Winter Wonderland at McCray's Tavern East Cobb

McCray’s Tavern East Cobb is a state-of-the-art “elevated pub” where guests can enjoy 27 draft beers, five exclusive draft cocktails, and global cuisine while watching their favorite teams. This winter, guests are welcome for game days, holiday parties and seasonal drinks like hot buttered rum.

“We’re about friends serving friends. Since we opened in August 2020, we've become the neighborhood ‘Cheers.’” Guests can watch everything - baseball, basketball, soccer and even special televised events – indoors or on our covered, heated patio,” said Nicole Swofford, events and beverage manager.

This winter, McCray’s Tavern East Cobb will offer ales that “bring in warmth and spice” from several local breweries, including Creature Comforts Brewing Co., Dry County Brewing Co., Ironshield Brewing, New Realm Brewing, Pontoon Brewing, Reformation Brewery and Scofflaw Brewing Co. The tavern will also offer winter beers from major producers such as SweetWater and The Boston Beer Co.

“We’ll have a Christmas menu featuring hot, hearty dishes like chicken pot pie. We’ll also share custom cocktails from Stephen Steininger, our beverage director, in tacky Christmas mugs. Guests can earn points towards rewards like free appetizers with our loyalty program,” said Swofford.

McCray’s Tavern East Cobb will continue to host live music every Friday. The tavern is also considering a fun “cocktails with Santa” party.

This year, McCray’s is also introducing a new tradition called “Photos with Santa,” in which families can bring the kiddos and interact with Santa during dinner. At this event, families can spend more personal time with Santa than at other venues, where other whining children and impatient parents linger behind your own child as they quickly sit on Santa’s lap in your local mall.

“We’re a great place for corporate and school holiday parties, since we’re about 6,400 square feet and have private party areas. We know how to cater menus for our guests. Jose Bello, our head chef, creates delicious, fresh daily specials ranging from new homemade soups to chicken piccata and surf and turfs,” said Swofford.

Specials change to correspond with the availability of seasonal products, local events and holidays. The pub’s diverse menu includes an ahi tuna sandwich, Gulf shrimp with grits, and chilaquiles.

Left to right: McCray's Tavern Head Chef Jose Bello and Events and Beverage Manager Nicole Swofford

“Steven can customize cocktails for any event. In winter 2021, the Ole Saint Nick & The Scrooge cocktail with rosemary infusion was a big hit. One of our more popular drinks is our signature Old Fashioned. [It] calls for our McCray’s Private Select, which is distilled in partnership with Maker’s Mark,” said Swofford.

McCray’s collaborated with Maker’s Mark Distillery to create a unique cocktail made with Pierre Ferrand cognac, Angostura bitters, mole Bitters and demerara sugar. Swofford recommends pairing this drink with Sriracha honey wings for a sweet and spicy flavor.

“We can customize our Old Fashioned by smoking it with some of our favorite woods, such as cherrywood, appl wood or bourbon-oaked wood. The result enhances the bourbon and adds even more flavor to it,” said Swofford.

For sports fans, McCray’s Tavern East Cobb offers a specific gameday menu. Shareable items include Buffalo chicken sliders, loaded Buffalo French fries, burger egg rolls and boneless wings.

“These go great with pitchers and beer buckets for the table. Gameday menus are usually available Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. We plan to have a Super Bowl party this February, just like we did last year,” Swofford noted.

Swofford added McCray’s Tavern East Cobb is available to cater holiday parties as well as take suggestions for its beer menu from guests.

“This winter, expect to come to McCray’s Tavern East Cobb to enjoy elevated service and meet your neighbors in an inviting and fun space with great atmosphere. You might even find your new favorite beer or cocktail while you’re here,” said Swofford.

For more information, visit: https://www.mccraystavern.com/east-cobb/.