McGrew’s in O’Brien prides itself on quality fare
Photos by Scott Jorgenson
It’s 4 p.m. on a typically calm Wednesday in O’Brien, with the hamlet’s natural serenity interrupted only by the vehicles rolling through on Redwood Hwy.
But inside McGrew’s, at 33105 Redwood Hwy., across from O’Brien Country Store, the kitchen is bustling, as dinner preparations are well under way.
As on all days when it’s open, doors will open in half an hour at McGrew’s, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in October. Customers will be making their way inside soon, at which point the crew’s hard work will become apparent.
McGrew’s is open for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays beginning at 4:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The lounge is open Wednesdays through Fridays beginning at 2 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 11 a.m. A lunch menu is available in the lounge during those hours.
The main dining area features candles and soft, soothing tunes to help provide a romantic ambiance.
As well, co-owners Suzie and Steven Culver long have emphasized quality dining as the key to McGrew’s success.
Photos by Scott Jorgenson
“Everything we serve is handmade,” said Suzie. “There are only a few items that we do order,” she said.
The restaurant’s steaks are all hand-cut, and salads, soups and desserts are made from scratch. Suzie said that she’s quite personally involved in the food preparation.
“That’s where I spend my time,” she said.
Steve also is extremely familiar with the kitchen’s operations, as he serves as McGrew’s head chef.
Courses are served individually, and start with a vegetable relish tray. That’s followed by soup and salad, complete with a special house blue cheese dressing.
Diners then get to experience the rich taste of their selected entrée, which comes with garlic bread and a choice of potato. Many customers prefer them fixed au gratin, noted Suzie.
Among McGrew’s many entrée options, prime rib is the most popular. The Culvers stand behind their steaks, as they serve only certified Angus beef. Steve points out that McGrew’s burgers also have that distinction.
“We’ve had really great compliments for the different dishes we serve,” said Suzie.
New to McGrew’s is a dinner deck, complete with a Wild West theme. Steve has been working on the decor, which is to be finalized soon.
The deck ultimately will serve to increase McGrew’s summer seating capacity, much to Suzie’s delight.
“People love sitting out there,” she said.
The restaurant also has a full-service lounge, including video poker machines. An outdoor beer garden, including horseshoe pits, is attached to the lounge.
For more information, phone 596-2202.
