O'Donovan's is one of those classic Chicago establishments that manages to be many things at once: a neighborhood pub, a sports bar, a gathering place, and a destination worth seeking out even if you don't live nearby. Every visit feels energetic and welcoming, but if you happen to stop by during the World Cup, you're in for something truly special. The atmosphere during World Cup matches is absolutely electric. Fans from all backgrounds pack the bar, cheering, celebrating, and collectively living and dying with every goal-scoring opportunity. The energy is contagious, creating the kind of communal sports experience that's increasingly hard to find. Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just there to enjoy the excitement, O'Donovan's delivers an unforgettable game-day environment. Food-wise, the mini burgers are a standout. Perfectly sized and packed with flavor, they're the ideal bar food--easy to share but tempting enough to keep all to yourself. The burgers are juicy, satisfying, and pair perfectly with a cold beer while watching a match. The nachos were equally impressive, arriving loaded with toppings and built for sharing. Every bite had the right balance of crunch, cheese, and fresh ingredients, making them the perfect centerpiece for the table. The drink selection deserves special recognition. Whether you're looking for a local craft beer, a classic import, or a well-made cocktail, O'Donovan's has you covered. The beer list is extensive without being overwhelming, and the bartenders clearly know their offerings. The cocktails are equally enjoyable--well-balanced, refreshing, and consistently prepared. It's the type of place where both beer enthusiasts and cocktail lovers leave happy. One of my favorite features is the beer garden. During Chicago's warmer months, it's an incredible place to spend an afternoon or evening. The outdoor space offers a relaxed setting that's perfect for catching up with friends, enjoying a few drinks, and soaking in the neighborhood atmosphere. It feels like a hidden oasis tucked within the city and adds another layer of appeal to an already great venue. The staff also deserves a tremendous amount of credit. Despite the crowds that often accompany major sporting events, service remained friendly, attentive, and efficient. Everyone we encountered was welcoming and seemed genuinely invested in making sure guests had a great experience. That level of hospitality goes a long way and is a big reason why O'Donovan's has built such a loyal following. The location itself is another plus. Conveniently situated and easy to get to, it's the kind of place that becomes a regular stop once you discover it. Whether you're meeting friends for a game, grabbing drinks after work, or spending a sunny afternoon in the beer garden, O'Donovan's consistently delivers. Chicago has plenty of sports bars and pubs, but O'Donovan's stands out because it combines excellent food, a great beer and cocktail program, outstanding service, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely authentic. Add in the unforgettable World Cup energy and one of the city's best beer gardens, and it's easy to see why this place continues to be a favorite. I'll definitely be back for the mini burgers, nachos, and another match-day experience. 5/5 read more

I love this place. Sometimes it's exactly what the doctor ordered. Great place to watch the game and pig out on bar food - the nachos are soooo good and the wings definitely hit the spot. Had a couple of their sandwiches too. The service is always great here - everybody is super friendly and they seem like they just want you to have a good time. The beer selection is great - maybe not the most 'crafty' of all lists but does the job for sure. Cocktails too, I've had a few and been really impressed they have one called Bitter Buffalo that's delicious. Some weeknights they have events or games that can be a lot of fun...drunken bingo...is always a good laugh. Great neighborhood spot, exactly what it is with no pomp or circumstance. It's nice sometimes to go totally casual in a relaxed environment. Can't wait to take full advantage of the new outdoor space. read more

I lived in the area and thought I'd give this place a chance. I now have a "go to" place for drinks, lunch, and going with friends. Food is great, standard bar eats and things that you wouldn't really expect. Such as prime rib, and a Chilean sea bass that I always say I should try when I see other people eating it, but never do for some reason. Oh yeah that's because I'm trying something else that made my mouth water. I have to say their wings are phenomenal. That's all, perfect crispness and the just right amount of sauce. When they are on special I am a happy man. Drinks are solid, decent variety of beer, and the only place I've been to that has Abita on tap which is very nice. Mixed drinks are well made every time, big ups to the bartenders. Staff is always friendly to me, and I'm usually greeting with a nice smile, and a friendly waitress. read more

WTF As any normal service industry worker knows your weekend starts on a Sunday so what better way to unwind with good drinks and good company this act can be done in any bar in chicago...................aparently not at ODonovans after arriving to meet up with the crew at 11:30 we were approached at 11:45 to be told it was last call (funny that cause on your web site it Say's Sunday's 2AM) then at 12:00 we were screamed at by the poisoned dwarf behind the bar that we had to finish up and go cause its midnight I understand that its slow and managers don't like to work Sunday nights so the inmates run the asylum but we wanted another round and another round of shots but i guess the kind folk at ODonovans were looking out for our health ...yea right! once again thanks ODonovans we had a blast and for the owners you have some real gems for staff! read more

Was a regular there, until some of the bartenders started over-charging to compensate for complimentary drinks. Was there tonight, charged for 5 drinks when I had 4, they comped me one to "make me think I was getting a deal as a regular" Not going back on a regular basis. The food is spotty, sometimes okay, sometimes they phone it in. The crowd is okay, but the management has clearly instituted a policy that some bartenders take to heart (from an inside source) to trick their bread and butter customers into believing they value them. Shame really. I am not the only one who is completely dissatisfied...Hope they don't lose too many customers. read more

Very cozy and nice place. Was here with a group of friends late Satuday evening. The prices were low and the beer as usual tasted great. Also they had specials on Satuday night which was kinda cool $8.00 for a Miller lite picther and $5.50 vodka cocktails. The waitress that served us Jhoanna was extremely nice and courteous. the only thing that bothered me that we ordered corn dogs which were delicious but very oily. so my only suggestion would be try and drain as much as oil possible before serving. Will definately go there again read more

I love this place!! The staff is always SUPER friendly and in a good mood. The over all vibe of this place is awesome. Every time I'm here its always a good time. There patio and beer garden in the summer always has a good crowd and Too Tall Jessica really knows how to pour some stiff drinks!!! Also they never close early on the weekdays and there kitchen is open every night till 1:00 a.m. This place rocks! read more

Great food, but horrendous service. Their waitresses think they should be models and are very hoity toity. It is a shame too because this restaurant could eaily be a 4 or 5 rating - It seems that the owners are more concerned with the view, than the overall experience of their customers. I hope they realize through these reviews that they are missing out on having a class-A restaurant. read more

I'll say 4 stars because this place is very facilitating. I like their location because it's dead smack in the middle of the city and it's a good meeting place. Food is decent but not great. They have good soup and try the 3 B's chicken too. They have a parking lot attached but it gets filled up quickly though so be on alert when you are pulling in to grab a potential spot. read more

Excellent Irish pub with supreme bar food. Great place to watch Notre Dame win their first game of the season. Woohoo!!!! The atmosphere is lively and fun. During a good game expect a loud rowdy crowd, but all in an exciting way! And certainly don't forget to chow down on some of their fine pub food...you'll need it to soak up all those shots of Jameson :) read more

gorgeous beer garden and amazing food!! The burger I got was sooooooo huge and so tasty! so...why did I only give 3 stars...well I come here quite often and the staff is just very inattentive. They take forever to bring you water and you will be lucky if you get to order a beer before your ready to order your meal...or get it before you get your meal read more

These guys doing awesome Sunday brunch! My sister has brought me and my family here for Sunday Brunch on a couple occasions. I would go more often, I just remember it whenever I pass by. They have a parking lot which makes things easy being that they are on Irving Park road which is typically rough for street parking. read more

I love this place for a casual pub to hang out and have a drink or grab a bite to eat! In the spring to early fall you can sit outside in there spacious beer garden. The atmosphere is a lot of fun too! I have been going there for several years and I have never left disappointed. read more

Mini corn dogs and pretzels are great appetizers. Highly recommended snacks. Nice atmosphere. I visit on nights when there tends to not be a sports game on television. Less crowds. More intimate experience with friendly staff read more

I like the food and atmosphere here. This place is clean and conveniently located in the heart of the city. If you get lucky you can even use the parking lot located on the side of this place. Try the 3 B's Chicken sandwich! read more

Definitely like this place. I've been coming here for many years. They have good food and plenty of TV's for watching sports. In the summer, the outdoor beer garden is tops for meeting up with friends or a date. read more

Food was ok, but service was awful! Thank you Kelley,!! She never offered more drinks, and my salad was with to much dressing I couldn't said anything because she never ask, the margarita that I had was good. read more

Great staff, amazing food, awesome atmosphere! I regularly plan to meet friends here because it's soooo awesome! Love, love, love this place!!! Thank you O'Donovan's for rockin' it always! read more

Ok food, but the place itself is feeling more and more like a Division Street bar on a busy weekend. It just doesn't cut it anymore. Check out G&L Fire Escape or Windy City Inn instead. read more