We can all drink or eat at home, so great atmosphere is important for a night out. The Abner Ale House delivers. I love the food. The staff is friendly. There is a great selection of things to drink. The other cool aspect of this place is the clientele. It is not filled to capacity with drunken college students. You can have a conversation with friends or meet someone new sitting at the bar.
(4)
Anna F.
It was great to finally check out the McNellie's down in Norman! The venue is similar to the one in midtown but I really liked the setup of secluded booths along the side. Their beer menu is far less substantial but they still have a large selection. It was cool to try some that aren't available at the other location. I didn't try any of the food while I was there but all of the food around me smelled awesome. Our service was so-so, nothing to complain about. I'll definitely be back when I'm in Norman again.
(4)
Daniel V.
This is a great place for laid back people that are a little past the college bar scene. However, drinks are much more expensive here than at the typical Norman bar. I eventually stopped going as my bill always seemed to be about twice as high as that of a typical night out at a Good-Life bar.
(3)
Hiba B.
Went there for Wednesday burger night. Usually there's a really long line but somehow we were seated after a few minutes. Their burgers and beer selection are amazing and it's a nice place to watch games as well. The service is sometimes slow and there aren't enough waiters. That night, they took forever to take our orders and the waiter also forgot about them later. But she apologized and took care of our beers which was very nice if her.
(4)
Cory H.
They have Banana Bread Beer! Wew! Finally Norman has a place serving a wide range of beers. And when I say "wide", I mean HUGE. And when I say "HUGE", I mean put your beer goggles on, WE'RE GOIN' FOR A SWIM! I like how they did the interior of this place. They kept it dark and real pub-like. The inside is kinda small, but that's a good thing because it will easily get packed on the right nights. And from what I've learned over the years, people who live in Norman like to wait to get in places. It makes them feel like they're accomplishing something by staying the course, and so they feel special once they finally get a table :) I really like the 8 foot long, dark, cozy booths tucked underneath the second floor. They're just perfect to stretch out on and take a nap after drinking for several hours, but remember to bring your own pillow, because the wait staff just stares at you all confused when you ask for one. Also steer clear of the quesadillas, because McNellie's isn't trying to be famous for mexican food, that's for sure :) But certainly give this pub a try, your hiccups will thank you!
(4)
Danny B.
This is the same establishment as McNellie's Abner Ale House, by the way. This pub, located in the heart of downtown Norman, offers an excellent value. I dined there several times between May and July 2011 with friends; all of us were in our early twenties. Generally, we went there for the Wednesday-evening $3 burger special. This special -- very popular, so expect a line beyond about 6:30 PM -- consisted of a hockey-puck-sized and thick hamburger with ketchup and some lettuce and onion with a generous portion of fries (standard ones; beer fries were 25 cents extra and are highly recommended). Although nothing truly special, the food was very well prepared. All of this was only $3! However, this pub is probably better known for its beer and wine selection, which was quite extensive. Unfortunately, I was not of legal drinking age last summer -- they card at the table without fail, just like every establishment in that part of Oklahoma -- but most of my friends were able to drink. They were complimentary of the rather exotic and unusual brews on the list. All the typical brews were also on the list. Wine and mixed drinks were also available. I glanced at the general menu a couple of the times I was there; prices seemed to run slightly high for Oklahoma standards. Considering how very crowded the pub was on Wednesday nights due to this unbeatable special, I rate the service as excellent. The food was always served hot, and drinks were refilled promptly; the service was friendly. I recommend the establishment and plan to return there if I am ever in Norman again (this time to have some beer!)
(4)
Felipe M.
Like the one in Tulsa, enormous selection of beer 300+, and awesome wait staff! Didnt eat at this one but, id imagine its awesome here too. Can accomidate a large group just reserve the "upstairs" area. Tables were clean, bathrooms as well. Stayed until almost close never felt rushed to leave.
(4)
Nancy T.
If only I lived in Oklahoma.... I visited this place this past Sunday 7/26,2015 with a group of friends around 1pm and the moment I step foot in this place, I felt right at home. For a while I have been looking for a pub where I can bring friends and enjoy each other's company. Kind of like...the tv show How I Met Your Mother. Kind of like that. A pub where you can just go where you get off work, get a few beers, and some grub. Also I loved the fact that it wasn't too crowded at all!! It had the right amount of people and the atmosphere was great! For my group of about 10 people....let me just say we were quite obnoxious. We were just there to hangout. Thank goodness there weren't a lot of people because we were playing games. Even some of the guys who worked there were intrigued by our mind games that were quite frustrating to some people. haha But anyways we didn't really order entrees per say. Instead we ordered appetizers. Let me just say, for appetizers that are served from pubs, aren't really all that great. EXCEPT, for some reason, food was pretty darn good. We ordered a bunch of fries, tots, spinach dip, soup, salad. Pretty much tapas. For things as simple as those, they were good. Fries were crispy on the outside and nice and potatoe-y on the inside, tots with bleu cheese and bacon were great. They use real bleu cheese! Basically food was good! Too bad we all already had a late breakfast that we weren't that hungry. Darn! Service was fantastic! We were served by this one guy, wish I got his name, but he was very patient, accommodating, and was always checking up on us. They also do this little program where if you sign up to commit to drinking about 100 beers, they keep a folder of your progress and once you complete, you get a prize. I think a plaque or something. Not sure. Some places are different. My experience was pretty solid. Loved it. I'm jealous. I would come back if I were to visit Oklahoma again.
(4)
Dena F.
Grabbed lunch before the game last Saturday. I was really excited to order a Texas Honey Cider. I don't know a ton of places that carry it in Dallas and I was sure Norman wouldn't have a thing with the word Texas scrawled across it, but there it was. It's delish and the waiter did a perfect pour into my chilled glass. The food was okay. I had the Brat plate with Tabbouleh on the side. I know it's an odd combo but I was looking for something not potato or kraut based. The Tabbouleh was really bad. It was all vinegar and no mint at all. The Brat was good. There was some kraut underneath it, but mostly for show. We also had some loaded tots with pulled pork and cheese. They were good but we didn't get any little plates until the entrees arrived. Service was okay at best save the pour.
(3)
Matt A.
Just not great tonight. Wouldn't let me sit at one of several empty 4-person tables so I could do some work while I ate dinner because it was trivia night....but trivia night wasn't due to start for over an hour. So I sat at a small rickety table, and couldn't work. The FB page advertised a certain beer, which they did have, but the waitress had no clue what I was talking about. The beer, which should have been served in a tulip, was served in a pint glass....well, that's another negative, it was a "pint" shaker glass that held only 12oz. Food took a long time, BUT to be fair, the food was actually really decent tonight. (Blackened chicken sandwich.) These guys just don't care about training. Improper glassware, servers don't know the beers. Regular problem here. Pub W has displaced Abner's as the best beer bar in Norman, even if Abner's has "more" beer.
(2)
Mandy M.
Great food and really fun atmosphere. They have a great variety of beers and cider beer. I ordered the pulled pork and it was excellent. The food came out really quickly and the wait staff was great.
(4)
Rachel S.
My favorite kind of pub is a quaint one. One that feels homey and small without being unbearably crowded with dudebros (sorry, dudebros, we just don't click). This McNellies hits it pretty well. I went there around 5:30 in the evening or so and it wasn't very crowded at all. It was a pleasant steady flow of patrons that created a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The barkeep was a nice gal who was good service and conversation, as well as being rather knowledgable about many of the beers we talked about. The few beers I had were good, of course. The raspberry cream beer mix was solid. Framboise is my jam, okay. I also partook of an obligatory Snakebite. As far as food goes, I'd give it a 4/5. The potato and leek soup is super affordable and filling, but I also ate a small order of their sweet potato fries with honey mustard. Jeff ordered their chicken strips and those were real tasty, too.
(5)
Erin D.
I found this place because of Yelp. I started by ordering a Ciderboys Peach Cider at the suggestion of the waiter, and he was spot on! I typically drink hard ciders, but he suggested something different, and he was right. I should also note the waiter was perfect - didn't bother me too much or too little, made appropriate small talk, etc. Good job! I ordered a small caesar salad, potato leek soup, and cottage pie. The salad was fresh, and the soup was extremely delicious! My only complaint (and reason for 3 stars) is the cottage pie. When I imagine cottage pie, I think of this thick layer of mashed potatoes with gravy on top and ground meat with veggies underneath this warming layer. I then like to mix everything together and watch the potatoes and gravy ooze within the meat. This is not the case with the cottage pie at this establishment. Sadly, you will have two dry circles of mashed potatoes on top of your meat. This means your meat gets cold because the mashed potatoes don't cover the meat (and therefore, there's no way to trap the heat). The meat itself had no flavor. I was utterly disappointed. My total was $22.28 for three food items and a cider (including tax). The ambience is great - it's a friendly, low-key, clean, homey place. The pub's easy to find, there's free WiFi, and free street parking's not too bad. Just don't get the cottage pie!
(3)
Anh L.
One of my favorite places to hang out in Norman. I'm here a lot of Wednesday nights for burger night for $4 burgers. The burger comes with a side, so this is a pretty good deal for a quality burger (most times). Usually if you go during a busy time on burger night (6:30-8ish), there can be quite a wait. They've got a plentiful beer selection (well, it is an ale house), and this place has a great atmosphere. There's lots of students here as well as adults. The wooden everything makes this place feel like home, and even when it holds a lot of people, it doesn't ever feel really crowded at all. It's a great place for drinks with friends or if you wanna watch the game although it's not really a full blown sports bar. Anyway, love this place. Definitely miss it when I'm not in Norman.
(4)
Jill H.
I love this place! Best beer menu in Norman, for decent prices. Full bar too. Food is good...basic burgers/wraps with some Irish staples. Beer battered fries are delicious! Pint Night on Mondays after 5pm, I have a bunch of glasses :) Trivia is fun on Tuesdays. Burger Night on Wednesdays is a great deal, but everyone thinks so...usually a good wait. Upstairs has darts and smoking. If you think you'll go a lot, get one of their beer sheets...fill in 100 different beers and you'll get a shirt. They can keep it in the file cabinet for you. Helps you keep track of what you've tried too!
(5)
Jeremy R.
It's a good place to meet and hang out on account of the atmosphere and draught beer selection. I've had mixed experiences with servers, with some being great, others completely disinterested, and others exasperated. The food is typical bar fare, nothing too special. Fish and chips were pretty good as the former were big and flaky. My first thought is not going there to eat. The upstairs has an old west, smoke-filled saloon vibe that would be great if the hipsters weren't "enjoying it ironically" in their rebellious-conformist ways.
(4)
Josephine S.
Everyone has their favorite McNellie's. In Tulsa they are the papa bear, the Mall of America of Irish pubs, while McNellie's in OKC is like the mama bear, the warehouse of beer. But I am a quaint Irish pub kind of gal and Abner's is the baby bear in Norman that is just right. Even without my bizarre analogies, the authentic charm of Abner's is inescapable. With its beautiful dark wood and stony corners, you won't be disappointed with your spot (although the bench seating is my favorite, it always feel like you are plotting a revolution). Head upstairs if you need a smoke or just a change of scenery. The vibe changes from pub to speakeasy and I love it. With nooks and crannies to eat their delicious pub fare (salads, soups, and $4 burger night every Wednesday - packed, but worth it) and the best beer menu in Norman, make sure McNellie's Abner is a stop on your next pub crawl, planned or impromptu.
(5)
Cayla L.
I like this place first and foremost for the casual atmosphere. It's on Main Street in Norman which is quite a bit different than Campus Corner (and frankly more refreshing... and mature...). The tables and chairs are all kind of mismatched and there is lots of homey wood decor everywhere. The service is normally adequate, nothing special but also very casual in this respect too. Servers are always in street clothes which for some reason makes a difference to me in feeling out the setting. The beer list is extensive and if you are unsure, the servers are always fully trained in giving advice for something new to try or something that may not be listed on the menu. The food is good... giving it 4 starts mostly for the lunch portions. You can get a whole bowl of Potato Leek Soup with grilled bread and here's the kicker... a 12 oz Guiness for only $6! I'd do this every day. They could get 5 stars on their beer-battered fries alone. Try making their housemade ranch with the hard cider BBQ sauce. So so so good... and so good to pair with beer!
(4)
Abbey H.
Went for brunch today. I enjoyed my french toast but everyone else at the table did not care for their food and one of my friends actually is sick from the food right now... Mixed feelings about this place
(2)
Patrick W.
Meh. That's what I think of the McNellie's Norman location. Is it terrible? Absolutely not. However, if 2 stars means that I've experienced better, than I have...because I've been to the McNellie's in Oh Kay See. The beer menu was big, but not nearly as expansive as the OKC location. However, they had some brews I haven't seen at the OKC location, which was a nice change. The food was McNellie's food. If you've eaten there, you already know how it taste, so I think we can just skip over that. The service was also just meh. There were long periods of time between seeing our server. On one ocassion, I made eye contact with the server, who then looked down and saw my empty glass, and then kept walking. I know everybody has a bad day from time to time and I wasn't upset...it was just...well, it was meh. I'm just spoiled by the servers at the OKC location, I suppose. I'll love every McNellie's, but this one just doesn't live up to the awesomeness that is the OKC location.
(2)
Clark W.
If you haven't been to McNellie's I'd basically ask you a couple of questions. Do you like to try different styles of beers? 2nd, do you like to have a few beers with bartenders that are friendly and know their stuff? If you answer yes to one or both, you should go. Food is good basic stuff. I like the loaded tots with chili and cheese and the Memphis burger. The beer selection is outstanding. They have their standard list, but always rotate new styles in. Tried my first Gose the other night. At table service, I have had friendly waiters and unfriendly waiters. Beer selection I rate them five stars. Food and service I rate them three stars for an overall average of four stars.
(4)
Vaughan L.
I came across this place on "accident" on a recent trip to Norman to visit my in-laws during the holidays. It was Christmas Eve and my wife and I used Yelp to find a great place for lunch and a drink and The Abner Ale House kept showing up on a lot of lists so we gave it a shot. Very cozy Irish Pub setting with a MASSIVE beer selection. It's very obvious that whoever picks their beers is a true beer nerd (in a very GOOD way). I loved their seasonal offering as well. Bartender was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable of almost all their beers. We told her a couple of beers we typically like and offered up several to try. We weren't disappointed. We weren't super hungry but we got a bowl of their potato & leek soup and it was delicious. If I lived in Norman I would probably call this place HOME.
(4)
Tammy G.
Exactly the place I would hang out if I were a local. Which is why my brother and his wife who ARE locals have personalized mugs hanging on the wall. They treated us to some really good beer here, and I can't wait to be back. Perfect atmosphere. The waitress was fun, and like at Cheers - she knew their names.
(5)
Emilie B.
As a former resident of Ireland (only 10 months, I'm not that fancy), I am ALWAYS on the lookout for pubs that resemble the ones I frequented in Ireland. And Abner's comes pretty close. If it were full of Irish people instead of Americans, I'd say it would be spot on. The food is delicious, and actually pretty close to your general pub fare in Ireland. They mix it up and have different specials, which is always nice, so you can try new things. Shepherd's Pie is amazing, and any version you can get your hands on to try, including at The Abner, you should. It's like your Mom is in the kitchen and made something just for you to make everything all better. The beer list is crazy extensive, just like it is at all the McNellie's. It's a beer heaven, and I love trying a new one every time. They also have pretty good specials, and about once a month they have a night where you try a beer and get to keep the pint glass, Which is great, because you don't have to hide it in your purse to take it home :) The seating is pretty ample for such a small place, there's a secret smoking second floor, and I've always received great service. And they have trivia night! All in all, if you're looking for an average priced dinner and some drinks in a comfortable, casual environment, head over to The Abner. And take it from someone who knows, you'll be relaxed like the Irish at their leisure in no time ;)
(5)
Joy M.
The beer selection is off the chain! I have a new found love for white belgians and they had one on tap! They also have a great bottled beer selection which fills up the whole back side of a menu. McNellie's really does remind me of a old dive you would find in Dublin. When you walk in you can smell beer and wood- real manly scents! I've sat on the first floor at a table and felt at home. The top floor has a smoking room where most people smoke pipes and stuff that smells like Black and Milds. Saturday nights they play live music. At the bar they have a couple flat screen TVs. Wednesday they hold a trivia night (I think) that's suppose to be geared towards "nerdy" stuff.
(4)
Sara P.
So a lot of people like this place. I, however, am not the biggest fan. They do have an excellent variety of beer. But I am not the biggest beer drinker. I typically like places where I can get a few drinks and eat good food and their burgers are super greasy. I've also tried their Chicken Caesar wrap and it was mediocre. I typically don't leave McNellie's satisfied. But if you are looking for a place with a lot of different beers, then you might think it's fine. However, there are other places that have a good beer selection and good food.
(2)
Nicole B.
Great bar food! Wonderful bartender! Pretty good service. Salads and sandwiches are always delicious and fresh. Main restaurant is smoke free and there is a smoking area available upstairs but also offers a full bar and food menu.
(4)
Miki I.
I'm not a big beer drinker, but when I go there, I always get their veggie burger. I really like that it doesn't try to hide that it's a veggie burger. It has a clear taste of black beans, and I love it that way. Also, this is important: Try their beer fries if you're getting a burger. You don't see beer fries on the menu, but just ask for it. It's so good. I can go there just for the beer fries. It's so crispy, and you won't be able to stop yourself. The only thing I don't like about Abner's is that it doesn't seem clean. I avoid looking at the corners of the room, because I'm afraid I'd find dust balls and plastic spoons, which would diminish my appetite significantly.
My favorite bar in the metro! The atmosphere is so comfortable. They have a kickass beer selection, an extremely pleasant staff, and the best fish and chips in town (gotta try the beer battered fries!).
(5)
Rick W.
I'm giving McNellie's 5 stars simply because this is one of only a handful of pubs I've ever been to where I truly felt relaxed and enjoyed myself. A magnificent selection of ale and whiskey, live music, and a staff that is not only courteous but helpful, wise, and listens!
(5)
Samantha S.
Love this place! Great chicken wrap and potato leek soup. Bartenders/waitresses were so nice and friendly (I stayed a while to watch the world series), if I moved here, this would be my go-to bar
(5)
Janon J.
Great drinks and great food. They serve high quality dishes for next to nothing. The daily special are always delicious.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Great beer menu, great service.
(5)
K D.
I'm rating this place 5 stars because the service is stellar and the brew selection is all a craft beer liver could ask for. This was my first time at this location (I usually go to the one in OKC). My boyfriend and i ordered a black bean burger and it was the bomb!! And my waitress Kathy was super helpful. Keep it up guys!
(5)
Tyler R.
Great beer selection, poor reuben though because the bread tasted of cinnamon & sugar
(3)
Stacey B.
My spouse and I finally ventured out one night to try McNellie's and were expecting a good meal and evening. Did not get that. They had karaoke going on and the staff was much more interested in how that was going, then in seating us or serving us. They finally cleaned off one of many dirty tables to seat us, then promptly forgot to get us the beer and appetizer that we ordered. My wife ordered the potato and leek soup which was cold and full of huge pieces of potato - bigger than the spoon head. No leek in the soup that we could tell, nor any salt or seasoning. Was awful. The shepherds pie was the same. Very bland. Not warm enough. It seemed like it was a HUGE bother for us to be there, ordering something other than alcohol. Was a big disappointment as pub food is a favorite of ours and we were hoping to find some decent close to home. Will not be going back.
(2)
Jonathan F.
this is my go to place for a beer on main street in norman. they definitely have the largest selection and can accommodate most requests! the bar/wait staff are all friendly and most have been there a while which make it nice bc most of the time they remember you after a few visits. the food is good, but honestly i usually frequent this place for a beer before a concert at the opolis up the street or after i have eaten somewhere else downtown. it's not that the food is bad, it's just that it's heavy bar food and i typically don't like to eat that style of food if i'm gonna go out after. location is perfect. it's situated on main st smack dab in the middle of norman's downtown arts district and roughly a mile from campus corner. makes for a great place to start an ou game day, and is a lot of fun on norman music festival weekend. they also have a st pats party that is one of the better ones in norman along with oconnel's!
(4)
Jessica W.
Burger specials are now $4! Still a great deal, though. Too bad the special doesn't extend to the veggie patties.
(4)
Jan S.
This is a decent Non-dive bar. I personally like dive bars. The abidance was very upbeat and the crowd was diverse. There was karaoke going on and the audience encouragement was abundant. I believe there were a couple of birthday parties going on. The drink selection here is good, with many beers on tap, more that the normal 3 or 4 at most places.
(3)
Allison K.
I think I expected too much from McNellie's. Though I give it 5 stars for atmosphere, the service was slow (though to be fair, we were sitting in the loft). The burgers were okay, and certainly worth $3 on Wednesdays (I think they're normally $6). Not a fan of the fries-- they were big and potato-y and lacking in seasoning. Overall, I just felt underwhelmed. I'd really rather drive up to Tapwerks for twice the beer variety and more knowledgeable service.
(3)
Carrie O.
Oh geez, this place is freaking fantastic! They have the best sweet potato fries! Their veggie burger is also really yummy... It's a housemade black bean & plantain patty that's semi-spicy and super filling. The veggie burger + sweet potato fries comes to under $7 and is a ridiculous amount of food. We came here w/ some friends and split the artichoke dip with them. It was quite good, and super rich! My husband tried the potato leek soup, too, and said it was good. Love that they do pint nights (buy the beer, get a free pint glass) and that they have a nice atmosphere. It's not too authentic to an Irish pub, but about as close as you'll get in Oklahoma (and I'm good w/ that!) I only took off one star because the service was a little spotty (this place gets very busy), and to her credit our waitress was very apologetic that the service was a bit slow/weird. I still wish it'd been better, but regardless I will certainly re-visit McNellie's on another visit to Norman. It's one of my new favorite places to eat when I'm in town :)!
(4)
Matthew C.
What a pub! As a vegetarian I've tried all 3 kinds of fries, the fried pickles, artichoke dip, publican's salad,and potato leak soup. As a beer enthusiast I love the 30 beers on tap and over a hundred on menu. Most people don't know about the second story with more seating, darts, and second full 30 tap bar! Cheers Norman.
(5)
Robot T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect for an evening out with friends to shoot the breeze, watch a game, or just to grab a quick bite. Waitresses are fantastic.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster, Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Live, Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sooner T.
We can all drink or eat at home, so great atmosphere is important for a night out. The Abner Ale House delivers. I love the food. The staff is friendly. There is a great selection of things to drink. The other cool aspect of this place is the clientele. It is not filled to capacity with drunken college students. You can have a conversation with friends or meet someone new sitting at the bar.
(4)Anna F.
It was great to finally check out the McNellie's down in Norman! The venue is similar to the one in midtown but I really liked the setup of secluded booths along the side. Their beer menu is far less substantial but they still have a large selection. It was cool to try some that aren't available at the other location. I didn't try any of the food while I was there but all of the food around me smelled awesome. Our service was so-so, nothing to complain about. I'll definitely be back when I'm in Norman again.
(4)Daniel V.
This is a great place for laid back people that are a little past the college bar scene. However, drinks are much more expensive here than at the typical Norman bar. I eventually stopped going as my bill always seemed to be about twice as high as that of a typical night out at a Good-Life bar.
(3)Hiba B.
Went there for Wednesday burger night. Usually there's a really long line but somehow we were seated after a few minutes. Their burgers and beer selection are amazing and it's a nice place to watch games as well. The service is sometimes slow and there aren't enough waiters. That night, they took forever to take our orders and the waiter also forgot about them later. But she apologized and took care of our beers which was very nice if her.
(4)Cory H.
They have Banana Bread Beer! Wew! Finally Norman has a place serving a wide range of beers. And when I say "wide", I mean HUGE. And when I say "HUGE", I mean put your beer goggles on, WE'RE GOIN' FOR A SWIM! I like how they did the interior of this place. They kept it dark and real pub-like. The inside is kinda small, but that's a good thing because it will easily get packed on the right nights. And from what I've learned over the years, people who live in Norman like to wait to get in places. It makes them feel like they're accomplishing something by staying the course, and so they feel special once they finally get a table :) I really like the 8 foot long, dark, cozy booths tucked underneath the second floor. They're just perfect to stretch out on and take a nap after drinking for several hours, but remember to bring your own pillow, because the wait staff just stares at you all confused when you ask for one. Also steer clear of the quesadillas, because McNellie's isn't trying to be famous for mexican food, that's for sure :) But certainly give this pub a try, your hiccups will thank you!
(4)Danny B.
This is the same establishment as McNellie's Abner Ale House, by the way. This pub, located in the heart of downtown Norman, offers an excellent value. I dined there several times between May and July 2011 with friends; all of us were in our early twenties. Generally, we went there for the Wednesday-evening $3 burger special. This special -- very popular, so expect a line beyond about 6:30 PM -- consisted of a hockey-puck-sized and thick hamburger with ketchup and some lettuce and onion with a generous portion of fries (standard ones; beer fries were 25 cents extra and are highly recommended). Although nothing truly special, the food was very well prepared. All of this was only $3! However, this pub is probably better known for its beer and wine selection, which was quite extensive. Unfortunately, I was not of legal drinking age last summer -- they card at the table without fail, just like every establishment in that part of Oklahoma -- but most of my friends were able to drink. They were complimentary of the rather exotic and unusual brews on the list. All the typical brews were also on the list. Wine and mixed drinks were also available. I glanced at the general menu a couple of the times I was there; prices seemed to run slightly high for Oklahoma standards. Considering how very crowded the pub was on Wednesday nights due to this unbeatable special, I rate the service as excellent. The food was always served hot, and drinks were refilled promptly; the service was friendly. I recommend the establishment and plan to return there if I am ever in Norman again (this time to have some beer!)
(4)Felipe M.
Like the one in Tulsa, enormous selection of beer 300+, and awesome wait staff! Didnt eat at this one but, id imagine its awesome here too. Can accomidate a large group just reserve the "upstairs" area. Tables were clean, bathrooms as well. Stayed until almost close never felt rushed to leave.
(4)Nancy T.
If only I lived in Oklahoma.... I visited this place this past Sunday 7/26,2015 with a group of friends around 1pm and the moment I step foot in this place, I felt right at home. For a while I have been looking for a pub where I can bring friends and enjoy each other's company. Kind of like...the tv show How I Met Your Mother. Kind of like that. A pub where you can just go where you get off work, get a few beers, and some grub. Also I loved the fact that it wasn't too crowded at all!! It had the right amount of people and the atmosphere was great! For my group of about 10 people....let me just say we were quite obnoxious. We were just there to hangout. Thank goodness there weren't a lot of people because we were playing games. Even some of the guys who worked there were intrigued by our mind games that were quite frustrating to some people. haha But anyways we didn't really order entrees per say. Instead we ordered appetizers. Let me just say, for appetizers that are served from pubs, aren't really all that great. EXCEPT, for some reason, food was pretty darn good. We ordered a bunch of fries, tots, spinach dip, soup, salad. Pretty much tapas. For things as simple as those, they were good. Fries were crispy on the outside and nice and potatoe-y on the inside, tots with bleu cheese and bacon were great. They use real bleu cheese! Basically food was good! Too bad we all already had a late breakfast that we weren't that hungry. Darn! Service was fantastic! We were served by this one guy, wish I got his name, but he was very patient, accommodating, and was always checking up on us. They also do this little program where if you sign up to commit to drinking about 100 beers, they keep a folder of your progress and once you complete, you get a prize. I think a plaque or something. Not sure. Some places are different. My experience was pretty solid. Loved it. I'm jealous. I would come back if I were to visit Oklahoma again.
(4)Dena F.
Grabbed lunch before the game last Saturday. I was really excited to order a Texas Honey Cider. I don't know a ton of places that carry it in Dallas and I was sure Norman wouldn't have a thing with the word Texas scrawled across it, but there it was. It's delish and the waiter did a perfect pour into my chilled glass. The food was okay. I had the Brat plate with Tabbouleh on the side. I know it's an odd combo but I was looking for something not potato or kraut based. The Tabbouleh was really bad. It was all vinegar and no mint at all. The Brat was good. There was some kraut underneath it, but mostly for show. We also had some loaded tots with pulled pork and cheese. They were good but we didn't get any little plates until the entrees arrived. Service was okay at best save the pour.
(3)Matt A.
Just not great tonight. Wouldn't let me sit at one of several empty 4-person tables so I could do some work while I ate dinner because it was trivia night....but trivia night wasn't due to start for over an hour. So I sat at a small rickety table, and couldn't work. The FB page advertised a certain beer, which they did have, but the waitress had no clue what I was talking about. The beer, which should have been served in a tulip, was served in a pint glass....well, that's another negative, it was a "pint" shaker glass that held only 12oz. Food took a long time, BUT to be fair, the food was actually really decent tonight. (Blackened chicken sandwich.) These guys just don't care about training. Improper glassware, servers don't know the beers. Regular problem here. Pub W has displaced Abner's as the best beer bar in Norman, even if Abner's has "more" beer.
(2)Mandy M.
Great food and really fun atmosphere. They have a great variety of beers and cider beer. I ordered the pulled pork and it was excellent. The food came out really quickly and the wait staff was great.
(4)Rachel S.
My favorite kind of pub is a quaint one. One that feels homey and small without being unbearably crowded with dudebros (sorry, dudebros, we just don't click). This McNellies hits it pretty well. I went there around 5:30 in the evening or so and it wasn't very crowded at all. It was a pleasant steady flow of patrons that created a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The barkeep was a nice gal who was good service and conversation, as well as being rather knowledgable about many of the beers we talked about. The few beers I had were good, of course. The raspberry cream beer mix was solid. Framboise is my jam, okay. I also partook of an obligatory Snakebite. As far as food goes, I'd give it a 4/5. The potato and leek soup is super affordable and filling, but I also ate a small order of their sweet potato fries with honey mustard. Jeff ordered their chicken strips and those were real tasty, too.
(5)Erin D.
I found this place because of Yelp. I started by ordering a Ciderboys Peach Cider at the suggestion of the waiter, and he was spot on! I typically drink hard ciders, but he suggested something different, and he was right. I should also note the waiter was perfect - didn't bother me too much or too little, made appropriate small talk, etc. Good job! I ordered a small caesar salad, potato leek soup, and cottage pie. The salad was fresh, and the soup was extremely delicious! My only complaint (and reason for 3 stars) is the cottage pie. When I imagine cottage pie, I think of this thick layer of mashed potatoes with gravy on top and ground meat with veggies underneath this warming layer. I then like to mix everything together and watch the potatoes and gravy ooze within the meat. This is not the case with the cottage pie at this establishment. Sadly, you will have two dry circles of mashed potatoes on top of your meat. This means your meat gets cold because the mashed potatoes don't cover the meat (and therefore, there's no way to trap the heat). The meat itself had no flavor. I was utterly disappointed. My total was $22.28 for three food items and a cider (including tax). The ambience is great - it's a friendly, low-key, clean, homey place. The pub's easy to find, there's free WiFi, and free street parking's not too bad. Just don't get the cottage pie!
(3)Anh L.
One of my favorite places to hang out in Norman. I'm here a lot of Wednesday nights for burger night for $4 burgers. The burger comes with a side, so this is a pretty good deal for a quality burger (most times). Usually if you go during a busy time on burger night (6:30-8ish), there can be quite a wait. They've got a plentiful beer selection (well, it is an ale house), and this place has a great atmosphere. There's lots of students here as well as adults. The wooden everything makes this place feel like home, and even when it holds a lot of people, it doesn't ever feel really crowded at all. It's a great place for drinks with friends or if you wanna watch the game although it's not really a full blown sports bar. Anyway, love this place. Definitely miss it when I'm not in Norman.
(4)Jill H.
I love this place! Best beer menu in Norman, for decent prices. Full bar too. Food is good...basic burgers/wraps with some Irish staples. Beer battered fries are delicious! Pint Night on Mondays after 5pm, I have a bunch of glasses :) Trivia is fun on Tuesdays. Burger Night on Wednesdays is a great deal, but everyone thinks so...usually a good wait. Upstairs has darts and smoking. If you think you'll go a lot, get one of their beer sheets...fill in 100 different beers and you'll get a shirt. They can keep it in the file cabinet for you. Helps you keep track of what you've tried too!
(5)Jeremy R.
It's a good place to meet and hang out on account of the atmosphere and draught beer selection. I've had mixed experiences with servers, with some being great, others completely disinterested, and others exasperated. The food is typical bar fare, nothing too special. Fish and chips were pretty good as the former were big and flaky. My first thought is not going there to eat. The upstairs has an old west, smoke-filled saloon vibe that would be great if the hipsters weren't "enjoying it ironically" in their rebellious-conformist ways.
(4)Josephine S.
Everyone has their favorite McNellie's. In Tulsa they are the papa bear, the Mall of America of Irish pubs, while McNellie's in OKC is like the mama bear, the warehouse of beer. But I am a quaint Irish pub kind of gal and Abner's is the baby bear in Norman that is just right. Even without my bizarre analogies, the authentic charm of Abner's is inescapable. With its beautiful dark wood and stony corners, you won't be disappointed with your spot (although the bench seating is my favorite, it always feel like you are plotting a revolution). Head upstairs if you need a smoke or just a change of scenery. The vibe changes from pub to speakeasy and I love it. With nooks and crannies to eat their delicious pub fare (salads, soups, and $4 burger night every Wednesday - packed, but worth it) and the best beer menu in Norman, make sure McNellie's Abner is a stop on your next pub crawl, planned or impromptu.
(5)Cayla L.
I like this place first and foremost for the casual atmosphere. It's on Main Street in Norman which is quite a bit different than Campus Corner (and frankly more refreshing... and mature...). The tables and chairs are all kind of mismatched and there is lots of homey wood decor everywhere. The service is normally adequate, nothing special but also very casual in this respect too. Servers are always in street clothes which for some reason makes a difference to me in feeling out the setting. The beer list is extensive and if you are unsure, the servers are always fully trained in giving advice for something new to try or something that may not be listed on the menu. The food is good... giving it 4 starts mostly for the lunch portions. You can get a whole bowl of Potato Leek Soup with grilled bread and here's the kicker... a 12 oz Guiness for only $6! I'd do this every day. They could get 5 stars on their beer-battered fries alone. Try making their housemade ranch with the hard cider BBQ sauce. So so so good... and so good to pair with beer!
(4)Abbey H.
Went for brunch today. I enjoyed my french toast but everyone else at the table did not care for their food and one of my friends actually is sick from the food right now... Mixed feelings about this place
(2)Patrick W.
Meh. That's what I think of the McNellie's Norman location. Is it terrible? Absolutely not. However, if 2 stars means that I've experienced better, than I have...because I've been to the McNellie's in Oh Kay See. The beer menu was big, but not nearly as expansive as the OKC location. However, they had some brews I haven't seen at the OKC location, which was a nice change. The food was McNellie's food. If you've eaten there, you already know how it taste, so I think we can just skip over that. The service was also just meh. There were long periods of time between seeing our server. On one ocassion, I made eye contact with the server, who then looked down and saw my empty glass, and then kept walking. I know everybody has a bad day from time to time and I wasn't upset...it was just...well, it was meh. I'm just spoiled by the servers at the OKC location, I suppose. I'll love every McNellie's, but this one just doesn't live up to the awesomeness that is the OKC location.
(2)Clark W.
If you haven't been to McNellie's I'd basically ask you a couple of questions. Do you like to try different styles of beers? 2nd, do you like to have a few beers with bartenders that are friendly and know their stuff? If you answer yes to one or both, you should go. Food is good basic stuff. I like the loaded tots with chili and cheese and the Memphis burger. The beer selection is outstanding. They have their standard list, but always rotate new styles in. Tried my first Gose the other night. At table service, I have had friendly waiters and unfriendly waiters. Beer selection I rate them five stars. Food and service I rate them three stars for an overall average of four stars.
(4)Vaughan L.
I came across this place on "accident" on a recent trip to Norman to visit my in-laws during the holidays. It was Christmas Eve and my wife and I used Yelp to find a great place for lunch and a drink and The Abner Ale House kept showing up on a lot of lists so we gave it a shot. Very cozy Irish Pub setting with a MASSIVE beer selection. It's very obvious that whoever picks their beers is a true beer nerd (in a very GOOD way). I loved their seasonal offering as well. Bartender was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable of almost all their beers. We told her a couple of beers we typically like and offered up several to try. We weren't disappointed. We weren't super hungry but we got a bowl of their potato & leek soup and it was delicious. If I lived in Norman I would probably call this place HOME.
(4)Tammy G.
Exactly the place I would hang out if I were a local. Which is why my brother and his wife who ARE locals have personalized mugs hanging on the wall. They treated us to some really good beer here, and I can't wait to be back. Perfect atmosphere. The waitress was fun, and like at Cheers - she knew their names.
(5)Emilie B.
As a former resident of Ireland (only 10 months, I'm not that fancy), I am ALWAYS on the lookout for pubs that resemble the ones I frequented in Ireland. And Abner's comes pretty close. If it were full of Irish people instead of Americans, I'd say it would be spot on. The food is delicious, and actually pretty close to your general pub fare in Ireland. They mix it up and have different specials, which is always nice, so you can try new things. Shepherd's Pie is amazing, and any version you can get your hands on to try, including at The Abner, you should. It's like your Mom is in the kitchen and made something just for you to make everything all better. The beer list is crazy extensive, just like it is at all the McNellie's. It's a beer heaven, and I love trying a new one every time. They also have pretty good specials, and about once a month they have a night where you try a beer and get to keep the pint glass, Which is great, because you don't have to hide it in your purse to take it home :) The seating is pretty ample for such a small place, there's a secret smoking second floor, and I've always received great service. And they have trivia night! All in all, if you're looking for an average priced dinner and some drinks in a comfortable, casual environment, head over to The Abner. And take it from someone who knows, you'll be relaxed like the Irish at their leisure in no time ;)
(5)Joy M.
The beer selection is off the chain! I have a new found love for white belgians and they had one on tap! They also have a great bottled beer selection which fills up the whole back side of a menu. McNellie's really does remind me of a old dive you would find in Dublin. When you walk in you can smell beer and wood- real manly scents! I've sat on the first floor at a table and felt at home. The top floor has a smoking room where most people smoke pipes and stuff that smells like Black and Milds. Saturday nights they play live music. At the bar they have a couple flat screen TVs. Wednesday they hold a trivia night (I think) that's suppose to be geared towards "nerdy" stuff.
(4)Sara P.
So a lot of people like this place. I, however, am not the biggest fan. They do have an excellent variety of beer. But I am not the biggest beer drinker. I typically like places where I can get a few drinks and eat good food and their burgers are super greasy. I've also tried their Chicken Caesar wrap and it was mediocre. I typically don't leave McNellie's satisfied. But if you are looking for a place with a lot of different beers, then you might think it's fine. However, there are other places that have a good beer selection and good food.
(2)Nicole B.
Great bar food! Wonderful bartender! Pretty good service. Salads and sandwiches are always delicious and fresh. Main restaurant is smoke free and there is a smoking area available upstairs but also offers a full bar and food menu.
(4)Miki I.
I'm not a big beer drinker, but when I go there, I always get their veggie burger. I really like that it doesn't try to hide that it's a veggie burger. It has a clear taste of black beans, and I love it that way. Also, this is important: Try their beer fries if you're getting a burger. You don't see beer fries on the menu, but just ask for it. It's so good. I can go there just for the beer fries. It's so crispy, and you won't be able to stop yourself. The only thing I don't like about Abner's is that it doesn't seem clean. I avoid looking at the corners of the room, because I'm afraid I'd find dust balls and plastic spoons, which would diminish my appetite significantly.
(4)Stefanie I.
The good, they have a lot of beer! It kind of reminds me of a place back home who had a "mug" club for beer drinkers. The atmosphere is nice, I love the feel of this place. A really neat bar. The waiter was super nice and on top of it. The food, I ordered a burger and the boy ordered the patty melt. The food was good, nothing special. Just bar food. But, this place is in luck, I love bar food. In général I like this place, but I'm not a beer drinker, my husband on the other hand is a beer snob and he also LOVED this place. Now I just need to find him a beer buddy and I'll finally get him our of my hair.
(4)Kate F.
My favorite bar in the metro! The atmosphere is so comfortable. They have a kickass beer selection, an extremely pleasant staff, and the best fish and chips in town (gotta try the beer battered fries!).
(5)Rick W.
I'm giving McNellie's 5 stars simply because this is one of only a handful of pubs I've ever been to where I truly felt relaxed and enjoyed myself. A magnificent selection of ale and whiskey, live music, and a staff that is not only courteous but helpful, wise, and listens!
(5)Samantha S.
Love this place! Great chicken wrap and potato leek soup. Bartenders/waitresses were so nice and friendly (I stayed a while to watch the world series), if I moved here, this would be my go-to bar
(5)Janon J.
Great drinks and great food. They serve high quality dishes for next to nothing. The daily special are always delicious.
(5)Jennifer S.
Great beer menu, great service.
(5)K D.
I'm rating this place 5 stars because the service is stellar and the brew selection is all a craft beer liver could ask for. This was my first time at this location (I usually go to the one in OKC). My boyfriend and i ordered a black bean burger and it was the bomb!! And my waitress Kathy was super helpful. Keep it up guys!
(5)Tyler R.
Great beer selection, poor reuben though because the bread tasted of cinnamon & sugar
(3)Stacey B.
My spouse and I finally ventured out one night to try McNellie's and were expecting a good meal and evening. Did not get that. They had karaoke going on and the staff was much more interested in how that was going, then in seating us or serving us. They finally cleaned off one of many dirty tables to seat us, then promptly forgot to get us the beer and appetizer that we ordered. My wife ordered the potato and leek soup which was cold and full of huge pieces of potato - bigger than the spoon head. No leek in the soup that we could tell, nor any salt or seasoning. Was awful. The shepherds pie was the same. Very bland. Not warm enough. It seemed like it was a HUGE bother for us to be there, ordering something other than alcohol. Was a big disappointment as pub food is a favorite of ours and we were hoping to find some decent close to home. Will not be going back.
(2)Jonathan F.
this is my go to place for a beer on main street in norman. they definitely have the largest selection and can accommodate most requests! the bar/wait staff are all friendly and most have been there a while which make it nice bc most of the time they remember you after a few visits. the food is good, but honestly i usually frequent this place for a beer before a concert at the opolis up the street or after i have eaten somewhere else downtown. it's not that the food is bad, it's just that it's heavy bar food and i typically don't like to eat that style of food if i'm gonna go out after. location is perfect. it's situated on main st smack dab in the middle of norman's downtown arts district and roughly a mile from campus corner. makes for a great place to start an ou game day, and is a lot of fun on norman music festival weekend. they also have a st pats party that is one of the better ones in norman along with oconnel's!
(4)Jessica W.
Burger specials are now $4! Still a great deal, though. Too bad the special doesn't extend to the veggie patties.
(4)Jan S.
This is a decent Non-dive bar. I personally like dive bars. The abidance was very upbeat and the crowd was diverse. There was karaoke going on and the audience encouragement was abundant. I believe there were a couple of birthday parties going on. The drink selection here is good, with many beers on tap, more that the normal 3 or 4 at most places.
(3)Allison K.
I think I expected too much from McNellie's. Though I give it 5 stars for atmosphere, the service was slow (though to be fair, we were sitting in the loft). The burgers were okay, and certainly worth $3 on Wednesdays (I think they're normally $6). Not a fan of the fries-- they were big and potato-y and lacking in seasoning. Overall, I just felt underwhelmed. I'd really rather drive up to Tapwerks for twice the beer variety and more knowledgeable service.
(3)Carrie O.
Oh geez, this place is freaking fantastic! They have the best sweet potato fries! Their veggie burger is also really yummy... It's a housemade black bean & plantain patty that's semi-spicy and super filling. The veggie burger + sweet potato fries comes to under $7 and is a ridiculous amount of food. We came here w/ some friends and split the artichoke dip with them. It was quite good, and super rich! My husband tried the potato leek soup, too, and said it was good. Love that they do pint nights (buy the beer, get a free pint glass) and that they have a nice atmosphere. It's not too authentic to an Irish pub, but about as close as you'll get in Oklahoma (and I'm good w/ that!) I only took off one star because the service was a little spotty (this place gets very busy), and to her credit our waitress was very apologetic that the service was a bit slow/weird. I still wish it'd been better, but regardless I will certainly re-visit McNellie's on another visit to Norman. It's one of my new favorite places to eat when I'm in town :)!
(4)Matthew C.
What a pub! As a vegetarian I've tried all 3 kinds of fries, the fried pickles, artichoke dip, publican's salad,and potato leak soup. As a beer enthusiast I love the 30 beers on tap and over a hundred on menu. Most people don't know about the second story with more seating, darts, and second full 30 tap bar! Cheers Norman.
(5)Robot T.
Great food and atmosphere. Perfect for an evening out with friends to shoot the breeze, watch a game, or just to grab a quick bite. Waitresses are fantastic.
(5)