Mackey's

My friend Jess, her husband, and I decided to take advantage of the first nice night in the spring. We started off at The Meeting Place (which you must see to believe and will get its own post), and quickly decided to take it to a more chill pace and headed down the street.

At Mackey's we found some open tables outside where we could people watch. We really enjoyed Mackey's - after all, the extreme temperature drop once the sun went down can't be blamed on them!

The waitress was fast and efficient. I've read a few reviews about the terrible service, but that was not my experience at all. It could have been because we were on the porch and the waitress was constantly checking on the brave souls with no common sense sitting outside in the cold, thus avoiding the tired scene of trying to make eye contact with the bartender at a crowded bar. I do remember coming with a large group to my old roommate's birthday a few years ago and having fine service then, so my track record is 2-0: good service.

I plan on returning to get a sense of the inside, but if memory serves correctly: a very populated place directly after work with most people dressed in business clothing, with the TVs tuned to the news in typical DC fashion.

Great place for a beer post-work if you live in the area. The deals are fine, the food is standard pub fare. The outside seating was great, the beer was cold, and I'd visit Mackey's again. They had beers I like on draft, and Yuengling for those who froth at the mouth when its mentioned. Side note: I don't like Yuengling and think it tastes like metal. I think the day-to-day deals are fun and a great way of mixing it up, so check those out if you plan on stopping by.


the deal:
M-F, 4-8pm
1/2 price Apps
$2.50: Miller Lite, Bud Light
$.35: Sam Adams (Various), Yueng, Magic Hat #9

Every day of the week, there is an additional deal.
Example: Monday, 4-close
Corona, Corona Light, 5 bottles for $15
4-10pm 1/2 price burgers

Mackey's

Bar Pilar

Everyone I know who has been to Bar Pilar, loves it. The food is great! In a fashion similar to taps, you can order small plates with small portions. This is great (minus the price) for a HH when you're not super hungry, planning to cook at home, and just need something to tide you over. Everyone at our table was extremely happy with what they ordered: from tomato & basil on grilled bread, to the lamb-hot-dog.

The draft selection was solid with something that should please everyone: Brooklyn Brown, Allagash White, Magic Hat #9, etc. I was surprised that the Happy Hour was close to absent. The people I know who rave about this place frequent it at night and aren't looking for deals with food or drink. Only having 2 beers that are $2 off (Tecate and Yuengling, two of the bottles) and no food specials when the portions are already small, is a rip-off in my book. Especially when you have great options posted on a huge chalk board dangling over your head. I actually enjoy Tecate, but I think its a little cheap only aim for minimum expectations.

That being said, I would not recommend this bar for a happy hour, but fully support going here on a night out. It became packed quickly, during our Monday HH. I've been here on Friday nights when it was VERY packed — partially because of the narrow length of the restaurant/bar and the amount of people frequenting U Street. At one point there was a working photobooth in the back section which has brought pleasure and memories to many of my friends. The photobooth was frequently out of order, so I'm assuming Bar Pilar finally got tired of customers complaining about it and removed the booth entirely. I'm not a huge fan of crowds, but this is a great option when you're down that street and tired of fighting at the St. Ex bar or screaming over your friends in their downstairs basement, its right next door, much more relaxed, and has a more welcome feel. It is crowded, but far less crowded than St. Ex Thurs-Sat nights.

In summary: service was good, atmosphere was chill, food was tastey, deals were not impressive.

the deal:
M–F, 5–7
$2 Yuengling bottle
$2 Tecate can

Bar Pilar

The Science Club

A Bar for those who love Yuengling or wine. There are no beers on draft. The Happy Hour deals are ok, but nothing exceptional (unless, again, you like the Y). The place is set up well for various small to medium size groups. It has the shape of a typical row-house, 3 stories, with alcoves and floors for you friends to socialize on yet have a bit of privacy. There were multiple groups meeting up and having an awesome time! 

Thank goodness once my party arrived our waitress was funny and outgoing; the bartender wasn't particularly friendly as I sat by myself for 10 minutes. 

Don't wait until the last second to go to the bathroom, its all the way at the top in the back. Food was expensive, and Borys was dismayed that there was no meat. I did get some olives because I have a hard time resisting. They were delicious!

I would classify this bar as: hipster. It has a good vibe once you get settled. But that's just my opinion.

the deals:

M-F, 5-8

$3 Yuengling

$4 Amstel Light, Heineken

some $5 wines, $4 Rails

the science club