Mac's Tavern soft-opens

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Mac's Tavern soft-opens

POSTED: Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 5:19 PM

Filed Under: Openings | Photos

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Meal Ticket stopped by the soft opening of Mac's Tavern (226 Market St.) yesterday evening to check out the revamped Skinner's, owned in part by It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia stars Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson. Mac's is owned and operated by a group of investors, almost all of whom went to St. Joe's Prep together. (Partner Dennis Hart is actually the school's current Dean of Students.) Managing partner Eric Vesotsky realizes that that the name of the bar and the involvement of the It's Always Sunny couple — he's been buddies with McElhenney since first grade — creates the expectation the place will double as some some sort of It's Always Sunny Epcot attraction, with every floorboard and coaster serving as a glib reference back to the hit FX show. While there are plenty of touches — check out the themed menu items, or the door marked "Pirate" instead of "Private" — Mac's is first and foremost a pub designed for drinking. "You're not going to come in here and see Charlie dancing around in his underwear," says Vesotsky. "Green Man's not a bar back." What you will see — 17 beers on tap (check the draft list above), between 60 and 70 in bottles and and grub from chef Michael Suminski, formerly of Ortlieb's Jazzhaus. (We posted a few menu teases on Friday.) Vetotsky says they have plans for a regular happy hour and will offer specials during all Phillies games. The bar will be closed today and tomorrow, but will officially open for business this coming Thursday.

MaltyDog

Posted 2010-06-01 12:50:15

LAME, the beer list is weak, i miss Skinner's terribly.

Dan

Posted 2010-06-01 14:52:11

I am inclined to agree. What a let down. Looks like another generic sports bar to me. I can tolerate two of the following: Guinness, Carlsberg, Hoegaarden, Stella, Yuengling, Leffe Blonde. Even Kensinger and Yards Pale are pretty meh. The pirate thing is lame too. Looks like the popped collar set should be thrilled by the new ubiquitous addition.

hihater

Posted 2010-06-01 14:54:57

Don't you think this place at least deserves a single visit before being shit all over  anonymously on the Internet? If you go and it sucks, that's fine, but it's not even open yet...what is your problem?

Dan

Posted 2010-06-01 15:06:56

Fair enough. But I'm not sure I need to go there to tell that the beer list isn't very interesting and that there's a TV on every wall amidst fake mahogany surroundings that are infused with a healthy smattering of dudes with striped polo shirts.

ebj

Posted 2010-06-01 16:09:35

I was there for the soft opening this past weekend, and it has all the makings of a decent bar, beer, good food and a jukebox.  Having TV's for games is the added bonus.  The staff was friendly, attentive.  It was a pretty mixed crowd..from the popped collar polo set, to the tattoo'd pierced folks.  People just hanging out, enjoying some drinks.

rory

Posted 2010-06-01 16:53:37

pirate thing is a reference to a fantastic episode of the show.

Rock Colors

Posted 2010-06-01 17:26:04

EBJ, your comment is way too rational for this thread. Where's the hate?!?

Tweets that mention Mac's Tavern soft-opens :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2010-06-01 17:33:39

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by It's Always Sunny, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Pics/info on Mac's Tavern, which soft-opened this weekend. Co-owner informs us, sadly, that Green Man is not on staff: http://bit.ly/d2Yz41 [...]

Dan

Posted 2010-06-01 18:27:12

Yea, that was funny. When one of the cast members misread the door sign that said private.

Anonotroll

Posted 2010-06-03 22:30:33

I'm conflicted.  

On the one hand, it's managed by the same team that drove one of the most fabled jazz clubs in the city into the ground.

On the other hand, it's owned by one of the best comedy writers of our generation.

I guess my ultimate decision will depend on the happy hour specials.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, May 31-June 4 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-06-07 11:11:39

[...] - Mac’s Tavern soft-opens in Old City. They have a door marked “Pirate.” [...]

Tonight: City Paper’s A Moveable Feast Happy Hour kicks off at Mac’s Tavern :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-06-10 12:11:08

[...] back — A Moveable Feast, the CP-sponsored Thursday happy hour, kicks off for 2010 tonight at the brand-new Mac’s Tavern (226 Market St.). AMF, which runs from 5 to 7 (see upcoming venues at citypaper.net/moveablefeast), [...]

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