That's actually not really the case. There will definitely be menu overlap such as BBQ, ribs and some of the sides, but Icehouse will be a bit more high-end, for lack of a better term. Very dark hardwoods throughout, backrests on the barstools, skylight canopy over the patio and a bad a$$ private dining room upstairs. Like Mac's, there will be plenty of TVs, as well as a couple pool tables and video games in the upstairs area near the private dining room. They aren't sparing much expense on the build out, that's for sure.
The menu will also have everything from steaks to wood-fired pizzas, pastas, etc. so again, not so much high-end but definitely not just like Mac's either. The Icehouse trademark will be that they're using the Brewery's bar which runs about 50' along the left wall (if you're coming into the main entry doors), then adding a clear ice chest/cooler which will have around 200 bottled beers in it. The thought is, patrons standing at the bar will be able to see into the cooler at all the beers on ice, the bartender gets your order, pulls the beer out of the cooler and sets it on the bar in front of you with ice running down the side of the bottle.....hence the name. The neon blue lights on their sign package are really cool too and in keeping with the ice theme.
Check out some interior photos and sign photos on their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ICEHOUSE-Southend/102297999805469?v=wall
I am STOKED that JD is opening up a new concept of his in this space (though I'm bumming Las Ramblas closed), the place is going to be awesome! They're training their staff currently, so the restaurant should be opening in the next several days I would think.