Checked out this Irish pub located in a hotel in Galena. Frank O'Dowd's certainly is an appropriate setting for the guests here. It has a lot more room than expected with enough space for live music. As for the drinks and food they're good stuff also. The prices can be high but it's not crazy for the atmosphere and quality. Basically this is one of the first places one encounters when entering town from the east. It's located in the Irish Cottage Inn & Suites. The hotel itself is very nice and has lots of amenities of its own if wanting to stay there. As for the restaurant itself it's one of the highlights. It's about $8 for an Irish coffee, which is a classic in the morning, evening, or whenever. Amazingly they have non dairy options including Bailey's Dairy Free Toffee Cream. It's about $18 or more for an entree which is a lot. We were able to find a few plant based options. I got the Roasted Squash Bowl. This has broccolini, farro, heirloom tomato relish, pickled red cabbage, and white beech mushrooms. An earthy flavor. She had the Vegan Shepherd's Pie. An alternative made with faux beef and mushroom gravy There's also plenty of meaty options like beef medallions. For sure it's one of the nicer restaurants around here. It's closed Mondays. They amazingly have a few things for vegans and vegetarians. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Irish Coffee And Roasted Squash Bowl - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

I am not normally a fan of Irish cuisine and I can't say I've ever had Bangers and Mash but I am now a huge fan of this dish here. Wow! Wife said Shepherd's Pie was good also. There was a live singer with guitar. Waitress was attentive. read more

We came on Friday, 3/13/26, to have a drink and listen to some great Irish music. We had a great time! My partner had a Coors Light and I tried the Irish Margarita. So yummy! read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Irish musicians - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Really, really good food. Our whole family loved everything. The fish and chips was outstanding, and even the house salad was delicious (and hearty). My wife and daughter both crowed about the salmon salad. Note: the kitty/kiddie cocktail is bottled and fizzy, in case your kids are particular about either of those things. The place was wide open at 5 on a Friday evening but filling up when we left. The live band sounded great even while just tuning up. Solid draft beer list. Highly recommend both for dinner and for evening revelry. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Charming presentation of the excellent fish and chips - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

See all

This place was amazing, the food was authentic to Ireland and so tasty! The server Reilly was knowledgeable about the menu and gave us suggestions on drinks! He recommended the root beer on tap and I have to say it's the best root beer I have ever had! The food was delicious and came out pretty quick! They had live music and the bar was well stocked from what I could see, sorry not a drinker. The restaurant was clean and not super loud so you could actually talk to each other over the table! We will definitely come back here when we come to visit again! Do yourself a favor and try this place!! read more

Fun place, the real deal. Authentic Irish pub, dance floor and all. Place was decorated with the interesting bar and chandeliers. Wifey had the fish sandwich. Generous portion of snapper on a nice bun with red slaw and small basket of fries. I had the fish and chips. Three pieces of haddock nicely battered with kale slaw and a dill tartar sauce. Small basket of fries kept me occupied. Service was great. I'd live to return when the place is packed and the dance floor full. Really looked like a fun place. Highly recommend without any reservations. Can't miss. The place is too cool to pass up. read more

The Reuben was excellent. My husband and I split. I ordered poutine which was a huge disappointment. Gravy was mostly at the bottom and was white with a mild hint of sage. Cheese curds were included and the best part. We ate at the bar and service and drinks were good. I loved the ambience of the Irish pub and the live music. We enjoyed our stay. read more

Nice Irish Pub with some great interpretations of some great Irish favorites. Corned beef was delicious. There were some Irish dancers that were great and made the experience even better! During dinner was a musician playing traditional Irish songs. We loved the place and will be back! read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - On our way! - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

I'm back. I haven't left a review in a long time. I just got lazy and tired. But since we are tourists I will review this place I've become to notice Irish pubs seem dark. It's hard to see if the place is clean but I can say the bathrooms were and I didn't notice anything that was dirty. We got seated within a minute. Place was not very crowded being a Sunday night. The hostess greeted us with a smile and felt with our difficulty to choose where to sit. She chose for us because we were just indecisive. A plus, they had a musician playing singing some Irish songs and he had a good voice. I can see this place being loud if it's packed but for the 20 people there, it was not. The restaurant itself was a little warm but whatever, no big deal to me. The most important part of the restaurant is obviously the food. I ordered a Rueben which I know is a basic meal to get but I wanted corned beef but didn't want to pay the corn beef prices. I will admit this was one of the best Rueben's I've ever had. The flavors were awesome, the meat was tender which isn't always easy with corned beef. The fries I thought were pretty damn good. They aren't my usual typical fries I like but they were seasoned well and nice and crispy. The wife got another basic item of the fish and chips. Again, the fish was amazing, the tartar sauce, which I usually do not like, was good. I thought it was some of the best fish I've had in a while and the tartar sauce was definitely homemade. The alcohol, well can't go wrong with any of the beers I chose or my wife chose. I also got a black and tan which I haven't had in about 20 years and it's just like I remember in college with the exception of drinking 4 of them. So why would I give this place 4 states instead of 5? Unfortunately, the waiter was not very good. He was not very personable, didn't seem to smile, didn't seem like he really wanted to be there. I know most of us don't want to be at work, but in this industry, you gotta fake it. I will recommend this place and if we are ever in town again, I'd like to try some of the other food. The atmosphere was a good time, and the decor, especially the Irish flag was good enough for me. I would go there if you're in the area. read more

The best thing that I can say about this place is the Irish duo that played when our group of bachelorette's was staying at the hotel. As far as food goes, I couldn't have anything because they have no gluten-free options for the brunch that is included with the hotel stay. They did have some interesting cocktails, and so if you're going for a beer or a drink and to watch whoever is performing, this place is a winner. But if you have food, allergies, I would say choose a different place. read more

We stopped here on our way into Galena. It's one of the few restaurants open late and the food is absolutely delicious. They serve modern/high end Irish pub fare. Everything we ordered was some of the best we have had. The Scotch Egg, Bangers and Mash and Potato Bacon Chowder were incredible. We also ordered the fried chicken, which was definitely fried to order. It was served with mashed potatoes, stout gravy and sautéed broccolini. The chicken was crispy and super tasty. The mashed potatoes were a little stiff but tasty. The gravy was served in a little bottle on the side and was creamy and delicious. The vegetables were perfectly cooked. Service was attentive and friendly. It was a Friday night and there was live music. It was family friendly for sure because someone requested Itsy Bitsy Spider for their little one - which was super cute. Highly recommend. read more

Sat at the bar. Good service from Rachel. Potato Bacon Chowder 4/5 Rueben 4/5 Pub Burger 3.5/5 Irish "chips" 6/5! Very beautiful inside, good vibes with music. Only thing missing was a tv or two at the bar!!! read more

Nice Irish pub. I have to say for the location, the prices on the menu and drink prices seem high. This is Galena, not Chicago or a bigger city. read more

Food was good. Our Server seemed to want to be anywhere but there. At an Irish pub, expected to hear Irish music which was not the case. Instead got a mediocre Country singer / guitar with an incessant loud back beat. read more

We checked in at the Iris Cottage adjoining Frank O'Dowds.came for diner. Started with a glass of wine. Feels like a pub Service great. We had te shepherd pie and bangers and mash. Both were excellent. Creamy mash potatoes. Atop flavorful ground beef ands fresh veggies and gravy. They have a great Irish whiskey selection. read more

See all

The food was surprisingly fantastic! The environment is great and the drinks are even better! Reasonably priced

Great food and drink. Guinness on tap . Split a scotch egg and fish n chips with my partner, delicious! Great service. Live music and a warm atmosphere on a wintery Friday night. Will come back again for sure. read more

Staff is 5 stars across the states! Food melts in your mouth and the drinks are Extremely delectable read more

This was our first time there after driving by saying I need to try that place for years. It was fantastic- the bourbon glazed salmon was amazing- salmon cooked perfectly- their French fries were also amazing- potato wedge style crispy - delicious. Live music was really great and not too overwhelming. It was busy so I do recommend a reservation. I Definitely plan on coming back! read more

What a great Irish pub style place! The food was authentic. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. And the entertainment was amazing! We all had a great time and would return given the chance. I can definitely recommend giving this restaurant a try. read more

Traveling to Galena for the weekend. Came upon this restaurant. The ambiance was decent reminds you of an old irish pub, which i think is what they were going for. It was a Thursday evening it was fairly empty but i don't think this is the tourist season, so we were seated quickly. The waitress was nice and attentive I ordered the fried chicken sandwich and it came with fries. The chicken was fried to perfection it was crunchy and juicy, full of flavor. The Aioli and the toppings were perfect I ate every bite of it. The fries were good and with a nice crunch too. I'd definitely come back because the chicken was so yummy. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - fried chicken sandwich - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Great place to grab a beer and dinner. There was live entertainment on Saturday night and one of the singers sang happy birthday to my brother! The beers were very unique and many of them came with a shamrock design on top. I'm not much of a beer person, but everyone else at my table was! So, they had a lot of fun trying out different beers. The scotch egg was AMAZING! I highly recommend it, as I've never had it before. The entrees that we ordered were the Irish Banger, a chicken dish, a salmon salad, and their burger. My Bangers were cooked and seasoned very well. The chicken dish was very moist filling. The burger was juicy and the fries that came with it were the icing on the cake. As for the salmon salad, I loved that the most! The salad was huge. Thankfully I asked for the dressing on the side and was able to take home leftovers for the next day. read more

See all

This is a restaurant that is connected to the hotel with a large dining area that has dark wood paneling making it seem like you are in Ireland. There's over a dozen beers on tap and over three dozen whiskies to choose from. The fish and chips and the shepherd's pie are superb. Prices are fine. We had quick service - and the waiter came back a couple of times to check on us. Most of the food is what you'd expect from an Irish pub. read more

Expectations - did not expect much but you know what? Really good well presented food. Highly recommended. The inside looks like it was lifted from a pub in Ireland We had the fish and chips, salmon salad and the rueben. Best chips I had period, fish was flaky, crispy and the cole slaw was unique(brussels sprouts?). Salmon salad with vinaigrette dressing with the fancy greens perfectly cook Not over done. The Rueben I was told was very good. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Salmon salad - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

See all

The food was great, as well as the service! Our food and drinks came out pretty fast even though it was super busy inside, and our waiter was great & helpful. It was out first time coming to eat here but will definitely be back again. read more

See all

Burgers were tasty. Fried chicken sandwich greasy. The cook didn't know how to cook and prepare it. Eating it was like trying to bite into a thick rubber band. I ended up eating a few bites of the bun. It was not ideal for a vacation dinner. Poutine was delicious and prepared perfectly. read more

Food was good once we received it. Took over 50 minutes to receive food once order was placed. Waited 20 minutes for a drink refill.

Great dinner menu. Fish and sandwich were really tasty - also great for kids with allergies

This is a must stop if you're in the area. The food was sooo good. We had the Scottish eggs . They were the best I've ever had. The app poutaine fries were delicous especially with the curry aioli. Some had the bangers and mash which was delicious . We split a pub burger and modern Reuben which was also very delicious. You can't go wrong with the food here . Elliot our service was excellent. He is very attentive. The two guys singing were great and everyone joined in on certain songs. I love it. Will definitely be back read more

See all

Great Irish food, music and ambiance. Recommend you give it a try. It's our second time here. Had the Reuben, potato soup, salad and poutine. read more

See all

We had appetizers the shrimp was only partially cooked and the ribs were overcooked and very tough. Service was average

What s cool place. Beautiful surroundings, plenty of staff on hand and the menu was great. We had fish and chips, shepherds pie, patty melt and snapper sandwich. Everyone was happy. We were there on a Friday and they had entertainment. The crowd really got into it and everyone had a great time. read more

This was really unexpected. The Service was impeccable. We ordered the Charcuterie board and saw price. Was nothing like what we received. It was as good or better than any $50 board we have had. Everything amazing. The pork medallions, to die for. The curry dressing on the salad. AMAZING! read more

Great food and music Love it!Fish and Chips Service it is great. I love it. Beer delicious!! read more

See all

The fish and chips were awesome! The cod was so moist and flaky. My husband really enjoyed the kale slaw. Would definitely recommend this place. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Fish and chips - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

See all

Service was good, staff were friendly and attentive. The fish and chips were delicious. Fish was fresh-tasting, hot, crispy. The chips were even better.they were crispy on the outside and well seasoned, and fluffy on the inside. My husband had the prawns. He liked them but they were served in the shell and in steaming hot sauce or broth, and were very difficult to peel and eat while warm. He burned his fingers a few times, but not so bad as to give up eating them. I had the house salad. It was interesting. It came with cheese curds, delicious, and a pickled egg, so not delicious. I would ask them to hold it next time. read more

Restaurant easily accommodated our group of 12 on a Friday night. They don't take reservations but it was not an issue. Great service, good drinks and really good food. The restaurant has a great Irish vibe. Everyone in our group enjoyed their food, from Shepherd's Pie, salmon and the pan seared chicken, everything was excellent. The drinks flowed well and I will be back. If in the area and want a good meal, definitely stop in. read more

Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill - Pan seared chicken with mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. - Irish Near Me - Galena, Illinois

Service was great. The atmosphere was playful like an Irish pub. Super cute little spaces off the bar. The fish and chips were battered and amazing. The Reuben was tender with plenty of corned beef. read more

See all

Nice Irish restaurant. Easy to park and fairly clean. The waitress was nice. I love the interior design of the place. It's a perfect place for family to get together get some drinks and fish and chips ! Totally will come back ! read more

Came here during our stay at the Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel (which is part of the same building). Our experience was a bit of a mixed bag. The good: +They have a nice selection of cocktails, Irish whiskeys, and beers. We very much enjoyed sipping on an Irish whiskey at the end of the day. +On a Saturday evening during our stay, they had live music. This was absolutely top notch. We stayed and listened while sipping their featured whiskey (they have cocktail/beer/whiskey specials) and enjoying some light bites for a couple of hours. The entertainment was absolutely 5 stars. +Over the course of our stay, we tried a few different things. Their stuffed mushrooms are amazing! Very rich and cream drenched, but if you're looking for something decadent--order these! +Their scones (during breakfast if you're staying at the hotel) are hands down some of the best scones I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The less than wonderful: +During our stay, we were afforded complimentary brunch at the pub. They offer an array of what I could call--continental breakfast--type buffet items and a pre-made plate of hot food, if you wish as well. The hot food items were always a bit of a let down (don't seem to be made with quality ingredients, bland, etc). However, as mentioned, their scones are amazing. I would absolutely recommend skipping the hot plate and go for the other items. +We ordered a cheese board, which was pretty underwhelming +The service can be sluggish. Beyond those few things, the prices are reasonable and the ambiance is Irish pub-tastic. Get to it! read more

See all