Not every neighborhood pub needs a good story. It sure doesn't hurt, though. The Corner Pub had barely been open a year in 2004, when fire destroyed it and four other storefront businesses on West College Avenue, near Oakhurst. But Decatur neighbors rallied around the owners, Joshua and Bethy Elrod. And about two years ago, the pub reopened in nearby East Decatur Station — a contemporary mixed-use complex that's also home to Paste magazine and PushPush Theater.

NEW PUB STYLE: Unlike the old digs, the new, second-floor balcony space has an airy, light-filled ambience. Most tables are situated next to tall windows and others are on the patio. But the build-out includes plenty of classic pub touches that create a more lived-in feel. An L-shaped bar, with stained wood countertops and columns, anchors the room. The walls display works by several local artists, including some with studios in the neighborhood.

Becky Stein/SPECIAL (ENLARGE)
The spicy jerk wings — which are marinated, baked and then finished on the grill — pack a nice wallop as the Corner Pub's signature dish.
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NIBBLES TO ENTREES: The menu is surprisingly extensive, including snacks, sandwiches and entrees mostly with simple Southern and pungent Caribbean flavors. Nibblers can enjoy the likes of hummus, chips and salsa, fried mushrooms and nachos. The pub's signature item is jerk chicken wings; like many of the offerings, they have a spicy and healthy side. Marinated, oven-baked, then finished on the grill, the meaty "flats and drums" have a lively kick, with hot peppers, thyme and allspice in the mix. But those who prefer their wings crispy-fried may find the sticky, slightly charred skin a bit bewildering.

SANDWICHES & PLATES: The long sandwich list goes from peanut butter and blackberry jam to burgers to deli favorites. Smoky pulled pork barbecue, served either on a bun (with fries or a salad) or on a platter (with creamy potato salad and a big hunk of cakey corn bread), is covered in a sweet-hot red sauce, with a hint of Caribbean spice. Huge fried catfish filets are a crowd pleaser, with cornbread and collard greens. For dessert, check for cookies and house-made ice cream, sometimes with unusual flavors such as rose water.

DRINK UP: Of course, the pub does brisk bar business, with various cocktails, a short but fairly priced wine list and a decent selection of draft and bottled beers. Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Ommegang Hennepin and Delirium Tremens are among the better options.

SPECIAL STUFF: The pub encourages community spirit with weekly specials and seasonal events. On June 17, there's a Father's Day "Wing Off" cooking contest. Mondays bring out regulars for half-price entrees — which means the $15 strip steak is $7.50 while the $10 catfish platter is $5.