. I go for the cocktails, but the food is great from what I've had. One of the best places in all of Atlanta for cocktails. Keen attention to detail. They use BIG ice for their rocks drinks... Important for a cocktail geek like myself. Being a bourbon guy, I almost always get the "Death & Company"... Mmmmmm The burger is great, and I'm picky about my burgers. Great choice of dipping sauces for the very good frites. I enjoy sitting in front of the service bar to watch the bartenders there crank out one craft cocktail after another. Great technique used here, the way cocktails should be made.
(5)Andrew W.
My experience at Leon's Full Service was a little bit hit and miss. The wait was particularly long on this Sunday late afternoon. After well over 20 minutes, we were finally seated, albeit within uncomfortably close proximity to another couple dining next to us. I suppose it's just some kind of hipster "community" thing or something - well either that, or a poor floor plan layout. With all the surrounding noise, it was difficult to carry on a conversation. Okay, so those were the "misses". The menu items, of course, were the "hits". We ordered a couple of tasty alcoholic beverages and the peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese. I've really come to love peppadew peppers - they're kind of like what you would get if a cherry tomato and a pepper got together and had a baby. It's got some of the fleshy textural elements of a tomato with a sweet and mild piquancy that you would find in peppers. The tanginess of the goat cheese stuffed into the peppadews was an excellent pairing of flavors. The goat cheese really tamed the mild heat. Also a chiffonade of fresh basil on top of the peppadews added a herbaceous, slightly sweet flavor and added textural note. It's a really good thing when you can get so much complexity out of three simple ingredients. Good on Leon's for offering such a compelling appetizer. Then, I ordered their roast beef sandwich special (sans red onion). It was served on herbed focaccia bread with a slice of cheese, horseradish spread, and watercress. Again, simple, but very tasty. The horseradish was present, but certainly not overdone (as sometimes is the case when ordering a roast beef sandwich). The pepperiness of the watercress was perfect with roast beef - no other leafy green would have contributed as nicely. I went with the pub frites as a side with two dipping sauces: garlic aioli (a bit strong for my liking), and goat cheese fondue (Yum!). I really liked the food, but I'm not sure this place was really my scene.
(3)Amanda S.
I really LOVE the drinks and beer selection at Leon's. Their outdoor patio is legit and their indoor decor is super bright and unique. I am a big fan of their brisket sandwich, sometimes it needs a bit more gravy, but the flavors are spot on. I always order the same thing and my boyfriend gets something different. He had the burger and said it was a standard burger, but their variety of dipping sauces are fun and go well with the fries. Last night he got the duck breast and loved it. The waitstaff is always friendly and very attentive. I recommend the goat cheese peppadews for starters and their bloody Mary's are delicious! Definitely visit Leon's for a fun and tasty dining experience!
(4)Melissa Z.
I've been here twice: once for lunch and once for just drinks. To be honest, when I took my mom for lunch (though, admittedly, this was a couple of years ago), we were not impressed with the food. They had a limited menu and did not enjoy what we ordered. Fast forward to this past weekend, I went with my boyfriend for a few drinks and they were amazing! Speakeasy cocktails in a open layout urban bar. What I also loved was the seasonal cocktail menu. Such creative drinks to go with fall and Halloween. I will definitely be back for the drinks!
(4)Angela H.
The first time I came to Leon's Full Service was over a year ago with a group of six, and I fondly recall enjoying the burger I had ordered. During my most recent visit, I dined with a significantly larger group - a group of 20! My friend, who organized the dinner, had told all of us to arrive promptly at 6:30 pm on a Saturday since Leon's doesn't take reservations. She thought that arriving somewhat early for dinner would give us the best shot at getting tables right next to each other for 20 people. She was totally right. Two of my friends and I were the first to arrive about ten minutes early, so we went ahead and informed the hostess that we were part of a group of 20. I also told her that everyone was "supposed" to arrive by 6:30 pm. She didn't seem alarmed and kindly told me that she would have two large tables (right next to each other) set up for us right away. Less than five minutes later, she allowed the three of us to sit - even though the rest of our group hadn't even arrived yet! I really appreciated her kindness and promptness! As it turned out, the rest of our group trickled in within the next half hour. While we waited for the majority of our group to arrive, our server took our drink orders. Although I'm not really a fan of beer, I decided to try something new that sounded pretty good - a "Biggie Shorty" glass of the New Belgium Tart Lychee. Although it wasn't as sweet as I had imagined it would be, the beer had a nice hint of lychee flavor. It definitely still tasted like beer, but I think I might order it again if I were in the mood for a beer at Leon's! Our server (one for each of the two tables) had checked on us periodically (but not TOO often) to ask if we were ready to order as our table filled up. She also went ahead and informed us that she would be happy to provide separate checks for each of us as long as we stay in our seats and don't move around. When we were finally ready to order, I simply chose the burger (requested medium temperature) with pub frites (french fries) and garlic aioli sauce. * Sauces (You get one if you choose pub frites as a side for your entree, or two if you order the pub frites a-la-carte): Garlic aioli Goat cheese fondue Peppercorn gravy Masaman curry Madras curry catsup Leon's bbq Traditional mayonnaise Smoked tomato mayonnaise Black pepper mayonnaise Fresh horseradish mayonnaise Bacon herb mayonnaise Cucumber-dill yogurt Mango-peppadew catsup Leon's catsup * Burger w/Pub Frites ($11) - Per the menu description, Leon's burger contains "Grass-fed beef, tillamook cheddar, house made catsup & mustard, b & b pickles, baby iceberg lettuce." The burger was better than I remembered from the first time I tried it over a year ago! The beef was cooked with a perfectly pink center. It was so juicy! Not as flavorful as the beef at my beloved Bocado, but it was still pretty tasty. I asked for the pickles on the side because I hate the taste of pickles in my burger but still wanted to taste them. Turns out, the pickles were yummy! They're sweet and reminded me of the pickles at H&F. Finally, the pub frites were great, especially with the garlic aioli, which was tasty and lemony. I tried bits of my friends' food, like the Chicken Breast ("Main" menu) and brussels sprout hash (side item). Every was delicious! Finally, I'm not normally a dessert person, but my friend ordered one to share and I could not resist "tasting" it... * Chocolate-Smoked Pecan Cheesecake ($5) - This round piece of cheesecake looked just like a Hostess "Ho Ho," but it was WAY more amazing. It's served on a plate drizzled with "rye whiskey caramel" and topped with "sea salt whipped cream." I had a "tiny" bite at first, but couldn't help but have several extra forkfuls. The cheesecake was rich yet not overly sweet, the caramel was tasty, and the sea salt added a unique but great twist to the flavors. So good! I highly recommend this for everyone who has a sweet tooth! Overall, Leon's Full Service gets 4.5 stars for their delicious food and amazing, truly "full service" servers! Not only were they able to accommodate our large group, they were friendly and super efficient. We didn't have to wait very long (definitely less than 15 minutes) for our table to be served our entrees, and we had no issues/discrepancies with our separate checks. Although I would come back more often if I could, the main thing that deters me from doing so is the fact that finding parking can be such a pain in Decatur Square. Nevertheless, I will definitely be back before too long. [Review 283 of 366]
(4)Robert H.
Great selection of beers. Service is always outstanding. Very cool atmosphere. Food hits the spot every time. Wish more places were as consistent as this
(4)Duc L.
I love the decatur area as a whole and everything it has to offer. Leon's full service is part of the strip that I like about the area. Good food, nice drinks, and it has a bocci ball court outside!! This place takes up a corner lot of the street, so as for square footage, it's decently spaced. It has a bocci ball court on the main street side and also an outside patio-ish set up that's chained in next to the front door which is a nice outside lounge area if it's not too busy. Will serve as outside seating when it does get busier. Open bar to the right of the main door, dining area to the left. That's the general layout of the place. Come here on a friday/saturday night, expect about a 2 hour wait for dinner during prime time. This place gets full, fast. Head to the bar and have a drink or two while waiting, it'll take a while. I think this place is my second go to spot for just hanging out for a drink and food, after brick store which is around the corner. I've only been here twice, have tried the burger and the gyro. Both of which is decent. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 on a wow factor. What does impress me is the selection of sauces that they have for the fries. From home made ketchup, different mayonnaise, curry types, and a couple more that I can't remember. It would be one of my top recommendations for someone looking for someone to do around the decatur area. So 4/5, if they could somehow expand out a little more room for the bar or control crowd congestion when it's really busy, I would give it 5 stars. Otherwise, nice place to be to have a drink and hang out.
(4)Maddie R.
Spilled my drink all over so I had to go buy new pants. I come back and get a burger that's so burned I can't eat the outside and they don't even care. Never coming back.
(2)Sarah K.
I've lived in Decatur for a couple years now and just recently went here. Fantastic cocktails and great food. You won't find either anywhere else. The atmosphere is laid back yet classy at the same time. The staff seems to truly enjoy or at least be great at what they do. A must try location.
(5)Sadiha A.
I heard so many great things about this restaurant and I was seriously disappointed. I am def not coming back to visit. Our waitress was nice at first, but wasn't the best at being attentive to her table, especially when we waited 45 mins+ for our food (two burgers, chicken, and shrimp...none of which take super long to cook) When she brought our food to the table, we asked if it normally took this long. She explained that it was the first day the patio was open so things were taking longer. Shouldn't they be staffed to cover all their tables? Ok, we will give them a pass on that....The burgers were overcooked and so were the shrimp...but we thought ok whatever. We were ready to eat and get outta there considering we waited so long for our food. Finally when our waitress came to check on us (because she didn't much), she told us the kitchen wanted to give us some desserts on the house. Of course we were all ready to accept it, in hopes that it would help recover a less than ok night out. She spent another 30 mins coming back to ask us which dessert we wanted. Honestly, we would have walked out at this point, but we had to pay our check. When the desserts finally came (after our waitress had to come back 15 mins later to check what we had ordered again) they were burnt and dry. In the end, it was not worth our time or money or the calories. The fries were good...overcooked but maybe that's how they are supposed to be?
(1)Rachel w.
A friend and I met at Leon's to catch up - she ordered the veggie loaf (much more delicious than it sounds), and I the mussels. I also ordered the chickpea side since several friends had raved about them, and I can now see why. Both of us left dinner incredibly satisfied, and also impressed by the great beer menu, reasonable wine list, and intriguing cocktails. Still, it was not the food, drinks, or ambiance that made the meal memorable... As we wrapped up dinner, we could see the tables to the left and right of us were a-buzz. Before my friend and I could figure out what was happening, along came Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. As they made their way to the exit, Jimmy made eye contact with us and wished my friend and I a good night. WOW! :)
(4)George H.
I meant to update from my last few visits but really must have forgotten. Visiting Leon's again during the winter storm of 2011 was a great comfort. Tried some new drinks off the draft list and had a really empty place to talk with friends and have some great food. The three stars stems from my previous visits where the mussels and artic char just weren't up the freshness standards that I feel Leon's puts into the rest of their dishes. Last night's scallops for me were pretty phenomenal and the portion is always surprising when good sized scallops come on my plate. Friends tried the flatbread which looked good and the beef brisket which also has that great smoky taste. The fried onions don't hurt either ;)
(3)Annie R.
Ok let me preface this by saying I rarely give 5 stars, like ever. Gastropubs are a bit played out I agree, the food is always a little different than standard American fare. Leons is perfect, extremely tasty, great service, and not that expensive. The beer list is fantastic and I love when places carry independent liquors instead of the big boys. There are a few things that stand out, the chickpea and cherry salad, the brussel sprout hash, and the trout, well and obviously the bacon in a glass with peanut butter. Check this place out, the food is fantastic, and the service is wonderful and it wont cost you an arm and a leg.
(5)Erica D.
I've been to Leon's a handful of times, both for drinks and food, and have always had a good experience. There was one time I tried to go with a group but the place was packed and crowded bars aren't my scene, so if you have a similar preference then avoid Leon's during peak hours. The pub frites are great, of course, and the beer selection is fantastic in most respects. The staff is very knowledgeable about the beverages and can make recommendations if they don't have you favorite (bring back the Ayinger brau weisse!). I've had their old cold veggie sandwich and the new one and both were good...though the chilliness is a little disconcerting. The veggieloaf is absolutely AMAZING and I can't recommend it enough. The lunch atmosphere is quite pleasant and I would love to try it for dinner some time.
(4)Jeff D.
Second time going to Leon's last night and I have to say that this is a place you go to drink or to eat if you're already drunk. It's not for the healthiest eater as almost everything on the menu is either greasy, rich, cheesy, or all three. I'm not saying it's not good, but if you go seeking a light meal, you're going to be disappointed. The frites are probably they're strongest fare, but it's pretty hard to screw up french fries. The assortment of dipping sauces make the $6 mini-bucket well worth it. When it comes to the entrees; there's much to be desired. The artic char we had was way too smoky and salty and was drenched in oil. Oh yeah...if you have high blood pressure don't go here. Salt is slung around this place like it's going out of style. May not bother some, but unless you're Mr. Ed, you're probably going to notice it. Leon's has a great beer and wine list that is literally about 35 pages long. So if you're in the mood to get wasted and gnash on some greasy food, this is your place.
(3)Aaron H.
This is great place nestled in a great place! After selecting a beer from the extensive beer list, we ordered the "Bacon in a Glass" with the peanut butter dipping sauce--which is exactly what it is--a yummy helping of bacon...in a glass. After a long flight, how can you go wrong with that? The atmosphere is great and the weather was nice enough for outdoor seating. I had the beef bistro steak, sandwich...a great lunch or dinner with steak, gruyere chesse, charred red pepper, baby arugula, horseradish mayo $11 . But wait! The side was even better and plan to make it in my own kitchen when I get home: brussel sprout hash, gala apple, pine st. bacon, sweet onion zucchini-sharp cheddar casserole, sweet onion gravy, arugula, lemon oil . I also nibbled on fries with a large selection of dipping sauces. The server that initially took our order was spunky, fun, friendly and then we got traded out for David Copperfield...the vanishing waiter... who gave us little to no eye contact and hardly checked on our table. Too bad. This is a great place if you are in Decatur. Cheers!
(4)Nathan A.
Just when you thought the Brickstore couldn't get any better! I was excited about the opening of Leon's a few years ago, but I never knew that it would become MY FAVORITE CHILL SPOT in all of Decatur (perhaps, even Atlanta). The atmosphere/aesthetic is casual, yet still cool & sophisticated. I feel like I'm transported elsewhere whenever I enter the doors. I'm a creature of habit, so I usually just default to the Bistro Steak Sandwich - with it's arugula, horseradish mayo, red peppers & chewy artisan bread. Not to mention the 'cook-to-order' steak in the middle. Delicious! Drinks: I'm a big fan of their OLD STYLE/mixology drink selection. Their ol' fashioned is my staple! I've been to other mixology spots in Atlanta, and this one always changes it up & seems to find the perfect balance between flavor & strong alcohol content. Also, love the frites - goat cheese fondue & massaman curry are my jams!
(5)Akhil C.
Great lamb burger and great selection of sauces. Love the atmosphere and the bar area. Parking can be tough, but that holds true for all of Decatur. Worth the trip!
(4)Kristi B.
Everything here is delicious. The mixologist makes cocktails I dream about. I haven't ordered anything on the menu I didn't like - and I've ordered a lot! The bocce ball court is great, the atmosphere is fun, I love the outdoor seating. My only complaint is they don't take reservations. The wait is always long on the weekends and most week nights, but the wait is always worth it!
(4)Rebecca C.
Not a bad place to grab a drink. Nice to sit outside. I had lunch today and it was ok, but not great. I had the steak bistro sandwich with pub frites and spicy mango catchup. Quite frankly, it was a kind of a wish sandwich - where you have two slices of bread (big thick bread) and you wish you had some meat. There just wasn't enough filling for the bread and the fillings were not that flavorful - so it was mostly bread. The fries were good, but not outstanding. I may give it another try - the mussels looked good - but so far, the food did not impress.
(3)Lauren K.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet - there are a lot better places to eat in Decatur. It wasn't bad, just not terribly good and certainly not justifiable for the price. I am, however, a HUGE fan of their bar, patio, and people watching. The one thing they definitely get right is their cocktail list. FANTASTIC selection of drinks with a changing special that provides a good variety for anyone to be able to find something they like. Don't expect to recognize a lot on the ingredient list as they tend to use old-fashioned recipes and the all-the-rage mixology technique. I also like that they include more gentlemanly drinks than a lot of places - lowballs with large ice cubes and heavy on the dark spirits. Sometimes it's nice to have a good scotch or whiskey cocktail; something a lot of Atlanta bars have forgotten (ahem, 246...). Anyway, go sit and enjoy your vice of choice and watch the crowd and when warmer the enjoy the patio. You can't go wrong on this!
(3)Arjun R.
Don't really think Leon's needs more reviews ;p Nonetheless, it was the third time that I was returning to Leon's (there seems to be some strange trend of me reviewing places after I've been there thrice). Great Beer list; relatively extensive selection on tap. Wished they had a little more to offer in terms of Islay's - but haven't really found a bar in Atl yet that has a full deck of Islay's. Ordered the Pub frites - comes with a choice of a bunch of dipping sauces - which were yummy. The burger was juicy,juicy,juicy. Best part of Leon's to me is the ambiance and the vibe of the place - which is only further embellished by the company of good friends :)
(4)Amrit B.
So I guess I technically did get this as a freebie because it was something that we had as a work evening out, but it was a fantastic one. Great place to take clients and discuss business. The patio is pretty well lit but also still contributes to the unique atmosphere Leon's provides. We went during one of their beer flights and they were served chilled and in something other than pint glasses. I actually took the 'flight sheet' with me that had a clever-written description of each of the beers that were being tasted. Services was quick and friendly. Definitely recommend you get the frites to start off as an appetizer. All the dippings were great but my favorite was the massaman curry and cucumber!
(4)Bill S.
It's very challenging to rate Leon's. It's run by very nice folks, and there are some very nice things about it. Maybe it deserves three stars. Or 2.9. And I admit that yet another review--there are nearly 300 now--adds little to the restaurant's reputation or others' feelings about it. Draw your own conclusions. Briefly though, we first object to the noise; it's deafening and insistent, every night we've ever been. The only relief came on the patio. Hence conversation becomes minimal, and that's a big no-no for us. The food is quirky, sometimes yummy (love those fries!), but too often it seems to us a little bizarre, almost circus-like, a little too calculated. We respect differences of opinion, but now you've got ours.The servers are friendly (when we can hear them), the bartenders excellent, the prices a mite high, arguably, for what you get. A three-star rating is "A-OK" here on Yelp, and that just doesn't quite get it right for us. Sorry, Leon's. Talking is an important part of sharing at a dining experience for us. CAN YOU HEAR ME???
(2)Anna W.
On my way to my hotel, I passed by some restaurants, and Leon's caught my eye. The specials looked pretty blah--some salad and flatbread--so I moved along my merry way. After checking in, I went out with some guys, who I believe have a less discerning palate (ha), and, fortunately, the Thai place didn't look appealing to them, and we wound up at Leon's. This was on a Saturday afternoon, and there was a 25-minute wait. One sassy lady thought I was trying to cut in line in putting my name on the list when I asked how long the wait would be. When I explained I wasn't cutting, just asking about the wait, she was still Ms. Grumpypants and huffed, "You better not have been." An Atlanta throwdown would've been a great story to take back to Houston. Oh, well. I got a seasonal alcoholic beverage of some sort (the only drinker of the group, haha), which was very tasty and not strong on the alcohol. Another in my group got sweetened tea, which came in a medium-sized jug (hmm, the size of a baby's head). Sodas came in the bottles, which were a nice touch. Service was friendly, and our server made sure my drink made it to my table. The food was fan-frickin'-tastic. I got some sides. The server recommended the brussel sprout hash, which has fuji apple, pine st. bacon, and sweet onion. Though I don't like brussel sprouts, I think the bacon won me over. The warm chickpea and cherry salad was even better, but I could tell it was fattening, with the coating of oil, and the cherry and chunks of cheese made it better. My friends had no complaints about the hummus and frites. There's a place in New York which is the bizness and serves thick fries with an amazing variety of sauces. The sauces here were pretty darn tootin' good, too. Of the goat cheese fondue, black pepper mayo, leons bbq, and garlic aioli, the goat cheese fondue was the best. I think it's always a good rule to go with fat (mayo) and more fat (goat cheese). Prices are reasonable, with sandwiches, salads, smaller plates $8-12, and mains $15-18. One friend kept complaining about the prices, but he must dine out at Subway or something.... I had the worst time finding Leon's to review on Yelp. I kept seeing "Leon's Full Service," and thinking, "I don't want to review an auto shop!"
(4)Haley C.
Nothing better to cure the rainy day blues than having a dark and stormy (or 5) from Leon's...and with the $5 specials, you'll forget it's raining! I'm relatively a newbie to the drinking game (legally, anyways), but I can say without a doubt Leon's, hands down, has the best cocktails in the Atl-- Always strong and always full of flavor (the whiskey ones will surely knock your socks off). The yummy pub frites with the diverse selection of tastey aiolis are always a nice compliment when you're getting your drink on. The staff is usually always friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is great. I've never had a bad experience. It is a staple to the Decatur downtown community that I hope stays around for a long time.
(5)Jenny L.
don't have enough good things to say about this place. amazing service - their servers and bartenders know their stuff. their cocktails are insanely good, always creative ingredients and in-season. the food is delicious and very consistent. this place never disappoints.
(5)Katie C.
Well after our disappointing adventure to Cakes and Ale, a group of us met up at Leon's for after dinner drinks. We were able to commandeer a small bar table right by the front door and the waiter greeted us quickly with drink and food menus. After some confusion, our server let us know that the board above the bar has the most up-to-date beer information and the paper menu is more for mixed drinks and wines. Since I didn't recognize the majority of the beers on the board, I asked our server if he had any recommendation (after I told him other beers I liked). He was really knowledgeable about what they offered and he recommended the Bell's Amber. Turns out, he really knew what he was talking about. After the first round we were feeling hungry again (the portions at Cakes and Ale are *small*) and my friend ordered the fries with the goat cheese fondue and peppercorn gravy. Everyone but me liked the peppercorn gravy. I just didn't think it was anything special. However, the goat cheese fondue was really, really, good. It reminded me of the smoky mayonnaise from Flip. We also ordered another round and I told the waiter that I was craving stout this time and that I trusted him to pick something good for me. Again, he didn't disappoint. He brought out the cappuccino stout and it. was. good. All-in-all Leon's is great place to relax with friends, drinks, a great conversation and good food. I've definitely found my new favorite place in Decatur.
(5)Kristi G.
Every detail makes this place my all-time favorite restaurant in Atlanta -- from the simple rustic atmosphere, to the classy tatted servers delivering reused glass bottles of water to your table upon being seated. THE best wedge salad that I have ever tasted -- topped with their bananas yummy smoked bacon, hard boiled eggs, capers and CREME FRAICHE....I literally went home and tried to replicate it so that I could eat this daily. My husband loved the open faced brisket sandwich. The kids love the pub frites with peppercorn gravy and horseradish mayo, and the chickpea and cherry salad. My fave sandwich is the shrimp roll. Fresh with a little kick...so yummy. Great beverage selection. Recommend Leon's to anyone wanting to enjoy food that's creative, but not crossing the line of being "annoyingly" adventurous. Awesome outdoor bocce ball court and sweet "zen" patio set up for outdoor dining. Literally, LOVE this place in case you can't tell. Anyone that I have brought from out of town is instantly enamored as well.
(5)Jessica O.
Went to Leon's before a theater event in Decatur - I recommend getting there early - 6:00 PM or before! After that, it gets packed and they don't take reservations (which is a minus in my book). Luckily, we were there at 6:00 sharp so we got a booth quickly. The seating is quirky and cozy at Leon's, which I like. The drink menu was good and both cocktails we ordered were yummy. The menu doesn't have much for vegetarians, FYI. I got a burger and it was really plain, but the fries were good. Overall, a good experience, but I'm not sure I'd go back soon, with so many other places in the city to try.
(3)Tressi J.
i loved my dinner here tonight! Everything tasted so fresh and the flavors were superb. Shrimp gyro was delicious, and the bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter was over the top, in a good way! Even the dessert, a seasonal berry cobbler with fresh whipped cream was amazing. I'll definitely be a return customer!
(4)Robert S.
Leon's has fantastic beer, unbelievably good food, and as stuff which knows how to recover from a customer service faux pas. My man and I, along with a friend, stopped in at Leon's for a little food and some beers during the 4th of July weekend. The service was great, the beer list was unique and the food was terrific. We had ordered a few bites to eat; calamari, I believe. Perhaps something else. But I do recall an order of the Peppadews- Lightly marinated sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Yum! Since that weekend, I've had a craving for more. Last night, my man and I were contemplating our dinner options. I was in the mood from some frozen yogurt for dessert so I suggested we go somewhere near the Yogurt Tap. Leon's and their Peppadews came to mind. We arrived at the restaurant and found it to be nearly at capacity, but still quite manageable. Our hostess (I wish I could recall her name), told us she had a table, but it needed to be cleaned up. She offered we grab a beer, chill, and she'll have us seated shortly. My man and I fetched a beer and before we could pay for it, the hostess was leading us to the table... and things took a slight downward turn. We sat down at the table, waited a few minutes... chatting and enjoying ourselves. We noticed several waiters breeze by on their way to other tables. Five minutes pass... no waiter. More waiters zoom by but no one stops. After fifteen minutes or so, we coming to the conclusion that we were not going be eating anytime soon- let alone order another beer. I suggested I should go have a chat with the hostess but my man insisted we just leave. We got up and headed out, but on the way out the door, he stopped by the hostess and told her we were leaving since nobody wanted to serve us. The hostess went into a full on "what can I do to keep you here" mode. She pleaded with us to stay, even offered to take our order right then and there. We relented and went back to the table. She took our order: beer, peppadews and two entrées. Within minutes, our waiter appeared with my beer and his apologies. Peppadews were our shortly. The manager stopped by to apologize and ensure we were happy. She stopped by again with a bowl of spiced nuts. The hostess stopped by again to check up on us. From there on, our dinner at Leon's was flawless. My man ordered the mountain trout gyro with brussel sprout hash. I ordered the grilled chicken breast with greens and mushroom bread pudding. I didn't get to sample the gyro, but my man had only rave reviews. I did try some of his hash... and it was fantastic: a combination of various shredded vegetables, sautéed with just enough bacon flavor to pull it all together. My chicken breast was perfectly cooked: not dry and tough, but not undercooked. Just tender and juicy. The mushroom bread pudding was a perfect savory complement. The garlic greens were tender, slightly salty and delicious. All of the flavors came together perfectly in a light chicken au jus. What could have been a disappointing outing and a restaurant added to the "don't dine" list, was turned around and added to the "will definitely be back" list. Aside from the lapse of service at the beginning (which the staff fully recovered from), the staff was friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic. The beer selection was delightfully almost overwhelming. There is no doubt that Leon's Full Service will become one of our favorite Decatur restaurants.
(5)Genevieve M.
Like another reviewer said, 3 star reviews are the hardest to write especially since everyone at Leon's was really nice. No one noticeably spit in our food, spilled anything in our lap, or outright insulted us. But, I walked away feeling no so great about the experience. Aesthetically, I love the place, but the menu is workable only in theory. There's nothing wrong with playing with ingredients that don't normally go together, but the pig smörgas and chickpea side dish (chick peas, cherries, and big chunks of cheese) was like eating drunk food at a hipsters house. The saving grace was the gutter pop cocktail. As a bartender, I love playing with ingredients and obscure liqueurs and the bar at Leon's does a fine job. But, for gods sake, don't rest on your laurels back of the house.
(3)Katie C.
I love Leons! It's a favorite in the Atlanta area for sure! Feels a little like home. Wonderful seasonal cocktails, fresh ingredients, and charming waitstaff. Great outdoor seating and bocce ball. Worth the wait (there definitely is one on the weekend nights).
(5)S B.
This place is awesome. Hands down best lunch place in Decatur. It's cute, reasonably priced, and has great service. The water service is great; despite the teensy tiny water glasses, the used-to-be-wine bottle of water is never left empty for long. The goat cheese stuffed peppadews are refreshing and tangy. The warm chick pea/cherry/feta side dish is awesome, as are most of the other side dishes. The frites are plentiful and the sauces are awesome (cheese fondue!). Sandwiches are great, lamb burger was great (a little overcooked), but I think the apps are where it's at. Radish appetizer was fantastic. Again, don't miss out on the peppadews. The beer list is pretty good and I'd also like to come back sometime for dinner/drinks and try the hand crafted cocktails. Do yourself a favor and go!
(5)Lori F.
I planned an AtlantaBlogs.com meetup here earlier this week, and we found ourselves a little nook by the bar. I know serving 10+ people on separate checks is a pain in the ass unto itself, but the staff took care of us with great service. Drinks kept coming, the food was excellent, and we were always attended to by an array of folks. A few of us started with the bacon in a glass, which was delish. I ended up with the shrimp gyro which had a nice spicy kick to it & chose a side of vinegary spinach. And the fruit cobbler was just perfect. The bartender was even cool enough to make me a "dangerous club soda" with house made pineapple syrup. Way to keep a preggo happy! We stayed late into the night, as it was comfy, fun, and we were being well taken care of - stellar time.
(5)Laura M.
Okay...it's official. I think Leon's is my favorite restaurant. It's really just my kind of place. Interesting atmosphere & design? Check Awesome servers who tell you you look just like Jennifer Goodwin, are funny and knowledgeable? Check Food is fun, they offer above standard bar fare with some special surprises? Check All in a casual atmosphere that is clean & nice, but completely without pretension? Check Have specialty cocktails designed for the seasons that are slap yo' mama delicious? Check Did I say I was obsessed with Leons? Check
(5)Molly W.
My parents took my boyfriend and I here for my birthday dinner. So we get there and we have to wait a little bit for a table, which I was impressed because at that time they hadn't been open for that long. So we grab a seat at the bar and drink beers waiting for our little buzzer doo-dad to go off. We notice that their beers were very extreme. They either had the traditional (miller lite, bud light etc) or they had micro-brews. I am SO not complaining but I thought it was something to bring up. ANYWAYS, so we get seated and are approached by our waiter who was very cool and we order the drunken mussels. I really should know better about ordering seafood so far away from the coast, because I always want something magical and my soul dies a little every time I'm a little disappointed. SO, the drunken mussels were good, but not the best I've had, but I really should just learn. The 2 bottles of wine I split with my moms helped to wash away that disappointment in measures of cool intoxication. Yes, their wine selection was AWESOME. I notice the cup o'bacon on the menu and as a baconite (i made a bacon apple pie once... or three times) I was immediately intrigued. I veered away from it to try something new, and just enjoyed the drunken mussels. BUT then the cup o'bacon came back to haunt me and I ordered it to go along with the steak that I had. This is how that conversation went: "can I have the steak?" "sure" "is there anyway you can add bacon to that?" *cricket cricket* "I'll get it figured out for you" "THANKS!" *drunken wave* I don't remember the sides but the bacon and steak... hkmcfdrool On a side note: Found out one of my coworkers works at Leon's and she was super fantastic with saying hi and shtuff she met my rents and was super cool. So YA AMY! Hopefully next time when I can afford to go back I'll have Amy as my waitress. She's probably a super cool waiter to have while at Leon's. No offense waiter dude who got me my cup o'bacon
(4)Caitlin L.
Just another shout out to Amy R. who made my boyfriend and my evening awesome at Leon's! -Fried Okra -Pig Smorgas -Steak Sandwich with fries and bacon mayo -Brisket Sandwich with fries and tomato mayo Everything was awesome and our enthusiastic server was great!
(5)Kevin G.
Great food, Great drinks, Great Service = a 5/5! The food menu is amazing. Everything I have had or my friends have had has received great reviews. I am pretty partial to the Brisket Sandwich. It is one of those meals where you sit around afterward and just bask in the afterglow of food pleasure. It is one of those meals that just lingers in memory for good bit until you realize you are missing it in your life. The small plates are great as well. They have an awesome seasonal cheese and meat selection. The pub frites offer great variety in wonderful sauces. The staff here is great. I have never had a bad server. Everyone is extremely nice and willing to share their opinions on food. When I can't decide on what to get I have no problem asking for a little direction. I have never been steered in the wrong direction. They even helped my mom find a drink she liked, which is tough to do! The beer selection is only second to the Brickstore, which is to be expected. However they always have a treat in store when I walk in. Take a couple of hours and enjoy this place. Not to missed or rushed through.
(5)Belle S.
I've been here many times within the past few years and it's always been great. I like the environment, whether inside or outside and the food/drinks have always been superb. It's always been pretty crowded, so don't come here starving. Parking can be really difficult to find, but eventually you will find something. They've recently changed their menu, which is sometimes exciting to try new things... but I also miss some of the older items that were very good. It's been a while since I've been back here, but I'll have to be back soon.
(4)Lizzy S.
When I'm looking for a nice place to take someone who likes good food, I take them to Leon's. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend their french fries, which come with an array of amazing sauces! The portions are average and fill you up. The price is reasonable for the quality of the food. But what I like the best is the atmosphere. I always feel like I'm on vacation at Leon's.
(4)Janner M.
My wife and I drove to Decatur after we hiked up Stone Mountain. We were excited to try this place for the first time. Sad I'm leaving a one star review, because it has nothing to do with the food. The food was good, but the service we got from our server was the worst we have gotten in awhile. The server never once! Checked on how things were doing, he just kept avoiding coming to our table.never asked how the food was. I had to get his attention from across the dining room to ask for more sauce and he never came back with it, instead he came back with another tables togo box and just kept serving his other tables. Later the host came and brought our sauce we waited for. He also didn't care to bring us another bottle of water after seeing our bottle and GLASSES were empty. Last but not least he didn't ask again how our experience was and thank us for our business. Just dropped the check and that was all. Not a kind word was even said. Luckily we have a family member who own a restaurant and we understand how to tip well and still left him a 20% tip. Sad to say but I doubt we'll be telling family or friends about this place, other than the fact of the service we got.
(1)Kev K.
I'm over it. They have been consistently raising their prices (who isn't) BUT they have removing middle category items. Items that would suffice for a great meal and are in the 8-11 range. I think there are only 4 or 5 sandwiches left (brisket is off the chain!) Thats really the only reason why I cannot give them a better star rating. Their food is great, only had a couple bad experiences, and the waitstaff will shame your attempts at coolness. Sorry your not as cool as the staff at Leon's. Fries are great, mussels are great, pig smorgas is pretty great, scallops are semi great. They do have Ice spheres on occasion, which I do fancy, but I have to beg to get one in my Bulleit. Their fancy cocktails are great, I have always had a good experience with them (at times they get delivered and attempt to whittle away my masculinity) and the super serious cocktail professional that puts every molecule of their sole into making it. Great spot for a proper meal out, but it has lost its lore for me.
(3)Chad J.
Our evening started out excellent. I have not been back to Atlanta in a while and wanted to treat my partner to a great meal. Finding a gluten free menu can be tough depending on where you are in the USA. We decided to try Leon's and started with fries, chicken sausage and split a salad. I have to admit, the appetizers were outstanding. Great flavor, texture and a sense of surprise in each bite. The server was kind and courteous and offered great suggestions for drinks and our meal. Unfortunately, my partner ordered the duck as an entree and it came out with farro. So, the skinny is, there is no such think as gluten free farro. Farro is a low gluten grain that for those that have celiac's does NOT work! We were disappointed that given the restaurant's attention to detail (including a separate frier for gluten free fries) that they would make this mistake. My partner unfortunately took a bite before he noticed and was sick the next day. Forgetting the fact that we all have uncomfortable stomach experiences here and there when we eat out, Celiac's is a serious disease and even small traces of gluten over time can lead to serious health challenges in the future. I hope that Leon's will hold true their otherwise great attention to detail and make sure the food is safe for those that seek to venture out in an often unsafe food environment. This would have been a great opportunity to comp an entree for the confusion and instead the house decided to comp us 2 espressos. It reinforces for me that the industry has not yet fully understood and embraced the severity of gluten intolerance and its long term medical/health implications for Celiac's sufferers.
(2)Akshata M.
We happened to arrive at Leons late around 11.30pm as it was the only restaurant open as we were driving by downtown Decatur. The ambiance was really nice, though a bit loud which is to be expected as they have a bar and restaurant. I am not much of a drinker so I can't comment on their beverage selection but the drinks are not cheap our alcohol bill was over $45 for just 4 drinks. The food was alright the appetizers were small ...we ordered mussels and calamari which I have definitely eaten better. Though my husband enjoyed them probably coz he was crazy hungry by then. For the main course I had the pork chop which was excellent except for the sides which totally disappointed. The green beans were not done properly and I kept wanting the fingerling potatoes from my Fil's plate instead. The service was polite and helpful but beware this place will charge 20% gratuity on parties 5 or more and they considered my kids under 5 as a person even though they did not eat!!! The bill including gratuity and taxes is enough to go to another restaurant and eat better food! I will not visit this restaurant again unless we are stuck in a bind because we are out and about late and need to eat. .
(2)John R.
This place gets everything right. Fun and open atmosphere, stylish décor, great beer and cocktails, fresh ingredients, and great cooking. I'm usually here on sunny weekend afternoons, sharing a salad, eating one of their tasty sandwiches, and drinking a expertly selected beer. They open up their windows, and it makes for a great sunlit experience. What more can I say? I've never had anything go wrong here. However they do it, the staff, food, and beer never fail to please.
(5)Meg C.
Before I start, I'm going to ditto a lot of people that my true rating is more a 3 1/2. Tonight was my first time at Leon's, though I've heard a lot about it. I've always been a fan of Brickstore, so this was a much-anticipated visit! I went to meet a very old friend for dinner, and she was running late, so our server (Shannon, she rocks!) helped me pick out a beer and chatted with me about beer and breweries. I will say that even though we loved Shannon, things were a little slow sometimes-- that being said, they're also a pretty new place so some of the servers are probably getting used to things still. On to the food! I started with the calamari, which was fantastic-- perfect texture and level of rubberiness, and great flavors. I'm a BBQ sauce connoisseur and I really liked theirs, tangy with a bit of bite to it. I got the burger (with Gruyere instead of cheddar) with a side salad and was pleased with the meal, though I didn't find anything particularly special about the burger-- which I expected since it's grass-fed beef. The salad was phenomenal, the mesclun greens with the pumpkin seeds and orange tobasco vinaigrette was inspired! My friend had the shrimp gyro and the arugala salad and enjoyed hers. We finished with the fruit cobbler, a blueberry peach cobbler which was SO good. I mean, it's hard to be bad when you're combining blueberry and peach, but it was the perfect size for the two of us to share for a little something sweet at the end of the meal. We ended up hanging out and having another beer, and spent about $60 for the two of us which seemed a little pricey for just two and not leaving very full, but I also don't feel like it was a total rip off either-- I think I feel the same way as a lot of my friends that I felt like it was about $10 too much. The atmosphere was really nice, the theme was cute but not overdone, and the patio was very pleasant. I know it's a picky thing, but the chairs did hurt my butt a little-- we were sitting on the slatted-bottom chairs outside and after an hour it got a little old. All in all, the food is probably worth it if you have the cash to drop. I also really enjoyed that when I ordered my sweet tea, I got a cute little jug of it to sit on the table for refills! I would label it more as a casual special-occasion place than a go grab dinner kind of place, it's just out of reach of that price range. Plus, the food is pretty snazzy!
(3)Andrew T.
I tried Leon's for lunch on Memorial Day because pretty much nothing else was open, and I'm glad I did. I had the pub frites with the goat cheese fondue and the bacon herb mayonnaise and both were heavenly. The beef burger was cooked perfectly and I enjoyed the homemade tomato sauce. Looking forward to going back.
(4)C.E. D.
Meh. We went for brunch today. It took 45 minutes to get our food, which in my opinion rated a C+. Flavorless mussels, overly balsamicy chickpea salad with cheese in it (odd), and a chicken schnitzel that was reminiscent of chicken tenders. The special roast beef sandwich was also pretty average. And, all of it was overpriced for what you got.
(2)Paul S.
I was brought here for my birthday and we had a great time! We'd talked about coming for a while and it was worth the wait. The restaurant design is so simply done and incredibly inviting. The menu itself just sounds interesting and with several dishes including complex flavors it made it difficult to decide on an entree. For an appetizer we shared the Pork Smorgas. Great, but not as amazing as it sounded and my date I agreed that more ham is needed. Flavorful but left me wanting just a little bit more... My Burger was great. Hey, with a lot of choices you usually can't go wrong with a great burger. Nothing too out of this world and over the top, they just served me a really well prepared burger. Home made catsup and mustard, bread and butter pickles and Tillamook cheddar cheese. The meat was cooked perfectly and the bread made the sandwich all that much better! My date had the Grilled Veggie sandwich which I tried and was slightly jealous of. The leftovers are in the fridge and it's taking all of me not to eat it before she comes over tonight! Side of the day: Grilled Kale, Corn and Bacon... Yes, Yes and YEEESSSSS... Layered flavors in every bite with little bits of rectangular heaven in the form of bacon tossed in vinegary love. Tangy greatness.... The Pub Frites were some damn amazing fries... With Goat Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mango Catsup as my two sauces I consumed every little shard of fry served to me. Amazing... We culminated our evening with two desserts. One for here, one TOGO. We shared the Seasonal fresh fruit cobbler which had great flavor from the local peaches but it appeared there was no sugar in the whipped cream. It was good, but could have been a lot better. Half Pound Oatmeal Cream Pie? Surely they've got to be kidding, right? Served in a brown paper bag at the table along side a knife this creamy cookie with hints of cream cheese had just enough filling to balance the cookie. Very well done... and served in a perfect carrying case to take home with you. Cons: Slow service and the place was unbelievably warm. I could hear the AC running but couldn't feel it AT ALL... blah! Georgia in June!! I just felt.... ugggh. It wasn't comfortable and that bothered me.
(4)Ellen Y.
I tried Leon's Full Service for the first time on a Friday night and was a bit nervous as I had heard a lot of hype and they don't accept reservations but figured it had to be worth it right? Upon arrival, we were informed the wait was over an hour long but we cozied up to the bar and with the amazing assortment of cocktails, we were thoroughly entertained the entire time - it honestly did not feel like a wait at all, just a little pre-dinner party. When we were seated, our party opted to order several small plates in lieu of one main course each. If your group is comfortable with this, I highly recommend this route as literally everything we tried was delicious. If you opt for a single entree and are having trouble deciding, just ask your server. They are incredibly knowledgeable and will actually offer opinions about the menu. I can't wait to go back during the warmer months to enjoy the bocce ball and outdoor patio!
(5)Elizabeth G.
I dream of the turkey schnitzel sandwich. Absolutely fantastic.
(5)Jim D.
Ms. L. and I have eaten here three times. In fact, our first date was at Leon's, so we have a soft spot for it. We love the food, we love the drinks. The wait staff has been great two of the three times we've gone. However . . . unless you're a master lip reader, don't go to Leon's thinking you'll be able to catch up with friends over a nice drink. It has been too loud for conversation every single time we've been. It's one thing to yell at your date to be heard during a Zoroaster show at Masquerade, but it's just wrong to be served food and booze this good in such a loud atmosphere! This is a physical problem with the space, not about the clientele, and it could be fixed. Others have commented on specific dishes: the frites, the mussels, the brussels sprouts. They're all great. Last night the mussels really wowed us: fat and sweet with a wonderful fresh basil flavor. The wait staff was also outstanding last night. We waited about an hour for a table (understandable for a Saturday), and the greeter (Molly?) checked on us repeatedly, apologized for the wait, and comped us an appetizer when she noticed how long we'd been waiting. Once we were seated, all was well. I got a really tasty weissbier I'd never had before, and the food came out quickly and was super. Ms. L. thought the trout in the trout gyro was perhaps less fresh than she liked, but that was the only complaint we had about anything we were served. Try the fried spiced chickpeas! To be honest, I love the food, and the location is too convenient to avoid, but until I hear they've done something about the acoustics, I won't be back.
(3)T M.
Stopped by Leon's while on business. It was a long day and wanted to try out a local business. This restaurant far exceeded my expectations. A comparable meal in NY or Boston would have been at least double the price. The experience was great in all facets. Friendly and knowledgable staff, excellent cocktail program and great food. I tried the chicken sausage following the recommendation of the bartender and was not disappointed. The gastropub concept has been a bit overdone lately, but the food at Leon's Full Service is of exceptional quality. Don't think I will be back in Atlanta any time soon, but i'd highly suggest it to anyone that is. Give it a try!
(5)Iffat B.
First off....the service here is amazing! My friend and I split the beef brisket sandwich and they brought it out, neatly cut into two pieces, on two different plates. The sandwich was fantastic and it was even better since we didn't have to split it ourselves! We also got the infamous fries with madras curry catsup, smoked tomato mayo, and the garlic aioli. My favorite was definitely the smoked tomato mayo. The dish comes with 2 sauces, but if you sweet talk the waitress, she'll give you 3 :)
(4)Courtney R.
I really wanted to love this place more. I was happy to see the old antique shop was being remodeled and couldn't wait to partake in the yummy goodness that imagined exuding from the very funky digs. An offshoot of the Brick Store folks I had high expectations. The beer selection is decent, but no where near what you'll find around the corner at the pub. The food was okay, but I was expecting better. We ordered the mussels but the flavor was bland and I still have yet to find mussels that I enjoy more than those at the Highlander. We also had the calamari which was decent, much better than the mussels but nothing that would cause me to crave Leon's after leaving. Overall, in comparing to other Decatur eating spots Leon's would land towards the bottom. I just wasn't wow'ed on my first visit.
(3)Live To Feast I.
As I left Leon's Full Service for the first time, I looked back at the locals who still packed the patio with envy. Granted, it is only 15-20 minutes from my place in Buckhead. But considering how often I intend to come back, I should probably just save myself the gas and look into breaking my lease. Upon arriving on the Friday night that my girlfriend and I went to the first come, first served neighborhood pub, it was apparent we were a little behind the 8-ball in discovering this place. It was packed. Since we were staring down a 1.5 hour wait, we decided to pony up to the bar. It is not often that I would cite a cocktail as THE highlight of an overall fantastic meal, but I might just have to in this case. If you are a bourbon drinker (as I am) and you love bacon (as you should), then don't leave here without trying the Benton's Old Fashioned. They save the drippings from all of the Benton's country ham and bacon used in their various dishes and soak it overnight in bourbon. They then freeze the mixture and cut off the solidified fat, leaving behind a bourbon that is deliciously rich with the smoky and meaty taste of the bacon. This balances beautifully with the maple syrup and bitters to make a cocktail that you can't get anywhere else in town. *Side note* - The bacon-bourbon easy to duplicate at home. I have gone through more than one bottle of it since originally writing this review, but that is a post for another day.... The pub frites are a great way to start the meal, and there is a wide selection of great dipping sauces to pair with them. We had the smokey Leon's BBQ sauce, goat cheese fondue, and the black pepper mayo. I would recommend all of them. Next, we munched on the Pig Smorgas, which was probably my favorite dish that we ordered. The country ham, melted gruyere, cherry jam, and pineapple all blend wonderfully. The salty smokiness is cut by the sharp gruyere, balanced by the sweetness of the cherry and pineapples, and the crunchy toast gives it a nice texture. I honestly considered bypassing a main dish and just ordering four more of them. I was really eyeballing the beef brisket sandwich for my main dish, but I went with the waiter's recommendation and had the Beef Bistro steak instead, which was really the only lackluster part of the meal. "Lackluster" may be a little harsh...it just wasn't AS great as everything else. I think the bread was just a little too thick, which gave the sandwich a dryness that was a distraction from the otherwise nice flavor combinations of the roasted red peppers and the horseradish mayo. Overall, this place is great for dinner, for drinks, or for both. But I guess that's kind of the idea with the whole Gastropub thing, and they pull it off wonderfully.
(4)Stormtrooper H.
we found Leon's to be VERY LOUD inside and hard to hear the people at our table. The food was fine. Parking was a real pain and I'm not sure the AC was working as it was cooler outside (at 89 degrees) than it was inside..
(2)John G.
Seriously one of my favorite places to eat. The service is seamless and friendly with everyone being attentive and quick to help. The dining space is comfortable , full of light and classy yet not pretentious. The food is spot on, clean fresh flavors, not too expensive for what you get, and just experimental enough to stay interesting. Love it. Kudos to the owners and back and front of the house staff!! My place to grab some small plates and a sandwich on a weekend afternoon.
(5)John H.
I love Leon's. From the special cocktails to the fries to the bocce ball court, it is awesome. The decor is very interesting, I'm not sure how to describe it; 50s soda joint meets modern loft? But lets talk about the food. The Pub Frites are amazing as an appetizer or as a side. I have now tried three sauces: masaman curry, bacon and terragon mayonaise, and smoked tomato mayonaise. The masaman curry was a little lacking but the two mayonaise sauces were to die for (which could probably happen if you keep eating them, but it would be such a sweet death). The peppadews stuffed with goat cheese were fantastilicious. I had never heard of peppadews before, but now I love them. These tasted like unfried jalapeno poppers. I am craving them now. We were a little hesitant to try the Bacon in a Glass with Peanut Butter, but I think I'll definitely get that next time. As far as the entrees, these were maybe my least favorite part of the meal, but they were still awesome. I had the halibut and the beau had the Pork Chop. The pork chop was delicious all the way down to the fingerling potatoes. My fish was pretty good, but I would not order it again (and it appears to not be on the menu anymore anyway). All in all it was a fabulous night out. I will definitely be returning.
(4)Ryan L.
My fiancee and I came here for one of our first meals since moving to the metro area and have been back about once a week ever since. The dipping sauces for the fries are almost all amazing (personal preference), the bar drinks are really good, the servers are nice and attentive but not over bearing, and the mains dishes are excellent. I almost always get the cheese burger and it never disappoints. On our last visit a few days ago, I tried one of the daily specials (a filet with mashed potatoes and fried kelp) and I can honestly say it was the best steak I've ever had, and probably the best meal.
(5)Kelli A.
Over to Atlanta for a day of shopping and found Leon's. The waitress spent a lot of time explaining the menu and letting us know that they don't own a freezer and that everything was freshly prepared. We started out with the lug nuts because it was late in the day. They were delicious nuts with toasted with spices. Lunch came out pretty quickly and my husband had the burger and fries. I'm not much of a burger person but this one was perfectly cooked and juicy. He had the homemade BBQ sauce with his fries. A bit spicey but nice. I had the mussels with side salad. The mussels came with toasted bread for dipping in the yummy broth. Now I'm back home to figure out that broth recipe!
(5)Bill K.
Very well done gastropub. Couldn't stop eating the food (brisket sandwich and Brussels sprout hash). And the service was attentive even though they were slammed.
(5)Maral B.
Awesome laid back atmosphere but dressy enough for a special occasion. All the ingredients come from local businesses. The food was delicious and the drinks are awesome. If you are looking for variety in drinks and menu items, you'll find it here. Anybody from the burger connoisseur to the vegetarian will be satisfied with menu options and their meal. The staff was super helpful and willing to make alterations as needed. The bathrooms were clean and aesthetically pleasing. You couldn't ask for more from a restaurant!
(5)Ben H.
We went here with some peeps for drinks and dinner. I was looking forward to giving this place another go. As you can see in Todd's picture, the bar here is pretty cool - it has that wicked sliding ladder and the large draft displays. I dig it. The beer selection is pretty good here (as to be expected). Mmmmm N'ice Chouffe. And I really like their attention to proper glassware here - getting a beer in a glass that is made for it is nice. Anyway - on to food and service! Bucket O' Fries - Got this bad boy again. It was decent though it could've been better - hotter, better seasoned, etc. The fries weren't bad - they just seemed a little on the bland side. We ended up with 2 of the same sauces I'd had before - goat cheese fondue and smoky tomato mayo. The tomato mayo was still good and the goat cheese fondue was still too bland and liquidy. Brisket sandwich - This was a much better option than the frighteningly awful burger I had last time. The bread is great, the meat is pretty good, and all the flavors work really well together. I recommend getting the gravy on the side - TAKE THE POWER BACK and now you control the gravification of your sandwich. Overall, this was a good offering - I'd get it again. Salad - Unfortunately, one huge strike for Leon's is the completely lack of sides other than salads. The Bucket O' Fries is a pretty common appetizer for people so unless you really can't stuff your face full of enough fries - excuse me, pub frites - you are pretty much forced into getting a salad. I like the arugula salad I had, but I'd like more options on the menu. Service - Our server was pretty good and made a lot of effort for our table despite being slightly (faux?) awkward. Anyway, Leon's is definitely a step up from last time but it's still not quite into awesome territory yet for me. 3.5
(3)Stephen F.
Ok, perhaps I am not a beer person or perhaps I am not a gastro-pub person. Or, perhaps I am just a really picky eater. Leon's was OK. We went there early in the evening because we were told that the wait can get very long. We had some apps. The hummus was so-so. The waitress warned us that it was more of a take off on hummus rather than your traditional hummus. Yes, indeed, it was. It was orange. Not orange as in a nice Florida orange, it was orange like the sun at sunset on the beach. Fire flame orange. The taste was not very good. A little too heavy handed. The olives were great but how can you mess them up! The nuts were roasted with a nice glaze and had a spicy kick. I will give them props for the hand made "lug nuts." I tried some of the pomme frites and I did not care for them at all. The taste was rather tasteless truth be told. They came with many dipping sauce choices and I began to wonder if it was more about the dipping sauces and less about the pomme frites. I had the scallops and they were overcooked. I am a big fan of sea scallops but I like them translucent. These were over cooked and on the dry side. Dessert was a big bomb. We tried the cobbler and the waffle. The waffle was dry and the chocolate on top was kinda cold by the time it hit the table. It reminded me of Sunday breakfast that was sitting out too long. The cobbler was OK. The ice cream was awesome but who doesn't love anything with the work cream in it! The wait staff was excellent and they are quite knowledgeable about the beers. I had no idea what they were talking about and it was almost like they were speaking a foreign language...hoppy, barley, blah, blah, blah. But they appear to know their crap when it comes to beer. Oh yea, the place is really cool on the inside. For those of you who remember the old shop and the gas station, the interior is really cool and it is hard to believe it is now a restaurant.
(3)Lyn P.
Brittany Grace was our waitress and she was exceptional....personable, built rapport, made excellent recommendations and was very attentive. We stayed at least 45 minutes after we paid and she still came over to refill our waters a few times. Usually after you pay in other establishments they're done with you...not here. This place is the place to be! Fantastic atmosphere (noisy but fun). The food is out of this world! We tried a few things...we had a plate of three cheeses with bread, the Pig Smorgas, the plate of olives, and the glass of bacon for appetizers. Everything was perfect. For our entrees we had the gyro with ribeye strips, the shrimp roll, and the grass fed burger which Brittany Grace recommended to get medium well which came out perfect for my friend. He was pleased. We also had plenty of frittes and the dips were great(they have a lot to choose from). Oh, I also forgot to mention how I loved my bloody Mary's...they had spicy salami in them! I will definitely be a frequenter!!!
(5)Julia S.
The food I had here was decent, I just wish that the one main dish they have would be vegan rather than just vegetarian (their veggieloaf has egg in it, so even if you ask for it without cheese, I still couldn't eat it). Also, considering this is in downtown Decatur, I think it's disappointing that they don't have a veggie burger. The fries are good. Their carrot pine nut hummus is OK, but honestly I have a recipe at home that is much better than it. All in all, if you're a cheese-loving vegetarian, there are lots of yummy options for you. As a vegan, not so much.
(3)Megan M.
Great food -- really interesting combinations (I have yet to find one that doesn't work). Great atmosphere and service. A little loud at times but lots of good energy.
(4)Emily R.
I really, really wanted to like this place. Honestly. I think they did such a gorgeous job with the renovation, turning what was really becoming an eye sore into something so amazing. Plus I think the Brick Store really hits all the right notes, so what went wrong here? Where to start? My meal was an almost complete disaster from start to finish. My server was so neglectful, at one point I wondered if he'd gone home. He only stopped by my table 4 times while I was there. The crazy thing was that all of the other servers seemed like they were really on top of their tables and even would refill my water glass as they passed by as my guy clearly wasn't doing it. It was one of these servers who brought me extra ketchup for my burger after I waited for my server to come back and check on me, which never happened. I ordered the "leige" waffles to start. I should have known that being unable to spell liege waffle would also lead to being unable to produce a liege waffle. What I was served was dried out and had sparse patches of sugar. I'm pretty sure that they made them in advance, then just re-heated them with the sugar. There isn't any reason why they can't make them to order, it only takes about 2 minutes for the dough to cook and serving anything other than freshly cooked waffles is a travesty. If they can't do it, they need to take them off the menu. For my entree, I tried the grass fed burger. This is not the H&F burger. The meat had an oddly chewy/spongy texture and other than that it was completely run of the mill. The fries were good, not great, but definitely hand cut and twice fried and served piping hot. What made them stand out were the sauces. I tried smoked tomato mayo which was very nice and the pepper gravy, which was a very nice rich gravy that could have used a touch more black pepper and that would make excellent poutine with some nice cheese curds on those fries. I should have stopped there, but no, I had to try dessert. Fuji apple "cobbler" to be exact. This consisted of dried out diced fuji apple chunks with leathery bits of skin on nearly every piece, topped by half baked crisp topping, not cobbler, with nearly raw bits of oats and sandy brown sugar. Because it hadn't baked long enough, the apples hadn't released any juice, so the whole dish was just dry and unappealing save for the whipped cream which did not go far enough to fix that mess. Would I go back? I don't know. The other servers seemed to be professional and it certainly was crowded so hypothetically there may be items on the menu that are successful, but I just don't see it. Combine that with scarcity of parking and this place is just more hassle than it's worth, which is really too bad.
(2)Johnston O.
Since my first review I've been back about a dozen times - this is one of my lunch go-tos on Sundays after a DeKalb Farmer's market visit. Service is great and I have always been pleased with my meals; you'll definitely want to try the daily special sandwiches and brunches. Awesome beer selection as well; I really need to make a dinner visit.
(5)Erin M.
Three bads before I get the ball rolling: -I feel like it's just a little too pricey. (Sides are $4? Fries are $5? Really?) -I also have a bone to pick with them, their drink menu online is different from the one I saw at the restaurant (the mixed drink I wanted was $8, really? I'll pass.) -The wait... it's insane. So aside from not remembering the drink I wanted from online and gasping at the prices - I had an AWESOME time. I guess it helps that we went with someone who works there. We were seriously treated like Rockstars! ;) I watched the servers at their other tables and they were all pretty bad ass, honestly, and I served for almost 10 years. We met the manager and I think one of the owners... feeling slightly ditzy today. They were very nice and were making rounds checking on tables - love it when they do that. We sampled a bunch of stuff! The peppadews were so yummy, brilliant idea! The currywurst was supposedly really good, but I won't eat that. Lol. Radishes were interesting and different. The fries were really good but I expected more out of the horseradish dipping stuff, it wasn't horsey enough. Meals were plentiful. The brisket sandwich was HUGE. I didn't eat any but the girl who had it loved it. I split the turkey sandwich with my girl and enjoy it, but it wasn't anything special. I think we really just got it for the tillamook, as my girl is from OR/WA and grew up on the stuff. I'd probably go back to this place just to hang out with my friend and the staff, but I don't know that I'd eat. #1 I'm cheap and #2 I'm really picky and just didn't see much on the menu that appealed to me. So yea for those people who want farm fresh and are willing to pay for it. And yea for Leon's using that stuff. I'm just not that into it. And no points were harmed because of that. Points were solely taken away for the three bads I listed first. PS... their fish is supposed to be really good! My friend is biased, but she told me to try it next time. We'll see.
(3)Dave A.
Great food--try the brisket! An incredible bar staff and menu! I love Leon's! Now, seriously, let's get moving on the Grant Park location at Ormewood & Confederate. The neighborhood cannot wait for more Brick Store/Leon's goodness.
(5)Justin H.
Awesome food, great atmosphere, terrific drinks and GIANT ICE CUBES. One of the best spots in Decatur.
(5)Judy S.
Bliss can be found at Leon's in Decatur Georgia, a town that merges seamlessly with Atlanta. I had redfish on couscous seasoned with Tasso ham and shrimp that was a superb blending of texture and flavor. One companion had the vegetarian meatloaf, which sounded awful to me,but which had a robust and fresh flavor. My other companion had the vegetable pot pie which tasted of roux and winter vegetables and was simply perfect. The restaurant is located on Decatur Square which is a shopping area of small boutiques , great restaurants and a really terrific bookstore called the Little shop of stories. The restaurant is pretty noisy, but if you ask for table near the back sound levels levels drop immediately. The waitstaff is spot on and the wine list is quite nice.
(5)Garrett L.
We went early on a Saturday night for a light dinner and a few drinks. We are greeted with a friendly wait staff and a laid back atmosphere. They have a decent drink menu with interesting (although a little watered down) and seasonal feeling choices. We got the special with gin and absinthe which was surprising,smooth and refreshing. We started with the pub frites with three dipping sauces - we picked goat cheese fondue and curry catsup and our waitress brought us the smoked tomato mayonaise on her. The mayonaise sauce is her favorite and ours, the goat cheese fondue was too lite in flavor and the curry catsup was nice but not extrodinary. We also ordered the goat cheese stuffed peppadews to start. They were great, a combination of sweet cheese and slightly hot peppers - the portion was small but perfect for a taste. We will return in a month or so.
(4)Michelle K.
I have a thing for fries so when I saw the pub frites on the menu, I was in heaven! The fries were the kind with the skin on and cooked with the perfect crispiness so you definitely won't have a "soggy fry!" The black pepper mayonnaise & cucumber dill-yogurt are my favorite dipping sauces. I got a chance to try their bacon in a glass with peanut butter dipping sauce and I must say, it's quite the surprise in your mouth. You'll just have to try it out to see if you like it yourself. :) If you're into beer, then this is the place to be for sure as they advertise their beers throughout the back of the bar. Waitstaff was pleasant and the atmosphere is pretty casual but has a great energy!
(4)Sid P.
Pretty damn good. The wife and I are pretty much junkies for Leon's now. Bacon in a glass is as ridiculous as it sounds - probably the best bacon you've ever eaten, with delicious peanut butter. It sounds insane, but it's pretty good. The fries are excellent (try the curry ketchup) and the burger is outstanding. I've had the brisket too, and while it's good, it's not as good as my mama's. Our server was great, and that's one thing I really liked about Leon's - the staff are all kind of hipster types, but they're generally enthusiastic and helpful, instead of being sullen and indolent, like you'd expect. Beer selection is pretty solid, too. We will probably go back again in the next week or two, and again after that - Taco Mac is really calling us now that football is back, but Leon's is calling us with delicious delicious food. WHICH ONE WILL WIN!?!?!?!?
(5)Foodie Buddha F.
Disregard the rating / Open one day so there is. no way to really rate the restaurant properly. // So we checked out Leon's Full Service tonight. It was opening night, and not surprisingly - there were some winners and some losers. I'll save the meat of the review for my blog post, but I wanted to give people a summary over here. The interior is spacious and clean; the sky blue paint job is accented with wood booths and metal chairs for the free-standing tables. In that respect, it is quite a step up from the Brick Store (which is owned and operated by the same group). The atmosphere is lively but does not lend itself to pretentious attitudes. It helps that the restaurant sits in that old gas station building on the corner of E. Ponce and Church (hence the "full service" reference in the name). Service was surprisingly good for an opening night. It looks like they have a pretty solid system in place. A main waiter is assigned to a group of tables, runners handle the food delivery, and a handful of people were there to oversee and maintain order. How much of this was the result of opening night enthusiasm remains to be seen. The bar area is well laid out and visually appealing. Two columns of nameplates that list the available beers hang behind the bartenders. A nice touch if you ask me. In addition to the beers, a full selection of liquor and wine is available. The beverages are reasonably priced and I suspect this will be a big draw for LFS. The menu, which includes a variety of options, is very enticing at first glance. Things that caught my eye the first time through were the pub frites, the snacks, and the diversity amongst the remaining items. While the fare at the Brick Store is straight forward and simple, Leon's seems to employee a more diverse set of ingredients and dishes. Nothing here is earth shatteringly progressive, yet there is a nice....fresh appeal to the ingredient list. However, after I wrapped up my meal, I quickly surmised that there are a number of needed improvements. In that spirit, the Brick Store gets too much love for their food. I would not be surprised to see that happen with Leon's. My beef w. the food at Brick Store and LFS is low quality of ingredients. At Leon's, it seems ownership took the time to "raise the bar" with the menu composition but not with the quality of product used to create the dishes. I don't care how good of a chef you are... crap in = crap out. The French fry list is pretty cool. You get a basic order or French fries (which I found to be tasty on their own), but you have a choice of roughly 12 dipping sauces. You can order them as a side with one sauce (4 bucks) or you can get them with three sauces (6 bucks). Our waiter was super cool...I ordered the fries as a side with my main course. I started with the horseradish mayo but since the portion was small... I asked if I could try the smoked tomato may ... he happily brought me the extra sauce gratis. I'm inclined to say that this will be one of the better items on the menu. I am inclined to return so that I can check out the more adventurous concoctions (goat cheese fondue anyone???) In addition to a handful of appetizers, Leon's offers up several snack selections. We elected to sample the lug nuts (a.k.a. almonds) for $3. The portion was too small for the price point - but I did enjoy the sweet flavor. For a starter, I went with the rabbit tenders. They came with a lemon and caper relish and sweet mustard. The dish was a disaster. The sauces did not lend themselves well to the flavor of the tenders. Granted, the tenders themselves were poorly executed...but even if that was not the case... I think the dish would have been a failure. The batter was light, but the rabbit was gamey, dry (aka overcooked), and not particularly flavorful. For our main courses, I went with the beef bistro steak and Brian had the shrimp gyro. I had a bite of his gyro - the bread was waaaaay too stiff, but the cucumber yogurt was well balanced and lent itself well to the shrimp. Not a bad dish - but at $10, I was disappointed with the quality of ingredients (anyone starting to see a pattern develop?). My sandwich was a muddled execution of mediocrity. The steak was "okay", but the gruyere, charred red pepper, arugula, and horseradish mayo were slopped on. It seemed like someone hired to read a list of ingredients was responsible for its creation. As for quality of ingredients .... take a guess. The bun was the biggest disappointment ... it was nothing more than a stale bun that wasn't even toasted. After 2 liquor drinks, 2 glasses of wine, 1 app, 1 snack, 1 side and two sandwiches, our bill came to $75 including tip. That's a little much. All in all, I absolutely dug the vibe, and the service, but I thought the food left a lot to be desired. I expect this place to be a darling of the neighborhood. Will I eat here again? Yes... Will I ever go here to eat? Not so sure at this point.
(2)Beth G.
Love this place! The foods and beverages are all created with fresh local products. The specialty cocktails are inventive (egg nog is great, Stackhouse is so-so but definitely an original). The idea of the "Biggy Shorty" deal - shared specialty 750 ml beers - is a great one. The menu is appealing and good for sharing with a date or with friends. Reasonably priced. We shared their famous fries, which they swapped out for us when we realized we had all little ends and pieces. I had chicken liver croquettes - delicious. And in the end, we walked for about $20 or $25 per person, plus tip.
(5)Danielle H.
We went to Leon's when it first opened...I guess what...2 or 3 years ago...sat inside and had a fancy pork roast dinner. At the time we were seriously unimpressed...a bit full of itself...just didn't seem worth it. Great style...very cool...the food wasn't even bad...just so damn loud! However over the last few months we've been finding ourselves there more and more and enjoying it more each time. It's still awfully loud inside and unbelievable busy on Friday and Saturday...getting to the bar can be quite a chore...but thankfully the staff always seem to be exceedingly friendly and helpful...not to mention very knowledgeable. A couple of our fave waitstaff have been Amy, Adam...and a blonde guy can't remember his name but he was great as well. Our preference is to sit outside and order the pub frites and masaman curry sauce with a couple, delicious Belgian beers. Also the bacon in a glass...wow! Try it with the Peat Monster Scotch! Heaven! Also, never disappointed with the flat bread starters. Highlights: Service, patio, bocce court, pub frites Low points: very loud, crowded Enjoy!
(4)Dara F.
One of Decatur's best spots. Drinks are always amazing, food is always magical and the servers are beyond awesome, nice and helpful. Get the bacon in the glass and a gutterpop!
(5)Lisa K.
Everytime summer is on the horizon I get that spring fever and want to run far far far away from Atlanta. Luckily, this spring brought Leon's, which has saved me (so far). Instead of running away I just go to this pleasant bar in Decatur. Unlike its counterpart, the Brickstore, Leon's is much more inviting: open, friendly, unimposing yet hip, etc. I love sitting and drinking my beer while the breeze blows through the open windows and I listen to the clicking of the bocce balls outside. I can almost pretend I'm not even in Atlanta when I'm here, and for that, I'm very happy.
(4)Adam K.
This is by far one of my favorite places to in Decatur. It's also one of the few places I can go where I can sit at the bar, order a beer, read my book, and not get a strange look for doing so. Speaking of beer, like its big bro, Brick Store, Leon's always has a great selection on tap. As for food you can't go wrong with just about anything on the menu, and of course their Pub Frites (with various dipping sauces) are just great. The atmosphere is open and friendly while keeping a little bit of a contemporary edge. The staff is very friendly, and always happy to have chat with you. My only complaint is that their vegetarian choices are rather limited, and while my wife would like to come more often; there's only so many times you can eat the same two menu items.
(4)Kendall C.
Food was okay but service was not. We ordered a few dishes but, though the place was not crowded, the waiters did not stop by our table often. We ordered the pecan pie, and ended up waiting half an hour and asking two waiters a total of three times about the pie. Wish they would have just let us know about the pie.
(1)Vincent M.
During the Decatur Arts Festival we stopped into Leon's Full Service for lunch.. Wow is all I have to say, since the antique shop closed and Leon's took its place we have resisted because it looked just too hipster with the bocce court on the side and the whole gastro pub vibe. I have to say I really denied myself some great food and just as wonderful beer selections. I know it was a hectic day for the waitstaff but not once were we left feeling ignored or neglected. I will say that so many folks helped us I forget who our waitress really was. I really didnt know what I wanted to drink that day and gave our waitress free reign to bring whatever she thought I might like. She asked me a few questions and immediately had a selection for me. Same goes for the dipping sauces that accompanied the Pub Fries and my side dish. She was never condescending or short with me, she was friendly and checked back several times to make sure I liked her selections. Our pub fries came out, with 3 sauces not just the 2 we ordered. Fries are one of those things that are either great or OK, these were GREAT.. Nice crunch, not greasy, and a nice light flavor... Our waitress had thrown in a third sauce that she remembered she liked, she explained when the were delivered and she described each of the dipping sauces. The crab roll I had was excellent ! Nice light crab taste with the herbs and sauce (mayo ?) highlighting the crab not overpowering it. The orzo salad she recommended was excellent, so glad that she came up with this one. My partner had the Cobb Salad, I am guessing it was as good because both our plates were clean. Oh the bacon on this salad was INCREDIBLE, just smokey enough and salty enough. Unlike many places there was just enough fat showing to make it recognizable as bacon. I stole half of it off his plate. We have promised to go back and as the summer nights get longer and hotter I can see spending many nights on the patio enjoying a beer and some light food.
(4)Cyndi P.
Loved Leon's! Went on my birthday last week with three other friends for pre-dinner drinks and apps. Was perfect! Fries with multiple dipping sauces (Smoked tomato mayonnaise was my fave), waffles in a bag, tiny sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese (yes, please!) and lots of fall drink specials. The atmosphere is very laid-back, open air. Perfect for conversations with friends or just hanging out with a book. Definitely want to go back for a full course.
(4)Gina B.
I come through Atlanta a couple times of year to visit my parents, and I always try to make a stop in Decatur. This is, by far, my favorite restaurant in the area. Their burgers may just be the best I've ever had, and I love that they use grass-fed beef. Their beer selection is also great. Leon's is a must-do in Atlanta!
(5)Bindi N.
My experience included a couple of good cold beers, my first game of Bocce ball with a couple of friendly hippies (well, Decatur hippies anyway), a very friendly bartender who was helpful and attentive despite the crowd. Yes please, I'll have another. I've also been here for lunch and am a fan of the food. I found it to be simple yet interesting. I definately am looking forward to going back.
(4)theron t.
Leon's to me is still trying to find is niche. Your experience can be awesome if you find the diamonds in the rough here. I have friends who work here and own the place, and they certainly know what they are doing, the kitchen just needs to step it up a little. 1. Drinks--Leon's has one of the best cocktail menus in the Atlanta/Decatur area. Miles and the rest of the staff do a great job in crafting some very original offerings. Think house made syrups and extracts, fresh cut fruit, and hand carved ice cubes. Liquors are all small batch, craft spirits. Decently priced. 2. Beer--Like its sister restaurant, Leon's has an extensive selection of beer on draft and in the bottle. Rotating taps on a weekly basis. You won't find any Bud, Coors, etc. Ask your server or bartender if you are unsure what to get, that is what they are there for. 3. Food--Here's where it gets tricky. Leon's has several entrees and sandwiches priced moderately. I had the steak entree, which was a flat iron cut served with a zucchini casserole. Wasn't terrible, but for the price, a little disappointing. This is usually a very cheap, although delicious cut of meat, why the high price? It's the same price as the duck and the grouper. Also had the brisket sandwich, which was lacking in flavor. The burger is very good, but I've found little else that impresses me. What can make a great outing here though is the apps and small plates. Their charcuterie and cheeses are usually very good. Calamari, although cliche in most places, is good here. Fries don't disappoint. Benton Farms ham on toast with jam, excellent. Mussels and hummus are also popular choices. All small salads that I've had were very well done. 4. Service. I have only sat at the bar on my numerous visits, and service is always great. WARNING, this place can get packed on the weekends in the evening. Overall, I'm a fan, but I would like to see some more improvement from the kitchen with sandwiches and entrees. Also, the quicker we can get rid of the term "gastro-pub" to describe places that have a good drink selection and good food, the better. I remember when we would call places like that simply, a great place.
(4)Dee W.
I LOVE this place, and the atmosphere is great. I had the burger which was really good and my friend had the brisket, which I tried, and was really good too. I really cool spot in Downtown Decatur!
(5)Kara M.
Big Girl's Dream! BACON IN A GLASS? What magic is that you ask, well it's seriously bacon in a glass with a side of peanut butter! Delicious! Everything was great from the service, to the adorable restored filling station, to the food! I had the brisket sandwich and fries... great! We had another appetizer, pig somethin' don't remember but it was fabulous too! (kinda like a monte cristo on non-french toast) EAT THERE!
(5)Scott G.
I was in town on business and came on two different nights to have drinks with some friends. Then, I came and had lunch. It was lovely! The food was excellent, vegetarian/carnivore-friendly, and served by helpful and attentive-but-not-too-clingy servers. I'm coming back when I'm in town again, absolutely!
(5)Delores C.
Can't say enough good things about Leon's. I love this restaurant. Menu is very well rounded and everything is executed wonderfully. Bet to Leon's as soon as possible. CHEERS!
(4)Diana U.
Very very cool place. Leon's food can be considered bar food, but there are definitely other things you can get on the menu that is not so "bar-ish" like their scallops. My boyfriend and I just got sandwiches which came with two sides because we weren't very hungry. That alone only cost us 15 bucks and the sides are big too. I loved their frites (aka fries) which come with 3 different dips. The smoked tomato sauce was recommended by our waiter and it was pretty tasty. The ambiance is fun and lively. I went on quite a unique day when it was snowing in Atlanta and the waiters and customers were participating in snow fights outside Leon's. The employees just seem like a very warm group of people. I'd definitely come back with a group of friends for some drinks.
(4)Sarah F.
Leon's was fun. The food was good. A bit different from standard pub fare, which was nice. And the cocktails were very tasty. I agree with the reviewer who said that the dipping sauces for the fries don't really enhance the fries. That said, the fries are tasty and a yummy way to begin our meal. We sat outside on the patio and it was lovely outside. Not too many buggies. The service was mediocre. Sweet but disorganized waitress. Our food arrived much later than the other tables around us and my order was not correct. However, they corrected it quickly and let me keep the wrong sides they brought out. Overall they seemed confused but eager and eager covers a multitude of sins. Here's the annoying thing (and this has, in no way affected my rating, but I thought you might enjoy the story, so here goes): I was wearing my cute strappy pink sandals that signal that summer has indeed arrived. My foot happens to have a tattoo on it. Y'all, it's 2009, surely you've seen tattoos by now, right. So these two weirdos were sitting outside too and they kept looking at my foot. I mean, gawking. My friends and I all noticed. So we turned and looked at them. I made the comment "it's just a tattoo, folks." One would assume that would have been the end of it. It wasn't! They continued not only to gawk, but pulled out their iPhone and started taking pictures. So strange. So I hid my foot until finally they left and my foot was liberated. All very random. My feet and I will take ourselves back sometime.
(3)Angelica C.
I LOVE the pub fries here. DELICIOUS. I picked the bacon & tarragon mayonnaise, Leon's catsup and the spicy mango catsup for my choices of sauce. All are excellent. The service is ridiculously slow.
(4)K E.
Went with 8 friends on my visit home to Atlanta...awesome as ever!! The Pimm's Cup was delicious, as was the Trout Gyro. Truly my favorite restaurant in my hometown! :)
(5)Katie C.
I would give this place 4.5 stars if I could. I love coming here. The cocktails are always amazing--they change the drinks around for every season. Great selections of beers, as well. Love the atmosphere at the bar and sitting outside or hanging out at the bocce court. The food never disappoints, either. The only bad thing is that they don't take reservations and the regular dining room lacks atmosphere, in my opinion. Neither of those things are a major turn-off, though.
(4)Ryan F.
Whenever I hear the name Leon, I am immediately taken back to Midnight Madness's quirky but brilliant scavenger hunt mastermind, Leon. Now that I got that out of the way, let's talk about the restaurant. Apparently this place is run by the Brickstore folks, and it shows in the beer list and wait que. Leon's is already immensely popular but I only found myself here for the first time this past weekend. And crowded it was. Fortunately for the GF and I, some of the tables are screwed into the floor and can only be occupied by two guests. Needless to say, we were seated immediately. I really liked the interior design of this place and while it was very crowded, it wasn't too noisy. We started out with an order of pommes frites, which come with two (out of about a list of ten) complimentary dipping sauces. Sadly, this was a tough choice and I wish they gave the customer two more additional choices per order. The fries are very tasty with a great exterior crunchiness and interior puffiness that is ideal. Unfortunately, our order was over-salted. Both the sauces were lacking in the flavor and texture department, but I preferred the spicy mango catsup over the goat-cheese fondue. The fondue was not fondue-y at all; It was more grainy like Kraft Mac & Cheese. For my main, I got the brisket sandwich with the side special of the night, duck-curry soup. The sandwich was served open faced with tender brisket covered in peppercorn gravy and onion strings. The real star of the sandwich was the bread. It's a thick, crusty slice but is excellently chewy and it never got soggy through entire the course of the meal. I love peppercorn gravy, but it was used pretty sparingly. The onion strings were actually excellent - they were flavorful and firm, not like the soggy mess that are served at too many other places. The duck-curry soup was tasty, but was a little too close to chicken soup. All the typical vegetables were present and the broth really didn't taste heavily enough of curry. There were only about three detectable pieces of duck in the cup as well. GF got the shrimp gyro and enjoyed it very much. She opted for the warm chickpea & cherry salad with basil, aged provolone, and red wine vinaigrette. Chickpeas are not my cup of tea but these, with the cherries (although we thought they were cranberries) were a tasty preparation of something I typically dislike. All of the other sides, outside of the fries, are much healthier than what you will find at gastro-pubs. In fact, they were all salads. This is both a negative and a positive in my book. They have a great sandwich menu and most times, people want something starchy to go with the sammie besides the quintessential fries. However, I give them props because not only are they providing some healthier options to onion rings or mashed potatoes, but the salad the GF got was unique and actually tasted good! So collectively, Leon's was a great success in my book. I'd go back for the sandwich and pomme frites alone and most of the items sounded and looked tasty. If there actually is a guy named Leon behind this place, perhaps it is the genius from Midnight Madness who never reappeared after 1988's Riding Fast. Poor guy.
(5)