McNellie's

[jbrown84]

Seems to me that the dark wood would be a bit of a cliche, something you would find at a Bennigan's or something. As it is, the interior is very unique -- a plus in my book.

I agree. Love the look of the place. Very restrained.

[jarrington00]

All McNellie's could use is a rooftop patio overlooking downtown.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Grand opening today! The mayor and bagpipes are here.

Why at 9 am? There is almost nobody here.

[metro]

Of course, the city and city agencies always like to schedule events when most of the general public can't come. That's how they keep the good ole boy network alive. I'm glad times are slowly changing though.

[FritterGirl]

It could also be because mornings are often the best times to do special events such as this (ribbbon cuttings, ground breakings, etc.), in order to draw the media there.

By 11 a.m., most media outlets have got their noon packages pretty well wrapped up. Their p.m. coverage is mostly saved for bigger news stories, and breaking news events, not pub grand openings.

That said, an official evening "Grand Opening" party would be fun.

[DelCamino]

Metro, what the heck are you talking about?

Your continued comments, weak and unsubstanitated, against the city and an imaginary 'good ol' boy' network, kill your credibility.

I've been on the 'inside' for 18 years and still can't find this network. Think about it: What possible reason would the city and city agencies have for scheduling an event when most of the general public cant come. Balderdash!

Just maybe, it's due to schedules and such, media time cycles and the like. And....you can bet that McNellie's, the private business for whom this event is happening, had something to do with the timing.

Get real................

[metro]

DelCamino, I know your new, but I think my credibility has been proven over the last 4+ years on this site and my involvement with the city and other public groups. Yes, perhaps the McNellies comment was a little out of line, but what about agencies like OCURA, who are known for scheduling odd meeting times, locations and often cancelling them for a to be determined date and time at the last minute. Public agencies such as OCURA rarely post their meetings well in advance so the public can make plans to attend them. I know, I've tried attending them as have other of my friends that are on the "inside" as you say. I have a city document stating their meetings are to be held on a certain day and time each month in their chambers, but I know (and several key people in this city) know they go into "executive session".

Answer me this, why doesn't such a vital public agency have a website or have no desire whatsoever to have a website? Why aren't the meetings of their minutes available online through having their own website or through the cities website, after all, they are a city agency funded by taxpayers.

[FritterGirl]

This is not a thread about OCURA. Can we for once keep them out of this? Go whine about them in another thread.

[OkieHornet]

never made it to dubliners... what part of town is it in?

lower Greenville.

[DelCamino]

Not that any of this is related to this topic..............

No one ever said it was easy following government. Meetings are posted and held all the time. And yes, occaisionally they are rescheduled due to things such as a lack of quorum that isn't known until the meeting is held.

I agree completely that OCURA should have a public website, but because there isn't one doesn't reflect they are a closed and secretive agency. You're as welcome as you can be to march up to the 24th floor and obtain hard copies of minutes of the meetings. While websites are convenient, as of this date, no law requires such a site, and to imply, that merely because the office isn't run in the manner which you believe it should be, that the office is then somehow incahoots with the underworld, well, is a reach.

Never having had trouble accessing info from OCURA, knowing when and where their meetings are held, knowing they are public meetings, and attending many of them, I'd be interested in knowing specifics of your experiences with these secret meetings.

[DelCamino]

...and Metro, I hope you don't believe that a member's post count or Join Date is an accurate indication of how long they have been aware of what's been said on this forum. I assure in my case, it's not.

[DelCamino]

Sorry FritterGirl, you're right...........

[jbrown84]

This is nothing like OCURA scheduling. Completely different. I'm sure there will be festivities tonight, but this was probably the only time Mick could fit it into his schedule. No reason to get bent out of shape, metro.

[BDP]

Can I get a balderdash emoticon?

[Euphoria]

I ate lunch there today with some co-workers. Two of us ordered the fish & chips. Granted, I've had better in London but I haven't had better in OKC. They were very good.

One of the other guys got the open-faced chili cheeseburger and said it was outstanding. The fourth member of our party ordered their version of a shepards pie. He didn't comment (he was to busy eating) but it looked VERY good.

Service was excellent and I loved the atmosphere. Also, our waitress advised us that they'd be starting a "beer college" that included beer tastings which would be open to the public. She wasn't sure what kind of charge would be involved or a timeframe but we signed up for the newsletter.

Overall I was quite impressed. I'll definately go back.

[positano]

KUDOS
Meatloaf / meatloaf sandwich is outstanding. One of the best things on the menu.

CONCERNS
Staff doesn't know the beer menu very well (yet). I ordered a couple of beers (draft) I'm very familiar with and I'm confident they didn't bring what I ordered. Not a big problem - I'm sure it will continue to improve.

[mwmcl]

The McNellie's Building in OKC has more character than the McNellie's Building in Tulsa.

The Tulsa location will always be special because it was his first building, but I think this location might turn out to be his best restaraunt by far. The third floor has amazing potential.

[Pete]

The third floor has amazing potential.

Unfortunately, I'll never step foot up there as long as they allow smoking.

I know they are actively working on banning smoking in all indoor businesses in OK, so I'm hopeful that change will come soon.

[mwmcl]

^^^

As a functioning asthmatic, I begrudgingly agree. It would have been nice to have some sort of rooftop patio for all the smokers.

But I'll have to game up and allow my lungs to take a pounding and enjoy some some of the many, many Scotches they have available.

[MestaParkMan]

I agree! Smoking should banned in all public places. It would be better if no one smoked anymore but a ban would have immediate positive benefits for the employees of these types of establishments.

I tried to go back to McNellies last friday night and passed on the 45 min plus wait for a table. We had dinner at Irma's and it was delish! It looks parking be an ongoing issue for this neighborhood.

[mwmcl]

parking will indeed be at a premium. I've resigned to hitting lunch at 11 AM or 1 PM... otherwise the parking is insane. As it is at Irma's and such.

Maybe the best thing to do is park behind Cafe de Brasil and walk across the street. If the wait is too long then go to Brasil or Irma's and finish the night with a pint at McNellie's

[Pete]

Don't forget Prairie Thunder has some really nice lunch options as well.

As far as the parking, it seems the little garage behind Plaza Court is not being used as much as it should be. Not only by the McNellie's patrons but also those that go to the Y.

But it's true, there is plenty of parking across the street.

[MestaParkMan]

Don't forget Prairie Thunder has some really nice lunch options as well.

As far as the parking, it seems the little garage behind Plaza Court is not being used as much as it should be. Not only by the McNellie's patrons but also those that go to the Y.

But it's true, there is plenty of parking across the street.

I try to walk when it is not to hot and also when I plan on having a few pints.

I ride my bike when I go to the Y. I park my bike on the parking deck and one huge drawback is that it is hard to tell when it is full and then good luck turning around! I have seen people parking at the EMSA parking lot in the evenings and weekends.

[Pete]

Haven't seen this posted yet, but they have a dedicated website for the OKC location, complete with menu, specials and beer guide. Also has several photos of the interior:

McNellies - Oklahoma City

[jungllejane]

the pink in the Raspberry Cream is a Belgian raspberry beer called Lindermann's Framboise. It's delicious.

LOVE that beer--they also serve it at Mahogany..