Seemor

no. 246B+Worth Trying

Name: no. 246
Address: 129 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, Decatur, United States
Rating: 4.6

129 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 · Italian restaurant, Bar, Fine dining restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1589 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A lively Italian favorite in Downtown Decatur with standout cheesy garlic bread, house pastas, and energetic service; great for dates, but noise, parking, and occasional host stand issues can frustrate.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

No. 246 delivers reliable Italian comfort dining with strong food quality anchored by housemade pastas and crowd-pleasing signatures like cheesy garlic bread and shrimp scampi. Attentive service and attractive design elevate the experience, yet inconsistent execution on proteins and cocktails, combined with operational friction during peak hours (host stand delays, tight seating), prevents grade A territory. A solid neighborhood destination for date nights and special occasions, though not among the region's premier Italian establishments.

Restaurant Summary

Set just off the square, no. 246 hums with warm, lively energy—bar clinks, open-kitchen sizzle, and servers who often remember faces. Diners rave that the cheesy garlic bread is a table-stopper and that staff at the bar can be effortlessly attentive. A few guests found the host stand overwhelmed and the room quite loud at peak times. The cooking leans elevated Italian comfort: housemade pastas, shareable salads, and seafood mains with a polished hand rather than theatrics. Expect reliable crowd-pleasers like Bolognese, cacio e pepe, and shrimp scampi, plus rotating specials such as lobster fra diavola. When they are on, flavors are dialed in; isolated misses include undercooked bread or an overdone chicken, but the general hit rate is solid and satisfying. For families, it works if you pick smart: pizzas, meatballs, and simple pastas suit younger eaters, and the lively atmosphere absorbs noise. There is no explicit kids menu on the current list, but shareable sides and milder sauces help. If you need a quiet corner or guaranteed indoor seating, request it early and confirm at booking.

At a Glance

Cheesy garlic bread and house pastas are consistent crowd-pleasers
Engaged bar team and many standout servers
Loud dining room and tight tables during peak hours
Parking can be difficult or pricey near the square
Seating preference mix-ups (indoor vs patio) reported on busy nights

What Sets It Apart

cheesy_garlic_bread_showstopper
rotating_daily_pasta_specials
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What People Love

That first pull of molten cheesy bread
Well-cooked house pastas with balanced sauces
Friendly bartenders who steer you right
A lively room that feels celebratory

Points of Concern

Noise can be high, making conversation tough at peak
Parking near the square is limited; expect a short walk or paid deck
Host stand hiccups and patio vs indoor seating expectations have caused friction
Occasional execution misses (undercooked bread or overcooked chicken) but not systemic

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$52-68 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For a balanced meal: Ricotta al Forno ($16), Tagliatelle Bolognese ($27), EVOO cake (if available)
Seafood fans: Black Spaghetti ($28) or Sunday Risotto ai Frutti di Mare ($32)

Perfect For

Date night with Italian comfort hits
Celebratory dinners with cocktails and pasta
Bar dining for solo or duo with guidance from staff
Weeknight specials when you want a treat

Location Insights

Area: Walkable, bustling suburban-urban center with restaurants, bars, and shops; draws locals and date-night crowds.

Safety: Generally safe and busy with good lighting and foot traffic; typical urban nuisances like parking scarcity.

Nearby: Near Decatur Square, MARTA access, boutiques, and nightlife; events can increase crowding and noise.

Downtown DecaturDowntown Decatur offers a pedestrian-friendly environment with a variety of independent restaurants, cafes, and shops. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale establishments, attracting locals who value quality food and a relaxed yet vibrant social atmosphere. The area is known for its safety, accessibility, and community events that enhance the neighborhood's appeal.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday17:00–22:00 Tuesday17:00–22:00 Wednesday17:00–22:00 Thursday17:00–22:00 Friday17:00–23:00 Saturday10:30–14:30, 17:00–23:00 Sunday10:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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