Local Eats: Matty McMillen’s

There’s more to Irish cuisine than green beer once a year— though that does have its place of importance in the food chain! Hearty, comforting dishes served up in a lively pub atmosphere make any day a reason to celebrate. Now Edmond can enjoy a bit of that good cheer right in the neighborhood. Matty McMillen’s melds the fun-spirited feel of an Irish pub with the menu of a family-friendly restaurant and sports bar. It’s a good time and a great meal waiting to happen.

The restaurant’s namesake, Matt McMillen, not only celebrates Irish roots but a strong Oklahoma connection as well, having served as Bob Stoops’ Director of Operations for 18 years at OU. When McMillen retired last year, he partnered with friend, Hal Smith, and the latest Hal Smith Restaurant Group eatery opened its doors. Not to worry, OSU fans, Matty’s may have

Sooner ties, but here, Sooners and Cowboys share an easy camaraderie. Matty’s impressive bar area has a ‘Cheers’ familiarity where regulars hang out and everyone seems to know your name.

“Matty’s is like a sports bar with an Irish twist,” says Managing Partner, Ross Crain. “Six or seven entrees on the menu are truly Irish, but items like the flatbread pizzas, ramen noodle salad, sirloin and grilled salmon offer diversity for all tastes.” The genius behind all these fantastic creations? McMillen, Crain and Executive Chef Brad Johnson. Before you decide on an entree, just try getting past the Shareables selection–large portion appetizers–without caving in and going for it. The plate-sized sourdough pretzel is a must-try and the beer cheese and spicy mustard dipping sauces are so good, you’ll want to mix them so you don’t have to choose one over the other! “You can put beer cheese on anything and it’s going to be good,” Crain says. Other favorites on the Shareables menu are Crispy Reuben Fritters, Avocado Toast and Fried Deviled Eggs

If you’re in the mood for traditional Irish fare, the corned beef brisket is a sure thing—tender, smoky, and especially delicious with a bite of colcannon mashed potatoes. That’s comfort food at its best. “We cook it all night,” Crain explains. “The stout braised brisket sandwich is another popular pick. Guinness is poured over the meat as it cooks and the sandwich is layered with bacon jam, BBQ, beer cheese and yellow mustard.”

Matty’s also has an extensive selection of Irish and American whiskeys, scotches and beers, plus fun specialty drinks like Guinness Floats made with ice cream and Guinness. Where has this incredible treat been all our life?

Enjoy daily specials like Monday’s build-your-own burger for $2.50, Sunday night’s kids under 12 eat free, and the Sat. and Sun. Kegs & Eggs build-your-own brunch plate and omelette bar. And don’t miss the two day St. Patty’s at Matty’s event starting Sat., March 16 at 10AM through Sun., March 17 with live music, fun people, drink specials, giveaways and, of course, green beer! Meet you at Matty’s!