McKinley's Restaurant & Pub — Restaurant in Clayton

First off, McKinley's officially sucks. I will NEVER, EVER, step foot in that miserable place again. People who know me, know that I am a nice person. Tonight, I was attacked by an employee of McKinleys. I have been nothing but a loyal customer to that restaurant. I have brought my family there. I have always been a good tipper. I have always been a respectful patron. Tonight I was treated with disgusting and shameful malice. I wasn't there 5 minutes and was refused service because of something someone else said on Facebook about a negative experience they had there. I NEVER said anything negative about this place but, tonight, I am. As soon as I walked in, the "woman" behind the bar, Erin, I think, started acting like we had done something. When our friends tried to order drinks, she specifically said she would not serve us. When I confronted this "woman", she said something about Facebook. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I couldn't believe I was talking to an adult let alone someone in the service industry. I felt like it was middle school all over again! When I explained to this "woman" about what a loyal customer I have been, she kept yammering on about Facebook. It was PURE INSANITY. She doesn't even know who I am - it was laughable. This "woman" then tried to slander me and my husband in front of the few patrons hey did have! The best part was that the owner, who I now refer to as The Nutless Wonder, just sat there and allowed this piss-poor employee to attack me and treat me so rudely. I used to feel bad that this place was always dead on Friday and Saturday nights but, now I know why. Words cannot describe how disgusted I am about how poorly I was treated - FOR NO REASON. I challenge anyone at that "establishment" to find anything negative I have ever said about that place...

McKinley's is a Clayton anchor! Tucked into the heart of town, this old-school sports bar feels like it’s been here forever—in the best way possible. Every wall is lined with TVs playing whatever game matters most that night, while dollar bills cover the walls like a scrapbook of good times, tall tales, and nights that ran a little longer than planned.

The décor nods proudly (and somewhat creatively) to Irish heritage, with touches of green, classic signs, and a love of good beer doing most of the storytelling. It’s a place where locals gather, strangers become regulars fast, and the atmosphere is equal parts loud cheers, friendly debate, and comfortable familiarity. Unpolished, well-worn, and full of character, it’s the kind of small-town sports bar where the drinks are cold, the TVs are always on, and everyone feels right at home.

The menu leans into its claims of Irish roots with a lineup of familiar pub classics—hearty, comforting dishes that feel right at home alongside a pint. But as solid as those classics may be, the real standout is the good old pub burger. Cooked exactly the way you ask for it—perfectly rare, juicy, and full of flavor—it’s the kind of burger that reminds you why simplicity done right always wins. Served up hot and fresh by a friendly face that treats you like a regular, it’s not just a meal, it’s part of the experience: honest food, genuine hospitality, and a plate that keeps people coming...

So this happened today… After a long day of work, I stopped by McKinney’s Irish Pub in Clayton to grab some wings and fries for dinner. I walked in with a smile, feeling good that the day was winding down. I went to the bar, sat down, and placed my order.

Then the bartender asked me to get up so a man could take my seat. Yes—asked me to give up my seat for a man.

The man himself was confused and kindly said, “She doesn’t have to do that—I’ll sit somewhere else.” Meanwhile, I’m sitting there, stunned and increasingly frustrated.

Trying to keep my composure, I waited for my food. Then the bartender looked at me and asked, “Are you alright?” My mood had obviously shifted.

I told her exactly why I wasn’t alright: You asked me to give up my seat for a man. That was offensive and unnecessary. She tried to backtrack and say, “No, I just asked if you could slide over.” But that’s not what happened. Eventually she apologized—but by then, the damage was done.

This isn’t about a seat. It’s about how easily some people still dismiss and disrespect others, especially Black women. I wasn’t loud. I wasn’t rude. I was tired. And I was treated like I didn’t belong.

We deserve better. We deserve...