Scout — Restaurant in Decatur

UPDATE (March 2017): Initially we loved Scout and were excited to see a slightly less casual restaurant in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, we have had two bad experiences since our initial visit. This includes bringing out a kids meal long before (20 minutes) the adult entrees and a dish of Red Snapper that was so shriveled and tough that a steak knife couldn't cut through it - which is unforgivable for $27 (luckily they took it off our bill).

We will likely give it one more shot, but Scout needs to seriously think about their food prep as I have heard grumblings about quality from many other customers, especially for the prices they charge.

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TL;DR: Friendly, fast, delicious and a great space - exactly what Oakhurst needs and highly recommended!

The longer Read: Stopped in for the first time after work with the family (wife and toddler) - such a great experience. The staff was super friendly; they had crayons and a high chair ready to go as soon as we got to the table.

Our waitress helped my wife find a beer she liked and brought a few samples for her to try. Our orders went in fast and came out even faster. Our son was a bit hungry while we waited so we gave him some peanut butter using the best utensil we could find, the handle of a fork - one of the staff came over with a toddler sized spoon with a word from us, which made our day.

We ordered the battered cauliflower for a starter. The breading was thin and crispy and the cauliflower was surprisingly flavorful - though I can't say too much about it because our very picky 17 month old ate almost the entire dish himself.

For the first entree we had the roast salmon and corn cake sandwich. As a whole the sandwich was very good though the turnip green kimchi was a bit tough which at times made eating the delicate and crumbly salmon cake a challenge. The salmon cake was also devoured by our son, so no complaints there.

We chose the hickory chuck rib with cauliflower mash for the second entree. The ribs were tender and juicy and the cauliflower mash was light and creamy. Both items were again devoured by our toddler.

Overall the staff was extremely friendly, especially to our son. The food service was fast and the meal was excellent. The ambiance is also great. Scout is definitely what we have been needing in Oakhurst. I highly...

I've eaten at Scout plenty of times, but this is a review for it as a wedding venue - you foodie couples who value great dining should definitely check it out, it's a gem in Decatur’s Oakhurst Village neighborhood. Food should never be an afterthought at your wedding - a killer menu can really elevate you and your guest’s experience, and where better to serve said killer menu than at Scout?

The restaurant emphasizes "quality produce, innovative takes on American cuisine and cocktails crafted from local and regional suppliers". Boasting an ever-changing, seasonal menu that sources locally and sustainably, the restaurant promises a proper gastronomic experience all the way from amuse-bouche to desserts (via cocktails, of course).

Speaking of cocktails, if you’d like your libations to be forever twinned with your celebrations (yes, I meant that to rhyme…), then Scout offers an optional ‘Custom Cocktail’ option, billed at $250, for up to two guests, which includes a private consultation with their Bar Manager or GM, during which they will create a custom Craft Cocktail to your taste and specifications, to be offered during your event. This option is all inclusive and includes custom Beverage Menus for your event.

Scout is located in a renovated building that was constructed over a hundred years ago in 1915, so it has character and charm to spare - the dining room is bathed in natural light on three sides, mainly from the wall of windows facing West Hill St, just off Oakhurst Square.

Couples can get hitched in the simple garden in front of the restaurant, and then head to the deck patio for cocktails. There’s space for couples photos and guests to roam in the grounds out front, as well as plenty of seating, weather permitting.

Seating-wise, Scout has multiple areas - from large tables that seat 16, to booths that fit 6 and 4 people, so there are plenty of options for seating your guests. There’s also ample space for dancing shenanigans as the night approaches! Oh, and when you go, try the meat and cheese board. You can thank me...

Once we sat down, we couldn’t believe we’ve lived in the area for as long as we have without ever visiting Scout but we are happy we finally did and that we have a new favorite spot!

Food - Such a great variety and we had nothing bad.

For starters, we tried the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Sriracha Salmon Bites and the Filet Mignon Kabobs. The crab cakes were good but somewhat bland although the pickled chow chow that the crab cakes were served on was very good. The Kabobs were tasty but the star of the starters was definitely the Sriracha Salmon Bites - holy cow, they were amazing. Next time we will definitely order the salmon bites again... and again... and again... and then maybe try something new.

For our entrees, we both ordered the Lobster Mac & Cheese. First, it’s probably enough to split especially after having 3 starters. It’s a decent sized portion and it was super tasty. Big chunks of lobster and some creamy mac & cheese - what could go wrong? Would order again but also looking forward to trying some of the other yummy sounding options next time.

Drinks - As with the food, so many options! We both had the Fake Summer and let’s just say it’s a good thing that it’s on draft because it was so good and refreshing and you will definitely be feeling good after. We are ready to make the bar at Scout our regular hangout spot during the week.

Atmosphere - A great atmosphere indoor and out. It almost has a beach club vibe just without the beaches.

Service - Service was great. I don’t remember our servers name but he was pleasant and made us feel like regulars.

Value - My initial thought is that Scout is a tad pricy but with it being easily the best place to dine in Oakhurst, and the amount of really tasty food you’ll eat, I think the value is almost spot on. No regrets! We’ll be back next Friday! And the...