Mac's Speed Shop - Southend

Mac's Speed Shop - SouthendMac's Speed Shop - Southend
Mac's Speed Shop - SouthendMac's Speed Shop - Southend
Bar, Eatery

2511 South Blvd
Charlotte, North Carolina, 28203-5011
United States

(704) 522-6227 | map
macspeedshop.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.88
Reviews:
25
Ratings:
40
pDev:
11.86%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of NCMatt
Rated by NCMatt from North Carolina

4.19/5  rDev +8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.25
Pretty good food with a decent selection of beer (local and otherwise) and reasonably priced too! It's a little loud but worth visiting!
Aug 07, 2015
 
Rated: 4.18 by bcgeiman from Maryland

Jun 09, 2015
 
Rated: 3.34 by WOLFGANG from South Carolina

Mar 20, 2015
 
Rated: 3.86 by dailyminefield from North Carolina

Feb 13, 2015
 
Rated: 3.98 by evan35 from North Carolina

Jan 21, 2015
 
Rated: 3.98 by 3ricks from South Carolina

Dec 09, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by cptbenjamin from North Carolina

Oct 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by kell50 from North Carolina

Aug 31, 2014
 
 
Rated: 3.5 by bcp5296d from North Carolina

Jul 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by BrewSTL from Missouri

Feb 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4.11 by DVMin98 from North Carolina

Feb 03, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by MarkBa from North Carolina

Jan 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Mycltbeer

Dec 03, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by Kegatron from Pennsylvania

Oct 22, 2013
Photo of stoppertb18
Reviewed by stoppertb18 from Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
College trip with my son. Large selection (4 pages of a specialized beer menu). Good selection of North Carolina beers as well as the well known more distributed craft brews. Both bottle and tap. Food is good burger, ribs kind of food with lots of Sports on TV. Big crowd, but wait was not bad. Prices are reasonable. A good choice if you are in the area.
Jul 02, 2013
Photo of CBlack85
Reviewed by CBlack85 from South Carolina

3.8/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I have been going to the Mac's Steele Creek location for a few years now, it has become one of my go to beer spots, but for some reason I have never visited the South Blvd location... until now.

Very similar to the Steele Creek location with a biker bar decor scheme, this location appears to be just a little bit smaller and more tightly packed. There is a nice patio for outdoor seating. We went with a group of friends on a night that was completely packed.

Luckily, the service did not seem to suffer, despite how busy it was. The server was friendly and really knew her stuff with regards to both the food menu and the beer menu. She was attentive, and our glasses never sat empty for more than a minute or two before she was asking if we wanted another beer.

The menu is the same as the other Mac's locations; pulled pork, beef brisket, beer can chicken, bbq/hot wings, and a wide variety of sides. Not the best BBQ in Charlotte, but good none the less. Great onion rings, and according to my wife, great mac-n-cheese.

The beer menu is quite extensive, both on tap and in bottles. They have a good mixture of local & regional beers, as well as some really good beers from other parts of the country. They also seem to keep a good variety of styles on tap; too many places will be IPA and Stout heavy while completely ignoring other styles.

All in all a good place for a beer and some BBQ, but I prefer the Steel Creek location based on the size (not as densely packed).
Apr 26, 2013
Photo of PhillyStyle
Reviewed by PhillyStyle from Georgia

4.21/5  rDev +8.5%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.5
Visited back in July 2012 and while I can't say that the group that I was in town with hit it up as much as the previous reviewer, I think that we were in town for 10 days and hit it up 3 times. I had been to this place one previously, a few years back as well. Nothing had changed from that time to this. A great casual atmosphere, packed to the gills, baseball on the TVs and classic rock in the background. I think that in the 3 trips, we must have tried just about every time that they had on the menu and none of them let us down...nice big portions...good sides...and attitude from the wait staff. The beer menu was nice. A good number of taps...not sure about the bottle selection, as I didn't even bother, but I do recall at some point, they started to serve the beers in plastic cups. Overall, a good stop if you are in the area.
Jan 23, 2013
Photo of Billolick
Reviewed by Billolick from New York

4.3/5  rDev +10.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
The best compliment I can give this place is that for the 8 days my group was in Charlotte this summer, I/we went here 4 times either for lunch or dinner.

Casual athmosphere, quality BBQ, varied and better the ample selection of locals, regionals, national craft brews, very friendly and professional service. I recal over 20 taps and a huge cooler behind the bar filled with loads of BA quality bottle options. You will find plenty of quality beer here. What else do you need? The kitchen is open late and they have a mess of tubes with all the games on. Dont forget some of their sauces to go.

As for the BBQ, Charlotte we learned is kind of a funny place. According to many its not really a BBQ hub, gotta go to Lexington, NC for that. And according to others the Q at Macs is def not the real deal. Well, I'm from NY state and everybody knows we have the best BBQ right here...(just kidding) As far as I could tell, Mac's Q is a hybrid style, offering both sweet sauce and vinagar based sauce and even a mash up sauce Mac's just calls "Carolina" sauce, so confusing....the Q was super moist and tasty with the pulled pork, and ribs being well received. Deep fried pickles were yummy, even enjoyed a blackened fish taco thingy once or twice. Food was served up quickly, it was tasty, with ample portions.

Just go....super easy going and crowd pleasing kinda place- you will have a great time
Sep 09, 2012
Photo of Mantooth
Reviewed by Mantooth from North Carolina

3.88/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Mac's is a killer BBQ joint, the brisket is out of this world good & so are the sides. The portions are generous but the price is a bit steep. Couple of beers & two plates of food can easily set you back $45+.

In terms of beer - it's surprisingly good. There are about 20 drafts of mixed quality, but they had several tough gets by Founders & Great Divide last time I was in. Their bottle list is very impressive.

The atmosphere is lacking - think Hooters w/out all the garish orange.

I don't think of this so much as a beer joint, mainly because the food's so good. If you're hungry & want a good brew - this is a good spot to stop. Don't worry about the "biker bar" bit. You may see some folks on bikes but they're laid back just like everybody else. Never seen anything close to a problem there.
Feb 09, 2012
Photo of dirtylou
Reviewed by dirtylou from Oklahoma

4.13/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
finally got up to this joint - BBQ and beer - yes please

First off - this place got a reputation as a "biker bar" somehow - very much not the case. Take your family, go watch a match, go with coworkers for lunch. Whatever, it's mostly sterile.

Solid tv situation - lots of nice LCD's throughout. fair amount of tables and a long bar.

There are references to 8-9 taps below. That's outdated - there were at least 20 on my visit, with some really exceptional stuff. Founders Nemesis, Founders Old Curmudgeon, Bells Oracle, Allagash Curieux, DFH 90 Minute and Red and Black, 5 new belgium offerings on special, etc. Impressive selection to say the least.

BBQ aficionados are some of the most annoying people/"foodies' i have ever come across. The Q here won't compare to the best of eastern NC but there isn't really much else in the area and the pulled pork sandwich I had was pretty good, no matter where you favor.
Sep 25, 2011
Photo of CampusCrew
Reviewed by CampusCrew from Florida

4.22/5  rDev +8.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Good: Nice place. Great atomphere. Great looking alternative tattooed waitresses. Very laid back. Food is fantastic BBQ. great puller pork, real onion rings and a huge craft bottle list with some good specials. They had 2.50 stone and highland beers that night I was there. Service was good and attnetive.

Bad: Draft was about 8 and Bud light and some other junk beers were taking the taps up. Some good locals on tap. Pisgah and Broken Arrow were on when I was there among others. The waitress did bring our beers in bottles and we had to ask for a glass. No proper glass wear but it was a BBQ shack.
Apr 09, 2010
Photo of bdupree
Reviewed by bdupree from North Carolina

4.43/5  rDev +14.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Mac's is in the neighborhood for me, so this is a frequent haunt. The beer selection by bottle is excellent. The only drawback is draft selection. There are only 9 taps at the bar. On 2/19/2010, this was the selection: French Broad 13 Rebels, Farmer Ted's Cream Ale, Highland Gaelic, Sam Adams Winter Lager, Bud Light, New Belgium Mighty Arrow, Duck Rabbit Milk Stout, Olde Mecklenburg Copper, Big Boss Bad Penny. The French Broad was great, but maybe a bit flat. It should be noted that 6 out of those 9 taps come from NC, which is a great way to promote local area breweries. Even though they sport only 9 taps, they make great use of them.

Food here is unbeatable. This is the best BBQ in Charlotte, without a doubt. Best thing on the menu is the brisket, and it is especially good when ordered on the sandwich. The pulled pork BBQ sandwich is awesome, too. Get it with slaw and hush pups or onion rings. Chicken wings at Mac's are great as well, because they are not fried.

If you want the best service, sit at the bar. Mac's has some very good bartenders. They have 3 giant flat screens and an outdoor patio as well.
Feb 20, 2010
Photo of HoosBrews
Reviewed by HoosBrews from North Carolina

3.53/5  rDev -9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Mac's has a great selection of beers. Had a Piraat, Mothership Wit, and a Lagunitis IPA. Unfortunately, I had to ask for a glass (the waitress seemed to think I was crazy to want to drink a Piraat out of a glass). Food was great. Everything I ate was incredibly good. Service was decent, alittle slow, but they were busy.

The biggest disappointments were the ultra smokey environment (which I suppose will change in a few months), and horribly uncomfortable bar stools. Overall, an interesting place for a great beer selection. Most people were drinking tall-boy Miller Lite's, so I'm a little confused by the great selection.
Jul 24, 2009
Photo of BeerBelcher
Reviewed by BeerBelcher from Ohio

3.38/5  rDev -12.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
North Carolina is just not synonymous with great craft beer culture. Not a ton of brewers, brewpubs, or great beer spots. However, there is a ton of casual places with great BBQ. Mac's has really good BBQ combined with a lengthy beer list, but this is not a place I would say excels on that hard-to-define aspect of "beer culture." Still, I enjoyed my visit, and for the area, I believe it to be one of the better spots in the area.

The bottle list is long. The BBQ was quite good (accompanied by two great sauces - neither of which was anything like Bullseye or KC Masterpiece, and that's a good thing). However our server was pretty vacuous (at least on the topic of beer), and I had to ask for a glass with each beer I ordered. Still, prices were reasonable, food was delicious, and the location was quite convenient. I'd happily spend another evening here.

I read something about this being a "biker bar," but this seemed like a nice family place to me. There was even a kid's soccer team chowing on some pulled pork when I walked in.
Apr 26, 2009
Photo of oldhippie247
Reviewed by oldhippie247 from North Carolina

3.8/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Great beer selection, especially in bottles. The food is fantastic, though I must admit I get the same thing almost every time--Big Pig pulled pork sandwich...I'm almost afraid to order the large.

I've actually heard of people who were afraid to go to Mac's thinking it's a biker bar. While biker friendly, it's by no means a biker bar--if that's even that bad a thing. If you like BBQ and beer this is probably the best place in Charlotte to get quality and value in both.

Parking and 90% barstool seating with no backs are the only negatives.
Feb 08, 2009
Photo of Bung
Reviewed by Bung from Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +5.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 5
Probably 3rd in the city behind former Mellow Mushroom and Flying Saucer with beer selection. More bottles, less drafts. More importantly MUCH more reasonably priced. Make sure to look at their coolers, there's a lot of stuff in there not on the list. There is quite a bit on the light side. Along with the beer is the best BBQ in town and a great atmosphere to watch games or some nice motorcycles during weekend daytimes. Sometimes service is a little slow, it all depends on who you get. Bartenders however are pretty knowledgeable on the beer, the one with the light brown go-tee is anyway. Charlotte is VERY limited in bars with good beer, so this place is great for Charlotte.
Dec 14, 2008
Photo of glid02
Reviewed by glid02 from Georgia

3.85/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Went here for dinner after stopping by Brawley's on a trip from Atlanta.

Atmosphere is good. Apparently this place markets itself as a biker bar, but there are plenty of college kids and young professionals there for an eclectic mix. A decent sized bar, but the place was dominated by tables and booths. This is a BBQ place first and a beer place second.

Quality is good. I didn't see anything on tap I was too excited about, so I got a bottle. I had to ask for a glass, but it was unchilled.

Service was good. I didn't wait long at all for beer, food, or the check, and the place was absolutely packed.

Selection was good. As I said before, I wasn't too impressed with the draught selections, but they had somewhere in the neighborhood of 70-80 bottled beers, most of them pretty good.

Food was very good. I went with the shredded pork sandwich and fries. The sandwich was huge and delicious, my only qualm was that the fries tasted like they'd been sitting for a while. Still, a very nice amount of good food for the price.

Prices were about what expected, not less and not more.

Overall I was happy with the selection and food here. Definitely worth a stop, although if you're looking for uncommon beers you might want to look elsewhere.
Nov 23, 2008
Photo of lpb1970
Reviewed by lpb1970 from North Carolina

4.25/5  rDev +9.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
So Mac's presents itself as a biker bar, which I suppose it is if you own a $35,000 custom Harley. Lets just call it an upscale biker bar and leave it at that. They have a great patio when weather permits, its a pretty big place so inside seating is plentiful. I brought my 18 month old daughter and 62 year old Mother to this place on multiple occasions, everyone had a great time, its family friendly (I am sure it gets a bit more rowdy late into the night so use some judgement). Now on to the important stuff: Food and Beer. For food, this is a top 5 venue in Charlotte for BBQ. Its kind of a tomato based Memhis/St. Louis style of the highest quality. They are known for their Brisket and Mac/Cheese although the pulled pork sandwich is outstanding as well. Now to the Beer! Lovely. They have approx. 6 taps, only 2 or 3 will interest you. The lone standout for me this month ( they do rotate fairly frequently) was Victory Hop Devil, and although a little more variety on tap would be nice, Victory HD is one of my all time favorites so no complaint. Their bottle selection is large and in charge. Numerous styles (maybe 120 total bottles) represented and cost is $3 for a bottle of most micros, $4 for Imperials, etc. Belgians and some specialties a bit more but overall price is a selling point here. Bottom Line: this is a standout venue for the craft beer lover when rolling in the 704. Great food, outstanding beer selection and family friendly. What more could you want?
Dec 26, 2007
Photo of samuelspence
Reviewed by samuelspence from South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I'm from Charlotte and have been to Mac's several times, but am just now getting around to posting the review.
The atmosphere is trying to be biker bar, but given the daytime family and yuppie clientele, it has yet to build the usual layer of grunge characteristic to biker bars, ha. The only thing I would complain about at this place is the lackadaisical wait-staff. Its no big deal to me bc I know its all worth it in the end, but just as a forewarning, don't expect to be coddled and have someone to laugh at all your jokes. The staff (mostly women) is nice, but the place is always busy, so there's always somewhere else they need to be. The place gets awards for its BBQ and beer list, not the service. Like I said, no big deal to me, and you'll get used to it too after you have your first bite.
Beer list is great, I had Dogfish Head 90-minute and a Rogue Dead Guy 20 oz. Like others have said, plenty of bottles, just a few drafts.
Food is crazy good. I'm usually an Eastern NC vinegar-based fan, but my recent years in SC have taught me to expand my horizons. I'd say their stuff is more St. Louis-style. If you're going there for the first time, I'd definitely recommend the brisket. Again, Im a pork guy, but this brisket just falls apart in your mouth. Get it.
Great place, been recommending it for years. Prob going back tomorrow after the Panthers blow away the Seahawks (wishful thinking).
Dec 16, 2007
Photo of mikesgroove
Reviewed by mikesgroove from South Carolina

3.58/5  rDev -7.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Now I have to admit I was kinda taken a back when I was firs going into this place, I was not really sure what to think, but I as told I would not be dissapointed, and I have to admit I really wasnt. The food was great, classic barbecue and the beer selection was defintly a notch above others. I had some great divide in there which was nice. Everyone seemed very friendly and there was a really good mix of people inside. This was a really good stop actually and some place I would go back to again.
Nov 26, 2007
Photo of SaCkErZ9
Reviewed by SaCkErZ9 from South Carolina

1.68/5  rDev -56.7%
vibe: 2 | quality: 1 | service: 1 | selection: 3
After a long morning, I was excited about having some BBQ at Macs since I have never been there. I walk through the front door and was immediately engulfed in cigarette smoke so I chose to sit outside. There were about 7 or 8 open tables so I chose the smallest one, enough for four.

After getting seated, the waitress asked how many menus I needed and I said "One". She rolled her eyes and stormed back inside. When she brought my menu to me, she said "Do you mind sitting inside, we get kind of busy out here?" Apparently my money was no good here since I was there alone and not with 8 other people. I got up to leave and of course she tried to sweet talk me back in to staying. I just ignored her and left.

I will never, ever go back to Mac's again. The parking was a headache and the waitress was a bitch. I didnt get to see the menu so I dont have much to contribute food or price or selection wise.
Jun 06, 2007
Photo of AlexJ
Reviewed by AlexJ from North Carolina

3.88/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Where do you go in Charlotte when you want to see ponytailed bikers and their chicks mingle w/ college students and punk rockers with earplugs as big as hotdogs? Macs Speed Shop of course.

Kinda typical bar atmosphere with a bunch of hogs and choppers parked out front, well lit bar and plenty of cocktail tables and boothes.

Tap offerings were Prima Pils, Brooklyn pale, Victory Lager, Sierra Nevada and a few others. I opted for a glass of Allagash Tripel served in a Chimay goblet for $6, mmm good. Bottles were varied and plentiful, I'd guess around 150+ beers to choose from. There are lots of Belgian and micro-brews as well as high gravity offerings and beers from around the world.

Prices are incredible here, most bottles are $3, I mean you can get any Avery, most DFH, Hoegaarden, and so on for 3 bucks. Small Chimays, Piraat, Gulden Drakk, and 12 oz Belgian brews are 4-5$. A bottle of 90 Minute IPA is 4$. The prices are almost comparible with single prices at any beer store. My friend ordered a 750 of la Fin Du Monde for $9.

Food is also inwxpensive and good. My pulled smoked pork was tender and meaty with very little fat. The grouper taco was fresh and tastey as well. Wings looked great but we didn't order any.

Overall a great place for a very well priced beer and a great selection to boot.
Apr 22, 2007
Photo of smurfyou
Reviewed by smurfyou from North Carolina

4.65/5  rDev +19.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 5
I've been recommending this place since it opened, so its about time I reviewed it. The food is all quite good, and inexpensive. My favorites are the sides. The Little Pig sandwich is popular along with the grilled wings. You get two different sauces for the cue. The brunswick stew is the one thing I can't recommend, but if you've never had it elsewhere you might like theirs.
Yes, like someone commented, this used to be an auto shop. Mac's Alternator I believe. Its a well-done renovation. On to the beer....

They have an incredible selection of bottled beers, especially for Charlotte. The draughts are a little weak on selection, but they do occasionally change. The most impressive thing to me is the price list. A lot of these beers would cost you twice as much at any other restaurant. I really don't know how they offer them at this price, but I hope it never changes. Most of the staff is a little indifferent on the beers, its possible to receive something other than what you ordered. And I've noticed its best not to pronounce the names in their native tongue, you'll just get blank stares. Say it nice and Southern-like and no one gets hurt.

All in all a great place to go for a beer nerd, and they're open late so hanging out on their patio beats the hell out of a smoky bar (at least when the weather is nice).
Oct 05, 2006
Photo of coasterfreak75
Reviewed by coasterfreak75 from Kentucky

3.5/5  rDev -9.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4 | food: 4
To start the visit started as a day out and I checked beerfly and decided to try this place. It has the look of an old shack, to me this usually means good food. I found quite the mix of people, bikers, yuppies, college kids, familys, etc.

The beer selection was great, the only thing I could have asked for would be a better draft selection. They had well over 100 bottled beers, with only about 6 taps. Everything from the standard American swill beer to quality imports to great American craft beer. I had a Dogfish Head Chicory Stout, Chimay Blue Label, and a Warsteiner Dunkel. These just scratch the surface of the offering.

The food was great. I had a BBQ sandwitch with brunswick stew, absolutly no complaints in the food department. Great food! The service could have been much better. When I ordered a beer it took well over 10 minutes to get it, also I sat for better than 15 minutes before I got to order my first beer or my food.

Well worth the trip, reasonable prices, good food. It looked to me if you can sit at the bar the service will be better.
Sep 18, 2006
Photo of rodrot
Reviewed by rodrot from North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Visited this place on a Wednesday night thinking it wouldn't be too crowded. I was wrong. It was absolutely packed, but luckily we didn't have to wait long for seating. The bottled beer selection is nice with well over 100 bottled brews. Thankfully, the macro selection is small. The vast majority of the bottled stuff is craft. There were only 5 draft beers but they were solid choices. I believe they had Chimay white, Blue Moon, Highland Gailic and Sierra Nevada PA on tap. The food was absolutely incredible, easily one of the best spots in town for BBQ. I had a pork sandwich and macaroni+cheese as a side that were excellent. Service was very good. I will definitely come back here again and am pissed off at myself for not coming sooner.
Aug 25, 2006
Photo of ybnorml
Reviewed by ybnorml from Rhode Island

3.78/5  rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Building looks like it might have been a garage at one time. Well lit and roomy. The place just had a comfortable feel. Interesting mix for customers...Bikers, Frat boys, Yuppies, Thirty somethings, locals, yep all kinds 'O' people jes hav'n a good time.
I did have the same bottle/glass problem as BA gabe (I suspect it might be because most regulars don't ask). But the waitress was cheerful and quick to get me what I wanted. She even went as far as to go into the kitchen and ask a question for me.
Very limited draft selection, but they did have a local beer (Highland Gaelic Ale) on tap. The bottle selection was very good and a little suprising for this type of establishment.
The food was Great. The Hushpuppies, the chili, the brunswick stew and especially the Pulled pork.
I am definitely going to try to get bak here before I leave.
Aug 21, 2006
Photo of gabe
Reviewed by gabe from Florida

3.7/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Visited Mac's after reading some reviews from this site and hearing good things from some friends. Stopped by late one Friday evening. This place is trying to give off a "biker bar" feel but it is far from it. Nothing scary here. Most of the patrons were of the young hip type. Mac's is a fun, lively place with lots of TV's which I assume are for sporting events. I've heard the food, and especially the bar-b-que, are delicious but I didn't get a chance to try any of that yet. I will adjust rewiew once I do.

As for the beer selection, it is actually pretty good considering what most places like this would have. A small number of beers are on tap, but nothing special there. The goodies are on the bottled beer list. Lots of tasty beers can be found here for whatever taste you have at the moment. Beer menu is organized nicely and it is by far the cheapest bar in town for good beers. Some of the high gravity brews were being sold for what you would buy them for in the store. You won't find any brews here that will wow your socks off, but for a decent selection with unbeatable prices this is the place to go. My only real bone to pick was with the waitress/service. Now it was late on a Friday so I can accept that the service may be spotty, but when the waitress brought back the Piraat I ordered she just brought it in the bottle. When i asked for a glass she brought me a pint glass (guess I should have been more specific for the glassware). Eventually she was getting off work and we had to go to the bar for service from that point. The bartender was very beer knowledgeable and served beers in the appropriate glassware. Should have started here in the first place.

I will definately be revisiting Mac's soon! Lots of fun times to be had here. A good spot for bringing those freinds that aren't into beer as much as you are, yet you can all still have a good time and find something you like on the menu.
Aug 08, 2006
Photo of Backer2004
Reviewed by Backer2004 from North Carolina

4/5  rDev +3.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I first heard of Mac's in 2005 when it was named Creative Loafing Magazine's Best Beer Selection in Charlotte. We were all like, what and where is this place? Well, I finally found out and definitely was pleased.

It may not have as good of a selection as Flying Saucer, but I have yet to find another place to compete. Like the others said, lots of bottle selections at a very reasonable price.

The places makes itself out to be a bike bar, but on a Saturday night, this place had about a dozen fresh out of college students and maybe two motorcycles outside. The jukebox played Red Hot Chili Peppers "Stadium Arcadia" album the whole time we were there. Lots of anti-hippie motif, which was amusing. Not an intimidating place in the least -- lots of light and sports on the five tv's.

Food looked really good, but I just went with a spicy Mexican salad, which was giant and tasty. Will definitely come back just for the menu selection of BBQ and sides. The service staff didn't seem to care to much about beer and neither did most of the clientele, but someone there but have a certain fondness.

All Charlotte area BA's need to check this place out.
Jun 13, 2006
Photo of Loki
Reviewed by Loki from North Carolina

3.95/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Atmosphere: Part biker bar, part bar-b-que joint, part beer part, part sports bar. More biker bar than anything, but fanastic que, great beer, and several plasma TV.

Quality: While only six drafts, they have well over 150 bottles to choose from. They have pint glasses if you ask, and I saw a guy drinking from a Maredsous glass, so they may even have some of the appropriate glassware. Huge selection of some great beers. They could have more NC beers, but no other complaints.

Service: Hit or miss, have to ask for a glass. Waitress brought the wrong style of the right brand several times. Also very busy, and not to interested in waiting on us.

Selection: Everything from Bud to Barley Wines. Lots of Belgians and tons of Micros and imports. Quite a wide variety from the 150 bottles to choose from.

Food: Fantastic. Their wings are slow roasted like the que, with great sauce. The Chicken quesadillas are amazing, we ordered at least 3 orders of them with the group of guys I was with.

Beer prices ranged from $2.50 to $4 for a Piraat and Goulden Drakk. Hard to beat.
Mar 29, 2006
Mac's Speed Shop - Southend in Charlotte, NC
Place rating: 3.88 out of 5 with 40 ratings