I've been to Magoo's in a few separate ways: brunch, crowded bar and deserted bar. The service has always been excellent for me, no matter the situation. From the owner to the waitstaff and bartenders, everyone not only puts in the effort towards their jobs, they're extremely friendly. The service is the best thing about Magoo's. For brunch I had the bangers and mash, and was a little disappointed that the sausage wasn't more flavorful. A little light on the gravy as well, in general I just wanted more pop from this. My screwdriver was quite strong though: I approve. On non-crowded nights in Frederick, I don't necessarily recommend Magoo's. When I've been there on random weeknights, it's a very thin crowd. It could be a nice destination if you had a group of people and wanted some space for yourselves, but honestly on random weeknights in Frederick you can find space for a group just about anywhere. However, when it's a weekend or a big night (Thanksgiving Eve, St. Patty's, etc.), Magoo's suddenly becomes very crowded, in a good way. Even when the place is packed to the gills, the great staff they have keep drinks moving pretty quickly, which most places should find enviable. The basement specifically can get very crowded and very hot, on busy nights I tend to stay at ground level and float around the crowd. Magoo's isn't the star of downtown, and likely never will be. But it's another solid piece of Frederick's downtown offerings, and definitely has its moments. read more

See a bunch of poor reviews. Not sure why. Our experience was great. Went this past Saturday afternoon. We stopped in because the sign outside highlighted food we like. I had 2 Guinness she had a hot toddy. We split shepherds pie. Service was great, quick and without issue. Nice touch was when we ordered the food and said we would split it. When the food arrived, they served it on two separate dishes saying shepherds pie can be messy when splitting. We found this to be thoughtful. We think it's extremely difficult to find a restaurant these days where the servers actually provide good service and when the food is better than we can make at home. All in all, a very good experience. Bill came to $34 and we left a healthy tip to show our appreciation. Good value for the $$$. Will go again next time we're in town, we live 50 mins away. Thank you Magoo's... read more

We went for my friend's birthday and she had made reservations 2 weeks prior for 15 and then reduced to 12 earlier that day. We arrived with 12 and found the table set for 11 and the restaurant was packed to the gills. We asked for another chair and the server told us the reservation was for 10 and the restaurant was full with no other chairs available and she shrugged her shoulders. When my friend challenged this saying there had been a reservation, the server reiterated that the reservation was for 10, there was nothing she could do, and walked away. My husband and another friend stood at the bar until a table got up and we got another chair. I worked in the "biz" for years and I would never deliver this subpar level of customer service. A flippant, "too bad, so sad" attitude to Frederick locals who spend a lot of money downtown was an unfortunate call for this establishment. The food was okay, I had a pizza that looked like a glorified lean cuisine and my friend's shepherd's pie was ok but not great. Needed more seasoning. I give two stars because the band was fabulous. I don't anticipate returning, though. read more

After the Keys day games headed downtown Frederick for an early dinner. The weather was nice so we were looking for place that had an outside seating option. Going down the main drag I saw that Magoo's Pub & Eatery had this option and I got the "good eats vibe." Got seated and ordered a round of drinks. We then ordered dinner and the food was good. Our waitress was friendly, nice, and a competent server. read more

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We stopped by this place on a Thursday evening around 5pm for an early dinner and the place was empty. It was me, my husband, and our 2 kids. My husband and my 5 year old both ordered pizzas and I ordered the Hot and Crunchy Chicken entree. My hubby thought the pizza crust was one of those out of the freezer ones! He kept his mouth shut though since my son kept on eating and at least he got a meal out of it. My chicken entree was ok at best. I would probably give a 2 or 1 star rating had it not been for the dessert and the service. We got The Bomb for dessert and it was delicious! At the suggestion of our waitress, we got the The Bomb for 2 which is the smaller version of The Bomb. The smaller portion was plenty for all of us. Its basically a brownie with nuts and ice cream. The brownie appeared to be right out of the oven and was really yummy! The service was very good also. I probably would not go back to this place for dinner (or lunch), but it may be someplace to stop by for dessert! read more

From the outside, walking in Magoo's looks quaint & friendly. Looks are deceiving. I have never been treated so rudely before in my life. I had been a patron of Magoo's in the past with similar negative experiences. Hoping these were isolated incidents, I gave the benefit of the doubt and went again. Unfortunately, these were not isolated incidents. The owner wishes to have a place in public service; however, if customer service isn't a priority I question the quality of any service provided. The food is good overall. There are many places in Frederick where a pleasant experience is to be had. Magoo's is not one. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a while. So glad I finally did. I had the Plant's Pub with a side of homemade potatoe salad. Both were delicious. Can't wait to go back to try some of the other unique sandwiches. read more

For a cold day spent shopping in Frederick Maryland this place was the perfect escape for some warmth and food! You walk in and there is a stunning long wood bar that is well lit and cozy. Also tables spread out in the room. Really low key on a Sunday which was nice, tvs played every game you could dream of to watch. I had the fish and chips, very good. Fiance had a ruben which he loved, and my mom had the veggie pizza and she was realllllly into it. She said it was absolutely delish. Bathroom was actually really big and clean for a sports pub, which is a nice change of pace because lets be honest you just NEVER know whats going to be behind that door. Service was really nice and friendly. I would definitely go back! read more

Been here a few times and cant stop eating the killer fries!!! and that gets 3.8 stars from me. 1.on st. patty's day we could not order more food because she needed our table for more people, (not very business like since we are good repeat customers) 2.owner denied food and service for wearing a tank top! jeezz it was hot outside! and it was a nice top thank you very much! so for that this place is getting a 2 star read more

What an interesting little find... looking for a place for a snack and drink on a Saturday afternoon, right off the main drag and I'm glad that we happened in. The bartender, Jennifer, who turned out to be the owner, had her own charm, but she's a very smart woman, so if you can't play along, she might not be your cup of tea! Apps were good, she poured a proper pint, and I'm sorry that we don't live closer, for we would surely be back! Check it out! read more

Planned the evening with my SO for Valentines dinner tonight. It was the best decision ever. I was apprehensive due to the reviews but I was so very pleasantly surprised. The place was packed. The food awesome. We ordered the grilled salmon and the Veggie pot pie. My husband couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was. I loved the salmon. The drinks were perfect and I loved the ambience - casual and relaxed. We were not rushed or pushed to be done quickly. Give this place a try - don't go by online review. read more

If you're going to eat food here, get drunk before you do so. The food is extremely bland and/or reheated. The mac and cheese tasted like nothing. The food simply does not taste good, I would've had a better meal heating up the pizza in my freezer. Come here for the beer and bar atmosphere, which is great, but not for the food. read more

Magoo's Pub & Eatery - Irish Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Absolute WORST food in Frederick. Do not eat there. You will be disappointed in this slop. Either the chef is incompetent, doesn't care, has poor ingredients, or all of the above. The pot roast is overpriced shoe leather. Tough, chewy, and funky. The potato pancake is dry and tasteless, the vegetables briny and over salted. The fish is OK, but tiny portion and the fries are bland. The waiter was good, but they are not accommodating with any kind of simple request. If you go to eat there after reading this review, you must be a glutton for punishment. Go anywhere else to eat. 7-11 burnt wings are far better. This place needs to be gone and out of our misery. read more

Visited 15 June 2013 This is a fun little place. It has the hint of the Irish. Great wait staff and the owner came around to greet and meet all. It is a small place on the street but has additional seating in the basement and some limited seating on the street. I had the Fish and Chips. Not too bad. There were three small to medium sizes of fish that really had a great beer batter flavor, along with an enormous amount of french fries. Too many fries for me. With a slight spicy flavor.My Husband had one of their Hamburgers. Nothing out of the ordinary, Great flavor he said. But funny, it looked like it was a little bigger than a slider Not the same size but a very small burger with lots of flavor. Parking is either on the street or at a parking garage a few blocks away. Typical Frederick parking for down town. The seating outside is very limited and it is right on the sidewalk. They do have a basement, but we only went to the first level which was not very large. Would I come back? Probably. If in the area and looking for a place to eat. But would not make special plans to go. I also would not get fries but may try the Shepards pie. read more

Went to Magoo's last night (1/13/18) for the first time and was not impressed. The old lady that works there is very rude, I will not be going back. The place was pretty empty on a Saturday night, which makes sense. The downstairs bar smells of mildew and piss. There are many places in Frederick to check out, avoid this one! read more

One of my fave places in Frederick. SO friendly! I really like the "Skinny Leprechaun" menu. It's plenty of food, but healthy and tasty, too. I always leave full but not, "OhMyGodIFeelDisgusting" full. Also, love their hard ciders. read more

Friendly pub with cozy neighbor-hoody vibe. Great salads and boy do they pour a good stout! We don't go often enough...it's a gem in the heart of historic Frederick. read more

I went to Magoos tonight... worst experience ever. The sad thing is, the owner-Jen- was the bartender... she treated my friend and myself so horribly. She clearly plays favorites to the people who regularly show up at her bar. It took about 10/15 minutes before I was able to get a drink. I would have left, but the only reason I came here was to see a band that was playing so I sucked it up and started to enjoy myself for the first few songs. The band was excellent and if the service didn't suck so bad I would've stayed much longer. Do not come to this bar and expect exceptional customer service, you will not get it. The owner, Jen Dougherty is not a nice person and treats anyone who isn't a regular like trash. I love downtown Frederick and everything it has to offer- this is not the best you can get- I promise you that. This is the first yelp review I have ever written; usually I can let things slide because I understand things get busy and bartenders can get overwhelmed- this was not the case here, she openly ignored me and my friend just because she felt like she could cause she is the owner. I stood at the bar while she walked around and talked to other customers, and pretended to look busy moving liquor bottles and plates around to pass time. I have been here 2 times previously-the first was a horrible experience as my friend and I were the only ones in the bar on a weekday and I watched her reprimand our bartender for having a conversation with us (aka doing his job). In her words "it's not your job to sit and talk to them"... Um- we were literally the only customers in the bar and a bartender needs to be personable and build a relationship with the customers. The way we watched her yell at him made me and my friend immediately leave him a large tip, and leave the premises because we did not want to support her business. (This was about 3/4 years ago). The second experience I had an excellent time- Jennifer was not here and I spent my time in the basement bar and had an amazing time. I believe the owners attitude towards her customers has a lot do with my hatred towards this place. I have never been to a business in downtown Frederick where the owner is so involved.. in most cases it would be amazing to see the owner of my favorite bar at the bar greeting customers and I'm enjoying him/herself. The only times I've seen Jen Dougherty at her bar she looks like she hates what she does. I can't reiterate this enough- if you aren't a regular here, do not come to this bar. The owner is nasty. Most people I know who go to Magoos share my feelings and only show up to support the Irish music and other bartenders that work there. read more

I really like the Irish breakfast! Jennifer the owner is always pleasant and welcoming!

Magoo's is a great little Irish Pub just off the main drag in downtown Frederick. Totally casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Typically I find myself there after a basketball game or a long run to wash it all away with a Smithwicks. Food is decent. Try the lamb stew or the boxty, if you want the traditional Irish fare. On the weekends they have a brunch menu...craby eggs are a must try...one of he best deals in town for brunch. They add cinnamon to their coffee which is particularly enjoyable! They have a few TVs and usually have some kind of sporting event on. Parking...many options. Find something on the street, east street parking deck, or park at Baker Park and walk the couple blocks to downtown. read more

Fantastic atmosphere great food and friendly staff. Enjoyed a fantastic dish of beef and mushroom stew topped with a great flaky biscuit. read more

Magoo's Pub & Eatery - the entrance - Irish Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

I would not recommend this place. As other reviews say, the owner was incredibly rude, food was disgusting, and service was terrible.

Owner was rude and obviously doesn't know how to run a business. Walked in and said we needed a table for 8 to 10 (only 2 other tables were in use at the time and it was a Tuesday at 530pm) The owner yells from the back "you have to be kidding me" with an irritated look on her face. Not realizing it was the owner initially I retorted that yes, we actually wanted to pay them money for food and beverages to profit your business. We were seated at a table and she tried to smooth things over by saying that's what they always say a about larger parties....yeah right. We had one drink and left. Menu had Irish, Asian and Mexican food on the menu, really had an identity problem, they need to keep to the Irish staples. My beer was luke warm....will never go again. read more

For an Irish pub, it wasn't dark and depressing enough for my liking. The staff were attentive and wore provocative attire. The food was ok, but I rarely have high expectations for typical bar food. read more

Arrived half an hour after the advertised opening time for some lunch. My SO and I were aggressively told the restaurant was closed. It wasn't crowded, but there were clearly a few people eating inside. Partner and I are a same sex couple and were holding hands as we walked in. Make of that what you will. read more

I was out in downtown Frederick with some friends for a birthday party and we decided to stop by Magoo's. The place was mostly empty and the owner was tending bar. She made the people I was with feel unwelcomed to the point where they actually said something to me. She proceeded to make back hand comments about them to the point where I was really getting annoyed. The people I was with had been drinking but in no way were they acting in a way that deserved the obvious attitude and annoyance that the owner showed. Very unprofessional and very inexcusable for a bar tender. I won't be going there again for any reason. It's no surprise the place was a ghost town even though just about every other bar downtown had people waiting outside because they were at capacity. read more

Rude owner, mediocre food, weak beer selection. What's to like? Had to add these words so yelp would post the review.

This has to be the worst "Irish pub" I've ever been to, I hate to leave horrible reviews and I actually never do. But I can't keep my mouth shut, considering I bit my tongue the whole time not to say anything to the bartender "the owner", older lady short blonde hair with glasses. I've worked at an irish pub for 5 years, not that it makes me entitled but I do happen to know a thing or two about whiskey ect... But the fact that she told me that fireball whisky isn't to be order chilled?! Are you serious?! I get you maybe getting offended if I ordered Jameson chilled.... Whether it's "right" or "wrong" I'm the customer I'd appreciate you give me what I want the way I want it. Get out of your ways and bad habits and get it together. I mean what happened to customer satisfaction? All I know is you won't find it here, specially if the owner is help you. read more

I live three months out of the year on the east coast, and I visit this place weekly, if not more, for breakfast and occasionally lunch. I love the food and the prices are pretty good; however, I've had some of the most clumsy and inept servers. One boy server wearing a kilt dropped a butter covered butter knife from another table right onto my lap, staining my pants. The other servers are often slow on coffee refills, or derelict of coffee refills entirely unless you pester them for it. In terms of Jennifer, the owner? Abrasive as hell, and I've even been scolded by her on several occasions. This is, of course, her schtick, so just know to expect it, and realize she's actually an extremely nice lady running a great business. But if you're sensitive? Watch out. Why do I keep coming here? You can't beat the food or the cinnamon coffee. It's amazing. Truly anything on the menu is amazing. I'm a fan of the full Irish breakfast, Irish Breakfast Bowl, Pot Pie, Killer Fries, and the Irish Toasted Cheese. She can slap me in the face or throw eggs at me for all I care, I'll keep patronizing her so long as the food continues to be good. read more

This was one of the worst restaurants I have ever been too! The waitress we had was so mean...and I later found out she was the owner! When we asked if they had any happy hour specials and was offended, as though her place was too good to do a happy hour special. She acted like we where bugging her by ordering food. We were seated at the bar so I could see the kitchen. I don't expect bar food to be homemade but they could have tried. I could see the frozen bag of chicken tenders. All the meals came out of the freezer. I have never seen a restaurant use a microwave so much! At least cook it in an oven. read more

Magoo's is a great choice in Downtown Frederick for drinks and a so-so choice for dinner. The "no-famine fries" are always a favorite, especially the ones topped with crab dip! My husband has tried the bangers and mash twice now and both times he has been disappointed. The portion is a bit small and the flavor is lacking. I've tried the reuben (delicious) and Hugh's Old Bay hen (meh). As for sides, the fries and side salad are yummy. The coleslaw looked and tasted old. The prices are fair, especially for downtown Frederick. Service has always been really friendly and the atmosphere is fun and casual. I could find a better dinner in Frederick, but I would definitely come back for drinks and fries! read more

Stopped into Magoos down stairs pub on Friday night. There was a small group of people. They ((including the bartender) seem to not like the intrusion, And suggested that we go to the upstairs bar where we might be more comfortable. I have never felt more unwelcome. read more

Magoo's is always wonderful. It always has a cozy atmosphere, the food is always tasty, and the staff is always friendly.

Great music and even better food. The problem was we visited on "First Saturdays" a very busy time for downtown Frederick, we waited over a half hour to get our appetizer; then more thereafter for our meal. We sat in the few outdoor tables they have on the sidewalk, there is a section that's almost too close to everyone walking by downtown as well as an area behind some dividers that is set a little farther back. There is no alcohol allowed at the outdoor tables, though. read more

Great place for late brunch. Had a yummy breakfast sandwich with bacon and fried tomato. Great coffee distinct coffee flavor very good. Awesome Irish restaurant with home style setting warm welcome setting. read more

Magoo's Pub & Eatery - Irish Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Hmm. I really have a hard time writing a bad review for an Irish Pub....truly I do. As a beer lover I like to focus more on tap selections and just accept that sometimes the food is less than stellar. Having said that my wife and I both agreed that the food was not good. Great service, nice atmosphere but not nice enough that it made up for a paper thin Reuben sandwich and a totally burnt mushroom burger. read more

I had a lovely brunch. Everyone in my party was pleased. I had the poached eggs on crabmeat with hollandaise. It was done perfectly. I had a killer dessert--S'mores. Luscious and not too big, not too sweet. Service was friendly and good. I will definitely return to try their Bangers and Mash. read more

Other then seeing the guys in skirts we won't come back the crab dip tasted like there was tuna fish in it the mussels weren't bad

I love Magoo's! Excellent fish and chips and great service. I eat here as much as I can!

We went to Magoo's on Friday night, February 3, 2012. We walked into the restaurant, and there were very few customers there. We ordered drinks, cheese fries, and the Bangers & Mash. The cheese fries were limp and smothered in disgusting store bought, generic BBQ sauce. That was not the worst of it...my boyfriend ordered the Bangers & Mash. He wanted a taste of Ireland. Instead, he got Bob Evans. The dish came out with instant mashed potatoes (a travesty!) and Wal-Mart Parks sausage from when your mom was poor. Homeless people would have turned up their noses at this dinner. The couple at the next table stopped their conversation, and shook their heads in disdain when they saw the abomination. read more