The Scully burger and their cheesesteaks are my go to's long island iced teas are solid can wait to go back. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Cheese steak onion rings. - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

In Newark from Boston for a Sat night show at NJPAC. Stayed at a close by hotel and a short walk to a place even a BAWSTUN guy and his bride can fit right in. Hey, we're pub grub folks. Just gotta get some pub steak tips on the menu. LOVED our pre NJPAC show nosh session. Bought my McGovern's Tee shirt. If you're an olde timey place lover...get in there. read more

Let's just start off like this, I'm gonna keep this one short and simple great food great drinks great prices great people. Absolutely nothing to complain about, not too long ago they remodeled the place or change something but everything still is amazing so yeah I'm gonna keep coming here. read more

This Irish pub is a favorite of mIne. They've been here since 1936. Recentlly, I was concerned when the entire building was torn down. I thought McGovern's was gone. Thankfully they rebuilt and it's bigger and better than before. I miss the old wooden phone booth, but the space is nice, the food great and the Guinness flowing. read more

See all

The best beer with fish&chips. It tastes like a small Ireland. Besides, they have a lot of dishes from the Irish national cuisine. Definitely worth trying it! Go there on Friday eve, and you'll have the best time! read more

They are finally back!! Highly recommend the lava fries, trust me they are a game changer!! read more

Recently went back here after so many years. The upgrades look amazing we sat outside for lunch. I ordered a southwest chicken sandwich it was super delicious. The server Kevin was amazing he was so attentive read more

This is yet another Newark Irish pub/restaurant that we seem to frequent on special occasions. Now from the outside, you'd think you're heading into the bar in the Deer Hunter-it looks like some run-down hole in the wall from coal-country western, PA (not taking any shots there, I've been in GREAT bars that look like crap from the outside). However, once you sit down, order a cold beer (Guinness on tap, thank you very much) and look over the menu, you realize that you've entered the twilight zone of deliciousness. I've probably eaten here 15-18 times and the food is awesome. Burgers always done perfectly (and I've had almost all of them-close your eyes and pick one...you can't go wrong), appetizers are normal bar fare (go with the lava fries or the chili cheese fries for a nice little fattening slice of goodness), and the sandwiches I've tried have all been pretty damn good too (Corned beef sandwich in an Irish pub...c'mon, this is a home run). Can't comment on the wraps or salads because any self-respecting guy (or girl) isn't getting a salad at an Irish pub. So get yourself past the outside view (don't judge a book by it's cover) and get inside for a great meal, some cold beer, and another place in Newark where the bartenders and wiat staff actually give a crap and want you to come back! read more

Solid Food & Good People McGovern's Tavern is a Rutgers-Newark campus staple that is loved and frequented by many! I can always depend on McGovern's to be consistently consistent when it comes to the food, drinks and service. This is the go-to bar on campus for a quick bite to eat, a drink and a great time! -Price: $10-17 per person (food & drink) -Screams: Irish Bar, College Hangout, Jersey/ NY Proud -Cool Beans: McGovern's was open during Hurricane Sandy -Ambiance: Laid back, unpretentious, friendly neighborhood bar -Frequented By: Rutgers-Newark & NJIT students, staff/ faculty and visitors, police officers, alums and tons of loyal regulars -Good For: Groups, catching up with friends and eating some decent bar grub -What To Order: Burgers, fries, beverages/ cocktails, any fried foods, wings. The sweet potato and lava fries are incredibly delicious! -Service: Dedicated staff that take pride in their job, bar, city and the state of NJ -Best Nights: Tuesday (Trivia Night), Wednesday & Thursdays -Tip: $10 Minimum for credit/ debit cards read more

See all

The Story: Change of pace from our usual Thursday night trivia at Crow's nest. Heard a lot of good things about this place but that was probably what set it up for failure. Food: I always order a water with lemon my very first time at the bar. It's to test if the bartender is a good one or not. They failed - lets say I ran out of water and had to wait for the ice to melt and drink that. Foodwise - I got the chicken tenders with sweet potato fries (again - highly recommended) but it fell short. The tenders were over done and very hard to eat and the fries are so cruncy to the point of hurting my gums. Price: Price is average for bar food. Decor: They have cute street signs all over the bar. Service: I felt ignored and flagging down someone was too much of an effort. Parking & Finding the Place: Near Rutgers and NJIT - I can see this place being a local bar for a lot of college students. Additional Thoughts: I never liked the bar scene and this is the prime example why. I went to play trivia but instead the music was so loud that I couldn't hear the trivia question and you got a bunch of college kids screaming at the top of their lungs and girls going "OMG" this and "OMG" that. Tip in life: not everything is so extreme yo. I will *NOT* be coming back here - even if you paid me a million bucks. read more

See all

Our Mr. Local History Project had to do a story on the history of McGovern's - want to know the real story? Take a look. Oh and we LOVE THIS PLACE. It has history, great food, and a great atmosphere. And the renovation....wow. https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/newarks-mcgoverns-historic-tavern/ read more

See all

Pretty cool spot, no TVs if you want to watch a game. Staff was friendly and polite food was typical bar fare

Sorry but they should stop advertising that they are an "IRISH" pub since their menu only consists of burgers, sandwiches/wraps and appetizers. And here's some advice to future goers, don't order apps and entrée at the same time because they will bring them all out together and food will get cold quick. The pretzel appetizer is just sad and I could have made them myself at home from the frozen box pretzel. No beer cheese, simply just some yellow goop they consider cheese. Definitely won't be returning. read more

The food was made with love! I honestly would recommend eating here. Reasons why? 1. The food taste amazing. 2. Reasonably priced food, VERY AFFORDABLE for students. 3. Amazing/Friendly Service, you're instantly greeted once you walk in the door. This is a restaurant that is conscious about it's location. The food is priced so that students in the area can afford to eat here. With everything going on in the world, the last thing a student should worry about is whether they can afford a meal. McGovern's Tavern takes care of the students. I haven't seen other restaurants do this and I hope they take notice. Food should not be expensive! So, if you want reasonably priced and tasty food, come to McGovern's Tavern. I will be coming back, definitely. read more

My never fail, go-to on the Rutgers-Newark campus! Everyone should try the lava fries! read more

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

See all

This is a perfect spot for all the students from nearby Rutgers and NJIT campuses. If one taking is taking train then this place is at 15-20 mins walk from the Newark station or one can also catch a bus or shared cab to this place. I was here on a Thursday evening to meet some of my friends. From outside this place looks like a big warehouse. But when one walks in, one realizes this place is huge and is divided into two different sections. They carry an exhaustive menu when it comes to food and drinks. Overall it's a nice place to hang out with friends. read more

I came to McGovener's because it was close enough Rutgers so a friend could walk there from class. Upon walking in, the places had an average bar feel. The not well lit nor dark yet no direction wear to sit down. Eventually we walked over to the back where we found a waitress and a seating area. Now having read some pervious reviews we decided that we would order some Lave fries and pick whatever else we thought sounded good. The waitress was nice enough and the food was ok. I was hoping for more with the lava fries, not that I was expecting a culinary miracle but some more then hot sauce cover fries covered in some cheese, because to me that's just a fancy name for cheese fries with hot sauce Parking is nonexistent from what I saw or I'm blind, every street looked like it was permit only for lunch time anyway. If I was in the area I might come back, although I would have to try a few other places before agreeing with that concretely. read more

Nice local bar for a beer... I stopped into McGovern's after hearing rave reviews about the "Lava Fries"... Lava fries is a heavenly creation of french fries, melted cheese and hot sauce... While at first this doesn't sound too appetizing, it is in fact quite a delectable combination. McGoverns is your quintessential college bar, no frills or frippery. read more

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

Best bar in downtown Newark. I know that's not saying much, but this place is solid. Their bar food is enjoyable and their drinks are cheap. Also they have plenty of room if you ever want to have a bigger party. Also the bartenders are always friendly and helpful. Get drunk here read more

When I first walked up to the place I was a bit bummed. This place looks like nothing special from the outside. Open the door, don't walk away! I ate probably the best burger I have EVER had! The bartender was attentive, nice, and getting himself a bit buzzed....it was awesome. I go to Newark for business quite a bit and this place will become a regular stop for me. Oh, no 5 stars because the customers there seem to have no concept of sharing space...couldn't get by them no matter how many times you ask. And the bathroom was nasty! read more

See all

The hot wings had no heat. I asked for ranch and got blue cheese. The ranch was a generic boring kind. The pizza had little sauce and shitty crust. The burgers were ok. And the place is over priced. Id give it 1.5 stars if i could read more

First time to the renovated McGovern's Tavern. I am so glad to see the original bar and murals. It has the same atmosphere as the original. The food was delicious and the service exceptional. We will be back hopefully many times!! read more

Best irish pub in downtown newark. Since i started working on Halsey, back in 2010, this has been a happy hour choice for my coworkers and I. Lots of fun times. The bartenders are attentive and service is fantastic. They accept all here. And let me tell u bout there Lava Fries!! Im salivating just thinking about it. Cheese fries with buffalo sauce. Best when you had a few drinks in you. As long as im in this area, this is my number 1 spot to grab a nice cold beer. read more

Mc Govern's Tavern - Nice cold beer after work. - Irish Pub Near Me - Newark, New Jersey

The food at this bar is actually really freaking good. The burgers are delicious. The apps are so tasty and big you honestly don't even need to get an entree. The vibes are nice here too. read more

Went here with a bunch of Rutgers law students on a Friday evening and had a good time! It's your standard neighborhood Irish bar with good bar food and an extensive menu. When you first walk in, there's a bar with students and professionals hanging out, and there are street signs all over the walls. We sat at a table in the back room, which was empty at the time. We ordered the pizza pie, and it turned out to be very small, so people ended up ordering burgers, which were surprisingly delicious. Service was quick and friendly. It's homey, and I LOVE homey! Great spot to check out if you want to go where the locals go. read more

Don't judge a book by it's cover. Definitely was a little concerned since there are no windows on the front façade, but glad I continued into the bar. This totally felt like the bar in Cheers. People were oh so very friendly and the bartenders worked their butts off. The wings and nachos were good and satisfying. I appreciated there were mid-aged guys that just came from work as well as college age kids. Proximity to NJPAC also helped bring other people in. Also, this place is deceivingly big. The bar area felt pretty spacious, and these big groups kept filing in and just going into the back, I was stunned there was so much room adorned with large tables back there. Small mishap of them bringing out tartar sauce instead of a re-order of blue cheese, but all was forgiven. Hope to be in the area soon so I can come again. read more

"Do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it? " - Ron Burgundy This has probably been the hardest review I have written since moving to Jersey. McGovern's is more or less across the street from the Rutgers Law School,and many events as a law student either are here or end up here. Was this place awesome in my mind because it was there or is it because it really is a step above the rest. In other words, "do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it?" This place can be pricey at times, and there is a $10 credit card minimum. However, the burgers are good, very good. Lava Fries? I see why people like them but I don't really like cheese so it's not really my thing. The service here is top-notch, perhaps they just know how to deal with law students. Law school can be crazy at times, but this place keeps me sane at times. read more

Maybe this is just me being pretentious, but this pub doesn't inspire me. It's what I refer to as "a sports bar that serves Guinness and throws up some Irish decor and calls itself an Irish pub." It's not authentically Irish in the least. I can't give a fair review on the food. As a vegetarian, my options are limited. I'm told the burgers are great, but the veggie burger is not housemade and is nothing special. read more

Chill bar, cheap drinks, and plenty of seating. They had free sandwiches when I was there, which was pretty awesome, but I don't think you can count on that. A Yuengling was 3.50, shots were like 4 bucks. When I ordered my Paddy's on the rocks I was charged 7 instead of 4, but dude poured an enormous drink. The girls I was with were ordering dumb shit like cosmos and pineapple/vodkas, and the bar was totally ripping them off by charging them nine dollars, which I found to be hilarious. I went with dude from Newark who ordered a pitcher and 4 beers and put it on his card, and only got charged 12 bucks. Apparently the owner gets wasted and screws up tabs, so it's much better not to pay cash, because you might get a bunch of free drinks. read more

Great Irish pub with good people in the middle of the third world country known as Newark. This is your good old boy Irish pub with great burgers cheap drinks and the "regulars" that either grew up or work in Newark or Nerk as its now known. You can also expect the Rutgers and NJIT crowd when college is in session. But all year round this is a place for the regulars and hard working people that are still left in Newark and trust me there is less and less of these people. This is one place you don't have to worry about being robbed or mugged in Nerk. Good bartenders good atmosphere all thanks to the great owners keeping the tradition alive. read more

Don't eat the food it is horrible. Just drink. It seem to be a college hangout. I live in the area no plans to go back.

The bartender wasn't that nice, but the ambiance is great. It's in a relatively safe area of Newark, it doesn't seem like a place that is 'empty' on weekdays, it was packed on a Tuesday evening during or before NJIT finals week(s). The french fries are great, the taps are clean (the Yuengling did not taste like a gym teachers band aid) which is a always a good sign. The server was nice and cordial, there are helmets hanging from the ceiling, and the bathrooms don't smell like vomit. Got my vote! read more

Love this place!! Went here for the first time the other day and I have nothing but good things to say! The inside was super nice, clean, & bigger than you'd expect. They have a full bar in the middle with endless amounts of drink choices: beer, wine, vodka, etc. We got the nachos as an app and I highly recommend. They were portioned with the perfect amount of cheese all throughout. For our meals I got the blue cheese burger and it was cooked perfectly and served with a side of fries. Everyone at table enjoyed their meals greatly. They had many options for a great price too! The vibe inside the bar was fun as well. There was music playing and tons of people interacting!! Great spot if you're looking for good bar food and a fun time! read more

This place is so unapologetically great. First of all, from the outside, you don't see anything but a run down corner building that could easily be a liquor store, apartment, billiards spot, or many other less than savory joints. It could also be, and is, the simplest of facades housing the simplest of bars inside. This is as American bar as you can get and a great stop after work and escape from Newark. Get a Guinness and some regular bar food and you're set to watch a game or just relax with some friends. Food - nothing exceptional. You'll be satisfied by the standard bar food quality that is expected of a college scene bar. Service - I don't really remember being helped until I helped myself while we were seated. I think most people tend to stay at the bar or in the front room and that's what I would suggest. For a place that hosts mostly college students, it has acceptable food, not so great service, good vibes and good beer. read more

this is your typical Irish bar, if you were actually *in* Ireland. This is awesome on at least two levels. One, the barkeep is Irish Irish, not Irish-American or Boston Irish-American (two distinct clans, as one owes allegiance to the Bosox at birth and the other is not so limited). You can, if you're polite, get a pleasant rundown of the history and, based on your tips, discover diverse observations about Counties in Ireland and New Jersey. So this is a long way of saying it's a friendly place. Two, it closes at 11pm. I do not lie, 11pm. Bars in Ireland close at 11pm, so McGovern's does as well. Why is this awesome? Because it's real, it's history, it's a personal bit of "I'm doing it my way because I own the damn place". I respect that, even as I buy four rounds when he shouts "Last Call!" so I nurse them well past midnight (another tradition he's thoughtfully carried over). And oh yeah, they have a kitchen. Do I need to tell you the pints of Guinness are good here? -C I'm so happy to be the first to review this, as I drank here in college and brought my Wife here on her 21st birthday a long time ago for her first legal night out, so the memories are happy ones. read more

Another reviewer took the words out of my mouth. Walking into this bar truly feels like you're walking into a tv show set in the 1970s-1980s. I always imagine "more than a feeling" by Boston to play as I enter the bar walking in slow motion. Oh and I mean this in the best way possible. Any time of the day or night, you'll find retired cops, students and local Newark residents at the bar chugging beers. The waitresses have just the right amount of NJ sass, which they need to keep up with the bar regulars. Needless to say, it's an institution and family owned. This place has probably seen a lot of changes, and somehow remained the same classic charming Irish pub. Great food- delicious burgers and make sure to get a side of lava fries to share. read more

Love this place. I know this is a favorite hang out for Rutgers students but there's a lot of other folks here too. The decor inside makes it feel very classic pub, lots of old memorabilia. Bartenders are nice and down to earth. They are very accommodating as well. We had a little last minute party here and they allowed me to bring a birthday cake and they acknowledged the birthday boy! Thursday's, they had a dj so the back room became a dance floor and we just had a blast! This place is for anyone and everyone. Whether you wanna watch a game, drink with friends or have a dance off, you can do any of those in McGoverns. Such a cool place! read more

McGovern's Tavern is a great spot to relax, kick back, enjoy a brew, and have some food. My co-worker introduced me to here, and I was surprised that this Irish pub's burgers were good. I ordered a Chipotle mayo version. Next time, I'll try to substitute something else for the fries that come with the burger though. If my fries aren't sweet potato, waffle, or cajun fries, I usually don't care for them. McGovern's is conveniently located in front of the Rutgers Newark campus. They have TV's in both the front bar area and in the back room. read more

I must preface this by saying I don't drink but went with friends to eat... so my review is on food (don't shoot me, i just like to review things...) I ordered a veggie burger that was surprisingly fresh... their lava fries are DELISH (spicy bbq sauce on fries with melted cheese) It's pretty cheap 6.50 for veggie burger and pasta salad/fries read more

McGovern's seems too good to be true. Places like this only exist in TV shows, where you walk in and see cops, students, neighborhood people, and dudes in kilts all hanging out together, AND can get a bangin' burger with great fries for under $10. I've been here twice, because my boyfriend goes to Rutgers Law across the street, and each time have been impressed by the Guinness pouring. On my first visit, I got the Southwest cheddar burger and was in heaven as this mammoth burger topped with wonderfully spicy mayonnaise dripped its juices down my arms. Oh, also, they have $3 drafts during happy hour. *drops mic* read more