My wife and I started going to Magnus during lockdown, right after we'd met. It was outdoor…read moreseating, you scanned your order via an app, and they'd bring your food out to a little table. And that more or less started a tradition with my wife and I of going in on birthdays and sometimes anniversaries. Sometimes, particularly in the dead of winter when all the tourists have gone from Maine, we go in just cuz.
First of all, the menu and the cocktails. Just. F'ing. YUM. I'm a huge fan of the yuca fries which are crispy on the outside, perfectly soft inside, just the right amount of salt. The "Fall Green Salad" on the menu currently is just... It's a death wish meal. Like, if I'm ever on death row, and they're like "OK, buddy, what's the last meal you want?" It's going to be that salad. Well, maybe that and some lobster. ANYway the menu is generally small, which some people seem to take issue with, but changes regularly with seasonal foods, and all but the most picky of "Applebee's" fans will find something to enjoy.
In other words, if you're expecting an eight page menu with low quality, bland food, this may not be the place for you.
The presentation is always spot on, but the flavors? My god, I am just gushed over a salad? Yes. Yes I did. The sweetness with a nice bit of tart from the grapefruit, the slight bitterness of the radicchio, and then the curried pecans. This fantastic little crunch with the curry flavor and heat? Seriously. So freakin' good.
The bartenders are wonderful and really know their stuff. Last night I saw a bottle I didn't recognize, which turned out to be creme de cocao. I've had DeKuyper and others, but this was so much better. I asked the bartender for a cocktail made from it and what she made.... *chef's kiss*. A tiny bit of coffee, some flavor from akvavit, some whiskey. It was so subtle, so delicious, and exactly my flavor pallet (I tend to be somewhat alcohol forward in my drink preferences). Whenever I'm in, I also order a "Last Word" since they always, always make them perfectly and it's difficult these days to find green chartreuse. The bartender very kindly explained to me what why his were generally better than what I made at home.
And of course, the staff in general. We LOVE THEM. ALL of them. Magnus has a vibe, if you're a local in particular, similar to a neighborhood pub. The people get to know your face, they greet you warmly, they chat not just with you but with one another. It's clear, abundantly clear, that they like where they are.
Parking is where you can find it on street in the area. We've never had any issues finding something within easy walking distance. The price, well lets face it, even going to eat at a local Irish bar these days is going to set you back, but for the current market I'd say it's average. We had three cocktails each, three appetizers, and one main dish for about $150, AND we had leftovers. BTW, refried yuca fries with over easy eggs? Perfect hangover food.
