Mickey Thompson working the bar.
Tenderloins are popular because of Mickey Thompson’s extra touch.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times
Fried ice cream is a popular dessert at Mickey’s.
If you’ve spent any time in Yale, you are likely familiar with Mickey’s Bar and Grill. That also means you’re probably also familiar with Mickey Thompson, the owner. Mickey’s has become a well-known establishment in the area for food, drinks and fun. Thompson recently took a few moments to talk about her business as she gears up for one of her busiest weeks of the year.
“I bought it four years ago, in April,” Thompson said. “I had worked here before for the previous owner, and then I managed a restaurant in Perry. They sold, so then I came down here.”
Mickey’s is truly a bar and grill, with neither the food nor the drink dominating.
“I think they’re about 50/50. I do a really good lunch, and, at nighttime, I do a really good supper, but I’ve got a drinking crowd, too,” Thompson said.
Thompson prides herself on having more than the usual bar and grill menu, and her customer base has responded favorably. She has lunch specials each weekday.
“It’s just recently that I went to a steady menu. Mondays will either be fried chicken or meatloaf. Tuesdays are Taco Tuesday or breaded pork chop. Wednesdays are spaghetti or Wing Wednesday. Thursdays are chicken fried steak or liver and onions, and then Fridays are hot beef and fish fry,” Thompson said.
Liver and onions are a special on Thursdays.
Asked if she has a best-seller or signature item, Thompson had several answers.
“Well, the Friday night fish would be, and my lunch specials go really well,” Thompson said. “The tenderloins and the Phillies, they’re big ones.”
She explained that her tenderloin is popular because of the extra touch.
“You’re not going to find another one around here like it,” Thompson said. “I marinate them, and then I bread them.”
Mickey’s also offers desserts.
“Right now, we’re doing fried ice cream and cheesecake,” Thompson said.
Other items that aren’t seen at many local restaurants include liver and onions, a peanut butter and jelly burger, breaded calamari rings and a jalapeno popper burger. She also offers a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, sides and kids’ meals.
For the thirsty crowd, Mickey’s offers a full bar with beer, liquor and wine choices.
Mickey and her six part-time employees are well aware that midsummer is the busiest time around Yale.
“We do the Bacoon Ride, and then we have a band on July 3, and then the Fourth of July,” Thompson said. “Those are busy days here. On the Fourth of July, I do a limited menu. I have Rukkus from Perry coming to play on July 3. This will be their fourth year here. It’s a free band on the street.”
The Friday fish fry is a customer favorite.
Since opening four years ago, Thompson’s motto has been “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” With that in mind, she only has one minor project in the works.
“I’m looking into buying new tables and chairs, that’s about it,” Thompson said.
Mickey’s is located at 217 North Main St. in Yale.