The local was a term used for the neighborhood pub where locals go and swap opinions on politics, sports, or neighborhood issues almost always with pint in hand. Few places like that exist today, primarily because there are so few neighborhoods left. McNally’s remains a local.
Named for Bill McNally, the original owner, this nearly seventy-year old pub serves the people of the Rockridge and Broadway Terrace areas of North Oakland. Established on College Avenue long before this street became the trendiest street in the East Bay, McNally’s is Oakland’s home of the Irish Coffee. An excellent beer and single malt scotch selection exists as well.

Now in it’s third ownership, the cheery Sean Cahill runs an accommodating staff of characters of various ages and sizes. And even previous owner, the legendary Pat Bermingham, still works a shift or two.

Oakland is a city of great ethnic diversity and McNally’s clientele represents the diversity…of the British Isles. Scots, English, Welsh and Irish all coexist in this charming spot with nary a rock thrown. People actually seem to enjoy each other’s company there.

Once a smoky den, McNally’s (or Mac’s as the regulars call it) has benefited greatly from California’s smoking ban in bars and restaurants. The place is much cleaner though still dark in an inviting way. Smoking patrons are graciously given two options: benches outside the front of the bar or a smoking room with television in the back past the beer cooler.

People shuttle in and out during the day and night. A lot of people at McNally’s drink the usual, meaning they are frequent customers, although the crowd does get decidedly younger later at night.

Like a good local should, a Day at the Races, trips to A’s or Raider games and golf outings are littered throughout the bar’s activity calendar. A longtime mainstay of the bar is the small bumper pool table near the washrooms that invites a friendly game. An occasional live band will play on a weekend night, although the smallish bar size is less than ideal for loud music and big crowds. Parking on College Avenue is metered, so make sure that you mind your watch and have plenty of quarters.

McNally’s is the perfect bar on a crisp, foggy day. A large fireplace is the centerpiece of the bar, with a hearth as big as the hearts of the people that regularly head to Oakland best local. – D.M.