OK, I've read these review and I think I can help here--I AM one of the regulars at Mac's. I know all the servers extremely well and the daily specials by heart, and they bring my ""usual"" drink without me asking when I walk in the door. To get this kind of service, GUESS WHAT--you have to go there regularly! No one is instantly a regular, and any smart business will take care of the people who give them repeated business!\r
On the other hand--I can see why this puts some people off, but I also think that many folks come in expecting a ""Bar and Grille"" atmosphere. If you want a calm, family-oriented place you simply should not go during the big games or Fri/Sat nights. When it gets busy, regulars may have to wait a while for a beer too--I have no problem getting off my behind and going to the bar because I know everyone is working hard and I am not their only customer! This is a SPORTS BAR. It is casual, it gets loud and smokey and busy, and THAT'S HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. This place may not be your cup of tea, but the staff does its job well, the food is really great FOR BAR FOOD, and the atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the game/time/crowd. \r
In closing--Cary seems to have only very preppy, snobbish bars or hole-in-the-wall redneck hangouts, but Mac's Tavern stands alone as the perfect NORMAL neighborhood bar!
Pros: good food, great for darts, friendly staff
Cons: not for everyone--snobby Cary-ites should pass
more