Good Food and Service - Local Institution Welcoming place. Attentive and friendly owners and staff. Irish Fries were a great start. Burgers to follow; I had the "Scully" and my wife had the "Rodeo". Both were first rate. Atmosphere and history in a place is hard to find and McGoverns nails it. Well done Mike & Morgan and the McGoverns team. Tip: Parking is tough, park around the corner in the pay lot, 10 bucks. Great local bar in the heart of Newark. Great atmosphere and good staff. Worth stopping by if your in the area. Thanks read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

We had our NJIT Iota Kappa Phi--Tau Lamda annual alumni fraternity reunion here. This is a great place for this type of event. Historic roots in the Newark Community, the Tavern has the interior from when it was in its own building. Went here often in college. Bill Scully, the owner at the time is a major branding. Rectangular bar with several dining rooms. Great selection of beers, ciders, wine, and mixed drinks. I got the Scully Burger which includes Taylor Ham. We had plenty of good appetizers. Our Waitress and her colleagues were amazing read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - NJIT local fraternity reunion. Graduates from late '70s and 80's. My favorite Newark establishment for over 40 years. - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

This is the usual place for the after work happy hour in the area. They have a pretty big space, and if you have a reservation, they're pretty good with accommodating it as well. The server we got this time around was not our usual, which was unfortunate. She didn't really come to our table much, despite us being there for almost 4 hours. It was a hassle to even get her attention to try and get another drink or food. If you can have Kevin as your server, I would 1000% recommend it! He is fantastic, always (except this time) takes care of us and is quick, reliable, and just such a nice guy. The drinks during happy hour are pretty good, I believe it is around 3 to 5 dollars for draft beer which is great ! The food is OK. I would recommend chicken tenders and fries because that's the usual safe for them. Their burgers are not good. I just tried one for the first time this week and it just wasn't good at all, which was disappointing. Will I continue to go here? Yes. Will I particularly ask to be seated in Kevin's section? Yes. Will I order another burger here? Absolutely not. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Burger - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Great local pub to have a drink after work in particular I love their buffalo wings. It was my first time trying it and I think I've got a new favorite. Not to mention this place isn't far from my job so I'll be definitely coming here during my lunch hours for those wings great service amazing staff incredible pub ambience. read more

This was a low-key traditional Irish pub with lots of Irish memorabilia throughout the establishment. I was surprised to see the lack of televisions in the main bar area. The service at the bar was appreciated while the menu offered very affordable prices. I had the BBQ wings ($12) and the Scully burger ($14). There were eight wings to an order and varied in size. They seemed to be frozen. They were not bad. The sauce was typical, and each wing had enough present. The burger came with Taylor ham and cheese. I ordered it medium rare but was more like medium. This also appeared to be frozen, but still was okay. It was rather large. The side of fries were flavorless. The Taylor ham could have been cooked longer too. I also tried the BBQ burger, which was ordered medium rare, but came out medium. This had sauteed onions, pepperjack cheese, and BBQ sauce. Again, this was alright, messy with the amount of sauce that was used. Will I go back? Sure. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Scully Burger - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

This is definitely a low key university bar - it is across from the Rutger's campus. The bartenders are very friendly and they have your usual selection of old school liquor from back in the day ! lol They have a kitchen so if you are needing a snack - of fried foods, definitely come to this spot. It is a local Irish bar with emergency service helmets hanging from The ceiling which is pretty unique read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Bar - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Stopped by here with friends pretty regularly after night classes. Lots of different beers and other alcoholic beverages at this bar. I myself do not drink but my friends who do sometimes have difficulty choosing what to drink, given the wide range of options. Food is traditional American bar food. No surprises there, but the food is significantly better than bar food at a number of other bars. I like their burgers and their jalapeno poppers. Shout out to Kevin, a staff member-- super kind man, remembers me and many of my friends by name even years later. read more

Very hard to park. Extremely slow service. Food ok. Prices are high but inline with the times and the area. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

We were a party of three. First time at McGoverns Tavern in Newark New Jersey. Excellent beyond. Our server Ginger was great. We were waiting for the third person but Ginger made us comfortable and constantly asked if we needed anything. This was our first time there and it was a great experience because of Ginger. She was very friendly and made us feel like family. The food was excellent and served hot. Can't wait to go back. All threee of us loved the food. Loved the service and the vibe. read more

I stopped by here after a work meeting for a cold beer and burger. I was immediately greeted, poured a drink, and was able to order food. Even with 2 40-top groups in the bar area, the bartender still gave me very attentive service and I never waited. My food also arrived very quickly, and was super delicious. I will definitely be returning when I am back in the area again. read more

McGovern's is a staple of the Newark lunch scene, not to mention the Rutgers bar scene. Find your way in here on your typical lunch period and you'll see a packed bar, with a good amount of beers on tap and some lively bartenders pouring them out. Beyond the bar, there is plenty of seating for a sit down meal - though you should still expect a louder bar atmosphere. If you haven't been here in the last few years due to Covid and renovations, you may remember the waiters being a bit more... relaxed. That seems to have changed, with attentive servers and food runners that kept the tables moving. The food itself is still great, with quality Burgers paired with fresh fries (or disco fries, if you're feeling like you need more gravy in your life). They've got other offerings ranging from wraps to salads, and even some classic Irish dishes for dinner (e.g., Shephard's pie). But if you're here for the experience, stick with the burger, grab a beer, and enjoy the ambiance of a Newark legend. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Burger with bacon and American cheese with a side of fries. - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Cheated, on my diet, for this and almost threw up. Fries have a gross, dirty grease, taste. Chicken strips taste like they're not actual chicken. Don't know what's off, about the buffalo sauce, but it was a regret, too. Service and place was nice, though! OH, and I liked the tortilla lol. It tasted different and good. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Buffalo Chicken Wrap - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

The only place to go if you want a good pub and burger. Not overpriced like everywhere else in Newark. Probably have eaten there over a hundred times and never disappointed in a burger. Not expect high end dishes or any fancy appies. If you like fried bar food, a burger, or chicken sandwich, this is the place. And of course the best happy hour in town. Service has never been a problem, especially when you get to know them. Kevin has been my favorite and has tested me like family. About the only think I miss in Newark may be McGoverns happy hours and Kevin. Three facility was expanded and upgraded during COVID-19 but they retained the original bar area and it's roots adorned with police and fire badges from all over the state. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Kevin has been a legend in Newark as the most amazing server in town. He's worked several establishments over the years. Miss you bro! - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

We stopped by Mc Govern on a weekday noon for lunch. Its situated in the busy area of Newark, so parking is sorta difficult to get during lunch hours. The restaurant has nice Irish pub ambiance, but appears somewhat stale with its interiors and furniture. Food wise I did like my corn beef rueben. The ingredients blended well. Sweet potato fries were good too. We will visit this place often since it's a decent lunch spot. read more

See all

If you want an establishment with people who perpetrate and enable abhorrent behavior, this is the place for you. We had a horrible experience with one of their bartenders, Mo, last night. He actively refused to allow at least three patrons to close their tabs, simply because they had not finished their drinks. There was no issue or disrespect on the patrons' part - all they were trying to do was pay. When they tried to get their cards back, not only did he continue to refuse, he made racist comments to one and became physical with another. He also shoved a stack of cards in a patron's face and had her pick out her own, even after she gave him her name. This alone is is extremely concerning and not at all indicative of safe business practices. You are handling people's money. Why are you placing that amount of trust in a customer, especially when there is a high likelihood you are dealing with someone who is not sober? Even giving this place the benefit of the doubt and assuming that it is a long-standing policy that you can't close your tab without finishing your drink (which is extremely odd and dangerous if true), there is nothing in the world that gives him the right to treat people the way he did. I don't care what your practices or policies are. I don't care if it was busy (it was not) or if these people were being belligerent and rude (they were not). I don't care how long that man has been working there with no issues. There is absolutely no excuse for his actions. It also came to my attention that after the incident, he offered the law students present free shots - presumably in an attempt to cover up after figuring out that the patrons he humiliated were also law students. When informed, the manager gave no indication of being concerned and tried to excuse/disprove the report of his actions. Check your cameras. We have no reason to lie about the disgusting behavior we witnessed. I would say that these people should be ashamed, but it's clear that they couldn't care less about decency or respect. read more

Terrible. Just terrible. Pizza is equivalent to eating cardboard. Grilled cheese not grilled. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

Nice local bar I went 2 nights in a row when staying at the TRYP hotel in Newark. They were slammed on Thursday night.

Went to see a comedy show that the venue itself had booked and management refused to turn down the music for a show that is exclusively spoken word. read more

Opened in 1936, McGovern's Tavern is one of Newark's famous landmarks! It recently was refurbished and has been extended to the corner of New and Washington Streets. There's a nice outdoor roped off seating area with Guinness flags. McGoverns does follow the Covid rules very well with very clean tables spaced 6 feet apart, servers wearing masks etc..... Today, our server was the delightful and efficient Erica! We ordered a chicken wrap with veggies and a burger topped with jack cheese and a side of sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries came out nice and crisp along with nice seasoning. I had ordered the burger medium well. It came out perfectly! Overall, the food was very good for a tavern. No booze during this lunch. McGoverns does have a nice listing of beers. Definitely planning to return to McGovern's very soon! read more

See all

Had a fun time atmosphere was pleasant and the drinks were good. They have great selection is whiskeys too.

I don't want to give away the secret of this place and have it become an overcrowded mess, but the place is massive so it should be fine. Staff are extremely friendly, and will get you situated fast, even on a busy night. Kitchen could stand to go a titch faster, but the food always comes out piping hot and good, so bear in mind that even if you do wait, it'll be good. If you do ask for revisions on how stuff is listed on the menu, they've always been cheerfully ok with requesting those changes. Ambiance is really laid back. Music is a good mix of 90s rock, played at a level where you can hear your date, but not so quiet that you hear what everyone else is saying. Beer selection is pretty basic. You're not gonna find all kind of fancy craft beers on tap. Order a Guinness and they will get it right. Prices are about $8-ish (?) for a drink, and around there for an appetiser. Don't quote me on that though. I do recall that it's not terribly expense. read more

Great local pub. Employees are super friendly. Decent tap beer list. A Newark institution. Won't disappoint.

I recently met a friend here for dinner and enjoyed knowing it had a long history in the iconic city of Newark. It has a nice square bar with plenty of seating around it, a back dining room, and plenty of seating along the sides. The kitchen has an open view. The beer selection was extensive and you will have no issue finding something to like. I had the mushroom swiss burger with fries. The burger was fat and juicy and cooked fresh. It held up well in the brioche bun. The fries were a good portion and not greasy. Needed some salt. The beers were served nice and cold. The service was very good and friendly. The prices were very reasonable. Parking is difficult in that area and you'll need to find a public parking lot. The bathrooms were clean and there were televisions to watch the games on. read more

I'm sorry An old time favorite-but the quality of food and - ummm- 'drink' have really gone downhill Idk The food used to be very very good - now? Not The 'liquor' isn't 'tasty' shall I say...without saying Who knows Cutting corners isn't a smart move read more

I liked this place. Genuinely enjoyed going but my last experience was a bit odd. I would come to this location when I was in grad school and felt like going there for old-time sake. However, when I was there, a cop in uniform, gun in holster, walked in and had a beer. As I mentioned, my experience was odd. Especially when the cop covered his body camera to have a drink. I took a photo as I felt it was inappropriate for a police officer to be on duty having a drink. The bartender got upset, took my beer, and asked me to leave. Which is funny because I already paid. The situation was handled poorly but the chilling part of it all is that the officer came into the bar in uniform, and as I said before, gun in holster, had a drink and was comfortable doing so. Meaning this is a pattern. This is unbecoming and unhinged. read more

Went today for the first time. Well known spot in newark with a good ambiance. I was greeted as soon as I walked in and attended to quickly. Chicken Cesar wrap was BOMB. Totally recommend. Server Bailey if you see this, you're the best girl!!!! read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - With fries - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

ADM Rutgers Loves McGovern's. We've been having McGovern's Nights for years. Great times. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Place is perfect. From the ambiance, to the service, Down to the food and beers on drafts! Prices are insanely cheap! 10/10 Bar! read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Beer and Menu - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

just abysmal, food is service is non existent, favoritism is rampant . What more can I say ..

Very good. Home cooking with generous serving. The service is always good, and it is an easy place to accommodate older or handicapped family. We are especially fond of Thierry turkey dinners, fried chicken, and corned beef and cabbage. It. has a comfortable ambiance, and you can actually have a conversation. We've been coming here for over 25 years. read more

Super great folks and the friendliness is over the top! Not to mention the burger was awesome! Love it! read more

Peanut butter screw driver by amo the best bartender at this joint. Peanut butter whisky with whipped cream is honestly the best thing ever read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Peanut butter screwdriver by Mo the best bartender - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

See all

Came here on Cinco de Mayo, And even though that the place was quiet because it was earlier in the day, it was a great decision. My classmates and I celebrated finishing up our first year in a difficult program and our waiter made sure to make us feel like it was a celebration. Reasonably priced food, great service, would recommend. read more

McGovern's is an old school Irish pub located in Newark. I have been to McGovern's many times throughout the years but my first after their renovation. What sets McGoverns apart from the bars in the area is the history and laid back atmosphere. You can always count on decent drinks and food here. When we arrived, Kevin greeted and sat us at our table immediately. Kevin was very personable and kept our glasses full at all times. My Bf and I ordered a burger with fries. We thoroughly enjoyed the burger because it was fresh, delicious and well seasoned. The french fries were fried perfectly, soft in the middle and crunchy on the exterior. If you are in Newark, pay a visit to one of Newark's most historic bars. Enjoy! read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Stopped in for a quick celebratory beer before Seton Hall Law School Graduation and Kevin was our waiter. Kevin is OUTSTANDING!! Polite, funny all with Quick service!! If you go there, ask for Kevin. read more

Incredible atmosphere with great food, friendly staff, and the best Guinness you can find on the East Coast.

I love Newark. And this is my favorite bar (well, Irish pub) in Newark. It doesn't look like much from the outside; it actually looks like some dingy building but when you walk inside, you arrive to McGovern's with your Irish pub flair. Most importantly, you have some of the coolest bartenders in town (shoutout to Mo for being the best of them all!) and you're bound to see some familiar faces from Rutgers and NJIT. The kitchen is pretty top notch and stays open till pretty late (midnight, I believe). They have great burgers, sandwiches, fries, and wings. It's always a good time at McGovern's and it's the #1 choice of an evening hangout with my friends. :D read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - BBQ Burger with sweet potato fries and Ithaca Apricot Wheat! - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Haven't been to Mc Governs in a few years, was there before they expanded and was good, went to lunch with a few friends who go there all the time, was very impressed with the new place and they still kept the old part of the bar which is great, I like to old school places. First off our server Kevin was right on point he took our order and was a very attentive to us, we all got burgers and I have to say this was one of the best burgers I have ever had. We all agreed that the food and the people were great, will be going back again and again. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Great burger and fries with gravy cooked to perfection - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Stopped by for a few drinks right before hitting NJPAC. It's a typical Irish pub, decorated with pictures of locals and funny bar signs. I came during happy hour, but the deals aren't very good, just $1 off the domestic macro brews. They do have a decent tap selection though, and prices weren't bad. The service was good, my bartender checked on me as soon as my drink was running low and got my food out quickly. I ordered a Scully burger with a side of Irish fries. It was nice that I got my burger medium rare as requested, but the food was pretty average for a bar. I liked it just fine, but wouldn't go out of my way to visit. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Scully Burger with Irish fries - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

Good service and prices. Loud crowd. Felt like I was at and Irish pub on the south side of Chicago at 3pm on a weekday. Good overall just a little raucous for me. read more