After three full days of mourning following the sudden end to the Astros season, I’m finally able to think about something Astros-related, at least obliquely.
The Mucky Duck or the Duck, as McGonigel's Mucky Duck is always abbreviated, in addition to being a great place to catch live music in an intimate setting, has had a really good kitchen since its inception over three decades ago. It’s long been the best spot for pub grub in Houston, in my opinion. It begins with noticeably high quality ingredients – grass-fed Akaushi HeartBrand beef, for example – for all its preparations, both British-inspired and those more locally popular, including sandwiches. Its “number one selling sandwich,” a unique and delicious one, is The Mark Portugal. Turkey and avocado slices are topped with melted Muenster cheese and then large, thick strips of excellent bacon that is served warm on an open-faced, crusty French roll from Slow Dough. An order comes with crisp and tasty fries and a length of a pickle, nice complements.
Fairly hefty and caloric, it appropriately takes the name – and was actually created under the inspired direction, I believe – of the festively plump, beer-loving former Astros starting pitcher who was a regular at the Mucky Duck while he played for the Astros for five years in the 1990s, a tenure that included an 18-win season. Not just Portugal, but a few other Astros, including a couple of future Hall of Famers, frequented the Duck back then for good beer and good food when the team played down Kirby at the Dome. And another future Hall of Famer, Dusty Baker, was seen just before the start of spring training.
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk (just east of Kirby), 77098, (713) 528-5999
mcgonigels.com
The Mucky Duck or the Duck, as McGonigel's Mucky Duck is always abbreviated, in addition to being a great place to catch live music in an intimate setting, has had a really good kitchen since its inception over three decades ago. It’s long been the best spot for pub grub in Houston, in my opinion. It begins with noticeably high quality ingredients – grass-fed Akaushi HeartBrand beef, for example – for all its preparations, both British-inspired and those more locally popular, including sandwiches. Its “number one selling sandwich,” a unique and delicious one, is The Mark Portugal. Turkey and avocado slices are topped with melted Muenster cheese and then large, thick strips of excellent bacon that is served warm on an open-faced, crusty French roll from Slow Dough. An order comes with crisp and tasty fries and a length of a pickle, nice complements.
Fairly hefty and caloric, it appropriately takes the name – and was actually created under the inspired direction, I believe – of the festively plump, beer-loving former Astros starting pitcher who was a regular at the Mucky Duck while he played for the Astros for five years in the 1990s, a tenure that included an 18-win season. Not just Portugal, but a few other Astros, including a couple of future Hall of Famers, frequented the Duck back then for good beer and good food when the team played down Kirby at the Dome. And another future Hall of Famer, Dusty Baker, was seen just before the start of spring training.
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk (just east of Kirby), 77098, (713) 528-5999
mcgonigels.com
