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Mac's Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Canadian (New) Pubs, Canadian (New) [Edit]
226 Market StPhiladelphia, PA 19106
Neighbourhood: Olde City
(267) 324-5507
- Hours:
Mon 4 pm - 2 am
Tue-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Steven C. said: "I called it a four star but could have done three. Spending a weekend in Philly and doing the Jose Garces thing. Seems that the town has gone a little Garces-nutty and it feels a bit over hyped. Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday…" read more »
126 reviews for Mac's Tavern
Review Highlights
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"There is some "It's Always Sunny." In 32 reviews -
"Consistently great food and a great beer selection." In 4 reviews -
"I've had the crab cake sandwich (enormous) and the cheese..." In 5 reviews
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126 reviews in English
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Review from Shane H.
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I just happened upon this place as I was aimlessly walking around downtown while I was in Philly for a few days. My coworker and I were hungry, and the menu looked promising, and not overpriced.
The atmosphere inside was really welcoming. It was pretty early in the day, probably around 5pm or so, so the place was virtually empty. Service was very prompt and friendly.
I had no idea this place had any ties to IASIP, so I was surprised to see pictures of the cast all over the walls. Pretty awesome to eat food next to a picture of Danny Devito arm wrestling someone.
The food was way better than I was expecting. I had the Turkey BLT and everything tasted really fresh. My coworker made a meal out of the gravy fries...so good!
If I ever find myself in Philly again, I'd love to make another trip here. -
Review from Stephen K.
Levittown, PA
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here for a happy hour on a Thursday.
Nice place, quick service, not crowded, decent atmosphere.
Happy hour special was $1 off drafts, but that meant they were still $5.50, a little high.
Also had their Sweet Garlic wings (large order) $15!!!!! Way over priced. Good but over priced.
Probably wouldn't go back here. -
Review from Payal P.
4/17/2012
Went here for happy hour and stayed for a while after.
Prices are good.
The calamari was some of the best I have had in Philly!
Ambience is good.
Our waitress could have been friendlier and every time we needed her, we had to flag her down, like hands waiving and everything or just walk up to her and tell her what we needed because she was just standing by the jukebox the entire time with her arms crossed. That is the only reason I took off a star.
I would go back. -
Review from Erica B.
Mt Laurel, NJ
5/3/2012
One of my favorite bars in Philadelphia without a doubt. Every time I go in there it's better time than the last. Good beer deals, but not fantastic, the prices do run a bit high with drinks. But you've got to go in there just for the food. The Works fries are a meal for 2 in itself but they are the best french fries I've ever had in my life! You can't help but feel like the worst person in the world while you're eating them, but they taste so good it doesn't matter.
It doesn't hurt that it is the quintessential Philly bar, with IASIP references included. A game is always on (NCAA included) and the people are cool. I wish I lived closer, this place would be my regular. -
Review from Sarah S.
Philadelphia, PA
5/10/2012
I've been here before for lunch and had great service. Yesterday I didn't get so lucky. I stopped in with my fiance to get an appetizer and a drink. Our waitress took our order brought our drinks and food and never came back. Apparently she went home transferred the table and never told us or her co-workers she was leaving. The chicken tenders were awful, one was so dry it was inedible! When I told the other waitress she offered to take the plate away and nothing else. 3 extremely disappointing tenderers for almost $9.00. We came here because we thought it was a sure thing based on our previous experience, next time if we want decent food and service we'll risk it and try something entirely new when we're in the neighborhood.
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Review from Jennifer N.
Drexel Hill, PA
3/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hidden gem in olde city. Fun bar that has some really good sweet potato fries! The fries are on steroids and come with some honey horseradish sauce that are a dream come true. I devoured those bad boys like they were my last meal. Believe the hype!
Our party sat by the jukebox right by the bathrooms, but the music was way too loud for a casual Sunday evening. I have to work tomorrow, and I need my voice! I don't need to shout over to a friend right across for me. If they can fix that, then I'll be a happy woman. I just won't share my fries. -
Review from Devin L.
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great pub!
I love the "It's Always Sunny" theme. The bar is nice and long, huge amount of beers and great food. The bartender was very cool and with my Mets hat on I wasn't treated like a complete @$$.
The turkey BLT was very good. Pretty big too. The fries were delicious, especially with the sauce that came with the sandwich. I believe I have found a pub to hang in in Philly. Although on game nights maybe I'll leave my NJ/NY allegiance at home...Listed in: Philadelphia
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Review from Matthew K.
Mesa, AZ
5/7/2012
Mac and Cheese appetizer was really good, good mix of cheeses. Had the Meatball sub and my wife had the Chicken Cheesesteak. The meatball sub was very good, the meatballs themselves were over the top delicious. The bread was very good. Could have used a little more sauce though, but still superior. The chicken cheesesteak was good as well, good and cheesy and chicken was juicy. They had a tremendous selection of beers, had a super hoppy beer that was delicious.
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Review from Brad E.
Cherry Hill, NJ
1/30/2012
I have been going here with my girlfriend and a few friends the past few Wednesday's for 8pm Quizzo. It has been pretty awesome and we've come very close to winning a few times. We are itching to get that 1st Place Prize of $35 dollars toward your bartab.
Food, service and drinks are good. Take a look at all the photos of It's Always Sunny actors.
Definitely check it out. Beware of the crowds on the weekend, unless that's your thing.
Cheers. -
Review from Er B.
Phoenixville, PA
1/30/2012
Solid beer selection. I thoroughly enjoyed the "Grandmom's Own" soup. The mac n cheese was a little too heavy for me, but had great flavor.
Went for lunch during the week, not really crowded and had a chance to watch some Sportscenter. Seems more like a guy hangout, but as a lady, I like this place. -
Review from Jeff D.
Updated - 4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
My second visit to Mac's was mostly good. Their beer list seemed to be largely leaning toward the Wheat side this past Friday night. I ordered a Boulder Sweaty Betty and was happy. My friends ordered mac and cheese which I happened to steal a bite of. It was gooey and cheesy and kinda tasted like someone cheese grated a bunch of Doritos on top to give it a nacho cheese dusting. It was OK but I wouldn't order it again. I don't know what it is but I am never that satisfied food wise here. I must be getting the wrong thing. Beer wise, they have a pretty decent selection and a cool jukebox with the Beatles making regular appearances. Until next time....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2011
I go to school at Rutgers in Camden and am a stones throw away from Old City. So one day instead of… Read more »
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Review from Steven B.
Updated - 12/9/2011 27 Check-ins Here
I've been working in Olde City for several months and have eaten and enjoyed great craft beers here many times. I often bring along business associates for lunch. This week I was one of five for a Wednesday lunch.
We all ordered varied sandwiches. I ordered Mac's Meatloaf (Grilled mustard-crusted meatloaf, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo on grilled ciabatta bread $8.99). When it arrived the whole table fell silent and just stared. It looked that good. Fortunately for me it also tasted delicious and was accompanied by Mac's famous fries. This was comfort food at its best.
As usually happens, everyone in my party agreed that their sandwiches were all excellent. The chef here really seems to have his act together. Every few months several menu items change and I look forward to the new taste delights.
The entrance to Mac's is unassuming and it would be easy to just walk on by. That would be a mistake.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/18/2010
A steak sandwich to die for! I just stopped in for lunch and ordered it. It's thickly cut Angus… Read more »
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Review from Amanda C.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Reasonable prices, decent beer list, and inexpensive food. I have eaten a veggie burger here, and chicken sandwich with broccoli rabe, both were fairly good.
Crowd was a mix of college aged/young folks and older people.
I went at like seven on a Friday and they were blasting music super loud.
An okay option for Old City. $3 Craft Beer and $3 shots during happy hour. -
Review from Amanda C.
12/17/2011
I really, really wanted to like this place, but I just didn't.
Me and my boyfriend are big Sunny fans and we were excited to see what Rob's bar would be like. No, we weren't expecting Paddy's, just an ordinary place to hang out. That's exactly what it was....but, there's a strong local clique. I'm all for being a local somewhere and knowing the bartenders and other regulars, but I highly doubt that I've ever given the 'what the heck are you doing here?' look to anyone who didn't look familiar. I'm not from Philly, but I've been to bars with strong local vibes but have always been warmly welcomed. Not here.
Besides the atmosphere, the draft beers were standard, nothing special, and mixed drinks were a little pricey. We were there on quiz night (which we LOVE) but got there a little late. Also, the room is a little bright. I realize that may not bother some people, but it was bright enough that I would've been able to read a book without any squinting or straining...just strange.
I expected a little more but oh well. Probably won't be coming back here. -
Review from John F.
Philadelphia, PA
By the time I sunk my teeth into scalding wings then swallowed a strong pint, listening to Fight Fire with Fire, I couldn't stop thinking...
--Mac's Tavern, WHY have I not visited before now!!!--
Nice layout. Good beer list. The food is.... SHAZZAM.
Food: WTF wings were AWESOME. They should be called "Extra F'ing hot FTW!" Super hot and tasty. They are no shit hot, beware. Burger, probably one of the best pub burgers I've had in years.
Drinks: Nosferatu on tap, I wasn't a fan initially... then like a vampire, it snuck up and sunk it's teeth in my taste buds and I decidedly drained the dreary draft.
Ambiance: Who stole my iPod of OLD Metallica, Iron Maiden, Sabbath, Zeppelin it was like a 65-85 only playlist.
Service: With a smile and perfectly attentive.
Mac,
Thanks for opening a bar as awesome as you and the gang's show.
Sincerely,
John F.Listed in: All Your Beer Are Belong To Us, My A"WAR"D Face
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Review from Sarah S.
Lancaster, PA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a Groupon so I went here with my family.
I was really disappointed and wanted to love it but the food was just meh!!!
My BFs "Mac and Cheese" was good but I've had better.
My daughters "chicken fingers" were like flat thin smushy chicken cutlets.
I had their "Hot" Wings which I was told by the waitress whom said she likes "hot" were just the right spice....well they were SWEET!!!!
I've had bar-b-que wings that were hotter!
The saving grace was the french fries but I wouldn't come back just to eat the french fries! With so many great places to eat in Olde City, Mac's does not stand out!
They do have an awesome selections of Local PA craft beers...but I was driving so no beers for me :(
Four stars for the Service...it was quick and attentive but it was 3pm on a Saturday!
So the place wasn't anywhere near packed. -
Review from Mary S.
10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
So I'm still not sure how I feel about Mac's Tavern, I've been here like 3 times, and I've had the food. and drinks. and had good service once, shitty awful service once and okay service once. What does this mean? well I don't know. I enjoy their fries and they have a decent beer list. But when a waitress ignores me and there are literally 2 other patrons in the bar- we have something wrong here.
I will definitely give it a try in the future, but it certainly has major competition what with so many always winning bars in olde city. -
Review from Kristen O.
New City, NY
10/17/2011
I spent 99% of my last visit to Philly here, and I regret not spending more time here this time around.
Mac's is pretty awesome. They have a great selection of beers, the bartenders are SO nice, and the food is a genuine delight.
We went around 12 on a Saturday for a quick bite and some beers, and everything was so good. We got fries and gravy, no cheese (Lactose Issues McGee!) and they were just awesome. I seriously cant remember ever having better gravy on fries. I wanted to make out with them. Extreme.
Anyway, the bartender was so nice and friendly, and everyone there was having such a good time, watching football and just chilling. It definitely get a little rowdier at night, but overall, this place has an awesome vibe and a great environment. -
Review from B. K.
Philadelphia, PA
3/12/2012
Eh average bar located an area with tons of better options.
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Review from Julie J.
10/19/2011
Seeing as I am a HUGE fan of Always Sunny (I basically live my life quoting Charlie all day long - I sound very intelligent now, I know), coming to Philly and not visiting Mac's would have been like committing a mortal sin! I kind of wish we spent more time here, because the people seemed the most normal and down to earth in this neighborhood as opposed to say, Fishtown where they are all fat cranky hipsters that cut themselves in order to feel.
This is the place to go if you love beer and I'm not talking Miller High Lifes and PBRs (though they do have them for $2 a can), I'm talking any beer your heart desires; their selection is quite vast. I was pretty pleased with my Languintas IPA! Their gravy fries were yummy, but really how could you mess up fries with gravy poured on them?
Great spot. Love you Mac. -
Review from Mike D.
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like Mac's. A simple, nicely redone bar with a good beer selection. The atmosphere was busy, but mellow. I was a huge fan of Skinner's, so it will always be missed. From the few experiences I had at Mac's, they offer good specials and better than average pub grub. It may not be a destination spot for me, but I think it offers a good alternative in Old City. I don't know what it's like on a normal weekend night but for a lazy, cold Sunday, it fit just fine.
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Review from Ryan D.
8/15/2011
Definitely not typical, kitschy, or a tourist trap. Mac's is a pretty damn good restaurant with damn good food. My GF and I went here when I was visiting a friend in Philly. I went with the grilled chicken wrap. Figure it would be a pretty typical sandwich. Mac's definitely made this thing great, and that isn't the beer talking. The aioli is also a good dipping sauce for the fries. Cheap drinks as well so you can't go wrong there.
At one point I felt the waitress was sort of pushing the check when she saw us enjoying our drinks for too long (Note: I really lost track of how much time I was taking between these drinks). Other than that feeling, she seemed very friendly and checking on us if we needed anything.
Great place to watch a game too as most of the seats have vantage points of the many tvs.
I'd be happy to get another sandwich and a beer from Mac's again when I am in town. -
Review from Jessica S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2012
My friends were on a pub crawl: Mcgillans, PBR, National Mechanics etc but I told them I wanted to stop here. It was pretty crowded, and much smaller than the other places. My friend ordered calamari, which had jalapenos, and he wasn't crazy about it. The skinny hipsterish male bartender acted as if he was too cool to help us explore our drink options; he was very annoyed we didn't know exactly what we wanted and acted if he was too good to be bartending there. He knew a lot more about beer than the girl bartender, who couldn't recommend me a wheat or white beer bc she didn't know about the options they served, but I just didn't want to talk to someone like that. So we only stayed for a drink. Prices were higher than the other bars too. I really wanted to like this place too...(however, I could see how it could be a hipster hang out spot)
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Review from Juniper C.
Philadelphia, PA
3/12/2012
Mac's tavern is a perfectly prepared filet mignon served between two pieces of wonder bread. The beer selection is amazing but the bar tender is a beertard (now don't go getting all offended, I truly mean his bear IQ is bellow 70 points so what I am saying is actual fact). There was an expensive ale with high alcohol content so I thought maybe double IPA even though it was not labeled as such. I ask beer dude to clarify, and he replies "uh...yah". Is this him being a douche bag or is he unsure? I throw caution to the wind and order the beer. Not double IPA, not IPA at all. In fact, beer completely lacks any hoppiness. Here is my advice, bartenders of Philadelphia, when you are unsure don't make the mistake that your customer is clueless as well. Just pour them a tiny sip and the worst that could happen is they don't purchase said beer and they pick something they are happy with. Come on people, this is bartending, not rocket science! Strike one. My pals arrive and we head to a table. We all order our food and in very little time, it starts materializing at our table. The mac and cheese is orgasmic. Who would have thought that some crushed up corn chips on top would make all the difference? The french onion soup is also very good, although I feel that the spare rib is overkill. The burger came out perfectly prepared and even the meatloaf sandwich is something to leave out of your conversation with mom so as not to make her jealous. The only problem is that not one of these delectable food items belong to me. The server forgot to punch in my order. Now don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot in my heart for servers as I was one for many years. BUT... girl wrote everything down. How do you forget something that is staring up at you from the paper in your hand? When my poutine (fries with gravy, cheese, spare rib meat) does finally arrive it is awesome. Except that all my friends are finished and ready to leave. Strike two. The final strike is the rediculously loud music that makes it impossible to converse over an extremely tasty dinner. The food and beer are filet. The service and atmosphere are wonder bread. The complete incompetence of the staff is very reminiscent of the joint's namesake. Sorry, Mac-Dude the irony on this one is lost on me.
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Review from Bill M.
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I first heard that Mac and Sweet Dee were purchasing a bar in Old City I was a mixed bag, especially since they took over Skinner's (R.I.P. - http://www.yelp.com/bi...)On the one hand I thought it could lead to another solid option for Old City, which could only be made cooler by the Always Sunny link. But on the other hand I felt that the LAST thing that the part of Old City needed were a bunch of McPoyles and Greenmen running around!
Intrigued yet alarmed, I put off going for awhile until finally a friend suggested it for a spot to get a couple rounds on their birthday. And in the end I found it to be a whole different beast than I was expecting, which in this case was a good thing.
The only thing that really put me off was how compact it felt when things got crowded compared to its former incarnation. whether it meant grabbing some spots by the bar, or piling into one of the many tables/booths towards the back or side, getting a space at Skinner's never seemed to be much of a problem no matter how packed things got. But for Mac's it kind of felt significantly more cramped. Grant it they did move in a lot more taps behind the bar, a good number more bottles, and more TVs; as well as a lot more open standing space brought on by some serious booth removal. So you do get a lot more positives along with the space sacrifice.
Aside from a bit of a grilled chicken sandwich that was alright, I didn't get to try much of the food. But the variety is pretty widespread, especially in the chicken cutlet and gravy fries categories! With 17 rotating taps that include a number of seasonals, and 100+ bottles, Beer flourishes in the way that would make the Paddy's Pub crew proud. So in the end Mac's was not only McPoyle free, it had enough mirth to make one feel like a champion of the sun. and that makes it well worth another do over!Listed in: Philly Bars, Beer Haven
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Review from Ashley G.
Philadelphia, PA
8/15/2011
3rd time is a charm! After 2 failed attempts, I finally got to use my living social deal here (first time there was a band that was supposed to start and they told me to go elsewhere if I wanted to eat as the tables would not be turning over, the second time the kitchen was closed to "work on our summer menu").
The waitress was awesome this time and didn't have the snotty attitude that I encountered on my previous two visits. I really enjoyed my chicken wrap and super salty fries. My boyfriend saw something written on the wall for some kind of super sandwich coming soon so we may return for that.
I liked the wide beer selection and wouldn't mind stopping in again to grab a beer before going somewhere else for the night. The prices were right also. -
Review from Ashley P.
8/27/2011
How could I visit Philadelphia and not check out something related to the highly popular "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" television show. Formed, amongst others, by Rob and Kaitlin McElhenney, this bar is a comfortable and convenient location to visit in Olde City. After wandering around the City Hall area and asking the few people we encountered, we were sent over to Olde City to check out where all the action was at.
Mac's Tavern is very welcoming, has plenty of seating, and offers a wide variety of beer both on draft and bottled. I was excited to try some of the local options from the Philadelphia Brewing Company, as well as indulge in a few Guinness and Original Sin glasses. Lots of specials are offered, especially during Phillies' games including $2 PBR and Miller High Life cans.
Speaking of baseball, the day I visited, the Red Sox were having a very exciting game against the Orioles (15-10 Sox win). As this was obviously not the game of choice to watch in Philadelphia, as the Phillies were playing the Cubs, we sheepishly asked the bartender if he could spare a television to check out our home teams action. The bar was not crowded this Monday night and without hesitation he flipped through the channels and found our game in the back of the bar. As a New England sports fan, I know how crazy fans can get, and was surprised/thankful that the staff and other patrons had no issues with us cheering on our home team.
I did not get a chance to try out the food here, but the beer and mixed drinks alone were worth the visit. The bartender was out-of-his-way helpful and provided us with information on other nightlife hot spots to check out. Overall, a decent place with solid service. -
Review from Dan G.
Washington, DC
11/7/2011
On a tourist kick we went to the bar from "It's Always Sunny" and was expecting a experience like the Bull and Finch Pub but was greeted with a regular close to dive bar.
Great Beer selection of locals and micro-brews from all over the US, not as many as other brewpubs, but a great selection across flavor profiles. Seemed like mostly college kids/ hipsters. It was quizo night, but we saw the quizo girls stop by a few time before a waitress showed up. Food and Apps arrived. Hummus was ok, didn't taste like it was made there. Fish Tacos had some great heat and nice taste. I'd rate it a little better that regular bar food, and their fries were great! -
Review from Stephanie C.
Boston, MA
1/25/2012
Slow service, but otherwise a great experience. For fans of It's Always Sunny, it's really a cool place, as two of the stars are part owners of the Tavern. The place has a great story (building has been in the same family since they were the fabric providers for Betsy Ross!) Food was great. Drinks were a little weak and the menu was a bit limited, but overall a great experience. I'd return again!
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Review from R B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good times, great bartenders.
Food is decent with a semi gourmet twist. The Sweet Dee sandwich was pretty huge and like the menu said she is a "cold" bitch +1 for coming on a pretzel roll. I love the Philadelphia memorabilia and the understated painting of the "It's Always Sunny" gang. I hope I catch Danny DeVito here next time they are filming in Philly. At the end of the day this is a great place to catch the Phils game and grab a cheap PBR or Miller Lite special. -
Review from Maxim K.
Philadelphia, PA
4/2/2012
I love Mac's Tavern. The location is great - in the middle of one of most lively corner of Philadelphia. I like that it is not too big or too small. The bar is easy to access. The service is swift and sure. Additionally: 1) Drink Selection 2) Food. I tried the fries with gravy and cheese (called poutine in Montreal) - simply stunning! The burger, the chicken cutlets (of each there are several choices on the menu), crab sandwich, Mac and cheese will make your taste buds thank you for eating Mac's Tavern's food. The place can be loud but that's because when you are enjoying great good with great drink and good company - few can mute themselves
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Review from Ken H.
12/5/2011
Idunno... I'm still struggling to understand exactly what they're going for here. It's definitely not an 'Always Sunny' theme bar - much to the dismay of the hardcore fans who add it as a top on their tour of Philly. It's not really an upscale dining spot. It's kinda just a bar - with a very good beer selection, good (but not great) food, good (but not great) atmosphere and doesn't really seem to have much ambition. I'd come back for drinks if I was in the neighborhood, but wouldn't consider it a destination unless the Always Sunny folks were in town.
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Review from Jewel B.
Tempe, AZ
7/5/2011
Ah, Mac's. You want to be hip and helpful, but you sort of belly-flop while other perfectly good dive bars are doing swan-dives into the pool. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I wasn't a huge Skinners fan, but I did like that it offered a late-night, low-key option in Old City. The first time we went and asked for food, the horn-rimmed glassed server said, "Get the fuck out of here" and proceeded to shake his hiply tattooed fist at us. Call it love. I like a guy who tells me to get fucked when I'm the one tipping him. Let's make a deal, boy-o!
Skinners was the type of dive bar you'd go to with your grandpa, if your grandpa were tattooed and used to work in a cool industry like lumber or steel. Mac's wants to be that, but it also wants to be a college bar. Hence, the tables and chairs, rather than the lurky booths. The bartenders all seem angry, but that's part of their charm. I don't know about you, but man, I want a guy to pour me a weak drink and slam it down in front of me like he's got John Henry's hammer.
The main complaint, other than the essence of Skinner's being lost is that the drinks are higher priced and weaker. I'm no lush, despite what my reviews might reveal, but I want a darn strong drink if I'm ordering it at midnight. I don't want any namby-pamby cocktails with melting ice. Make it strong and give it to me with a smile and I'll probably tip you like you're a million dollars. It ain't always sunny at Mac's and that's the reality. I do like that the bathroom isn't a freakfest and that I don't have to wait long, but if I want to go to a bathroom like that, I'll just stay home and make my own dang drink (counter-slamming optional). -
Review from Adam L.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great sandwiches, good beer list, and good prices. Best meet-up-with-friends sit-down place to eat in Old City.
The sandwiches are very good. The Sweet Dee, a cold beef sandwich with horseradish and cheese served on a pretzel roll, is delicious. Also love the crab cake sandwich- big pieces of crab and the cake itself actually is large enough to fit the roll.
The fries are thin, salty and crunchy. As for starters, the fried bacon and pickles are good but need a little work- other places have far superior fried pickles. The corn is as good as the pics look (check them out). Probably an outright ripoff of the Cantina's awesome corn starter but hey, if you are gonna rip something off, rip off the best, right?
The atmosphere is that of a typical Philly gastropub. Maybe a little touristy, which is to be expected considering the neighborhood it is in, and the "Always Sunny" angle its going for. A little louder than I like when eating, but not dealbreaker noise.
Mac's is a great spot. -
Review from Alex M.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 5/11/2011
Mac's, I'm sorry. My love affair with you seems to have been soured.. literally.
Like Ali J., I too do pick my beer based on ABV. Sitting at the bar, I asked for the beer list and was instructed to turn around and look at the chalkboard. Upon asking the bartender which one was the strongest to suit my tastes and insatiable yearning for a good buzz, she pulled out the beer list and told me. I couldn't have looked at it myself like I have before? Anyway, I must give her credit- the beer she suggested was really, really wonderful and she was very pleasant/funny/pretty/whatever. But this, my friends, is not what docked ANY stars.
Ordered calamari and our absolute favorite- fish tacos (no WTF wings for me this time as I am running low on Charmin wipes at home). Calamari was very, very good. We enjoyed the spiciness of the peppers fried in it. Fish tacos came out, loaded that baby up and took a giant bite.
The. Worst. Taste. I've. Ever. Experienced. In. My. Life.
Now, I've put a lot of things in my mouth and this was right up there with my hatred for putrid caraway seeds. My boyfriend, who will eat anything and everything, wouldn't finish it and said it tasted like "Kimberly Jo Johnson's (aka the Pink Power Ranger from the early '90s) nether regions after floating down the Delaware River." (Why he mentioned a Power Ranger, I'll never know) Yes, it was that offensive.
Mac's- We absolutely loved your fish tacos and have ordered them many, many times. They were perfect. Now, I am afraid to order them ever again in fear of that musty, fresh from the murky waters of the Delaware River taste (I know your fish isn't from the Delaware but still). I will absolutely be back, as you are around the corner from me, but I will be staying far, far away from the tilapia.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/19/2010
When's the last time you have experienced the unique pleasure of man-sized sobbing brought on by a… Read more »
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Review from Chris J.
Philadelphia, PA
1/22/2012
Good place in an otherwise douchey part of town. They try to take that filling, satisfying of finger food/ pub food and take it to the next level. They do an okay job in execution. Definetly Worth checking out...
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Review from Susan s.
5/6/2011
Time to end the night right with the right kind of bar for us!!!! A few of my Philly friends took my Honey and I here because thats were they like to hang out. I can't believe out of all the visits to Philly no one ever told me about this place! I LOVE IT! The bartenders, Mike and Dillion were amazing. We sat at the bar, and had the best service ever. They made us killer Chocolate Cake shots for the birthday group, and also knew how to make a good Jameson and Ginger for me! My Honey had IPAs and everything was not even half as expensive as prices in NYC. Why do I not live in Philly?!!!!!
Hospitality here was like no other... I will be back soon!!!!!!!!!!Listed in: Philly LOVE!
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Review from Laura P.
Minneapolis, MN
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had some chicken strips here that were alright.
The dipping sauce was needed to make it 'alright' though.
I had a couple Oberons and that was awesome.
There is some "It's Always Sunny.." stuff on the wall.
Apparently Mac is an investor.
So...there it is...
All you people that are "such big fans ZOMG Eeeek!!!"
can go here and sit in the lights and warmth/air conditioning
because a guy that is on the show is an investor....
he keeps the lights on, keeps the beers cold....
but it's not like he hangs out here.
It's not like any part of the show was filmed here....
I liked the bar more when I thought it was a no frills easy kind of place.
The people that work here are really really nice,
no diss on them at all.
It's a clean, dimly lit bar.
Nice place for a chill night.Listed in: Philadelphia!!!!
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Review from Christina P.
Philadelphia, PA
3/10/2011
As a lover of Always Sunny, I was clearly obligated to come here. I often hit this place first whenever I go to Old City. It's a cool bar that always has a good crowd. They have a great craft beer list and the prices are fair.
My two complaints are that the bar is pretty small so it gets very crowded very quickly, and the bartenders can sometimes have an attitude. When I go out, sometimes I don't tip on every single drink ( I used to be a server for 4 years, and I'm not trying to be ignorant, I just don't think people deserve $1 for pouring beer into a glass or handing me a bottle from the cooler). One time I ordered my first drink, a beer, and when I was walking away from the bar, the bartender threw the coaster I left and huffed "is THIS my tip?". Not ok.
Overall, fun place to go out. They have outdoor seating in the summer which is nice. Maybe one day i'll run into Mac? -
Review from Marcello D.
Haddonfield, NJ
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's too cold to go out bare-chested. I get up and I put on my new blue merino wool hoodie that I have purchased from the Gap. It is new and it is perfect. It flows comfortably over my body and keeps me warmer than any blue merino wool hoodie has ever kept anyone warm before. I fawn over it in a way that can only be described as the love that hand model, Ellen Sirot, expressed for her hands to Katie Couric. Like Ellen and her hands, we are inseparable.
Oh, we are good. The hoodie was on sale but together we are spectacular. We sit on the train to the city together and we walk to Mac's Tavern, padding and shunning the cold wind. We sit in the back of the bar and raise a hand to make a drinking gesture to the waiter that, in a different context, could land us in the back of a cop car. We make the gesture with such accuracy, and with such ridiculous beauty that the server surely knows to bring over a Jack and Coke without ever hearing a single word.
We await the arrival of our drink, in such an astounding fashion that my drinking buddies share the anguish and dire thirst. They wait too, looking around the room for the server to return. When he does, he douses the blue hoodie in Jack Daniels, stripping it of its perfect nature. The drink is too strong and garnished with a lemon.
He does not look like a professional, like he never saw the inside of a bar prior to that moment. Patrons stop and stare at the spill. He walks away without ever saying a word. Later, he bumps into me and gets ketchup on the back of the tarnished hoodie. After continually ignoring my perfect requests for another drink and telling me to wait, he finally brings a second Jack and Coke. This one is devoid of liquor. He spills it on my hoodie, pants, and hand. Again, he walks away without ever saying a word. I sit and shake my head, gasping. No one has ever seen anything quite like it.
*Please don't sue me, David Eggers, for blatantly ripping you off.
