- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
McNally's Tavern
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Pubs American (Traditional), Pubs [Edit]
8634 Germantown AvePhiladelphia, PA 19118
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
(215) 247-9736
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Validated, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
About This Business:
A typical Venetian spot that serves small snacks or cichetti, C19 offers an the extensive selection of traditional cichetti, including Baccala,… read more »
58 reviews for McNally's Tavern
Review Highlights
"but I think I'm IN LOVE with the Dickens."
(in 9 reviews)
"...and served in possibly the best kaiser roll I've ever had."
(in 4 reviews)
"...and made better by the grilled salami and awesome toppings."
(in 4 reviews)
Loading...
58 reviews in English
-
Review from Bob H.
North Wales, PA
1/27/2012
Love it !!!! Can't get enough of the Schmitter...besides that, the atmosphere is fantastic. Quiet, dark....it's an Old Pub !! It's Ireland at it's best. I only wish they shipped sandwiches via Fed-Ex, cause after posting the Schmitter on Facebook, now I have to do it.
-
Review from Mitch E.
Sun City, CA
12/19/2011
Schmitter!!!
Irish goodness!
If it's good enough for Wee John, then it's too good for you!
Fresh and delicious.
Yum in my tum, time to jig now! -
Review from Steven B.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
CCOD is a real problem here. What's that you ask? It stands for Caloric and Cholesterol Over Dose and is what happens when you inhale a Schmitter. Its major symptoms are glazed eyes and a silly smile. Thank God McNally's doesn't have a fryer. If this wonderful sandwich was served with French fries the death toll would be enormous.
McNally's has another problem. The aforementioned sandwich is served with special Schmitter Sauce. When you eat this sandwich it's everywhere and getting it off your cell phone is a real bear. So many people trade in these less than attractive phones that the local Sprint store calls them Schmitter phones.
Despite these problems this is one great place to have a sandwich a beer. The atmosphere is great and the people are especially friendly. Speaking of beer, this is really not a craft beer place. You'll find a few good microbrews but nothing exotic.
If I'm within a few miles of Chestnut Hill my stomach starts to growl and my internal GPS just aims me for here. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/23/2011
What the Dickens? This Thanksgiving sandwich comprised of turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce made me HATE Thanksgiving. As I write this a week after having it, I'm drinking water because it was sooo dry. It may have been because it was on a kaiser roll....
Dry like a doctor's sense of humor.
It was a HUGE sandwich though. I could still have been eating it today if it weren't so....
DRY. -
Review from Ryan D.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2012
The Schmitter is fantastic! Great beer and knowledgeable bartenders. The drawback---- is that B102 on the stereo? Awful- made me feel like I was at a crappy dentists office. Please, with all the options of great music, why put on that garbage? All my senses were happy except that one. I asked the barkeep to change the music, and he told me the owner insists its kept on B102. Get decent music and I'll be back. otherwise, I'll stay at McMenamins
-
Review from Bradford G.
Malvern, PA
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fun, small bar in Chestnut Hill. Only a few tables for sit down eating, and only one reason to go - the Schmitter - an awesome steak sandwich with a special sauce. Get the double and pig out.
-
Review from Christine S.
Philadelphia, PA
6/5/2011
I think some people either love this place, and some people hate it. I for one, am really not a fan. The food wasn't THAT great, and outside of the one thing that they are known for (The Schmitter), everything else is pretty horrendous.
I agree that this place is sort of the "Cheers" in the neigborhood where everyone seems to know each other, but I do not agree that they are just as friendly to newcomers. I was a newbie and the guy behind the bar was completely rude when i was asking questions like, "does it come with fries?" As if I should have KNOWN that though most other places serve fries with their sandwiches or entrees, THIS PLACE doesn't have a fryer so they don't do that.
It's just too snobby for a dive atmosphere bar. You want good food, and friendly faces? Go to Campbell's place. Never has let me down. -
Review from Zach V.
7/16/2011
Schmitter or Schmitter on a long roll? That is all you need to know about the food at McNally's. They do have other items on the menu but nothing to rave about.
Finding this small bar might be tricky if you're not from the area. There is a very small sign on the outside wall and that's all you can see when walking by. The inside is dark & there are only a few tables. They have old metal beer mugs hung on the wall and the place looks like it hasn't changed in 50 years. McNally's is a throwback to the old days and it's a great spot to grab a beer and a sandwich.
They don't have a large beer selection but usually there is at least one good beer on tap. I had a Trogue's Dreamweaver when we stopped last week before heading down to a Sunday Phillies game.
If you ever frequented the Bent Elbow you will see a familiar face tending bar. -
Review from Nick G.
Pomfret Center, CT
5/23/2011
McNally's is the kind of place that you used to find all over the city, a neighborhood bar. A place where almost everyone knows each other, but they are not standoffish to newcomers.
A nice selection of whisky, beer on tap and a pub menu. -
Review from Danan R.
8/29/2011
As much as I love the schmitter, I love the Tobias even more. It's basically the schmitter with pepperoni. The dickens is a great option for those of us who can't get enough of thanksgiving
-
Review from Tom D.
12/27/2010
McNally's is a small bar at the top of the hill in Chestnut Hill. If you don't know where to look you'll probably miss it because it is literally a hole in the wall. The bar is very small, with the bar down the left and a row of tables down the right with barely enough space for 2 people to pass in between. If you're going and hoping to sit and relax, avoid game nights and weekends as the bar can get packed with people very quickly.
McNally's is famous as the home of the Schmitter, a sandwich which Maxim once described as "a cheesesteak on crack". Although it's so different from a cheesesteak I'm not sure I'd classify it as such. Either way it is incredible and a sandwich everyone should try at least once. (Unless you have heart problems, you'll feel your arteries clogging as you eat it) The only other place in Philly to get a Schmitter is at Citizens Bank Park, however the ones at the stadium don't compare to the ones at McNally's.
I can't really speak to McNally's other food, even though I have gone several times planning on trying something else. Invariably I see someone there eating a Schmitter and my stomach refuses to let my brain attempt anything else. -
Review from Stephen M.
Philadelphia, PA
5/6/2011
Ok, ok....I have to say it.... the Schmitter totally lives up to the hype... TOTALLY!
We finally checked this place out last week. For starters, I love how tucked away it is. Find the green door, with the tiny "McNallys" sign next to it, and your in. On the other side, you find a smaller than expected space, not too small, very cozy, that has a very colonial feel to it. This, I think, is accentuated by the pewter beer mugs festooned all about the bar. Frankly, I was instantly in love! It was comfortably packed with locals out for a bite and the Phillys game, and my Girl commented more than once about how pleasantly quiet it was
On to the food.... My first disappointment game when I looked for appetizers and found none....then looked for fries and found none. An inquiry of our very sweet and attentive waitress revealed they have no fryer... Really? No Fryer??? in a PUB???? kind of a shock. I have a deep working class love of all things fried, so this was fairly upsetting, but so be it....what they DID have was The Schmitter, and I dove in with both feet.
I ordered the double meat, foot long schmitter, and frankly, was expecting good, but , given the hype, disappointing. I was mistaken. This is a SUPERB sandwich! All of the elements blend together so well. If you get the big one, then you don't get every flavor in every bite, because its all spread out over such a large area, so each bite is a slightly different experience than the last. I devoured the entire thing and never stopped smiling.
So the Schmitters a winner... but sadly, it would seem they are resting on their laurels with it. My Girl got a burger, and it was one of the worst either of us have ever tasted. Totally dry, unseasoned, overcooked, and unimpressive in every way.... well, the bread was good... i'll give em that. Good bread, however, only goes so far in saving a lousy burger.
So, that killed it. I think if we both had Schmitters this would be a 4 or five star review, but the burger was really disappointing, as was the unavailability of any of the usual fried pub-food delights so near and dear to me.
DEFINATLY go there.... Eat a scmitter, but thats it. -
Review from James S.
I know it's repetitive at this point, but if you live in the area, or are just passing through, and haven't been to McNally's Tavern for a Schmitter, you need to do so asap! Yes, they sell them at the baseball stadium, and yes, other places have tried to copy this sandwich, but nothing is ever as good as the real thing! It is hard to explain why, but the Schmitter really is that good. If you can stop bye on a game night, grab a drink and a Schmitter and you'll find yourself in heaven.
I've also heard great things about The Dickens, so if you've had your fair share of Schmitters, this is a good second option. With so much great bar food, the one thing that I was disappointed to find out is that they don't have a fryer, which means no wings. Nothing else to complain about. The place is great. If you are in the area, definitely give McNally's and the Schmitter a try!Listed in: Chestnut Hill
-
Review from Annie B.
Knoxville, TN
11/20/2010
This place was pretty good, but my particular meal was just OK. My boyfriend really enjoyed his Schmitter and the carrot cake was insanely delicious. They had some crab/corn chowder that was also very good.
I had a burger which was just OK and it came with chips, which for dinner, is not particularly my preference. I wanted to get one of their specialties, but the Schmitter was a little too fatty for me - several meats, cheese, thousand island-like sauce. And The Dickens pairs cranberry and turkey, which I really hate, so I just stuck with a plain ol' burger. The beer selection on tap was also surprisingly underwhelming for a pub.
The thing that was strange for me was that we went at 9:30 on a Friday night and there was barely anyone around. It was the strangest thing ever. It seemed like the kind of place that would be hoppin' but the bar itself was relatively empty. Also they were also rockin' some terrible pop music from a radio at the bar. I believe Miley Cyrus came on at some point. Service - just aight. Very slow to bring the bill, but very friendly.
So my bottom line is - go for a lunch sammie, get the Schmitter if you have low cholestrol to start, or go on a Sunday afternoon to watch the Eagles and grab a low key beer. -
Review from Melissa L.
Philadelphia, PA
7/14/2011
Eh, I don't want to give this review, but it must be given. I meant to get a Schmitter at the Phillies Braves game last week and didn't get to, so I was desperate for one and journeyed out to Chestnut Hill to take care of my craving.
The pub is cute, and the Schmitter is better in person than in the stadium, which is kind of amazing, because it's pretty much perfection in the stadium. Though, all food tastes better under stadium lights, I think. But the problem was the way we were served was so perplexing. I feel like the bartender had a plan and it wasn't a mistake, but that doesn't make it right. I ordered turkey chili (not spicy whatsoever, but tasty enough) and a schmitter ($5 on Tuesdays, great deal), and my boyfriend ordered a caesar salad (also $5 on Tuesdays) and a Schmitter. Easy enough - bring the chili and the salad, then bring our sandwiches. But instead, my chili came out, then five minutes later my boyfriend's Schmitter came out...the end. I watched him demolish the sandwich I'd been dying for for a week and sort of just kept looking at the open kitchen at the end, trying to figure out if they missed my order...if they were bringing the salad ever...and then when he was all done with the Schmitter, out came his salad and my sandwich. Heh? Don't make someone sit and watch the person they are with chow on a delicious sandwich for so long they finish the entire thing before you see any sign of your entree! That's cruel and unusual. (side note, boyfriend did offer me his whole, or at least half of his sandwich, but I said no to both, wanting my own plate.)
But the food is good, and my schmitter was amazing, of course. The caesar is delicious. I will probably just stick to the ball park variety from now on, though. -
Review from Jeff B.
Philadelphia, PA
8/24/2010
Echoing the sentiments of all the other reviews on this page - the Schmitter might be the greatest sandwich ever constructed.
I first experienced the Schmitter when I first moved to Chestnut Hill 6 years ago. I was out for a run late at night when two college aged "dudes" asked me where "that famous sandwich place is." I had no idea what they were talking about, but since most everything worth a damn in Chestnut Hill is at "the top of the hill" that's the direction I pointed them in.
The next day, I did a Google search for "Chestnut Hill - Famous Sandwich" and found the McNally's page.
Anyone who has been to this place knows why I didn't know about it before my chance frat-boy encounter -- the restaurant has no sign on the front of it. Just a big green door with a small brass plaque on the front. A feature that I find very, very cool...
Long story long, the Schmitter is such a good sandwich that I crave it CONSTANTLY.
That said, a sandwich comprised of cheesesteak, salami, fried onions, fried tomatoes and thousand island dressing isn't exactly the type of food you can eat each day so I have made a deal with myself that I am only allowed to get a Schmitter when I have guests in from out of town. So, if you're not from Philadelphia and you're looking for a place to stay - let me know. I haven't had a house guest in a few months, so I am jonesing to get Schmit-faced.
Except on special event days (Chestnut Hill Arts Festival, etc), McNally's offers a "regular" Schmitter, which comes on a kaiser roll and a "large" Schmitter, which has double meat and is served on a standard Amoroso hoagie roll. Always, ALWAYS get the large it is SOOO worth the calorie count. I can easily down two larges in one sitting (and then not eat for another week).
Mad props for "The Dickens" sandwich too - imagine all the best things about Thanksgiving crammed into a kaiser roll - Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce. They roast, and carve the turkey on location so the place always smells amazing. The only thing that could make the Dickens better would be a big side of gravy to dip it in. I make this suggestion for two reasons. 1. the sandwich is made with white breast meat, which is almost always dry (not a jab at McNally's, white meat in general is dry) and 2. gravy is just awesome (and something that I, and many others, would probably pay extra for).
Have stopped here for take-out beer on occasion as well. Skip that unless there are no other options - the take out selection is pretty small and is kind of expensive. Check out the Trolley Car Diner (and my review) at the other end of the Hill for their (amazing) build-your-own six pack selection.
In conclusion, skip Pat's and Geno's, forget about the roasted pork sandwich... if you want a life-changing sandwich experience the next time you are in Philadelphia, swing by Chestnut Hill (a really beautiful neighborhood full of GIGANTIC old stone houses) for a Schmitter. It'll blow your mind.
P.S. Please, please god... let the McNally's staff read the part about gravy for the Dickens. -
Review from Tracy W.
Glenolden, PA
7/28/2011
Yummmm! I don't eat meat 362 days of the year. On one of the 3 that I do I went to McNallys. I was ready to order one of the few vegetarian options when my husband said, "What are you doing? You have to get a schmitter!" So I did and, wow, was it tasty! We had a disagreement about whether it was roast beef or chip steak. I say roast beef. It was good, whatever it was, and made better by the grilled salami and awesome toppings. Fried onions, warm tomatoes, cheese and special sauce (thousand island?). I added pickles and hot peppers to mine. I know I'll probably never eat it again...hmmm, well maybe I will ;-)
-
Review from jed p.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2010
Small place, lots o character. Dinner on a Saturday night and the place was full of young families. I enjoyed the Schmitter, sauce on the side, and found it to be tasty indeed. Served with chips, I would have preferred fries or something more substantial and found myself eating all the pickles and peppers from the table and wishing I'd ordered the chowder.
Tables are close, felt like we were a part of the date to our left. I recommend it. -
Review from Carrie E.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 8/8/2008
Something is afoot in the universe. I'm worried that soon we're all going to be sucked into a black hole. Why? Because apparently I'm on a quest this week to subconsciously increase my ass size by at least 40%.
First, there was the cheesesteak I had for dinner the other night. And an enormous chocolate chip cookie for breakfast. Then, the fries with mayo I ate for lunch. Later, the other part of the cheesesteak I ate last night a few hours after eating some noodles and a Snickers Bar.
And today...once again...I heeded the siren song of the Schmitter.
I am full. I am drowsy. My belly feels like it's going to explode and my arteries are constricting as I type this. But do I regret it? Hellz no...in fact, there's still some on the plate in front of me, dripping that sweet sweet secret sauce and greasy goodness, and overflowing with sliced beef, cheese, fried onions, tomatoes and salami. I'll try to resist it, but I'm probably going to end up licking the plate.
When I think about it, it kinda feels like the morning after. And the trip to the kitchen to get rid of the scraps is going to be my own personal walk of shame.
But I liked it. I liked it a lot. And I'll totally do it again, too.Listed in: Five Star Favorites, Splendor in the Suburbs, Does This Food Make My Butt…, Chestnut Thrill, Carrie's Best Philadelphia…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/25/2008
After a hard day there's nothing like the sweet, sweet taste of a Schmitter. Seriously. Nothing.
… Read more »
-
-
Review from Christian H.
Philadelphia, PA
6/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I love McNally's!
Located in beautiful Chestnut Hill, this discrete bar on Germantown Avenue has some very reasonable drinks, a great atmosphere, and some damn good sandwiches. Many previous commentators have made reference to the legendary Schmidtter and Tobias sandwiches. Both are absolutely delicious artery clogging good fun.
I honestly haven't had anything else on the menu and I feel like I don't have to. This is a great bar, as evidenced by the fact that it's not uncommon to see families dining in here.
My only gripe is that it's very crowded and uncomfortable in there. However, that's the price to pay for a good food menu and a great atmosphere. Tip of the hat, McNally's!
By the way, the bartender is really nice there. Make sure you tip him well. -
Review from Tom C.
Lambertville, NJ
Updated - 2/18/2009
The Schmitter came up in a recent thread and as I happened to have had one Sunday I thought I'd revisit my review.
Sunday, Bloody Sunday. Before our butts hit the bar stools I had ordered two Bloody Marys. They came to us in the larger royal pint glasses, made by a loving hand. This is good, because at $8 they aren't cheap.
Next it was Schmitter time. What we have here, is, failure to moderate. A heaping amount of freshly roasted and sliced roast beef, with a few slices of grilled salami, onions, tomato, covered in melted cheese and finished with "special sauce" (which as near as I can tell is thousand island and mayo, but with out the pickles in the island part...) This is then packed on and served in possibly the best kaiser roll I've ever had.
I don't know if it was the sandwich, the bloody mary, or the fact that the Flyers were up 5-0 on the Rangers...but I thought for a moment I was dreaming.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/13/2008
A haiku for McNally's
Chestnut Hill heaven
Your menu is all I crave
Small tavern big love
What a find! I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jocelyn P.
PA
2/17/2009
I'm in love. I had a whole eloquent review ready last night, but I didn't want to disrupt my zen by getting on the computer and distracting myself from just appreciating the feeling that all was right with the world. And it was all thanks to McNally's. It's a tiny little bar. And it's definitely a bar. They serve sandwiches, prime rib, etc. Real food. For real people. That enjoy eating at a bar. Don't get me wrong, it's not a college bar. There are plenty of families eating at the 8-10 tables and the counter. And more than a few regulars eating at the bar.
The first thing you notice when you walk in is how accurate it is to call it a Tavern. It's everything you would imagine when you think of the word tavern. And it's genuine. It wasn't built 20 years ago to resemble a tavern. This place is the real deal, from the wood rafters to the metal beer mugs hanging from them to the bartender, built like Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.
We grabbed a couple beers and sat at the two-seater counter in the very front. The bartender took care of us all night, and my husband was thrilled to get a Guiness the right way. I don't know the details of Guiness enough to know what the right way is, but apparently they did it. I took him there for the Schmitter, so he didn't even need to look at the menu, and I got a bacon cheeseburger, planning on sharing both. They cook all of their meats each day for their sandwiches, and they grind their beef daily. The cheeseburger made me embarassed to have ever said that the Bruschetta burger at Bennigan's was the best burger I had ever tasted. It was unbelievable. The bacon was cooked like it was going to be served on its own, not flat and dead like most bacon that is going to be placed on a burger. It was crispy and curly and perfect. And the meat was out of this world.
And the Schmitter. Oh the Schmitter. You can get them at quite a few places these days, including the Linc and Citizens Bank Park. I'm sure they are good at those places, but at McNally's it isn't just a sandwich. It's an experience. The meat, the cheese, the onions, the tomato, the sauce... It all combines to this one moment of utter perfection as it hits your taste buds. Some people call it a cheesesteak. Some people call it a sandwich. All I know is I've never experienced anything like it before. Ever.
You have to be 21 to sit at the bar, but they have a few tables and a counter, too. It was pretty busy when we got there at like 6:30 and got busier as the hour and a half or so went on, so give yourself time to wait for a spot. -
Review from Mark A.
Glenside, PA
4/11/2008
This place is a Chestnut Hill institution, or so I have read. There aren't a lot of good places to hang out at night in Chestnut Hill, which is quite odd. It should have multiple vibrant night spots, but it doesn't. Too bad; but McNally's, I guess for many locals, is more than enough. It's a no-nonsense bar with great draught beers and solid food. The atmosphere is convivial and the staff is friendly. I had the Schmitter, which is their signature sandwich. Frankly, I don't get it. It's just kind of generic and okay, but I'm definitely a when-in-Rome guy. Next time, I'll go with another choice. They looked a lot more appetizing. But I'm kvetching. This place is about conversation, watching the Phillies lose to the Mets for the second night in a row, and hoisting back pints with friends.
Maybe Chestnut Hill doesn't need more places like this. McNally's has been fitting the bill forever and they show no signs of slowing down.
ps--no deep fryer, hence no fries, onion rings, etc. It doesn't make the place Weight Watchers friendly, but it might save you an angioplasty someday. -
Review from Emma D.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2008
I really enjoyed the no-nonsense atmosphere of this place for dinner on Saturday night. It's definitely packed at meal times, so plan on early or 8pm or after dinner if you don't want to wait.
We sat at the bar, had $5 draft beer, and split a Schmitter and a Dickens. Don't forget to ask for the hot peppers and pickles! They take the Schmitter (others have described it better) up that extra notch. The Dickens was a turkey, stuffing, and cranberry style sandwich that was devoured as quickly as possible.
Even chatted with the guy next to us at the bar for a short time - definitely a fun local hang out.Listed in: Chestnut Hill and Germantown
-
Review from jenn h. h.
Ardmore, PA
3/16/2008
This is the anti-Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill icon, with its iconic sandwich, the schmitter. A gloriously gluttonous heaping of heart attack on a bun, I loved every delicious morsel. The place is tiny, and unless you know where it is, you're likely to miss it as it doesn't really have a sign. But once you're in, you'll feel right at home.
It's warm and cozy and the servers are fun, friendly, and attentive. They have a good selection of beers on tap and just a great vibe. Amongst all the other cute, adorable, or swanky places on Chestnut Hill's main strip, this is the hole-in-the-wall beacon of low-key hope. They'll also card you in the middle of the day and go on and on about how young you look. You'll totally be smiling for the rest of the day! -
Review from Sean S.
Philadelphia, PA
5/28/2008
Best sandwich ever; I say without hesitation that given the ultimatum to choose between the cheesesteak and the Schmitter for eternity, goodbye cheesesteak. They take the steak, melted cheese, and fried onions we all know and love then add grilled salami, tomato, and secret sauce to create taste bud nirvana. Staff tell me they had to copyright the sandwich as their culinary invention was being ripped off left and right; now the Phillies and Eagles serve up Schmitters in their respective ball parks. Combine the ultimate sandwich with great beers on tap (Guinness, Harp, Lager and more) and pleasant service all in a small clean comfortable bar and the McNally family will continue to thrive on top of the hill.
If for some reason anyone in your party doesn't want a Schmitter they serve prime rib every Monday and Crab cakes every Friday; I hear these are excellent but I don't look at the menu here anymore. -
Review from Taylor A.
Philadelphia, PA
9/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
The Schmitter is grrreat...but I think I'm IN LOVE with the Dickens!
"The Dickens" is the bomb!!
Tiny place...TONS of character! Definitely order a Walt Whit and a yummy sammich! -
Review from Arica N.
Wyncote, PA
9/1/2008
This is a great place for chilly days and nights, very cozy and they serve very hearty warming food. I'm not much of a meat person but their
Schmitter sandwich and the Tobias are so delicious and quite filing. Picture saucy, meaty, grilled to perfection and you've got the Tobias. The prices are very reasonable and the crowd is a nice mix of families and old and young people. It seems like a real pub atmosphere for locals but still welcoming to those that are not from Chestnut Hill. It is not very clearly marked on the street, so if you plan to go you will have trouble spotting it from the car. -
Review from Darrell T.
Glenmoore, PA
10/7/2011
Awesome little place w/ very delicious sandwiches!
-
Review from Paul L.
Warminster, PA
7/11/2009 1 photo
I had the famed Schmitter, like many other reviewers. It is tasty and quite messy. I don't know if I will be having another one, but I was happy to have tried it.
The staff is very nice and the atmosphere is great. It's nice to be able to chat with the cook in their open kitchen/at the bar grill. It's a great place to catch the Phillies or meet a friend for a beer.
One interesting tidbit: I asked the cook what the secret sauce is and he told me it's very, very close to Thousand Island dressing. The secret sauce seems slightly thinner than the regular salad dressing. -
Review from Michael C.
Abington, PA
8/21/2008
I love hole in the wall bars. Especially ones that have pewter mugs hanging from the walls, and those big wooden beer barrels behind the bar. This place has been around for a hundred years. And they know how to serve a beer and sandwich. This isn't your highschool senior serving you, it's his mom. They know what they are doing back there. I'm don't know who invented the schmitter, but they are pure genius. I would have never thought that combination of meat would make one so happy.
Very small place, but you eat and go. They have little tvs, but not the best to hang for the game. I think it would be a great place to take a date. It's a great test of character. -
Review from Steve S.
LAFAYETTE HL, PA
9/30/2011
I was just at McNally's for lunch. Everyone there always makes you feel like you are at home. Always asking if you need anything and how is everything. I had lunch there with my brother and we each had the Dickens Turkey Sandwich that tasted like I made them fresh at home myself. SIMPLY AMAZING! Moist and Delicious. I am ready to go back for another one.
-
Review from Bill D.
Phila, PA
8/12/2010
I usually get the Tobias when I visit McNally's. I forget what it makes it different from their famous sandwich, but it is almost the same thing.
Jeepers, sometimes I eat two of them (saying "jeepers" makes it seem less deadly).
The people who work there are friendly. It can be tough to maneuver through the crowd.
It is strange being in a bar that closes at 11:00 on weekend nights, but that's Chestnut Hill. -
Review from Nicole M.
Philadelphia, PA
3/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small homey bar. Service was friendly and food was good for bar food.
-
Review from Michael R.
Arvada, CO
3/20/2006
This family-run tavern is one of my favorite places on Earth.
A nice warm shelter from any storm, a pint (or half-pint) of Guinness, a good scotch or the world class (and famously kept "secret") The Schmitter.
Is Jack Sharkey still around?
I worked with him down the hill at Limeburner's Opticians.
Tell him Michael says hi. -
Review from Tom M.
7/14/2008
Great establishment. Know going in there is no deep fryer. Probably for best, considering the meats and cheeses you inhale here.
If you're going purely for taste, with no consideration for the well being of your body, get the Schmitter. Sublime.
The Dickens (Thanksgiving Dinner sandwich) is great too, but the real secret of McNallys is the ham. They bake it each day. A simple ham and cheese sandwich there is amazing.
Not much room, so not good for large parties. Keep it less than 5 and you'll be OK. -
Review from Leah G.
12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
So the schmitter is glorious, an amazing sandwich, but sometimes its just too much to eat for dinner. I was at McNally's and I looked at the table next to me, and a woman was eating a salad, with what appeared to be a cheesesteak on top. I asked, and in fact, it was a salad with cheesesteak on top. This salad has since become one of my favorite foods. The perfect balance of greens and glutton. This salad (and for most the schmitter) is worth the drive to Chestnut HIll.
-
Review from Sarah T.
Minneapolis, MN
12/12/2008
Charming hole in the wall in Chestnut Hill. I scoped out places to get a cheesesteak in Philly (through yelp of course) and came up with this place which was right down the street from my hotel.
I was originally planning to get the Schmitter but changed my mind at the last minute because I wasn't at all hungry. Somehow I thought a regular cheesesteak would be a better option...The cheesesteak was great and so was the local brew. I wasn't disappointed!
The bartenders were really friendly and one even gave us a free CD of his band! I would definitely recommend this place if you are in the area. For those of you that live in CH, I envy you!!! -
Review from Jeff H.
Philadelphia, PA
12/18/2008
Could more accurately be called Tavern 9 3/4, my dad grew up in Mt. Airy and I have been up and down the drag in Chestnut Hill plenty of times and I had no idea this place existed until a friend told me about it.
I enjoyed The Dickens™, Thanksgiving between two slices of whole grain bread (you can have white if you prefer). In a way it was better than Thanksgiving... no fuss, someone else cleaned up the mess. The turkey was nicely done and the cranberries were jellied which is a plus in my book. I could eat myself out of a pit of jellied cranberries but I'm not really interested in the whole variety.
Be prepared to have your ID put through the ringer though. My first license wasn't good enough because I have a duplicate so they had to see something else with my name on it.. then I got a little receipt showing my license number and age. Fun souvenir, no? -
Review from Mallory S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/13/2010 5 Check-ins Here
It's pretty easy to guess what I'm about to say about this tavern..so why beat around the bush? I absolutely, positively LOVE the Schmitter. I moved to Chestnut Hill a few weeks ago and sort of stumbled upon McNally's one night. I was instantly intrigued by the Schmitter and just had to have one...anything with a "special sauce" is sure to be amazing. And that it was! A great mixture of flavors with the salty meat and sweet onions and tangy sauce. Plus, who doesn't love a side of Ruffles potato chips? I had it a second time the other night and some how it was better than the first. Super friendly staff, the cook is nice too, good tap options, and the Schmitter is awesome!
Listed in: Chestnut Hill
