Rude staff. We showed up around 11pm on sunday and seated ourselves, 20 minutes later the waitress showed up. She asked for our id when we asked for water ( wow!) One of our friends left his id in his car and she told him that he couldnt get any beer or so, of course he was fine with that and she left.......then 10 minutes later, the rudely BARTENDER yelled across the bar in a demeaning tone to get us out...because we didnt have our ID! There were people watching us too....SO RUDE AND WE ARE NOT GOING BACK! AND WE DIDNT EVEN GET OUR WATER WHEN WE SHOWED THE WAITRESS OUR ID!!!! HORRIBLE!!!
(1)
Katie L.
Love this place! We went before seeing a show at the Orpheum. My group of friends and I were discussing why this place isn't more packed! We totally dig it. They have a killer beer list, which my beer-drinking friends loved. They also play really great music. The food is pretty good too. They also have darts in the back! Yes! The reason I think MacKenzie isn't more popular is because it's downtown. If this bar was in Northeast, it would be packed every night. It just isn't the type of place that trendy downtowners like to hit up. However for hipster beer drinkers like my friends, it's perfect!
(4)
Dan S.
If you are at Brits or the Local trying to quietly enjoy a beer, but its getting a little to crowded, head down a block to Hennepin and check out MacKenzie's. It's called a Scottish bar, but they don't really have any Scottish beer and no more Scottish whiskey than any other bar. Anyways, it is like Brit's kid brother. A lot smaller and not nearly as crowded. It's a narrow bar with tons of oak, and is more grown up than nearby Hennepin Ave bars. They have a good beer selection and more than a few Belgians. There is a hidden outdoor patio out back too.
(5)
Sven T.
Once again, the problems of a 5 star system. I can not give MacKenzie 5, even though I think that more than 4 should be an option. But whatever. The only gripe I have about this place is that the usually cute and fast wait staff and always affable if a bit gruff in a good way bar staff do not allow human cock fighting. Please allow me to elaborate, which I will now do. One of the s**t faced (and I do mean S**TFACED) sous chef's at the Dakota ( that would be the jazz club one on Nicollet for those yelpers that don't know the scene or live in the actual city of Minneapolis) spilled beer on me here and I don't believe that MacKenzie allows for a mixed martial arts ring in the basement. What a pisser. It wouldn't have been so bad, but he managed to spill on other people too and even my friends' friends from a smaller town in South Dakota thought he was a lameoid. Oh well, I've been that guy too I guess. If you have read this far you can probably guess that MacKenzie is an "industry" bar. In that respect it is pretty cool. I wouldn't call it a dive bar. For those who want to know what a dive bar actually is in Minnepaolis, I give four examples. Example one: Stand up Franks (novelty, and full disclosure, I have actually never been there) Example two: Porters (not to be confused with Porter and Frye but then again I would bet my last ounce of caviar and ego that at least half of their kitchen staff has either shot or smoked something [somehting other than venisson or gravlax if ya know what I mean] at this joint. Porters used to be by Little T's. Porters is now alass closed. Example three : Waldos . Scarry. Great place if you want to get a bat to the back of your head and drink listerine by the tracks. It changed its name after the last shooting or whatever I think and used to be on Lyndale and 40th or so (that would be da Norff side for all da playaz out there) Don't believe me? Fine. Example four: The Commodore. Hmm how to put this. Well, it burned down for one. And for two, if the property values around this former Bloomington and 25th bar did not actually go up after the fire, than I'll go work the deep fryer at McDonalds and start drinking Budweiser. MacKenzie is not even really a dive bar compared to Tracy's (still open, good joint) or The Poodle Club (not still open, but I'll try and review the place that took its place in a week or two). So there ya have it. Oh yeah, great beer selection, but if you want good food, there are plenty of other options (Solera, Chambers) very close. Anyway MacKenzie is great. Oh yeah, the other gripe I have is the Juke Box. Good money maker, but not so good for guests. Oh well. It is downtown after all and nothing downtown is cheap. So there ya go.
(4)
S M.
From the outside it didn't look to be the largest of pubs, a sliver in fact, it had several tables and an upper seating area (which wasn't being used at the time) to go along with a healthy sized bar and sidewalk patio area; altogether it added up to enough space for larger parties, although there were only four of us and not quite peak hour. The staff was on top of things, very personable if you want and not when you don't but they always kept their eyes open. Not sure what they have food-wise, but they do have a kitchen on site. As mentioned before, certainly a destination on its own, it could also be an alternate if the larger Brit/Scott/Irish bars are overflowing. Really close to a few theaters as well.
(4)
Johanna C.
We went here for a team Happy Hour and it's $1 off drinks from 2-6pm - they have a great beer selection (according to one of my co-workers :p). There are plenty of tv's to watch sports, darts/arcade games to play, and nice deck in the back for warmer days. Service was average, there was only one server for the entire place on a Wednesday around 5pm. Although the waitress was cool and nice, they could have had at least 2 people helping with the service aspect. Atmosphere = divey, hole-in the wall bar
(3)
Erin W.
A cozy neighborhood bar downtown. It has a good beer selection and video games line the wall near the back. I have only been here a couple of times but each time the service was good. It is an unassuming place, but that is apart of the charm.
(5)
Rachael A.
Pretty decent dive bar in a good location. The reason I haven't tried it sooner is because the clientelle outside the door is usually kind of sketchy looking. Once inside though the beer selection is great, the bartenders are friendly, and the upstairs is quiet and a nice place to chat with one or two other people. You will probably find me drinking a few Surly's frequently at Mackenzie.
(3)
Keith M.
A divey, hole in the wall which serves as a hangout for actors, hipsters, 9-5 office workers and offers a slew of mirobrews? Sounds interesting, but then that's not what you get. This is in no way a dive, let alone a divey hipster bar with a mixed crowd. If it was, the interior would be falling apart and PBR would be in the $2 range. You'd think it was the only bar for miles with a decent selection of microbrews when it's far from the only one and it certainly doesn't have an atmosphere to match. I didn't even bother with their selection since the happy hour is only $1 off beers and I went outside of HH. And prices are not on the menu. It was $4.25 for a can of Nordeast and $4 for a PBR: $8.25 before tip. It's a generic sports pub devoid of character or anything else noteworthy to top it off, so it's not like there's a good justification for paying so much and with the scotch undertones I was expecting dim and woodsy with character, both from the bar and patrons, but instead got a run-of-the-mill sports bar experience. I'm in no rush to return.
(2)
Steve B.
Best tap beer selection downtown (if not the whole metro). Great bartenders that know and like beer (at least they are trained on what they currently have on tap). Don't be afraid to ask for a taster if you aren't sure what beer you want. Nice large back patio that my friends who smoke love (and doesn't seem to be too smokey for us nonsmokers). I would give it 5 stars if it would have better bar food. (this IS Minnesota . . . invest in a deep fryer!!) Edit: Now with a new menu serving good bar food! (good cheese curds)
(5)
Christopher G.
Going to places like MacKenzie make me realize how special Minneapolis is, and how I take for granted all of the small, hidden gems this city has to offer. I haven't been to this bar enough in my time living here. MacKenzie has a GREAT beer selection. Check out the list on their website, there is literally at least one offering of pretty much every type of brew you could think of. I enjoyed a Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball and a Founder's Nemesis...both beers I haven't seen anywhere else in my travels around town. Coupled with a basket of fries, it made for a low-key, tasty evening filled with good conversation. The bar is open, and very warm. The bartender was on top of his game, and very friendly. Happy Hour was from 4-8 Mon-Thursday, and the prices were very reasonable. The bartender upsold me to a large basket of fries, since during happy hour they are the same price as the smaller basket. Cool. Being that the bar is next to the Orpheum, I hazard a guess that you might run into artists that are playing there from time to time. MacKenzie is a long-standing tradition on Hennepin, pay it a visit...you'll be back for more.
(4)
D h.
Very much a hipster bar. Could have just been the nights (democratic national convention), but like it's like this every night....dark rimmed glasses, beards, sideburns, hats, etc. Great bar back, stained glass, mirrors, all the regulars mugs (not sure of the criteria to obtain one), HDTVs, beer taps, and liquor bottles. Many craft beers on tap & bottle. Bar top is worn wood and slate with a small lip. 15 or so wooden stools. Pole at end of bar with beer signs is unique. Bartenders kick ass. 5-6 hdtvs, not great but good enough. Music is mostly classic rock, but I will assume they would put on game sound assuming a MN team or monday night football. Not 100% sure though. Never been upstairs or on the back patio . Lower tables opposite and past bar Games just past the bar on left. Brick walls (industrial look) aside from behind the bar, nice medium to dark wood. Uniquely there's a clock to the left of the center stained glass above the bar back. Maybe a college crowd, more male, definitely much younger. The theater is next door which helps to dictate the crowd. Food was very good, good weekly specials as well. Tab was cheaper than expected given food & fancy beer.
(4)
Sue N.
When we visit a new city we look for the beer bars that have the best selection of taps but are also non-pretentious. We found this place on Beer Advocate, and we were not disappointed with the selection. Totally unpretentious. I mentioned the good beer list, although once I start drinking Surly Furious I kind of forget what else is on the list. Damn friendly waiter. Not too douche-baggy on a Thursday night. Increased douchebaggery on a Saturday, but that whole thoroughfare is kind of like that on the weekends. We had tots, they were fine. We'll come back the next time we are in MSP, for sure.
(4)
Karen R.
We stopped in for a quick app before hitting a show at the Orpheum. The soft preztel had no salt, which I loved but my husband did not. It was definitely like getting a pretzel in the 9th inning that was made before the game started, super tough and dry. The cheese sauce was lukewarm at best and had nothing original about it. The nachos were pretty decent. It was a Sunday afternoon and the cooks were enjoying themselves. It wasn't the most professional staff with bus buckets on the ground and being kicked around and the cooks yelling. Probably would be better on a Friday night.
(2)
Mike S.
I wandered into MacKenzie for the first time a couple years ago to grab a beer and food on our way to a Timberwolves game and I've been going out of my way to go there ever since. I'm a sucker for old-school pubs, and this place fits the bill. A simple narrow room lined with tables on one side and bar on the other. The upstairs is a lofted seating area, although it's only open when the place is packed. There's also a few Golden Tee and Buck Hunter machines if you're into that sort of thing. Out back they have a large deck/patio are which is always awesome when Minnesota weather cooperates. The food is above average bar fare, nothing more. Sandwiches, fries, wings, etc. It's a good bet before a Twins or Wolves games when other spots are crowded, but nothing you're going to remember beyond that night. I recommend grabbing a bite somewhere else and then stop in here for a beer - this is where they earn their stars. MacKenzie's tap beer selection is unparalleled downtown and the owner (and often your bartender) knows his stuff. He's more than happy to talk about beers and even gives a sample here and there if you engage him in conversation. They have about twenty taps, each one an amazing example of craft beer and the selection rotates frequently. You'll find the usual suspects like Surly Furious (which alone rates this place highly in my book) but you'll also find more obscure offerings that you won't see in any other bar in town. The bottom line is simple - If you're into beer, stop in and be amazed. If you're rushing to a Twins game, Wolves game or concert and you're looking for a quick bite, check it out. If you're dressed to the nines and looking for something upscale, this isn't your kind of place.
(4)
Hether S.
I'm pretty much a fan of any place that is considered a "hole in the wall"...and since MacKenzie definitely fits into this category...I am a fan. MacKenzie has a nice/relaxed/welcoming/cozy atmosphere with knowledgeable & attentive bartenders. Their beer selection is pretty decent - they have the staples that everyone expects - but they also have a lot of unique beers & locally brewed offerings. The location makes this place super convenient...and it's definitely worth checking out...
(4)
Shawn S.
The win here is the beer list - always a changing menu of lots of beers from all over the world. However, the food is essentially tots and toaster oven pizza. Where did the free popcorn go? Nice deck on the back...if nobody is smoking.
(2)
Gregg M.
Best pizza! I ordered the Thai chicken pizza without cheese and it still tasted fantastic. The crust was crunchy and they use a lot of veggies. Great meal and value. Thai Chicken med 8.00 large 11.00 Spicy peanut sauce, roasted chicken breast, red peppers and green onion topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh cilantro and carrot
(3)
Lindsey W.
This place is okay...I don't see the appeal totally. The patio is in the parking lot without a view of really anything and the service is slow. There are other places that I would frequent in the summer.
(2)
Rebecca Y.
I can't believe I've lived in Minneapolis this long and have never been to MacKenzie! Right down from the craziness of Hennepin, we walked on a Saturday night and loved it from the start. We hung out at the bar and was taking care of by the attentive staff. I've never been to a bar in Minneapolis where the beer selection is awesome, unpretenious bartenders serve you and you don't feel like a piece of meat. It was just a fun place to hang out with the girls! AND....LOVED that the whole bar just starts singing "Hey, Jude" for no reason! One thing I wish they'd do is dim the lighting a little. Felt a tad bright for 1am ;)
(4)
Amanda S.
Popped in a couple of times for wifi access and a brew when my Internets were out, as I live within a couple of blocks and was treated like a leper. Decided to give them another shot tonight with my darts partner. Had one bartender turn her back and walk away when we approached the bar. Attempted to ask the other bartender a question and all she did was point at a chalk board, and walk away. Never again. Is there a no star option? If so I give them a -1 star.
(1)
Katharine S.
MacKenzie does not have a burger on the menu, but other than that, they have a good selection of pub food, my dining party had a dinner-sized salad with chicken and chicken fingers with fries, and I had a tasty plate of loaded nachos, which I haven't eaten as a meal at a sit-down restaurant in a long time. Delicious. It would have been nicer for there to have been booths rather than tables with cheapo chairs, but this place was, as all the reviews mention, cozy to the max.
(3)
Taylor C.
MacKenzie has a good beer selection, a decent patio out back, and the worst service I've ever experienced in Minneapolis. The waitstaff usually just slow, but recently I also had a bad combo of a slow server and a super rude server. The chances I'll ever go back are pretty low.
(2)
Scott J.
I judged this book by it's cover and thought it would be a pit stop for theatre goers (it's next door to the Orpheum). I was wrong. Great little pub with a nice selection of microbrews that rotate regularly. Menu is somewhat limited but just fine for a pub. A block or two off the beaten path for bar hopping but worth a stop.
(4)
Amanda P.
Great beer selection, cozy environment. Like that it is a smaller place. Food is just alright. I had the chicken mushroom swiss sandwich which was really good, but the people in my group had the grilled cheese, which was kind of cold and looked unappetizing, and then the veggie wrap which was very plain. Would reccomend as a place for drinks and apps.
(3)
Jasmine L.
Only been here once and it was a slow night so I don't know how it always is, but I enjoyed it when we were here. It was really laid back the night we were in, which I like. The bartender was nice and got us our drinks pretty swiftly, I mean there weren't really many other people though but still, and I always appreciate kindness, especially from bartenders. I guess I just liked it better than I expected to, because I never really thought it was a bar I'd like, so I felt I should put in a good word for it here on Yelp. Can't speak on the food as I didn't have any. The beer selection was good. Outdoor area as well.
(4)
Nazgul W.
A good unpretentious beer bar in an area without too many of those. The smoking deck out back is sweet but the view is of a brick wall. Pretty good beer selections but the bartenders can be hit or miss in terms of service. If you play the jukebox make sure they don't screw you over and turn the music down. File under: appreciated dives downtown, but don't get your hopes too high. Never been inclined to eat there. A good joint to pop into for a beer before an event nearby. Rarely is this place too busy to grab a drink.
(3)
Vincent V.
Great little place for the most part. Had a wonderful bottle and draft selection. The food isn't anything spectacular but it's better than you'd expect from any place similar. Great, diverse crowd. Businessmen and tattooed hipsters drinking side by side in harmonious alcoholism. Though I'm ashamed to admit it publicly I ordered a cup of hamburger soup and it was pretty much amazing. Potato and hamburger warmth goodness... Mmmmmmm...... Also got a buffalo chicken wrap that had the perfect amount of heat on it and what tasted like fresh chicken and veggies on it. Try the Dirty Old Man porter while you're there if you like dark beers and they still have it on draft. I would probably give this place another star but they're losing one because an admittedly attractive but completely uneducated bartender told me they had no porters or stouts and suggested an IPA when I asked for a dark beer. If another bartender weren't passing by at that exact moment I never would have tried this awesome porter.
(3)
Charlene R.
Stopped in here for a late lunch. Service was good. Food was decent. My friend loved the beer list.
(3)
Crysta M.
If you're looking for a fun bar with a large beer selection then this is a great choice. If you're looking for a fun *Scottish* bar with a large drink selection, as I was, you might be disappointed. Their name is about as Scottish as they get. I still had a great time, the bartenders had a great rapport with each other and were very funny to listen to.
(3)
h s.
Best assortment of taps in town, almost hands down. Been there for a very good pint on occasion. Extremely disappointed by the bartenders on tap for the monthly pint meeting. This is a lot of beer advocates getting together and the bartenders were rude (as has been stated on several occasions) and was the first problem. Second issue: Ran out of one of the most advertised seasonal beers. And THEN, the bartender had a major attitude with people when they did not know that and the "substituted" beer was NOTHING like what the advertised was.. and they had no clue that the substitute was no where in the same arena. I mean c'mon. Most of these people are here because they like beer and/or brew their own. No need to be over the top rude. and pull the attitude. We love to tip if you're not so surly as the tenders on tap tonight! Wow! I would not recommend you attempt to put up with the attitudes and inadequate knowledge here unless you are going at off-peak, it's just not worth it and there are plenty of other local brewpubs that have brewmasters onsite and good, friendly service.
(2)
Nathan L.
Even though I've lived a block away and walk by it probably 3 times a week for almost 6 months I've never been in until tonight, and I was pleasantly surprised. There weren't many people in there, but then again there was a snow storm outside. (which created an $3 special on Snow Storm beer) But it is a very cool local bar where you could get comfortable and spend hours before you realize how long you've been there. The bartenders were very nice and friendly and I even got to create a drink with one of the bartenders that turned out pretty good. But I'll be back and hopefully I'll be able to turn this into my local bar...
(4)
Nate M.
Every time I tell people that MacKenzie is the best beer bar downtown they treat me like I've never been to the Local or Brit's or something. Look, MacKenzie is what a beer bar SHOULD be - tons of taps and a huge variety of styles is so important. This is a great place before or after a show, for happy hour, for late night... for anytime, really, especially since it's laid back enough for you to relax but usually busy enough that you won't get bored. Mostly, this is a great place to bring people and show them that there are more intricacies to beer style than 'dark' and 'light.' Their beer menu changes periodically and usually for the better and sometimes they even have tastings and release parties from local and big named breweries.
(4)
Matt C.
A Brown's Bar? In Minneapolis? What the hell am I doing here? Just happened to wander into this place on a Tues night. I'm glad I did. They have a great selection of beers. I'd be curious to see what the weekend crowd is like
(4)
Sean W.
An amazing beer selection and an even better outdoor patio to enjoy it on. While the crowd can really vary from night to night, the vibe is always laid back and really enjoyable. To be honest, I have maybe spent a total of 30 minutes in the inside of the bar, but that's not to say it's bad at all - it's more or less your standard Minneapolis Irish pub-fare. Not bad, but not exactly memorable either.
(4)
Emily S.
cute, dive bar. I sat there during the week reading a book at a high-top, and the waitress was attentive, but not annoying. I would go back if I was in the area.
(4)
Emily S.
This is probably one of my favorite bars (if not my favorite) in Minneapolis. I used to come here all the time between and after classes since my school was right around the corner. I love it, though. It really is one of those, almost dive, yet classy bars, that you really should come to more than once! Their back patio is hidden, so if you didn't know it existed, you never will. So you should check that out. I must say their menus is pretty big, covers all the bar food areas, and then some. But mostly, the food is fantastic. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to soak up some alcohol, or a full meal, you will find what you are looking for. The bartenders know all the regulars and it really provides a great vibe, even if it is your first, or 100th time being here. Definitely worth stopping in!
(5)
Sarah G.
Terrible service tonight. Blonde waitress. Refused to split our checks, said it "wasn't possible with a group of our size.". I think our group was about 8 people. Anyone who has ever been a server knows it's always possible to split checks, it is just a matter of actually doing it. So I will attribute that to the downright laziness of our server. Also, we basically had to rope her to the table to get our orders in- we all had intentions of ordering food, but she basically tried to ignore that and dart away from the table without getting everyone's order. I think half the people at our table were able to get our orders in, which ended up being wrong anyway. Also, she snagged my boyfriend's half eaten dinner out from under him before he even had a chance to realize it. Nothing like being ready to take another bite of dinner only to find it's been cleared out from under you. The final straw was probably her statement of "you know, I have other tables." meaning.... While we were trying to order, we were an inconvenience to her? So sorry, what are we, chopped liver? Fine, treat us like crap, but don't complain about it when you get a lousy tip. I guess you'll have to rely on your "other tables" for some $$. But other than that, the food was alright, drinks were good, I can understand some slow down while the place is busy, but rude service is unacceptable. Location is great too for shows next door.
(2)
Tom H.
Three stars for the Beer selection! They have a great selection of craft beers with a fairly broad range. Fantastic Happy Hour offerings! The back patio is a great place to relax and hang out--and listen to the Twins Fans grumble. As an aside, I would not call this a dive bar. Not by any means. It is "charming" and could be called a pub. A dive bar is a whole different animal! The bartenders are great, but the servers are hit and miss-both for their hustle and beer knowledge. I was there three times during Craft Beer week and had experiences all over the board. On the Surly night we had a fantastic server who was Miss "Johnny-on-the-spot" and knew all about what was on tap, what was running low, and what she thought of the beers. When she left, the next server was less than impressive. During the Deshutes Tapping, I was back with a group. Granted, they were busy, but our service was miserable. In fact, the only thing worse was the food. No one at our table thought much of the food--being polite. Umm...yeah. Should the Tater Tots not be warm enough to melt the fat inside that is holding them together when packaged? "I am sorry...those are not your fries" the server says as she takes them from out table and brings them to another AFTER we had started eating them!!! WHAT!? Not that she took them away..but that she took them to another table! A couple of thoughts- Having the beer selections on a chalk board is great so long as one can see it. I know beers rotate out very quickly and it is hard to keep up. But having it on a board does nothing for those outside on the patio or those up front. They have sheets that list the current selections, but they were dated the 8th of May and were totally off (same list on visit of May 14th, 15th, and 19th. These are little tent talker cut outs of printer paper. Update them so that at least there is a sheet for the server to work off of. It was a pain to figure out what to "try next" as our server seemed as stumped as us. We eventually just went in an took a pic of the chalkboard and looked at it on the Droid and did our own beer research from the brewers websites and BA and RateBeer.
(3)
Tony G.
Great beer selection and friendly service make this bar (I think it used to be named "MacKencie Scotch") a destination on each trip to Minneapolis. Prices are very reasonable, even by MN standards, and the kitchen serves up deliciously greasy bar food until pretty late. Go. Drink. Play Darts. Enjoy.
(4)
Dave L.
Food is ok. Maybe a little under average. They do have plenty of tv to watch games. Also they have a cool golf arcade system you can play with friends.
(3)
Melissa H.
Amazing! The staff is down to earth and laid back. The jerk tacos are AMAZING!!!!!!!! And the craft beer selection is fabulous. I'm moving next door and pretty sure this is going to be my "Cheers". Love!
(5)
Micki C.
Never thought to go here before but stopped for a drink after a show at the Orpheum while waiting for the parking ramp to clear out. Strongbow on tap! Why would I go anywhere else now?
(4)
Sam W.
This place and Eli's are the *only* neighborhood bars for those of us who live on the northwest side of Hennepin, for which they get a whole star right off the bat. The other establishments nearby are too suburban-bro-infested or too fancy to get that distinction! The tap list here is a thing of beauty, and easily in the top ten for beer geeks looking for something from elsewhere in the USA. They don't have a ton of local offerings, but make up for it by having absolutely incredible one-off kegs from Surly that are near impossible to find anywhere else. What prompted me to write this review after so many years of loving the place is that, once again, I had my socks knocked off by one of their weekly specials - a french dip sandwich with habanero mayonnaise and a touch of Surly's limited release Porter in the Jus. It was straight-up the best french dip I have ever eaten in the Midwest, period freaking end - I used to live in Los Angeles, the home of the classic french dip, and had spent most of the past six years wallowing in mediocrity when trying to fulfill my craving for one. Other specials in the past that have really stood out are a monte cristo quesadilla, which was so wrong on paper but so, SO right the rest of the time. If you find yourself in a gaggle of yuppies who want to "party downtown" and all you can wish for is swift death instead of cowboy jack's, try and convince the gang to swing by here instead. They do literally everything better than the warehouse district's sprawling mess of appalling mediocrity, all for the same or lower prices.
(5)
Joline E.
In a recent trip to the Pantages we stopped briefly Mackenzie because we had extra time. Upon stopping, we decided a fireball shot was the way to go. We got served pretty quickly at the bar but we're fairly disappointed at the size of the shots we received for $5 each. After tip we paid $12 for the shots in the attached photo. This was roughly the same price as two glasses of wine or two happy hour miso salmon wraps across the street at Marin. Next time we will stay at Marin, despite loving the atmosphere at Mackenzie. 5 for ambience, 1 for value.
(2)
Emily R.
MacKenzie's Pub is a small town bar in the middle of the big city. I stopped in for happy hour and the beer but it was a great time! They have a big beer list with many beers on tap. We sat on the back patio and enjoyed the beautiful summer sun. Whatever they were smoking smelled amazing. I can't wait to go back and try out the food at this hidden gem.
(4)
Sue S.
We popped in for a beer after a show at the Orpheum and had a pleasant time. This is one of those bars that is really long and narrow, so there's not a whole lot of wiggle room near the bar. The beer selection was good. About a dozen or so very good draft options. Didn't bother to look for more since that's what I was wanting. The bar staff was pretty friendly. Even though the place was really crowded, we were served pretty promptly. We stood around awkwardly for a few minutes before some genius in our group looked up and said, "Hey, there's an upstairs." The hallway/stairwell was not very well-lit, which might cause some problems depending on the sobriety level of your group. It also looked like there might be an actual outdoor patio, though the accessway was not open so we couldn't tell for sure. Once we got up there, we found an inside balcony basically with tables and even an additional bar. You can sit overlooking the floor and the main bar, and we found it to be pretty comfortable and actually pretty quiet, so we could converse easily amongst our group. We only stayed for one beer and didn't get anything to eat. But for a quick stop for a quick beer, MacKenzie did the trick just fine.
(4)
Tanya R.
Love this place. I've randomly stopped in here several times when I've been in the area and they never disappoint me. Great drinks at reasonable prices. You will not go wrong stopping here!
(5)
Clare S.
Struggled with how many stars to give MacKenzie. I love this place to death, which makes me think it deserves a 5. But, at the same time, the reason I love it is because it's really a solid 3 star bar. It is not trying to be fancy, it is not trying to be a dive, it is not trying to be hipster or anything else. Just a good, plain bar. Relaxed, cold beer, just effing solid, ya know? If you're looking for a 5 star bar, this isn't your spot. You probably won't fit in if that's your game.
(3)
Jacqueline S.
Table of four on a Friday night, no wait, decent table, friendly server, food was just as expected and the grain salad is massive.
(4)
Bryan W.
The bartender (Alicia Keys look-a-like) started throwing silverware at us and then tried to kick us out for reacting. Reverse racism.
(2)
Dharmesh D.
Ambiance is not that good, not that clean either. Beers on tap ain't that cheap, considering its not a special bar. Crowd is ok. It not fancy bar, but good to just have a beer.
(3)
Marisa P.
I've been going to MacKenzie since I turned 21, 7+ years ago. It is by far my favorite bar downtown. I love the atmosphere. I love the beer selection. They have tasty food. A great staff. TOUCH TONES and arcade style games. It is a great place to meet for a few drinks before heading to a show or someplace else, but it's also a great place to park your butt for the whole night out. In the summer they have the whole back patio/deck area open up with a lot of comfortable seating tucked back behind the building. In the winter, they convert the back area into an "icehouse" type room with lots of seating and heaters for the smokers. Their wait staff is very attentive and will always get you what you need. MacKenzie is a great, laid back, fun watering hole in the heart of down town Minneapolis.
(4)
Jason K.
My buddy and I were here before a Twins game and I ordered a Surly Furious. I got my regular mug, which is a $20 mug filled with any beer and then you can reuse it anytime you come back to this awesome beer bar. George runs the place and is a great bartender that takes care of you whenever you come in. I ordered the Cuban, my favorite here, and the pickles were stacked high and the mustard was perfect. juicy pulled pork makes it one of the best Cubans in the cities. Allie's is the only one that compares. The atmosphere is perfect, TVs along the bar with ESPN on usually and the prices are very reasonable. They now have a rewards card that gives you $5 for every $85 you spend, pretty cool. Love this place!
(5)
Kent E.
Great beer selection and atmosphere but some of the worst service I have ever had. Bartenders ignore you when you have an empty beer. Been here 3 times which is usually a benchmark you can use to judge a place and have had terrible service twice. Won't be back.
(1)
Joshua N.
I've had two birthday parties there. I live a few blocks away. I love the taps, the patio, the darts, and general bar setup. I wanted to love the place... Unfortunately, the staff has mostly killed it for me. One day I realized I was sick of subjecting myself to the horribly rude bartenders and server staff; I've generally stopped going. They never open the upstairs; you'll be forgotten about on the patio; you'll be treated like crap when they do get to you, and the food definitely isn't a reason to stop by. I check in every once in awhile--only to again feel like I'm inconveniencing the female bartender that's usually behind the counter. Barring some sudden overhaul to the staff, I'll continue to spend a lot less money there than I did previously.
(2)
Mariel L.
It's a bummer that I've never hung out here before during Broadway season, because apparently, the patio area is where you can catch some of the actors during their smoke break. It's Minneapolis' version of the stage door. Well, then, I gotta make sure I do that next season. Anyway, I've been to this place a couple times before; I remember my first time not being so great. I thought the tots were rather poorly done, a little soggy if not downright frozen in the middle. But, I've been here a couple more times since, and it's been a good experience. As mentioned earlier, they have a nice patio in the back, which is perfect for that anomalous March heat wave. Their happy hour food menu is also dirt cheap; just make sure to get the tots "extra crispy" so they keep it in the fryer the required 30 add'l seconds to make them edible. Beer selection is pretty good; they are a Scottish bar, too, so I'm guessing they have a good selection of whatever Scots drink. I'm guessing Scotch? (No kidding.)
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Cindy D.
Rude staff. We showed up around 11pm on sunday and seated ourselves, 20 minutes later the waitress showed up. She asked for our id when we asked for water ( wow!) One of our friends left his id in his car and she told him that he couldnt get any beer or so, of course he was fine with that and she left.......then 10 minutes later, the rudely BARTENDER yelled across the bar in a demeaning tone to get us out...because we didnt have our ID! There were people watching us too....SO RUDE AND WE ARE NOT GOING BACK! AND WE DIDNT EVEN GET OUR WATER WHEN WE SHOWED THE WAITRESS OUR ID!!!! HORRIBLE!!!
(1)Katie L.
Love this place! We went before seeing a show at the Orpheum. My group of friends and I were discussing why this place isn't more packed! We totally dig it. They have a killer beer list, which my beer-drinking friends loved. They also play really great music. The food is pretty good too. They also have darts in the back! Yes! The reason I think MacKenzie isn't more popular is because it's downtown. If this bar was in Northeast, it would be packed every night. It just isn't the type of place that trendy downtowners like to hit up. However for hipster beer drinkers like my friends, it's perfect!
(4)Dan S.
If you are at Brits or the Local trying to quietly enjoy a beer, but its getting a little to crowded, head down a block to Hennepin and check out MacKenzie's. It's called a Scottish bar, but they don't really have any Scottish beer and no more Scottish whiskey than any other bar. Anyways, it is like Brit's kid brother. A lot smaller and not nearly as crowded. It's a narrow bar with tons of oak, and is more grown up than nearby Hennepin Ave bars. They have a good beer selection and more than a few Belgians. There is a hidden outdoor patio out back too.
(5)Sven T.
Once again, the problems of a 5 star system. I can not give MacKenzie 5, even though I think that more than 4 should be an option. But whatever. The only gripe I have about this place is that the usually cute and fast wait staff and always affable if a bit gruff in a good way bar staff do not allow human cock fighting. Please allow me to elaborate, which I will now do. One of the s**t faced (and I do mean S**TFACED) sous chef's at the Dakota ( that would be the jazz club one on Nicollet for those yelpers that don't know the scene or live in the actual city of Minneapolis) spilled beer on me here and I don't believe that MacKenzie allows for a mixed martial arts ring in the basement. What a pisser. It wouldn't have been so bad, but he managed to spill on other people too and even my friends' friends from a smaller town in South Dakota thought he was a lameoid. Oh well, I've been that guy too I guess. If you have read this far you can probably guess that MacKenzie is an "industry" bar. In that respect it is pretty cool. I wouldn't call it a dive bar. For those who want to know what a dive bar actually is in Minnepaolis, I give four examples. Example one: Stand up Franks (novelty, and full disclosure, I have actually never been there) Example two: Porters (not to be confused with Porter and Frye but then again I would bet my last ounce of caviar and ego that at least half of their kitchen staff has either shot or smoked something [somehting other than venisson or gravlax if ya know what I mean] at this joint. Porters used to be by Little T's. Porters is now alass closed. Example three : Waldos . Scarry. Great place if you want to get a bat to the back of your head and drink listerine by the tracks. It changed its name after the last shooting or whatever I think and used to be on Lyndale and 40th or so (that would be da Norff side for all da playaz out there) Don't believe me? Fine. Example four: The Commodore. Hmm how to put this. Well, it burned down for one. And for two, if the property values around this former Bloomington and 25th bar did not actually go up after the fire, than I'll go work the deep fryer at McDonalds and start drinking Budweiser. MacKenzie is not even really a dive bar compared to Tracy's (still open, good joint) or The Poodle Club (not still open, but I'll try and review the place that took its place in a week or two). So there ya have it. Oh yeah, great beer selection, but if you want good food, there are plenty of other options (Solera, Chambers) very close. Anyway MacKenzie is great. Oh yeah, the other gripe I have is the Juke Box. Good money maker, but not so good for guests. Oh well. It is downtown after all and nothing downtown is cheap. So there ya go.
(4)S M.
From the outside it didn't look to be the largest of pubs, a sliver in fact, it had several tables and an upper seating area (which wasn't being used at the time) to go along with a healthy sized bar and sidewalk patio area; altogether it added up to enough space for larger parties, although there were only four of us and not quite peak hour. The staff was on top of things, very personable if you want and not when you don't but they always kept their eyes open. Not sure what they have food-wise, but they do have a kitchen on site. As mentioned before, certainly a destination on its own, it could also be an alternate if the larger Brit/Scott/Irish bars are overflowing. Really close to a few theaters as well.
(4)Johanna C.
We went here for a team Happy Hour and it's $1 off drinks from 2-6pm - they have a great beer selection (according to one of my co-workers :p). There are plenty of tv's to watch sports, darts/arcade games to play, and nice deck in the back for warmer days. Service was average, there was only one server for the entire place on a Wednesday around 5pm. Although the waitress was cool and nice, they could have had at least 2 people helping with the service aspect. Atmosphere = divey, hole-in the wall bar
(3)Erin W.
A cozy neighborhood bar downtown. It has a good beer selection and video games line the wall near the back. I have only been here a couple of times but each time the service was good. It is an unassuming place, but that is apart of the charm.
(5)Rachael A.
Pretty decent dive bar in a good location. The reason I haven't tried it sooner is because the clientelle outside the door is usually kind of sketchy looking. Once inside though the beer selection is great, the bartenders are friendly, and the upstairs is quiet and a nice place to chat with one or two other people. You will probably find me drinking a few Surly's frequently at Mackenzie.
(3)Keith M.
A divey, hole in the wall which serves as a hangout for actors, hipsters, 9-5 office workers and offers a slew of mirobrews? Sounds interesting, but then that's not what you get. This is in no way a dive, let alone a divey hipster bar with a mixed crowd. If it was, the interior would be falling apart and PBR would be in the $2 range. You'd think it was the only bar for miles with a decent selection of microbrews when it's far from the only one and it certainly doesn't have an atmosphere to match. I didn't even bother with their selection since the happy hour is only $1 off beers and I went outside of HH. And prices are not on the menu. It was $4.25 for a can of Nordeast and $4 for a PBR: $8.25 before tip. It's a generic sports pub devoid of character or anything else noteworthy to top it off, so it's not like there's a good justification for paying so much and with the scotch undertones I was expecting dim and woodsy with character, both from the bar and patrons, but instead got a run-of-the-mill sports bar experience. I'm in no rush to return.
(2)Steve B.
Best tap beer selection downtown (if not the whole metro). Great bartenders that know and like beer (at least they are trained on what they currently have on tap). Don't be afraid to ask for a taster if you aren't sure what beer you want. Nice large back patio that my friends who smoke love (and doesn't seem to be too smokey for us nonsmokers). I would give it 5 stars if it would have better bar food. (this IS Minnesota . . . invest in a deep fryer!!) Edit: Now with a new menu serving good bar food! (good cheese curds)
(5)Christopher G.
Going to places like MacKenzie make me realize how special Minneapolis is, and how I take for granted all of the small, hidden gems this city has to offer. I haven't been to this bar enough in my time living here. MacKenzie has a GREAT beer selection. Check out the list on their website, there is literally at least one offering of pretty much every type of brew you could think of. I enjoyed a Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball and a Founder's Nemesis...both beers I haven't seen anywhere else in my travels around town. Coupled with a basket of fries, it made for a low-key, tasty evening filled with good conversation. The bar is open, and very warm. The bartender was on top of his game, and very friendly. Happy Hour was from 4-8 Mon-Thursday, and the prices were very reasonable. The bartender upsold me to a large basket of fries, since during happy hour they are the same price as the smaller basket. Cool. Being that the bar is next to the Orpheum, I hazard a guess that you might run into artists that are playing there from time to time. MacKenzie is a long-standing tradition on Hennepin, pay it a visit...you'll be back for more.
(4)D h.
Very much a hipster bar. Could have just been the nights (democratic national convention), but like it's like this every night....dark rimmed glasses, beards, sideburns, hats, etc. Great bar back, stained glass, mirrors, all the regulars mugs (not sure of the criteria to obtain one), HDTVs, beer taps, and liquor bottles. Many craft beers on tap & bottle. Bar top is worn wood and slate with a small lip. 15 or so wooden stools. Pole at end of bar with beer signs is unique. Bartenders kick ass. 5-6 hdtvs, not great but good enough. Music is mostly classic rock, but I will assume they would put on game sound assuming a MN team or monday night football. Not 100% sure though. Never been upstairs or on the back patio . Lower tables opposite and past bar Games just past the bar on left. Brick walls (industrial look) aside from behind the bar, nice medium to dark wood. Uniquely there's a clock to the left of the center stained glass above the bar back. Maybe a college crowd, more male, definitely much younger. The theater is next door which helps to dictate the crowd. Food was very good, good weekly specials as well. Tab was cheaper than expected given food & fancy beer.
(4)Sue N.
When we visit a new city we look for the beer bars that have the best selection of taps but are also non-pretentious. We found this place on Beer Advocate, and we were not disappointed with the selection. Totally unpretentious. I mentioned the good beer list, although once I start drinking Surly Furious I kind of forget what else is on the list. Damn friendly waiter. Not too douche-baggy on a Thursday night. Increased douchebaggery on a Saturday, but that whole thoroughfare is kind of like that on the weekends. We had tots, they were fine. We'll come back the next time we are in MSP, for sure.
(4)Karen R.
We stopped in for a quick app before hitting a show at the Orpheum. The soft preztel had no salt, which I loved but my husband did not. It was definitely like getting a pretzel in the 9th inning that was made before the game started, super tough and dry. The cheese sauce was lukewarm at best and had nothing original about it. The nachos were pretty decent. It was a Sunday afternoon and the cooks were enjoying themselves. It wasn't the most professional staff with bus buckets on the ground and being kicked around and the cooks yelling. Probably would be better on a Friday night.
(2)Mike S.
I wandered into MacKenzie for the first time a couple years ago to grab a beer and food on our way to a Timberwolves game and I've been going out of my way to go there ever since. I'm a sucker for old-school pubs, and this place fits the bill. A simple narrow room lined with tables on one side and bar on the other. The upstairs is a lofted seating area, although it's only open when the place is packed. There's also a few Golden Tee and Buck Hunter machines if you're into that sort of thing. Out back they have a large deck/patio are which is always awesome when Minnesota weather cooperates. The food is above average bar fare, nothing more. Sandwiches, fries, wings, etc. It's a good bet before a Twins or Wolves games when other spots are crowded, but nothing you're going to remember beyond that night. I recommend grabbing a bite somewhere else and then stop in here for a beer - this is where they earn their stars. MacKenzie's tap beer selection is unparalleled downtown and the owner (and often your bartender) knows his stuff. He's more than happy to talk about beers and even gives a sample here and there if you engage him in conversation. They have about twenty taps, each one an amazing example of craft beer and the selection rotates frequently. You'll find the usual suspects like Surly Furious (which alone rates this place highly in my book) but you'll also find more obscure offerings that you won't see in any other bar in town. The bottom line is simple - If you're into beer, stop in and be amazed. If you're rushing to a Twins game, Wolves game or concert and you're looking for a quick bite, check it out. If you're dressed to the nines and looking for something upscale, this isn't your kind of place.
(4)Hether S.
I'm pretty much a fan of any place that is considered a "hole in the wall"...and since MacKenzie definitely fits into this category...I am a fan. MacKenzie has a nice/relaxed/welcoming/cozy atmosphere with knowledgeable & attentive bartenders. Their beer selection is pretty decent - they have the staples that everyone expects - but they also have a lot of unique beers & locally brewed offerings. The location makes this place super convenient...and it's definitely worth checking out...
(4)Shawn S.
The win here is the beer list - always a changing menu of lots of beers from all over the world. However, the food is essentially tots and toaster oven pizza. Where did the free popcorn go? Nice deck on the back...if nobody is smoking.
(2)Gregg M.
Best pizza! I ordered the Thai chicken pizza without cheese and it still tasted fantastic. The crust was crunchy and they use a lot of veggies. Great meal and value. Thai Chicken med 8.00 large 11.00 Spicy peanut sauce, roasted chicken breast, red peppers and green onion topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh cilantro and carrot
(3)Lindsey W.
This place is okay...I don't see the appeal totally. The patio is in the parking lot without a view of really anything and the service is slow. There are other places that I would frequent in the summer.
(2)Rebecca Y.
I can't believe I've lived in Minneapolis this long and have never been to MacKenzie! Right down from the craziness of Hennepin, we walked on a Saturday night and loved it from the start. We hung out at the bar and was taking care of by the attentive staff. I've never been to a bar in Minneapolis where the beer selection is awesome, unpretenious bartenders serve you and you don't feel like a piece of meat. It was just a fun place to hang out with the girls! AND....LOVED that the whole bar just starts singing "Hey, Jude" for no reason! One thing I wish they'd do is dim the lighting a little. Felt a tad bright for 1am ;)
(4)Amanda S.
Popped in a couple of times for wifi access and a brew when my Internets were out, as I live within a couple of blocks and was treated like a leper. Decided to give them another shot tonight with my darts partner. Had one bartender turn her back and walk away when we approached the bar. Attempted to ask the other bartender a question and all she did was point at a chalk board, and walk away. Never again. Is there a no star option? If so I give them a -1 star.
(1)Katharine S.
MacKenzie does not have a burger on the menu, but other than that, they have a good selection of pub food, my dining party had a dinner-sized salad with chicken and chicken fingers with fries, and I had a tasty plate of loaded nachos, which I haven't eaten as a meal at a sit-down restaurant in a long time. Delicious. It would have been nicer for there to have been booths rather than tables with cheapo chairs, but this place was, as all the reviews mention, cozy to the max.
(3)Taylor C.
MacKenzie has a good beer selection, a decent patio out back, and the worst service I've ever experienced in Minneapolis. The waitstaff usually just slow, but recently I also had a bad combo of a slow server and a super rude server. The chances I'll ever go back are pretty low.
(2)Scott J.
I judged this book by it's cover and thought it would be a pit stop for theatre goers (it's next door to the Orpheum). I was wrong. Great little pub with a nice selection of microbrews that rotate regularly. Menu is somewhat limited but just fine for a pub. A block or two off the beaten path for bar hopping but worth a stop.
(4)Amanda P.
Great beer selection, cozy environment. Like that it is a smaller place. Food is just alright. I had the chicken mushroom swiss sandwich which was really good, but the people in my group had the grilled cheese, which was kind of cold and looked unappetizing, and then the veggie wrap which was very plain. Would reccomend as a place for drinks and apps.
(3)Jasmine L.
Only been here once and it was a slow night so I don't know how it always is, but I enjoyed it when we were here. It was really laid back the night we were in, which I like. The bartender was nice and got us our drinks pretty swiftly, I mean there weren't really many other people though but still, and I always appreciate kindness, especially from bartenders. I guess I just liked it better than I expected to, because I never really thought it was a bar I'd like, so I felt I should put in a good word for it here on Yelp. Can't speak on the food as I didn't have any. The beer selection was good. Outdoor area as well.
(4)Nazgul W.
A good unpretentious beer bar in an area without too many of those. The smoking deck out back is sweet but the view is of a brick wall. Pretty good beer selections but the bartenders can be hit or miss in terms of service. If you play the jukebox make sure they don't screw you over and turn the music down. File under: appreciated dives downtown, but don't get your hopes too high. Never been inclined to eat there. A good joint to pop into for a beer before an event nearby. Rarely is this place too busy to grab a drink.
(3)Vincent V.
Great little place for the most part. Had a wonderful bottle and draft selection. The food isn't anything spectacular but it's better than you'd expect from any place similar. Great, diverse crowd. Businessmen and tattooed hipsters drinking side by side in harmonious alcoholism. Though I'm ashamed to admit it publicly I ordered a cup of hamburger soup and it was pretty much amazing. Potato and hamburger warmth goodness... Mmmmmmm...... Also got a buffalo chicken wrap that had the perfect amount of heat on it and what tasted like fresh chicken and veggies on it. Try the Dirty Old Man porter while you're there if you like dark beers and they still have it on draft. I would probably give this place another star but they're losing one because an admittedly attractive but completely uneducated bartender told me they had no porters or stouts and suggested an IPA when I asked for a dark beer. If another bartender weren't passing by at that exact moment I never would have tried this awesome porter.
(3)Charlene R.
Stopped in here for a late lunch. Service was good. Food was decent. My friend loved the beer list.
(3)Crysta M.
If you're looking for a fun bar with a large beer selection then this is a great choice. If you're looking for a fun *Scottish* bar with a large drink selection, as I was, you might be disappointed. Their name is about as Scottish as they get. I still had a great time, the bartenders had a great rapport with each other and were very funny to listen to.
(3)h s.
Best assortment of taps in town, almost hands down. Been there for a very good pint on occasion. Extremely disappointed by the bartenders on tap for the monthly pint meeting. This is a lot of beer advocates getting together and the bartenders were rude (as has been stated on several occasions) and was the first problem. Second issue: Ran out of one of the most advertised seasonal beers. And THEN, the bartender had a major attitude with people when they did not know that and the "substituted" beer was NOTHING like what the advertised was.. and they had no clue that the substitute was no where in the same arena. I mean c'mon. Most of these people are here because they like beer and/or brew their own. No need to be over the top rude. and pull the attitude. We love to tip if you're not so surly as the tenders on tap tonight! Wow! I would not recommend you attempt to put up with the attitudes and inadequate knowledge here unless you are going at off-peak, it's just not worth it and there are plenty of other local brewpubs that have brewmasters onsite and good, friendly service.
(2)Nathan L.
Even though I've lived a block away and walk by it probably 3 times a week for almost 6 months I've never been in until tonight, and I was pleasantly surprised. There weren't many people in there, but then again there was a snow storm outside. (which created an $3 special on Snow Storm beer) But it is a very cool local bar where you could get comfortable and spend hours before you realize how long you've been there. The bartenders were very nice and friendly and I even got to create a drink with one of the bartenders that turned out pretty good. But I'll be back and hopefully I'll be able to turn this into my local bar...
(4)Nate M.
Every time I tell people that MacKenzie is the best beer bar downtown they treat me like I've never been to the Local or Brit's or something. Look, MacKenzie is what a beer bar SHOULD be - tons of taps and a huge variety of styles is so important. This is a great place before or after a show, for happy hour, for late night... for anytime, really, especially since it's laid back enough for you to relax but usually busy enough that you won't get bored. Mostly, this is a great place to bring people and show them that there are more intricacies to beer style than 'dark' and 'light.' Their beer menu changes periodically and usually for the better and sometimes they even have tastings and release parties from local and big named breweries.
(4)Matt C.
A Brown's Bar? In Minneapolis? What the hell am I doing here? Just happened to wander into this place on a Tues night. I'm glad I did. They have a great selection of beers. I'd be curious to see what the weekend crowd is like
(4)Sean W.
An amazing beer selection and an even better outdoor patio to enjoy it on. While the crowd can really vary from night to night, the vibe is always laid back and really enjoyable. To be honest, I have maybe spent a total of 30 minutes in the inside of the bar, but that's not to say it's bad at all - it's more or less your standard Minneapolis Irish pub-fare. Not bad, but not exactly memorable either.
(4)Emily S.
cute, dive bar. I sat there during the week reading a book at a high-top, and the waitress was attentive, but not annoying. I would go back if I was in the area.
(4)Emily S.
This is probably one of my favorite bars (if not my favorite) in Minneapolis. I used to come here all the time between and after classes since my school was right around the corner. I love it, though. It really is one of those, almost dive, yet classy bars, that you really should come to more than once! Their back patio is hidden, so if you didn't know it existed, you never will. So you should check that out. I must say their menus is pretty big, covers all the bar food areas, and then some. But mostly, the food is fantastic. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to soak up some alcohol, or a full meal, you will find what you are looking for. The bartenders know all the regulars and it really provides a great vibe, even if it is your first, or 100th time being here. Definitely worth stopping in!
(5)Sarah G.
Terrible service tonight. Blonde waitress. Refused to split our checks, said it "wasn't possible with a group of our size.". I think our group was about 8 people. Anyone who has ever been a server knows it's always possible to split checks, it is just a matter of actually doing it. So I will attribute that to the downright laziness of our server. Also, we basically had to rope her to the table to get our orders in- we all had intentions of ordering food, but she basically tried to ignore that and dart away from the table without getting everyone's order. I think half the people at our table were able to get our orders in, which ended up being wrong anyway. Also, she snagged my boyfriend's half eaten dinner out from under him before he even had a chance to realize it. Nothing like being ready to take another bite of dinner only to find it's been cleared out from under you. The final straw was probably her statement of "you know, I have other tables." meaning.... While we were trying to order, we were an inconvenience to her? So sorry, what are we, chopped liver? Fine, treat us like crap, but don't complain about it when you get a lousy tip. I guess you'll have to rely on your "other tables" for some $$. But other than that, the food was alright, drinks were good, I can understand some slow down while the place is busy, but rude service is unacceptable. Location is great too for shows next door.
(2)Tom H.
Three stars for the Beer selection! They have a great selection of craft beers with a fairly broad range. Fantastic Happy Hour offerings! The back patio is a great place to relax and hang out--and listen to the Twins Fans grumble. As an aside, I would not call this a dive bar. Not by any means. It is "charming" and could be called a pub. A dive bar is a whole different animal! The bartenders are great, but the servers are hit and miss-both for their hustle and beer knowledge. I was there three times during Craft Beer week and had experiences all over the board. On the Surly night we had a fantastic server who was Miss "Johnny-on-the-spot" and knew all about what was on tap, what was running low, and what she thought of the beers. When she left, the next server was less than impressive. During the Deshutes Tapping, I was back with a group. Granted, they were busy, but our service was miserable. In fact, the only thing worse was the food. No one at our table thought much of the food--being polite. Umm...yeah. Should the Tater Tots not be warm enough to melt the fat inside that is holding them together when packaged? "I am sorry...those are not your fries" the server says as she takes them from out table and brings them to another AFTER we had started eating them!!! WHAT!? Not that she took them away..but that she took them to another table! A couple of thoughts- Having the beer selections on a chalk board is great so long as one can see it. I know beers rotate out very quickly and it is hard to keep up. But having it on a board does nothing for those outside on the patio or those up front. They have sheets that list the current selections, but they were dated the 8th of May and were totally off (same list on visit of May 14th, 15th, and 19th. These are little tent talker cut outs of printer paper. Update them so that at least there is a sheet for the server to work off of. It was a pain to figure out what to "try next" as our server seemed as stumped as us. We eventually just went in an took a pic of the chalkboard and looked at it on the Droid and did our own beer research from the brewers websites and BA and RateBeer.
(3)Tony G.
Great beer selection and friendly service make this bar (I think it used to be named "MacKencie Scotch") a destination on each trip to Minneapolis. Prices are very reasonable, even by MN standards, and the kitchen serves up deliciously greasy bar food until pretty late. Go. Drink. Play Darts. Enjoy.
(4)Dave L.
Food is ok. Maybe a little under average. They do have plenty of tv to watch games. Also they have a cool golf arcade system you can play with friends.
(3)Melissa H.
Amazing! The staff is down to earth and laid back. The jerk tacos are AMAZING!!!!!!!! And the craft beer selection is fabulous. I'm moving next door and pretty sure this is going to be my "Cheers". Love!
(5)Micki C.
Never thought to go here before but stopped for a drink after a show at the Orpheum while waiting for the parking ramp to clear out. Strongbow on tap! Why would I go anywhere else now?
(4)Sam W.
This place and Eli's are the *only* neighborhood bars for those of us who live on the northwest side of Hennepin, for which they get a whole star right off the bat. The other establishments nearby are too suburban-bro-infested or too fancy to get that distinction! The tap list here is a thing of beauty, and easily in the top ten for beer geeks looking for something from elsewhere in the USA. They don't have a ton of local offerings, but make up for it by having absolutely incredible one-off kegs from Surly that are near impossible to find anywhere else. What prompted me to write this review after so many years of loving the place is that, once again, I had my socks knocked off by one of their weekly specials - a french dip sandwich with habanero mayonnaise and a touch of Surly's limited release Porter in the Jus. It was straight-up the best french dip I have ever eaten in the Midwest, period freaking end - I used to live in Los Angeles, the home of the classic french dip, and had spent most of the past six years wallowing in mediocrity when trying to fulfill my craving for one. Other specials in the past that have really stood out are a monte cristo quesadilla, which was so wrong on paper but so, SO right the rest of the time. If you find yourself in a gaggle of yuppies who want to "party downtown" and all you can wish for is swift death instead of cowboy jack's, try and convince the gang to swing by here instead. They do literally everything better than the warehouse district's sprawling mess of appalling mediocrity, all for the same or lower prices.
(5)Joline E.
In a recent trip to the Pantages we stopped briefly Mackenzie because we had extra time. Upon stopping, we decided a fireball shot was the way to go. We got served pretty quickly at the bar but we're fairly disappointed at the size of the shots we received for $5 each. After tip we paid $12 for the shots in the attached photo. This was roughly the same price as two glasses of wine or two happy hour miso salmon wraps across the street at Marin. Next time we will stay at Marin, despite loving the atmosphere at Mackenzie. 5 for ambience, 1 for value.
(2)Emily R.
MacKenzie's Pub is a small town bar in the middle of the big city. I stopped in for happy hour and the beer but it was a great time! They have a big beer list with many beers on tap. We sat on the back patio and enjoyed the beautiful summer sun. Whatever they were smoking smelled amazing. I can't wait to go back and try out the food at this hidden gem.
(4)Sue S.
We popped in for a beer after a show at the Orpheum and had a pleasant time. This is one of those bars that is really long and narrow, so there's not a whole lot of wiggle room near the bar. The beer selection was good. About a dozen or so very good draft options. Didn't bother to look for more since that's what I was wanting. The bar staff was pretty friendly. Even though the place was really crowded, we were served pretty promptly. We stood around awkwardly for a few minutes before some genius in our group looked up and said, "Hey, there's an upstairs." The hallway/stairwell was not very well-lit, which might cause some problems depending on the sobriety level of your group. It also looked like there might be an actual outdoor patio, though the accessway was not open so we couldn't tell for sure. Once we got up there, we found an inside balcony basically with tables and even an additional bar. You can sit overlooking the floor and the main bar, and we found it to be pretty comfortable and actually pretty quiet, so we could converse easily amongst our group. We only stayed for one beer and didn't get anything to eat. But for a quick stop for a quick beer, MacKenzie did the trick just fine.
(4)Tanya R.
Love this place. I've randomly stopped in here several times when I've been in the area and they never disappoint me. Great drinks at reasonable prices. You will not go wrong stopping here!
(5)Clare S.
Struggled with how many stars to give MacKenzie. I love this place to death, which makes me think it deserves a 5. But, at the same time, the reason I love it is because it's really a solid 3 star bar. It is not trying to be fancy, it is not trying to be a dive, it is not trying to be hipster or anything else. Just a good, plain bar. Relaxed, cold beer, just effing solid, ya know? If you're looking for a 5 star bar, this isn't your spot. You probably won't fit in if that's your game.
(3)Jacqueline S.
Table of four on a Friday night, no wait, decent table, friendly server, food was just as expected and the grain salad is massive.
(4)Bryan W.
The bartender (Alicia Keys look-a-like) started throwing silverware at us and then tried to kick us out for reacting. Reverse racism.
(2)Dharmesh D.
Ambiance is not that good, not that clean either. Beers on tap ain't that cheap, considering its not a special bar. Crowd is ok. It not fancy bar, but good to just have a beer.
(3)Marisa P.
I've been going to MacKenzie since I turned 21, 7+ years ago. It is by far my favorite bar downtown. I love the atmosphere. I love the beer selection. They have tasty food. A great staff. TOUCH TONES and arcade style games. It is a great place to meet for a few drinks before heading to a show or someplace else, but it's also a great place to park your butt for the whole night out. In the summer they have the whole back patio/deck area open up with a lot of comfortable seating tucked back behind the building. In the winter, they convert the back area into an "icehouse" type room with lots of seating and heaters for the smokers. Their wait staff is very attentive and will always get you what you need. MacKenzie is a great, laid back, fun watering hole in the heart of down town Minneapolis.
(4)Jason K.
My buddy and I were here before a Twins game and I ordered a Surly Furious. I got my regular mug, which is a $20 mug filled with any beer and then you can reuse it anytime you come back to this awesome beer bar. George runs the place and is a great bartender that takes care of you whenever you come in. I ordered the Cuban, my favorite here, and the pickles were stacked high and the mustard was perfect. juicy pulled pork makes it one of the best Cubans in the cities. Allie's is the only one that compares. The atmosphere is perfect, TVs along the bar with ESPN on usually and the prices are very reasonable. They now have a rewards card that gives you $5 for every $85 you spend, pretty cool. Love this place!
(5)Kent E.
Great beer selection and atmosphere but some of the worst service I have ever had. Bartenders ignore you when you have an empty beer. Been here 3 times which is usually a benchmark you can use to judge a place and have had terrible service twice. Won't be back.
(1)Joshua N.
I've had two birthday parties there. I live a few blocks away. I love the taps, the patio, the darts, and general bar setup. I wanted to love the place... Unfortunately, the staff has mostly killed it for me. One day I realized I was sick of subjecting myself to the horribly rude bartenders and server staff; I've generally stopped going. They never open the upstairs; you'll be forgotten about on the patio; you'll be treated like crap when they do get to you, and the food definitely isn't a reason to stop by. I check in every once in awhile--only to again feel like I'm inconveniencing the female bartender that's usually behind the counter. Barring some sudden overhaul to the staff, I'll continue to spend a lot less money there than I did previously.
(2)Mariel L.
It's a bummer that I've never hung out here before during Broadway season, because apparently, the patio area is where you can catch some of the actors during their smoke break. It's Minneapolis' version of the stage door. Well, then, I gotta make sure I do that next season. Anyway, I've been to this place a couple times before; I remember my first time not being so great. I thought the tots were rather poorly done, a little soggy if not downright frozen in the middle. But, I've been here a couple more times since, and it's been a good experience. As mentioned earlier, they have a nice patio in the back, which is perfect for that anomalous March heat wave. Their happy hour food menu is also dirt cheap; just make sure to get the tots "extra crispy" so they keep it in the fryer the required 30 add'l seconds to make them edible. Beer selection is pretty good; they are a Scottish bar, too, so I'm guessing they have a good selection of whatever Scots drink. I'm guessing Scotch? (No kidding.)
(3)