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Three Pigs / McLean Tavern construction in McLean?

A while back (maybe a year or two ago) a video rental place in downtown McLean closed and signage went up in its place for the "McLean Tavern", though construction hasn't started and I haven't heard a thing about it.

Over the past week or so, the forever-mediocre Three Pigs closed and is under construction, it looks like they're completely gutting the place.

These two stores are adjacent to one another in a strip mall, as far as I can tell, there is still a wall between them... anyone know what is going on here?

I would love it if a decent pub / hang out place appeared in this new location, something that occupied both of these storefronts would be a great size and they'd have a ton of parking and even be (gasp) walkable from the surrounding areas.

Anyone have the scoop?

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  1. No. But I hope it's Mexican . . .

    1. The owner of three pigs and the tavern has sold out to the owners of Mclean restaurant They are going to open a up-scale eatery there in October.

      1. Spoke to the new owners during the final months of Three Pigs (they were NOT happy to accept my coupon book discount) and that's pretty much it - they couldn't wait to start the renovation.

        The owners are greek - possible influence on the menu?

        7 Replies
        1. re: AJCOOK

          The last name of the owners of the McLean Family Restaurant -- the owners of the new space -- is Sampras. They're uncle to Pete Sampras which explains the photograph on display in the restaurant.

          My Greek friends strongly endorse the gyros served at McLean Family Restaurant, but I've never thought they were anything out of the ordinary. And that pretty much describes all the food I've eaten there. Nothing memorable in a positive way, but, at least, nothing appalling either.

          Frankly, I think the food at MFR is largely besides the point. The McLean Family Restaurant serves an important sociological function in the neighborhood. Child resistant decor and tables that can be configured to accommodate large groups ensure that every youth sports team eats there after games and multi-family groups always head there. Factor in the modest prices and the place draws seniors who want to hover close to home. The restaurant is an important gathering place for the community. (Ichiban sushi being another.)

          1. re: Indy 67

            I'm not sure where wa3pxx got his/her information, but, today, I ate lunch at McLean Family Restaurant and our waitress said they have nothing to do with the new McLean Tavern Restaurant.

            1. re: Indy 67

              So nobody knows what is in store for us at Three Pigs/McLean Tavern. Or I missing something?

              1. re: Arabella09

                I'm assuming somebody knows, but no one weighing in on this board seems to have the answer.

                1. re: Indy 67

                  I drove by there today, and there is a dumpster filled with trash presumably from Three Pigs. I also noticed that Three Pigs and McLean Tavern remain separated by a wall. Why is this such a hush-hush story?

                  1. re: Arabella09

                    MFR is definitely opening up a new restaurant at the 3 pigs location:


                    1. re: dcomus

                      Yum! I can hardly wait for yet another fine dining spot to open in McLean.