McBride's North in Aurora caters to sports fans, beer lovers
Finally, a night life oasis.
For Aurora residents, a vast stretch of Eola Road, from about Ogden Avenue south to Wolf's Crossing, was pretty much a restaurant/bar desert until late November. That changed with the arrival of McBride's North, the third location of the popular Irish pub/sports bar (Plainfield and Joliet host the other locales). With an impressive craft beer menu touting local brews and large flat screens showing a variety of sports (think baseball, motocross, World Series of Poker and more), this just might become your new favorite hangout.
<b>Motif:</b> The pub's location at the end of a strip mall makes it appear smaller from the outside than it actually is. The high ceilings lend an open air to the space. And the flat-screen TVs (and three projection screens) mounted high on the walls offer perfect sightlines from wherever you're sitting, which could be at the long wood bar in the front, in a wood booth or at a high top along the perimeter, or at a table in the middle. If you would prefer to sip a summer cocktail outside, ask to sit at an umbrella-topped table on the patio.
McBride's isn't too obvious when it comes to Irish-themed decor, though we did spot at least one leprechaun. Framed beer and liquor posters and an electronic rotating beer menu dot the walls. Take note of the impressive casino-themed mural to the right as you first walk in, too.
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Liquid consumption: </b>At last count, there were 25 drafts on the beer menu, many of which are brewed in the suburbs. Of note: Penrose (Geneva), Pollyanna (Lemont), Solemn Oath (Naperville), Revolution (Chicago), Half Acre (Chicago), Brickstone (Bourbonnais). Plus, drafts like Stevens Point Ciderboys Seasonal, Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale all make appearances. In bottles/cans, there are 31 options, including Two Brothers (Warrenville), Small Town Not Your Father's Root Beer (Wauconda) and Tocayo (Warrenville), plus tempting brews like Boulder Chocolate Shake, Left Hand Good Juju, Innis Gunn Original, and Wells and Young Banana Bread Beer. Cupcake Vineyards dominates the wine list. Twenty-one cocktails are available, including the popular Moscow Mule and summer specialties like the Crisp Cucumber Collins and Spiked Green Tea. You won't go thirsty here.
<b>Crowd: </b>Early on, families (many with small children) and groups of friends ranging from their 20s to their 60s filled the tables and booths for dinner. As the night went on, more groups filled in the remaining seats. This would be an ideal venue for hanging out with friends to watch Sunday and Monday night football, or any other sport.
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Food:</b> To start off, our waitress brought us complimentary chips and spicy queso. A nice gesture, although I would suggest it be served in dishes instead of Styrofoam. The BBQ Pork Egg Rolls (three homemade egg rolls filled with delicious tender barbecue pork and creamy slaw) get my vote for tasty appetizer. The creamy spinach dip, made with four cheeses, artichoke hearts, spinach and tomatoes, was disappointingly bland. The recommended handbattered fish and chips (waffle fries) fared better. While tasty, they were somewhat greasy. The ground beef in the taco salad would have benefitted from more taco seasoning.
<b>Service:</b> Our attentive waitress listed a plethora of homemade entree recommendations when asked. So many that I lost track. But, surprisingly, she didn't seem to know the beer list well. No matter, the drinks menu offers extensive descriptions.
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Entertainment:</b>The popular music playing was a touch loud. In June, DJ Tommy Karaoke comes in later on Friday nights, and there's a DJ on Saturday nights, too. Thirsty Thursdays include live acoustic sets from 7 to 10 p.m. You can also check out Trivia Tuesdays or free bingo on Wednesdays, both starting at 7 p.m.
<b>Parking:</b> Free and plentiful.
<b>Overall:</b> If it's craft beer and sports you seek, McBride's North just might be the answer.
McBride's North
2340 S. Eola Road, Aurora, (630) 692-9606 or
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday