Three’s a charm for Naperville residents and owners of McBride’s Pub and Grille Tracy and Brent Stary. With locations in Plainfield, Joliet, and since 2015, McBride’s North in Aurora, the couple offers great food, great service and great times at each of their family-friendly locations.
“Our menu and motto at each location is the same,” owner Tracy Stary said.
Stary, who owns the restaurants with husband, Brent, said when the original McBride’s on Caton Farm Road in Plainfield became available for sale in 2011, they jumped at the chance to buy it and start a new business for their family.
“It has a homey, ‘Cheers’ type feeling and that is what has made us successful for so long,” Stary said. “We carried that to each of our locations; we want to make sure that everyone who comes in feels at home.”
Here’s the dish on this local establishment.
What’s on the menu? From classic pub food like the McNachos, quesadillas, juicy burgers, ribs and the pot roast dinner, there are plenty of choices at McBride’s. Along with daily drink specials, there are more than two dozen beers on tap, dozens of signature cocktails and many wine options.
About the owners: When Tracy Stary, who graduated from Waubonsie Valley, and Brent Stary, who graduated from Naperville Central, were high school sweethearts, they didn’t imagine they’d be the proud owners of three McBride’s and proud parents of two amazing kids. Years later, the Naperville residents are busy running the businesses and running after their girls.
A mission statement or philosophy: “May you enter as a guest and leave as a friend.”
Decor: A dozen televisions provide a great view of any game, and dark woods, black accents and an expansive bar that Brent built makes McBride’s feel like a cool gastropub. There is comfortable booth seating, large tables and high top tables for large and small parties alike. Striped patio umbrellas beckon visitors to the outdoor seating that’s available when weather permits.
Food specialties: You can’t talk about McBride’s without giving a shout out to their half-pound burgers, made with fresh — never frozen — Angus beef served with a heaping pile of fries or onion rings. The pot roast, either as a sandwich or entree, also gets high marks as being “just like grandma makes,” and the Tuscany chicken is a winner as well as being a gluten free option.
We’re different because: McBride’s North is a family-friendly grill and an upscale bar rolled into one. With a focus on food as well as drinks, there is something to please every diner at this mom and pop establishment.
Extras: There are fun activities like bingo night, trivia night, gaming, karaoke and live music listed on their events page. Reservations are accepted and McBride’s can also host your private party or event.
Price range: Appetizers like quesadillas are $7, a half-pound cheeseburger with a side is $8. Entrees like the pot roast dinner are $11 and a full slab of ribs is $15. Standard kid menu fare is about $5 but the little ones eat free on Wednesday with each paying adult.
McBride’s North is located at 2340 S. Eola Road, just south of Hafenrichter Road and north of Wolf’s Crossing in Aurora. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Go to mcbridespubandgrille.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance writer.