The Marlay House: From Ireland to Decatur

Colin Comer’s Irish accent is disarming if you aren’t expecting it. The charm and wit of this business owner’s Irish roots is apparent in everything he does. While talking up the diners at his popular eatery, , on West Ponce de Leon, he often refers to Ireland, speaking of it with respect and memory.

“In Ireland…” begins many a sentence, and his customers are taken in from word one. Comer, his brother, Darren, and their sister, Jennifer, have been partners in this food venture for about 2.5 years now, and the restaurant has hit its stride.

Darren Comer says that he and his siblings are happy that they are in Decatur.

“It is the local Decatur support that as afforded us the ability to survive a tough economic climate,” says Darren.

He adds that they are honored to feel like part of the Decatur fabric and that they now gainfully employ close to 20.

“We could not have chosen a better place to open a pub,” he continues. “I cannot think of a better live, work, or play environment with such a strong dedication to community, which just like home in Rathfarnham.”

It is definitely that feeling of community that brings in the customers, who know these Irish family members and their stories.

On a recent Sunday, almost every seat is taken outside – it is almost as if the sunshine itself wills you to have a pint at this quaint Irish pub in Decatur.

Sunday also means the Roast Lunch special here at The Marlay House. Made of traditional British/Irish fare, it consists of herb roasted meat, Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes, two fresh vegetables, gravy and a dessert. All for $15.

The piece of meat is huge. The vegetable servings are generous and the roasted potatoes are done to perfection. This Roast Lunch special runs on Sundays from noon until it runs out, basically.

The Parrish’s live in Edgewood but come to Decatur to enjoy the beer and the food at The Marlay House.

“I love the patio,” says Sarah Parrish, 34. “We’ve been coming since they opened – its kind of our ‘Cheers.’” She also says that it’s kid-friendly, which works for a lot of folks and that it’s not unusual to see kids running around.

Her husband, Wes Parrish, says that his favorite dish is the brisket sandwich and he likes the macaroni and cheese as a side. “I like that it’s a family-owned business,” says Parrish. “They’re also seasonal with the beer selection.” Something, he says, that he can appreciate.

Margaux Word lives in walking distance of The Marlay House and echoes that this popular Decatur spot is kid-friendly. “I can take my son to the park and then, over to the pub,” the 32-year-old says. “They have a great kid’s menu, so everyone is happy when we come here.”

Her friend, Amy Saxon, lives in Buckhead, but when she comes to visit, they almost always come here. She likes that the restaurant is dog-friendly, her dog, Bella, sits under her table while she enjoys a cocktail with Word on this bright Sunday afternoon.

The biggest seller on the menu is the fish and chips, and soon will be available from the (coming soon) Mobile Marlay (Special Events and Catering) Food Truck.

The restaurant also sources local farmers’ in-season organic produce, and the Sunday lunch uses organic carrots and in-season vegetables and all natural beef from Painted Hills Farms, according to Darren.

Quarterly, this popular spot also hosts a full four course beer, wine or liquor pairing dinner, and also have Third Wednesday’s 2 Course Pairing Dinners.

Darren Comer says that by providing popular offerings like the Sunday Roast, which was an Irish tradition, or Irish music on a Tuesday night, gives his family great pride. “It gives us the sense that we have made the right move by opening The Marlay.” Many would agree.