Monday 20th of May 2013 02:11:50 PM

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This place has grown on us quite slowly, almost sneakily really. I went there several years ago after a trip to Rock Bottom, and I remember thinking it was a dive bar. More recently, my wife and I stopped here a few times either before or after shows at the Orpheum and I was shocked at how extensive the beer list was. On one occasion I noticed a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout peaking out of the cooler behind the bar and we shared that before a show. I figured now was the time to do a write-up on the place.

A small and unassuming venue from outside, Mackenzie looks like an Irish or Scottish pub based on their signage and awning. There is a small vestibule with an aged looking stained-glass piper to greet you as you enter the building. At first blush the place looks a bit like an old dive bar with a checkered floor and some some silvered macro-beer and whiskey mirrors adorning the walls. At second glance you notice craft beer signs hidden here and there. Then you notice the old bar backed with an ornate stained-glass design, and bristling with craft beer taps. They have 24 taps, most devoted to craft beers, and often having special releases of those. When we were most recently here they had 2011 Surly Smoke on tap, which our group promptly finished off.

There is a small kitchen which makes standard pub food and pizzas. The tater tots are nice and filling. We haven't had a lot to eat there so I can't give a ton of info on the food. The staff is usually really pleasant and helpful too. I have yet to have a bad experience with the bartenders or waitstaff here.

I recommend this place as a relaxed neighborhood bar with great tap beers. They also do special events from time to time like the Long Dark Night when they served up a ton of Imperial stouts on tap. If you are downtown for a show at the Orpheum, take five steps to the left and head on in!