Liquid Bread

You hear the name McNellie's and you think beer. Right. With more than 200 bottled beers and more on draught, the McNellie's has in a short time become synonymous with the best beer selection in Tulsa.

But another side of McNellie's is that the pub offers a menu full of good food, and that was the reason for my most recent visit. After attending a classical music concert at the PAC this particular Sunday afternoon, my nephew and I spent another hour or so at McNellie's for an early dinner.

One of the many great aspects of McNellie's is its location--my little nephew and I walked to McNellie's from the PAC, enjoying the leisurely stroll through downtown Tulsa.

We entered, were seated and presented a menu, and from there just had a great time. The menu offers Appetizers, Sandwiches, Soups & Salads, Entrees and Desserts. While many of the Appetizers sounded appealing (Artichoke dip, Chips and white Queso, Michael's Maryland Crab Cakes), my nephew was eager to get into the main course.

McNellie's offers some typical pub fare--Fish & Chips ($10.99) and Landlord's Cottage Pie ($10.99), but what diners will find is a variety of selections to please most guests. For example, some Sandwiches include Chicken Club ($8.99), Monterrey Chicken Wrap ($7.99), Take Me Back to Tulsa Club ($8.99), St. Patty's Melt ($7.99) and more.

My nephew went for Jimbo's Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($4.99) which is 2 slices of American and 2 slices of Swiss melted and served on Texas Toast. Sandwiches are served with a choice of Sweet Potato Fries, Pub Fries or Tabouli. Pub Fries was his choice.

I also selected from the Sandwiches menu, the Open Face Chili Cheeseburger ($8.99). This sandwich is and 8-ounce charbroiled burger, topped with Beer House Chili, cheese and diced onions. Texas Toast supports this burger. I chose one of my favorite sides--the Sweet Potato Fries.

My nephew enjoyed the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, especially the big size of the bread and the stringiness and softness of the cheeses. He devoured most of it with ease. The Pub Fries were doused with a ample amount of ketchup.

I asked for my burger medium rare, and it was delivered to order, which was perfect with the chili and cheese on top. The chili had a far away hint of sweetness, but only a hint. It was meaty and rich, perfect on this cool autumn day.

The Sweet Potato Fries, not just a seasonal item but a regularly featured side, were perfect with this meal.

These meals were perfect for us, but on another occasion, the Entrée selections might be something I'll try. The Public House Penne Marinara, Lemon Pepper Grilled Salmon, Fish & Chips, Meg's Chicken Finger Platter, Center cut Boneless Pork Loin Chops and Landlord's Cottage Pie.

Dessert included a large, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie ($3.50). To my nephew's taste, the nuts were not so appealing in the cookie, so I gladly finished the warm cookie.

Yes, McNellie's does serve more than beer, but don't leave without sampling at least one brew!

James E. McNellie's Public House

409 E. 1st St.

382-PINT

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 11am-12am

Rating:

Atmosphere ****

Food ****

Service *****