A lot of high powered words on the menu doesn't mean the food is good. The beer cheese soup was average at best. The Bangers & Mash was cold enough that I just asked for a box to bring home and throw in the microwave. Our waiter, God bless him, is in the wrong line of work. My wife asked for Iced Tea, he brought water, she asked for Thousand Island dressing on the sandwich as well as on the side. He didn't bring any side of Thousand Island. Didn't ask her if she needed a re-fill on her water (that she didn't order). Just a completely underwhelming experience for downtown Franklin.
(2)
Steve L.
The "Fat Irishman" burger is just simply amazing. I'm not even exaggerating. Do not come to Franklin without trying it.
(5)
Kelly P.
This place is cute and you get what you came for: Irish themed menu and decor. This can't necessarily be helped, but the place is on the small side. I went for lunch on a Saturday and we got very lucky by seeing someone leave, being able to jump right in and grab their table. Otherwise, the wait would have been substantial. I'm not sure if they were short staffed or what, but our waiter was not very attentive. We thought the waiter had failed to put in the order for our appetizer, because the wait for it was so long. The food was decent. I wasn't wowed, but then again, I didn't expect a gourmet experience. I'm glad I went, but I don't feel the need to return.
(3)
Patsy R.
The fish and chips were amazing!! The wait staff was very attentive and just plain happy. :-) My only complaint is that they've listed this as a full bar. It is NOT a full bar. I added this to my annual bar crawl for St. Patrick's Day ONLY because it was a full bar. After spending quite awhile finding a parking spot and a long walk (since it was Franklin's Beer Fest), I was very disappointed to learn they only served beer and wine. I'll be back for the fish and chips, though. They were out of this world!
(4)
Otis G.
As always the Smithwicks is fresh and cold. Servers are always very friendly and will talk about good beer all day long. My kind of folk.
(5)
Carrie H.
I've been here twice now, and I gotta say, I really like it! I highly recommend the fish and chips - the fish is PERFECTLY crispy, flavorful, and golden! Yum! The soda bread is great, the beer is cold and perfect (Guinness is the only beer I like really, and oh God is glorious on tap!), and all the apps are delish! I don't recommend the beer cheese soup... It was not good at all, very odd combo of flavorless cheese and random veggies. Service was only so-so both times I've been, but it wasn't completely horrible. This time I got a tank top so a can advertise how much I love them!
(4)
Jenny P.
The atmosphere sucks, IMO. It's super loud, the place is tiny, and there's nothing to absorb the sound. The walls are brick, the floor isn't carpeted and the tables are wood sooooooooo sound is bouncing all over the place. I guess if you want a beer with a friend and just want to yell at each other, this is for you. But I'm not going for beer and loudness. My husband and I go every now and then. The food is good. The service is so-so. Usually forgets extra things I order but I'm alright with reminding them. Some of their specialty items like Shepard's pie is super small. Don't order that as a meal. Maybe an appetizer. I was irritated the first time I ordered that. Not a true Irish size. The burger is so-so. I'm a little weirded out by perfectly circular patties. I like the fish and chips. Comes out PIPING HOT so don't start chewing on a fish until it's had about 10 minutes to cool in front of you. But they're gooooood. The only reason I go back. Oh, and the location is sweet. Right off Main Street. Just don't go for conversation and get the fish n chips. :-)
(3)
Aubrey W.
I've lived in Franklin for almost three years, and McCreary's was one of the few restaurants downtown I hadn't visited. I suggested it to a coworker, and we grabbed a nice weekday lunch. She had fish 'n' chips, I had the chicken basket; the chicken basket is basically the chicken version of fish 'n' chips, prepared almost exactly the same way. We both devoured our meals. They were hot and fresh, and I tried my friend's fish too. Both meals had great batter and flavor. The breading was seriously good, and my chicken was a beautiful color and all white meat. Great flavors. Definitely what we expected for an Irish Pub sort of fare in Franklin. I'd like to come back for a baked potato and maybe shepherd's pie, as well as a beer if I didn't have to go back to work. The place was clean and the service was good. It's definitely small, but I wouldn't hesitate to come back again.
(4)
Rebecca M.
I loved my whole experience at McCreary's. I have only been for breakfast (cinnamon raisin bread pudding french toast SAY WHAT!?!) It is next on my list of evening drink spots but I see this becoming my go-to drink spot.
(4)
Angus N.
Celtic roots, great beer, fish & chips, and bangers... Solid and refreshingly quirky surprise in downtown Nashville.
(5)
Cathy S.
If you are a fan of cold beer and like to relax with a nice glass of wine, McCreary's in quaint downtown Franklin is your perfect find. The service is friendly, the burgers are tasty, the beer is frosty and the atmosphere is very nice. Settle in for lunch, enjoy a dinner. Try the "Dublin Hot Pie" to find comfort on a plate. Don't be afraid to sit a spell. They won't hurry you away. The McCreary's servers are personable, approachable, friendly and though you may not find Norm at McCreary's, regulars and residents of Franklin, as well as visitors from out of town and out of state, will always be glad that they came.
(4)
Leah V.
Spontaneously stopped by for a double date and love the whole experience! The atmosphere was a nice escape from your typical American restaurant. Even our server had an Irish accent. Love the decor as well. I ordered the fish and chips and the Haddock was fresh and cooked perfectly. Breading was crisp and well seasoned. Fries were so yummy that my husband had to cut me off haha. Even the appetizer salad was fresh, the whole table kept remarking how great the selection of greens were and how crisp the cucumbers and tomatoes were. Pleasant surprise compared to your typical ice berg lettuce served else where. Hubby ordered the chicken pot pie and oh man, that was good! I had to keep my spoon to my self! All in all, great restaurant , atmosphere and service. Felt like a mini vacation to Ireland!
(5)
Erin G.
I LOVE this place. I wish it were a bit bigger inside, but the food is amazing! I've only been here a few times, but remember that I really enjoyed the food each time.
(5)
DeAnna D.
Best wings I have ever had in my life, but the seating is rough and the service is sometimes really slow!
(4)
Scott v.
Good Irish bar. Just stopped by for a beer. Can't really say anything negative about this place. Had a grilled shrimp appetizer. Not bad but not great.
(4)
Filip V.
Good enough burgers, they get an extra star for the quick and pleasant service. Were there for a late lunch, but it seems to be a great bar to hang out at.
(4)
Natalie D.
Great fish and chips, wonderful well seasoned burger. Chips are very tasty. Service was ok, certainly not horrible.
(4)
Rob A.
Fish and chips are the star. Pot pie was probably authentic but just ok. Roast beef was disappointing. Server dude was efficient if unengaging. I will come back any time for the 5 star fish and ships. If we all had fish and chips would have been a solid 4 star review.
(3)
Nick S.
I was new to the area and heard good things about this place. Wanting some good Irish food I can in. The bangers and mash (I got the appetizer) were absolutely delicious and I was excited when I got my pot pie. To my disappointment the pot pie was remarkably bland; it lacked the buttery richness that makes pot pie so good and tasted watered down. The others with me said their food (fish, shrimp) was good, though another said the corned beef was too fatty and the cabbage bland as well. The Bailey's cheesecake brought the meal around but it was too little too late to really change my mind. TL;DR don't get pot pie, bangers and mash is fabulous
(3)
Tianna F.
I love McCreary's. Let me say that again - i LOVE McCreary's The food is absolutely amazing. From their Limerick Potato to Shepherd's Pie to Cheeseburgers or the Fish-n-Chips. Heck, I'm not even a lover of tartar sauce but their's is fabulous with their fries! Easy for lunch, great for dinner, and even better for brunch. A super plus is that they carry my favorite beer - which is difficult for me to find even in stores. The staff is super friendly and always superb. I highly recommend.
(5)
David C.
Went in for happy hour. Got two perfectly poured Harp/Guinness half-and-halfs for $5.41. It's buy one get one free. Don't know about the food, but they don't have guinness stew, unfortunately. I love me some Irish Guinness stew. Still a perfect pour.
(3)
Jason B.
Great fish and chips, great vibe, and great service=I love this place. And Guinness always on tap, of course.
(5)
Monica N.
I am a huge fan of McCreary's. Mostly because I love the location, and the atmosphere. I enjoy being downtown, and in the small space of the restaurant. I come here to hang out and relax. I love the quote from St. Patrick. My husband likes the tap beer selection. I usually get the fish and chips. You can get fish with a salad though, if you want to eat healthier. I don't care if it isn't very much like an actual pub. It feels like a fun, local place to me and in that way, it feels like a pub to me. It actually reminds me of some of the small restaurants in New York - just a small, local place serving their local customers.
(4)
Steven L.
This is a busy little spot in Downtown Franklin that deserves to be busy. It's a pub with a pub menu -- so don't expect five stars. But what it does, it does well. We enjoy the people and the menu is filled with great little gems. I usually try to have the special, or else the fish & chips as my "old standby." There are a few tables outside if the weather permits, and that makes for great people watching. Games are usually on TV inside.
(4)
Kylie D.
Love the food! Everytime I go I usually get a burger. But the past couple times I went I had HORRIBLE service. We walked in and they told us to sit where ever. Our server came by and got our drink order. Before he left I asked him If I could try a sample if the soup. It took him 7 minutes to bring out 2 waters with lemon. When he arrived with our drinks he still didn't have the sample I asked for. I asked him 1 more time and then we placed our orders. He finally brought out a sample and didn't come back to ask if I wanted to purchase some. After finding him I told him that we wanted 2 cups of soup. They were very good and came out in a timely manner. Our food took longer than normal but we didn't mind. Before our food came I asked for some more water. After a couple minutes, our food came out, still no water. I asked him again. After 10 minutes of no water and me having to share a drink with my boyfriend, we finally went up to the bar and asked for some. He came by and dropped off the checks. And didn't have anything else to say. Since he didn't introduce himself at the beginning, I looked at the ticket to see his name. It was under "Tom Cruise" as a joke. We heard his name mentioned by someone else and then knew who he was. We left as soon as we could. Just a few more mistakes: didn't offer desserts, didn't offer Togo boxes, didn't check and see if we were enjoying our food, didn't introduce himself, and barely made conversation. The worst of all is that there were only a couple of 2 tops in the restaurant. And most of the time I could see our server in the kitchen playing on his phone. I will definitely not be returning and will tell everyone about my experience.
(2)
Stephen N.
Omg so good! Picture perfect Irish fare straight out of Wikipedia without any goofy twists. The roast beef was incredible!
(4)
Andrea F.
I've been going here since I've lived in Franklin--I love it when they have musicians playing--I go there alot during Lent (no chicken or beef on Fridays) I also find it an awesome low key play to have a good beer with friends. A good inexpensive pub to hangout with friends.
(4)
Daniel B.
A great little spot in heart of Franklin serving up comfort food...Irish Style! I have been here a couple of times and have only had "Bangers and Mash" which includes a couple of Chicken Sausage links and Mashed Potatoes. The sausage is very flavorful and cooked to retain it's juiciness but seared with a caramelized crunch on the casing. The potatoes are rich in flavor (must mean lots of dairy) doesn't require any more seasoning such as salt. It's a laid back atmosphere where I have on both occasions bumped into people I know...either literally or via their fame. Of course, I maintain an attitude of talking with those I actually know as there is a hidden rule of not acting like the paparazzi and getting our celebrities all flustered. The service is accommodating while not being in a hurry.
(3)
Amelia K.
Two bar stools does not make a pub. Tried to go in for a drink and the staff was rude and would not seat us just for drinks. Why call yourself a pub if you can not get a drink.
(1)
rob h.
Yum.
(3)
Heather W.
We stopped for lunch after touring The Carter House. We both had a bowl of their bean soup. I got the corn beef sandwich while my husband got the ham sandwich. Everything that we were presented was amazing! It is a small space but well worth the closeness.
(4)
Greg S.
McCreary's has a few issues. There is no clear process for getting a table, wait on line or give you name to a server? Either way you may get passed over. This is more of a pub where people come to hang out than to eat . There are only 12 or so tables, so tables don't turn over very quickly. You should expect to wait at least 30 minutes. The food is not very good or fresh I would argue that Sysco (or someone similar) provides the majority of the food and McCreary's provides the hot oil. My advice would be to pass on the food, have a beer at the bar and move on.
(2)
David O.
Stopped in with the better half for lunch and ordered the Kilkenny Chicken Club. The portions are a satisfying size, and we snuck in a piece of the Guinness Chocolate Cake which was very good. The staff was friendly and attentive considering how busy it was at lunch time. The seats are not the most comfortable, so don't come here looking for a relaxed intimate dining experience. I enjoyed the atmosphere (Though it was very loud) and food at McCreary's but its too far away for me to run back here.
(3)
Hugh H.
Had the fish & chips... They were great! The Guinness had perfect pours! Even on a crowded busy day staff was friendly and provided great service!
(4)
Andy M.
More of a little restaurant than a proper Irish pub. Nice place though. Friendly folks.
(3)
Randy M.
Not Irish food and not an Irish Pub. A Shepard's pie does not have beef chilli with a Kraft single on top. An Irish pub doesn't have bright lights or Christian artifacts. A real Irish pub is the place that the Irish go to get away from Church and family and drink good whiskey. A real Irish pub has food with curry. A real Irish pub has music playing. A real Irish pub doesn't make you feel like you're at Applebee's kids night.
(1)
Ronald g.
I would like to tell all that the fish and chips served to me the other day was not the top notch quality I was used to. Fish cuts are not in perfect triangles as the ones served me. Also the coating was not batter but a corn mealish topping. I have recommended this dish to many people because it was flakey white fish with hand batter coating. It would seem that something has changed.sorry that john doesn't like a difference of opinion, but it is just that my opinion.
(3)
Ali J.
You will probably wait for a hot minute for a seat, but it's worth it. Always great food, friendly service, enjoyable atmosphere, and cold beer. All good things, if you want my opinion!
(4)
Matt C.
Overall had a good experience there. Nice beer selection, good prices. The food is good, though not traditional Irish dishes, it's a nice tweak on them. The food is a few dollars over priced, and the air flow inside is not good, it gets very stuffy and warm in there.
(3)
Nic A.
Favorite place in Middle Tennessee to get fish and chips.
(5)
Chris B.
Beware of happy hour! We went in after seeing the 2 for 1 happy hour listed on the sign outside, and when the bill arrived, there was no discount. The sign had been erased after we went in, but we were not told. Food was good, but we felt we had been taken advantage of.
(3)
Frank O.
This place isn't a pub and it doesn't serve Irish food (that's probably a plus, LOL). It's a brightly lit place, and very cramped space-wise. They have a couple of sidewalk tables but you sit right on the busy street so there are ample car fumes. To call this a pub is a real stretch. It's more like a Christian Star Bucks concept with beer. The food is just bar food or something you ate in college at the grill. Give it a pass.
(1)
Michael D.
This was my first visit to McCreary's. I am from Buffalo and I was looking for somewhere that had real good food but not a chain restaurant. It was all that I was looking for. I ate the fish and chips and it was delicious. Big selection of bottled beer.
(4)
Robin P.
Breakfast was great! Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was service, needed more servers for as busy as it was. Bangers and taters were delish!
(4)
Angela U.
Fish and chips wre great. Corned beef and cabbage perfect. This is a small place, lots of noise, if crowded. Friendly waitstaff and perfect location to walk before and after you eat to looked around downtown Franklin. Convenient location by the parking garage.
(3)
Tim G.
This is a great little place in Franklin. Overall we were not impressed with the food. It reminded us of eating at college.
(1)
Robert B.
Had lunch here on a weekday, picking it because we really enjoy Ireland and Irish food. I was disappointed that they didn't have boxty, an Irish dish I really like, but maybe it's not typical pub food. Waitstaff was pleasant but not friendly, and she often got distracted when she left our table to get us something. Food -- I had fish and chips; my wife had a salmon salad -- was just okay. I agree with those who say this isn't a "pub" and the atmosphere is a bit confused. I liked the quote from St. Patrick on the wall, but would have liked Irish music in the background, instead of a random TV channel. With sweet tea on the menu, this is more Franklin than it is Dublin.
(2)
Kiley S.
My husband and I recently stopped in to have lunch @ McCreary's. We ordered the bangers and mash for an appetizer and it was tasty. I ordered the fish and chips and they were tasty - everything came out piping hot, which is always nice. We brought along our sweet little 2 year old, who was a little much for the tiny restaurant but no one seemed to mind his random yells and a few screams :) We plan to come back again for lunch. We really liked the bangers and mash, aside from the yucky sausage burps that followed!
(4)
Kaitlyn K.
McCreary's is a small, fun place in downtown Franklin that is a good hangout with friends. The menu is pretty typical for bar / pub food - with a few items that have an Irish twist. :) Our friends who live in Franklin and who had been there many times ordered the Cheese Fries appetizer. They were sinfully good. (I heart cheese.) I didn't try them, but my husband and my friends husband both got the Fish and Chips and LOVED them. My friend and I got the Mushroom and Swiss burger, and it was juicy and delectable. My only gripe about McCreary's is, when it is packed the temperature inside is unbearable. Luckily, they have plenty of beers to cool you down. When I am off of my crazy diet, I will go again. I'll just be sure to pick something slightly more healthy. If that's possible with bar food. ;)
(3)
Barbara F.
Irish omelet delicious, waitress needed to be more friendly with non regulars and mistake made in change, not sure if she was taking tip or made mistake.
(3)
Jennifer P.
Stopped in on a Sunday (not realizing Franklin basically shuts down on Sundays) and enjoyed the fish/chips. The fish was light and crispy - reminded me of a trip to Ireland ten years ago. We got the chips with cheese and bacon, of which the Irish would not approve, but they were tasty in a greasy American way. The tables are too close together - the guys next to us kept toppling our ketchup when they moved their chairs. But I don't expect white linens in a pub.
(3)
Jessica M.
We were wandering around downtown Franklin and looking for a place to eat lunch when we stumbled upon McCreary's. I didn't have high hopes, as it seemed like sort of a random place and the menu didn't look overly exciting. However, the food was great! I had a great cheeseburger and my husband had some really good chicken wings. The fries were surprisingly good as well. Large waters and fountain sodas were appreciated on a hot day as well. Great place for a burger and a beer - we'll be back!
(5)
Heather R.
Love this place! The fish and chips are the best I've ever had! The make their own tarter sauce which is excellent! I took my parents here when they were in town and they could not get over how amazing the fish and chips were! The chips were nice and crispy and the fish did not get soggy! We had excellent service and this is a nice little pit stop while you are shopping in downtown Franklin!
(5)
Curtis H.
Nice pub atmosphere. Staff was friendly. Eclectic group of patrons. All our meals (Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, Cheese and Bacon Fries) were fresh and good. Good beers (Guinness, Smithwicks) on tap.
(4)
Mark B.
Great food. Great atmosphere. Great burgers. Great fish n chips.
(4)
Justin Y.
The atmosphere of the pub is perfect. There's a rustic, nostalgic feel to it - probably because it sits in Old Franklin, but it works. The wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. (We had a group of 8 people that coalesced slowly over the period of an hour.) I was sad that I missed out on the 2-for-1 pints by only a few minutes, but that just means I'll have to go back again. The beer on tap was limited in selection, but still contained some nice options - Guinness, Harpoon, Killian's Irish Red, etc. The Fish and Chips were nicely cooked. The chips are cut a bit thicker than I like, but they were still crispy. The batter-dipped cod wasn't too greasy and had a light, crunchy taste. The only disappointing thing about this was the tarter sauce. It was a bit thinner than normal, bland, and had sliced carrots (?) in it. The burger I ordered (I believe it was called the City Street burger) came with cheddar, bacon, and barbecue sauce, and the fries (chips). It was delicious. You gotta love crisp bacon on a burger! If you ever make it here, you'll have a great time, but try not to come with a big group or have claustrophobia - the pub is narrow and cozy.
(4)
Nash W.
We bought a Groupon certificate for this restaurant and thankfully we did.... paying full price would have been disastrous. This is a total wanna-be Irish Pub. It would be better used as an internet cafe' as most people were just sitting there on their laptops. The rest were on their phones. I ordered corned beef and cabbage and you would think for an Irish Pub that would be a safe bet....umm, no. Their dinners are served on salad plates that normal restaurants would use. I had 4 small slices of corned beef covered with a honey mustard. Not terrible, but a very small amount. My wife ordered the Shepherds pie....Ahhh you think another safe bet. No again. A slice of cheap american cheese melted on top....REALLLY??? What a way to TOTALLY ruin a pretty good authentic, tomato based, pie. It too was small but we were over it. Our server did not even bother to check in on us and when he dropped the bill off never asked if we wanted dessert. Thankfully he probably saved us from another dissapointemnt. We "were" going to try the bread pudding. Save yourself the trouble and go elsewhere.......
(1)
Chelsea H.
Went on a Friday night. It was crowded but atmosphere was good. And food was awesome. The fish and chips were awesome.
(4)
John M.
My Bride and I have lived in Franklin for going on 15 years now, and the standards at McCreary's have slipped significantly. My Bride had the Guiness Stew, and it came in a severely "downsized" (read as really small) cup, and her sliver of soda bread wouldn't choke a mouse if it ate it whole in one bite. It was more broth than stew, and had two, count 'em, two, pieces of beef within. My fish & chips was so over done and tough I had difficulty cutting it with my fork. The fries were unappetizing and I had several bites and finally gave up. The sore point was we both registered our complaints with our server, and still paid full price for very substandard food. If and when we rturn, I'll stick to the draft Guiness beer and eat before or after I go.
(2)
J S.
Not an Irish Pub, pretty lame, hardly any beer on tap, unfriendly staff, very cramped. Assumes if you pay with cash you are leaving it all as a tip! Tried to take 50% tip
(1)
Lindsay M.
Loved it! My husband and I visit Irish Pubs quite regularly. When we visit a different city we try to visit a local Irish Pub. We adored McCreary's! We sat outside on a Sunday afternoon and it was fantastic. There were families milling about, a musician playing outdoors down a few shops, perfect sun shining and the bubble machine next door kept plenty of families intrigued. Pros: -2 for 1 Sunday HH -GREAT Shepherd's Pie -good fish & chips, not the best ever - but very tasty (fries pushed it up a notch) -service was outstanding -football game on TV Cons: -small outdoor seating area That's it! We will definitely return on our next Franklin visit.
(4)
J C.
Living in Nashville doesn't exactly make it easy to find an authentic Irish pub, but McCreary's does a good job of it. My husband and I wandered in one evening to use a Groupon we'd purchased, and neither of us being very hungry, we decided to split an order of fish 'n chips. Hot, greasy, and sinfully delicious, it was served up on newspaper just like they do in the UK--and having been to the UK, it doesn't get more authentic than that. My hubby was delighted to discover they serve Young's Chocolate Stout, his favorite beer. Finally, to top off our already pleasing meal, we settled on splitting a slice of the Guinness chocolate cake. This is definitely a pub we'll be returning to.
(5)
A C.
I have been here many times and the beer is great on tap, with good bar food. They have some unique irish dishes and then your normal bar food dishes. The place is pretty small and tends to stay packed on weekends or nights.
(3)
Joshua B.
The fish and chips are amazing. Also, the bangers and mash appetizer has the best chicken sausage we have ever tasted!
(5)
Andre B.
McCreary's in downtown Franklin is my favorite place for fish & chips in Williamson county. A great place to sip a pint of Guinness complete with the shamrock on top!
(5)
melissa m.
Great beer! For such a small pub, they have a lot of hard to find irish beer. My only complaint is that they close at midnight, even on the weekends. (I think they close at 11pm on weeknights!) The live music (a couple guys with fiddles) is not to be missed! It creates a great atmosphere!
(4)
Melinda C.
Apple cider = yum. Fish and chips = not bad. The fish could've been seasoned a bit more but the fries were awesome. Great service!
(3)
Brandon L.
This place is wonderful!!! True, authentic fish and chips! I have been here a few times now. First time I got the fish and chips,and they were great. Very fresh. I went yesterday for lunch and had the Corned Beef & Swiss Sandwich ( Thinly sliced corned beef grilled and topped with Swiss cheese. Served with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato and onion.). All I have to say is... Amazing.
(4)
Jamey B.
McCreary's Irish Pub and Eatery, In the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places on earth. McCreary's was started by a couple of great folks who have a passion for life and a love for good beer, and the torch has been taken up by one of their original hires, who is more like family than anything. McCreary's has five things on tap at all times: Guinness, Smithwick's, Harp, Woodchuck Cider, and a rotating tap for good measure (local brews, Paulaner Hefe, Fat Tire seasonals, and so on). A couple dozen other delicious beers sit in good faith in a refrigerator, and a number of wines are stored waiting for a friend. While the 2-for-1 (Imperial!) pints during Happy Hour attract many, the food keeps others hooked. I have never had a dish that I didn't like at McCreary's, though I haven't had the whole menu yet because I keep going back to the same things. Everything from the Guinness Stew to the Shepherd's Pie to the Bangers and Mash - all goes down so easily. Even the veggie plate is a winner. So while it is difficult to narrow the food down to my favorites, I'll give it my best. My four favorite dinners are as follows: Corned-Beef Sandwich, Main Street Club Burger, Fish n Chips, and the Wings. The Corned-Beef Sandwich is just out of this world. It is what it sounds like - plus 100 points for flavor. The Club Burger is bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a great beef patty (topped with cheese) sandwiched by delicious buns - oh, and slathered with their signature BBQ sauce. Speaking of the BBQ sauce, their BBQ Wings are amazing. I used to order only their extra-spicy Buffalo Wings (wonderful!), but the barbecue sauce keeps me changing. Oh, and the fish and chips? I've probably only had fish I enjoyed this much in Hawaii. And how did I neglect to mention the fries (chips)? At one point in my life I pretty much only drank their beer and ate their fries (adding vinegar and ketchup, of course), and consequently gained about 10 pounds in three months. Locals don't call this A Pub. They call this THE Pub. There's a reason why.
(5)
Alix F.
Great restaurant. I love this place dearly! I have been going to this restaurant for years. It's like a little hidden gem in the heart of Downtown Franklin...Seriously, you'll drive right by it and hit up the Starbucks right down the corner if you're not paying attention. It's a little hole-in-the-wall place, no bigger than my living room and kitchen combined. They have exceptional beer and the food is fried to perfection. Fish n Chips = DELICIOUSNESS. Feeling adventurous? Try the Shepherd's Pie...awesome. The service is fantastic, and they have live music on the weekends. It gets pretty crowded in there, so be prepared to get to know your surrounding tables. GO! You will have a blast here.
(5)
kristen p.
I wish that there were more places in Nashville like Mccreary's. My husband and my best friend's husband loved the beer selection and also found it more affordable than other places we often go. Best friend and i loved that they had a good selection of non-greasy food. Their vegetarian offerings include a loaded baked potato (if you request no bacon bits) and a portobello and rice dish. If you're a pesco-vegetarian then you can add fish & chips and tuna salad to the list. All of the food that i had was delicious. The decor lets me pretend that i have traveled to someplace in Europe. Our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly. Everything was wonderful. I very much look forward to going back there again.
(5)
Nick N.
We checked out this little Irish pub while we were visiting the local downtown shops of Franklin on a warm almost Spring day...When we first passed by it was clear that the place was popular due to the fact in early afternoon there were people standing waiting for a table. It is not a big place by any means but there were several waiting and since we were not that hungry we checked out the menu and decided to come back in a bit hoping the wait had gone down. Coming back in about two hours later we still had to wait about 15 minutes but knowing the place was small and it was getting towards dinner time this was no problem. As soon as a table got done we along with two other groups waiting were able to sit down and after about five minutes we got the table cleared and our server brought us our two for one drinks. The service was ok, friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drink selections but not real fast. The food was ok too, nothing special but certainly good. As I said it was good but the Shepard's pie was a bit different from any other Irish place I have been before making it unique to their menu. My date had another dish that I tried and it was good too. The portions looked small as they came in a small looking bowl that was somewhat misleading as they are deep so by the time you get to the bottom you are gonna be full. Drinks were good and they have a fair selection, two for one from three to six if I remember correctly which could definitely account for the crowd during the early afternoon and as I said it is a locally popular place so by about seven when we were ready to leave there was quite a crowd outside waiting for a place to sit. There were families with kids, older people and young so its customer base has an appeal to a wide variety it seems. No music on the day we went but they did have some music advertised on a poster close to the door. Overall in my opinion it was not bad. I have been to better and been to much worse too. I look forward to going back again when I am in the Franklin area.
(3)
Abigail O.
descent dive pub. tables and floors were kind of sticky. great service. cheese fries were excellent! mashed potatoes were tasty but dry.
(3)
Rachel W.
When I lived here, my husband and I loved to come this Irish Pub in downtown Franklin. My favorite was the fish and chips but sometimes I ventured out and got the homemade chicken pot pie and was never disappointed. My husband usually stuck with the burger which was great in itself. They have a few draft beers/cider including Woodchuck Apple Cider....yum yum! 2 for 1 drafts from 3p-6p. On a weekend night it gets pretty packed but you always have the small downtown to stroll around on while waiting. I miss this place!
(5)
Andrew P.
Try the bread pudding!! I can't say anything else. It is unbelievable.
(5)
matt c.
McCreary's is the best local irish pub, even though there is a rumor going around that the food comes directly from Sam's Club... Still I think it's all pretty good, especially smeared with a good helping of coleman's mustard!!! whew! (clear those nasal passages!) Get the definitely homemade fish and chips, or the Bunratty chicken basket, or for something filling but slightly cheaper, try the chicken sausage platter that comes with sliced cheese, soda bread and potato mash. Wash it all down with a smithwick's (pron. /SMIT-icks/) or try the special monthly beer. There is a happy hour with two-for-one specials which is a great time to sit outside, enjoy the quaint atmosphere of downtown Franklin's old main street with its useless knick-knack shops, antique stores and sadly vacated theatre. Another good reason to sit outside during the daytime is the peculiar use of this establishment as a young family daycare facility. I guess mom's like to chug a few down while they're out strollering the sidewalks. Like any really authentic Irish pub, the daytime music is *whatever the staff wants to hear,* which won't necessarily transport you to the emerald hills (it may take you to the "dark side of the moon"); but weekend nights are often livened up with a little group of traditional musicians huddling in the corner whistling, plucking and thumping in good gaelic fashion. Also look for local fixture Nathan with his "shot in the dark" (nearby starbuck's espresso shot dropped in a glass of Guinness) If the street parking is taken up, drive around back to the ample parking lot.
(4)
Christopher C.
Wonderful little Irish Pub. Good food, great atmosphere. They also have live music at night right inside or outside. It is quite small, but they have great beer.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Chris P.
A lot of high powered words on the menu doesn't mean the food is good. The beer cheese soup was average at best. The Bangers & Mash was cold enough that I just asked for a box to bring home and throw in the microwave. Our waiter, God bless him, is in the wrong line of work. My wife asked for Iced Tea, he brought water, she asked for Thousand Island dressing on the sandwich as well as on the side. He didn't bring any side of Thousand Island. Didn't ask her if she needed a re-fill on her water (that she didn't order). Just a completely underwhelming experience for downtown Franklin.
(2)Steve L.
The "Fat Irishman" burger is just simply amazing. I'm not even exaggerating. Do not come to Franklin without trying it.
(5)Kelly P.
This place is cute and you get what you came for: Irish themed menu and decor. This can't necessarily be helped, but the place is on the small side. I went for lunch on a Saturday and we got very lucky by seeing someone leave, being able to jump right in and grab their table. Otherwise, the wait would have been substantial. I'm not sure if they were short staffed or what, but our waiter was not very attentive. We thought the waiter had failed to put in the order for our appetizer, because the wait for it was so long. The food was decent. I wasn't wowed, but then again, I didn't expect a gourmet experience. I'm glad I went, but I don't feel the need to return.
(3)Patsy R.
The fish and chips were amazing!! The wait staff was very attentive and just plain happy. :-) My only complaint is that they've listed this as a full bar. It is NOT a full bar. I added this to my annual bar crawl for St. Patrick's Day ONLY because it was a full bar. After spending quite awhile finding a parking spot and a long walk (since it was Franklin's Beer Fest), I was very disappointed to learn they only served beer and wine. I'll be back for the fish and chips, though. They were out of this world!
(4)Otis G.
As always the Smithwicks is fresh and cold. Servers are always very friendly and will talk about good beer all day long. My kind of folk.
(5)Carrie H.
I've been here twice now, and I gotta say, I really like it! I highly recommend the fish and chips - the fish is PERFECTLY crispy, flavorful, and golden! Yum! The soda bread is great, the beer is cold and perfect (Guinness is the only beer I like really, and oh God is glorious on tap!), and all the apps are delish! I don't recommend the beer cheese soup... It was not good at all, very odd combo of flavorless cheese and random veggies. Service was only so-so both times I've been, but it wasn't completely horrible. This time I got a tank top so a can advertise how much I love them!
(4)Jenny P.
The atmosphere sucks, IMO. It's super loud, the place is tiny, and there's nothing to absorb the sound. The walls are brick, the floor isn't carpeted and the tables are wood sooooooooo sound is bouncing all over the place. I guess if you want a beer with a friend and just want to yell at each other, this is for you. But I'm not going for beer and loudness. My husband and I go every now and then. The food is good. The service is so-so. Usually forgets extra things I order but I'm alright with reminding them. Some of their specialty items like Shepard's pie is super small. Don't order that as a meal. Maybe an appetizer. I was irritated the first time I ordered that. Not a true Irish size. The burger is so-so. I'm a little weirded out by perfectly circular patties. I like the fish and chips. Comes out PIPING HOT so don't start chewing on a fish until it's had about 10 minutes to cool in front of you. But they're gooooood. The only reason I go back. Oh, and the location is sweet. Right off Main Street. Just don't go for conversation and get the fish n chips. :-)
(3)Aubrey W.
I've lived in Franklin for almost three years, and McCreary's was one of the few restaurants downtown I hadn't visited. I suggested it to a coworker, and we grabbed a nice weekday lunch. She had fish 'n' chips, I had the chicken basket; the chicken basket is basically the chicken version of fish 'n' chips, prepared almost exactly the same way. We both devoured our meals. They were hot and fresh, and I tried my friend's fish too. Both meals had great batter and flavor. The breading was seriously good, and my chicken was a beautiful color and all white meat. Great flavors. Definitely what we expected for an Irish Pub sort of fare in Franklin. I'd like to come back for a baked potato and maybe shepherd's pie, as well as a beer if I didn't have to go back to work. The place was clean and the service was good. It's definitely small, but I wouldn't hesitate to come back again.
(4)Rebecca M.
I loved my whole experience at McCreary's. I have only been for breakfast (cinnamon raisin bread pudding french toast SAY WHAT!?!) It is next on my list of evening drink spots but I see this becoming my go-to drink spot.
(4)Angus N.
Celtic roots, great beer, fish & chips, and bangers... Solid and refreshingly quirky surprise in downtown Nashville.
(5)Cathy S.
If you are a fan of cold beer and like to relax with a nice glass of wine, McCreary's in quaint downtown Franklin is your perfect find. The service is friendly, the burgers are tasty, the beer is frosty and the atmosphere is very nice. Settle in for lunch, enjoy a dinner. Try the "Dublin Hot Pie" to find comfort on a plate. Don't be afraid to sit a spell. They won't hurry you away. The McCreary's servers are personable, approachable, friendly and though you may not find Norm at McCreary's, regulars and residents of Franklin, as well as visitors from out of town and out of state, will always be glad that they came.
(4)Leah V.
Spontaneously stopped by for a double date and love the whole experience! The atmosphere was a nice escape from your typical American restaurant. Even our server had an Irish accent. Love the decor as well. I ordered the fish and chips and the Haddock was fresh and cooked perfectly. Breading was crisp and well seasoned. Fries were so yummy that my husband had to cut me off haha. Even the appetizer salad was fresh, the whole table kept remarking how great the selection of greens were and how crisp the cucumbers and tomatoes were. Pleasant surprise compared to your typical ice berg lettuce served else where. Hubby ordered the chicken pot pie and oh man, that was good! I had to keep my spoon to my self! All in all, great restaurant , atmosphere and service. Felt like a mini vacation to Ireland!
(5)Erin G.
I LOVE this place. I wish it were a bit bigger inside, but the food is amazing! I've only been here a few times, but remember that I really enjoyed the food each time.
(5)DeAnna D.
Best wings I have ever had in my life, but the seating is rough and the service is sometimes really slow!
(4)Scott v.
Good Irish bar. Just stopped by for a beer. Can't really say anything negative about this place. Had a grilled shrimp appetizer. Not bad but not great.
(4)Filip V.
Good enough burgers, they get an extra star for the quick and pleasant service. Were there for a late lunch, but it seems to be a great bar to hang out at.
(4)Natalie D.
Great fish and chips, wonderful well seasoned burger. Chips are very tasty. Service was ok, certainly not horrible.
(4)Rob A.
Fish and chips are the star. Pot pie was probably authentic but just ok. Roast beef was disappointing. Server dude was efficient if unengaging. I will come back any time for the 5 star fish and ships. If we all had fish and chips would have been a solid 4 star review.
(3)Nick S.
I was new to the area and heard good things about this place. Wanting some good Irish food I can in. The bangers and mash (I got the appetizer) were absolutely delicious and I was excited when I got my pot pie. To my disappointment the pot pie was remarkably bland; it lacked the buttery richness that makes pot pie so good and tasted watered down. The others with me said their food (fish, shrimp) was good, though another said the corned beef was too fatty and the cabbage bland as well. The Bailey's cheesecake brought the meal around but it was too little too late to really change my mind. TL;DR don't get pot pie, bangers and mash is fabulous
(3)Tianna F.
I love McCreary's. Let me say that again - i LOVE McCreary's The food is absolutely amazing. From their Limerick Potato to Shepherd's Pie to Cheeseburgers or the Fish-n-Chips. Heck, I'm not even a lover of tartar sauce but their's is fabulous with their fries! Easy for lunch, great for dinner, and even better for brunch. A super plus is that they carry my favorite beer - which is difficult for me to find even in stores. The staff is super friendly and always superb. I highly recommend.
(5)David C.
Went in for happy hour. Got two perfectly poured Harp/Guinness half-and-halfs for $5.41. It's buy one get one free. Don't know about the food, but they don't have guinness stew, unfortunately. I love me some Irish Guinness stew. Still a perfect pour.
(3)Jason B.
Great fish and chips, great vibe, and great service=I love this place. And Guinness always on tap, of course.
(5)Monica N.
I am a huge fan of McCreary's. Mostly because I love the location, and the atmosphere. I enjoy being downtown, and in the small space of the restaurant. I come here to hang out and relax. I love the quote from St. Patrick. My husband likes the tap beer selection. I usually get the fish and chips. You can get fish with a salad though, if you want to eat healthier. I don't care if it isn't very much like an actual pub. It feels like a fun, local place to me and in that way, it feels like a pub to me. It actually reminds me of some of the small restaurants in New York - just a small, local place serving their local customers.
(4)Steven L.
This is a busy little spot in Downtown Franklin that deserves to be busy. It's a pub with a pub menu -- so don't expect five stars. But what it does, it does well. We enjoy the people and the menu is filled with great little gems. I usually try to have the special, or else the fish & chips as my "old standby." There are a few tables outside if the weather permits, and that makes for great people watching. Games are usually on TV inside.
(4)Kylie D.
Love the food! Everytime I go I usually get a burger. But the past couple times I went I had HORRIBLE service. We walked in and they told us to sit where ever. Our server came by and got our drink order. Before he left I asked him If I could try a sample if the soup. It took him 7 minutes to bring out 2 waters with lemon. When he arrived with our drinks he still didn't have the sample I asked for. I asked him 1 more time and then we placed our orders. He finally brought out a sample and didn't come back to ask if I wanted to purchase some. After finding him I told him that we wanted 2 cups of soup. They were very good and came out in a timely manner. Our food took longer than normal but we didn't mind. Before our food came I asked for some more water. After a couple minutes, our food came out, still no water. I asked him again. After 10 minutes of no water and me having to share a drink with my boyfriend, we finally went up to the bar and asked for some. He came by and dropped off the checks. And didn't have anything else to say. Since he didn't introduce himself at the beginning, I looked at the ticket to see his name. It was under "Tom Cruise" as a joke. We heard his name mentioned by someone else and then knew who he was. We left as soon as we could. Just a few more mistakes: didn't offer desserts, didn't offer Togo boxes, didn't check and see if we were enjoying our food, didn't introduce himself, and barely made conversation. The worst of all is that there were only a couple of 2 tops in the restaurant. And most of the time I could see our server in the kitchen playing on his phone. I will definitely not be returning and will tell everyone about my experience.
(2)Stephen N.
Omg so good! Picture perfect Irish fare straight out of Wikipedia without any goofy twists. The roast beef was incredible!
(4)Andrea F.
I've been going here since I've lived in Franklin--I love it when they have musicians playing--I go there alot during Lent (no chicken or beef on Fridays) I also find it an awesome low key play to have a good beer with friends. A good inexpensive pub to hangout with friends.
(4)Daniel B.
A great little spot in heart of Franklin serving up comfort food...Irish Style! I have been here a couple of times and have only had "Bangers and Mash" which includes a couple of Chicken Sausage links and Mashed Potatoes. The sausage is very flavorful and cooked to retain it's juiciness but seared with a caramelized crunch on the casing. The potatoes are rich in flavor (must mean lots of dairy) doesn't require any more seasoning such as salt. It's a laid back atmosphere where I have on both occasions bumped into people I know...either literally or via their fame. Of course, I maintain an attitude of talking with those I actually know as there is a hidden rule of not acting like the paparazzi and getting our celebrities all flustered. The service is accommodating while not being in a hurry.
(3)Amelia K.
Two bar stools does not make a pub. Tried to go in for a drink and the staff was rude and would not seat us just for drinks. Why call yourself a pub if you can not get a drink.
(1)rob h.
Yum.
(3)Heather W.
We stopped for lunch after touring The Carter House. We both had a bowl of their bean soup. I got the corn beef sandwich while my husband got the ham sandwich. Everything that we were presented was amazing! It is a small space but well worth the closeness.
(4)Greg S.
McCreary's has a few issues. There is no clear process for getting a table, wait on line or give you name to a server? Either way you may get passed over. This is more of a pub where people come to hang out than to eat . There are only 12 or so tables, so tables don't turn over very quickly. You should expect to wait at least 30 minutes. The food is not very good or fresh I would argue that Sysco (or someone similar) provides the majority of the food and McCreary's provides the hot oil. My advice would be to pass on the food, have a beer at the bar and move on.
(2)David O.
Stopped in with the better half for lunch and ordered the Kilkenny Chicken Club. The portions are a satisfying size, and we snuck in a piece of the Guinness Chocolate Cake which was very good. The staff was friendly and attentive considering how busy it was at lunch time. The seats are not the most comfortable, so don't come here looking for a relaxed intimate dining experience. I enjoyed the atmosphere (Though it was very loud) and food at McCreary's but its too far away for me to run back here.
(3)Hugh H.
Had the fish & chips... They were great! The Guinness had perfect pours! Even on a crowded busy day staff was friendly and provided great service!
(4)Andy M.
More of a little restaurant than a proper Irish pub. Nice place though. Friendly folks.
(3)Randy M.
Not Irish food and not an Irish Pub. A Shepard's pie does not have beef chilli with a Kraft single on top. An Irish pub doesn't have bright lights or Christian artifacts. A real Irish pub is the place that the Irish go to get away from Church and family and drink good whiskey. A real Irish pub has food with curry. A real Irish pub has music playing. A real Irish pub doesn't make you feel like you're at Applebee's kids night.
(1)Ronald g.
I would like to tell all that the fish and chips served to me the other day was not the top notch quality I was used to. Fish cuts are not in perfect triangles as the ones served me. Also the coating was not batter but a corn mealish topping. I have recommended this dish to many people because it was flakey white fish with hand batter coating. It would seem that something has changed.sorry that john doesn't like a difference of opinion, but it is just that my opinion.
(3)Ali J.
You will probably wait for a hot minute for a seat, but it's worth it. Always great food, friendly service, enjoyable atmosphere, and cold beer. All good things, if you want my opinion!
(4)Matt C.
Overall had a good experience there. Nice beer selection, good prices. The food is good, though not traditional Irish dishes, it's a nice tweak on them. The food is a few dollars over priced, and the air flow inside is not good, it gets very stuffy and warm in there.
(3)Nic A.
Favorite place in Middle Tennessee to get fish and chips.
(5)Chris B.
Beware of happy hour! We went in after seeing the 2 for 1 happy hour listed on the sign outside, and when the bill arrived, there was no discount. The sign had been erased after we went in, but we were not told. Food was good, but we felt we had been taken advantage of.
(3)Frank O.
This place isn't a pub and it doesn't serve Irish food (that's probably a plus, LOL). It's a brightly lit place, and very cramped space-wise. They have a couple of sidewalk tables but you sit right on the busy street so there are ample car fumes. To call this a pub is a real stretch. It's more like a Christian Star Bucks concept with beer. The food is just bar food or something you ate in college at the grill. Give it a pass.
(1)Michael D.
This was my first visit to McCreary's. I am from Buffalo and I was looking for somewhere that had real good food but not a chain restaurant. It was all that I was looking for. I ate the fish and chips and it was delicious. Big selection of bottled beer.
(4)Robin P.
Breakfast was great! Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 was service, needed more servers for as busy as it was. Bangers and taters were delish!
(4)Angela U.
Fish and chips wre great. Corned beef and cabbage perfect. This is a small place, lots of noise, if crowded. Friendly waitstaff and perfect location to walk before and after you eat to looked around downtown Franklin. Convenient location by the parking garage.
(3)Tim G.
This is a great little place in Franklin. Overall we were not impressed with the food. It reminded us of eating at college.
(1)Robert B.
Had lunch here on a weekday, picking it because we really enjoy Ireland and Irish food. I was disappointed that they didn't have boxty, an Irish dish I really like, but maybe it's not typical pub food. Waitstaff was pleasant but not friendly, and she often got distracted when she left our table to get us something. Food -- I had fish and chips; my wife had a salmon salad -- was just okay. I agree with those who say this isn't a "pub" and the atmosphere is a bit confused. I liked the quote from St. Patrick on the wall, but would have liked Irish music in the background, instead of a random TV channel. With sweet tea on the menu, this is more Franklin than it is Dublin.
(2)Kiley S.
My husband and I recently stopped in to have lunch @ McCreary's. We ordered the bangers and mash for an appetizer and it was tasty. I ordered the fish and chips and they were tasty - everything came out piping hot, which is always nice. We brought along our sweet little 2 year old, who was a little much for the tiny restaurant but no one seemed to mind his random yells and a few screams :) We plan to come back again for lunch. We really liked the bangers and mash, aside from the yucky sausage burps that followed!
(4)Kaitlyn K.
McCreary's is a small, fun place in downtown Franklin that is a good hangout with friends. The menu is pretty typical for bar / pub food - with a few items that have an Irish twist. :) Our friends who live in Franklin and who had been there many times ordered the Cheese Fries appetizer. They were sinfully good. (I heart cheese.) I didn't try them, but my husband and my friends husband both got the Fish and Chips and LOVED them. My friend and I got the Mushroom and Swiss burger, and it was juicy and delectable. My only gripe about McCreary's is, when it is packed the temperature inside is unbearable. Luckily, they have plenty of beers to cool you down. When I am off of my crazy diet, I will go again. I'll just be sure to pick something slightly more healthy. If that's possible with bar food. ;)
(3)Barbara F.
Irish omelet delicious, waitress needed to be more friendly with non regulars and mistake made in change, not sure if she was taking tip or made mistake.
(3)Jennifer P.
Stopped in on a Sunday (not realizing Franklin basically shuts down on Sundays) and enjoyed the fish/chips. The fish was light and crispy - reminded me of a trip to Ireland ten years ago. We got the chips with cheese and bacon, of which the Irish would not approve, but they were tasty in a greasy American way. The tables are too close together - the guys next to us kept toppling our ketchup when they moved their chairs. But I don't expect white linens in a pub.
(3)Jessica M.
We were wandering around downtown Franklin and looking for a place to eat lunch when we stumbled upon McCreary's. I didn't have high hopes, as it seemed like sort of a random place and the menu didn't look overly exciting. However, the food was great! I had a great cheeseburger and my husband had some really good chicken wings. The fries were surprisingly good as well. Large waters and fountain sodas were appreciated on a hot day as well. Great place for a burger and a beer - we'll be back!
(5)Heather R.
Love this place! The fish and chips are the best I've ever had! The make their own tarter sauce which is excellent! I took my parents here when they were in town and they could not get over how amazing the fish and chips were! The chips were nice and crispy and the fish did not get soggy! We had excellent service and this is a nice little pit stop while you are shopping in downtown Franklin!
(5)Curtis H.
Nice pub atmosphere. Staff was friendly. Eclectic group of patrons. All our meals (Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips, Cheese and Bacon Fries) were fresh and good. Good beers (Guinness, Smithwicks) on tap.
(4)Mark B.
Great food. Great atmosphere. Great burgers. Great fish n chips.
(4)Justin Y.
The atmosphere of the pub is perfect. There's a rustic, nostalgic feel to it - probably because it sits in Old Franklin, but it works. The wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. (We had a group of 8 people that coalesced slowly over the period of an hour.) I was sad that I missed out on the 2-for-1 pints by only a few minutes, but that just means I'll have to go back again. The beer on tap was limited in selection, but still contained some nice options - Guinness, Harpoon, Killian's Irish Red, etc. The Fish and Chips were nicely cooked. The chips are cut a bit thicker than I like, but they were still crispy. The batter-dipped cod wasn't too greasy and had a light, crunchy taste. The only disappointing thing about this was the tarter sauce. It was a bit thinner than normal, bland, and had sliced carrots (?) in it. The burger I ordered (I believe it was called the City Street burger) came with cheddar, bacon, and barbecue sauce, and the fries (chips). It was delicious. You gotta love crisp bacon on a burger! If you ever make it here, you'll have a great time, but try not to come with a big group or have claustrophobia - the pub is narrow and cozy.
(4)Nash W.
We bought a Groupon certificate for this restaurant and thankfully we did.... paying full price would have been disastrous. This is a total wanna-be Irish Pub. It would be better used as an internet cafe' as most people were just sitting there on their laptops. The rest were on their phones. I ordered corned beef and cabbage and you would think for an Irish Pub that would be a safe bet....umm, no. Their dinners are served on salad plates that normal restaurants would use. I had 4 small slices of corned beef covered with a honey mustard. Not terrible, but a very small amount. My wife ordered the Shepherds pie....Ahhh you think another safe bet. No again. A slice of cheap american cheese melted on top....REALLLY??? What a way to TOTALLY ruin a pretty good authentic, tomato based, pie. It too was small but we were over it. Our server did not even bother to check in on us and when he dropped the bill off never asked if we wanted dessert. Thankfully he probably saved us from another dissapointemnt. We "were" going to try the bread pudding. Save yourself the trouble and go elsewhere.......
(1)Chelsea H.
Went on a Friday night. It was crowded but atmosphere was good. And food was awesome. The fish and chips were awesome.
(4)John M.
My Bride and I have lived in Franklin for going on 15 years now, and the standards at McCreary's have slipped significantly. My Bride had the Guiness Stew, and it came in a severely "downsized" (read as really small) cup, and her sliver of soda bread wouldn't choke a mouse if it ate it whole in one bite. It was more broth than stew, and had two, count 'em, two, pieces of beef within. My fish & chips was so over done and tough I had difficulty cutting it with my fork. The fries were unappetizing and I had several bites and finally gave up. The sore point was we both registered our complaints with our server, and still paid full price for very substandard food. If and when we rturn, I'll stick to the draft Guiness beer and eat before or after I go.
(2)J S.
Not an Irish Pub, pretty lame, hardly any beer on tap, unfriendly staff, very cramped. Assumes if you pay with cash you are leaving it all as a tip! Tried to take 50% tip
(1)Lindsay M.
Loved it! My husband and I visit Irish Pubs quite regularly. When we visit a different city we try to visit a local Irish Pub. We adored McCreary's! We sat outside on a Sunday afternoon and it was fantastic. There were families milling about, a musician playing outdoors down a few shops, perfect sun shining and the bubble machine next door kept plenty of families intrigued. Pros: -2 for 1 Sunday HH -GREAT Shepherd's Pie -good fish & chips, not the best ever - but very tasty (fries pushed it up a notch) -service was outstanding -football game on TV Cons: -small outdoor seating area That's it! We will definitely return on our next Franklin visit.
(4)J C.
Living in Nashville doesn't exactly make it easy to find an authentic Irish pub, but McCreary's does a good job of it. My husband and I wandered in one evening to use a Groupon we'd purchased, and neither of us being very hungry, we decided to split an order of fish 'n chips. Hot, greasy, and sinfully delicious, it was served up on newspaper just like they do in the UK--and having been to the UK, it doesn't get more authentic than that. My hubby was delighted to discover they serve Young's Chocolate Stout, his favorite beer. Finally, to top off our already pleasing meal, we settled on splitting a slice of the Guinness chocolate cake. This is definitely a pub we'll be returning to.
(5)A C.
I have been here many times and the beer is great on tap, with good bar food. They have some unique irish dishes and then your normal bar food dishes. The place is pretty small and tends to stay packed on weekends or nights.
(3)Joshua B.
The fish and chips are amazing. Also, the bangers and mash appetizer has the best chicken sausage we have ever tasted!
(5)Andre B.
McCreary's in downtown Franklin is my favorite place for fish & chips in Williamson county. A great place to sip a pint of Guinness complete with the shamrock on top!
(5)melissa m.
Great beer! For such a small pub, they have a lot of hard to find irish beer. My only complaint is that they close at midnight, even on the weekends. (I think they close at 11pm on weeknights!) The live music (a couple guys with fiddles) is not to be missed! It creates a great atmosphere!
(4)Melinda C.
Apple cider = yum. Fish and chips = not bad. The fish could've been seasoned a bit more but the fries were awesome. Great service!
(3)Brandon L.
This place is wonderful!!! True, authentic fish and chips! I have been here a few times now. First time I got the fish and chips,and they were great. Very fresh. I went yesterday for lunch and had the Corned Beef & Swiss Sandwich ( Thinly sliced corned beef grilled and topped with Swiss cheese. Served with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato and onion.). All I have to say is... Amazing.
(4)Jamey B.
McCreary's Irish Pub and Eatery, In the heart of downtown Franklin, Tennessee, is one of my favorite places on earth. McCreary's was started by a couple of great folks who have a passion for life and a love for good beer, and the torch has been taken up by one of their original hires, who is more like family than anything. McCreary's has five things on tap at all times: Guinness, Smithwick's, Harp, Woodchuck Cider, and a rotating tap for good measure (local brews, Paulaner Hefe, Fat Tire seasonals, and so on). A couple dozen other delicious beers sit in good faith in a refrigerator, and a number of wines are stored waiting for a friend. While the 2-for-1 (Imperial!) pints during Happy Hour attract many, the food keeps others hooked. I have never had a dish that I didn't like at McCreary's, though I haven't had the whole menu yet because I keep going back to the same things. Everything from the Guinness Stew to the Shepherd's Pie to the Bangers and Mash - all goes down so easily. Even the veggie plate is a winner. So while it is difficult to narrow the food down to my favorites, I'll give it my best. My four favorite dinners are as follows: Corned-Beef Sandwich, Main Street Club Burger, Fish n Chips, and the Wings. The Corned-Beef Sandwich is just out of this world. It is what it sounds like - plus 100 points for flavor. The Club Burger is bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a great beef patty (topped with cheese) sandwiched by delicious buns - oh, and slathered with their signature BBQ sauce. Speaking of the BBQ sauce, their BBQ Wings are amazing. I used to order only their extra-spicy Buffalo Wings (wonderful!), but the barbecue sauce keeps me changing. Oh, and the fish and chips? I've probably only had fish I enjoyed this much in Hawaii. And how did I neglect to mention the fries (chips)? At one point in my life I pretty much only drank their beer and ate their fries (adding vinegar and ketchup, of course), and consequently gained about 10 pounds in three months. Locals don't call this A Pub. They call this THE Pub. There's a reason why.
(5)Alix F.
Great restaurant. I love this place dearly! I have been going to this restaurant for years. It's like a little hidden gem in the heart of Downtown Franklin...Seriously, you'll drive right by it and hit up the Starbucks right down the corner if you're not paying attention. It's a little hole-in-the-wall place, no bigger than my living room and kitchen combined. They have exceptional beer and the food is fried to perfection. Fish n Chips = DELICIOUSNESS. Feeling adventurous? Try the Shepherd's Pie...awesome. The service is fantastic, and they have live music on the weekends. It gets pretty crowded in there, so be prepared to get to know your surrounding tables. GO! You will have a blast here.
(5)kristen p.
I wish that there were more places in Nashville like Mccreary's. My husband and my best friend's husband loved the beer selection and also found it more affordable than other places we often go. Best friend and i loved that they had a good selection of non-greasy food. Their vegetarian offerings include a loaded baked potato (if you request no bacon bits) and a portobello and rice dish. If you're a pesco-vegetarian then you can add fish & chips and tuna salad to the list. All of the food that i had was delicious. The decor lets me pretend that i have traveled to someplace in Europe. Our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly. Everything was wonderful. I very much look forward to going back there again.
(5)Nick N.
We checked out this little Irish pub while we were visiting the local downtown shops of Franklin on a warm almost Spring day...When we first passed by it was clear that the place was popular due to the fact in early afternoon there were people standing waiting for a table. It is not a big place by any means but there were several waiting and since we were not that hungry we checked out the menu and decided to come back in a bit hoping the wait had gone down. Coming back in about two hours later we still had to wait about 15 minutes but knowing the place was small and it was getting towards dinner time this was no problem. As soon as a table got done we along with two other groups waiting were able to sit down and after about five minutes we got the table cleared and our server brought us our two for one drinks. The service was ok, friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and drink selections but not real fast. The food was ok too, nothing special but certainly good. As I said it was good but the Shepard's pie was a bit different from any other Irish place I have been before making it unique to their menu. My date had another dish that I tried and it was good too. The portions looked small as they came in a small looking bowl that was somewhat misleading as they are deep so by the time you get to the bottom you are gonna be full. Drinks were good and they have a fair selection, two for one from three to six if I remember correctly which could definitely account for the crowd during the early afternoon and as I said it is a locally popular place so by about seven when we were ready to leave there was quite a crowd outside waiting for a place to sit. There were families with kids, older people and young so its customer base has an appeal to a wide variety it seems. No music on the day we went but they did have some music advertised on a poster close to the door. Overall in my opinion it was not bad. I have been to better and been to much worse too. I look forward to going back again when I am in the Franklin area.
(3)Abigail O.
descent dive pub. tables and floors were kind of sticky. great service. cheese fries were excellent! mashed potatoes were tasty but dry.
(3)Rachel W.
When I lived here, my husband and I loved to come this Irish Pub in downtown Franklin. My favorite was the fish and chips but sometimes I ventured out and got the homemade chicken pot pie and was never disappointed. My husband usually stuck with the burger which was great in itself. They have a few draft beers/cider including Woodchuck Apple Cider....yum yum! 2 for 1 drafts from 3p-6p. On a weekend night it gets pretty packed but you always have the small downtown to stroll around on while waiting. I miss this place!
(5)Andrew P.
Try the bread pudding!! I can't say anything else. It is unbelievable.
(5)matt c.
McCreary's is the best local irish pub, even though there is a rumor going around that the food comes directly from Sam's Club... Still I think it's all pretty good, especially smeared with a good helping of coleman's mustard!!! whew! (clear those nasal passages!) Get the definitely homemade fish and chips, or the Bunratty chicken basket, or for something filling but slightly cheaper, try the chicken sausage platter that comes with sliced cheese, soda bread and potato mash. Wash it all down with a smithwick's (pron. /SMIT-icks/) or try the special monthly beer. There is a happy hour with two-for-one specials which is a great time to sit outside, enjoy the quaint atmosphere of downtown Franklin's old main street with its useless knick-knack shops, antique stores and sadly vacated theatre. Another good reason to sit outside during the daytime is the peculiar use of this establishment as a young family daycare facility. I guess mom's like to chug a few down while they're out strollering the sidewalks. Like any really authentic Irish pub, the daytime music is *whatever the staff wants to hear,* which won't necessarily transport you to the emerald hills (it may take you to the "dark side of the moon"); but weekend nights are often livened up with a little group of traditional musicians huddling in the corner whistling, plucking and thumping in good gaelic fashion. Also look for local fixture Nathan with his "shot in the dark" (nearby starbuck's espresso shot dropped in a glass of Guinness) If the street parking is taken up, drive around back to the ample parking lot.
(4)Christopher C.
Wonderful little Irish Pub. Good food, great atmosphere. They also have live music at night right inside or outside. It is quite small, but they have great beer.
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