Mack's Grill at The Plaza

Finally got a chance to go to Mack's Grill. It's really a Bar & Grill -- emphasis on the "Bar" part. It's on the corner of the first group of buildings on the north corner at The Plaza at 81st and Lewis in Tulsa. Great little place. I had a read a story about in the South Tulsa community world edition of the Tulsa World, and was anxious to try it out.

When I first arrived -- still daylight -- right after work tonight (Thurs) -- I noticed the outdoor seating areas grouped around fire pits. Very intriguing. When you go in, there's a small, intimate rectangular shaped bar and then a few bistro tables. Kim and I sat at the bar. The menu is small -- but clearly designed by someone who knows the bar business. Nachos (okay, not so hot); fried portabello mushrooms (really good); deep-fried meatballs; quesadillas; hamburgers; etc.

The atmosphere was cozy. Several waitstaff came through the bar and all were anxious to be of assistance but not annoying. Kim and I weren't in a hurry to order food ... we had a lot of bitching about work to do ... and the staff appreciated this. No problem. Just the way I like it. After a while, yet a new face -- at least the fifth, maybe the sixth of the evening -- checked in to make sure everything was okay. He was gorgeous ... dressed the same as everyone else. I commented on yet another person who was serving us, and he introduced himself -- Mack. Kim actually caught it before I did, but sure 'nuff, this was the owner. Okay, so he got even gorgeous at that moment.

The conversation that ensued was great. He told us about how he got a big sheet of butcher paper and mapped out all the bars in the city. He then drove that map and confirmed what was stilll open, what was closed, etc. Then he mapped populations of "customers" -- apartment complexes, office complexes, etc. And he landed on The Plaza. He says business in the 6 short weeks he's been open has been great and loves his landlords.

Mack's is open until 2 a.m., another great advantage. Anyone who lives in South Tulsa knows that there are very few good, decent bars in south Tulsa. Sure, there are plenty of restaurants that have bars, but nothing like a McNellie's or Lola's or other bars like that. Mack's starts to fill the gap. I told Mack -- an Iraq veteran, bless his soul -- that another thing I like about the bar is that I think I could go in there alone -- (I'm a single chickadee!) -- and not feel so out of place. I really think I could go there and sit at the bar and feel safe and welcome without feeling like .. well, like I don't belong.

Anyway, when we left it was dark and the fire pits at the seating groups outside were blazing. It's still pretty warm tonight and there weren't a lot of people out -- it was still early; only 8:30 -- but I know it will be a wonderful spot when the weather turns chilly. One of the bar chicks told us they're already thinking of things like "'Smores Tuesday" and other promotions like that, that can take advantage of the fire pits. I love it. Mack is one smart cookie. And his is one great bar. Check it out!

Oh yeah ... I should mention: Mack said that he has the best burger in Tulsa. I told him outright that I didn't think such a thing existed since the close of the Blue Rose. But I have to say, I saw one of the patrons order a burger and it looked damned! good. Go try it yourself. I plan to do the same!

Hey Mack ... ESPN was okay, but surely you can hook up an iPod to some speakers also!

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A Gustatory Welcome to My Fellow Foodies

Hi. I love food. I love to cook, eat, smell food, shop for food, read cooking magazines, read cookbooks, listen to the Splendid Table, try, drink, save wines, learn about cooking science, try new restaurants, check out new food products at the grocery, learn about growing my own food, learn about preserving food. It's a love affair. Won't you please join this tryst?