McGinley's Pub - Anchorage

Let me open by saying that McGinely's was quite desolate when many other bars downtown were packed. And I am not sure why... The drinks were well made and delicious. The service was prompt and friendly. The live music was exceptional and appropriate for an Irish Pub. It was clean. The large bear statue in the entry way was photo worthy. Irish Car Bombs were 10 a piece. Beer price and spirits were appropriate. Why was it so sparse in people? Beats me? Excited to return and try the food.

So apparently they are no longer a restaurant and the location is being sold. Came here to grab something to eat and had to leave sadly. I'm giving I it one star because I reallly couldn't review it, and when it's sold who knows what it will be. However, I did see a review from a month ago saying it's being sold so why stop the food until it's a done deal. Who knows though, but looking forward to updating the review after the changes

Haven't been here in years and decided to try it out since the last time I was here, I found a fingernail in my pot pie. Despite that experience, I decided to give it another try. The puff pastry on top was great, but the filling had puddles of oil on the top. There were very few pieces of chicken in the pot pie. It was served with 2 slices of stale bread. We also ordered a salad Strawberry Fields but instead of strawberries, it was served with grapes. We had nuts on the side. For a $12+ salad, I was unimpressed. It looked like a side salad, one that I might pay $6/7 for but definitely not worth $12. My husband reminded me to lower my expectations since this is bar food, but how low do they need to be? Awful food experience. At least the black tan is consistent.

The last time I made the mistake coming to McGinley 's, I ordered their signature pretzel. It was an anorexic, rubbery, microwaved, previously-frozen Costco pretzel served with a cup of grainy mustard. I could not believe this was so misleadingly advertised on their menu. I 've since heard other things about their pretzels. Maybe I got them on an off-day? But I would have been rather told that they were out of the stupid pretzels than to be served something equivalent to what you 'd purchase at a Little League snack stand. Other tips: if you order a dip that is advertised with bread, and they run out of the bread, they will not tell you and they will give you tortilla chips. Their bartenders are very annoyed when they are interrupted by the audacity of a customer trying to make an order. Don 't expect a proper Black and Tan. Overall, my many experiences at McGinley 's have left me disinterested in visiting the bar again. There are plenty of other places in downtown that have better food, better service, and better prices.

Simple pub food, good beer. I love going for lunch, and Friday afternoons for a free pretzel with beer! I especially love the fire chicken salad!