Long before sprawling subdivisions and six-laned Johnson Ferry Road crowded into east Cobb, Houck's steak and seafood was a restaurant where neighbors went to meet and eat. That community feeling has been a hallmark of Houck's, which celebrates its 20th year in business next month.

"It's amazing how many people come in here to meet someone new or to pick up with old friends right where they left off," said Lee Stuart, who took over the restaurant six years ago but kept the original owner's name over the door. "We're known for having a real comfortable environment."

Bob Andres/AJC (ENLARGE)
Jumbo fried shrimp with vegetables is one of the favorites at Houck's, which is expected to move to the old Sparkles Roller Rink by January.
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By this time next year, Stuart expects the established clientele, as well as newcomers, to be meeting, greeting and dining in an expanded new location within a short hop of the present site at Johnson Ferry and Paper Mill roads.

"The big news is that we are moving into the old Sparkles Roller Rink, about a mile away at Lower Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads," said Stuart. "It was either move or close down and make repairs to this building, which would have put us out of business for four or five months."

The new site, which Stuart hopes to unveil sometime in January, will have almost double the existing space and will provide enough elbow room for a variety of entertainment.

"We already have entertainment four or five days a week, but we want to add a piano bar as well," said Stuart. "The other nice thing about moving is that it will give us more than 200 parking spaces."

Houck's currently draws a crowd on Tuesday nights for trivia and with live music in the bar on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays feature a local band in the entertainment room off the bar or on the deck. The lineup often features such well-known local acts as Banks & Shane and the Mustangs, along with local garage bands with strong neighborhood followings. Bigger-name acts sometimes rate a cover charge between $5 and $15.

What won't change at the new location is the food formula that has worked so well for 20 years. The basic American menu features steaks, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes in hearty portions. Among the favorite items are the hand-breaded jumbo fried shrimp; Louisiana rib-eye, marinated in Cajun spices; and rack of ribs. Popular seafood choices include fried scallops and pistachio-crusted whitefish. Salads, sandwiches and an array of appetizers are also available.

The present Houck's has two bar areas stocked with a simple wine list, several beer choices and the most popular cocktails.

The restaurant's 20th anniversary will be celebrated Sept. 19-24 with food and drink specials, trivia and some of the restaurant's most popular bands. A complete schedule is posted on the restaurant's Web site.