48758539
I am a lifelong Phillies fan. I cheer for our boys in red, white and blue when they win and often say wait till next year when they lose. Last weekend’s sweep was sweet, but it’s a long season. I don’t want to give the Phillies back luck, but our Four Aces and a Joe will be leading us to victory this year. Even The New York Times Magazine’s April 3 edition ran an interesting story about our mighty pitchers.
I cannot think of a finer way to watch baseball than in a local tavern. I do not mean a sports bar — they’re too big, crowded and noisy. I prefer a more intimate place.
Edward and I discovered Mac’s Tavern, a perfect spot to watch baseball. Located in Old City, Mac’s Tavern is partially-owned by “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” stars Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson. The 2011 Zagat Guide states “everyone here is bright and cheery.” That’s the unvarnished truth.
Edward ordered a Bluecoat martini ($9) and I asked for a Rob Roy ($6.50). The bartender added a bit of bitters to my drink. Both were jumbo and fairly priced.
There are about six televisions at the tavern. The basketball game was playing on a few and the Phillies on the remaining screens.
The menu is a fine mix of American favorites, with a nod to the international. We arrived hungry and began with a platter of hummus ($5.99) and fried calamari ($7.99). I became a hummus maven during my first visit to Israel and know exactly how it should be prepared. Mac’s version took me right back to Tel Aviv. It was whipped smooth with plenty of garlic. Triangles of warm pita and an eye-appealing array of carrot, celery and cucumber sticks, red pepper strips and half-moon slices of ripe tomato immediately sated our appetites. Edward requested more pita and it arrived in a flash.
Calamari is ubiquitous in pubs and taverns because it has become part of the culinary lexicon at these establishments. The squid was flashed fried in beer batter along with hot peppers which gave the appetizer a nice-but-not-too-hot kick. I was able to cool my mouth down with the delicious aioli which served as the dipping sauce.
I liked the diversity of the sandwich selection at Mac’s Tavern. There are a number of chicken cutlets along with pulled pork, a burger, a vegetarian option and even grilled cheese. I think the test of a good pub is the burger. I ordered the half-pound cheddar cheeseburger with bacon medium-rare ($7.99) while Edward decided on roast pork ($7.99).
The burger was seared on the outside and pink on the inside. High-quality cheddar and crisp strips of bacon made the burger quite tasty. So did the hefty slab of red, ripe tomato. I don’t know where the cooks at Mac’s found such beauties this time of year. I do not care for a burger served on a sweet brioche bun. This one was slightly sweet but OK with me. Any more sugar or honey in the bread and I would have been unhappy.
Pulled pork is one of my favorite dishes. I don’t even have to eat it in a sandwich. The right touch of vinegar was added to the pork as it was slow-roasted. It comes topped with spinach and choice of cheese. I liked the addition of spinach, it was a healthy, creative twist.
“Our french fries are not hot,” Edward said to the bartender.
“I will get some hot fries to you right away,” the bartender said.
He did. They were hot, crisp, free of grease and came with the aioli that I liked so much.
Mac’s Tavern opens at 11 a.m., which means you can watch Phillies’ day games and enjoy a meal and a drink. Prices are moderate, portions are more than ample and the staff is friendly and professional. I had the feeling they agree with the John Wanamaker adage “the customer is always right.” They truly care for their customers. With Phillies season underway, I will be seeking out more places like Mac’s Tavern along with upscale, new and multi-ethnic restaurants.
Two-and-a-half tips of the toque to Mac’s Tavern. SPR
Mac’s Tavern
226 Market St.
267-324-5507
http://macstavern.com
48739024
48758534
