This place is so fun. Food = yummy num nums. The staff is cool and friendly but not fake. The food is solid and not like "I'm so cool trying so hard." Get the u-tots if you like tater tots with cheese, bacon and white sauce (they're really good after hot yoga when you need that pick me up). When I'm on a diet I get the hummus or edamame and stick to wine and beer to fill me up. The bar area is my favorite - you can talk to anyone at the bar and the bartenders have always been really welcoming!!
(5)
Brett F.
I had terrible service here, which is too bad because the food was pretty decent. There weren't a ton of people there (or at least not enough to justify terrible service). I had to ask multiple times just to get a water, let alone order an actual drink. Once we finally got our drinks, we then had to wait FOREVER in order to just put our order in. It honestly was like our drinks were our appetizers and the server waited for us to finish them until we placed the order. Once we finally placed our order and got our food, we didn't see the server again until our food was gone and we were waiting for our check. I've heard that there are different servers and some of them are pretty bad. I suppose I'll give it another shot given that the food was decent and the atmosphere was good...but if the service continues to be terrible, I certainly won't come back. There are too many other great places in the area where service isn't terrible.
(1)
Trulie A.
As locals, we love that we can stroll to the Universal Joint, enjoy the patio and have a beer. I am also a fan of the black bean burger. I know this is also a bar, but there is a family friendly vibe with the patio on the Oakhurst Square and the benefits for local elementary schools. We were in for a late afternoon (not late bar times) snack with our kids. One of the waitresses had shorts so shorts they did not cover her backside while standing and yet she also bent over as if there was another layer of pants over those shorts. It was gross. I lost my appetite. Hopefully, the waitstaff can be encouraged to cover themselves for the sake of families in for lunch or dinner.
(2)
Lindsey D.
I just had dinner there tonight. The setting is super casual but not at all trashy, it's casual in the way that it's relaxing and informal. I didn't see the inside because we ate outside. The tables/chairs outside are patio-style. They have a smoking and non-smoking section. I would say the noise level outside is average-loud, fairly typical when you're in an outdoor restaurant at night. The service was good - the waitress was quick to bring our drinks and food, both of which were really good! I had a full meal (chicken sandwich and fries) along with 2 alcoholic drinks for like $13. All in all, no complaints, I will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Jacquelyn M.
It is a great place to sit down and enjoy an outside meal with friends after a trip to the dog park. They are dog friendly on the patio and have plenty of space that it will not be effected by other patrons having their canines there as well. The service has always been fast and responsive. The humus plate is a great dish that can be shared. The burgers are nice and juicy as well.
(4)
Marjorie J.
I have come here on so many occasions that I have lost count. Their food is really good at a good price and the workers in the neighborhood are very sociable and comfortable. I recommend to mostly everyone.
(5)
Paul G.
I am a new convert to the Universal Joint. I had somehow never been there in my 5 years in Atlanta. I was definitely missing out! I work across the street now, so I go at least once a week. It's phenomenal! The food is great for any meal and the service is also excellent. I love sitting outside on a hot day under the shade with their huge fan. It's also a great place to take business contacts because it perfectly exemplifies what's great about Oakhurst Village!
(5)
Don D.
I've been to UJoint twice this week and man, both times they just knocked it outta the park. Slow Older Bearded Guy Server wasn't there (slow as in pace, not as in "special"). Wed night they were slammed and I still got my food in a totally decent time. I ordered the chicken fingers basket and noticed it was way smaller than before which in all honest was really nice. It was a more appropriate serving and I really dug it. Yesterday; I was there for lunch and I was waited on by Elyse. She was hands down one the most pleasant servers I have ever had. She was so sweet, kept my water full and was really cool to talk to as well. My black bean burger was as epic as ever. Every time I have one I feel like my face is being made love to. The tots were kick ass as usual and again, I'm a huge fan. It's so great to have such awesome experiences at my favorite neighborhood joint. Keep it up y'all!
(5)
Rachel P.
The U Joint is a cool little spot in Oakhurst with a classic bar menu. Nice place for a close-to-home laid back meal, which is probably what most of the customers are in search of. Nice patio in the warmer months, and very dog friendly. In fact, if you don't have a dog or a child with you, you might be in the minority (this is Oakhurst, after all). The service can be a little spotty-- there's no host(ess), so you have to hope that someone sees you when you come in. This is not a fine dining experience where someone is waiting on you hand and foot. Probably not the best place to come if you're in a rush :-) Get the brisket nachos! They're yumski with the queso and pickled jalapenos.
(4)
Keisha B.
So I've since been back and believe it or not I've fell in love with their salads. Delicious, fresh with the right amount of everything and dressing on the side. The burgers aren't bad either. I've yet to dine in since all of my orders are to go but I've taken the time to get to know the staff while waiting for my orders, some are cool and friendly others won't speak unless spoken to first.
(3)
Jana B.
The decor is great, the atmosphere would be great if it weren't for all the children. Unfortunately it resembles Romper Room if you're not there late night. I suppose this is explained by the neighborhood but I enjoy a bar that does not have kids in it. The food is passable for bar food but not what I would call tasty. The bar selection is great and well priced.
(2)
April W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent food and remarkable service! We were greeted promptly and our food came out in a jippy!
(5)
Davena J.
This is late but I had post about my recent experience at UJ. I am new to the Oakhurst neighborhood and must admit the review score had me a little concerned. But I must say my experience was STUPENDOUS! That Chicken Arugula salad is so "da Bomb.com !"
(5)
Dee B.
Came here after work with my girlfriends to unwind with food and beer. Cool little spot even though finding parking can be tricky. I had the blue cheese bacon burger with tater tots. Really good burger and tots. Only thing is I had a meh waiter. Its a bar so I can't expect much lol
(4)
Brian G.
Just had a quick bite and a beer on Sunday during some NFL action. The patio was a nice spot and the wings I had were solid. They were unfortunately out of the first beer that I ordered but they had some good backups. Good crowd for Falcons games -- if you sit outside you don't have a TV to see -- but you can hear all of the sound from inside.
(3)
Charles C.
Great outdoor dining in a neighborhood atmosphere. I have been here before and the food was great especially the 1-2 burger. Great place for outdoor dining.
(4)
Alisha C.
This is maybe my third time coming here and the food is great. It is small but coming on a nice Saturday afternoon you can sit outside. I love the neighborhood and U joint is right in the middle so you can people watch..the day I came it was a little busier than usual but when the food came out it was nice and hot...parking is sometimes nonexistent so I always park in the family dollar parking lot and walk over
(4)
Tj G.
I always have a great experience at Universal Joint. The staff is very laid back and polite. The food is delicious, with huge portions and good prices. Bruce is especially nice, and always goes out of his way to be kind. There's also a server with long dreads who is possibly the nicest person on the planet.
(5)
Seth G.
I come here at least once a week. Whether I'm in the mood for a salad, nachos, or a tasty burger they always deliver. Add to this a diverse beer selection and one of the best patios in town and you have a winning combination.
(5)
Kim A.
The chicken chimichanga is one of the tastiest, if not the best! Universal Joint is very modern. With seating outdoors and indoors, it's a perfect place to eat on sunny days and the location allows you to have a great view of Oakhurst. Service is good, and I appreciate that the waiter will check on you every so often without being bothersome.
(5)
Keagan R.
Great patio, good and friendly service. Bring back the UJ Dog! The patio is dog friendly along the edges and there are always dogs there. Doesn't match Steinbeck's as far as quality beers and food, but is much more conducive to groups larger than 5 or 6. We've never had a poor experience with service here. Keep up the good work
(4)
Athena A.
So, we came here on what I ( clearly not my husband's ideas!) call our GA Food Network Next Couple Food Tour and at the urging of an AJC article on best burgers. Let's get to it! I ordered just that with simple American cheese, kept everything off so that I could taste the burger. I still couldn't get a spot that didn't give me a well-done burger, but it wasn't burnt! In fact, though it was somewhere between medium and well, it was still fairly juicy which was cool. The taste was okay. I could use some black pepper and a good crushed sea salt perhaps, but that may not be for everyone so, I guess. They don't fry, which is nice, it's a charbroil situation which adds a bit of flavor to it. Now of course the common partner is a potato and you have some choices outside of that. I opted for the usual suspect and rounded out with fries- bad choice! The fries are horrible. I tasted the unfreshness of frozen food, but they could have been a batch that stayed out in the kitchen too long, which would be a terrible thing for a cute spot in "fancy" Oakhurst to do, but it wouldn't be as bad as serving frozen spuds and trying to mask the freezer burn with oil and salt so, I'll go with evil A! My server, who was super helpful and nice, swapped them for the tots which is he partner to your burger I would recommend. They are soooo good. Not oily and dense like most, but deliciously light and crispy! A definite choice spud for your beef. Overall, I may come visit the bar or try something else, but I'm sure there are better burgers and I will unearth them.... Then take that chick's job at the AJC and let you all know where they are!
(3)
Krysta B.
I have been here only a few times and have never really been impressed. The food is basic, bar food and not even at its best either. Each time I have been here I have sat at the bar in occasion I have sat alone. Not one time was I spoken too other than placing my order and getting my check. The employees have never impressed me, no warmth, conversation, encouragement, personality, just stale in and out, yes and no service. They are a casual restaurant/ bar and to have employees that are not friendly is unimpressive. I live very close to here and drive by often and where as it was once convenient to drive by and have a quick bite convenience is no longer enough... I always continue to drive on by no matter my hunger level. If they could step it up and add some love to the menu and food as well as get some employees with better attitudes I would consider coming back in.
(2)
Nathan R.
Just moved to Oakhurst and my wife and I love this place! Great patio for a nice weather day. The food is above average for bar food, but the atmosphere and staff make this place what it is. We will be going back often.
(4)
j s.
I give this joint 3 stars only because the beer and grilled chicken sandwich were fabulous. The wait staff was rude bordering on mean. We had a party of 8 and had pushed together (on our own) 3 small tables. A forth table was being used by the waitstaff as a junk table. Seriously, it was holding 2 pitchers and a couple of wet rags. When I asked the waitress if we could use that table for our group she snarled at me and I thought she was going to go for my neck. "Absolutely NOT!" What business owner would rather their waitstaff use a table for junk instead of selling more food? I don't think any of the group will be returning, and that is a shame because the food was very good.
(3)
Wayne J.
Food was great. I had the brisket tacos w/chips, my wife had the pork tamales and our son had the brisket sandwich w/fries. All were great and the price was reasonable. Service was also very good. I would eat here often, if I lived near the area.
(5)
Joel B.
Wifey had the gyro and liked it alot. She took some home as it was pretty large. I had the bacon/cheddar burger and it was very good. Beer selection was satisfactory but had some good selections, just not a lot which was fine. We sat on the patio and even though the day had been hot, it was still nice enough to sit outside. There was a giant fan that stirred the air enough so we were not sweating (we would have eaten inside if that had been an issue). However, we did get attacked by flies when our food came out. I know there's nothing they can do about that but had we known that was going to happen, we'd have just eaten inside. All-in-all, we had a good time and the waiter was very friendly and told us all about the Oakhurst area which neither of us had ever visited. We will definitely return to the area as we both enjoyed the vibe of the community.
(4)
David L.
Great hood joint that you can bring your GOOD dog too - if you sit on the large patio. They even have a big ass fan to keep you semi cool during the Summer heat. We love walking here and kicking back.
(4)
Gillian R.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunshine-y Friday night, and we had a brilliant and unique idea: Let's find a patio somewhere! He suggested U Joint and I'm always up for somewhere new to Yelp, so we headed off in the direction of Oakhurst. The patio was packed, not surprisingly, but there was one chair at the communal table outside, so we ordered a drink and waited for a table to open up. One right near us did as our drinks arrived, so I let our waitress know that we'd be moving. I'm not sure if that's where the confusion happened, but we somehow had two waitresses, neither of which was very quick or effective. It wasn't the worst service I've ever had, by any means, but it was definitely one of those times we were constantly keeping an eye out for someone who could help us. We ordered waters halfway through our visit and they never came. The patio was also teeming with little children running amok, which is fine I guess, as long as they're not screaming and bumping into our chairs with incredible frequency. Which some of them were, really. Bar patios are not babysitters, my friends. The chicken fingers apparently hit the spot and I can attest that the french fries and dipping sauce that accompanied them were yummy. I'm sure we'll be back here sometime.
(3)
Nishant G.
The food here is pretty amazing! Service is great too, though we had a big group and they messed up our order a bit. No big deal. They corrected it without a question, and took the meal off the bill. The food tastes excellent. I had the burger with blue cheese and bacon. Sooooo goooood! Order it, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the best places to get lunch in this area, so if you're around, stop in. The price is right too!
(4)
Sam W.
We have been back several times since this review and U.J.'s is consistently a great place to go for burgers and the salads are awesome too. The staff has been attentive and the burgers have been cooked perfectly. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax any day.
(5)
Kayre H.
Came here for a late dinner one Friday night a few weeks ago with a friend who lives in Decatur. I got a U Joint burger and she got a couple U Joint dogs. I know we were after the dinner rush and there wasn't a huge crowd there, but I was still really impressed at how fast the service was. The servings were huge and amazingly delicious. The jalepenos were a nice touch. We actually happened to come back a couple days later on Sunday as we were in the area from taking dogs to a nearby dog park with a bunch of friends. We sat on the far end of the patio tied our dogs to the railing. I didn't get anything this time, but was a little disappointed at the lack of attentiveness of our waiter, particularly in bringing water for the dogs. I guess it depends when you go and who you get (and maybe if you have dogs with you?)
(4)
Jenn N.
My husband and I LOVE Universal Joint. One of the best patios in Decatur. Great beer selection, service and food! It is also a great place to bring the family. My kids love the edemame and the mini cheese burgers on the kids menu. The wings are fantastic! I recommend visiting on a beautiful afternoon. Sit on the patio with a beer, some hot wings and enjoy the sites of the Oakhurst neighborhood.
(5)
David K.
Good times on the patio at Universal Joint... that pretty much sums up the experience. Kirsten treated me to lunch here today and we had a great afternoon eating, drinking, and meeting new dogs (really, there were dogs on the patio too). I had the steak sandwich special and she had the tilapia tacos... both were very good and made fresh just for us. Our server was very friendly and I am looking forward to my next visit. Be sure to try their sweet tea - some of the best I've had in a while.
(4)
Chris B.
Came here during the ice storm for lunch. I had the turkey pita wrap which was very good. The waitress was very friendly and prompt. Food is reasonably prices and the potions were a nice size as well. It was a little chilly, but what else can you expect during an ice storm. Greatly recommend for people with kids and/or pets. As I always see both everytime I pass thru.
(4)
Hayley C.
I met up with a group of friends here recently and really enjoyed the place! It was a nice night, and we hung out in the outside seating area. I wish there had been a bit more space, but then again it was a BIG group. Service was ok (a bit slow for not being overly crowded), the drinks were good and the food was great! It's a great place to hang out and I love the views/people watching. I'd gladly go back if all my friends were headed over again!
(4)
Bobbin W.
After meandering around the Oakhurst fall festival for a couple hours, I was pretty freaking hungry. So a friend and I pulled up some stools at the Universal Joint's outdoor seating area. Another dude plopped down beside me, cigarette smoke swirling into my face. He asked me if the smoke bothered him, and I said "yes." I was pretty impressed that he moved. Anyway, I ordered the tilapia tacos. The fish was, like, shredded, juicy and substantial. REAL lettuce, tomato and jalapeño sauce rounded out the flavor. The service was sort of slow but friendly. Whatever. It was Saturday afternoon.
(4)
Mike T.
The atmosphere is nice here. It's on a street corner that is semi-busy, but not overwhelmingly so. The decor is well-done -- earthy colors, dark woods, very relaxing and ease-setting. The patio is great (and mostly covered too), but it does have metal patio chairs which aren't very comfortable. Inside the music was a bit loud. I like to be able to talk with friends at dinner without having to yell, thanks. They have a rotating beer selection here, but the waiter didn't give us a list when we sat down. We asked about what they had on tap, and he was unsure about what they still had left, nor was he particularly proactive about finding out for us for sure. A few minutes later we changed to a table on the other side of the place (to get away from noisy kids), and the waitress in that section was MUCH more helpful. They did have St. Bernardus (bottled) which is one of my favorite beers, so extra points there. I had a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese, and tater tots. My burger was quite tasty, and they gave it to me medium just as I asked. A lot of places seem to give me medium-well when I ask for a medium burger, I guess to err on the side of health caution. This place is a little pricey for what you get, but it's not over the top price-wise.
(2)
Stormtrooper H.
The U-Joint is another great bar from the folks that bring you Steinbeck's, Moe's & Joe's, 97 Astoria and Limerick Junction (to name a few) that feature good food in a relaxed (gas station like) environment. Avoid the trivia night on Tuesday as the questions are frustratingly obscure and many of the answers get challenged and proven to be wrong from the moderator. Also, for some reason this last visit the patio was swarming with flies which was very unpleasant.
(3)
Margaret M.
U Joint is dog friendly and that earns a star. The disingenuous nature of my twiggy young server always leaves me with that deep down warm fuzzy piss off feeling. Fortunately someone was wise enough to play 40's music which I greatly appreciate as an alternative to whatever formulaic trite drool people consider good alternative music now.... The food was OK, but the menu looked like it just came back from a whirlwind trip around the dumpster. Sweetie, the servers job is to make me feel like gold, tips come accordingly. Side-work also includes wiping menu's too
(3)
Larry W.
This has been a regular neighborhood haunt for us for several years. We've always enjoyed the food here. That is until last week. Our last experience there was disappointing. It seems that something has gone wrong with in the kitchen. They just don't seem to be making an effort any more. I seriously hope that they return the food to the level it used to be! Otherwise we won't be eating there much.
(2)
Josh G.
The suburban crowd will never bother you at this locals-only ITP spot. It's the crown jewel of Oakhurst and a favorite of mine. Good beer, good food, good people, good prices.
(5)
Jena H.
I went with a group of friends for a 27th birthday outing and it made for a nice relaxed evening. Our waiter was cool and let us hog his tables for the evening and played along grabbing the "mystery shot" recipes from a friend's iphone for the bartender. The edamame works well as an appetizer for a group and with 10 people, we picked at 3 bowls ($5 each) of it through the night along with our orders. It's a small place with more outside seating than inside. It looks to be an old gas station that was converted well. There is definately character here. While I wouldn't make a trip all the way out from my home in Duluth, if I was in the area, I might consider giving it another try. (After all, don't they say professional reviewers usually check a place out twice, just be be sure?)
(3)
Ben G.
As if U Joint needs any more awesome reviews. Their steak sandwich is killer, as are their burgers. The spicy eggroll appetizer is definitely spicy, almost too spicy for my wimpy tastes , but I love 'em anyway. Plus I love having tater tots as a side option. Lastly, being from Boston, I appreciate any place that shows Boston sports teams. You guys are local to me, great food, great beer, great service and a great patio. Perfect all around.
(5)
rebecca b.
I live right down the street from Universal Joint and go here all the time. It has a great patio, good beer selections, pretty friendly staff(not over the top, get you what you need and leave you alone which is some times nice) Food is good quality pub type stuff. Gyros, burgers, wings, ect. It has a chill atmosphere. Great place to grab a pitcher of beer and snack when you feel like getting out for a little bit on a nice day with friends. A few T.V.s for watching the games but can be tough to find a good spot to watch if you have a fairly large group. Will for sure continue to go back. Love the U Joint
(4)
Bob H.
I just recently moved within walking distance to the U Joint and have been there four times now. I like the U because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. A neighborhood bar with pretty good food for the price. The service does seem a little aloof but I think that's just part of the vibe here. Don't be snippy or in a rush and you will be treated nicely by the staff, who all seem pretty laid back. It's just warming up and when the weather is nice, the patio fills up with people and their cigarettes and dogs. I like it.
(4)
Todd P.
I dined out for a safer Atlanta tonight! (I hope they catch the violent, good-for-nothing bastards that shot that poor guy at The Standard.) I've been to Universal Joint quite a few times, mostly in the warmer months when there's more seating on their patio. The seating inside is limited and it was pretty much packed when we arrived tonight. But we lucked out and were able to slide a couple of small bar-height tables together for a make-shift 4-top. They actually have a pretty expansive menu of good, above average bar food. I tried the gyro with fries. Snarfed it all down, as usual -- tasty stuff. I'd probably get a burger next time, though. I polled the table before we left on how many stars they'd give U Joint. We all agreed our dinner was A-OK! Three stars, baby. =)
(3)
Nick P.
Showed up a little after 9 pm on a Sunday night in May. The place had a good sized crowd compared to other places around Oakhearst, but we had no trouble finding a table for our party of six. Service was prompt, and the drink menu was amply stocked with a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits. Being the driver, I ordered a lemonade, which, while delicious, was overly sweet/sour to the point I had to cut it with water. For starters, we ordered hummus. The hummus was especially tasty! I'm typically not a fan, but the blend of tomatoes, onions, and olives, really gave this dish a standout flavor. The presentation was awesome, and dippables such as pita slices were in ample proportions. For an entree, I ordered hot wings. While the wings weren't bad, I wouldn't recommend them. The wings were a good bargain, and the size was above average, but I found the sauce lacking in flavor and the wings under fried. If you really want hot wings you won't be disappointed, but I'd recommend trying something else. All and all, the atmosphere and friendly wait staff are enough to warrant a revisit. I especially want to try the patio late night next time, as the chance of rain kept us inside : (
(4)
Lisa A.
What a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon! I have been a few times now and the service has been good. It can slow down a bit when there are lots of big tables, but I always see the servers working hard.The food is typical bar food but when you are drinking beer, what else do you really need? Very laid back place to meet up with friends or in our case, make new ones. I also like the fact that I can bring my dog, very cool!
(4)
Jeff M.
This place gets *** because, all things considered, it contains all of the elements needed in a great hangout. Food, check. It is a bar-type menu and very good. Drinks, check. Good selection of beers and drinks. Indoor seating and outdoor patio, check. I'm always a fan of open air seating, which is nice in this part of town. Cheap and affordable check, check. Anytime I get a call for a meetup here, I'm content.
(3)
Debbie D.
One of my favorite neighborhood hang-outs. We are always running into our friends and neighbors here. Either they are eating there or walking by. The food is very good for high quality bar food. Love the outdoor patio and if your on the edge of the patio your dog can enjoy too. The only downside to this place is the services has been notoriously slow over the years. Would have given it 5 stars except for the slow service. Really great place.
(4)
Peter B.
We walk to the U-Joint twice a week. Univeral Fries can be retro by substituting with tater-tots. U-Tots are topped with real melted cheese, thick canadian bacon, scallions and fresh jalapenos and served with a ranch dressing. My neighbors always get the steak tacos. I'm generally stuffed after splitting U-Fries and a salad with a friend and taking down two cold draft beers. I am partial the to the canadian bacon and blue cheese burger (with a black bean patty, don't be hate'in until you have tried their patty.) Beer is cold. The crowd is very diverse. A widely ranging crowd of hipsters, locals, a sprinkling of bad golfers coming off Charlie Yates and families complete with a Golden-Doodle in tow. Dogs on leashes are a permanent fixture on the edges of the patio. I would give up five stars if they could solve their fly problem. Hey U-Joint find the offending source and nuke it.J
(4)
Gregory H.
Great food, solid service in a funky space. We sat inside as it was raining, but the patio looks like a great spot to hang out. We had wings and the steak tacos, both were delicious. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Whitney R.
Before beginning this review, I have to say that we love this place. We will be back. However, tonight was disgraceful. We showed up around 10:45 and our server (Sam) came back promptly with our drinks. Shortly thereafter a table near us got up to go home and asked her if she had a long night ahead of her. She said "Yea, these F*#$ERS" are still here" (while looking at us). After that, we waited an hour for our check. There was no "do you need another drink? do you need your check?" I am never one to write a review, but tonight truly merited one. For the ending to a great night out, it was a huge disappointment.
(3)
Joyce S.
Love this place. Close to my house and consistently good food. Always pleasant service.
(5)
Frank M.
Great porch to have a beer and relax. The food is ok. Not the best bar food in town, but not the worst. I find myself eating and having a few drinks at Steinbecks and then going over to UJ for a few beers. Or sometimes the otherway around!
(4)
Bjorn G.
The U-Joint is immortal to me in that it has the hardest, weirdest trivia ever on Tuesdays. I went there with a group of trivia regulars a couple of times and we were totally blown away within a few questions, and completely demoralized by the end of the evening. That said, I really like hanging out at this place. It's one of my favorite patios in the Atlanta metro area. The beer selection is good. They have good pub food that's not boring, and mostly under ten bucks. And it's within walking distance of home for me. Plus it's in a charming little out of the way neighborhood. What's not to like?
(4)
David B.
The service can be iffy, but the burgers are outstanding, the beer and liquor selection top-notch, the patio sublime and they let me turn the TVs onto obscure soccer games anytime I ask. I read a review somewhere that referred to the U-Joint as Oakhurst's cafeteria, and that sounded about right to me.
(4)
Chris L.
I'm very lucky to have this as my neighborhood bar. In fact it's one of the main reason's I haven't moved. The staff is always great to be around and it's the best pub food one could ask for. My favorites are the burgers, gyro, buffalo chicken quesadilla, egg rolls and chips with queso. They bring in new items (beer and food) on a routine basis and seem to always have a special. My personal tip is to enjoy the patio.
(4)
David D.
This is my local neighborhood hangout. Service at the bar is almost always top-notch, especially if Eric is at the helm. Bartenders here are good at what they do and are highly recommended. The food is pretty good, although their menu could use an update. As far as standard bar food goes, it measures up well. Table service is often spotty at best, especially on nice days when the patio is full. Great neighborhood joint.
(4)
Tris C.
Best patio to hang out. Best dog-friendly place Best bloody marys. service? well..eh.
(4)
George C.
What a great place! I was settled in the back table around to the left of the serving counter, mellowed out, sipping a Diet Coke, gnarshing on a perfectly rendered cheeburgah with fat yet crispy fries, wondering if this kinda place could become my future bizzness in another, warmer locale. The hippy, folksy feelin' here always takes me back to 1967, cutoffs, sandals, and shoulder length hair. I like that I can always be surprized by their daily specials. Wooo- I like when they make that chunky homemade guacamole. Happy thoughts, fun place, four fat stars.
(4)
Sadie S.
I LOVE U-Joint's food. Yup, the service can be iffy, but on a sunny spring or autumn afternoon that patio can't be beat. We used to converge there after scooter rides. Great beer! Definitely try the spicy chicken egg rolls and the buffalo chicken quesadilla.
(4)
Ben T.
I live right down the street from UJ so I've visited a fair few times. What attracts me the most is I like that their patio is dog-friendly. It's great for having a beer or two after a trip to the dog park. Inside there are 2 TV's usually tuned to local sports. The menu is pretty standard pub fare but what they do have is tasty. As a vegetarian I would hope for a little more selection but omnivores should find plenty to choose from. The beer selection is good and the staff can make an intelligent recommendation, which is important. The service is friendly but unfortunately it is consistently slow. This is not a place for a quick meal. The exception is if you sit at the bar. That being said UJ is still a good neighborhood bar.
(3)
Cole W.
Great burgers, good beer selection, eclectic staff and a fantastic patio setting. I highly recommend you check this place out for casual fare done up one level.
(4)
Lisa K.
The U Joint is the best place in town to sit on a patio and drink a beer. They serve a good burger and great fries, as well as some pretty decent quesadillas. I only wish they were a tiny bit cheaper or had drink specials. The friendly atmosphere of Oakhurst village makes this place worth visiting on a sunny afternoon or a warm evening.
(4)
T L.
Meh. It's ok. It's pub food with no outdoor heat lamps and mostly outdoor seating. They offer a tater-tot option for fried sides, which is awesome and the tots were fry-alicious. I had a chicken philly sandwich and it was ok. Nothing to write home about. Nice atmosphere and ok pub food. They have a black bean burger, which is great for my vegan folk singer/artist friendsies. Apparently, the wastebaskets in the bathrooms are very tiny, which several fellow diners complained about. Unlike the wastbaskets, the portions are not tiny. Not enormous, but average. Everything is average here, except the company I was in.
(3)
Jarrod C.
The Universal Joint is all things Oakhurst. Quality place to take your dog, sit on a porch, play trivia, eat quality food, and mingle with your neighbors. I highly recommend the U-Joint fries that come covered in cheddar cheese/bacon/scallions and blue cheese. Their food or beer selection won't blow you away but it's MORE than substantial and makes the U-Joint a must visit in Decatur/Oakhurst.
(3)
Russ G.
If you have a dog, this place is for you. A large patio area is always full, even on the hottest days, and there's dogs every few feet relaxing with their owners. Why not? The food here is very good, a step up regular bar food, cooked to order and served with a large choice of fresh sides. Beer selection is equally good. Inside is a little small, but this is a patio bar anyway, so don't expect to bring a huge group here. Parking is tough, but possible unless it's a really busy night.
(4)
Kerry L.
Hands down, this is my favorite place in Oakhurst. I've lived down the street for almost 7 years and have to get my U-Joint fix at least 3 - 5x a month. It is DOG-FRIENDLY. The food is great (try the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, the Universal Fries or the most fantabulous egg rolls with chicken, cream cheese, japalenos and grapes). On a nice Spring or Fall evening, get there early, as the large patio tends to fill up by 6 or 6:30 pm. If you are thinking of moving to Oakhurst, go to inOAKHURSTga.com .
(5)
Vincent V.
I just realized that I've never been inside the U Joint except to use the bathroom. I can't even remember what it looks like. The patio? I could tell you about that for twenty minutes, but you'd probably get bored reading that much... Perfect spot in almost any weather to kick back and relax. The food and drinks are great, and the servers are very laid back and reflect the mellow Oakhurst vibe. There's not a ton of traffic, lots of trees, and it's very relaxing. It's like the anti-Buckhead. The U Joint is at the center of Oakhurst and gives you a great view of the whole neighborhood. It's great for a change of pace if you're getting tired of Little Five or the Village.
(5)
Michael B.
I went there with a friend for the first time the other day. The waiter seemed to get aggrivated since we took a little while to order. The food was pretty good and we didn't have to wait long on the food. The portions are pretty nice. I had to take half my chicken sandwich home with me. They have a nice patio to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather. I have been by the place late at night and seen it packed, so I would suggest getting there earlier in the evening if possible. I would have given 4 stars, but since the waiter seemed to get aggrivated because we took a while to order, I figured I would deduct a star for service.
(3)
Jo L.
i had fun here. the waiter was really nice and attentive but not overbearing. the food was good. my friend and i split blackened tilapia fish tacos and a smoked salmon blt. they were both good, but i especially loved the fish tacos. they were bursting with a pleasant assortment of mouth watering flavors. the atmosphere of the place is casual yet nice. kinda dark, tvs with sports on, not at all trashy but not preppy. i like it. you can sit outside too. oh, and we had tall citrusy beers, i think they were blue moon, maybe? i don't know but they were good whatever they were!
(4)
Jenny K.
pretty god, drinks are little expensive and the food is ok
(3)
Lauren D.
Great neighborhood bar. Good food, great patio, friendly staff and their dog friendly which is really nice. I also like that there are so many areas to sit all with their own kinda crowd.
(4)
Meloknee H.
good drinks. good location. not so good at credit card transactions. maybe they thought i was drunk enough that i wouldn't notice the double charge... but a great place for lots of friends on a patio on a warm evening with lots of beer!
(3)
Jen K.
On a beautiful spring day, the U Joint patio is the place to be. Randomly, my husband and his friend did this marketing thing where they each earned a $50 bank of america visa gift card while us girls waited at home. So when they get back, we girls decide that, given what gorgeous weather we are having, we should immediately activate these gift cards and go drink away their hard earned money on a nice patio. We settle on U Joint, where none of us have been in a few years, but we remember having great outdoor seating. We take the picturesque drive to Oakhurst, and get nice close parking on the street near U Joint. Found the perfect table and settled down for a lazy Sunday. The food was great - queso and chips, hummus, tilapia tacos, steak tacos, and gyro all tasty - especially considering that I always think of U Joint as first and foremost a bar. Had a few pitchers of Stella, which were $16 each. The service was a little sporadic. Got appetizers and meals less than 5 minutes apart so our table was packed with plates, weird! Other times wouldn't see her for a bit, but we were just killing time anyways so no worries. The worry came when we got the bill. The guys give their two $50 giftcards and the server promptly came back and said that their "machine couldn't take these things." Thinking we had activated them improperly we call the number on the card and confirm they are each activated for $50. We ask her to rerun them, and she tells us that it is not a problem with the cards, it is their machine which won't accept them. So we ask if they could call in the charge, or something like that. She tells us no pretty matter-of-factly. We are being super sweet, but obviously a little distressed at this point. She leaves again to see what she can do, and we huddle and discuss if we should ask for a manager or what? Luckily a bartender comes over - turns out she was running the cards wrong, but that he knew how to and would take care of it. Explained he would have to run the cards for $40 and the rest be written in as tip. It worked. Phew! The waitress came over and was nice after the payment got worked out, but those tense 10 minutes killed my buzz :(
(3)
Elizabeth R.
Cute, neighborhood-y place! It's a little small, but the patio is nice if the weather permits, and they are expanding. Don't expect fast service, but do expect your server to have a friendly conversation with you. Decent selection of beer and mixed drinks. Yummy slightly-better-than bar food (including cheese fries that I want to smoosh my face in they're so tasty!)
(4)
Lori F.
Cute bar right in the square. The patio is a great spot to people and dog-watch on a nice day. Excellent beers and burgers.
(5)
Thom V.
i so wanted to like this place, but the service was horrible. the waitress was either new or didn't care. i won't get into too much details, but there are way too many places that serve the same kind of food for me to put up with bad service.
(1)
Herman N.
Great, charming little bar in a great, charming little area. Beer selection is above average, food is mostly great and the servers have a nice sense of humor.
(4)
Andrew H.
I love the patio and location and I used to love the turkey pita club. That is ..until my last visit. They are serving literally half the sandwich for the same price. Super bummed.. It was in my top 5 sandwiches in the city.
(2)
Shervonn R.
When you need to escape from the day to day havoc, alone or with a friend Universal Joint is the place to be. The food, drinks and service are great!
(5)
Anne A.
UJoint is my go-to on lazy days when the weather is nice. The patio is big with plenty of tables and a lovely view of Oakhurst; you can even sit inside and enjoy the outdoors when they roll up the big garage-style doors. If you're a pet parent, you can have your furbaby join you on the patio. The service is slow, but everyone is friendly. The food is good, quality bar food: wings, burgers, etc. This isn't a place to go if you're in a hurry or want to impress someone. Order the spicy egg rolls; they're really extra-yummy! I'm also a fan of the buffalo chicken quesadilla, and the wings are pretty good.
(4)
Scott S.
As good as it gets as far as pub fare. Delicious burgers. Great patio. Dog friendly. You really cannot go wrong with U-Joint.
(4)
Bryan A.
Ohhhhhhh, the U Joint. I have spent quite a bit of time here. Most of the crowd is local as are the staff. Speaking of the staff don't be fooled to thinking they are surly or unattentive. I find the U-Joint's character's hilarious. They are usually busy and helping clients so no need to take offense when there is ONE bartender and ONE patio server for their amazingly awesome and dog friendly patio. They are probably just overworked. They stock various draughts throughtout the year, some killer sliders and specials, and a really tasty burger named after their own establishment. Go, lay back, take a pup if you have one, and enjoy the sun!!!
(4)
Brian K.
Universal Joint is a perfectly reasonable option if you happen to be in the near vicinity; however, it's certainly not a place I would go out of my way to visit. For one, the patio is not nearly as captivating as some of these reviewers will lead you to believe-only a small portion is covered and it's typically overrun with dogs and hoards of chain-smokers. I'm also perplexed by those lauding the people watching opportunities - this is Oakhurst - the people watching consists of housewives, the elderly, and school children. Food: The menu at Universal Joint consists of traditional American pub fare, including heavy appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers. They also feature a handful of Tex-Mex options, including quesadillas and tacos. All burgers and sandwiches come with your choice of either fries or tots. A chicken or black bean patty can be substituted for any burger option on the menu. During my recent visit, I opted for the bleu cheese bacon chicken sandwich with a side of fries, both of which were decent. Service: The service here leaves much to be desired, particularly on the weekend and during evening trivia. The staff are all friendly, but the restaurant just isn't adequately staffed for the patron volume. During my last visit, we waited nearly 15 minutes alone for the check to arrive. Atmosphere: Casual and lively. The restaurant consists of a large bar area and two dining rooms with both low and high top seating options. There is also an outdoor patio, which the locals seem to be quite impressed by. Cost: Inexpensive. Bar snacks and appetizers are $5-$10, while burgers, sandwiches, and entrees are $8-$12. Other: Universal Joint hosts trivia on Tuesday evenings at 8:30PM, which I'd consider more intellectually pressing than others I've been to in Atlanta. Parking can be problematic on the weekends - your best bet is street parking on either Oakview or Fayeteville.
(3)
John F.
This is a great pub. Came here for trivia on a Tuesday night, and thought I'd get some beer and shitty food. BUT. The food wasn't shitty. It was great. The sliders were good, the wings were tasty and huge, the fries were good. The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to hang out with friends.
(5)
Kristy V.
Don't move a barstool from the bar the waiter, a very sad, rude, disrespectful and apparently angry waiter named Ryan will attack you and insult you. I had four friends that were waiting for a table. A 4 top missing a stool came up and I was attacked for touching a stool from the bar. Apparently they rather loose a four top over a stool. There are so many other well staffed bars around Oakhurst or Decatur you can go to than be subject to their poor service.
(1)
Stefanie M.
U Joint is a great neighborhood grill when you need some well priced and well done simple pub food. They recently renovated their patio and increased their seating, which is good because on a beautiful day it can still be difficult to get a table. Their beer selection is really good. The only negative is their service, while never bad, can be a little indifferent. But we come here for the good food, good beer selection and a great neighborhood pub food.
(4)
Emily K.
I went here a few weeks ago for dinner after work. I'd say it was more like 3.5 stars. They were surprisingly busy for a weeknight, but the weather was starting to get good. We managed to get a table outside. We got the queso & salsa appetizer to split & I opted for the brisket philly with tater tots. The queso was fine, not particularly memorable. The philly was HUGE & very tasty. They gave me an equally large portion of tots to go with it. I only managed to eat half of it and had enough for lunch the next day. I also can't fault them on the size of their non-alcoholic drinks. I was given a vat of lemonade. I think that's a large part of the reason why I couldn't finish my meal. I thought the service was a bit slow, especially toward the end of the meal when we were seeing lightning & hearing thunder. It seemed like they might have been a little understaffed. Otherwise it was a pleasant experience & I'd be willing to go back.
(3)
Anne Marie L.
Love the location - very local and friendly! Delicious burgers and bloody marys (they are strong, too!)
(4)
Laurie F.
So cool and friendly - I have recently moved to the neighborhood. I love the Universal Joint Fries. Very affordable!
(5)
Ra F.
Horrible service and bad food. I saw the manager or owner let his bartenders act like an idiot in front of patrons. There are so many other good restaurants that value customer service within walking distance, I will never go back to this establishment!
(1)
Bryan B.
I went to Universal Joint on Tuesday night to play trivia with some friends. I was told to be there at 8. So, got there a little early and asked what time trivia started. I was told that it starts just 'whenever the guy shows up.' It was not a Team-Trivia sanctioned event. No biggie, except that I couldn't really just hang out all night waiting. So, the server finally came over and started to take our order. We had 6 people and after getting my order, he said 'Um...be right back' and left. When he came back several minutes later, he finished taking the order. It was about 15 minutes later when my beer arrived. Then about another 10 minutes before the food arrived. Finally around 9 PM, the trivia guy shows up and gets things started. The waiter doesn't come back...we finally have to flag him down to get attention. 4 of the people with me said they've had him as a server before and he's usually on top of things. But, he wasn't impressing me that night. The food was good - I had the chicken sandwich and liked it. But, the service was lacking. I'd go back if I'm in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
(2)
Jana R.
Great location and atmosphere. Decent food (best tater tots ever!). But the service is horrible - every time.
(3)
Cameron L.
Holy hell; mediocre food and TERRIBLE service. This was my first time here in several years, and it turned out that I hadn't been missing much by staying away. The beer selection isn't great, and the beer itself is a long time in coming. You know how at most places you order your next beer when you're half-done with your first one? Here you pretty much have to order your next one once the first arrives. The food had similarly regrettable timing. One member of our party didn't get his entree until 10 minutes after the rest of us had been served. And what did arrive on time wasn't all that impressive. The kitchen seems to have a hard time discerning between "medium" and "well" when it comes to cooking temperatures. Maybe I should order my burger rare next time. The fries were from frozen and came doused in an overly salty MSG-ish dunk or something. I might come here again if someone else is buying.
(2)
Terry F.
I stopped by Universal Joint around 11pm on a Saturday night with a friend of mine. We were looking for some tasty, late-night bar food. We were quite satisfied here. The steak salad and beer selection on tap were the stand-outs here. The bartender was also very friendly and attentive. A great location for a bar, too!
(3)
Barbara K.
Nice sitting outside. Food good (gyro) and wait staff attentive. People watching fun as lots of foot traffic going by.
(4)
Bryant O.
Great burgers, beer, and atmosphere. The burgers are huge and the tots are awesome. Good spot for a casual meal. Also very kid friendly.
(5)
Darren H.
Good neighborhood type place on the outskirts of Decatur. Came here for dinner on a Saturday night & thankfully it was before the heatwave so we were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the night. The beer was cold and we had the firecracker sliders. They were a little greasy but still good. I'll have to come back & give them a try again I love the laid back atmosphere.
(3)
Zlatko U.
Universal Joint is a neat place to grab a brew. Besides that its more of the same. Sports on TV, some drunk guy telling a (un)funny story to his friends, and the smell of wings. No matter where you go, that damn smell follows. Now if that is your cup of tea, then this place is for you. However, if you want to get a decent drink, then you can get some decent brewskies here. The service is pretty good. The prices are decent. Its a cluster fawk on the weekends and night, so if you go on an off night you'll be good. Now in comparison to the other taverns/bars in the area, there are a few others I would put on top of the list, but for this little neighborhood, it'll do.
(3)
Mick D.
Universal Joint is an excellent, neighborly hangout. Good eats, with a menu that is a step above typical bar-fare. (Yes, you can still order tots.) And they have a great patio which is typically filled with some very down-to-Earth clientele. This is a great place to grab a beer and chill out for a while. Comfortable. Approachable. Easy. Right across the street from the most-excellent Kavarna, too.
(5)
Kimberly K.
So I'm at the Universal Joint and there are maybe 30 kids here. A dad buys a song on he "juke box" for his kid - "The Wheels on the Bus" and some skin head looking guy with and assault rifle image on his shirt and a vocal crew complain about having to listen to kid music. And the bartender kills the song. So, uh, now the UJoint discriminates against families and kids? Why can't the kids, who are here eating food their parents paid for hear a song they like that their parent paid for? How is it one guy who can't spare 4 minutes for someone else gets to determine what 75 other people have to listen to for the next hour? Very disappointing UJOINT. I have been a weekly visitor (three times this week) and it will be a long time before I spend my money in a place that discriminates against kids and families.
(3)
Melissa T.
They recently added onto the inside, which used to be a little cramped. Their mainstay is the large patio and bar outside, which are crowded during lunch and dinner in the spring and fall. Given that, not much goes on here in bad weather due to the space limitations inside. I bet it's a pet peeve for the servers who can pretty much expect a crappy night if it's raining or cold. The food is normal bar fare with some exceptions. The egg rolls are yummy! and the wings are great. They have some healthier items on the menu as well that I like as well. It's a definite Oakhurst landmark.
(3)
Ritch B.
One of the best beer-drinkin', people watchin' patios in town. Nice beer selection always includes excellent craft beers as well as a good PBR for just the right moment. Food is quite good...particularly for a "bar". The atmosphere is really great. It has a very relaxed and slightly funky vibe. On a-completely-nother note, UJoint just added a new section to their building to the left if you're looking at it from the patio. What? What is that space for? It seems like it was a HUGE waste of somebody's money. Just sayin'. But any way.... A favorite place on a beautiful day. Go sit on the patio under their cool, oversized outdoor fan and enjoy a beer.
(4)
Meg C.
I never reviewed U-Joint before because I never found it that interesting-- used to be I could go get a cheap beer and some chips and salsa after I got off work at Palate, but the rest of the choices weren't that great, but then... they revamped the place! I don't know exactly what changed, but I'm a really big fan of this place now-- the food is super yummy, especially the steak sandwich which is always nice and tender, and you get a decent helping of delicious fries with that! The salads are nice and fresh, the appetizers are the perfect amount of food, and the service is friendly and sufficiently Oakhurst-y. I'm really glad U-Joint upgraded, it's been great to have another option in the area, and I look forward to trying the rest of the menu!
(4)
Tom C.
What a great place. First of all, it is the perfect spot to sit outside and have a drink and a bite to eat on a nice day. The view of Oakhurst village is perfect, and the seating is plentiful. Of course, when it's not nice, it can be cramped inside, which is not big. The drink selection is good; the bar has a pretty wide selection of liquor, and there is a reasonable beer selection (though, if you're looking for a bar with great beer, I'd send you to Steinbeck's across the street). They make some excellent fries and a great salad with baled tilapia on top.not exactly a classy place for a nice night out, it is a great place for a casual, taking it easy dinner and a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon or evening out. All around, this is a great place.
(4)
Wade Z.
This used to be one of my favorite places to get a burger. Now it has turned for the worse... Even after a big remodel some time ago. I don't believe I will be going back. The service has gone to hell and the food as my girl said tasted like cardboard. May be a good place to drink, but I can think of 100 more better places.
(1)
Eowyn C.
This is my go-to patio seating venue. I've been going here for a while and food/service quality is pretty consistent. You can bring your dog although, technically, they are supposed to sit on the edge of the patio. My Pomeranian, Harley, obliged, but only because I snuck him some tator tots here and there. The fish tacos here are a stand-out menu item and the best I've had in Atlanta. I also like the spicy chicken eggrolls, though I'd eat just about anything that has cream cheese as one of the ingredients. The portions here are generous and the drinks are huge which is nice when you don't want your waiter constantly hovering over you and asking for refills. A great place to bring friends (both human and canine). Unfortunately they don't have a dessert menu, although there is an art gallery/bakery called Palate across the street in the long white building, which has some pretty baller desserts and drinks.
(4)
Nicole G.
I used to live around the corner from here, so I was a frequent customer. All of their burgers were absolutely delicious, and the waiters/waitresses were all super nice. I was recently in my old stomping grounds for an event at the Solarium and really wanted to go across the street for food here. Next time though. I always come back.
(5)
Charles S.
Quite possibly the best 'neighborhood bar' in Atlanta. If I'm honest, it's not even in my neighborhood...and I still make the trek to hang out here. Nancy and the staff are superb and groovy...beers are fresh and rotate frequently. Food is good (with a couple of exceptions). Parking is pretty easy. Just my $.02.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Things that may or may not happen at Universal Joint: 1) Drunkenness 2) Children ordering up dessert at the bar 3) Strangers kissing 4) Mechanical bull riding 5) Full belly 6) Corn Hole 7) Arm wrestling 8) Fish tales 9) Laughing 10) Photo bombing Universal Joint is a fun hang-out bar in Oakhurst. The servers have always been able to keep track of my rowdy friends, and service is fairly quick even though the place gets packed inside and out. I definitely recommend the patio in the summer.
(4)
Rob C.
Been going here for a couple of years and still don't understand the love people have for what is basically an average bar. The pros: Decent beer selection Good patio for people watching The only TV is large enough to enjoy watching a game, but doesn't make the place feel like a generic sports bar (Taco Mac, I'm talking to you...) The in-between: Tuesday trivia is both awesome and demoralizing; the same guy does trivia over at Mojo's on Wednesday and will make you feel just as dumb The cons: Uneven service Maybe my taste buds are different than all my neighbors, but the food here is just poor; we've tried the entire menu in the past year and, with the exception of a pretty good burger, it's just bad Prices for beers and food seem a bit high, given the quality Overall: It's not a bad place - slow and casual with a bit of hipster attitude amongst the breeders - kind of like Oakhurst itself
(2)
Barry A.
I was excited to try the Universal Joint because of all the good buzz about it. When the Atlanta People With Blogs Who Get Together To Drink (APWBWGTTD) decided to make this their next stop I was of course elated. Needless to say I had high expectations. We had a large group of people and it was a busy night. I would have liked to sit outdoors as it was a nice evening but we had way too many for that to work. The service was lackluster. I had their Spicy Egg Rolls which were exceptional. I went with their Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and it was alright. Just like their sister location, Flat Iron, the chicken isn't breaded. The chicken was a little dry and the sauce wasn't really spicy. Then I saw something that frighten me. Their last food safety rating was a 76! That is a C rating! A majority of the point deducted were for cleanliness (i.e. employees washing hands, clean floors, clean surfaces) but it still is no excuse. And the rating was done recently too. Hopefully they have addressed these issues by now. THE BOTTOM LINE -- This is a great place to sit, relax and do some people watching on their patio after a long day...but I wouldn't do much more than that.
(2)
M V.
TERRIBLE SERVICE is really the highlight of this review! I could go on and on with details; however, will be short and only give highlights. We waited over 10 minutes to be acknowledged by our server, we were charged $2.50 for a side of extra ranch dressing for our small and dry wings and the quesadilla looked like a child's portion that came with nothing on the side. When we explained to our server that we were unhappy with the food, absolutely no apology or efforts were made to keep us satisfied. I then went home and wrote an email to management explaining our lack of satisfaction and never got a reply, nevermind an explanation or apology. Will never return and have been spreading the word about our experience ever since!
(1)
Annie R.
This place is a good hang out. The food is average, but they have a decent beer selection. This place is not meant to be a culinary feat, at least I hope not? But it is a laid back bar where you can take your dog. Parking can get a little bit hectic but the overall atmosphere is great. The patio is awesome at the place, totally worth a few hours on a weekend afternoon.
(3)
theron t.
I lived in Oakhurst for a couple of years and I was literally right down the street from the Universal Joint. I've had some great times there and I've had some not so great times there. This is a neighborhood landmark for Oakhurst, and it would be hard to not eat here at one time or the other if you lived anywhere near here. It's actually a pretty small restaurant with a big patio. The patio is really popular during nice weather, and in Georgia, that a lot of days. When it's raining, 90+ degrees, or cold, your going to be stuck inside this former gas station turned bar. Service can be varied, as staff come and go, so be prepared for anything. Bartenders are usually really solid. They've got a pretty safe beer list for Decatur, with only a handful of crafts and some Belgians. Full bar. Food is run of the mill bar food for the most part. Chicken spring rolls and wings aren't bad. Decent burger and from time to time, some creative specials. This is a great place for getting a group together to sit outside on the patio of this quaint little neighborhood of Decatur and do some people watching. It's also not a bad late night spot if you live in the area. Would love to see some more creative offerings from the kitchen and some more craft beers. Also, this place crawls with kids and dogs on the weekend some weeknights. Lots of toddlers and youngsters running around while the parents catch a buzz and socialize. If that doesn't bother you, it's a great place to bring your dog and kids while you have a beer and some wings.
(3)
Cara A.
Great atmosphere and good food. Recommend the black bean burger!
(4)
Nikki K.
After a birthday dinner at The Brick Store, we headed over to the U- Joint. How have I lived in the ATL for ten years and never even knew this area existed? Shame, Nikki, shame... Anyway, this place was very small but cozy. We got there on trivia night and Bjorn is pretty right about their trivia. We got there during the last three questions and my friends and I all sort of looked at each other like, "whaaa?" But we were also sort of drunky from dinner, so... Anyway, we were lucky enough to get the last table in the place, and we watched as others came in, looked around, scowled, and walked away. It was the night before the first snow of 2008 and it was brutally cold!! But I can see how it will be fun to frequent in the summer with the nice sized patio overlooking an intersection that is probably pretty busy on the weekends. I like watching folks and looking for cute doggies!
(4)
Laura P.
Every year or so, I give the U-joint another chance. You can't beat the atmosphere. I love the patio, the location, and the menu is somewhat appealing, the service, however, is another story. You can definitely tell the people here dislike their jobs, and dislike their customers. I'd rather spend my money where I'm appreciated.
(2)
Hambri Enta M.
My new fave hangout. Has my preferred vinho verde and the food always inventive and tasty. Also a great patio. The neighborhood is always happening. Good peeps gather here. That is why I go! I love the salmon BLT, sadly, I have to give up the pig, so next time it will be salmon LT. Me likes! they expanded the bar area so more space to fill!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Misty M.
This place is so fun. Food = yummy num nums. The staff is cool and friendly but not fake. The food is solid and not like "I'm so cool trying so hard." Get the u-tots if you like tater tots with cheese, bacon and white sauce (they're really good after hot yoga when you need that pick me up). When I'm on a diet I get the hummus or edamame and stick to wine and beer to fill me up. The bar area is my favorite - you can talk to anyone at the bar and the bartenders have always been really welcoming!!
(5)Brett F.
I had terrible service here, which is too bad because the food was pretty decent. There weren't a ton of people there (or at least not enough to justify terrible service). I had to ask multiple times just to get a water, let alone order an actual drink. Once we finally got our drinks, we then had to wait FOREVER in order to just put our order in. It honestly was like our drinks were our appetizers and the server waited for us to finish them until we placed the order. Once we finally placed our order and got our food, we didn't see the server again until our food was gone and we were waiting for our check. I've heard that there are different servers and some of them are pretty bad. I suppose I'll give it another shot given that the food was decent and the atmosphere was good...but if the service continues to be terrible, I certainly won't come back. There are too many other great places in the area where service isn't terrible.
(1)Trulie A.
As locals, we love that we can stroll to the Universal Joint, enjoy the patio and have a beer. I am also a fan of the black bean burger. I know this is also a bar, but there is a family friendly vibe with the patio on the Oakhurst Square and the benefits for local elementary schools. We were in for a late afternoon (not late bar times) snack with our kids. One of the waitresses had shorts so shorts they did not cover her backside while standing and yet she also bent over as if there was another layer of pants over those shorts. It was gross. I lost my appetite. Hopefully, the waitstaff can be encouraged to cover themselves for the sake of families in for lunch or dinner.
(2)Lindsey D.
I just had dinner there tonight. The setting is super casual but not at all trashy, it's casual in the way that it's relaxing and informal. I didn't see the inside because we ate outside. The tables/chairs outside are patio-style. They have a smoking and non-smoking section. I would say the noise level outside is average-loud, fairly typical when you're in an outdoor restaurant at night. The service was good - the waitress was quick to bring our drinks and food, both of which were really good! I had a full meal (chicken sandwich and fries) along with 2 alcoholic drinks for like $13. All in all, no complaints, I will definitely be coming back.
(5)Jacquelyn M.
It is a great place to sit down and enjoy an outside meal with friends after a trip to the dog park. They are dog friendly on the patio and have plenty of space that it will not be effected by other patrons having their canines there as well. The service has always been fast and responsive. The humus plate is a great dish that can be shared. The burgers are nice and juicy as well.
(4)Marjorie J.
I have come here on so many occasions that I have lost count. Their food is really good at a good price and the workers in the neighborhood are very sociable and comfortable. I recommend to mostly everyone.
(5)Paul G.
I am a new convert to the Universal Joint. I had somehow never been there in my 5 years in Atlanta. I was definitely missing out! I work across the street now, so I go at least once a week. It's phenomenal! The food is great for any meal and the service is also excellent. I love sitting outside on a hot day under the shade with their huge fan. It's also a great place to take business contacts because it perfectly exemplifies what's great about Oakhurst Village!
(5)Don D.
I've been to UJoint twice this week and man, both times they just knocked it outta the park. Slow Older Bearded Guy Server wasn't there (slow as in pace, not as in "special"). Wed night they were slammed and I still got my food in a totally decent time. I ordered the chicken fingers basket and noticed it was way smaller than before which in all honest was really nice. It was a more appropriate serving and I really dug it. Yesterday; I was there for lunch and I was waited on by Elyse. She was hands down one the most pleasant servers I have ever had. She was so sweet, kept my water full and was really cool to talk to as well. My black bean burger was as epic as ever. Every time I have one I feel like my face is being made love to. The tots were kick ass as usual and again, I'm a huge fan. It's so great to have such awesome experiences at my favorite neighborhood joint. Keep it up y'all!
(5)Rachel P.
The U Joint is a cool little spot in Oakhurst with a classic bar menu. Nice place for a close-to-home laid back meal, which is probably what most of the customers are in search of. Nice patio in the warmer months, and very dog friendly. In fact, if you don't have a dog or a child with you, you might be in the minority (this is Oakhurst, after all). The service can be a little spotty-- there's no host(ess), so you have to hope that someone sees you when you come in. This is not a fine dining experience where someone is waiting on you hand and foot. Probably not the best place to come if you're in a rush :-) Get the brisket nachos! They're yumski with the queso and pickled jalapenos.
(4)Keisha B.
So I've since been back and believe it or not I've fell in love with their salads. Delicious, fresh with the right amount of everything and dressing on the side. The burgers aren't bad either. I've yet to dine in since all of my orders are to go but I've taken the time to get to know the staff while waiting for my orders, some are cool and friendly others won't speak unless spoken to first.
(3)Jana B.
The decor is great, the atmosphere would be great if it weren't for all the children. Unfortunately it resembles Romper Room if you're not there late night. I suppose this is explained by the neighborhood but I enjoy a bar that does not have kids in it. The food is passable for bar food but not what I would call tasty. The bar selection is great and well priced.
(2)April W.
Great atmosphere! Excellent food and remarkable service! We were greeted promptly and our food came out in a jippy!
(5)Davena J.
This is late but I had post about my recent experience at UJ. I am new to the Oakhurst neighborhood and must admit the review score had me a little concerned. But I must say my experience was STUPENDOUS! That Chicken Arugula salad is so "da Bomb.com !"
(5)Dee B.
Came here after work with my girlfriends to unwind with food and beer. Cool little spot even though finding parking can be tricky. I had the blue cheese bacon burger with tater tots. Really good burger and tots. Only thing is I had a meh waiter. Its a bar so I can't expect much lol
(4)Brian G.
Just had a quick bite and a beer on Sunday during some NFL action. The patio was a nice spot and the wings I had were solid. They were unfortunately out of the first beer that I ordered but they had some good backups. Good crowd for Falcons games -- if you sit outside you don't have a TV to see -- but you can hear all of the sound from inside.
(3)Charles C.
Great outdoor dining in a neighborhood atmosphere. I have been here before and the food was great especially the 1-2 burger. Great place for outdoor dining.
(4)Alisha C.
This is maybe my third time coming here and the food is great. It is small but coming on a nice Saturday afternoon you can sit outside. I love the neighborhood and U joint is right in the middle so you can people watch..the day I came it was a little busier than usual but when the food came out it was nice and hot...parking is sometimes nonexistent so I always park in the family dollar parking lot and walk over
(4)Tj G.
I always have a great experience at Universal Joint. The staff is very laid back and polite. The food is delicious, with huge portions and good prices. Bruce is especially nice, and always goes out of his way to be kind. There's also a server with long dreads who is possibly the nicest person on the planet.
(5)Seth G.
I come here at least once a week. Whether I'm in the mood for a salad, nachos, or a tasty burger they always deliver. Add to this a diverse beer selection and one of the best patios in town and you have a winning combination.
(5)Kim A.
The chicken chimichanga is one of the tastiest, if not the best! Universal Joint is very modern. With seating outdoors and indoors, it's a perfect place to eat on sunny days and the location allows you to have a great view of Oakhurst. Service is good, and I appreciate that the waiter will check on you every so often without being bothersome.
(5)Keagan R.
Great patio, good and friendly service. Bring back the UJ Dog! The patio is dog friendly along the edges and there are always dogs there. Doesn't match Steinbeck's as far as quality beers and food, but is much more conducive to groups larger than 5 or 6. We've never had a poor experience with service here. Keep up the good work
(4)Athena A.
So, we came here on what I ( clearly not my husband's ideas!) call our GA Food Network Next Couple Food Tour and at the urging of an AJC article on best burgers. Let's get to it! I ordered just that with simple American cheese, kept everything off so that I could taste the burger. I still couldn't get a spot that didn't give me a well-done burger, but it wasn't burnt! In fact, though it was somewhere between medium and well, it was still fairly juicy which was cool. The taste was okay. I could use some black pepper and a good crushed sea salt perhaps, but that may not be for everyone so, I guess. They don't fry, which is nice, it's a charbroil situation which adds a bit of flavor to it. Now of course the common partner is a potato and you have some choices outside of that. I opted for the usual suspect and rounded out with fries- bad choice! The fries are horrible. I tasted the unfreshness of frozen food, but they could have been a batch that stayed out in the kitchen too long, which would be a terrible thing for a cute spot in "fancy" Oakhurst to do, but it wouldn't be as bad as serving frozen spuds and trying to mask the freezer burn with oil and salt so, I'll go with evil A! My server, who was super helpful and nice, swapped them for the tots which is he partner to your burger I would recommend. They are soooo good. Not oily and dense like most, but deliciously light and crispy! A definite choice spud for your beef. Overall, I may come visit the bar or try something else, but I'm sure there are better burgers and I will unearth them.... Then take that chick's job at the AJC and let you all know where they are!
(3)Krysta B.
I have been here only a few times and have never really been impressed. The food is basic, bar food and not even at its best either. Each time I have been here I have sat at the bar in occasion I have sat alone. Not one time was I spoken too other than placing my order and getting my check. The employees have never impressed me, no warmth, conversation, encouragement, personality, just stale in and out, yes and no service. They are a casual restaurant/ bar and to have employees that are not friendly is unimpressive. I live very close to here and drive by often and where as it was once convenient to drive by and have a quick bite convenience is no longer enough... I always continue to drive on by no matter my hunger level. If they could step it up and add some love to the menu and food as well as get some employees with better attitudes I would consider coming back in.
(2)Nathan R.
Just moved to Oakhurst and my wife and I love this place! Great patio for a nice weather day. The food is above average for bar food, but the atmosphere and staff make this place what it is. We will be going back often.
(4)j s.
I give this joint 3 stars only because the beer and grilled chicken sandwich were fabulous. The wait staff was rude bordering on mean. We had a party of 8 and had pushed together (on our own) 3 small tables. A forth table was being used by the waitstaff as a junk table. Seriously, it was holding 2 pitchers and a couple of wet rags. When I asked the waitress if we could use that table for our group she snarled at me and I thought she was going to go for my neck. "Absolutely NOT!" What business owner would rather their waitstaff use a table for junk instead of selling more food? I don't think any of the group will be returning, and that is a shame because the food was very good.
(3)Wayne J.
Food was great. I had the brisket tacos w/chips, my wife had the pork tamales and our son had the brisket sandwich w/fries. All were great and the price was reasonable. Service was also very good. I would eat here often, if I lived near the area.
(5)Joel B.
Wifey had the gyro and liked it alot. She took some home as it was pretty large. I had the bacon/cheddar burger and it was very good. Beer selection was satisfactory but had some good selections, just not a lot which was fine. We sat on the patio and even though the day had been hot, it was still nice enough to sit outside. There was a giant fan that stirred the air enough so we were not sweating (we would have eaten inside if that had been an issue). However, we did get attacked by flies when our food came out. I know there's nothing they can do about that but had we known that was going to happen, we'd have just eaten inside. All-in-all, we had a good time and the waiter was very friendly and told us all about the Oakhurst area which neither of us had ever visited. We will definitely return to the area as we both enjoyed the vibe of the community.
(4)David L.
Great hood joint that you can bring your GOOD dog too - if you sit on the large patio. They even have a big ass fan to keep you semi cool during the Summer heat. We love walking here and kicking back.
(4)Gillian R.
It was a beautiful, warm, sunshine-y Friday night, and we had a brilliant and unique idea: Let's find a patio somewhere! He suggested U Joint and I'm always up for somewhere new to Yelp, so we headed off in the direction of Oakhurst. The patio was packed, not surprisingly, but there was one chair at the communal table outside, so we ordered a drink and waited for a table to open up. One right near us did as our drinks arrived, so I let our waitress know that we'd be moving. I'm not sure if that's where the confusion happened, but we somehow had two waitresses, neither of which was very quick or effective. It wasn't the worst service I've ever had, by any means, but it was definitely one of those times we were constantly keeping an eye out for someone who could help us. We ordered waters halfway through our visit and they never came. The patio was also teeming with little children running amok, which is fine I guess, as long as they're not screaming and bumping into our chairs with incredible frequency. Which some of them were, really. Bar patios are not babysitters, my friends. The chicken fingers apparently hit the spot and I can attest that the french fries and dipping sauce that accompanied them were yummy. I'm sure we'll be back here sometime.
(3)Nishant G.
The food here is pretty amazing! Service is great too, though we had a big group and they messed up our order a bit. No big deal. They corrected it without a question, and took the meal off the bill. The food tastes excellent. I had the burger with blue cheese and bacon. Sooooo goooood! Order it, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the best places to get lunch in this area, so if you're around, stop in. The price is right too!
(4)Sam W.
We have been back several times since this review and U.J.'s is consistently a great place to go for burgers and the salads are awesome too. The staff has been attentive and the burgers have been cooked perfectly. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax any day.
(5)Kayre H.
Came here for a late dinner one Friday night a few weeks ago with a friend who lives in Decatur. I got a U Joint burger and she got a couple U Joint dogs. I know we were after the dinner rush and there wasn't a huge crowd there, but I was still really impressed at how fast the service was. The servings were huge and amazingly delicious. The jalepenos were a nice touch. We actually happened to come back a couple days later on Sunday as we were in the area from taking dogs to a nearby dog park with a bunch of friends. We sat on the far end of the patio tied our dogs to the railing. I didn't get anything this time, but was a little disappointed at the lack of attentiveness of our waiter, particularly in bringing water for the dogs. I guess it depends when you go and who you get (and maybe if you have dogs with you?)
(4)Jenn N.
My husband and I LOVE Universal Joint. One of the best patios in Decatur. Great beer selection, service and food! It is also a great place to bring the family. My kids love the edemame and the mini cheese burgers on the kids menu. The wings are fantastic! I recommend visiting on a beautiful afternoon. Sit on the patio with a beer, some hot wings and enjoy the sites of the Oakhurst neighborhood.
(5)David K.
Good times on the patio at Universal Joint... that pretty much sums up the experience. Kirsten treated me to lunch here today and we had a great afternoon eating, drinking, and meeting new dogs (really, there were dogs on the patio too). I had the steak sandwich special and she had the tilapia tacos... both were very good and made fresh just for us. Our server was very friendly and I am looking forward to my next visit. Be sure to try their sweet tea - some of the best I've had in a while.
(4)Chris B.
Came here during the ice storm for lunch. I had the turkey pita wrap which was very good. The waitress was very friendly and prompt. Food is reasonably prices and the potions were a nice size as well. It was a little chilly, but what else can you expect during an ice storm. Greatly recommend for people with kids and/or pets. As I always see both everytime I pass thru.
(4)Hayley C.
I met up with a group of friends here recently and really enjoyed the place! It was a nice night, and we hung out in the outside seating area. I wish there had been a bit more space, but then again it was a BIG group. Service was ok (a bit slow for not being overly crowded), the drinks were good and the food was great! It's a great place to hang out and I love the views/people watching. I'd gladly go back if all my friends were headed over again!
(4)Bobbin W.
After meandering around the Oakhurst fall festival for a couple hours, I was pretty freaking hungry. So a friend and I pulled up some stools at the Universal Joint's outdoor seating area. Another dude plopped down beside me, cigarette smoke swirling into my face. He asked me if the smoke bothered him, and I said "yes." I was pretty impressed that he moved. Anyway, I ordered the tilapia tacos. The fish was, like, shredded, juicy and substantial. REAL lettuce, tomato and jalapeño sauce rounded out the flavor. The service was sort of slow but friendly. Whatever. It was Saturday afternoon.
(4)Mike T.
The atmosphere is nice here. It's on a street corner that is semi-busy, but not overwhelmingly so. The decor is well-done -- earthy colors, dark woods, very relaxing and ease-setting. The patio is great (and mostly covered too), but it does have metal patio chairs which aren't very comfortable. Inside the music was a bit loud. I like to be able to talk with friends at dinner without having to yell, thanks. They have a rotating beer selection here, but the waiter didn't give us a list when we sat down. We asked about what they had on tap, and he was unsure about what they still had left, nor was he particularly proactive about finding out for us for sure. A few minutes later we changed to a table on the other side of the place (to get away from noisy kids), and the waitress in that section was MUCH more helpful. They did have St. Bernardus (bottled) which is one of my favorite beers, so extra points there. I had a cheeseburger with cheddar cheese, and tater tots. My burger was quite tasty, and they gave it to me medium just as I asked. A lot of places seem to give me medium-well when I ask for a medium burger, I guess to err on the side of health caution. This place is a little pricey for what you get, but it's not over the top price-wise.
(2)Stormtrooper H.
The U-Joint is another great bar from the folks that bring you Steinbeck's, Moe's & Joe's, 97 Astoria and Limerick Junction (to name a few) that feature good food in a relaxed (gas station like) environment. Avoid the trivia night on Tuesday as the questions are frustratingly obscure and many of the answers get challenged and proven to be wrong from the moderator. Also, for some reason this last visit the patio was swarming with flies which was very unpleasant.
(3)Margaret M.
U Joint is dog friendly and that earns a star. The disingenuous nature of my twiggy young server always leaves me with that deep down warm fuzzy piss off feeling. Fortunately someone was wise enough to play 40's music which I greatly appreciate as an alternative to whatever formulaic trite drool people consider good alternative music now.... The food was OK, but the menu looked like it just came back from a whirlwind trip around the dumpster. Sweetie, the servers job is to make me feel like gold, tips come accordingly. Side-work also includes wiping menu's too
(3)Larry W.
This has been a regular neighborhood haunt for us for several years. We've always enjoyed the food here. That is until last week. Our last experience there was disappointing. It seems that something has gone wrong with in the kitchen. They just don't seem to be making an effort any more. I seriously hope that they return the food to the level it used to be! Otherwise we won't be eating there much.
(2)Josh G.
The suburban crowd will never bother you at this locals-only ITP spot. It's the crown jewel of Oakhurst and a favorite of mine. Good beer, good food, good people, good prices.
(5)Jena H.
I went with a group of friends for a 27th birthday outing and it made for a nice relaxed evening. Our waiter was cool and let us hog his tables for the evening and played along grabbing the "mystery shot" recipes from a friend's iphone for the bartender. The edamame works well as an appetizer for a group and with 10 people, we picked at 3 bowls ($5 each) of it through the night along with our orders. It's a small place with more outside seating than inside. It looks to be an old gas station that was converted well. There is definately character here. While I wouldn't make a trip all the way out from my home in Duluth, if I was in the area, I might consider giving it another try. (After all, don't they say professional reviewers usually check a place out twice, just be be sure?)
(3)Ben G.
As if U Joint needs any more awesome reviews. Their steak sandwich is killer, as are their burgers. The spicy eggroll appetizer is definitely spicy, almost too spicy for my wimpy tastes , but I love 'em anyway. Plus I love having tater tots as a side option. Lastly, being from Boston, I appreciate any place that shows Boston sports teams. You guys are local to me, great food, great beer, great service and a great patio. Perfect all around.
(5)rebecca b.
I live right down the street from Universal Joint and go here all the time. It has a great patio, good beer selections, pretty friendly staff(not over the top, get you what you need and leave you alone which is some times nice) Food is good quality pub type stuff. Gyros, burgers, wings, ect. It has a chill atmosphere. Great place to grab a pitcher of beer and snack when you feel like getting out for a little bit on a nice day with friends. A few T.V.s for watching the games but can be tough to find a good spot to watch if you have a fairly large group. Will for sure continue to go back. Love the U Joint
(4)Bob H.
I just recently moved within walking distance to the U Joint and have been there four times now. I like the U because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. A neighborhood bar with pretty good food for the price. The service does seem a little aloof but I think that's just part of the vibe here. Don't be snippy or in a rush and you will be treated nicely by the staff, who all seem pretty laid back. It's just warming up and when the weather is nice, the patio fills up with people and their cigarettes and dogs. I like it.
(4)Todd P.
I dined out for a safer Atlanta tonight! (I hope they catch the violent, good-for-nothing bastards that shot that poor guy at The Standard.) I've been to Universal Joint quite a few times, mostly in the warmer months when there's more seating on their patio. The seating inside is limited and it was pretty much packed when we arrived tonight. But we lucked out and were able to slide a couple of small bar-height tables together for a make-shift 4-top. They actually have a pretty expansive menu of good, above average bar food. I tried the gyro with fries. Snarfed it all down, as usual -- tasty stuff. I'd probably get a burger next time, though. I polled the table before we left on how many stars they'd give U Joint. We all agreed our dinner was A-OK! Three stars, baby. =)
(3)Nick P.
Showed up a little after 9 pm on a Sunday night in May. The place had a good sized crowd compared to other places around Oakhearst, but we had no trouble finding a table for our party of six. Service was prompt, and the drink menu was amply stocked with a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits. Being the driver, I ordered a lemonade, which, while delicious, was overly sweet/sour to the point I had to cut it with water. For starters, we ordered hummus. The hummus was especially tasty! I'm typically not a fan, but the blend of tomatoes, onions, and olives, really gave this dish a standout flavor. The presentation was awesome, and dippables such as pita slices were in ample proportions. For an entree, I ordered hot wings. While the wings weren't bad, I wouldn't recommend them. The wings were a good bargain, and the size was above average, but I found the sauce lacking in flavor and the wings under fried. If you really want hot wings you won't be disappointed, but I'd recommend trying something else. All and all, the atmosphere and friendly wait staff are enough to warrant a revisit. I especially want to try the patio late night next time, as the chance of rain kept us inside : (
(4)Lisa A.
What a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon! I have been a few times now and the service has been good. It can slow down a bit when there are lots of big tables, but I always see the servers working hard.The food is typical bar food but when you are drinking beer, what else do you really need? Very laid back place to meet up with friends or in our case, make new ones. I also like the fact that I can bring my dog, very cool!
(4)Jeff M.
This place gets *** because, all things considered, it contains all of the elements needed in a great hangout. Food, check. It is a bar-type menu and very good. Drinks, check. Good selection of beers and drinks. Indoor seating and outdoor patio, check. I'm always a fan of open air seating, which is nice in this part of town. Cheap and affordable check, check. Anytime I get a call for a meetup here, I'm content.
(3)Debbie D.
One of my favorite neighborhood hang-outs. We are always running into our friends and neighbors here. Either they are eating there or walking by. The food is very good for high quality bar food. Love the outdoor patio and if your on the edge of the patio your dog can enjoy too. The only downside to this place is the services has been notoriously slow over the years. Would have given it 5 stars except for the slow service. Really great place.
(4)Peter B.
We walk to the U-Joint twice a week. Univeral Fries can be retro by substituting with tater-tots. U-Tots are topped with real melted cheese, thick canadian bacon, scallions and fresh jalapenos and served with a ranch dressing. My neighbors always get the steak tacos. I'm generally stuffed after splitting U-Fries and a salad with a friend and taking down two cold draft beers. I am partial the to the canadian bacon and blue cheese burger (with a black bean patty, don't be hate'in until you have tried their patty.) Beer is cold. The crowd is very diverse. A widely ranging crowd of hipsters, locals, a sprinkling of bad golfers coming off Charlie Yates and families complete with a Golden-Doodle in tow. Dogs on leashes are a permanent fixture on the edges of the patio. I would give up five stars if they could solve their fly problem. Hey U-Joint find the offending source and nuke it.J
(4)Gregory H.
Great food, solid service in a funky space. We sat inside as it was raining, but the patio looks like a great spot to hang out. We had wings and the steak tacos, both were delicious. Will definitely be back!
(4)Whitney R.
Before beginning this review, I have to say that we love this place. We will be back. However, tonight was disgraceful. We showed up around 10:45 and our server (Sam) came back promptly with our drinks. Shortly thereafter a table near us got up to go home and asked her if she had a long night ahead of her. She said "Yea, these F*#$ERS" are still here" (while looking at us). After that, we waited an hour for our check. There was no "do you need another drink? do you need your check?" I am never one to write a review, but tonight truly merited one. For the ending to a great night out, it was a huge disappointment.
(3)Joyce S.
Love this place. Close to my house and consistently good food. Always pleasant service.
(5)Frank M.
Great porch to have a beer and relax. The food is ok. Not the best bar food in town, but not the worst. I find myself eating and having a few drinks at Steinbecks and then going over to UJ for a few beers. Or sometimes the otherway around!
(4)Bjorn G.
The U-Joint is immortal to me in that it has the hardest, weirdest trivia ever on Tuesdays. I went there with a group of trivia regulars a couple of times and we were totally blown away within a few questions, and completely demoralized by the end of the evening. That said, I really like hanging out at this place. It's one of my favorite patios in the Atlanta metro area. The beer selection is good. They have good pub food that's not boring, and mostly under ten bucks. And it's within walking distance of home for me. Plus it's in a charming little out of the way neighborhood. What's not to like?
(4)David B.
The service can be iffy, but the burgers are outstanding, the beer and liquor selection top-notch, the patio sublime and they let me turn the TVs onto obscure soccer games anytime I ask. I read a review somewhere that referred to the U-Joint as Oakhurst's cafeteria, and that sounded about right to me.
(4)Chris L.
I'm very lucky to have this as my neighborhood bar. In fact it's one of the main reason's I haven't moved. The staff is always great to be around and it's the best pub food one could ask for. My favorites are the burgers, gyro, buffalo chicken quesadilla, egg rolls and chips with queso. They bring in new items (beer and food) on a routine basis and seem to always have a special. My personal tip is to enjoy the patio.
(4)David D.
This is my local neighborhood hangout. Service at the bar is almost always top-notch, especially if Eric is at the helm. Bartenders here are good at what they do and are highly recommended. The food is pretty good, although their menu could use an update. As far as standard bar food goes, it measures up well. Table service is often spotty at best, especially on nice days when the patio is full. Great neighborhood joint.
(4)Tris C.
Best patio to hang out. Best dog-friendly place Best bloody marys. service? well..eh.
(4)George C.
What a great place! I was settled in the back table around to the left of the serving counter, mellowed out, sipping a Diet Coke, gnarshing on a perfectly rendered cheeburgah with fat yet crispy fries, wondering if this kinda place could become my future bizzness in another, warmer locale. The hippy, folksy feelin' here always takes me back to 1967, cutoffs, sandals, and shoulder length hair. I like that I can always be surprized by their daily specials. Wooo- I like when they make that chunky homemade guacamole. Happy thoughts, fun place, four fat stars.
(4)Sadie S.
I LOVE U-Joint's food. Yup, the service can be iffy, but on a sunny spring or autumn afternoon that patio can't be beat. We used to converge there after scooter rides. Great beer! Definitely try the spicy chicken egg rolls and the buffalo chicken quesadilla.
(4)Ben T.
I live right down the street from UJ so I've visited a fair few times. What attracts me the most is I like that their patio is dog-friendly. It's great for having a beer or two after a trip to the dog park. Inside there are 2 TV's usually tuned to local sports. The menu is pretty standard pub fare but what they do have is tasty. As a vegetarian I would hope for a little more selection but omnivores should find plenty to choose from. The beer selection is good and the staff can make an intelligent recommendation, which is important. The service is friendly but unfortunately it is consistently slow. This is not a place for a quick meal. The exception is if you sit at the bar. That being said UJ is still a good neighborhood bar.
(3)Cole W.
Great burgers, good beer selection, eclectic staff and a fantastic patio setting. I highly recommend you check this place out for casual fare done up one level.
(4)Lisa K.
The U Joint is the best place in town to sit on a patio and drink a beer. They serve a good burger and great fries, as well as some pretty decent quesadillas. I only wish they were a tiny bit cheaper or had drink specials. The friendly atmosphere of Oakhurst village makes this place worth visiting on a sunny afternoon or a warm evening.
(4)T L.
Meh. It's ok. It's pub food with no outdoor heat lamps and mostly outdoor seating. They offer a tater-tot option for fried sides, which is awesome and the tots were fry-alicious. I had a chicken philly sandwich and it was ok. Nothing to write home about. Nice atmosphere and ok pub food. They have a black bean burger, which is great for my vegan folk singer/artist friendsies. Apparently, the wastebaskets in the bathrooms are very tiny, which several fellow diners complained about. Unlike the wastbaskets, the portions are not tiny. Not enormous, but average. Everything is average here, except the company I was in.
(3)Jarrod C.
The Universal Joint is all things Oakhurst. Quality place to take your dog, sit on a porch, play trivia, eat quality food, and mingle with your neighbors. I highly recommend the U-Joint fries that come covered in cheddar cheese/bacon/scallions and blue cheese. Their food or beer selection won't blow you away but it's MORE than substantial and makes the U-Joint a must visit in Decatur/Oakhurst.
(3)Russ G.
If you have a dog, this place is for you. A large patio area is always full, even on the hottest days, and there's dogs every few feet relaxing with their owners. Why not? The food here is very good, a step up regular bar food, cooked to order and served with a large choice of fresh sides. Beer selection is equally good. Inside is a little small, but this is a patio bar anyway, so don't expect to bring a huge group here. Parking is tough, but possible unless it's a really busy night.
(4)Kerry L.
Hands down, this is my favorite place in Oakhurst. I've lived down the street for almost 7 years and have to get my U-Joint fix at least 3 - 5x a month. It is DOG-FRIENDLY. The food is great (try the Buffalo Chicken sandwich, the Universal Fries or the most fantabulous egg rolls with chicken, cream cheese, japalenos and grapes). On a nice Spring or Fall evening, get there early, as the large patio tends to fill up by 6 or 6:30 pm. If you are thinking of moving to Oakhurst, go to inOAKHURSTga.com .
(5)Vincent V.
I just realized that I've never been inside the U Joint except to use the bathroom. I can't even remember what it looks like. The patio? I could tell you about that for twenty minutes, but you'd probably get bored reading that much... Perfect spot in almost any weather to kick back and relax. The food and drinks are great, and the servers are very laid back and reflect the mellow Oakhurst vibe. There's not a ton of traffic, lots of trees, and it's very relaxing. It's like the anti-Buckhead. The U Joint is at the center of Oakhurst and gives you a great view of the whole neighborhood. It's great for a change of pace if you're getting tired of Little Five or the Village.
(5)Michael B.
I went there with a friend for the first time the other day. The waiter seemed to get aggrivated since we took a little while to order. The food was pretty good and we didn't have to wait long on the food. The portions are pretty nice. I had to take half my chicken sandwich home with me. They have a nice patio to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather. I have been by the place late at night and seen it packed, so I would suggest getting there earlier in the evening if possible. I would have given 4 stars, but since the waiter seemed to get aggrivated because we took a while to order, I figured I would deduct a star for service.
(3)Jo L.
i had fun here. the waiter was really nice and attentive but not overbearing. the food was good. my friend and i split blackened tilapia fish tacos and a smoked salmon blt. they were both good, but i especially loved the fish tacos. they were bursting with a pleasant assortment of mouth watering flavors. the atmosphere of the place is casual yet nice. kinda dark, tvs with sports on, not at all trashy but not preppy. i like it. you can sit outside too. oh, and we had tall citrusy beers, i think they were blue moon, maybe? i don't know but they were good whatever they were!
(4)Jenny K.
pretty god, drinks are little expensive and the food is ok
(3)Lauren D.
Great neighborhood bar. Good food, great patio, friendly staff and their dog friendly which is really nice. I also like that there are so many areas to sit all with their own kinda crowd.
(4)Meloknee H.
good drinks. good location. not so good at credit card transactions. maybe they thought i was drunk enough that i wouldn't notice the double charge... but a great place for lots of friends on a patio on a warm evening with lots of beer!
(3)Jen K.
On a beautiful spring day, the U Joint patio is the place to be. Randomly, my husband and his friend did this marketing thing where they each earned a $50 bank of america visa gift card while us girls waited at home. So when they get back, we girls decide that, given what gorgeous weather we are having, we should immediately activate these gift cards and go drink away their hard earned money on a nice patio. We settle on U Joint, where none of us have been in a few years, but we remember having great outdoor seating. We take the picturesque drive to Oakhurst, and get nice close parking on the street near U Joint. Found the perfect table and settled down for a lazy Sunday. The food was great - queso and chips, hummus, tilapia tacos, steak tacos, and gyro all tasty - especially considering that I always think of U Joint as first and foremost a bar. Had a few pitchers of Stella, which were $16 each. The service was a little sporadic. Got appetizers and meals less than 5 minutes apart so our table was packed with plates, weird! Other times wouldn't see her for a bit, but we were just killing time anyways so no worries. The worry came when we got the bill. The guys give their two $50 giftcards and the server promptly came back and said that their "machine couldn't take these things." Thinking we had activated them improperly we call the number on the card and confirm they are each activated for $50. We ask her to rerun them, and she tells us that it is not a problem with the cards, it is their machine which won't accept them. So we ask if they could call in the charge, or something like that. She tells us no pretty matter-of-factly. We are being super sweet, but obviously a little distressed at this point. She leaves again to see what she can do, and we huddle and discuss if we should ask for a manager or what? Luckily a bartender comes over - turns out she was running the cards wrong, but that he knew how to and would take care of it. Explained he would have to run the cards for $40 and the rest be written in as tip. It worked. Phew! The waitress came over and was nice after the payment got worked out, but those tense 10 minutes killed my buzz :(
(3)Elizabeth R.
Cute, neighborhood-y place! It's a little small, but the patio is nice if the weather permits, and they are expanding. Don't expect fast service, but do expect your server to have a friendly conversation with you. Decent selection of beer and mixed drinks. Yummy slightly-better-than bar food (including cheese fries that I want to smoosh my face in they're so tasty!)
(4)Lori F.
Cute bar right in the square. The patio is a great spot to people and dog-watch on a nice day. Excellent beers and burgers.
(5)Thom V.
i so wanted to like this place, but the service was horrible. the waitress was either new or didn't care. i won't get into too much details, but there are way too many places that serve the same kind of food for me to put up with bad service.
(1)Herman N.
Great, charming little bar in a great, charming little area. Beer selection is above average, food is mostly great and the servers have a nice sense of humor.
(4)Andrew H.
I love the patio and location and I used to love the turkey pita club. That is ..until my last visit. They are serving literally half the sandwich for the same price. Super bummed.. It was in my top 5 sandwiches in the city.
(2)Shervonn R.
When you need to escape from the day to day havoc, alone or with a friend Universal Joint is the place to be. The food, drinks and service are great!
(5)Anne A.
UJoint is my go-to on lazy days when the weather is nice. The patio is big with plenty of tables and a lovely view of Oakhurst; you can even sit inside and enjoy the outdoors when they roll up the big garage-style doors. If you're a pet parent, you can have your furbaby join you on the patio. The service is slow, but everyone is friendly. The food is good, quality bar food: wings, burgers, etc. This isn't a place to go if you're in a hurry or want to impress someone. Order the spicy egg rolls; they're really extra-yummy! I'm also a fan of the buffalo chicken quesadilla, and the wings are pretty good.
(4)Scott S.
As good as it gets as far as pub fare. Delicious burgers. Great patio. Dog friendly. You really cannot go wrong with U-Joint.
(4)Bryan A.
Ohhhhhhh, the U Joint. I have spent quite a bit of time here. Most of the crowd is local as are the staff. Speaking of the staff don't be fooled to thinking they are surly or unattentive. I find the U-Joint's character's hilarious. They are usually busy and helping clients so no need to take offense when there is ONE bartender and ONE patio server for their amazingly awesome and dog friendly patio. They are probably just overworked. They stock various draughts throughtout the year, some killer sliders and specials, and a really tasty burger named after their own establishment. Go, lay back, take a pup if you have one, and enjoy the sun!!!
(4)Brian K.
Universal Joint is a perfectly reasonable option if you happen to be in the near vicinity; however, it's certainly not a place I would go out of my way to visit. For one, the patio is not nearly as captivating as some of these reviewers will lead you to believe-only a small portion is covered and it's typically overrun with dogs and hoards of chain-smokers. I'm also perplexed by those lauding the people watching opportunities - this is Oakhurst - the people watching consists of housewives, the elderly, and school children. Food: The menu at Universal Joint consists of traditional American pub fare, including heavy appetizers, sandwiches, and burgers. They also feature a handful of Tex-Mex options, including quesadillas and tacos. All burgers and sandwiches come with your choice of either fries or tots. A chicken or black bean patty can be substituted for any burger option on the menu. During my recent visit, I opted for the bleu cheese bacon chicken sandwich with a side of fries, both of which were decent. Service: The service here leaves much to be desired, particularly on the weekend and during evening trivia. The staff are all friendly, but the restaurant just isn't adequately staffed for the patron volume. During my last visit, we waited nearly 15 minutes alone for the check to arrive. Atmosphere: Casual and lively. The restaurant consists of a large bar area and two dining rooms with both low and high top seating options. There is also an outdoor patio, which the locals seem to be quite impressed by. Cost: Inexpensive. Bar snacks and appetizers are $5-$10, while burgers, sandwiches, and entrees are $8-$12. Other: Universal Joint hosts trivia on Tuesday evenings at 8:30PM, which I'd consider more intellectually pressing than others I've been to in Atlanta. Parking can be problematic on the weekends - your best bet is street parking on either Oakview or Fayeteville.
(3)John F.
This is a great pub. Came here for trivia on a Tuesday night, and thought I'd get some beer and shitty food. BUT. The food wasn't shitty. It was great. The sliders were good, the wings were tasty and huge, the fries were good. The outdoor seating is nice. This is a great place to hang out with friends.
(5)Kristy V.
Don't move a barstool from the bar the waiter, a very sad, rude, disrespectful and apparently angry waiter named Ryan will attack you and insult you. I had four friends that were waiting for a table. A 4 top missing a stool came up and I was attacked for touching a stool from the bar. Apparently they rather loose a four top over a stool. There are so many other well staffed bars around Oakhurst or Decatur you can go to than be subject to their poor service.
(1)Stefanie M.
U Joint is a great neighborhood grill when you need some well priced and well done simple pub food. They recently renovated their patio and increased their seating, which is good because on a beautiful day it can still be difficult to get a table. Their beer selection is really good. The only negative is their service, while never bad, can be a little indifferent. But we come here for the good food, good beer selection and a great neighborhood pub food.
(4)Emily K.
I went here a few weeks ago for dinner after work. I'd say it was more like 3.5 stars. They were surprisingly busy for a weeknight, but the weather was starting to get good. We managed to get a table outside. We got the queso & salsa appetizer to split & I opted for the brisket philly with tater tots. The queso was fine, not particularly memorable. The philly was HUGE & very tasty. They gave me an equally large portion of tots to go with it. I only managed to eat half of it and had enough for lunch the next day. I also can't fault them on the size of their non-alcoholic drinks. I was given a vat of lemonade. I think that's a large part of the reason why I couldn't finish my meal. I thought the service was a bit slow, especially toward the end of the meal when we were seeing lightning & hearing thunder. It seemed like they might have been a little understaffed. Otherwise it was a pleasant experience & I'd be willing to go back.
(3)Anne Marie L.
Love the location - very local and friendly! Delicious burgers and bloody marys (they are strong, too!)
(4)Laurie F.
So cool and friendly - I have recently moved to the neighborhood. I love the Universal Joint Fries. Very affordable!
(5)Ra F.
Horrible service and bad food. I saw the manager or owner let his bartenders act like an idiot in front of patrons. There are so many other good restaurants that value customer service within walking distance, I will never go back to this establishment!
(1)Bryan B.
I went to Universal Joint on Tuesday night to play trivia with some friends. I was told to be there at 8. So, got there a little early and asked what time trivia started. I was told that it starts just 'whenever the guy shows up.' It was not a Team-Trivia sanctioned event. No biggie, except that I couldn't really just hang out all night waiting. So, the server finally came over and started to take our order. We had 6 people and after getting my order, he said 'Um...be right back' and left. When he came back several minutes later, he finished taking the order. It was about 15 minutes later when my beer arrived. Then about another 10 minutes before the food arrived. Finally around 9 PM, the trivia guy shows up and gets things started. The waiter doesn't come back...we finally have to flag him down to get attention. 4 of the people with me said they've had him as a server before and he's usually on top of things. But, he wasn't impressing me that night. The food was good - I had the chicken sandwich and liked it. But, the service was lacking. I'd go back if I'm in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
(2)Jana R.
Great location and atmosphere. Decent food (best tater tots ever!). But the service is horrible - every time.
(3)Cameron L.
Holy hell; mediocre food and TERRIBLE service. This was my first time here in several years, and it turned out that I hadn't been missing much by staying away. The beer selection isn't great, and the beer itself is a long time in coming. You know how at most places you order your next beer when you're half-done with your first one? Here you pretty much have to order your next one once the first arrives. The food had similarly regrettable timing. One member of our party didn't get his entree until 10 minutes after the rest of us had been served. And what did arrive on time wasn't all that impressive. The kitchen seems to have a hard time discerning between "medium" and "well" when it comes to cooking temperatures. Maybe I should order my burger rare next time. The fries were from frozen and came doused in an overly salty MSG-ish dunk or something. I might come here again if someone else is buying.
(2)Terry F.
I stopped by Universal Joint around 11pm on a Saturday night with a friend of mine. We were looking for some tasty, late-night bar food. We were quite satisfied here. The steak salad and beer selection on tap were the stand-outs here. The bartender was also very friendly and attentive. A great location for a bar, too!
(3)Barbara K.
Nice sitting outside. Food good (gyro) and wait staff attentive. People watching fun as lots of foot traffic going by.
(4)Bryant O.
Great burgers, beer, and atmosphere. The burgers are huge and the tots are awesome. Good spot for a casual meal. Also very kid friendly.
(5)Darren H.
Good neighborhood type place on the outskirts of Decatur. Came here for dinner on a Saturday night & thankfully it was before the heatwave so we were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the night. The beer was cold and we had the firecracker sliders. They were a little greasy but still good. I'll have to come back & give them a try again I love the laid back atmosphere.
(3)Zlatko U.
Universal Joint is a neat place to grab a brew. Besides that its more of the same. Sports on TV, some drunk guy telling a (un)funny story to his friends, and the smell of wings. No matter where you go, that damn smell follows. Now if that is your cup of tea, then this place is for you. However, if you want to get a decent drink, then you can get some decent brewskies here. The service is pretty good. The prices are decent. Its a cluster fawk on the weekends and night, so if you go on an off night you'll be good. Now in comparison to the other taverns/bars in the area, there are a few others I would put on top of the list, but for this little neighborhood, it'll do.
(3)Mick D.
Universal Joint is an excellent, neighborly hangout. Good eats, with a menu that is a step above typical bar-fare. (Yes, you can still order tots.) And they have a great patio which is typically filled with some very down-to-Earth clientele. This is a great place to grab a beer and chill out for a while. Comfortable. Approachable. Easy. Right across the street from the most-excellent Kavarna, too.
(5)Kimberly K.
So I'm at the Universal Joint and there are maybe 30 kids here. A dad buys a song on he "juke box" for his kid - "The Wheels on the Bus" and some skin head looking guy with and assault rifle image on his shirt and a vocal crew complain about having to listen to kid music. And the bartender kills the song. So, uh, now the UJoint discriminates against families and kids? Why can't the kids, who are here eating food their parents paid for hear a song they like that their parent paid for? How is it one guy who can't spare 4 minutes for someone else gets to determine what 75 other people have to listen to for the next hour? Very disappointing UJOINT. I have been a weekly visitor (three times this week) and it will be a long time before I spend my money in a place that discriminates against kids and families.
(3)Melissa T.
They recently added onto the inside, which used to be a little cramped. Their mainstay is the large patio and bar outside, which are crowded during lunch and dinner in the spring and fall. Given that, not much goes on here in bad weather due to the space limitations inside. I bet it's a pet peeve for the servers who can pretty much expect a crappy night if it's raining or cold. The food is normal bar fare with some exceptions. The egg rolls are yummy! and the wings are great. They have some healthier items on the menu as well that I like as well. It's a definite Oakhurst landmark.
(3)Ritch B.
One of the best beer-drinkin', people watchin' patios in town. Nice beer selection always includes excellent craft beers as well as a good PBR for just the right moment. Food is quite good...particularly for a "bar". The atmosphere is really great. It has a very relaxed and slightly funky vibe. On a-completely-nother note, UJoint just added a new section to their building to the left if you're looking at it from the patio. What? What is that space for? It seems like it was a HUGE waste of somebody's money. Just sayin'. But any way.... A favorite place on a beautiful day. Go sit on the patio under their cool, oversized outdoor fan and enjoy a beer.
(4)Meg C.
I never reviewed U-Joint before because I never found it that interesting-- used to be I could go get a cheap beer and some chips and salsa after I got off work at Palate, but the rest of the choices weren't that great, but then... they revamped the place! I don't know exactly what changed, but I'm a really big fan of this place now-- the food is super yummy, especially the steak sandwich which is always nice and tender, and you get a decent helping of delicious fries with that! The salads are nice and fresh, the appetizers are the perfect amount of food, and the service is friendly and sufficiently Oakhurst-y. I'm really glad U-Joint upgraded, it's been great to have another option in the area, and I look forward to trying the rest of the menu!
(4)Tom C.
What a great place. First of all, it is the perfect spot to sit outside and have a drink and a bite to eat on a nice day. The view of Oakhurst village is perfect, and the seating is plentiful. Of course, when it's not nice, it can be cramped inside, which is not big. The drink selection is good; the bar has a pretty wide selection of liquor, and there is a reasonable beer selection (though, if you're looking for a bar with great beer, I'd send you to Steinbeck's across the street). They make some excellent fries and a great salad with baled tilapia on top.not exactly a classy place for a nice night out, it is a great place for a casual, taking it easy dinner and a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon or evening out. All around, this is a great place.
(4)Wade Z.
This used to be one of my favorite places to get a burger. Now it has turned for the worse... Even after a big remodel some time ago. I don't believe I will be going back. The service has gone to hell and the food as my girl said tasted like cardboard. May be a good place to drink, but I can think of 100 more better places.
(1)Eowyn C.
This is my go-to patio seating venue. I've been going here for a while and food/service quality is pretty consistent. You can bring your dog although, technically, they are supposed to sit on the edge of the patio. My Pomeranian, Harley, obliged, but only because I snuck him some tator tots here and there. The fish tacos here are a stand-out menu item and the best I've had in Atlanta. I also like the spicy chicken eggrolls, though I'd eat just about anything that has cream cheese as one of the ingredients. The portions here are generous and the drinks are huge which is nice when you don't want your waiter constantly hovering over you and asking for refills. A great place to bring friends (both human and canine). Unfortunately they don't have a dessert menu, although there is an art gallery/bakery called Palate across the street in the long white building, which has some pretty baller desserts and drinks.
(4)Nicole G.
I used to live around the corner from here, so I was a frequent customer. All of their burgers were absolutely delicious, and the waiters/waitresses were all super nice. I was recently in my old stomping grounds for an event at the Solarium and really wanted to go across the street for food here. Next time though. I always come back.
(5)Charles S.
Quite possibly the best 'neighborhood bar' in Atlanta. If I'm honest, it's not even in my neighborhood...and I still make the trek to hang out here. Nancy and the staff are superb and groovy...beers are fresh and rotate frequently. Food is good (with a couple of exceptions). Parking is pretty easy. Just my $.02.
(5)Jennifer W.
Things that may or may not happen at Universal Joint: 1) Drunkenness 2) Children ordering up dessert at the bar 3) Strangers kissing 4) Mechanical bull riding 5) Full belly 6) Corn Hole 7) Arm wrestling 8) Fish tales 9) Laughing 10) Photo bombing Universal Joint is a fun hang-out bar in Oakhurst. The servers have always been able to keep track of my rowdy friends, and service is fairly quick even though the place gets packed inside and out. I definitely recommend the patio in the summer.
(4)Rob C.
Been going here for a couple of years and still don't understand the love people have for what is basically an average bar. The pros: Decent beer selection Good patio for people watching The only TV is large enough to enjoy watching a game, but doesn't make the place feel like a generic sports bar (Taco Mac, I'm talking to you...) The in-between: Tuesday trivia is both awesome and demoralizing; the same guy does trivia over at Mojo's on Wednesday and will make you feel just as dumb The cons: Uneven service Maybe my taste buds are different than all my neighbors, but the food here is just poor; we've tried the entire menu in the past year and, with the exception of a pretty good burger, it's just bad Prices for beers and food seem a bit high, given the quality Overall: It's not a bad place - slow and casual with a bit of hipster attitude amongst the breeders - kind of like Oakhurst itself
(2)Barry A.
I was excited to try the Universal Joint because of all the good buzz about it. When the Atlanta People With Blogs Who Get Together To Drink (APWBWGTTD) decided to make this their next stop I was of course elated. Needless to say I had high expectations. We had a large group of people and it was a busy night. I would have liked to sit outdoors as it was a nice evening but we had way too many for that to work. The service was lackluster. I had their Spicy Egg Rolls which were exceptional. I went with their Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and it was alright. Just like their sister location, Flat Iron, the chicken isn't breaded. The chicken was a little dry and the sauce wasn't really spicy. Then I saw something that frighten me. Their last food safety rating was a 76! That is a C rating! A majority of the point deducted were for cleanliness (i.e. employees washing hands, clean floors, clean surfaces) but it still is no excuse. And the rating was done recently too. Hopefully they have addressed these issues by now. THE BOTTOM LINE -- This is a great place to sit, relax and do some people watching on their patio after a long day...but I wouldn't do much more than that.
(2)M V.
TERRIBLE SERVICE is really the highlight of this review! I could go on and on with details; however, will be short and only give highlights. We waited over 10 minutes to be acknowledged by our server, we were charged $2.50 for a side of extra ranch dressing for our small and dry wings and the quesadilla looked like a child's portion that came with nothing on the side. When we explained to our server that we were unhappy with the food, absolutely no apology or efforts were made to keep us satisfied. I then went home and wrote an email to management explaining our lack of satisfaction and never got a reply, nevermind an explanation or apology. Will never return and have been spreading the word about our experience ever since!
(1)Annie R.
This place is a good hang out. The food is average, but they have a decent beer selection. This place is not meant to be a culinary feat, at least I hope not? But it is a laid back bar where you can take your dog. Parking can get a little bit hectic but the overall atmosphere is great. The patio is awesome at the place, totally worth a few hours on a weekend afternoon.
(3)theron t.
I lived in Oakhurst for a couple of years and I was literally right down the street from the Universal Joint. I've had some great times there and I've had some not so great times there. This is a neighborhood landmark for Oakhurst, and it would be hard to not eat here at one time or the other if you lived anywhere near here. It's actually a pretty small restaurant with a big patio. The patio is really popular during nice weather, and in Georgia, that a lot of days. When it's raining, 90+ degrees, or cold, your going to be stuck inside this former gas station turned bar. Service can be varied, as staff come and go, so be prepared for anything. Bartenders are usually really solid. They've got a pretty safe beer list for Decatur, with only a handful of crafts and some Belgians. Full bar. Food is run of the mill bar food for the most part. Chicken spring rolls and wings aren't bad. Decent burger and from time to time, some creative specials. This is a great place for getting a group together to sit outside on the patio of this quaint little neighborhood of Decatur and do some people watching. It's also not a bad late night spot if you live in the area. Would love to see some more creative offerings from the kitchen and some more craft beers. Also, this place crawls with kids and dogs on the weekend some weeknights. Lots of toddlers and youngsters running around while the parents catch a buzz and socialize. If that doesn't bother you, it's a great place to bring your dog and kids while you have a beer and some wings.
(3)Cara A.
Great atmosphere and good food. Recommend the black bean burger!
(4)Nikki K.
After a birthday dinner at The Brick Store, we headed over to the U- Joint. How have I lived in the ATL for ten years and never even knew this area existed? Shame, Nikki, shame... Anyway, this place was very small but cozy. We got there on trivia night and Bjorn is pretty right about their trivia. We got there during the last three questions and my friends and I all sort of looked at each other like, "whaaa?" But we were also sort of drunky from dinner, so... Anyway, we were lucky enough to get the last table in the place, and we watched as others came in, looked around, scowled, and walked away. It was the night before the first snow of 2008 and it was brutally cold!! But I can see how it will be fun to frequent in the summer with the nice sized patio overlooking an intersection that is probably pretty busy on the weekends. I like watching folks and looking for cute doggies!
(4)Laura P.
Every year or so, I give the U-joint another chance. You can't beat the atmosphere. I love the patio, the location, and the menu is somewhat appealing, the service, however, is another story. You can definitely tell the people here dislike their jobs, and dislike their customers. I'd rather spend my money where I'm appreciated.
(2)Hambri Enta M.
My new fave hangout. Has my preferred vinho verde and the food always inventive and tasty. Also a great patio. The neighborhood is always happening. Good peeps gather here. That is why I go! I love the salmon BLT, sadly, I have to give up the pig, so next time it will be salmon LT. Me likes! they expanded the bar area so more space to fill!
(4)