The Observer, March 9, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 20
Though controversial, McNulty's delivers happy hour delight
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For the next semester this space will feature a weekly happy hour review and competition of local establishments. The Observer reminds you to consume alcohol in moderation and with responsibility. To add your comments, thoughts, questions, or offer to buy a beer, e-mail: happyhour@case.edu
Mentioning McNulty's around students often causes the conversation to become frenzied and opinionated. There are generally two schools of thought: those who don't look fondly on the loud, sweaty scene that epitomizes the change on Coventry, and those who are passionately obsessed with the combination of dancing, cheap drinks, slight debauchery, and a crowded bar on the weekend. Some refuse to step into the bar, others spend four nights a week there, and many wonder about the mystique surrounding this establishment.
For Happy Hour, however, everyone can agree that cheap food and drinks are always welcome and enjoyable – especially when accompanied with friendly service and very high quality options.
The relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of McNulty's Pub during happy hour is well-suited for conversations over a cold brew. Lucky for patrons, there are over 30 different taps, including some unique selections such as Lambic. There is no pretension in what this establishment offers – great selection, quality, and prices that cannot be beat. However, the free-flowing good times may not be for everyone, especially those who are not used to overly social situations. Without a group of friends it could seem imposing to some, although most customers don't seem to mind.
Tera Simpson, Bar Manager at McNulty's, has a few thoughts on the popularity of the bar. "I see the same faces in here all the time – probably because of the great prices, great selection, and good service."
In addition to the huge variety of beer on tap, which helps provide a delicious and pure taste, the martinis, mixed drinks, and specialty shots are delicious and, once again, cheap. On Mondays all burgers are buy-one-get-one-free, and include the atypical but delicious option of macaroni and cheese as a side, in addition to the more standard French fries and coleslaw. The perfectly juicy burgers complimented the rest of the menu full of standard American bar food. There are few frills to select from, and do not come wearing nice clothes as the odds are high that grease, salsa, or ketchup might end up on your sleeve or down your shirt.
There are a few simple portions of a great happy hour formula, and McNulty's has them all mastered. For the relatively small amount of $10, you can get a large, juicy burger, a sweet-as-candy Long Island iced tea, and two cold beers from the tap – for college students, that cannot be matched. The good food is relatively surprising, the portions are more than filling, and the friendly service is a cherry on the top of a sweet sundae.
The happy hour is convenient any day of the week, with drink prices lasting until at least 9 p.m. and appetizers on sale until 6 p.m. If you are choose to come Thursday through Saturday, however, not only will you enjoy an extremely long happy hour, but you may also end up staying the rest of the night as the dancing begins and the bar really comes to life. Only an establishment as unique as McNulty's could offer the best of both worlds on the same day.
