McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery

04/25/2008 Posted by titanspredschick

After reading pleasing reviews here on Citysearch, I opted to give McCreary's a try. I was looking for some place that was as close to authentic Irish cuisine as possible, and the reviews really talked this place up. What a mistake. Portions are small, but expensive. My boyfriend & I both ordered the Shepherd's Pie at $9.25 each. They were nothing more than mashed potatoes, corn, peas, tomato sauce, and ground beef with a slice of cheese melted over the top. It tasted like mediocre beef stew covered in cheese, honestly, and it came out in a tiny bowl (not the amount of food I was expecting for ten bucks). It was also served with their "homemade Irish soda bread" that was dry and disgusting, and a small side salad that was flavorless and bland. The "sweet tea" I ordered was sugarless, even upon refill. This "meal" left us wanting more, but with the high prices at McCreary's for such a small amount of food, we opted to go elsewhere instead. And as for the atmosphere that is so highly spoken of.....HA. It's poorly decorated with cheap-looking Ireland-themed items, very tiny, and EXTREMELY loud. The pub was only about half-full, and my boyfriend & I couldn't even hear each other from across our table because the other people were so loud and obnoxious. I have been to some nice pubs with a much more fun, quaint atmosphere, but this place surely wasn't one of them. The one plus about McCreary's: The waiter was extremely friendly, and was willing to answer whatever questions we had about the menu (if only we'd asked what size the Shepherd's Pie was before ordering it!), and he made sure we never had an empty glass. Such a good waiter, he should consider waiting tables at a place more suitable to his skill. Despite the great service, this was a first and a last visit for me to McCreary's.

Pros: Great service.

Cons: Overpriced, very small portions of food, mediocre to tasteless food, VERY loud atmosphere, low-class decorating (even for a pub!), very uncomfortable seating (ouch!)

04/07/2008 Posted by lvlylisamtrmaid

My boyfriend and I were just in Franklin for the morning to stop at a quilt shop before heading to Nashville for the day. When we asked for a lunch recommendation from the owner, she pointed us to McCreary's Pub. The atmosphere was very low key and relaxed, the service was good, and the food was excellent. My boyfriend, who spent some time in Ireland a few years ago said that the food is actually pretty close to the real thing, very authentic. I highly recommend stopping here if you are in the mood for something hot and filling. McCreary's is a fairly small place, so you might want to get there a little before or a little after traditional meal time. By the time we left, there wasn't a seat left...this is clearly a local favorite in Franklin.

Pros: ambience, food

Cons: parking

03/14/2007 Posted by mufffarmer

With the weather warming you will find me at one of the tables out front drinking a guiness and finishing up work on the laptop. Be sure to stop by and give my Goldie, ED and pet. The food is good, Daryl and the crew are great. Watch out for Cassie, she's way out there.....

06/09/2006 Posted by eddiechristy

Great food. Laidback service. 2 for 1 specials from 3-6 daily. It's definitely my favorite spot in downtown Franklin. This isn't the place to come if you expect fine dining and a quiet atmosphere. Live Irish music on Friday and Saturday nights. I love my pint of Woodchuck!

Pros: Good cider, Intimate, Good food

Cons: Lack of seating, small bar

02/10/2006 Posted by enjoyingbeerdotcom

McCreary's is fantastic. The fish and chips are better than just about any in the world...I had one plate in Hawaii that was better, but I had three other plates in Hawaii that McCreary's beat, hands down. The burgers are great, the corned beef is great, everything is delicious. In addition to the food, the delicious beer always flows. And contrary to another review, McCreary's (currently) serves beer out front. They always have, but the State has been finicky on allowing it. It may not be "romantic", but it is good for romance. I even got engaged at this place I love it so much!

Pros: Great happy hour, Historic Dntwn Frnkln, Pleasant staff

Cons: There is only one!

11/17/2005 Posted by linktipton

This is my favorite place to go in Franklin, TN. Not just because of the location in beautiful downtown old historic Franklin, but because of the incredible people that work there the pub and eatery is such a delightful experience that you will find your taste buds wanting more and your heart saying lets do it. This is a must eat resteraunt. Try the Fish & Chips or the incredible guiness stew. I always get a blackvelvet (half guiness and half woodchuck cider. You have my thoughts now go and you will have your own wonderful experience.

Pros: Great food, Irish music, atmosphere

Cons: can't drink outside, packed a lot, can't take it home

12/23/2002 Posted by maximchan

Not much of a traditional pub atmosphere.... room with bar at the end, several tables in front of bar. However, while the food is above average (Fish and Chips being the staple), could use more selections. Good pint of Boddingtons!

Pros: good food quality, good beer

Cons: not much atmosphere, few food selections