Regulars Give the Inside Scoop on Marlow's Tavern's World-Class Hospitality
Marlow's Tavern Insider Krista Carreiro
As Marlow's Tavern approaches its 20th anniversary of serving classic American tavern fare with an upscale twist, several loyal guests around Atlanta are reflecting on all the ways the popular eatery has secured a permanent spot in their dining plans each week. From after-work happy hours to client lunches paired with a to-go meal for dinner that night, Marlow’s has earned a special place in the hearts of these regulars and dedicated members of the Insider Program.
“‘Meet me at Marlow’s’ is not just a tagline for us but a culture of hospitality we’ve been instilling in our taverns for the past two decades,” said John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern. “We set out to provide an approachable neighborhood spot where our guests can enjoy great-tasting food in a casual and warm environment. Along the way, we’ve gained many loyal guests who help us build the community connection that all of our team members love to create.”
One of those regulars is Marlow’s Insider Brandon Bougard, vice president of critical care services at Grady Memorial Hospital. Bougard lives next to the Midtown location and has been a regular for the past two years. His visits allow him to unwind with his work team or on his own to recover from the day. He says, “The team at Marlow’s Midtown understands the rigors of my job at the hospital and is always assessing what I may need after a work shift. Bobby and Graham behind the bar know what I like, and Zu reaches out to make sure I’m feeling well after a rough day. Their care and attention make me feel like family.”
Bougard also frequents Marlow’s with friends. “There’s a group of us in my building who meet for happy hour. We like to order one of everything on the special menu and share it,” he adds.
Marlow's Tavern Insider Brandon Bougard
Krista Carreiro lives five minutes from Marlow’s Woodstock and has been a regular since the restaurant opened in 2017. “Wednesday is my go-to Marlow’s day to enjoy some ‘me’ time. I knew I had achieved regular status when I walked in and the bartender brought my drink right over. They knew exactly what I would get.”
Carreiro runs a veterinary hospital and has held the company’s Christmas party at Marlow’s Tavern four times. She has enjoyed getting to know all of the staff, even helping them occasionally with their pet care needs. Hospitality manager Chris Trotto is one of her favorites to share a joke and laugh with, cementing that status when his service skills even impressed her notoriously picky father. “Chris and I meshed ever since,” she says.
Marlow’s Cumming Insider David Burg lives and works nearby and has been a fan since the restaurant’s 2011 opening. He will often bring clients for lunch, saying “The variety offered on the menu makes it easy for anyone to find something they like. I’ll come back after work for happy hour or dinner. Sometimes I visit three times in a day.”
Burg also has a group he calls the “rat pack.” “We’re all social people who enjoy a group dinner. Everyone is an Insider, so we have a friendly competition in our group text over who hits the tiers and earned a black card first,” he adds.
All three have their menu favorites. For Bougard, it’s the Royale with cheese customized with bartender Graham’s recommendation of sautéed onions. Burg also loves the freedom to customize, often ordering the Grilled Chicken Tortilla Salad – no cucumber, tomato, or radish and light avocado. Another of his favorites is the Scallion Crusted Triggerfish (with asparagus, no green beans). “I had triggerfish for the first time in the British Virgin Islands and loved it. Later, I saw it on the Marlow’s menu; it really rivaled what I had eaten on my vacation.”
Marlow's Tavern Insider David Burg
For her part, Carreiro is obsessed with the black bean burger that was taken off the menu. The Woodstock bar manager would reach out to her during a week when it was being offered as a special to make sure she knew. Both Carreiro and Burg seldom cook and often take home something for dinner during their lunchtime visits to Marlow’s.
All three Insiders agree that sitting at the bar—specifically next to the service station—is the place to be and have been known to wait if someone is sitting in “their” seat. Burg says, “I never feel like I am eating alone at Marlow’s bar because I’m hanging out with the bartenders or making friends with other guests.”
Bougard sums it up best: “I’ve lived in major cities in Tennessee, Texas, Florida and Louisiana, and this is the best go-to spot that I’ve found. Some places you go for just drinks and others are just about the food. Marlow’s has both, plus the experience and hospitality. It’s all one package that keeps you coming back.”
Earlier this year, Marlow’s upgraded its signature Insider program, beloved by regulars like Bougard, Carreiro and Burg. New dollar-spend levels and sought-after incentives include the coveted Skip the Wait card, exclusive swag and glassware and the opportunity to host a tavern party for up to eight people.
Guests can sign up to be an Insider online or by downloading the Marlow’s Tavern app. Insiders also get access to special offers and events. To earn a qualified visit, guests must visit any tavern and spend at least $15 on food and beverages. Guests who earn four qualified visits will receive a complimentary entrée up to $20 on their next visit. There is no cost to sign up to be an Insider. Guests can download the Marlow’s Tavern app from Apple or Google Play stores here to find their nearest location, view menus, check account and rewards balances and more.