Decent food, good beer and drinks, so-so service. The beer garden and sidewalk seating are great when the weather cooperates. Part of the beer garden even covered, so the weather doesn't matter. Try the paninis - my fav. read more

This place is right by my apartment so I have given it plenty of chances. Service is almost always dismal. I came in with my dad (before I was even 21) and was not carded. We drank a lot and the bartender even bought us a few rounds. Nice of her, but I would be upset as an owner. Roommate went in a few weeks later, and found three fruit flys in his whiskey...YUCK! That's just pure laziness not covering your bottles at close. Came in with my dad one last time on a Sunday for some bloody marys. I was 21 now but my ID was expired by 2 days. The server refused to serve me a bloody and was incredibly rude when we asked to speak with the manager. In fact, she told us "the manager was busy right now." This place is inconsistent and it seems like the staff is not on the same page. read more

Hey, for $2 burgers on Monday nights you can't go wrong. But on any other night, I can think of a few other places in the same neighborhood that I would choose over this one. Yes, sitting outside here is great and having a few drinks. But for food, I choose other places. read more

While I may have tended to agree with Greg's stereotypical opinion of O'Donovan's, one cannot judge one tries...and you may just be surprised. I was referred to O'Donovan's after a league night and my team and I went there for buffalo wings (Tuesday nights?). Now I'm particular about buffalo wings...they have to be really spicy, not that tepid spicy that most people are complaining about, and they have to be meaty, nothing like biting into a spicy meaty chicken leg/wing. The sauce has to be really tasty too, not just burning spice with no flavor. O'Donovan's hit the spot. My friends dig the crab cakes. And my one friend ALWAYS orders the chicken breast sandwich, even to this day and that was 5 seasons ago since we started going here. And they do have a great selection of wines. One of hub's and my favorite wines was one that we originally tried at O'Donovan's. We're still trying to get to their brunch because we've been told it's pretty darn good. The only thing I can say is that I'm no yuppie, and I like O'Donovan's. My teammates aren't yuppies and we always went to O'Donovan's after league night. However, they do get enough business so yeah...they really suck!! (Hub's and my way of saying something is truly awesome.) read more

Completely unprofessional and ignorant service! Spent several hours there over the weekend with girlfriends - racked up a $200 bill and paid with no problem. We then ordered another pitcher of beer and round of 5 shots - bill came out to $220. Obviously there was an error. After almost a half hour or debating the manager realizes the waitress did indeed recharge the first order we had. Problem solved and everything appeared fine. We moved on and tried to finish our last pitcher. At which point a guy comes to our table and rips a drinks out of our hands and starts taking away our pitcher, while telling us "Get the fuck up. Your time is done. You all need to leave". We had no idea who he was. We asked several times who are you and what the problem is. He refused to answer and just repeated telling us to get up and leave. At this point we all become angry, feel completely disrespected and confused. The staff all stood around with no explanation as to why we were being told to leave. Naturally we all began expressing our anger (maybe not in the best way but we were infuriated and disrespected) since the staff and manager could only stand there with their ego's hurt over their own stupid error. The manager then felt professional enough to start yelling "GHETTO GHETTO GHETTO" at all of us. Wonder if it had to do with us being latinas. Of course it did! Can't resolve a very obvious bill problem = Clueless manager. Inability to accept staff's error = Immature manager. Choosing to retaliate for their hurt ego = Unprofessional manager. WHITE FEMALE MANAGER REPEATEDLY YELLING "GHETTO" AT A GROUP OF LATINAS WHO CALLED HER OUT = ????? We have all gone there for years with our families and for work outings but this was completely unacceptable and I will never again give my money to this establishment. read more

I sort of hovered between a 2 and a 3 on this one. Based on what yelp considers I had to go with a 2. I think A-ok (a 3) may have been a bit of an overstatement, but a 2 seemed a bit harsh. I think Meh was about right though. I really really wanted to like this place. I mean a pint of bacon as a side? Yes please! So I'll start there I guess. The bacon, well it was bacon so obviously it was delicious, BUT this is a review so I'll try to be objective. Some bits were perfectly crisp without being over done. Other bits were chewy and undercooked. Sometimes I got both textures in the same piece. I got the pesto chicken panini. The chicken was very dry, overcooked and under seasoned. II'm pretty sure the bread was merely toasted and not made on a panini press at all. Despite it being part of the name of the sandwich, there was almost no pesto on there. So what I got was dry bread, dry chicken, not a lot of cheese and barely any sauce. I ordered more pesto and what I got was virtually green garlic oil. Yes, I know what pesto is but I think I was expecting more of a pesto aioli. My son had the burger sliders and he was happy, but he is also easier to please than me. He loved the fries. I thought the chips were a good attempt, but could use some seasoning. The white trash mimosa wasn't bad in the sense that I did finish it, but wouldn't rush to order another. I always saw a white trash mimosa as beer and OJ. This was their standard OJ mimosa served in a pint glass, so I didn't understand the name. The juice was not very fresh, but then again I am spoiled with freshly squeezed juice mimosas elsewhere. Lastly, the service was underwhelming. Our server was nice enough, but we waited nearly 15 minutes before being greeted. What is the point of self seating if the waitstaff isn't watching to see where people sit? We were the last table on the patio and the table next to us got very attentive service (from a different server). Being that I'm in the business it didn't really make much sense to me (given the layout and where we were sitting) that we would have been in a different section as the table next to us unless they were alternating or in the middle of a shift change. I wasn't terrible service, but it wasn't great. It was just meh. I think I might come back here just for their lovely patio. Maybe just have one of the adult milkshakes I saw on the menu, but I wouldn't hurry back for the food or service. read more

The service is alot faster than celtic crown, however, the ranch is not that good and the foreign waitresses will either respond positively or negatively...I guess it depends on them! Last summer, when they were not busy, we had 5 people at the table, the bill was split two ways....upon paying my tab I heard someone calling out behind us into the parking lot, I walked up and said "Oh! did I forget something"? she responded "No! but did I do something wrong? cause you gave me $5" I did all I could do to NOT rip her head right off her shoulders, I replied "Excuse me, we split the tip, my friends tipped you $7 and I just tipped $5 for a $50 tab, is this your first waitressing job? cause it might be your last!" she just walked off...I called back and informed the manager that we don't behave like this in America and since I haven't seen that waitress. I recommend going there in the summers though because there deck is cool and its always nice to have beer in the sun! read more

I've been here a couple of times in the past, and was excited to return. However, upon return, I was incredibly disappointed. We sat down and waited 15 minutes for our server. When she finally recognized out existence, she asked us if we ready to order, and we asked what beers are on tap. She said she had forgotten to get our drink menu and promptly returned 10 minutes later with it. After deciding on drinks, we finally placed our order 15 minutes later when she decided to stop socializing with her table of friends next to us. After placing our order, our food showed up 20 minutes later. We ordered nachos and a turkey wrap. The turkey wrap was good, however the nachos were incredibly disappointing. We ordered them with shredded cheese instead of the imitation cheese sauce. Upon their arrival about an hour after sitting down on this less than slow afternoon, we found the nachos to have maybe a 1/8 cup of cheese melted on it. It was dry and lackluster. The whole respect to proper nacho construction was thrown out the window. Come on people, I'm from Wisconsin- cheese it up! Long story short, we asked for cheese sauce and the plate shows up covered in cheese... Are there chips in there? We told the waitress we were disappointed and there wasn't much to do to reverse the nacho soup. Upon the bills arrival, she comped out first round of drinks, however charged us for the nachos and the raw onions added to the wrap.... Needless to say, we won't be back. read more

We went out of our way to go to this restaurant because we had enjoyed it in the past and were looking for a place with an outdoor patio. We ordered a few drinks and appetizers, which were good, BUT the service was downright horrible. Our server was condescending and wa extremely RUDE!! We were enjoying out evening until we went here. We were about to order dinner (was 10:45pm) and she said "this kitchen closes are you going to order?" We joked that we didn't know what we wanted and Instead of being pleasant, she said very rudely " are you going to order? This is last call for food n we shoo everyone inside at midnight." By this time we were every upset at how we were being treated. Especially when we looked and saw it was only 10:45pm. We paid and left not wanting to spend another dime, and asked someone else for the manager. We were very calm and explained what happened and all the manager said was "really! She's our best server that makes no sense?" Not one apology!! Won't be returning. read more

Lovely outdoor seating, good beer selection, and fish tacos were yummy

Love the food specials. The burgers rock and we love the chicken wings. Ribs are delish too.

I've been here many times, w/o kids and w/ kids. Our typical visit to O'Donovan's now involves toting 2 fun toddlers for Sunday brunch. I wasn't a huge fan of the brunch in the past, but I think the quality of the food has improved over the last few years, and they're very kid-friendly, which I truly appreciate. Bonus that there's a parking lot. read more

Came here twice for the brunch buffet. I've always been grossed out/scared to try biscuits and gravy. It looked good here so I tried it...omg it was incredible. Next time i want biscuits and gravy i am coming here, nowhere else. Everything else was very good. I ordered two eggs over easy and they were way overcooked, solid yoke. No big deal when i'm getting so much other good food. The open window area in the back is pleasant too. I think they need some more items for the chocolate fountain. read more

I really enjoy this place. Food is pretty good. Everything is reasonably priced. Staff is wonderful. It's a great spot to watch a game. The new beer garden looks incredible. read more

Although this is primarily an Irish Pub, O'Donovan's Pub and Restaurant (No relation, by the way) has the latest list of very fine wines from Spain, Italy, France and Australia. Food not so bad either, but the wine excells. read more

Like most of the places I've reviewed, I've been going to O'Donovan's for a very, very long time. Even before it was known as O'Donovan's, as a matter of fact. It used to be a German restaurant called Schulien's. Anyway, O'Donovan's is one of my very favorite neighborhood bars. It has a very laid-back, albeit LOUD atomosphere, and it seems no matter how crowded it gets, I've never been unable to find seating or reasonable parking. Their drinks (of course) are great, their waitstaff is friendly and sassy, but what's really surprising is their food. There's the usual fare - burgers and such (excellent, by the way), but where they really shine is in their pastas and steaks. I swear by their prime rib - something about their seasoning is unique and very worthwhile. Who knew you could get such great fare at a local pub? And be sure to bring the kids by sometime, because the highlight of any visit to O'Donovan's is, of course, the magic performed at your table by the house magician, Al James, who never fails to delight the young'uns and the slightly (or very) drunk, no matter how many times you've seen his little wooden ducks and red foam balls. I can't tell you how many balloon animals and playing-cards-with-holes-stabbed-through-them, or playing cards with Al's signature, supposedly "good for a drink at almost any good bar in the city" I've walked out of there with over the years. The beer garden is large and accomodating, a great place to have a group gathering with family or friends. All in all, a very worthwhile, unpretentious place to grab a good drink and a good meal (but don't ever try to bring anything cumbersome, such as a sheet cake, through the tiny, awkward doors. 22 years old and I still haven't mastered those damn doors. read more

a neighborhood place with great food. always check out the daily food and drink specials. awesome fish fry on fridays! definitely some of the best pub food in chicago. read more

best bar i experienced in chicago so far. laid-back atmosphere, great beers on tap, good music and service. perfect pub environment! had just a few appetizers, but the menu is impressive. i live in california and already dearly miss this place. read more

We had such high hopes for this place based on the other reviews. Unfortunately, our experience was kind of disappointing. Had the calamari, burgers, pretzel and a couple of drinks. Not sure we'd return given that nothing was really a stand-out. read more

They have a decent beer menu with your typical bar food. But bonus points for a nice outdoor space and friendly neighborhood vibe.

This place, man. I want to love it so dang badly. It's across the street from my place and I wish it didn't suck so much. The food isn't bad. The bartenders are good (for the most part), the busboys are likely the most competent/friendly humans in the place. The servers. Oh my god. Worst servers I've experienced in a long time. And they're consistently terrible. It wasn't a fluke. It's like... are y'all choosing to be bad at your job? Why doesn't somebody teach them how to effectively do their job? Like, hey, you should treat your whole section like one big table. You should be more available. You will make more money!!! I've sat in this place on numerous occasions for 15, 20 minutes waiting to even be acknowledged. I had to go track a human down just to get some freaking service. There is NO REASON why you should be away from your section for that long. If you're sick in the bathroom, that's one thing. But then your TEAM should lend a hand. No team mentality here. Come on, O'Donovan's. Stop sucking so much. read more

Love this place! My fiance and his friends have gone here every Monday night for the past 500 years for their $2 burgers. Since we started dating I have spent many many nights in here... They have a great beer garden that is open year round (heated in winter) along with couple other rooms and outdoor patio seating in the summer, so even if it is busy, which it normally is, you can typically always get a table. The service is great! They are nice, attentive, and bring you what you need! The specials are great to! My recent favorite which I just discovered is on Saturdays and Sundays they have $5 white trash mimosa's... as a HUGE fan of mimosa's I was curious as to what made them 'white trash'... well they are served in regular glasses instead of a champagne flute, so for $5 you get a fantastic deal! It's not the 'ugh I could of saved my money and bought this at Jewel and stayed at home' kind of a thing. They also have a brunch buffet on Sundays that is $15 but very much worth it! A lot of food choices! A great place to also come for any game that is going on, the crowd here makes you definitely get into the game even more as everyone cheers for their teams and what not... Another plus, and this is probably just a girl thing, is that for every holiday-Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Valentines day, etc, they go above and beyond with decorations... it's cute =) its the small things that they do that make this place stand out from all other bars, definitely worth it to check this place out! (They have a party room upstairs to that is a great space for any party you might have) And no I do not work here! read more

Monday burger special is fantastic! Service at the bar is great. Haven't been here any other day, but never had a dull monday night

Great in the summer! Dog friendly patio and sidewalk seating. Just a nice neighborhood pub with a great chicken panini and friendly people. read more

Went there Sunday night for some wings. The wings were good, our servers attitude was not. I felt like we were putting her out the whole time. She was not friendly, never smiled, and was not welcoming at all. It turned us off. I think it could have been enjoyable otherwise. It's a shame that poor service is such a big part of the overall experience. read more

O'Donovan's has so much potential. The bar is big and the outdoor seating is great, but the food is just average. I will say that the best food I had here was for a huge private party - much better than the so-so dishes served to order. The vibe is hit or miss. I get the impression that the staff would rather my kids and I walk right past the door. I think they prefer the younger clientele. read more

I love the seating options. There are patio tables on the side street that are fairly quiet. There is large back patio with a full bar and TVs. There is a bar area in the front with plenty of TVs for sports. There is a restaurant type area in the middle. There is a quiet, private area in the back. But I don't come here for all of that, I come here for the wings. The wings here are the best I've ever had, or at least up there. They are pretty large and not sloppy with the buffalo sauce. $.35 wings on Tuesday is awesome. The wings here are definitely worth 3 1/2 of the $.10 wings that some places have. read more

This is just a very solid typical Chicago bar with excellent food. I frequently go on Thursday nights to enjoy the $10 rib special which comes with fries and slaw. Excellent value and very good ribs. Also very good burger on Monday nights. read more

So awkward looking forward to an old favorite night spot then receiving service so execrable you're amazed to find yourself paying for it. Worked as a busboy and waiter and I have a great deal of patience for minor items such as slow service, warm water with no ice, etc. Being scolded and condescended to with rude shaming remarks sorta takes away any desire for a good, or at least mediocre, meal and a few laughs and cocktails. lt makes you plan your escape. How can I cut my losses without being soaked and hazed any further. Pointed out terrible service, for the first time in 50 years, to a defensive manager who read her cue cards and offered the afterthought of a cocktail at the bar. Thanks we're going anywhere else. BTW you guys are a universe away from Volo so quit charging their rates for your beer. read more

When I went to school nearby, I would sometimes come here with friends for a nice burger or salad wrap. The place is affordable, and they were very kind to us considering it was a pub and bar, and we were teens at the time. It was a nice cozy place that you could always rely on. Great food and atmosphere! read more

A decade ago we'd go to O'Donovans regularly but have tapered off since they started having more of a bar atmosphere. This weekend we tried to go for a late Sunday lunch with friends and three different staff members looked at us standing by the door without saying a word (not even a hi, feel free to find a table). We finally assumed we should seat ourselves and started roaming around looking for a table with room for 7. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of room (it was empty inside) but the first room is primarily high tops with 4 chairs. When I asked a waitress if the room in the back was open she shrugged "I think so"...OK then, well go check that out. The back room was empty except for a storage tub of silverware sitting out on one table, so we decided it was not likely we'd be seen back there and just left. We ended up walking up the street for a delightful meal. I realize we aren't their more customary clientele anymore but I guarantee we would have tipped better...their loss, I suppose. read more

ODs is fantastic! The staff is friendly and attentive. A great place to meet friends to watch the game or just have a few after work! The food is great and drinks are always flowing! Tons outdoor space or private party rooms! Love this place and the staff! Guaranteed great time! read more

First visit = 1 star. Second visit = 3 stars. First visit - Bear's season opener, bar is about 3/4 full. Boyfriend and I were at our table for 3 hours and saw the waitress maybe 3 times, so we were only able to order 2 drinks; a pitcher which took 15+ minutes to get, and an "orange" drink which took an hour to get because she forgot about it. This drink, which was pictured as bright orange on the menu and described by the waitress as "like a dreamsicle" was white in color and tasted of neither orange nor alcohol. When I asked the waitress if this was the right drink and if it was supposed to have alcohol, she just laughed and said "of course" then walked away. Well we were there for the buffet, so when the bill came we were basically looking at the service on our 2 drinks, which was pretty unacceptable, so we chose not to tip. Our waitress was then classy enough to come back to our table and say "really guys?? was it that bad??" To which we replied yes it was, and she retorts "well you should know on a busy day that there's gonna be a wait." IMO not an excuse for awful service. Second visit - service was much better, but the patio (only area showing the notre dame game) was freezing. Also the night was kind of ruined by an EXTREMELY drunk man next to us who wouldn't stop talking to / putting his hands on me, making it pretty evident that O'donovan's has no problem over serving people. read more

Fun, Friendly & fast staff. Great bar food & nice mix of cocktail, Wine & beer options. Can't wait for patio season!

We had a private party here last night. The food was fantastic and the drinks were as well. The night was absolutely perfect due to the hard work of our waitress, Kristin. She worked really hard to ensure that drinks were flowing and everyone was having a great time. She went above and beyond. The party was a ton of fun because of her service. We will definitely be back. read more

As a local bar/restaurant it was pretty cool. Veeery friendly, kind, and neat! However, the foods... just ok.

I have always enjoyed this place. My coworkers and I started going there a few years back for rib night on thursday. Its usually the same crowd and the same employees there. Food is always cheap, fast, and very tasty. Good atmosphere and great people. A great find! read more

great brunch, good beer selection and the staff is direct and to the point. None of the bs fake smiles, etc

GOT FOOD POISONING !!!!! I've been frequenting this place since they've opened. Unfortunately last saturday night was the pits. The music was literally deafening. My neighbor and I ordered the steaks. The service was great, but we both got sick that night. They need to be on top of some quality control. I suggest that you scrutinize the meat when you are served and don't be afraid to tell the waitress if it is a bit off. When meat gets old it has a slightly sour taste. Also, I think they are a bit greedy when it comes to pricing the beer, but in turn you can't beat the price of the specials. read more

Liked sitting outside with the family. Service was good. We ordered the Thursday special, half slab ribs for everybody. Two of us didn't eat them, two were up all night, one was fine. Won't be going back! read more