Without question Mac’s Diner is a special neighborhood diner. The old school atmosphere, the regular attendance of locals, their neighborhood history, and of course, the food. That is exactly why so many Sisters, staff members, volunteers, friends, and family are excited for our upcoming fundraiser on Monday, June 29.
As we come closer to the annual fundraiser, we thought it was a good time to ask around the Monastery what people love most about Mac’s. Many responses were related to the food and what they liked best. Others talked about the people. Nearly everyone mentioned the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes Mac’s feel less like a restaurant and more like a gathering place.
One of the best parts of Give Back Monday is simply being together. “Love the time visiting with friends,” one Sister noted, while another said the evening becomes especially fun because of the time with family members. There is something fitting about supporting the Sisters in a place centered around hospitality and community. Others appreciated the thoughtful touches such as more staff available on the day of the fundraiser.
And then, of course, there is the food.
The smashburgers earned multiple votes and have a loyal following. The bacon-wrapped cheese curds also inspired enthusiasm for the sauces, either ranch or blueberry ketchup. Shrimp tacos received praise. Sister Louise Inhofer, OSB cast a heartfelt vote for the French toast, even though breakfast is sadly not available during our dinner fundraiser hours, but that shows the Sisters are regular visitors.
Staff and volunteers added their own favorites to the list. Burgers were once again a popular choice, along with the BLTA (avocado), which earned two enthusiastic endorsements. One staff member who is a regular visitor to Mac’s highlighted the wing special because “the sauce changes every week,” adding a little surprise for repeat guests. Other favorites included the cauliflower burger and chicken salad sandwich, while one person fondly remembered the legendary chili cheese dog that became so popular they sold out during the last year’s Give Back Monday (go early if you’re craving that one!).
Lastly, there is this feeling of nostalgia at Mac’s. One item on the wall is the sign from the original neighborhood diner and
there are further historical photos surrounding it— Mac’s has its own neighborhood legacy just like the Sisters. One staff member noted this theme as something that makes it a fun place to eat. Many mentioned that their own friends and families already gather there regularly. It is the kind of place where memories are made over specialty milkshakes, fries, and conversations that linger long after the meal is over.
That is what makes this fundraiser so easy to support. By simply enjoying dinner at Mac’s Diner on June 29, you are also supporting the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery and helping continue their ministries of prayer, hospitality, and service.
So, whether you come for the smashburgers, the cheese curds, the weekly wing sauce, or simply the company of good people, we hope you will pull up a chair and join us for Give Back Monday. Bring family. Invite friends. Stay awhile. Share a laugh. And maybe order dessert.
After all, the best fundraising events are the ones that feel less like an obligation and more like a night out with people you enjoy. At Mac’s Diner, that seems to happen naturally.
If you would like to join in on the fun and community while supporting the Sisters, print off a flyer and join us on
Monday, June 29 from 4:00-9:00pm.
