Lunchtime regulars find chili heaven at Maggie's

Think that Maggie's doesn't exist until late at night after you're back from Buckhead and want to crash somewhere with your friends? Think again.

Ross Fife and Mary Marett prove you are never to old to enjoy a college bar. Weekends may be for the younger crowed, but during the week, it's all ages.

Remember the "grill" part in the name Maggie's Neighborhood Bar and Grill? Bartender Barbara Richardson says the bar hosts a mix of all kinds of people during the day, including Emory professors, who come in for lunch and leave Richardson happy. "My customers spoil me rotten," she said.

Richardson explained that there are three groups of people that come to Maggie's: the lunchtime shift, the happy hour shift, and, finally, the Emory shift.

So what is Maggie's like during the day? According to the lunch crowd, the food — yes, Maggie's has food — is good. "Maggie's has the best chili cheeseburger I've ever had," said Brett Smith, who works at nearby Reggie's Hair Salon.

"I've never had a complaint about the food," Richardson said. "The prices are reasonable, too." The bartender said the most popular item on the menu is the cheeseburger followed by the fish strips and fish sandwich. Other items include nachos, potato skins and chicken wings.

Regulars seem to enjoy the Maggie's daytime atmosphere. K.P. Barker, a construction worker laboring at the University Apartments Parking Deck, usually comes once or twice a week during lunchtime. "It's a good place to relax when you've got a lot on your mind," he said.

Smith agreed. "During the day, it's not wall-to-wall people," he said. "It's quiet and peaceful."

— Stephanie Weintraub