Tilted Kilt - Johns Creek

Tilted Kilt has its roots in Las Vegas, a city known for over the top entertainment and almost dressed women. The uniforms of this restaurant fit that bill perfectly (the girls probably appeared modest when compared to the expected dress code of the town). Although the original Las Vegas location has closed, a chain of offspring restaurants has opened up here in Johns Creek and across the country wherever sports bars are the norm or college kids abound. A menu of moderately priced pub food enhanced by some seriously good comfort food, steak, chicken and pasta entrees is accentuated by highly attentive service.

The staff is predominantly young women. There are a good number of men, but they are much like stage hands for a play, meant to perform a duty and remain unseen (except, possibly by the good many thirty-plus year old female patrons I saw there on my visit). While the ladies' uniform (long, tasseled white socks, a very small plaid skirt, a tartan sports bra and a short white dress shirt tied off to show off the midriff) brings to mind Hooters and other restaurants aimed at men, this place is somehow different.

To begin with, the floorplan is more sophisticated. The Johns Creek tilted Kilt is a handful of dining areas. The large dining area surrounds on three sides a very large bar that has a second outer bar. One of the smaller dining areas is a small room off to one side, while the other dining area also houses the gaming (billiards and electronic games). These rooms have that old pub feel that makes one feel at home.

In addition to the floor plan, the menu separates TK from the other restaurants that target men. Most of those restaurants are limited to wings and pub sandwiches. Not so here at TK. This menu does have all of the usual pub foods. Nachos, wings, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and the rest are all there. They even serve wraps. There are ales of every kind as well. The big difference between TK and their competitors lies in the entree section of the menu. There you will find shepherd's pie, a meatloaf sandwich, steak, fettuccine, lasagna, chicken and a sausage platter (served with maple mustard vinaigrette, peppers, onions and a side of Gaelic mashed potatoes).

Intent on comparing the pub foods? Let me toss a few choices at you.

First, the classic "Big Arse" Hamburger. I don't know when I have had a better Angus beef hamburger. Ten ounces, grilled the way I like it and served with some great fries.

Not in the mood for a burger or wings? Get the "One Shot Johnny" pizza. A combination of pepperoni, sausage and bacon with just the right amount of sauce and cheese decorates a crust that is not too thick or too thin. This pizza is sized just right for a man with an appetite.

The prices are competitive, with the pub foods hovering around $9 and the entrees from $11 to $17. The service is good, attentive and friendly, as you might expect. Yes, the uniform is skimpy. I would buy this food, however, if the servers wore burlap sacks.