Published: October 15. 2012 10:46AM

Written by Renata Parker
Photographed by Cindy Hosea

Big things can happen when a bunch of close buddies get together for a beer. Just ask Wynn Davis, partner in Mac’s Speed Shop, one of Greenville’s newest downtown restaurants. In fact, that’s how Mac’s Speed Shop was born.

“Mac’s never started out to be more than a casual watering hole — a place to go for a beer,” says Davis, who in 2005 along with four other friends from Charlotte, N.C., launched a new concept of biker-bar inspired restaurants.

“We love the energy of biker bars and have fined tuned the idea to make it less rowdy than what you would normally think of in a biker bar,” he says. “We have a saying that Mac’s is for white-collar, blue-collar or no-collar customers. So it’s something that appeals to a diverse group. We all have sisters, moms and families that would enjoy Mac’s. In the end, the people really add to the experience.”

While Mac’s Speed Shop is big on personality, it’s far from being a regular biker bar. Mac’s drives customer loyalty by serving up high-quality fare. Under the direction of classically trained head Chef Kevin Curuc, who oversees the menu at Mac’s five restaurants, the tasty menu features wings and barbeque, and a variety of tacos, quesadillas, burgers, salads, wraps, sandwiches and platters.

Both Curuc and Wynn regularly take their own hogs — as in Harleys — to check out other biker locations throughout the South to keep their concept authentic and the food delicious.

Mac’s succulent smoked wings, grilled until plump and juicy, are a definite crowd-pleaser. Barbecue lovers will roar over the slow cooked brisket, pork, ribs, turkey and chicken which is rubbed with Mac’s secret spices. In fact, this ’cue is so good, Mac’s regularly hauls it’s custom Hogzilla to some of the fiercest barbeque competitions throughout the Southeast.

Although the smoked meats certainly hold their own without sauce, you can douse or dip it to your heart’s desire in a choice of seven lip-smackin’ house-made barbecue sauces. In fact, you will be begging for more. Companion sides include generous portions of cheddar grits, okra stew, mac and cheese, and chili.

Try the shrimp tacos packed with crispy fried shrimp, cucumbers, Asian slaw, pickled onion, spicy aioli, sweet and sour glaze, and cilantro. Or the brisket Philly wrap loaded with award-winning brisket, melted pepper jack cheese, and grilled peppers and onions.

Wash it all down with one of the 190 ice-cold tap and craft brews and a good band. That’s just how Mac’s Speed Shop rolls.

www.macspeedshop.com