Mcnellies in Norman?

[Kelvin]

Pepe's moved into the old Turquoise

[warreng88]

Here is an article from the Tulsa World talking to J. Elliott Nelson about his past and future:

Tulsa World: Blue streak

Notice five paragraphs down:

"Nelson started opening restaurants less than six years ago with James E. McNellie's Public House on borrowed money and support from the building's owner. The pub and restaurant are so successful that he opened a second location in Oklahoma City in 2008 and is preparing a third location to cater to the college crowd in Norman in January."

[progressiveboy]

You are correct. It is scheduled to open in Norman in January. There was a article in todays TW in the business section that states they will be opening in Norman, however, it did not state where it was going to be located.

[MsDarkstar]

I was in Norman on Saturday & when I drove down Main St. I saw a sign in the spot to the West of Forward Foods that had a sign on it that said "James A. McNellie's Public House" coming soon.

[brian]

anyone know the open date?

[blangtang]

An offshoot of a popular Tulsa bar that claims to have one of the largest beer selections in the state is slated to open in downtown Norman early in 2010.

The two-story Abner's Ale House, owned by a Tulsa group that operates James E. McNellie's Public House in downtown Tulsa and another bar in Oklahoma City, is under construction on Main Street in Norman, company spokesman Adam Price says. He said the new bar is scheduled open in late January 2010 or early February, although he said that date could get pushed back a bit.

The Norman Transcript - Setting the bar

[sara_ann]

Yes, it's going to be 2 story! I walk by that block almost everyday and progress is looking really good. Plumbers are there almost everyday and the bar downstairs is built. I've heard opening date in late January or early February? Sign outside does say "McNellies"

[dismayed]

I assume they're going with Abner's as a reference to Abner Norman, city surveyor/founder?

[progressiveboy]

I assume they're going with Abner's as a reference to Abner Norman, city surveyor/founder?

Name is kinda hokey if you ask me. McNellies sounds better especially if it's an Irish bar.

[blangtang]

there was an Abners that was in an old pizza hut building at alameda and 12th. it failed. I wonder if they are up on that.

i heard they are shooting for a feb 5th opening. i hope they put coach's, bison witches and blu out of bizness!

[betts]

I love McNellie's. I would expect it to do very well in Norman.

[twade]

I passed it yesterday. The building is a bold red in color. I peeked inside the windows, and I think it will be very cool. I think it will bring a different crowd downtown. It looks a bit more refined than what is offered on Campus Corner. Completely disagree about hoping it shuts down the other bars. I graduated in May, and Bison and Blu are very popular with OU students. Bison = cheap beers on Thurs (Bill's poker on Wed.) Blu = a sane alternative to seven47. Blu is a place guys are actually willing to go, and it has become more popular as the girls would rather eat there than Seven. Seven has become almost unbearable, and this is coming from a Greek product.

[Andrew4OU]

there was an Abners that was in an old pizza hut building at alameda and 12th. it failed. I wonder if they are up on that.

i heard they are shooting for a feb 5th opening. i hope they put coach's, bison witches and blu out of bizness!

Not me. I love those three places.

[triumphrider74]

This should be a cool place to grab a brew. It's a shotgun style space, very narrow and really long.
Any word on when it's opening?

[triumphrider74]

Went by there Friday and it's looks very close to opening. The front of the building is painted red. It's looks really cool. You can see right into both levels.

[Andrew4OU]

I had dinner with a couple of friends at Bison Witches yesterday. McNellies looks VERY close to being finished! Can't wait.

[Mydalmationis8]

I went inside tonight. It hasn't opened yet, but the people working there allowed me to tour because the 2nd Friday art program was going and I looked interested in their spot.
There is an upper deck on the first floor as well as a completely usable second floor. There full-size are bars on both floors, and the guy I spoke with told me that the Norman location will have the full McNellie's menu. They'll have 30 beers on tap. The wait staff start training tomorrow, and opening is scheduled for next week.
All I can say is, "Wow!" Lots of wood. Wood floors, wood paneling, etc. They have some large booths as well as tables. Restrooms on both floors. I went to the second floor and looked out over Main Street and directly into the Mainsite Gallery. It's not much of a view, but it's the best thing around until the Vista re-opens.

[triumphrider74]

Very informative, Mydalmation. Thanks!

[Uncle Slayton]

Can't wait til this opens. Hopefully they'll also adopt the $3.00 burger happy hour on Wednesday, although in a university town, that might be a financially disastrous promo.

[BimmerSooner]

Went by today. Looks very cool. Sign on door said opening later this week. Not specific as to the day.

[kevinpate]

Can't wait til this opens. Hopefully they'll also adopt the $3.00 burger happy hour on Wednesday, although in a university town, that might be a financially disastrous promo.

All depends on what they charge for the wash it down jugs

[BoulderSooner]

went last night for a training meal ... very cool place with a great staff

they open to the public tomorrow tuesday the 16th ...

pint nights will start next monday .. and burger nights will start the wed after st patricks day

[triumphrider74]

Went there last night. The renovations are awesome. I got the Cottage Pie and Tabouli with a Fuller's ESB Draught and the beautiful lady I was with got a grilled chicken Sandwiches and a Gin & Tonic. Everything was delicious. There were masked Mardi Gras girls handing out beads and Abita church keys. Nice!! Only one complaint: the Cottage Pie could be a larger serving.
Overall I'd give it an 8 of 10.

[oknacreous]

I went last night as well - a very good start! I loved the ambiance. Service was quick, food was good (not great - but I'm there for the beer, not the food). I tried 4 of the beers on tap - (it was fat Tuesday, after all) and all were good. Will have to try the other 26 soon.

[Uncle Slayton]

I was there around 6:00 PM on opening night. I love the 'midtown' McNellie's, so I really want to like this one, but it's going to take a couple more data points at least.

The food was truly mediocre, pub fries were cold and mushy and the corned beef was stringy. Completely unlike what I'm accustomed to at the other place.

They did redeem themselves somewhat with the bread pudding, but I'm going to give them the benefit of opening day jitters and try again in a couple weeks when they get their system down.