Mack Daddy's Hits the Spot
Something for everyone at Avon eatery

by Shelby Kinnaird

We've been to Mack Daddy's during both of our trips to Avon this summer (2006) and enjoyed it quite a bit each time. We didn't have much of a wait in June, but the line was a bit longer at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday evening in July. Still, we only had to wait about 10 minutes for a table for four. The hardest part was finding a parking space! (We later learned that the owner lives in the house behind the restaurant and you can park there if the lot is overflowing.)

There's a large rectangular bar in the center of the restaurant and two sections of tables to the left of and behind the bar. Smoking is allowed at the bar, but not at the tables. We didn't notice anyone smoking on either visit.

On our June visit, Rick got the Margarita Shrimp Salad (he wanted to save room for dessert). It was basically assorted greens with marinated shrimp on top, coated with a light dressing. Shelby got the Hot Pepper Rubbed Tuna with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes (they were green!), sauteed spinach and a soy-sesame sauce. The food came stacked in layers and looked gorgeous on the plate. The combination of flavors was pretty incredible, but don't order it if you don't like spicy food.

We were only going to get one dessert and share, but we couldn't decide between the creme brulee and a frozen dessert made from passionfruit and mango, so we ordered both. We were stuffed when we left, but were glad we were able to try two desserts.

On our July visit, we went with another couple, Mandy and Jamie. They're year-round residents of Avon Village and Mack Daddy's is one of their favorite restaurants. We were offered a regular menu plus a special tapas menu. Rick and Jamie ordered off the regular menu and Mandy and I ordered tapas.

Rick got a Mahi special; the fish was coated in Cajun spices and lightly fried. It was served with black beans and rice. Jamie got the famous tuna and wasabi mashed potatoes. Mandy got a caesar salad and a crab cake off the tapas menu. I ordered two tapas – Tuna Tartare served with toasted baguette slices and Shrimp and Crab Chile Rellenos. Everyone was very happy with their choices. We decided to skip dessert this time.

Each visit cost us about $100. (Note to self: skip wine and dessert to save money.)

The only negative thing we can say about Mack Daddy's is that the sign is very hard to read and it's easy to miss. From Penny Lane or Sound Mind & Body, turn left onto Hwy 12, go past Mad Crabber and turn left into Mack Daddy's parking lot just before the Chevron station.