Mac's Tavern

10/23/09

Lighten Up!

by Weavestress at Citysearch

OK, I've read these review and I think I can help here--I AM one of the regulars at Mac's. I know all the servers extremely well and the daily specials by heart, and they bring my "usual" drink without me asking when I walk in the door. To get this kind of service, GUESS WHAT--you have to go there regularly! No one is instantly a regular, and any smart business will take care of the people who give them repeated business!

On the other hand--I can see why this puts some people off, but I also think that many folks come in expecting a "Bar and Grille" atmosphere. If you want a calm, family-oriented place you simply should not go during the big games or Fri/Sat nights. When it gets busy, regulars may have to wait a while for a beer too--I have no problem getting off my behind and going to the bar because I know everyone is working hard and I am not their only customer! This is a SPORTS BAR. It is casual, it gets loud and smokey and busy, and THAT'S HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. This place may not be your cup of tea, but the staff does its job well, the food is really great FOR BAR FOOD, and the atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the game/time/crowd.

In closing--Cary seems to have only very preppy, snobbish bars or hole-in-the-wall redneck hangouts, but Mac's Tavern stands alone as the perfect NORMAL neighborhood bar!

• Pros: good food, great for darts, friendly staff
• Cons: not for everyone--snobby Cary-ites should pass

09/19/09

Poor Service

by raleighgirl81912 at Citysearch

We arrived a little before 8 on a friday night, when we first walked in the service was great the waiter came gave us a menu and took our drink orders. When the rest of the group arrived we went to get a pool table, Once there we never saw a waiter/waitress for another hour. We had to go up to the bar to get our drinks and to order any food that we wanted. I will not be going back to this place again.

• Cons: service, dense smoke

05/06/09

It's got potential, but...meh

by tullamore92 at Citysearch

Mac's SO wants to be the neighborhood bar, but it can't quite get beyond the novice stage. They have lots of TVs, sure; they have just enough distractions, game-wise (two pool tables, four darts lanes, the obligatory golf video game, etc.) to keep the younger set happy; but they can't seem to nail down the basics. That is, there seems to be either too much attention (as in asking how you are every 4.7 seconds) or way too little (as in going to fetch a beer and not coming back...ever). Plus, the place REEKS of cigarette smoke. Seriously. Just spend ten minutes in there. Even if no one is smoking at the time, I guarantee your clothes will stink of it to a ridiculous degree.

• Pros: The food isn't awful; lots of TVs
• Cons: Service (or lack thereof); dense smoke