You know when you were growing up, there was always this one house in your neighborhood where all the kids hung out and the parents were simply “cool”. They had an uncanny ability to make each person feel so at-home. You could relax there and have a good time… Well, word on the street is that’s the vibe you’re going to get at McKee’s Pub and Grill. Everyone I talk to tells me they frequent McKee’s for the same three reasons; it’s unpretentious, they feel at home; the food is really good.
Aesthetically , McKee’s could be anybody’s hometown Irish Pub. The place is dimly lit, with beer lights and various liquor signs glowing. Four leaf clovers ,of course, prominently appear everywhere. There are pool tables, dartboards and even weekly trivia game signs handwritten and posted looking for participants. The bartender when I was there had that natural pretty girl next door look, and greeted me with a subtle smile. I order a Guinness and she asks if I want a slow pour? I immediately reply yes, and within minutes receive my beer with an impression of a clover on the head. The guy next to me at the bar greets me as wel,l with a nod and a smile. I easily settle in. Around me people were involved in conversations or some just doing their own thing, but I couldn’t tune out the greetings shouted across the bar and all of the shared laughter, almost as if everyone in there knew each other. Amidst all of the background goings on, I finally spot the boss. It was no easy chore. I visually combed the joint, when first walking in, without noticing anyone who might appear as the owner.
She was sitting at the bar, in a sweatshirt and jeans, blending in like everyone else. That’s her thing. She wants to be one of the crowd, and truly is. Vicky is one of the locals and has been working for this establishment since it used to be a place called Kanuk’s, over 18 yrs ago! She took possession of the bar in 2008. Even though her and her husband, Ranj, are not related to the others working there, Vicki says “The success of McKee’s comes from running this place as a family, Ranj at the door, Randy in the Kitchen, Rita at the bar and everyone one else working here is part of our team”.
Vicki lets out a laugh when telling the story of a flustered customer at the bar. She’s looking straight into my eyes as she speaks, you get the sense that she is a strong woman ” So this guy is telling me, Yeah ,I know the owner, and when I see him I ‘m gonna tell him about you! Vicky’s reply, “Really? When you find the owner, you tell’em I’m lookin’ for him too!”
When given a compliment , Vicky is modest and replies,” I just treat this place like it has my name on it. In McKees, everyone is equal, whether you’re a millionaire or homeless.” Outside of the food people have come to love here (like the tasty and hot quick soup and sandwich for those of you on a work schedule) McKee’s is known for cooking a feast for all on the holidays. That would be seven turkeys and over one hundred pounds of mashed potatoes! It is shared with whomever walks through their doors, even when the economy was at its worst.
Although almost anything goes at McKee’s, Vicky has this unspoken code of conduct that folks seem to understand. She knows when to draw the line and is nobody’s fool. If you cross the line, even as a customer ,you’re out for thirty days. People understand and appreciate a set of boundaries. How else would a lady run two pubs! That’s right, Vicki has another McKee’s in South Dakota, her home state, just 17 miles outside of Sturgis! I am beginning to realize that I am in the presence of a true matriarch. Vicky’s got her doors open to all, making McKee’s a home away from home.
Come Celebrate St . Pattys Day With Us!
Looking to sink your teeth into some Saint Patty’s Day splendor? Where else would you rather be than your hometown McKee’s Pub! McKee’s is more than ready for March 17th, where they will have extended their premises to seat over one hundred additional patrons outside for their busiest day of the year! Can’t you just smell the home made steaming hot corned beef and cabbage cooking as you sip your favorite green beer! This year, they are prepared to almost double the three hundred and forty pounds of corned beef and cabbage they sold last year! Don’t be Foolish, be Irish and come to McKee’s.