Inside: MacAllister's Grill & Tavern

Photos:

Ready for a meal of sheep lungs and hearts?  Perhaps you should have a shot of whiskey first.  At the very least, have a pint of cold beer handy to wash it down.  At MacAllister’s Grill and Tavern, a lively spot located on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, you can have your haggis and your scotch too.  Serving up items like Braveheart Burgers, Fish and Chips, and yes, a Haggis platter, MacAllister’s is a tavern filled with Scottish spirit and hospitality.

The Décor: If bagpipes and a traditional Scottish lodge is what you are looking for, MacAllister’s may disappoint.  The modern tavern is decorated with golfing memorabilia and tartan fabrics.  Small flat screen televisions display scenic views of Scotland.  Dark oak doors and dim lighting create a rainy afternoon effect.  If you need sunshine, outdoor dining is available.

The Food:  The tavern offers casual American favorites, like burgers, fries, and meal sized salads.  Scottish inspired dishes include the Steak Pie, made with chunks of beef and caramelized onions, the Highlander Chicken which is a chicken breast covered in a sun-dried tomato pesto and topped with mozzarella cheese, and the Edinburgh Broil, a beef steak served with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

The Hole in One is a special three course meal for the single price of $16.00.  My first course was the Cod Florentine, a tomato based soup with chunks of fish and vegetables.  The consistency was a lot like a hearty stew, and dried herbs masked any trace of seafood present.  The main course presented was the Salmon Cakes.  The salmon cakes were crisp on the outside and mealy on the inside, but a bit bland for my tastebuds.  The accompanying green beans were overdone and the wild rice was undercooked.  It was disappointing to say the least.

My companion ordered the Fish and Chips which turned out to be a large cod fillet on a bed of French fries.  The fish was excellent.  Puffy, crispy battered fish fried to perfection, and the fries were hot, salty, and crisp as well.  This dish was very enjoyable. 

The remaining course was dessert, which was an apple pie.  The pie filling resembled more of an apple custard topped with a brown sugar streusel.  It was served hot, and the taste was not overly sweet or decadent. 

The Haggis:  Traditionally speaking, Haggis is made from the organs and intestines of sheep.  It has long been regarded as a “poor person’s food” because nothing can be afforded to go to waste.  To make the organ meat palatable, large amounts of spices and seasonings are typically used.  Thankfully, our eating habits have evolved, and commercially prepared haggis is more of a featured meal, rather than scraps to ward off hunger.  At MacAllister’s, the haggis is served encased in mashed potatoes, breaded and fried.  With a shot of whiskey, it’s actually enjoyable.

The Drinks:  A full service bar featuring free membership to the Malt Whiskey Club is available.  MacAllisters offers a daily “5 for 5” happy hour special, featuring five signature cocktails for $5.00.  Imported Scottish beers are available on tap.  The Tennents Lager is a golden lager with a strong aftertaste of bitter hops.  It may be hard for some to drink on its own, but this beer pairs well with food.

The Bottom Line:  MacAllister’s is at a crossroad between a typical suburban American tavern and a hokey Scottish tourist trap.  The owners do their best to balance the two without going to either extreme.  However, their food reflects that their knowledge and expertise lies in traditional Scottish cuisine rather than modern American.  When visiting MacAllister’s, skip the specials and stick with Fish and Chips or other aptly Scottish inspired dishes.  Order the Haggis if you’re brave of heart.          

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MacAllister’s Grill & Tavern

8110 Lakewood Main Street

Lakewood Ranch, FL  34202

Tel: 941-359-2424

http://www.macallisters.com/home.html

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