It's hard to believe that I have lived in Middle TN forever, and certainly known about McCabe's forever, knew exactly what it was and what to expect, yet I hadn't been there until last week. Even basing certain aspects on a first experience, I can say without a doubt if you visited 20 years ago, it will feel exactly the same. I love homey, neighborhood pub feel kind of places. And I enjoy a good burger joint. I work nearby, so this area is very familiar to me. When visiting a restaurant for the first time, call me crazy, but if the center fold of the menu is their daily plate specials and offer up multiple entrees like pork chops, catfish, etc. with many choices of vegetables... I'm going to opt for that route since you don't really find such all that often. Well, at McCabe, evidently that was wrong. Some friends have said "Why in the world didn't you order a burger or a fish sandwich?" and I'm like "Why was that not more prominent on the menu?" Our table started with some potato skins. They were fine - on par for pub style comfy apps. I ordered a grilled porkchop plain, which was a) dry, b) tough, and c) really, really plain. I don't care for spicy blackened meats and I can't recall what the third option was... but it really needed something. I had selected sweet potato casserole, which was quite good and very Southern cookin' homespun and broccoli casserole that really missed the mark. It has too much panko on top, and the consistency was mushy, and the flavor was unidentifiable. Something about it did not appeal to me although I can't explain why, which meant I pretty much just ate sweet potato casserole for lunch. Others at my table ordered a fried fish sandwich that looked good but greasy, and two salads I can't recall specifics on. What I will say is their parking is good to be in such a popular area, and seating was quick and service attentive. I will probably give them a second try and just order the burger, maybe then they'll climb a star or two.
(2)
Christina V.
I love that it's locally owned, and the berry cobblers are yummy! That deserves two stars. Cons--service was terrible last time I ate there! Not just slow and no waters but not nice. I felt unwelcome. They have a kids menu, which is nice, but the chicken tenders were so tough, none of the kids would chew them. The fries were a tad soggy. The veggie side (of summer squash) was mushy. In short, I had a nice dinner there 9 yrs ago with great service, but the meal I had this summer was so bad, I won't be back. I wonder if I had come sans kids, if that would have changed things?
(2)
Cody B.
So far so BAD. Waited over 8 minutes to be greeted. Their "Tea Punch" is just fruit tea like from Blue Coast Burrito or Legend's Restaurant. In fact it's not as good as the two mentioned above. Not balanced well, to tart. Our drinks pretty much stayed empty by the way. I had one refill the entire evening. We stopped another server to refill our drinks and she finally did. My hamburger was good. Thought the meat was good and from local family butcher it said. The French fries were like my grandfather makes....homely. Overall I enjoyed the food but the service was horrible. I give this place 3 and a half stars.
(3)
Brandon C.
I have been visiting McCabe pub for about 10 years now. Ken and Rachel are always on top of things and really seem to take pride in giving this place a small neighborhood feel. I love the old school solid wood paneling walls and the outside seating area. The catfish, burgers, and chicken nachos are my favorites, and the casseroles are awesome! Make sure to try the blackberry cobbler crunch desert. On a side note, I found LISA H's review on 7/22/13 hilarious! So funny that she gave this restaurant 1 star because she was not offered a handout to cover her deductible because her car was broken into in their parking lot(which she stated she parked at safely 2-3 times/week for who knows how long) P.S., we do not live in Mayberry. These things happen. I guess she would also give her parents 1 star if her car was broken into at their home:). So funny!
(4)
Terri H.
Love the meatloaf! This neighborhood pub invites you to sit and stay awhile with its comfortable decor. You feel at home by the friendly staff. I've been twice and never felt rushed. I wish I could say I was more adventurous with my food choices but I ordered the same thing on both visits. I love the meatloaf. Their vegetables are cooked perfectly and equally delicious. Nothing says comfort food like meatloaf and veggies.
(5)
Gary N.
This was my first visit, service was good, prices were descent. The pub feel was there. I had the meatloaf based on the server's recommendation. Serving was small, taste was bland. Looked like a oversized meatball. Mashed potatoes were ok, broccoli casserole lacked, tasted liked dressing. The only thing my friend liked on his plate was the fries. Both of us thought the servings was small for the price paid. It appears that this is more a hamburger and sandwich place. Sort of wished I tried one of the pies.
(3)
David S.
Food at the Pharmacy leave you sour? Come to McCabe's. What a delightful surprise. The menu warns that patties are cooked well-done. The wait staff say order it as you like it. I did. Best cheeseburger I've had anywhere in years. Fresh-cut fries were perfection. And the place has the real neighborhood pub feel. Friendly. Small tap, but nice bottled beer selection.
(4)
Allison L.
Pretty dated, gross food but good wait staff. Once you get past the resentful hostess you will be treated great. Cheeseburger was just ok, but nothing fantastic. The potato skins were like rocks swimming in greasy cheese and hate. One bite was enough to make me realize they aren't cooked long enough and they will immediately clog my arteries. In 1984 Cleveland this spot would be hopping.
(3)
Tania K.
Food sucks, service is even worse. Only good thing on the menu is their coconut cake.
(1)
Martà M.
I was surprised at how much nicer this pub actually is compared to what my mind's eye had pictured. We went in to have a beer at the bar one hour before they were scheduled to close. The staff did start on their closing prep, but I never felt rushed, or that my presence was an inconvenience to any of them. In fact, the staff here were exceptionally friendly. I also noticed how much care they were all putting into their closing duties, which likely explains their 98 health score. I don't think I have ever talked to more strangers in one hour as I did with the (suspected) regulars. They were very friendly too, eager to chat with the new folk. Our bartender, Enisa, explained the beer tap is fairly new. So I was surprised to see that the only three drafts they offer are Yazoo Dos Perros, Fat Tire, and Sam Adams Seasonal, and that they didn't choose a domestic like Bud or Miller. (Hey - that's more than fine by me!) My Sam Winter Lager was served at just the right temperature. Wood everywhere! The walls, tables, chairs, booths, bar, bar stools, the toilet...no, just kidding on the toilet! Actually, the ladies restroom is quite nice with its stainless steel sink and granite countertop. It looks as though it was updated recently, and they did a good job. Ultimately, the place does feel like a golfer's hangout or a lodge, without any pretentiousness tied to it. I will have to go back for another beer and try some food too.
(4)
Elayne C.
Solidly good food with a family-friendly atmosphere. The waitstaff is super nice. It's big enough where you rarely have to wait long for a table but still often quite busy. I think they have a solid menu but not a lot of new or innovative offerings - a great option for most people, for most meals.
(4)
Andrew W.
Great burgers! Contenders for the best in town. Staff could be a little friendlier
(4)
Terry V.
Even though McCabe Pub has been around for years, it was my first visit last night. My friend moved into her place in Sylvan Park and we were picking out a place to grab dinner and catch up. The weather was really nice so we asked to be seated on the patio. The client was a mix of an older crowd, couples, and young adults. It seemed like a "Cheers" to me where if you came enough, they would all know your name. When we sat down, I just so happened to know the waitress! She is also a hair stylist and had done an up-do for me for an event I had last fall. She was really friendly with us and kind. We ordered the trout, harvest salad, and the Best Bacon Cheeseburger in Town. I LOVED the bacon. It was crispy and perfect on top of the burger. I would definitely order it again. I wasn't the biggest fan of the fresh hand cut fries because they were more on the soggy side. I like my french fries crispy. My friend wanted dessert so we ordered the Chess Pie and Jack Daniel's Pecan Pie. The chess pie was the definite winner. I don't like chocolate so that was part of why I didn't care for the pecan pie. I LOVE pecan pie so my expectations were higher than for chess pie. They serve the chess pie warm and it was just perfect. I would definitely tell people about their burger because many of my friends are burger fanatics. I wouldn't say that it tops burgers on my list but it is definitely in the top 10. The patio has a no smoking policy which I was surprised about but since I am a non-smoker, it was really nice!
(4)
Paul K.
I don't go here too much mainly just because it's not on my way, but every time I've been I've rather enjoyed it. It's not exactly the kind of pub you go to watch sports, but I think they try. Crowd is varied when I've been, like no one group has decided to claim McCabe's as theirs and theirs only. Prices are reasonable, the fried food is fried good. Can't speak to their other food, I think everything I've had has been fried former vegetable. Waiters have been friendly and good service every time. Things to note - even though they have a patio you can't smoke there. I don't have a problem with this but it ended up causing a group I attend to not go there. Park around back to avoid getting blocked in by vultures who spot you from the street.
(4)
Kim Y.
The food here is good, average run of the mill 'southern' food served in a meat and 3 fashion or you can order nachos, sandwiches, salads or other typical american dishes with a side of chips/fries, etc - your choice. Food average, iced tea - kinda excellent. The feel is kinda old wordly country club, actually - country club from 1981, but its clean and the clientele is very mixed. A lot of golfers as mentioned below. But public course golfers - no snooty patooties. The one thing I think that gives McCabes a special little place in my heart is the super great service. I wish all servers and bartenders were like the McCabes staff (and no, I don't know anyone who works there, this is fo' realz), they are timely, friendly and seem like they always want you to be genuinely happy. The last time I was there the Pred's game went into OT and the bartender not only let us stick around, but he made sure our beers, waters and sodas were full. When I told him I couldn't drink anymore caffiene (I mean, it was a school night) he all but insisted in getting me water. So, while my foodie heart cant give them too many stars - I really think the service is among the best in town and its an excellent place to hang out. Tip - you can't even smoke outside on the patio. I think its amazing, but smokers be forewarned.
(3)
Lisa B.
If you don't mind being one of the only non-geriatric people in the joint most of the time (no offense, friendly senior citizens!) then you must go here. You may think you've stepped back in time a bit judging by the decor, but fear not. Get the [ginormous] club sandwhich, smother it in their amazing honey mustard and enjoy. Trust me. I'm sure there are many other delicious menu items, but I'm gonna be honest, I have rarely strayed from my go-to lunch order there. Also of note - the prices are reasonable and the services is usually very good. Not a great happy hour spot, though. Last time I checked there were no specials, and again, the old people.
(4)
Janet K.
Let's set the expectations up front. This is an older pub that draws mostly an older regular Belle Meade crowd and some families. It is a great location and one of the original restaurants in Sylvan Park; although there have been some recent additions over the past few years. The bar itself is old in decor; mostly paneling and the bar is the big feature. They offer a "special" daily and the food is average. They have a big outdoor dinning area that is fenced off and is an anomaly in this area. Great to ride your bike down for dinner and a drink. I might add there is some good people watching here; however don't park in their lot and think you can run across to Local Taco, Cafe Nona, Park Cafe or any other establishment. These guys are a bit touchy when it comes to parking!
(3)
Erin D.
I will say, I think this place is really cute. It's got a very warm feel to it with oak tables and chairs. I saw the strangest array of people here from older couples to college kids to families. It's not very loud and was actually fun to sit and chat for a while. First of all we ordered an appetizer and our food at the same time, and guess what, they came out at the same time. Our waiter literally sat down the app then walked back to the kitchen for the entrees. Kinda made the app pointless. The food itself wasn't impressive. We got the Chili Nachos, that weren't bad but weren't spectacular. Then, I ordered what they refer to as "The Best Bacon Cheeseburger In Nashville" - I will say this. It's the best bacon ON a cheeseburger in Nashville. The hamburger and cheese were mediocre, and the bun they were served on was so big you felt like all you were eating was bread. The fries were a tad undercooked and nothing special, but weren't bad when dipped in ranch. Also, our table didn't have salt or pepper shakers. I've heard you have to try their desserts, and to be honest they looked good. I just didn't have the appetite for them. I may go back to try one or to have a beer at the bar, but I won't be ordering a meal here again.
(2)
Michael P.
Home of the maestro! One of the most talented bartenders I have encountered in my long and tumultuous path to liver damage. The food is a great mix of comfort food and standard bar grub. Great place to unwind.
(5)
Robin S.
Just what you expect walking into a pub--dark walls, dim lighting, large bar, and nothing fancy. But this place--as I've seen in another review below--is clean! Unlike many pubs out there. Service is wonderful too. I really enjoy coming here, but don't that often because it's pretty much your typical bar food--greasy and fried. YUM but not good for the waistline. I love the cheeseburger--not the best in town, but big and juicy. The chef salad is tasty too, and though I've never tried it, I hear so is the catfish. Laid back atmosphere which is perfect for an after work drink, or when you come off the golf course and are starving. If you're in the neighborhood, do check it out!
(4)
Brian C.
While they don't serve traditional pub fare, it's no bar food either. The food is good for what it is, a real neighorhood restaurant, and they have one of the best burgers in town. But the reason to make this place a stomping ground isn't any of these reasons, but is the bartender, Ken, who is one of the greatest at remembering your name, your drink and serving up the right amount of conversation with your food and beer.
(4)
Patrick R.
Sylvan Park is one of my favorite little West Nashville neighborhoods. The people are friendly, it's clean, and McCabe is the standout restaurant/bar in the area. It's decorated with pretty classy, upscale sports memorabilia, and it's one of the cleaner, more civilized bars on that side of town. Every time I've visited McCabe, the servers have been really quick and helpful. The Pub offers several tasty sandwiches, but their open faced roast beef is perhaps their best item. Their portions are pretty big and sides are delicious. The crowd tends to be older and a bit subdued, but that's a nice change of pace from my other West Side haunt, Springwater. I must say, one thing about McCabe seems a bit odd--while they have over forty beers (bottled), they don't have anything on draft. A bit strange for a self-billed "pub." Regardless, with their enormous beer and liquor selection, you probably won't get bored. They have a very nice patio, and it's in a pretty lovely part of town. Go for the atmosphere and food...stay for the beers.
(4)
Wes K.
There isn't much I can add to what has already been said, but I will add one thing. I had out of town relatives come in from Green Bay, and one of them is grain sensitive. She ordered a hamburger without the bun, and when it came, there was a nice, lettuce wedge bun they had used as a substitute . She was able to eat it like a regular hamburger, and she loved it. The waiter came back to make sure that she was full and had enough food to eat and offered to bring more lettuce and tomatoes (this was before the tomato scare). I've never had a bad meal at McCabe. I recommend sitting outside in spring or fall.
(5)
Victor F.
Great place to hang out and have a few drinks. Would have a rating of 5 if it weren't for all the smoke in the place. There cannot be any smoke detectors in this place... otherwise they would go off constantly. Go smoke-free and see your business boom!
(3)
molly h.
Its a good spot to sit outside if the weather is nice. There are always families dining, young and old. The food sounds better than it taste, but its clean and not overpriced. The wine glasses are from 1980 I believe. The service is always great. The fiance "loves" the burger, but I'm not going to rave about it!
(3)
Lee W.
Great burgers and sandwiches, awesome lunch spot. Not a real Irish pub, but good charm with a local flare. Local sports artifacts on the walls and a great outdoor patio.
(4)
Graham S.
good solid food. this is as close to cheers as it's gonna get.
(3)
Atlee M.
This was just an average place for me. My burger was good. However, I ordered the burger wrap medium well and received a regular burger well done. The fries looked like they had gotten wet at some point, but didn't feel soggy. The atmosphere was clearly dated from the late 70s or 80s, which surprisingly was a plus for me as it reminded me of an old lodge. The servers were very friendly and accommodating.
(3)
Ken B.
I was on the fence between a three and a four, but the service tipped it to a four. The food was good, but nothing spectacular. We really enjoyed our waiter.
(4)
Katie U.
I've been here twice and have no desire to go back. I have not been impressed by the flavor or uniqueness of anything I or anyone with me has gotten. Prices are average and there is a big selection of American cuisine - but generally blah As for atmosphere, it's clearly a community favorite, with lots of patrons and old pictures and memorabilia around. Nothing fancy but comfortable. Nice for families.
(2)
Dee Dee S.
Bad -real bad! There is a bartender named Ken- the worst! I'll never go back - wtf?! Horrible, just horrible-stay away!
(1)
Carter B.
I have gone to McCabe's for many years and have spent many a dollar there, but have never written a review. The food is good and the bar drinks are, too.The best part of going there, especially on Friday night, is the crowd. Since I live in the area, there are always friends and acquaintances to see and visit with. Lately I have seen many more young families there which is a good thing. There is usually enough parking on the large lot and they try to patrol it so that patrons of nearby restaurants don't hog it. Our waitress last night was Sarah; she is a recent hire and very good. What's good to eat? My fave, I suppose, is the spaghetti which comes with a salad. I also like the cheeseburgers and the fried bologna sandwich (not on the menu, but they have it) on rye bread. The french fries are great, but I always ask that they be sure they are HOT. I have had them too cold - still fresh, but not hot enough. In summation, if you are looking for the fine dining that Nashville is becoming known for, you won't find it here. What you will find is decent food and drink and a pleasant atmosphere that reminds many of "Cheers". The large number of regulars attests to the staying power of this long-time neighborhood fixture
(3)
Nita L.
The guy in the parking lot yelled at me. I sat at the bar and was ignored. Bad service. Left without touching my wine.
(1)
Erin J.
Oh, McCabe Pub - if you could learn how to use a fryer appropriately, I might like you! We came about 11:15 for lunch, and the place was pretty empty. We sat in the back room area, close to the windows, and ordered some nachos to start. I guess I expected some sort of cheese sauce but it was essentially a large plate of tortilla chips with a huge amount of cheddar cheese sprinkled on top & melted. Not bad, but really? I guess I expected more. I also ordered the turkey reuben - because I am obsessed - and it was nowhere near as good as I wanted it to be. The toast was SO greasy, and the sandwich was mostly very sour sauerkraut and a tiny bit of turkey. The worst part, however, were the sweet potato fries. They were so greasy - there was a huge puddle of it sitting in the middle of the plate - and when I touched them my hand was soaked in grease. Gross! The server was nice about it & offered to get me a second batch (before I could ask for something different). When the second batch came out, you guessed it - greasy as hell again. I'm not in any hurry to come back to this place. By the time we left (around 12ish), the place was so busy there was a wait. I don't get it. When a large portion of your menu is fried items, you'd better do it well - and they clearly do not have that mastered.
(2)
Suz J.
Kudos to Kenneth the bartender. Ken has been serving and mixing at McCabe for a quarter of a century. That's even before I discovered the g-spot. He's a young-at-heart fellow in old shoes and graying hair. He's a sweetie and will occasionally slide an extra piece of pan-fried cornbread onto my plate. The Deans like Ken and so do customers like me. It's fun to vacillate between McCabe dining and neighbors pub music across the street.
(4)
Jeremy E.
Really dig the food if you know what to get. It's bar food, but I love me some bar food. Inside, it looks like it hasn't been touched since the early 80's. Potato skins are freaking amazing. The burger is also really good. Wings are good too. My wife loves the catfish sandwich. Don't get the chicken tenders, meatloaf or chicken parm. They are all pretty gross.
(4)
Megan M.
Stopped in here for the first time recently after a meeting nearby. Ate at the bar since I was dining solo. The bartender, James, was AWESOME. He was so friendly and hilarious. I had the chicken taco salad and really liked it. The specials and entire menu is enticing and I will definitely be back for more.
(4)
Claire B.
The food at McCabe is great. They have wonderful fries and you can tell they are homemade. The burger is also something to shout about. On chalkboards throughout the restaurant, they list daily specials, including a variety of interesting sandwiches and wraps. They do specialize in down-home cooking, but it's possible to eat more unusual food from the specials here too. If you're in the mood for chicken livers or fish and chips or meatloaf, they have these on the regular menu. McCabe used to be a lot cheaper before they decided to make all of their vegetables available a la carte, which seems like something only a much fancier restaurant should do. I didn't go there for a while after that, but I've recently kind of forgiven them for that because their food is still good. I'm a big fan of the squash casserole. They have the prettiest patio I've ever seen. It's surrounded by potted plants, but mysteriously, they say that ABC won't let them serve alcohol outside, so the night I went, a beautiful night, the inside was crowded and no one was sitting on the patio. I'm confused because lots of other restaurants in Nashville let you drink on their patios. It just seems like a shame. They also don't have any beer on draft. They do have a good selection of bottled beer to make up for it, but they only have one variety of Yazoo, which is also a disappointment. Overall though, you won't be disappointed by the food and the atmosphere is great. It's full of golfers, families, and young people all mixed together.
(4)
Aubrey D.
I always enjoy McCabe. My favorite is the catfish basket. It's not the healthiest option, but boy, is it tasty! The batter is fresh and not too heavy--and the fish kind of melts out of it. The fries taste like the real deal, too. My other favorite thing is their healthy take on chicken parmesan: It's grilled chicken with marinara sauce and cheese. You do need to add a side or 2 to make it filling but it's really good. Their veggies are delicious, too: Both the broccoli and squash casseroles are best bets! Sometimes I get a veggie plate with a bunch of sides, though it can get pricey as it's a la carte. On warm days, chilling on their patio is very relaxing. Be prepared to wait a little while for a table and for your food. Service is generally friendly but can sometimes be slack. McCabe is so adored by their regulars, they can sometimes overlook an unfamiliar face--or just become too relaxed because they have such a loyal following. Overall, this is one of the more solid, consistently good local favorites in town.
(4)
Katherine M.
McCabe Pub is a great local pub. I love Sylvan Park, and this is one of the shinning stars in the neighborhood. Don't let the name fool you. It is much more than a pub. It is a great place to grab dinner when you want a good meal on a week night, or a good place for a hearty Sunday lunch. They do offer traditional pub food such as burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the like. Great potato skins, good soups, and fresh salads abound. But, they also have a "meat and three" menu with such tempting items as Salisbury steak, chicken and dumplings, and fried chicken and mashed potatoes. See? I told you it was hearty food! Our service was great. My friends struck up a conversation with the elderly couple next to us and they told us they have been coming to McCabe's one a week for years and years. That's when you know you're at a good spot. The locals know it and love it. I'm sold!
(4)
Lisa H.
My recent experience at McCabe Pub was very unfortunate. The food and service was excellent however my car was broken into while dining in their restaurant. The restaurant manager was very nice in calling the police so I could obtain a report. However, I was very disappointed in the response I received from the owner of McCabe when I told her of my recent experience. I did not receive a "I am sorry that happened to you" instead she tried to justify the situation by saying that it happens all the time in the area. It seems to me, that she would try to fix the problem by insuring their was proper lighting in the parking lot in which her customers park their cars to have dinner at her restaurant. When talking with the police he also mentioned that the lighting was poor in the parking lot as well. My dinner was $24.00 that night which is more than reasonable. However, my $200 car deductible was at my expense and the entire car repair bill was $480.00 in which I had to file a claim with my car insurance company with no financial help from McCabe Pub! I do not feel safe eating at an establishment, where I frequently dined 2-3 times per week comfortable anymore and would like people to know that the parking is not safe and someone could really get hurt not to mention it will cost you additional out of pocket money to file a claim when dining at this restaurant. I hope they will soon increase the lighting for everyone's safety!
(1)
A A.
There is a reason a place like this stays open for years and years!
(5)
David S.
Yep, this is definitely your neighborhood bar and restaurant. Just great food in a laid back atmosphere. I'm a fan of the salads (they have some great 1000 Island dressing), burgers, and the chicken parmigiana (which strangely does not come with spaghetti so you'll need to order that if you want it). There's plenty of outdoor seating where I was quite happy to eat lunch and enjoy my fruit tea on a recent summer day. It's another place that's a great place to have in my neighborhood, but I'd come here even if I didn't live up the street. Definitely a very friendly and accommodating wait staff. They'll also do carryout for you...I've often called ahead and come in to pick it up.
(4)
David O.
Went to McCabe for Date Night with my girlfriend and found it to be a cozy yet busy place. Its true that they don't have any draft beer so if this discourages you, then its best to avoid it. As a teetotaller, I was not troubled by this fact. Our "Telepathetic" waitress (her word) Abigail was friendly, but was obviously quite busy, resulting in somewhat slow service. She was attentive, though, and did attempt to keep our drinks refilled. The Fish and Chips I ordered were delicious. A yummy batter, and the fish did not have the "Slimy" texture you sometimes get when its deep fried. I can certainly see myself going back again.
(3)
Tonya O.
I've passed by this place a million time but had never been until this past week. I had no idea what I was missing! I tried the open-faced roast beef sandwich, and it was very tasty! I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other dishes. The food is almost like home cooking. The place was very busy when I was there, but the service was still exceptional.
(4)
Courtney B.
I had heard a lot of great things about this place and am sorry to say I was a little disappointed upon trying it out. First off I think that for them to describe themselves as a pub is incredibly misleading. How can a place that does not serve any beer on draft at all claim to be a pub?! I mean don't fresh frothy brews on tap compose the basic fundamentals of what makes up a pub? Secondly the interior setup is quite confusing, there is staff hovering around the entrance, yet you are supposed to seat yourself. The bar area comprises the center of the room, with all the additional available space being filled with tables. Their daily specials board is quite extensive, but to the point where it makes you indecisive. Since it was our first visit here we didn't really know what was going on and the staff was not very quick to help us out which was frustrating. Their menu encompasses a wide range of options, mostly in a southern comfort food type styling. I'd heard great things about their French fries, so I was sure to make sure I ordered some. I found the food here to be a great disappointment. There's such a huge emphasis on 'home made' style cooking. Their menu states repeatedly how the majority of their sauces and dressings are all made in house from their own recipes. I found the food overall to be majorly lacking in flavor. Their 'buffalo' sauce had no kick to it at all and the chicken pieces it was served on tasted like cardboard. Their fries were obviously hand cut which was great, but they completely lacked seasoning. I might as well have been eating raw potato sticks for the amount of flavor they had. Their homemade blue cheese was also incredibly bland, which is actually quite a feat as the cheese that comprises blue cheese dressing is pungently flavored in and of itself. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which was just as lacking in flavor as my meal was. I don't even remember what type of fish it was supposed to be, but I remember that it just tasted like fish sticks you could find in the freezer section at your grocery store. The single standout was the Mexican cornbread he ordered. That was actually quite flavorful and delicious and was cooked perfectly. Maybe they'd do better if they slimmed down their menu offerings and stuck to doing a smaller variety of food well instead of a ton of different types mediocriley. We originally came to McCabe's to grab a bite to eat while watching a football game. Which would be pretty typical behavior if the place you were going to was actually a pub and not just claiming to be one like McCabe. They did in fact have the game on several TVs that were scattered throughout the restaurant, but there was no sound. When we inquired as to whether they would turn the volume up so we could hear the game, they said oh no we never have the sound on. By this time we had already ordered our food and were stuck there watching a muted TV trying to figure out what was going on. As soon as we finished eating we left immediately and went to one of our more regular haunts to watch the rest of the game (which I might add was a fairly important one). Yes McCabe's has a lovely outdoor patio area but it looks out of place and is more suited to drinking coffee in, not drinking a beer. Yes their food is mostly homemade and their recipes they cook from are original, but with a serious lack of flavor what does that really matter? You can find McCabe's in the Sylvan Park area, which is a neat neighborhood I intend to explore further. I just hope some of the other businesses can do a better job of representing this area.
(2)
Chef X.
I've been eating here for years. It is what it is and it ain't no more. Keep your expectations in check and everything will be fine.
(2)
Teresa B.
McCabe is a great neighborhood hangout - an awesome spot to get a burger and a beer. It's definitely a family sort of place as well. Don't pass on dessert - it's one of their better attributes!
(3)
David E.
Great neighborhood pub...with a Cheers feel. Food is above average standard bar fare. Fresh, local ingredients. Pimento Cheese Burger Wrap is great. Thursday lunch special of Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta keeps me going back every Thursday I can get over there. Great desserts too.
(4)
Sean J.
The bacon cheeseburger really is great, and this is one of the few places that we also get desert at. The atmosphere is very comfortable and rustic. We have had good consistent service, and the prices are very reasonable.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Sarah B.
It's hard to believe that I have lived in Middle TN forever, and certainly known about McCabe's forever, knew exactly what it was and what to expect, yet I hadn't been there until last week. Even basing certain aspects on a first experience, I can say without a doubt if you visited 20 years ago, it will feel exactly the same. I love homey, neighborhood pub feel kind of places. And I enjoy a good burger joint. I work nearby, so this area is very familiar to me. When visiting a restaurant for the first time, call me crazy, but if the center fold of the menu is their daily plate specials and offer up multiple entrees like pork chops, catfish, etc. with many choices of vegetables... I'm going to opt for that route since you don't really find such all that often. Well, at McCabe, evidently that was wrong. Some friends have said "Why in the world didn't you order a burger or a fish sandwich?" and I'm like "Why was that not more prominent on the menu?" Our table started with some potato skins. They were fine - on par for pub style comfy apps. I ordered a grilled porkchop plain, which was a) dry, b) tough, and c) really, really plain. I don't care for spicy blackened meats and I can't recall what the third option was... but it really needed something. I had selected sweet potato casserole, which was quite good and very Southern cookin' homespun and broccoli casserole that really missed the mark. It has too much panko on top, and the consistency was mushy, and the flavor was unidentifiable. Something about it did not appeal to me although I can't explain why, which meant I pretty much just ate sweet potato casserole for lunch. Others at my table ordered a fried fish sandwich that looked good but greasy, and two salads I can't recall specifics on. What I will say is their parking is good to be in such a popular area, and seating was quick and service attentive. I will probably give them a second try and just order the burger, maybe then they'll climb a star or two.
(2)Christina V.
I love that it's locally owned, and the berry cobblers are yummy! That deserves two stars. Cons--service was terrible last time I ate there! Not just slow and no waters but not nice. I felt unwelcome. They have a kids menu, which is nice, but the chicken tenders were so tough, none of the kids would chew them. The fries were a tad soggy. The veggie side (of summer squash) was mushy. In short, I had a nice dinner there 9 yrs ago with great service, but the meal I had this summer was so bad, I won't be back. I wonder if I had come sans kids, if that would have changed things?
(2)Cody B.
So far so BAD. Waited over 8 minutes to be greeted. Their "Tea Punch" is just fruit tea like from Blue Coast Burrito or Legend's Restaurant. In fact it's not as good as the two mentioned above. Not balanced well, to tart. Our drinks pretty much stayed empty by the way. I had one refill the entire evening. We stopped another server to refill our drinks and she finally did. My hamburger was good. Thought the meat was good and from local family butcher it said. The French fries were like my grandfather makes....homely. Overall I enjoyed the food but the service was horrible. I give this place 3 and a half stars.
(3)Brandon C.
I have been visiting McCabe pub for about 10 years now. Ken and Rachel are always on top of things and really seem to take pride in giving this place a small neighborhood feel. I love the old school solid wood paneling walls and the outside seating area. The catfish, burgers, and chicken nachos are my favorites, and the casseroles are awesome! Make sure to try the blackberry cobbler crunch desert. On a side note, I found LISA H's review on 7/22/13 hilarious! So funny that she gave this restaurant 1 star because she was not offered a handout to cover her deductible because her car was broken into in their parking lot(which she stated she parked at safely 2-3 times/week for who knows how long) P.S., we do not live in Mayberry. These things happen. I guess she would also give her parents 1 star if her car was broken into at their home:). So funny!
(4)Terri H.
Love the meatloaf! This neighborhood pub invites you to sit and stay awhile with its comfortable decor. You feel at home by the friendly staff. I've been twice and never felt rushed. I wish I could say I was more adventurous with my food choices but I ordered the same thing on both visits. I love the meatloaf. Their vegetables are cooked perfectly and equally delicious. Nothing says comfort food like meatloaf and veggies.
(5)Gary N.
This was my first visit, service was good, prices were descent. The pub feel was there. I had the meatloaf based on the server's recommendation. Serving was small, taste was bland. Looked like a oversized meatball. Mashed potatoes were ok, broccoli casserole lacked, tasted liked dressing. The only thing my friend liked on his plate was the fries. Both of us thought the servings was small for the price paid. It appears that this is more a hamburger and sandwich place. Sort of wished I tried one of the pies.
(3)David S.
Food at the Pharmacy leave you sour? Come to McCabe's. What a delightful surprise. The menu warns that patties are cooked well-done. The wait staff say order it as you like it. I did. Best cheeseburger I've had anywhere in years. Fresh-cut fries were perfection. And the place has the real neighborhood pub feel. Friendly. Small tap, but nice bottled beer selection.
(4)Allison L.
Pretty dated, gross food but good wait staff. Once you get past the resentful hostess you will be treated great. Cheeseburger was just ok, but nothing fantastic. The potato skins were like rocks swimming in greasy cheese and hate. One bite was enough to make me realize they aren't cooked long enough and they will immediately clog my arteries. In 1984 Cleveland this spot would be hopping.
(3)Tania K.
Food sucks, service is even worse. Only good thing on the menu is their coconut cake.
(1)Martà M.
I was surprised at how much nicer this pub actually is compared to what my mind's eye had pictured. We went in to have a beer at the bar one hour before they were scheduled to close. The staff did start on their closing prep, but I never felt rushed, or that my presence was an inconvenience to any of them. In fact, the staff here were exceptionally friendly. I also noticed how much care they were all putting into their closing duties, which likely explains their 98 health score. I don't think I have ever talked to more strangers in one hour as I did with the (suspected) regulars. They were very friendly too, eager to chat with the new folk. Our bartender, Enisa, explained the beer tap is fairly new. So I was surprised to see that the only three drafts they offer are Yazoo Dos Perros, Fat Tire, and Sam Adams Seasonal, and that they didn't choose a domestic like Bud or Miller. (Hey - that's more than fine by me!) My Sam Winter Lager was served at just the right temperature. Wood everywhere! The walls, tables, chairs, booths, bar, bar stools, the toilet...no, just kidding on the toilet! Actually, the ladies restroom is quite nice with its stainless steel sink and granite countertop. It looks as though it was updated recently, and they did a good job. Ultimately, the place does feel like a golfer's hangout or a lodge, without any pretentiousness tied to it. I will have to go back for another beer and try some food too.
(4)Elayne C.
Solidly good food with a family-friendly atmosphere. The waitstaff is super nice. It's big enough where you rarely have to wait long for a table but still often quite busy. I think they have a solid menu but not a lot of new or innovative offerings - a great option for most people, for most meals.
(4)Andrew W.
Great burgers! Contenders for the best in town. Staff could be a little friendlier
(4)Terry V.
Even though McCabe Pub has been around for years, it was my first visit last night. My friend moved into her place in Sylvan Park and we were picking out a place to grab dinner and catch up. The weather was really nice so we asked to be seated on the patio. The client was a mix of an older crowd, couples, and young adults. It seemed like a "Cheers" to me where if you came enough, they would all know your name. When we sat down, I just so happened to know the waitress! She is also a hair stylist and had done an up-do for me for an event I had last fall. She was really friendly with us and kind. We ordered the trout, harvest salad, and the Best Bacon Cheeseburger in Town. I LOVED the bacon. It was crispy and perfect on top of the burger. I would definitely order it again. I wasn't the biggest fan of the fresh hand cut fries because they were more on the soggy side. I like my french fries crispy. My friend wanted dessert so we ordered the Chess Pie and Jack Daniel's Pecan Pie. The chess pie was the definite winner. I don't like chocolate so that was part of why I didn't care for the pecan pie. I LOVE pecan pie so my expectations were higher than for chess pie. They serve the chess pie warm and it was just perfect. I would definitely tell people about their burger because many of my friends are burger fanatics. I wouldn't say that it tops burgers on my list but it is definitely in the top 10. The patio has a no smoking policy which I was surprised about but since I am a non-smoker, it was really nice!
(4)Paul K.
I don't go here too much mainly just because it's not on my way, but every time I've been I've rather enjoyed it. It's not exactly the kind of pub you go to watch sports, but I think they try. Crowd is varied when I've been, like no one group has decided to claim McCabe's as theirs and theirs only. Prices are reasonable, the fried food is fried good. Can't speak to their other food, I think everything I've had has been fried former vegetable. Waiters have been friendly and good service every time. Things to note - even though they have a patio you can't smoke there. I don't have a problem with this but it ended up causing a group I attend to not go there. Park around back to avoid getting blocked in by vultures who spot you from the street.
(4)Kim Y.
The food here is good, average run of the mill 'southern' food served in a meat and 3 fashion or you can order nachos, sandwiches, salads or other typical american dishes with a side of chips/fries, etc - your choice. Food average, iced tea - kinda excellent. The feel is kinda old wordly country club, actually - country club from 1981, but its clean and the clientele is very mixed. A lot of golfers as mentioned below. But public course golfers - no snooty patooties. The one thing I think that gives McCabes a special little place in my heart is the super great service. I wish all servers and bartenders were like the McCabes staff (and no, I don't know anyone who works there, this is fo' realz), they are timely, friendly and seem like they always want you to be genuinely happy. The last time I was there the Pred's game went into OT and the bartender not only let us stick around, but he made sure our beers, waters and sodas were full. When I told him I couldn't drink anymore caffiene (I mean, it was a school night) he all but insisted in getting me water. So, while my foodie heart cant give them too many stars - I really think the service is among the best in town and its an excellent place to hang out. Tip - you can't even smoke outside on the patio. I think its amazing, but smokers be forewarned.
(3)Lisa B.
If you don't mind being one of the only non-geriatric people in the joint most of the time (no offense, friendly senior citizens!) then you must go here. You may think you've stepped back in time a bit judging by the decor, but fear not. Get the [ginormous] club sandwhich, smother it in their amazing honey mustard and enjoy. Trust me. I'm sure there are many other delicious menu items, but I'm gonna be honest, I have rarely strayed from my go-to lunch order there. Also of note - the prices are reasonable and the services is usually very good. Not a great happy hour spot, though. Last time I checked there were no specials, and again, the old people.
(4)Janet K.
Let's set the expectations up front. This is an older pub that draws mostly an older regular Belle Meade crowd and some families. It is a great location and one of the original restaurants in Sylvan Park; although there have been some recent additions over the past few years. The bar itself is old in decor; mostly paneling and the bar is the big feature. They offer a "special" daily and the food is average. They have a big outdoor dinning area that is fenced off and is an anomaly in this area. Great to ride your bike down for dinner and a drink. I might add there is some good people watching here; however don't park in their lot and think you can run across to Local Taco, Cafe Nona, Park Cafe or any other establishment. These guys are a bit touchy when it comes to parking!
(3)Erin D.
I will say, I think this place is really cute. It's got a very warm feel to it with oak tables and chairs. I saw the strangest array of people here from older couples to college kids to families. It's not very loud and was actually fun to sit and chat for a while. First of all we ordered an appetizer and our food at the same time, and guess what, they came out at the same time. Our waiter literally sat down the app then walked back to the kitchen for the entrees. Kinda made the app pointless. The food itself wasn't impressive. We got the Chili Nachos, that weren't bad but weren't spectacular. Then, I ordered what they refer to as "The Best Bacon Cheeseburger In Nashville" - I will say this. It's the best bacon ON a cheeseburger in Nashville. The hamburger and cheese were mediocre, and the bun they were served on was so big you felt like all you were eating was bread. The fries were a tad undercooked and nothing special, but weren't bad when dipped in ranch. Also, our table didn't have salt or pepper shakers. I've heard you have to try their desserts, and to be honest they looked good. I just didn't have the appetite for them. I may go back to try one or to have a beer at the bar, but I won't be ordering a meal here again.
(2)Michael P.
Home of the maestro! One of the most talented bartenders I have encountered in my long and tumultuous path to liver damage. The food is a great mix of comfort food and standard bar grub. Great place to unwind.
(5)Robin S.
Just what you expect walking into a pub--dark walls, dim lighting, large bar, and nothing fancy. But this place--as I've seen in another review below--is clean! Unlike many pubs out there. Service is wonderful too. I really enjoy coming here, but don't that often because it's pretty much your typical bar food--greasy and fried. YUM but not good for the waistline. I love the cheeseburger--not the best in town, but big and juicy. The chef salad is tasty too, and though I've never tried it, I hear so is the catfish. Laid back atmosphere which is perfect for an after work drink, or when you come off the golf course and are starving. If you're in the neighborhood, do check it out!
(4)Brian C.
While they don't serve traditional pub fare, it's no bar food either. The food is good for what it is, a real neighorhood restaurant, and they have one of the best burgers in town. But the reason to make this place a stomping ground isn't any of these reasons, but is the bartender, Ken, who is one of the greatest at remembering your name, your drink and serving up the right amount of conversation with your food and beer.
(4)Patrick R.
Sylvan Park is one of my favorite little West Nashville neighborhoods. The people are friendly, it's clean, and McCabe is the standout restaurant/bar in the area. It's decorated with pretty classy, upscale sports memorabilia, and it's one of the cleaner, more civilized bars on that side of town. Every time I've visited McCabe, the servers have been really quick and helpful. The Pub offers several tasty sandwiches, but their open faced roast beef is perhaps their best item. Their portions are pretty big and sides are delicious. The crowd tends to be older and a bit subdued, but that's a nice change of pace from my other West Side haunt, Springwater. I must say, one thing about McCabe seems a bit odd--while they have over forty beers (bottled), they don't have anything on draft. A bit strange for a self-billed "pub." Regardless, with their enormous beer and liquor selection, you probably won't get bored. They have a very nice patio, and it's in a pretty lovely part of town. Go for the atmosphere and food...stay for the beers.
(4)Wes K.
There isn't much I can add to what has already been said, but I will add one thing. I had out of town relatives come in from Green Bay, and one of them is grain sensitive. She ordered a hamburger without the bun, and when it came, there was a nice, lettuce wedge bun they had used as a substitute . She was able to eat it like a regular hamburger, and she loved it. The waiter came back to make sure that she was full and had enough food to eat and offered to bring more lettuce and tomatoes (this was before the tomato scare). I've never had a bad meal at McCabe. I recommend sitting outside in spring or fall.
(5)Victor F.
Great place to hang out and have a few drinks. Would have a rating of 5 if it weren't for all the smoke in the place. There cannot be any smoke detectors in this place... otherwise they would go off constantly. Go smoke-free and see your business boom!
(3)molly h.
Its a good spot to sit outside if the weather is nice. There are always families dining, young and old. The food sounds better than it taste, but its clean and not overpriced. The wine glasses are from 1980 I believe. The service is always great. The fiance "loves" the burger, but I'm not going to rave about it!
(3)Lee W.
Great burgers and sandwiches, awesome lunch spot. Not a real Irish pub, but good charm with a local flare. Local sports artifacts on the walls and a great outdoor patio.
(4)Graham S.
good solid food. this is as close to cheers as it's gonna get.
(3)Atlee M.
This was just an average place for me. My burger was good. However, I ordered the burger wrap medium well and received a regular burger well done. The fries looked like they had gotten wet at some point, but didn't feel soggy. The atmosphere was clearly dated from the late 70s or 80s, which surprisingly was a plus for me as it reminded me of an old lodge. The servers were very friendly and accommodating.
(3)Ken B.
I was on the fence between a three and a four, but the service tipped it to a four. The food was good, but nothing spectacular. We really enjoyed our waiter.
(4)Katie U.
I've been here twice and have no desire to go back. I have not been impressed by the flavor or uniqueness of anything I or anyone with me has gotten. Prices are average and there is a big selection of American cuisine - but generally blah As for atmosphere, it's clearly a community favorite, with lots of patrons and old pictures and memorabilia around. Nothing fancy but comfortable. Nice for families.
(2)Dee Dee S.
Bad -real bad! There is a bartender named Ken- the worst! I'll never go back - wtf?! Horrible, just horrible-stay away!
(1)Carter B.
I have gone to McCabe's for many years and have spent many a dollar there, but have never written a review. The food is good and the bar drinks are, too.The best part of going there, especially on Friday night, is the crowd. Since I live in the area, there are always friends and acquaintances to see and visit with. Lately I have seen many more young families there which is a good thing. There is usually enough parking on the large lot and they try to patrol it so that patrons of nearby restaurants don't hog it. Our waitress last night was Sarah; she is a recent hire and very good. What's good to eat? My fave, I suppose, is the spaghetti which comes with a salad. I also like the cheeseburgers and the fried bologna sandwich (not on the menu, but they have it) on rye bread. The french fries are great, but I always ask that they be sure they are HOT. I have had them too cold - still fresh, but not hot enough. In summation, if you are looking for the fine dining that Nashville is becoming known for, you won't find it here. What you will find is decent food and drink and a pleasant atmosphere that reminds many of "Cheers". The large number of regulars attests to the staying power of this long-time neighborhood fixture
(3)Nita L.
The guy in the parking lot yelled at me. I sat at the bar and was ignored. Bad service. Left without touching my wine.
(1)Erin J.
Oh, McCabe Pub - if you could learn how to use a fryer appropriately, I might like you! We came about 11:15 for lunch, and the place was pretty empty. We sat in the back room area, close to the windows, and ordered some nachos to start. I guess I expected some sort of cheese sauce but it was essentially a large plate of tortilla chips with a huge amount of cheddar cheese sprinkled on top & melted. Not bad, but really? I guess I expected more. I also ordered the turkey reuben - because I am obsessed - and it was nowhere near as good as I wanted it to be. The toast was SO greasy, and the sandwich was mostly very sour sauerkraut and a tiny bit of turkey. The worst part, however, were the sweet potato fries. They were so greasy - there was a huge puddle of it sitting in the middle of the plate - and when I touched them my hand was soaked in grease. Gross! The server was nice about it & offered to get me a second batch (before I could ask for something different). When the second batch came out, you guessed it - greasy as hell again. I'm not in any hurry to come back to this place. By the time we left (around 12ish), the place was so busy there was a wait. I don't get it. When a large portion of your menu is fried items, you'd better do it well - and they clearly do not have that mastered.
(2)Suz J.
Kudos to Kenneth the bartender. Ken has been serving and mixing at McCabe for a quarter of a century. That's even before I discovered the g-spot. He's a young-at-heart fellow in old shoes and graying hair. He's a sweetie and will occasionally slide an extra piece of pan-fried cornbread onto my plate. The Deans like Ken and so do customers like me. It's fun to vacillate between McCabe dining and neighbors pub music across the street.
(4)Jeremy E.
Really dig the food if you know what to get. It's bar food, but I love me some bar food. Inside, it looks like it hasn't been touched since the early 80's. Potato skins are freaking amazing. The burger is also really good. Wings are good too. My wife loves the catfish sandwich. Don't get the chicken tenders, meatloaf or chicken parm. They are all pretty gross.
(4)Megan M.
Stopped in here for the first time recently after a meeting nearby. Ate at the bar since I was dining solo. The bartender, James, was AWESOME. He was so friendly and hilarious. I had the chicken taco salad and really liked it. The specials and entire menu is enticing and I will definitely be back for more.
(4)Claire B.
The food at McCabe is great. They have wonderful fries and you can tell they are homemade. The burger is also something to shout about. On chalkboards throughout the restaurant, they list daily specials, including a variety of interesting sandwiches and wraps. They do specialize in down-home cooking, but it's possible to eat more unusual food from the specials here too. If you're in the mood for chicken livers or fish and chips or meatloaf, they have these on the regular menu. McCabe used to be a lot cheaper before they decided to make all of their vegetables available a la carte, which seems like something only a much fancier restaurant should do. I didn't go there for a while after that, but I've recently kind of forgiven them for that because their food is still good. I'm a big fan of the squash casserole. They have the prettiest patio I've ever seen. It's surrounded by potted plants, but mysteriously, they say that ABC won't let them serve alcohol outside, so the night I went, a beautiful night, the inside was crowded and no one was sitting on the patio. I'm confused because lots of other restaurants in Nashville let you drink on their patios. It just seems like a shame. They also don't have any beer on draft. They do have a good selection of bottled beer to make up for it, but they only have one variety of Yazoo, which is also a disappointment. Overall though, you won't be disappointed by the food and the atmosphere is great. It's full of golfers, families, and young people all mixed together.
(4)Aubrey D.
I always enjoy McCabe. My favorite is the catfish basket. It's not the healthiest option, but boy, is it tasty! The batter is fresh and not too heavy--and the fish kind of melts out of it. The fries taste like the real deal, too. My other favorite thing is their healthy take on chicken parmesan: It's grilled chicken with marinara sauce and cheese. You do need to add a side or 2 to make it filling but it's really good. Their veggies are delicious, too: Both the broccoli and squash casseroles are best bets! Sometimes I get a veggie plate with a bunch of sides, though it can get pricey as it's a la carte. On warm days, chilling on their patio is very relaxing. Be prepared to wait a little while for a table and for your food. Service is generally friendly but can sometimes be slack. McCabe is so adored by their regulars, they can sometimes overlook an unfamiliar face--or just become too relaxed because they have such a loyal following. Overall, this is one of the more solid, consistently good local favorites in town.
(4)Katherine M.
McCabe Pub is a great local pub. I love Sylvan Park, and this is one of the shinning stars in the neighborhood. Don't let the name fool you. It is much more than a pub. It is a great place to grab dinner when you want a good meal on a week night, or a good place for a hearty Sunday lunch. They do offer traditional pub food such as burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and the like. Great potato skins, good soups, and fresh salads abound. But, they also have a "meat and three" menu with such tempting items as Salisbury steak, chicken and dumplings, and fried chicken and mashed potatoes. See? I told you it was hearty food! Our service was great. My friends struck up a conversation with the elderly couple next to us and they told us they have been coming to McCabe's one a week for years and years. That's when you know you're at a good spot. The locals know it and love it. I'm sold!
(4)Lisa H.
My recent experience at McCabe Pub was very unfortunate. The food and service was excellent however my car was broken into while dining in their restaurant. The restaurant manager was very nice in calling the police so I could obtain a report. However, I was very disappointed in the response I received from the owner of McCabe when I told her of my recent experience. I did not receive a "I am sorry that happened to you" instead she tried to justify the situation by saying that it happens all the time in the area. It seems to me, that she would try to fix the problem by insuring their was proper lighting in the parking lot in which her customers park their cars to have dinner at her restaurant. When talking with the police he also mentioned that the lighting was poor in the parking lot as well. My dinner was $24.00 that night which is more than reasonable. However, my $200 car deductible was at my expense and the entire car repair bill was $480.00 in which I had to file a claim with my car insurance company with no financial help from McCabe Pub! I do not feel safe eating at an establishment, where I frequently dined 2-3 times per week comfortable anymore and would like people to know that the parking is not safe and someone could really get hurt not to mention it will cost you additional out of pocket money to file a claim when dining at this restaurant. I hope they will soon increase the lighting for everyone's safety!
(1)A A.
There is a reason a place like this stays open for years and years!
(5)David S.
Yep, this is definitely your neighborhood bar and restaurant. Just great food in a laid back atmosphere. I'm a fan of the salads (they have some great 1000 Island dressing), burgers, and the chicken parmigiana (which strangely does not come with spaghetti so you'll need to order that if you want it). There's plenty of outdoor seating where I was quite happy to eat lunch and enjoy my fruit tea on a recent summer day. It's another place that's a great place to have in my neighborhood, but I'd come here even if I didn't live up the street. Definitely a very friendly and accommodating wait staff. They'll also do carryout for you...I've often called ahead and come in to pick it up.
(4)David O.
Went to McCabe for Date Night with my girlfriend and found it to be a cozy yet busy place. Its true that they don't have any draft beer so if this discourages you, then its best to avoid it. As a teetotaller, I was not troubled by this fact. Our "Telepathetic" waitress (her word) Abigail was friendly, but was obviously quite busy, resulting in somewhat slow service. She was attentive, though, and did attempt to keep our drinks refilled. The Fish and Chips I ordered were delicious. A yummy batter, and the fish did not have the "Slimy" texture you sometimes get when its deep fried. I can certainly see myself going back again.
(3)Tonya O.
I've passed by this place a million time but had never been until this past week. I had no idea what I was missing! I tried the open-faced roast beef sandwich, and it was very tasty! I'll definitely be going back to try some of the other dishes. The food is almost like home cooking. The place was very busy when I was there, but the service was still exceptional.
(4)Courtney B.
I had heard a lot of great things about this place and am sorry to say I was a little disappointed upon trying it out. First off I think that for them to describe themselves as a pub is incredibly misleading. How can a place that does not serve any beer on draft at all claim to be a pub?! I mean don't fresh frothy brews on tap compose the basic fundamentals of what makes up a pub? Secondly the interior setup is quite confusing, there is staff hovering around the entrance, yet you are supposed to seat yourself. The bar area comprises the center of the room, with all the additional available space being filled with tables. Their daily specials board is quite extensive, but to the point where it makes you indecisive. Since it was our first visit here we didn't really know what was going on and the staff was not very quick to help us out which was frustrating. Their menu encompasses a wide range of options, mostly in a southern comfort food type styling. I'd heard great things about their French fries, so I was sure to make sure I ordered some. I found the food here to be a great disappointment. There's such a huge emphasis on 'home made' style cooking. Their menu states repeatedly how the majority of their sauces and dressings are all made in house from their own recipes. I found the food overall to be majorly lacking in flavor. Their 'buffalo' sauce had no kick to it at all and the chicken pieces it was served on tasted like cardboard. Their fries were obviously hand cut which was great, but they completely lacked seasoning. I might as well have been eating raw potato sticks for the amount of flavor they had. Their homemade blue cheese was also incredibly bland, which is actually quite a feat as the cheese that comprises blue cheese dressing is pungently flavored in and of itself. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which was just as lacking in flavor as my meal was. I don't even remember what type of fish it was supposed to be, but I remember that it just tasted like fish sticks you could find in the freezer section at your grocery store. The single standout was the Mexican cornbread he ordered. That was actually quite flavorful and delicious and was cooked perfectly. Maybe they'd do better if they slimmed down their menu offerings and stuck to doing a smaller variety of food well instead of a ton of different types mediocriley. We originally came to McCabe's to grab a bite to eat while watching a football game. Which would be pretty typical behavior if the place you were going to was actually a pub and not just claiming to be one like McCabe. They did in fact have the game on several TVs that were scattered throughout the restaurant, but there was no sound. When we inquired as to whether they would turn the volume up so we could hear the game, they said oh no we never have the sound on. By this time we had already ordered our food and were stuck there watching a muted TV trying to figure out what was going on. As soon as we finished eating we left immediately and went to one of our more regular haunts to watch the rest of the game (which I might add was a fairly important one). Yes McCabe's has a lovely outdoor patio area but it looks out of place and is more suited to drinking coffee in, not drinking a beer. Yes their food is mostly homemade and their recipes they cook from are original, but with a serious lack of flavor what does that really matter? You can find McCabe's in the Sylvan Park area, which is a neat neighborhood I intend to explore further. I just hope some of the other businesses can do a better job of representing this area.
(2)Chef X.
I've been eating here for years. It is what it is and it ain't no more. Keep your expectations in check and everything will be fine.
(2)Teresa B.
McCabe is a great neighborhood hangout - an awesome spot to get a burger and a beer. It's definitely a family sort of place as well. Don't pass on dessert - it's one of their better attributes!
(3)David E.
Great neighborhood pub...with a Cheers feel. Food is above average standard bar fare. Fresh, local ingredients. Pimento Cheese Burger Wrap is great. Thursday lunch special of Lemon Dill Chicken Pasta keeps me going back every Thursday I can get over there. Great desserts too.
(4)Sean J.
The bacon cheeseburger really is great, and this is one of the few places that we also get desert at. The atmosphere is very comfortable and rustic. We have had good consistent service, and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)