McCoy's Pub

I was at an event that was catered by them. It's still Orthodox lent, so rather than cause a fuss, I broke the fast. For a couple of reasons it was the thing to do. First, McCoy's isn't the type place to request the vegan option. Second, the pulled pork was delicious. The coleslaw and tater salad were above average. Yep, it was a chuck wagon do. The rolls were a generous size, and tasty too. I didn't investigate where they came from. We also got the pleasure of the owner taking care of the service, too. It was the opening of a new book store, with the author William Kent Krueger. I was so thrilled to sit next to him. I said "Now this is how to have a book launch."

I dont know what everyone else is saying here I usually have a pretty good time here. It has darts and small pool tables, and a friendly staff. I dunno if everyone else sat at a table or something but I always go to the bar. I went there also with a friend who is a regular there so that may have something to do with it. But even when I havent i still get prompt service, friendly greets, and some old stories shared. Typical dive bar, I dunno what everyone is expecting, 5 star courses and top service? no, here you'll find greasy good barfood, heggies pizza, beer and liquor, with a knowleged bartender, and friendly locals and regulars, and a fun staff.

Why, oh why, must you do this to me?  I so wanted to love this place!  It is right down the road from me and I want to support our local businesses.  I am not interested in chain restaurants and there is a huge opportunity to have a business like this shine in the morass of mediocrity.

We stopped by on a Friday for lunch and were expecting it to be busy, main street elk River was packed with cars and parking was tough to find.  We walk into the place shortly after noon and find a dozen guys around the bar and less than half of that  seated for eating.  The place can probably has accommodations for about 65-75 people for eating.  We got seated and we all perused the menu.  The deep bass thumping of the jukebox was drowning out our thoughts as all decided on the "McCoy Burger".  Just a 3rd pound burger with lettuce tomato and pickles.  My daughter and I ordered a side of fries and my wife, a side of onion rings (highly recommended by the waitress).

Since we were the only ones ordering, we heard the sizzle of the burgers as they hit the grill.  In less that 20 minutes, the food was at our table. The food looked appetizing and we were starving!  We dug in.  The first bite was promising and not to bad tasting, but then came the second and third bites.  Um, not so good.  McCoy's touts itself as the "Home of the Great Hamburger".  Really?  

The burger tasted like one of those microwave varieties.  You know, uniform thickness, not juicy, that certain gray hue along the edges, almost mystery meat like.  Dang it!  The sourdough bun was pretty huge compared with the burger and the condiments were uneventful.  The best part of the meal was the fries.  The1/4 inch cuts were nice and crispy on the outside and nicely done in the middle.  The onion rings were just OK.  They are suppose to be homemade (I am not saying they aren't), but they were very average.  

As far as the ambiance, the place was clean, the wait staff was terrific and we felt comfortable and at home (except for the too loud "lunch time" music).

OK, here is my rant.  Downtown Elk River has a butcher shop, a couple of bakeries and a farmers market.  Why can't they use all locally grown and produced food, put in a little extra effort, and just blow away the competition?  This place is no better than a chain.  In fact, I am really disappointed that I can go to allot of other places and get a better burger.

To get great food, I guess our weekend trips to Minneapolis will continue.