Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/5037
A s one of the oldest bars in Oakland, Joe McNally's Irish Pub has been a family tradition in Oakland's upscale Rockridge neighborhood since 1933. Just a stone's throw from the nearby U.C. Berke- ley campus, McNally's universal appeal is its authenticity and its signature cocktail, The Mussolini. The cocktail doesn't appear on a menu anywhere, but regulars and fans know that it was developed by none other than celebrity mixologist (and newly appointed Director of Judging for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition) Tony Abou-Ganim. "Abou-Ganim got his start at McNally's," says Tobias Hampton, who owns the bar in partnership with Max Young's Maximum Productions Inc., an entertainment company that includes The Bam- boo Hut, HiFi and Mr. Smith's in San Francisco. Hampton, who began his career as a bouncer with Maximum Produc- tions, partnered with Young in 2007 to buy the pub. He has a strong personal connection to the location; his parents met at McNally's and he fi rst visited the pub with them when he was a student in art school. "It's common for students to come in with their parents and grandparents," said Hampton; "we even have families who make pilgrimages to McNally's once or twice a year." Fall and the holiday seasons are busy times for the pub; neigh- bors meet to socialize and relax, the wood-burning fi replace is lit to chase away the chill and rounds of Mussolinis fi nd their way to most every table in the house. McNally's signature drink is served as a shot but could easily be stirred for more leisurely sipping. Young's Maximum Productions Inc., an entertainment company that includes The Bam- boo Hut, HiFi and Mr. Smith's in San Francisco. began his career as a bouncer with Maximum Produc- tions, partnered with Young in 2007 to buy the pub. He has a strong personal connection to the location; his parents met at McNally's and he fi rst visited the pub with them when he was a student in art school. "It's common for students to come in with their parents and grandparents," said Hampton; "we even have families who make pilgrimages to McNally's once or twice a year." bors meet to socialize and relax, the wood-burning fi replace is lit to chase away the chill and rounds of Mussolinis fi nd their way to most every table in the house. McNally's signature drink is served as a shot but could easily be stirred for more leisurely sipping. The Mussolini created by Tony Abou-Ganim ½ oz. Kahlúa ½ oz. Baileys Irish Cream ½ oz. Tuaca Float the ingredients in a shot glass garnish with whipped cream and freshly grated cinnamon. Tobias Hampton, who bought McNally's in 2007, pre- served the authenticity of the pub and several generations of loyal clientele along with it. PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG december 2009 / the tasting panel / 39 PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG All in the Family: Joe McNally's Irish Pub This drink is the signature Kahlúa shot at McNally's Irish Pub.