From the moment we walked in and a customer offered to exchange his booth for a somewhat awkward barrel table by the window, this was going to be great. I checked out the reviews in advance. Fish and Chips and Shepard's Pie for us. I was expecting good, I was not expecting GREAT. There was a sizable serving of fish, perfectly done. Am I in Ireland? Spiraled fries, pickles and coleslaw. Coleslaw was good but needed my dad's touch. The Shepard's Pie was something else. Now I don't like beer as a drink but the plentiful strings of beef were soaked in Guiness. Yum. But you have to dig under the cheese coated mashed potatoes to find it and the peas and corn. This is a winner. Previously the only Shepard's Pie I had used ground beef. Love those strings of Guinness soaked beef. As is typical, when we LOVE a meal, we surprisingly eat less of it so we can bring it home and extend the experience. I do not like their cardboard container for leftovers. You pack it yourself and it is hard to close. I do wish their drink menu was more clear with mixed drinks. No prices and I didnt know if each group was ALL the ingredients or if you chose one. So I ended up not ordering a drink which meant that I couldnt talk hubby into a Guinness. I have been coming to the North Side for years and always wanted to come here but got sidelined by buying too many pepperoni rolls in the Strip. But no more. I will be back, maybe again this week. It was FABULOUS. read more

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Monterey Pub is such a cozy neighborhood gem. I stopped in this afternoon and grabbed a seat at the bar, which honestly felt like the perfect move. The vibe is relaxed, welcoming, and very Pittsburgh in the best way. I ordered the black bean burger with a side of tater tots and a beer. The burger was hearty and flavorful with a great texture, not mushy at all, which can sometimes happen with veggie burgers. It felt satisfying without being heavy. The tater tots were crispy on the outside and soft inside, exactly how they should be. Paired with a cold beer at the bar, it made for the ideal low-key afternoon meal. The bar area has that comfortable, lived-in feel where you can actually relax and enjoy your food. Whether you're going with friends or just popping in solo like I did, it's an easy spot to settle into. Would definitely come back for another casual afternoon bite. read more

Monterey Pub - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Fantastic vibe. We stopped by the place for a Sunday morning brunch, and the overall experience was great. The space has the feel of a quaint Irish pub. The Sunday morning crowd was chill and primarily there to take in a soccer match. The staff were all friendly laid back, leaving us to hang out in a little booth with only necessary interruptions. In terms of food, it was well done pub food. Not fancy, but well executed. We ordered the breakfast sandwich without meat (no sausage or bacon), and it was nicely done. Not over the top, but nicely prepared. The overall flavor profile was designed the the expectation of breakfast sausage or bacon, so the non-meat version of the sandwich could have used a bit of extra flavor. That's on us. The fish and chips were well executed with crisp breading, tender fish, and flavorful condiments. It really felt like a solid pub experience. They even offered us some malt vinegar to go with the meal. In terms of beer, everything was well done. The beer was served in appropriate glassware at an appropriate temperature, and everything was flavorful and in good condition. A nice low key pint of Guinness was exactly the right accent to the overall vibe. Overall, this was a lovely little pub in a nice little part of town. It wasn't a huge space, but there was plenty of room to show up for a fun Sunday brunch without facing an enormous crowd. read more

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Easily the best smash burger in Pittsburgh. The Shepards pie is a must have, as well. The food here is outstanding and the folks who run the pub are the kindest folks on earth. read more

I've only been twice but I love it here! It's tucked away on a Monterey St, a residential street in the north side, and the cozy pub vibes are off the charts. The smash burgers and cocktails are amazing. The servers hustle and everything comes out pretty fast! Since there are no reservations and it's a small space, it's best to get there as early as possible if you're going for dinner! read more

Monterey Pub - Smash burger & side Caesar salad - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I went to Monterey Pub with a group. They made an amazing gin and tonic (albeit a hard drink to screw up) and the veggie burger was phenomenal! The wait staff and bartenders were so nice and accommodating! read more

My husband and I would give it a 3.75 but I rounded to 4. The server/host was very friendly. He kept us informed about whether we had a table opening up and also took our drink order while we were waiting. Turns out he also was our server so he was really hustling. We got the pretzel bite appetizer, 2 smash burgers and a reuben. I'm pretty picky about reubens but I thought the meat was fantastic, very tender. The burgers were fine but the top bun was fairly small. The curly fries were good but a bit on the salty side and the mac and cheese was good but we didn't realize it cost an extra $1 until we got the check. Very cool vibe/atmosphere.. it felt cozy and like a place locals come. Overall had a great experience and would be happy to come back! read more

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Public street parking on a beautiful block. This would be a great place to go to watch your favorite sports team. Service was fair, they were quite busy, and the bar area gets very loud. Booths are kind of small but comfortable for two. The decor is cute and the place was clean. We had loaded tots for an appetizer. I liked the tots themselves but the cheese was gritty. I would get them with a sauce on the side. The fish sandwich was everything! From the cook on the batter, to the pickle, to that bun. It was the best fish sandwich I've had all Lent. The coleslaw was fine, average. They have beer on tap and bottles. They seem to focus on the mixed drink specials. They do a nice job with presenting each drink and pairing the alcohol and mixers. It all makes sense. A nice pub experience. read more

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Love this spot! Great cocktails and friendly service. Food was classic pub vibes and hit the spot! Cute hidden gem in the Northside. read more

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We went here spontaneously as a night cap because we were close by in the north shore and were pleasantly surprised! Super cute pup, the food others had looked really good (especially the flatbreads and burgers), and my cocktail, an apple martini, was so delicious! Was busy on a Saturday night but we luckily got the last table and the waitresses provided great service - super nice and friendly. We will definitely be coming back intentionally. read more

Monterey Pub - Apple Martini and Guinness - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Super cool Irish Pub in the North Side. Bar seating, booths & some tables are available to dine at. Had the pretzels, Reuben & drumsticks. The Reuben was delicious, the corn beef was cooked really well and more shredded than sliced. The drumsticks were super cool- menu item you don't see often, got the dry rub on them, cooked really well- a lot of good meat on it. The inside is definitely small but cozy and makes you feel like you're really at a pub in Ireland! read more

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I almost didn't want to post a review because this is my favorite hidden-gem location in Pittsburgh... I am visiting Monterey often and have never had a bad meal infront of me. The glazed salmon is SO delicious but today I opted for the Monterey smash burger and it filled a desperate craving. The stoner bowl was so interesting and a strange craving you won't satisfy anywhere else. This hidden gem tucked away in the Mexican War Streets is a local vibe that is so homely a stranger like myself feels in on it. The servers are quick and do not linger too much to interrupt but are eager to help when help is needed. I love this place and will never get tired of visiting!!!!! read more

Monterey Pub - monterey burger and stoner bowl - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is a cozy little local pub with a cool vibe. I was working nearby and stumbled across it. I tried the shepherds pie, and it was ok, but I wasn't crazy about it. It was heavy on cheese on top and the veggie/meat hash had no gravy at all. It guess it is popular here, but not really how I like it. I saw some of their other dishes come out that looked better, I'll try something else next time I'm in the area. Definitely will be back. read more

Such a great cozy neighborhood pub tucked into the North Side - if you're looking for a fun atmosphere and great drinks and food, check it out! Visited on a Saturday night and snagged one of the wooden booths across from the bar. I tried the titular Monterey cocktail, which was smokey, strong, and delicious. My husband had a pint of Guinness and it was poured perfectly! Later in the evening I also tried the Paper Plane cocktail, which was equally great. For food we tried some apps, including the mozzarella sticks and onion rings, as well as burgers for entrees. They bill their burgers as smashburgers, and I'm usually skeptical of that moniker on most menus because more often than not a place's burgers are NOT true smashburgers - not the case with this spot! They were true smashburgers and they tasted great. I had mac and cheese as my side (this was obviously not the most health-conscious meal, ha) and it was very tasty, I love the cavatappi pasta shape. They offer other sides too, including coleslaw, tater tots, curly fries, roasted vegetables, and a side salad. We've visited before for just drinks and also for St. Patrick's Day festivities and it's always a great time! It's lively and friendly and feels quite authentic. Check it out if you're in the area! read more

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A lovely Irish pub in the Mexican War Streets. Surprisingly great food, great vibes, great staff. A Guinness here has healed me. read more

Monterey Pub - Caesar wrap and Reuben - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My favorite bar/pub in Pittsburgh. I have never had a bad meal here and always get the salmon bowl. Really good fish and chips and smash burgers! The best vibes and cozy ambiance. The servers are great and will make gluten free accommodations (salmon without glaze). read more

I was in town to visit friends and go to a concert downtown, and we ended up in the Monterey Pub around 11:00 pm. This place is a hidden gem! Super cute neighborhood bar that welcomed us as if we were regulars. We grabbed a booth near the bar and had several beers off the small, but proper draft beer list. We weren't there for five minutes before a couple of guys saw our concert tee-shirts from the show and asked us all about it. Everyone in the place was super friendly, and it had such a happy buzz. Seeing all the pictures from other reviewers makes me wish we had ordered some food too. I'll definitely do that once my wife and I relocate back to the Burgh in the spring! For now, this review is just for the bar part, which was cozy, very clean, and tucked in a great little neighborhood. read more

A cozy looking Irish-style pub. I originally thought this was a "soccer pub," but I was mistaken. No big deal. I had the fish and chips - very on par with Long John Silvers. I would describe the service as abrupt and monotone. I would recommend skipping unless you live close. Not my vibe. read more

Newly reopened under new management, we dropped in to check things out. It's still a wonderfully vintage Irish Pub tucked away in a residential neighborhood. They still have great pub favorites, such as fish and chips, Shepard's Pie, and Burgers. The beer list includes Guinness on tap, but also several local craft beers. The booths are absolutely charming, although small. It's a great place for good conversation. The coolest friends hang out here, I'm still recommending it. read more

Monterey Pub - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Solid as hell 4stars but we love this place.We've come back multpie times since we first poked over in 2019. Since then there was a pandemic, and right after that, Monterey pub changed ownership, with the new people owning somewhere else in the city (but everyone in the neighborhood seemed to have heard this was the first restaurant). Montrey pub is an absolute gem. fantastic service and food with the new people. Solid cocktails and beer selection too and always very minimal complaints. We miss the boxtys from the old team, but the new food is amazing. My only nitpick tonight is that the chimmichuri chicken pita could have used a smidge more chimmichuri sauce. read more

Monterey Pub - Celestial Eggs - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Went there Sunday w/ hubs & 2 sisters. I wasn't sure what to expect from this pub. It screams (inside) - just grab a beer!!! -- but don't be fooled. The food is really quite good! I loved my swishroom garden veggie burger. It was so flavorful - definitely one of the best veggie burgers I've ever had! I couldn't believe it. Moist, cheesy, good spice. The fries were good, tho I could hardly eat all that they put in that basket. Husband & one sis got the Reuben. Neither were bowled over by their sammies but said they were good. 2nd sis got the fish and chips and loved it. The beer selection was pretty good, and they also had cider on tap. The interior is - well - pub. The service was excellent. Will *most definitely* return. read more

Monterey Pub - Fish & chips - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I met up with a friend after work around 7pm. I was really looking forward to getting dinner but the kitchen had problems and had to close. So we each got two drinks. I ordered two cocktails. And I could not finish the second because they were strong. I love that they were strong but it would have helped to have food. Overall I would totally come back here again to try the food and get more drinks. The waitress was very nice. And the place was very comforting. It had a front bar and the back which was more intimate. read more

Monterey Pub - Cocktail - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My partner and I love this spot. If you get a small table across from the bar it feels romantic with the charm of the vintage style of the venue. There are pennies inlaid into the bar! In the back it's great for groups. I recently brought some friends who had never been here and they were very impressed by the food. Some of my favorites here include the pub salad with a salmon filet. The dressings made in house are delicious. The burgers are amazing. I'm not a beer drinker, but my friends enjoyed the draft and bottle selection. I love the wines on tap too. I'd like to try a brunch here with family in the future. I love the location, the food and energy in this place. read more

This place has gone through a few changes over the years. This was one of my favorite places for Irish food pre-pandemic. They didn't survive Covid, but now have new owners that revived this hidden gem. I always enjoy the food, it never blows me away but there are some stables I definitely recommend. Have the deviled eggs! They are addictive and a must have! Also their cocktails are always solid and rotate for the season. Their 'chips' are also addictive. When I can get curly fries as an adult I'm always happy. Come for the hole in the wall vibes, good service, cold beer and a kitchen that is actually open on Mondays! read more

Monterey Pub - Fish sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I absolutely love this place! Super cozy, friendly staff, and wonderful live music. Really a heart of the North Side community.

The Monterey Pub is an absolute gem. Irish Pubs just have the coziest vibes and this one is the absolute coziest of them all. From the dark moody walls to the woodwork and the little booths with mirrors and tables with a map of Ireland on them, to the Gaelic fonts on the wall and the brass accents, this place is adorable. The food does NOT disappoint either. Fantastic pretzels with cheese, amazing cheesy mozzarella sticks, and insanely delicious smash burgers and curly fries. The perfect pub menu if you ask me. Love this place & can't wait til my next trip here! read more

Great food, atmosphere, and beverages (love their cocktails). Try to sit by the fireplace in the winter. So cozy! Parking can be tricky.

What a lovely neighborhood pub (which is literally just in the middle of a residential block) and it does make you feel like you have traveled just beyond the confines of Pittsburgh. I had the shepherd's pie and it was delicious and just the perfect amount of food. If I am in the area in the future, I would return here in an instant. The service was really prompt and efficient. The food and drinks came fast. read more

Monterey Pub - Shepherd's Pie with Guinness braised beef - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Was in the area from out of town and had to find something close by before heading to the airport. Excellent chance selection! Cute Irish pub ambiance, excellent service (Frankie, I think), great food-salad for me and Rueben for husband. Neighborhood is adorable too. read more

The charm of the pub is gone with the updates of the new owners. The once green walls are now grey and the once wood bar top is covered with pennies. The coziness is lost. It doesn't feel like a neighborhood pub either. Gone are the days of seeing neighbors, instead so many people you don't know. I know times change but it is no longer the neighborhood pub it used to be. read more

Last minute audible to walk here this past Friday night. We were staying real close and it looked very inviting. The place was full, but the GM was super nice and put us in the queue for a table for four. Grabbed a couple pints at the bar and we were seated in roughly 20 minutes. Tables are small and no real intimacy, but I love the pub atmosphere and this place is perfect. It was Friday night and they were completely out of cheese, so no pretzels, mac and cheese, etc. They were also sold out of wings, so be sure to have backups in mind. From the dishes ordered, we loved the Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips and the Mashed Potatoes and Mozzarella Sticks. I made the mistake of ordering the Veggie Flatbread. The crust itself was great, but the vegetables were listed as roasted and they were barely cooked. Sliced carrots and cauliflower mostly. Just nothing exciting and my bad for making the choice. Prices were reasonable. We had a couple items on our bill that weren't ours, but they were quickly corrected. Awesome staff all around and would love to return and pick something different for my meal. read more

The new owners post-pandemic have done an excellent job keeping most of the OG pub's charm, like the original wooden booths and dimly lit space. The new menu is also excellent, featuring Irish fare, delicious smash burgers, flatbreads and a variety of tasty apps. They are sometimes out of items in the kitchen which happens. But everything I've ordered has been great. They make a mean cocktail which can add up quickly but they are talented mixologists. It's not as cheap as it once was, but where is? Overall, a wonderful cozy neighborhood pub worth visiting time and time again. read more

Monterey Pub - Bangers & Mash Classic Smash Burger with curly fries - Pubs Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Loved the ambiance!! Wouldn't expect a pub in a local neighborhood like that but this was a delight and the service was even better

This place sucks. No decent food, no service, and the ambience is horrible. Get a new manager. She's old and needs to be kicked out.. kick her out and save yourself. read more

Thought I was in the wrong neighborhood, and saw the flag above the restaurant. Went into a crowded pub at 800pm, got seated, received great service and great food. It had a high energy, and was a happy place to be. The Shepherd's Pie was the best!! read more

Some of the best smashburgers in the city! The bar also know how to make an amazing Manhattan! Love the team here!

What a cool little pub! It's very tiny, so it might not be great for large groups. My husband and I stopped in a few days before St. Patrick's day to avoid the St. Pat's crowd, and I'm happy we did. I had the fish and chips, and he had the Shepard's Pie. Both were very good, and the service was spot on as well. Tricky part is that all parking is on street, and since it's located in the Mexican War Streets, that can always be tricky. Luckily, we snagged a spot right out front! read more

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OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH The grand reopening of an old friend!!! What a warm and fuzzy feeling, like rich cocoa around a winter fire. Boy has this pub been missed. With a hot shot staff of new servers, a delicious new menu and old time favs, what more could you want? The appetizers were fire!! We actually started dipping Jalapeño Scallon hush puppies into the beer cheese because we couldn't get enough. The bartenders were on point, even with a packed house...... flawless service. The burgers were perfect.....texture, flavor, presentation. What a home run, I couldn't have asked for a greater re-emerging Irish Pub. Thank you to Everyone.... Cheers Boca, this ones for you! read more

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Based solely on cocktails, atmosphere, & conversation with the team members, this place gets my 5 stars. Hope to be back soon to try food as well. A few Saturdays back we drove around & finally decided to head to Monterey Pub in the Mexican War Streets because we hadn't been since it changed ownership a few months back. If you haven't been, I highly recommend stopping by. This adorable little pub is tucked inside of an old home & they have the history written out on the wall. It's so cozy & they have beautiful "new" thrifted glassware for the drinks. Speaking of drinks, they have a new cocktail menu & the options are creative & delicious. I started with the "Palo Alto" with Tequila, Italian Brandy, Lime & Orange...loved it! As we sat at the bar we met Sophia, one of the new owners! She was very nice & chatted with us about going in with her friends on this place. She's an industry pro & is doing a great job. She introduced us to our bartender Mad Dog (hope I'm getting that right) & so for the next cocktail we went with "The Arch" which she'd created. It's Gin, Lemon, Grenadine, Tiki Bitters, & Rosemary & was also delicious. read more

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What a great place! Clean environment, friendly service, great selections. We loved the atmosphere of the perfect neighborhood pub! The food we had was great - especially the salads (nice mix of greens including arugula). Keep up the good work! We will be back! read more

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