You want a fun / cool place to go in Richmond, check out the McCormack's Whiskey Grill & Smokehouse. Â Whether you are a fan of Whiskey or not, when you leave that place, you will feel like you are! Â I've never been to a place that had such a variety of Whiskey's and the bar tenter is so excited to start explaining the differences in each one. Â Behind the bar is very cool, it's an organized mess that really works. And they use an old library ladder to get to the high shelf Whiskeys. Â As an added bonus, the food is surprisingly very good!
Review Source:I give this place 5 stars because the bar is literally a wall of whiskey. Â We went there after a show at the National, so it was too late for food, but the drink selection is crazy huge. Â For the non-whiskey drinker, they have plenty of beer and other cocktails to choose from. Â Typical bar prices, and a nice, quiet atmosphere in which to enjoy your beverage. Â The bartenders and wait-staff are also very knowledgable on their product, so don't hesitate to ask questions.
Review Source:EXPERIENCE:
I enjoy whiskey bars, but this one is a few stones short of being a go-to. For one, the selection isn't terribly extensive and the prices are terribly expensive for the Fan.
The price point is comparable to what I've encountered in posher establishments in New York City with triple the selection. This stuff is expensive, I get it, but given the average age of your clientele and the fact that this is Richmond going a few dollars down would go a long way.
As far as the unofficial dress code, I'm an advocate for taking hats off in any place out of respect, but if it's not uniform for all headwear then don't bother.
Ultimately, I think I get what McCormick's is going for I just don't think it fits for where it is.
PROS:
- It's a whiskey bar in Richmond.
CONS:
- It doesn't seem to realize it's a whiskey bar in Richmond.
- Large groups may find it harder to get in do to space.
- Drink prices are too inflated to really enjoy going.
BOTTOM LINE:
If you have a decent job, give it a shot. Otherwise, there's a few solid dives in the area.
Well, if whiskey is what your on he hunt for, this is likely Gods country for you boozers... With a whiskey selection rivaling many whiskey bars I've been to in larger metro areas.
If food is what your in the mood for, they have a surprisingly innovative menu, with offerings ranging from BBQ Nachos to a rabbit entree.
My rabbit was flavorful but unfortunately the thigh section of the leg quarter was undercooked in the middle... All the same, being since bugs is so lean, I decided to eat it, even though it was mostly raw.
The BBQ nachos are a nice tasting unique dish. Â My only really complaint is the BBQ makes it really messy to eat... It's like you really need to cut the stringy BBQ but if you do this you destroy the chips. Â You either get a chip or two or like 2 mouthfuls with each pick from the platter.
Someone I was with had meatloaf, which he liked. Â He also indicated he'd eaten many other things there which he rally liked.
Someone else with us had the Swordfish. Â He complained about not liking the dish but said he wasn't sure if it was the fish, the seasoning or him; so like me; he didn't send it back, although since he barely ate his, they insisted they take It off the bill.
If your looking for stellar service, the server which was also the bar tender was attentive however it is obvious he's not a server for food. Â With 3 at the table, he had no clue who ordered what food.
If I had to base my review solely on this visit, I'd likely give them a lower rating. Â But with the things I've heard for others as well as some of the hints of true caring by the staff, I'm going to reserve a slam review for now and will give them another try some time soon.
I was sent by a friend to go check out this place because of their great scotch selection. Â I've been to quite a few whiskey bars around the world lately, and I've gotta say that McCormack's is not my favorite. Â It's by no means bad, and they do have a nice selection, but nothing really stood out to me at this place compared to some of the amazing bar features I've seen at other bars. Â Granted, I wasn't in Richmond, VA, but I guess I have my standards set a bit high.
Plus, when I'm in a small town like Richmond I expect prices to be a bit cheaper, and most of the scotches started at $12 or $13. Â That's fine for a town like NYC or Hong Kong, but I felt like it was a little more expensive than it needed to be. Â Also, what's with the 10% cash discount? Â That's one of the weirdest things I've seen.
Bartender that was working was super helpful, though, and definitely knew his stuff, especially when it came to Irish whiskey.
I'm not a connoisseur of whiskey, but dropped into McCormack's Whiskey Grill anyway to check out someplace new. Â I didn't expect them to have taps of my favorite beers, but I was pleasantly surprised that they did have a nice selection of bottled beers. Â After I had my share I asked the bar tender to recommend a whiskey. Â It didn't disappoint. Â
I also ordered the meatloaf entree. Â Wow!, it rivals Comfort's! Â Did I just say that? Â Yep! Â I mentioned this to the bar tender who who was our server and she said, "People come here for the whiskey, but come back for the food.". Â Spot on!
BTW, they have a no hats rule.
Still delish. We decided to head out to dinner and try this out again. Â Still no complaints. Â They carry one of my favorite beers Innes and Gunn and had a variety i'd never had before. Â The POG (Partner in Gluttony) decided he wanted to get to know a bit more about Scotch. Â They were all very knowledgeable about their liquors which was very refreshing. Â For dinner I had the bison burger whiskey style and he had the wild boar. Â the burger was one of the best I've had in a long time. Â It was cooked to perfection with this out of this world burbon sauce. Â His boar was spectacular. Â Still no complaints here!
Review Source:This place isn't for everyone. IF you're looking for an amazing selection of liquor and beer accompanied with very interesting, amazing food with a laid back atmosphere, go there.
I have been twice and had the best grilled cheese that I have ever had in my life. They use 3 types of cheese with pesto, sauteed onions and tomato. I also had the gumbo with duck. It was great but wasn't cajun spicy. I have also tried their meatloaf. It's really good they use unique spices. I've read some of the bad reviews and I just don't get it. Well, actually I do. They are from douche bag hipsters expecting a 5 star restaurant dining experience.... I mean come on, it's a bar with great food, unpretentious and delicious. Â It's nice to see something different in Richmond, something original. Great job guys and gals.
Why did the hipster burn his tongue when he went out to eat? Â Because he ate the food before it was cool. Â This review covers the experiences of two visits over the span of two days, which means I really wanted to like this place but...
My girlfriend and I were taken to this restaurant by a friend of mine who raved about the Scotch selection, ambience and food. Â He mentioned the service could, at times be a little off, but that it was well worth it. Â The place is located in the historic Fan district of downtown Richmond and has a low key rustic vibe with quirky b-movie memorabilia adorning the walls - think Famous Dave's decked out with Quentin Tarantino's personal movie memento collection. Â And the wall behind the bar is decorated with bottles of every possible liquor you could imagine. Â Except perhaps the one you might order. Â The place has a good local feel and if you are a hipster or like being known as one of those people who "know this cool little place," The Whiskey is probably on your list.
We were seated the first night a quickly greeted by our server, a nice enough fellow that bore a striking resemblance to Crispin Glover. Â He disappeared for quite some time, then came back to take our drink order. Â My friends probably blew a week's pay on two single malts that were each older than their respective ages (which they had) and my girlfriend order a glass of wine (which they ended up not having after some checking). Â I settled on water.
We shared an order of the green bean fries which are truly amazing. Â Battered perfectly and fried up to the point of golden perfection, these morsels were served with a side of garlic aioli and were worth us paying this establishment another visit after receiving otherwise mediocre service and food. Â To his credit, our server on the first night was really nice, but it did take him an interminably long time to bring us anything and he really didn't have a clue as to what they were out of and what they had. Â This really didn't bother me a bit because the place had such a laid back atmosphere. Â But one of the friends who took us seemed a bit agitated, so I guess it is worth mentioning.
For the entrées, I had a sweet/savory sausage dish that was dry and not really all that memorable.  My girlfriend ordered undercooked pirogues that had an odd flavor.  Good portion sizes and there is though to the menu.  I'll wager much of what they serve can be really good.
I went online to look over the menu to recall what desert we ordered but there is no web site for the place - probably because they are too cool to resort to those sort of shenanigans. Â I've also been told that at one point in time they didn't except credit cards... but now they do... but they urge you to pay cash and will give you a ten percent discount because that way, you know, they can stick it to the man.
Next day. Â I had a really long day of work laying tile and didn't want to cook. Â I'm with my girlfriend again (two nights in a row - lucky lady) and we really loved those green bean fries. Â There were also tons of things on the menu to try that looked really promising. Â Besides, the Crispin Glover character and the atmosphere were really nice. Â I shed off my dirty clothes, put on some nicer digs and throw on a ball cap to cover what's left of my disheveled hair. Â We even bring a friend.
So we get seated but don't have the fortune of getting served by the previous night's waiter. Â Instead, we get this bearded guy who, after taking our drink order, tells me with a measured amount of disdain that "You will need to take your hat off." Â This was really odd because it's a fairly low key place and not to mention my friend across from me is wearing a wool skull cap which apparently is acceptable. Â A bit startled, I obediently take off the hat. WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID was:
"Hey, no buddy, I think I'll keep my hat on." or
"Save the fashion tips for when you are a guest judge on Project Runway. Â Now make like a server and go get our drinks." or
"Fuck off, thank you very much." or
But I'm not that witty and quick. Â I sit there for a minute and decide I really don't want to be there anymore and whatever owner would hire such a douche bag doesn't deserve my money. Â I check my social barometer with my friends and they are a little weirded out by this hipster dude too. Â We decide to leave, never really wanting to go back.
But those green bean fries... Â Maybe I'll try this place one more time.
This is a great place! Â It is my go-to in Richmond if I am in the mood for the good stuff. Â The selection of whiskeys and rums is out of this world. Â There is a floor-to-ceiling liquor rack with a built-in sliding library ladder to help the bartenders get to the top shelf. Â
The owner works there pretty much every day of the week, and it shows. Â You can sense his attention to detail in the design and layout of the bar, and his careful measure and mix of every single drink has clearly been passed on to all of the other bartenders as well. Â Go in for a Singleton highland single malt or order an amazing Old Fashioned with a Bourbon recommended to suit your taste.
Horrible food, and the worst service imaginable. I've only been here twice (don't know what I was thinking giving this place a second chance) and each experience was unbelievably bad. You're better off anywhere within a 8,000 mi. radius of this place. Â It's only a matter of time until this place will be forced to sell it to a better person, and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later because McComarck's easily has the potential to be a really cool spot.
Review Source:I really want to like this place but I just cant. Â
Not only do they not have pickle backs but the bar tender was incredible rude. Â
We tried to order drinks, he said "whats up?" and we began to tell him our order. Â Half way through he turns to someone he recognizes and starts a conversation leaving us bewildered. Â I thought he would at least make our drinks while he continued his conversation but instead just walked away leaving us awkwardly standing at the bar. Â Needless to say we walked out and don't have plans to ever return. Â
Such a shame because it really is a beautiful bar!
If you like good bourbon, check this place out! Â They get on the list for stuff you won't find anywhere else locally. Â Tonight, it was 17 year old Eagle Rare. Â You're gonna pay for it, but you're not gonna find it otherwise... at least not at a bar in Richmond. Â
I can attest to a solid selection of Rye and Bourbon. Â I'm not a Scotch guy, but I can imagine that the selection is good. Â It seems like most liquors are well represented here.
We had the good fortune to have the chef make a "mistake" that landed on our table. Â It was a delicious shrimp and artichoke dip, likely something that they were trying out. Â It would stand proud on any RVA Fan menu. Â Thanks for fucking the diet up, but I love a kitchen crew who gets a little out-of-hand! Â
Too expensive for everyday consumption, but for a unique night out, it's one of my favorites!
I've been to the 'whiskey' bar a few times so I felt a review was in order. I am a whiskey fan so when I heard about this place, I was intrigued. Obviously a great
selection of scotch, bourbon, irish, rye, etc. I doubt a whiskey lover would be disappointed with that aspect of the bar.
     Outside of that, this place isn't all that special. If you don't like whiskey, this is probably not your kind of place. There is a small selection of bottled beer and cider.
Additionally, the food leaves a lot to be desired. It is typical bar grub but overpriced considering the quality and quantity.
Took my boyfriend because he loves whiskey, and this was definitely a hit. Â They have a very small bottled beer selection for those of you do not like whiskey, as well as a few ciders. Â When you walk into the place, the first thing you see is an entire wall of whiskey bottles behind the bar. Â Kind of exciting.
The food was great - but more than I normally pay for dinner. Â Even though it was good, I won't return for a meal, but perhaps drinks if I'm with a whiskey enthusiast. Â Even the appetizers were overpriced, especially for their portion size. Â I ordered the whiskey burger, which was perfectly juicy and flavorful, although I ended up with the whiskey sauce all over myself! Â Very good burger. Â If you're willing to spend the money on food and alcohol it's a great place, but probably not for your everyday happy hour and night out.
Big fan of this Fan bar.. They carry Pappy Van Winkle. Â Their bartenders are nice. Â The bar is comfortable. Â The prices are extremely reasonable to this SF resident. Â Good, relaxed vibe. Â Come here and sit in the window for a long conversation. Â
Also if you wanna buy me a Pappy van Winkle I might want to have a long conversation with you.
If you're looking for whiskey, look no further, this place has a really good selection. Â If you're looking for knowledgeable service, look further. Â Our waiters ignorance about both the spirits and the food was astounding, as if they just found someone off the street and told him to get to work.
I ordered a couple great (and a bit overpriced) scotches and my girlfriend ordered some hot spiked cider. Â The cider was good but stuff drifted to the bottom so the last fifth was impossible to drink. Â
We also got the filet and the nachos. Â The filet was under-cooked (we ordered medium rare and got rare instead), the nachos was pretty good but I would have preferred black versus brown beans. Â The two dishes were way too much for the two of us and we ended up taking about half it with us. Â
I'd probably return for drinks but maybe not dinner.
i had been wanting to try this place for awhile and i finally went the other day for lunch with boyfriend and his mom.
we went in for lunch and we happened to be the only people there. Â the bartender immediately made us feel welcomed. Â you could tell he really liked working there, which is nice to see. Â he was really great, which is a plus.
the interior is also awesome. Â from the wooden decor to the old time western posters on the wall. Â and of course, the alcohol selection looked great. Â very overwhelming, but in a good way.
the food itself was great! it took me forever to decide on something because they had SO many vegetarian options. Â i opted for the vegetarian bbq, which i had never seen before, and sweet potatoe fries! both were delicious and the bread that the veggie bbq came on was perfect. Â boyfriend had the grilled chicken sandwich with normal fries. Â he seemed to really enjoy it and it was beautifully presented. Â his mom had two specials, the pimento cheese and a bibb salad. Â i tried the pimento cheese and it was also really great. Â it was a smoother pimento cheese on toasted bread with i think chives on top for decor. Â it also came with a really good pesto dipping sauce which ive never had with pimento cheese. Â she seemed to really enjoy her salad as well.
i can't wait to come back here and try all of the vegetarian options they have. Â if you're in richmond you NEED to try this place. i literally can't find one thing wrong with it.
I had the worst experience last night with our service/waiter. If you decide to go (and you get a waiter with a name that starts with an S and rhymes with pawn) - be prepared to get treated like 2nd class citizens and don't even think about ordering food...he asked ONE person at the table and that was all. At the end, when he was clearing the table he threw the ramikin in the dish. I hope he was just having a bad day and doesn't approach every guest like that. But, regardless that will be the last time I visit that place nor will I tell my friends to go there either.
Review Source:Went to the Whiskey awhile back and met a few friends here for some drinks. Â Was pretty impressed... with the way it looked.
You feel a bit like a kid in a candy store as you walk in to the establishment. Â Greeted by a three level liquor shelf that sits behind the bar, with a walk up rolling ladder to access those high tier bottles. Â (Think movies with libraries in them, and batshit librarians zipping around on the ladders from shelf to shelf. Â Yeah, those.)
The alcohol menu wasn't what was expected. Â Easily 6 times the length of the food menu, but I am not complaining. Â That was why we came here, to try out some other beverages we otherwise would never try. Â And the best part was having the owner right there to answer any questions. Â I'd heard from people in the past (more or less those that frequent his other establishment), that he could be less than friendly, but I had no such interaction. Â I wasn't dressed like the others in the crowd (more professional, dress slacks, button up shirts), but I was still treated in an amiable fashion.
The prices of the drinks, are slightly outrageous, though. Â I understand the need to make money, but on some selections charging a fourth or a fifth of the wholesale bottle price for one glass is kind of ridiculous.
Wrap up: Â If you are looking for somewhere to impress a date in an intimate setting, or just want to go bananas on pay-day or with that tax return, try out the candy store for adults, McCormack's Whiskey Grill & Smokehouse. Â But if you generally have a stroke if your bill is anything over 25$, you probably want to keep on walking down Robinson St.
I have been here a couple of times, and what I like about it is that the prices are right. Â The bar is expansive, not only in the whiskey/bourbon/scotch department, as the name would suggest, but also includes some hard to find tequilas and other spirits. Â
I ordered a burger, which was just average, and heard some other so-so reviews of other food at the table, but nothing to get hung up on. Â I would go back and try some of their specials.
The server was ultra-knowledgeable about just about every liquor on the wall, and didn't hesitate to climb the ladder to search for something out of the ordinary. Â The experience is all about the beverages here. Â They went out of my way to the kitchen staff to accommodate my special request of an orange garnish with my Sazerac cocktail instead of a lemon or lime. Â Overall everyone and everything was pleasant, even if the food didn't wow me this past time. Â
This place is definitely a cool hang out for a Saturday afternoon with friends. Â I'm not a crowd fighter, so I will leave the late night to all of you other folks :)
This place is gorgeous with a beautiful bar and excellent atmosphere. The kind of place where you can sit for hours and chat with friends. The Whiskey selection is excellent of course but they also have other hard liquors (no beer!). They also have a delicious blueberry moonshine that goes down way too easy. Their food is also well done with a few creative and surprising dishes that I have not seen anywhere else. I ate the grilled tofu which has a whiskey based marinade. The tofu itself was a bit firm and tasteless but the marinade coating the tofu was fantastic. Maybe they just need to drain their tofu better prior to marinating? I hate okra but their fried okra was tolerable (that's the best thing I would ever say about okra so its a huge compliment). The best part of drinking/dining here? The staff. The waitresses are chill and knowledgable and extremely tolerant of the tipsy (which was me after a blueberry moonshine and two whiskey-gingers).
Review Source:1st visit 6/27/12 around 5pm:
Nicely renovated Fan bar & restaurant. Â Very Large selection of drinks...the bartender said it was the largest in the the Fan. The low rating is for the drink policy mentioned below...just unacceptable for this type of business.
WARNING - Drinks:
I had 2 drinks: a dirty martini and a gimlet.
for the martini they charged me $18! Â Probably the most expensive martini in the city. Â When I asked about the price, I was told that there were two shots in the martini and charged me double the normal price for such drinks. Â The real problem is that they did not even mention their policy until I asked about it. Â The other drink (gimlet) was the normal price.
Food:
Excellent organic buffalo burger with pepper bacon, blue cheese and served with a side of on-site made sweet potato fries. Â Also shared a plate of deviled eggs.
McCormack's will always have a special place in my heart since I was introduced to my favorite gin on my first visit here. Â Yes, it was before they accepted credit cards, and yes, my friend and I made the boys run to an ATM so we could still dine at this stellar spot. Â And it was totally worth it. Â I won't bore you with the details of that long ago visit, but instead I'll tell you about my last visit and the gin that turned me into a McCormack's fan.
The gin? Â Tru Organic. Â Recommended by our server on that first visit. Â It's unlike any other gin that has ever touched my tongue- it's flavorful and spicy and doesn't even require a lime when mixed with tonic. Â In fact, I prefer it without the citrus squeeze... and I'm a lime lover so that's saying a lot.
The last visit? Â A few drinks on a recent Saturday afternoon with good friends and even better conversation. Â The bartender was fantastic. Â He told us he attended VCU, then ditched the River City for the Big Apple, and now he's back in his old stomping grounds. Â I couldn't have imagined a better bartender on this lazy afternoon. Â He was witty, extremely likeable, and a great conversationalist. Â Best of all, he mixed me up a perfect gin & tonic with Tru Organic.
Definitely a great local spot with an uber impressive bar that makes me wish upon a thousand stars that I could transport it to my dining room. Â How cool would it be to have a fully stocked bar with incredibly stellar bottles at your beck and call every day? Â Yea... a girl can dream, right?
I love the whole idea of this place. Whiskey and smoked things. Can't beat that. For some reason, with all the restaurants in this town I had not made it into this place since it opened. I worried that it would not get much traffic due to their early policy of not taking credit/debit cards. They have since changed that policy and on the Friday that we went, the place was packed.
Our waiter was super cool and despite being slammed, he did a good job of checking on us and getting our food out. Most of the folks at our table got the classic pork bbq sandwich which all reported was pretty good. For some odd reason I chose the brisket sandwich. Go to a bbq joint for the first time and always get the pork, it is a solid indicator of one's slow cooking skills. Well, in this instance, the brisket was NOT a good indicator. A large piece of the brisket was sticking out and after biting into it, I thought it might have been a piece of hickory placed on the plate for garnish. It was that tough and stringy. I was pretty disappointed with it. I made the most of the brisket. Most of it was edible but it was tough, stringy, and dried out. I probably should have sent it back and gotten the pork sandwich. The flavor was good but the meat was not. For a place that bills itself as a smokehouse, you've got to do a better job on your brisket than that or just drop it from the menu.
Aside from that unpleasant experience, I still like the place. The owner has meticulously renovated the place. The whiskey selection cannot be rivaled in town and the bar is an amazing attraction by itself. Try the fried green beans, they were very good. The fried okra app was huge and enjoyed by all at our table. No beers on tap due to space issues but a very good selection of canned and bottled craft beers. Don't come here looking for Miller/Coors/Bud crap, cause they don't have it.
This place was so surprisingly good!! Â I'm not sure why I thought it might not be, maybe because the outside has something to be desired?? Â But it's just awesome! Â The whiskey bar is unbelievable. Â The food is amazing. Â Green bean fries, BBQ sandwich, and meatloaf: YUM. Â Our service was superb from the bartender who was also waiting on all the tables. Â I'm so happy we finally went and I got to experience yet another great place in Richmond!
Review Source:It's a watering hole, but you need to come for a meal. The Whiskey burger is my go-to, thick bacon, bleu crumbles, and spicy bbq sauce. Fried oysters and green beans are great as bar snacks.
Locals discount for lunch, mention you live in the Fan. Rainy day discount as well, so stop by when the weather's crummy!
Unique and very, very bad-ass. Â The place was all remolded by the owner himself (he enthusiastically told us all about it as he tended bar one day when we were there). Â The interior is done in heavy wood and rustic styling harking back to a bygone era of Saloons (and no Televisions).
It has been mentioned before but it is worth restating that the Whiskey selection here is unrivaled by anywhere in Richmond, and the Bar Staff is often very knowledgeable and can steer you towards something you probably haven't had before.
Also, the food will surprise you. Â The Bison Smokehouse Burger is worth the trip alone, but the other entrees and salads that I have tried here are very good as well. Â I'm not sure you can really go wrong with anything on the menu.
This place is a welcome change from the Robinson Street staples like Metro and Buddy's, a real diamond in the rough. Â If you like good food and good whiskey, then do yourself a favor and make a stop here.
THEY TAKE CREDIT CARDS NOW!!! Â OK, had to get that out of my system as so many reviews mention this and they have been taking all major cards for over a year now.
This is a  true whisky bar with a stunning floor to ceiling bar complete with library ladder.  No web sit, no drink specials and, best of all, NO TVs!!!!  A wide and diverse whisky selection that cannot be found elsewhere in Richmond.  The wood paneled walls, huge booths, low lighting and general atmosphere is first date friendly, and a great mellow place to bring someone with an appreciation for good booze.  What most do not know, however, is that  "The Whisky" has one of the largest selections of craft and organic vodka, gin and tequila.  Famous for its Green Bean Fries and winter "Spiked Mulled Cider" this fan hot spot is becoming quite popular. If you are in a hurry or with a group larger than six you are coming to the wrong place.  Mellow is the mood and the college frat boys are not invited.
The bar does not encourage exotic mixed drinks or shots so you won't find a Long Island Tea, Tequila Sunrise and the like here, there are other bars right down the street that encourage that. Â Surprisingly, there are no beers on tap however an extensive and divers bottle and canned beer (always poured in a glass) selection is unusual and surprising.
My menu favorites are:
Appetizers - Hot Shrimp, Bacon and Artichoke dip, fried green beans, crab meatballs, and Asian fusion wings.
Sandwiches: Â Burgers!, Crab Cake, Steak n Cheese, Gourmet Grilled Cheese.
Entrees: Â Crab Cakes, Duck, Shrimp and Grits, Three Meat Meatloaf, and Chicken Marsala,
Veggie Options: Â Veg BBQ, Veg Stir Fry, Portabella Sandwich, Tofu Bites etc.
There are about 4 to 5 parking spots right behind the bar and another 6 or so in the middle of the open alley courtyard and signed. Â A great advantage in the fan or when you need to taxi home. Â This is a small, intimate, cozy spot and a welcome addition to an area that has catered to the college crowd for too long. Â They also serve food until 10 pm weeknights but on Friday and Saturday you can get a full menu until last call so nor more trips to McDonalds are Waffle House are needed! Â Lunch is only Fri-Sun. Â No brunch anymore.
My evening at McCormack's was a joy from start to finish--from the moment I was handed the laminated stack of pages that makes up the daze-inducing menu and drinks list to the enthusiastic recap with my friends on the sidewalk out front.
The service was friendly, fun and very helpful. Â We were guided through the drinks and then the food with humor and intelligence. Â I'm thrilled to have been guided to a new whiskey that was exactly what I wanted.
The crab cakes were delicious--large lumps of meat in just the right amount of binder. Â We enjoyed sharing tastes of the sides--rich Mac and Cheese, zingy greens, crunchy fried green beans. Â If anything, the only complaint would be that there were too many tempting offers on the menu (a great problem for us, anyway).
We were able to use our cards to pay, so that must be a recent upgrade (and an appreciated one).
went to mccormack's for the first time last night and i was pretty impressed. the food was very good - the duck special was exceptional, the mahi mahi special was excellent as well. service was very good with friendly staff who are very helpful and knowledgeable about their selection of spirits - which is quite extensive.
the decor and feel of the place is nice, but relaxed. i don't feel like i'm in a pretentious restaurant, but it also doesn't feel like a dive bar bbq joint. very comfortable for a night out.
...
so, they take cards now, which is really nice. even better?...you get a discount for using cash.
...
so, just a quick update. i've been back to mccormack's several times now, and it's still a great place. the menu has been expanded, and it can be a bit overwhelming making a decision because pretty much everything is good, but the staff is very knowledgeable and will steer you in the right direction. i haven't been let down yet.
If you're familiar with Mac you probably either love him or hate him, chances are he feels the same way and has no qualms about letting you know it. Â Sorry Mac, I know you think you're the most rugged barkeep on the east coast but I'm still waiting for something impressive at either establishment.
First the attitude, Mac has a terrible one towards customers and his staff  (with the exception of the bouncer) shares it.  We started out the night with a server, then he just decided to leave and stand at the bar all night staring at us.  That's cool if you want us to just start ordering at the bar, but tell us.  So that led us to have to order at the bar from Mac.  You will catch serious flack from him if your party is dressed reasonably nice, this guy assumes that everyone with a collared shirt is a "frat boy" and treats you like dirt because of it.  If you're going to come in here and you want good service your best bet is to either go out and get some plugs and sleeves yourself or bring a friend that already has them.
On to the whisky selection: not that impressive. Â Yes, Mac has some selections you won't find at other places on Robinson street but he doesn't have anything I haven't seen before. Â This isn't really a knock on him as the place is small, I just want serious scotch/bourbon drinkers out there who are considering McCormack's to be aware. Â Everything here can be found at the bar at Lemaire and you'll get much better service. Â Mac's beer selection is unique but with Commercial right across the street there's really no point in trying to compete, especially since you don't have to go to the ATM before you pay at Commercial.
The atmosphere would be cool if not for the staff and Mac glaring at you, waiting for a reason to throw you out. Â Never really that crowded because its cash only. Â I really hope this place under performs and Mac is forced to sell it to a better person, because McComarck's could be a really cool spot.
Coulda woulda shoulda, that's the story of McCormack's. Â Sorry Mac, but last week was the last time you'll be getting my and my friends' "cash only."
I visit this place when I want to get a decent drink in the Fan and actually be able to sit at the bar. Before you go in, remember it's cash only. There is an atm about a block away in Retreat Hospital if you need money. This is Mac McCormack's second bar in town. The interior is newly renovated with an impressive selection of bottles behind the bar. If you ask for something obscure, the staff will climb up a library ladder to get it down for you.
If you go, make a point to talk to Mac. He knows his stuff and can recommend great whiskeys, tequilas and even absinthe. He turned me on to Le Tourment, an absinthe with a much more mellow, balanced flavor than other varieties I've tried. If you want a good whiskey or tequila, let him know how much you want to spend. My only disappointment thus far has been when I asked for a "nice" whiskey or tequila reposado and got a $7 variety that was fine, but not at the level I was hoping for. Generally if I'm going to order a liquor to sip, I'm happy to pay a bit more for flavor and quality. Similarly, I once asked one of the other bartenders to suggest an upscale whiskey and she gave me Johnny Walker Black Label. Not exactly what I meant.
I think this place gets less overwhelmed on the weekends because it's cash only and because of the better/slightly offbeat quality of the drinks. I like this as sometimes getting bumped and jostled in some of the other nearby neighborhood bars can get old. It's also definitely more of an alternative crowd than your average Robinson Street bar.
I haven't tried any of the bar foods, but have seen others eating fried green beans and such late into the evening. It seems like a good place for a casual snack.
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