Daytona Beach has its fair share of restaurants and bars, especially down by the Daytona 500 racetrack and on busy International Speedway Boulevard. But if you want to check out a great locals’ place closer to the beach and avoid the chain restaurants and bars, check out McK’s Tavern and bottle shop on Beach Street, near neighboring Ormond Beach.
McK’s Tavern is a traditional Irish restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. The inside has large green booths that give a sense of privacy and coziness with French doors that open into a part of the dining area. The long bar seats about twenty and a few good-sized televisions are mounted above the bar. The interior is somewhat dark, even on a sunny day, making it extremely easy to lose track of time and get locked in some good conversations. Outside, customers will find a few outdoor tables shaded by large umbrellas, providing a view of the Intracoastal Highway and the high, beautiful arched bridges that stretch over it.
On tap, they have 42 rotating selections with plenty of seasonal choices. The staff knows their beer and the bartenders could rightly be called beer fanatics, so pick their brains for recommendations and beer industry information. They also have an extensive bottle list if nothing on tap appeals to you. We tried two new-to-us beers, the N’ice Chouffe and Stone’s 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA which was absolutely delicious and not easy to find in other bars.
But it’s not just about the beer. The Irish-inspired menu is wonderful, with a variety of Reuben sandwiches-some with bacon!-made with turkey, corned beef, or a combination of both. They also have other traditional Irish items like an outstanding Shepherd’s Pie or corned beef and cabbage. Daily lunch specials are posted on their Facebook page along with updates about new beers on tap.
Friday nights they have live music, and other nights customers can play darts on their two dartboards. You can also join their beer club, drinking over 100 different beers in four months to earn a t-shirt, a personalized mug that can stay at the bar, and your name engraved on a nameplate that hangs on the wall so everyone can see your drinking prowess. Talk about dedication!
And the fun doesn’t end when it’s closing time at McK’s because adjacent to this establishment is Bottle Caps, a mid-size yet extensive bottle shop, selling individual bottles so guests can create their own six-packs. There is a wide selection from some of the best craft breweries in America and some rare bottles that you can’t find everywhere. Buy six to receive a 10% discount on your entire order.
McK’s is a great place on the strip on shops and stops along the section of Beach Street that is designed to look like a throwback main street. Easy street parking can be found along Beach Street as well. Sláinte!