Feel like dining in the mountains? How about a charming little cabin by the river? Or nestled in the woods beside a nearby creek? If you answer yes to at least one of these, then head on over to Mackenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub they have it all. Beautiful wilderness murals, woods décor and creek bed running through the restaurant, and let’s not forget good food.
Located in the up-and-coming Rushmore Crossing, and when I say up-and-coming, I think in the last six months the Crossing has seen a huge growth spurt just adding to the collection of new stores is Big Lots, Old Navy, and a new Five Below. As of now Big Lots is the only one open but the others are almost done.
Mackenzie River got its start in the mountains of Montana, in the 90’s. Owners wanted to create a Montana-style experience, a mixture of laid-back fun and a senses of adventure. That is how the décor makes you fell. Large Birch trees fill one side of the restaurant offering a semi private dining experience, along a river of rocks that meander through the trees, making you feel like you are setting creekside. Fishing gear, canoes, hang from the ceiling, along with outdoor gear.
Grouchy stopped by on Friday night for a bit to eat. The menu is huge and not at all what you would expect for someone whom claims to be a “Pizza, Gill & Pub.” There is a variety of items on the menu. From fusion appetizers, complicated flatbreads, signature burgers, pizzas, pasta dishes, salads, pub classics, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, nachos, soups, to vegetarian/vegan (and to you gluten free diners they have a menu for you as well).
Grouchy noticed that they had a burger much like what I had at Sickies the week before, so decided to put then head-to-head. MR called their burger the Smokehouse, a ½ lb. burger (cooked to your liking) with smoked Gouda, hickory bacon and smoked BBQ pulled Pork, on a brioche bun with a side of fries and pickles. SG was a burger with spicy ranch (which it did not have) pull BBQ pulled pork cheese and fried jalapenos (which it did not have) on Texas toast with a side of fries. Both burgers were comparable in price Sickies total was $16.09 and Mackenzie Rivers was $15.59
We will start with the fries, MR were much better, they were hot and chirpy compared to SG, the burger was good from MR, but it was over cooked. I ordered mine medium rare and it was well done, the pulled pork on both burgers was good but both needed more BBQ sauce, I did get my pickles at MR and the smoked Gouda with the smokey bacon was a good touch, but I did prefer the Texas toast over the bun, something different and Sickies burger was not overcooked but was also smaller. Over all I am going to say that Mackenzie River did it a bit better. If you are not into burgers, they do a really good Beet and Goat Cheese salad, and I have also tried the Thai Pie, a Thai peanut sauce with seasoned atmosphere was amazing. They hit the five star mark for sure.
Mackenzie River is open Sun-Thru. 11 am to 9 pm and Friday & Sat. 11 am – 10 pm. With a full bar and happy hour 7 days a week from 3-6 pm. Daily specials Monday-Thursday and Lunch combo special for 11 am 4 pm daily. The environment is family friendly or if you are looking for a place to go grab some wings and a few cold ones and watch a game they can accommodate your needs.
Until next time, Grouchy fans, school is back in session so be observant of the little ones crossing the streets. Good Eats my friends.
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