Let me preface this with saying I didn't eat there, we stopped by for a couple of drinks and I'm actually reviewing the FREE OPEN MIKE NIGHT ON MONDAYS. My husband and I were getting ready to leave after enjoying a couple of tasty brews and were approached by a guy that works there asking if we'd like to stick around for the free open mike night. He runs it and also does his own stand up routine. It was monday, everyone needs a reason to laugh on a monday, so we hung around. These guys pour their heart and soul into their stand up comic routine. Some you feel bad for cuz you know how hard it is to stand up there and try to make jokes that no one is laughing at (I certainly could never do it). And others I think seriously could have a career in stand up comedy. Last night was the first night they held this at O'Shaughnessy's and I want to help spread the word about it. So go for dinner (the menu did look pretty good...we'll be back to try the fish and chips) and stick around for a few good chuckles. It's free and these guys certainly appreciate anyone who is willing to give them a chance to make you smile!
(4)
Cam B.
Great brunch! I ordered the skillet and was very happy with it. Service was just so-so.
(4)
Michael H.
I have really taken to this pub and it has become perhaps my most frequented. A good pub was desperately needed in this area and O'Shaughn's fits the bill. There is plenty of room for a big crowd and two bars to accomodate it. The Irish Breakfast is very, very good and they make an excellent Bloody Mary to go with it. My only criticism is the slow service during the day. Even though it is generally not crowded around noon, the waitstaff seems as if they haven't woken up yet. The funny thing is that the very same servers are right on the ball later in the day with a bigger crowd! It is as if they are playing up or down to the circumstances. Overall, I hightly recommend this place.
(4)
Karen L.
Not that impressed. Came here once for drinks and just went there again to try the food. Got the steak sandwich and fries and it was just OK. Their fries had potential to be good, but were a bit to crispy or something. The steak sandwich didn't have much flavor to it. My friend had the fish and chips and she said it was a little too greasy. The nice thing was it wasn't crowded on a Sat. night so we could get seated right away. And the Harp was only $4. There are better Irish bars to frequent.
(2)
DA G.
I have been pretty disappointed by O'Shaughnessy's so far. True, the building looks great from the outside. Inside, it looks like any generic Irish pub in the city. Perhaps the layout couldn't have been helped, but the space feels cramped and segmented. Each time I've been there, there has been some sort of uncomfortable climate-control problem. Finally, the beer selection is below average. It's not a terrible place, and a bar was very much needed in that location, but I think I'll stick to the Globe, for its far better atmosphere.
(3)
Catherine C.
When I was in college, my friends and I started using the name Limey O'Shamrock's to apply to the slew of pubs so new and generic that they weren't even sure if they were supposed to be Irish or English. OShaugnessy's identifies as Irish but otherwise fits into this category. I second (or third) others' comments regarding the blandly nice interior. In fact, were it not located a few blocks from my house (and, more importantly, a single block from my friends' office) I'm sure I would never find my way there. That said, they have good beer on tap and tasty, tasty curry fries that have proven to be an excellent happy hour snack. Grab a drink here right after work or while you wait for a table at Spacca Napoli, but there are better places nearby to bunker down for a whole evening.
(2)
Moe f.
We tried this place our for drinks pre-dinner. The place looks great but miss the Zephyr. I mean how many friggin irish bars do we need in this city? The tyipical Irish beer list. Limited wine by the glass as I only recall 3 reds by the glass. And they were blaring really, really bad 80's music which I guess cannot be helped due to the jukebox
(3)
Art K.
We ate there on Tuesday night - and sat outside. While it was a little loud with all the busses at the corner, the fish and chips were good. My wife had the irish toasted cheese - she didn't like it - but enjoyed a good spinach salad. We had to ask the waitress three times for water, which was ridiculous (she blamed it on the buss boys). We went inside to catch the score of the Cubs game and the inside seemed nice enough - warm and cozy actually. We'll be back, maybe just not right away.
(3)
Deirdre L.
So went back to this place last night after a hiatus resulting from a serious dose of mediocre food to be pleasantly surprised. The chopped salad was delisch (-what- kind of bleu cheese is that?! yum) and the service was quick and friendly. I wish the specials were just a bit cheaper - beer special is still $4, but the place was busy enough, so I guess they really don't have to charge less. TVs are plentiful, but not obtrusive. Clean.
(4)
Cristin M.
I'm going to give O'Shaughnessy's a big old "Eh". I was not impressed by much at all, except for maybe its cleanliness. It seems like they're trying too hard to be a cozy Irish pub, but have gone way overboard with the knick-knacks, TVs broadcasting sports in every corner, and dark wood. It all felt very sterile and made-up. They have two rooms that are separated by what feels like a no-man's land of awkwardness. It just didn't mesh. I came here only for a drink, so I can't judge the place on the food. It was really busy, so I guess it's popular, especially considering there isn't much within a two block radius for watering holes and restaurants. The jukebox seems to have a wide variety of music, which can be a good thing, but usually ends up a bad thing, but not the bar's fault.
(2)
John W.
Hmm, where to start. Well, first off, this place is absolutely gorgeous inside. It's cool on the outside too but nothing different from any other Irish Bar trying to look like an Irish bar. I hear the owners either built or designed this place themselves and I would give them a big bravo for that. This accounts for 2 of the stars I gave them. On to the food: Strike one, they were out of fish so no fish and chips. Booo. Strike two, the fries sucked, soggy and greasy. I can take greasy if it weren't for the soggy. They weren't your typical fries that you would get with fish and chips, they were these skinny, dark, hand cut looking things. Strike three, they have no Shepherds Pie. What Irish joint doesn't have Shepherds Pie? I ended up with the blackened burger which was essentially cold and raw in the middle. Booo! As much as I would love to drink in a place like this I don't think I could handle the crowd. To start with it was super packed, this is a huge place and it was still as packed as you can get. I couldn't get a clear idea whether or not all the tables were for people getting food or if you could just grab a table for beers once someone got up. I thought this was a bar that served some food but maybe it's a restaurant that has a bar. I'm going to blame the absolutely horrible music I kept hearing on the crowd. Although there was some mix of different people I kept seeing people who all looked like they lived in the Suburbs and had 3 kids but still thought they were hot and liked to "party". It also kind of reminded me of one of those bars in Wrigleyville that fill up with Suburbanites after a Cubs game and although there was a Cubs game on TV it was an away game so these weren't people who just got out of a Cubs game. Perhaps I would go back for a beer during the day or something as the Guinness was decent and they had about all the beers on tap that you would expect them to have but it wasn't like O'Neil's or the Grafton where almost everyone drinks Guinness. There were still plenty of Miller Lites and Cosmos being passed around.
(2)
Kathryn M.
My friend and I sat outside on the patio and had a few drinks in between rain storms. Needless to say, when I made it home my hair was huge from all the humidity and wind, anyway, that's not OShaughnessy's fault. I quickly looked inside just to see the lay out, but I can't really comment on it. The bar looked clean and simply decorated. Nothing jumped out at me. My friend ordered the Irish Breakfast and I had my traditional bar food, chicken tenders. She enjoyed her food, since she's Irish and all. My chicken tenders were good, but nothing special. My vodka tonics were slightly watered down but only $5 each. Our waitress was extremely nice. When we noticed a mistake with our bill she fixed it immediately. OShaughnessys has a nice neighborhood-y feel to it, but doesn't differentiate itself from all the other Irish bars in the city. Specials Monday-Thursday.
(3)
David S.
I guess my hopes for this place were too high. After moving to Ravenswood from a more alive part of town, I was excited to see a public house opening up in my area. I thought I would be able to recruit some of my friends to come up to my neighborhood for a change and I could stroll home at the end of the night and they would be the ones in the cab. Last night, however, I convinced my buddy to come up and check out the new bar. To my surprise, it was almost all tables. There was a small curved bar but no place to stand around and hang out, making it seem more like a restaurant than a pub. The single bartender seemed overworked, and the menu was lackluster. The flavor of the food was nice. We had spinach artichoke dip with pitas and veggies. The dip was great and the pitas were wonderful. The portion, however, made me feel like I ordered a Lean Cuisine. I had the chicken sandwich in a Guinness sauce. It was very tasty and the fries were very nice. This is a nice place that my fiance and I will go to hang out. They have a great variety of beers and plenty of good liquor, but as far as a place to hang out with my buddies for the evening, I will pass.
(3)
Shari M.
I work next to O'Shaughnessy's and have been in love with them from day one. They have the cutest chef around!! (Tom) and they have been changing their menu up for the season. Super food and great service! The bartenders are cute too! :-) You definitely should try it if you haven't been in a while because everything is fresh and new and so yummy!! I highly recommend this as a happy hour place too. Great selection of beer and awesome sports coverage. All around a GREAT place!!!
(5)
Jendy B.
I went here on Friday with some friends and we had a nice time. It seems like a rather authentic Irish bar complete with Irish decor and Irish people. We didn't have food, so my rating is only based drink service. My Smithwicks was poured cold and fast as were my friends' Harps. I will be back.
(4)
Garrett D.
Went to O Shaughnessys last night with the wife and child after spending the afternoon locally with friends. Wanted to check out this bar for a while. Initially thought they werent set up for children as the front room has high top tables only, but their back room has lower tables and was full of families getting evening dinner. Service was good as was the food, they have half portion for smaller people and my daughter enjoyed here first shepperds pie! All in all good service, nice room and food.
(4)
Kevin C.
Just back from a pint. Like the idea of a $4 G-ness, but having $3 'wing specials' where the wings are more bone than meat is chincey. The service is bad as well. Strange how they take their time getting you a beer...but when the check comes, their anxious. To many other "o" places to go - including O'donovans.....
(2)
M G.
Went there on a Friday for lunch. While I like the atmosphere and decor, the food could use improvement. I had the fish and chips and my husband had the bbq chicken sandwich. Both were mediocre. The grafton or celtic crown serve better food. I'd go back but only for a drink.
(2)
E M.
The look of this place is interesting, intriguing and was -- for awhile -- desolate like a carnival after the tear down. Seriously beautiful and mysterious. After this Zephyr's that we speak of closed, the large and gorgeous red and gold building sat on the corner of Wilson and Ravenswood, empty forever. I moved here after Zephyr's and before O'Shaughnessy's and hoped something would go in there. And I have to admit I could not wait to see the inside. Not much longer (in summer '08, I believe, but I could be way off), the building opened. It was worth the wait because the inside is so gorgeous. Wood paneling and floors, dark with just enough light, a beautiful bar filled with the local characters (mostly much older) you didn't even know existed, enough nooks to hide out from the Lincoln Parkers and enough beers to drown out their get-outta-here-loudness. Seriously, their presence is the only mar on the bar or the neighborhood, and I don't know how they even found the place. The food is pretty terrible. Expensive and terrible. When it first opened, people were outside every day (yes, outdoor seating with a view of the sidewalk and the Metra, woohoo!) eating lunch with friends and coworkers and literally were spilling out into crowds on the street at night. THAT was a great advertisement for the place. We needed something like that in Ravenswood. I immediately dreamt up scenarios where I would go there with friends and run into other nice people and meet friendly locals and get a new crew. Nah, that faded pretty quickly. I think, after eating once or twice there, people gave up. The nights, however, remained PACKED for awhile. So packed my friends and I couldn't even get a diet Coke or separate checks when we requested up front, anticipating how busy the server would be. But the server didn't care. I mean, this was 7 months in. It should have been possible. So I was disappointed by O'Shaughnessy's not caring for the neighborhood it is in. Anyone who lives up here is a loyal person, and I would have been too. When I finally gave O'Shaughnessy's a second chance after 7 MORE months, that's when my boyfriend and I met Owen, the awesome, friendly bartender-with-an-accent. And because of him, maybe now -- after 7 more months -- I'll be back to sample all their expensive beers and Guinness specials. There is pretty good street parking, btw. So really 2.5 stars.
(2)
Allison C.
Wow! I can't believe some of the negative reviews of this place. My husband and I and some friends decided to make-up our own minds this past Friday night. The bar is BEAUTIFUL INSIDE (someone called it "generic" in a previous review- they obviously don't know good carpentry when they see it), the beer was cold (God love'em for having Strongbow on tap), and the food was good (not great but it's bar food not gourmet). The bar is big and the service was a bit slow at times but otherwise I really liked it here and everyone agreed we would be coming back! The chips and curry sauce were delish, as was my chicken panini. I don't know why this place is getting a bad rap...I really liked it and am glad to have another friendly place to hang-out at this summer.
(4)
Lynn C.
We had the potato skins and fish and chips with beans (not peas). The potato skins didn't have much cheese flavor and not much bacon. The fish and chips were tender and delicious! Service was fine (not very friendly, though). The air conditioning vent over our table was blasting - too much for me. Don't go if you don't like loud tv and fans.
(3)
Kate H.
Good, authentic Irish food. Best fries ever. Love the Irish BLT. Lovely bangers and mash. Great decor and ambiance. Service is always great and really friendly. Even my mom, who's EXTREMELY choosy about restaurants, gave this one a thumb's up.
(4)
Zeen A.
the place LOOKS quality and the beer is pumping out of clean lines...outside of that i've really got nothing exciting to say...the wait staff is slow...the patio closes at 10pm...and the food tastes like someones blind of aunty in ireland made it and shipped it over via the M.V.TIPPERARY!
(2)
C M.
Cool decor and good vibe. The atmosphere is completely ruined by all those flat screen TVs, however. I can understand having them by the bar, but they're distracting in the dining area. If they removed the TVs from the back room, I'd be a regular.
(2)
Carrie M.
ugh. well, we went there to celebrate a friends birthday last night, and I do understand that it is hard to deal with a large group of people but I digress... We got there and I noticed it was a nice looking bar. I ordered a cosmo and my BF ordered a beer. Not too hard to make, right? Right. The waitress spilled my cosmo on me and acted like it was my fault. She shot me a look and then proceeded to go wash her hands off. Never handing me a napkin or anything. She really had the personality of a wet noodle. Whatever. The band kept trying to steal our chairs if someone got up to smoke or use the bathroom. I'm not unreasonable but being told "no" once or twice you'd think they would get it. ugh. 45 min go by and we still have not gotten our food. I asked the "waitress" if it's going to be much longer and she gave me some lame answer, which leads me to think she forgot to put my order in. So I finally get my fish and chips. It was OK at best. Trust me, there are many places in Chicago that make a great fish and chips that are served with PERSONALITY. The drinks were okay. Nothing special. I think they used the cheapest bar vodka in the cosmos though. I will say, the decor was nice and the place was clean but so are a lot of places. There are many places I would recommend over this place. I don't think I would go back. I'd rather go to Chief O Neils or Red Lion.
(1)
Chcogal C.
This place is great- as long as your expectations are correct. We live in the neighborhood, and love to hang out after work with friends or with the kids for dinner. It's a neighborhood bar with decent food. The people who are giving it bad reviews are trying to make it something that it's not. They have great beer, the servers are always friendly, and the BBQ chicken sandwich they just added back to the menu is tasty! Plus they have outside seating in the summer for a nice bonus touch. If you're looking for inexpensive or high end- then this isn't the place for you.
(4)
Suzanne S.
Meh. Got my order wrong, but otherwise it's fine- nothing special, good food- I do have to say the decor is great and I love the location. And it's really clean.
(3)
Jennifer H.
Love this place! My husband and I went yesterday (Sunday), around noon. Wwe wondered if it would be packed b/c of the Ravenswood run, but it was fairly empty inside. Looks great inside -- lots of atmospheric dark wood, huge fireplace, gorgeously detailed ceilings, etc. Our waitress, Danielle, was very nice. It seemed the kitchen was out of the fish and chips that my husband wanted, so he went with the Guiness BBQ chicken sandwich with handcut fries. I went with the small portion of the Cobb salad and the chicken boxty appetizer for us to share. Well, let me tell you, the food was EXCELLENT. I am rather picky about my salads, and this Cobb salad was WONDERFUL. No skimping on the tomatoes, Irish bacon, eggs, blue cheese, etc. The owner's wife is apparently very big on organic produce, so I wonder if the salad was organic as well (I didn't ask). The portion was very filling as well, even though I had only ordered the small (and at $5.50!! who can beat that?). The boxty was awesome - it was a large portion of what we jokingly called Irish eggrolls. Delish. My hubby was very pleased with the BBQ sandwich. We will certainly be back!
(4)
K M.
Boy oh boy, the reviews are unforgiving for this place. We went here without reading them on a Sunday and had an absolutely perfect time. The place is clean, new feeling, and not overdone. I didn't see any cut out 4 leaf clovers taped to the walls. We sat ourselves and the place was quite filled for 2pm on a Sunday. The girls seated next to us were Irish, the people at the bar were Irish, and our servers were Irish - so call me crazy, but at least Irish people seem to like it. We got our drinks poured (Magner's and an Iced Tea) and repeatedly filled. I had the Chicken BBQ sandwich made with Guinness and love, he had the Irish Breakfast. We cleaned our plates - we're pigs and it was good. It was $30 and well worth it. Bathrooms are quite clean too. Plus they had the Sox game equally shown as the Cubs. Don't write this one off - good for relaxing, a tasty meal, and no crazy college Irish pub hooligans.
(4)
Geoffrey L.
wanna go to a really nice looking irish bar with good guiness and decent food served by unbelievably slow and indifferent servers who are almost blatent in how poor they take care of their customers? then this place is just for you
(1)
Brian K.
We had a holiday party there on Friday night. They reserved the back room for us, allowing us to decorate and bring in snacks, as long as it wasn't heavy appetizers, as they serve thse on their menu. I thought that was really nice, as they could have told us no to any of that. Very accommodating, I did like the music being played as well. Service was OK, nothing spectacular but not bad either. We will definitely be back there in the future for our holiday party.
(4)
Carolyn F.
Wonderful menu, drinks and atmosphere. Not so good on the service nor the accomodations of groups. Get over it - people like to drink and eat in groups. Meh. Tons of parking; sweet owner.
(3)
Emily Z.
O'shaughness's has some pretty good outside seating (probably 25 tables in all), easy parking, a big and interesting menu, and good beer selection. Done and done. I had the steak and blue cheese salad which was good and my friend had the fried goat cheese salad which she also really liked. The only downside is its directly next to the metra and EL which gets a little loud at times. Give it a try if your in the area !
(3)
Bobby W.
I can't believe I've never written a review for this place! Hands down: Best. Irish. Bar. Nice quiet neighborhood, awesome food including authentic Irish dishes, good company, great beer, an authentic Irish feel and an awesome staff. Kudos. If you're in Chicago, please support this bar and stop by for a night, it really is worth the trip.
(5)
Tim H.
Food and beer selections are good. Prices have gone up a bit, but what is going to keep us from going back is the fact that the service has become terrible as of late. As regulars with usually large bills and generous tippers, We're definitely taking our business else where!
(1)
John P.
The pub has a great & diverse draft selection. Plus, the Guinness pour is on par. Food is okay: nothing great but not bad. Avoid that all you can get fish fry, more grease than a body is allowed to process. It has free wifi but popular sites are blocked, making the wifi useless. YouTube in particular. You can't show someone a quick video while drinking with friends. Googling the word "YouTube" is even blocked. (DISCLOSURE: I'm a YouTube Partner. I share ad revenue with Google through YouTube.) HOWEVER, you can watch porn in this establishment. No YouTube, but porn. Personally, I would rather go to a different Irish pub & hang out. When you get inebriated & share stories, sometimes you want to share things. We are a sharing world. GET UP TO PAR!
(1)
Greg Y.
This is my local watering hole good food, great staff and best of all cold pints of beer.
(5)
Nicole T.
I have been to this place about a half dozen times, and it has always been a great place to go for a drink and a bite. This place has an old irish pub kind of feel, while still being totally fresh and up to date. Lots of veggie options. Really great staff that makes you feel welcome. Lots of fun.
(5)
Bridget K.
O'Shaughnessy"s gets my five star rating for Irish pubs, especially since my brother-in-law who is from County Kildare, Ireland and it's his favorite Irish pub in Chicago. His dad who still lives in Ireland and used to manage of pub loves O'Shaughnessy's. The food was good, especially the all you can eat fish and chips. The pints of beer are also great. The only thing is that I'm not a Notre Dame fan so seeing the Notre Dame mascot on the wall was a bit of a turn off for me. Other than that I really enjoy O'Shaughnessy's.
(5)
Steve M.
O'Shaughnessy's is a cozy feeling pub in Ravenswood. It's reminiscent of a nicer, classic English/Irish pub. They've got the Tennet's. The Carlsburg. All the Guinness and Boddington's you can shake a stick at. The decor is wood and warm lighting. From what I hear, the outdoor seating is pretty cool when the weather is nice too. Haven't tried the food or free WiFi yet, but I'll enjoy checking this place out again.
(3)
Nektaria R.
Great selection of draft beer and bottles. Down to earth feel. Great atmosphere. Where everyone knows your name. Beautiful and friendly staff. Small group of us dropped in for a quick drink for a friends' birthday. It was so perfect. The music was hip, the TVs had sports on, the people were all so relaxed and enjoying themselves. Very positive vibes could be felt. Our drinks were on target. Dessert was delicious! I was sad when zephyrs closed down. I'm glad it was replaced by such a fabulous pub. I can't wait to go back again.
(4)
Rob R.
Love this place!! The food is really good and fairly authentic...love the curry chips!....and Danielle in the afternoons is a wonderful way to spend time at this pub! :)
(5)
Kimberly B.
We went for pub trivia. It was really fun! Before trivia kind of took over, the servers were attentive (during the trivia-takeover it was harder to get their attention but no more so than during trivia anywhere else, you know?). The food was way better than expected and the beer selection was good. I would definitely go for the all you can eat fish and chips because I had the fish and chips and it was lovely. The chips were surprisingly good, it came with a small side of cole slaw that I really liked, and the breading and cooking of the fish was some of the best I've had at a pub in Chicago. And I do love my fish and chips. Tasted a friend's bangers and mash which were also quite tasty. I would say this is the best bar in the area.
(4)
Carol K.
I've been remiss in not updating my review of O'Shaughnessy's. On my most recent visits- this place has delivered on fun, good drinks and decent food. We even stopped in here yesterday to help celebrate St. Patty's and found an interesting crowd (Irish and the Irish wanna be's), great servers and bartenders with just the right attitude for a "party day". My surprise was that I asked one of the employees if the owner was there as she had reached out to me after my first review of the place. Given how busy the place was- I never expected that she would actually take the time to come over and talk to us but she did- AND she bought us a drink. Class act- I must say! Check it out. This place makes you feel like St. Patty's is a year long celebration!
(4)
Aurore L.
For about 30 minutes, I was transported across the ocean to beautiful Ireland. And since I hadn't been back in 17 years I quite enjoyed the ride. Lost in the sounds of fiddles, flutes, bodhráns and concertinas, watching the snow whirling down and savoring my beer I thought of the summer of '93. I was 17, touring the Emerald Isle with a group of friends, savoring every single moment of it, swimming in icy waters, riding our bikes among herds of sheep, laughing in the wind, flirting and kissing red-head boys with curly hair. Kenneth, Sean and Connor, I still remember your cutie faces. Last night was not that glamorous ('cause, let's face it, nothing beats what Sinatra and all the boyz labelled as "A very good year") but was a very pleasant surprise nonetheless. I had driven by a thousand times without even thinking about stopping by and then came the night. After a lovely dinner at Caro Mio a mere block away I met the hubby (another Paddy-boy crossed with a bit of German and what-not) for a last beer before heading back home. And holly leprechauns, that was a great idea. Not only is the place gorgeous - tin ceilings, beautiful woodwork around the bar, antique clock, bronze gleaming lamps - far superior aesthetic-wise to anything I saw back in Eire - but they serve Guinness the 'right way', the ONLY way. Nitro-pour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $4 on Wednesday nights, as well as 60min IPA.....I say hell to the yeah! And 14 types of hops on tap, there is something to please everyone. Perfect quiet place in the dead of Chicago winter. Lovin' it!
(4)
Catherine W.
If I could give 3 and 1/2 stars, I would. O'Shaugnessy's was one of our go-to places for the past two years. I even took my parents here when they visited this summer. They don't get out much, but I think they were pleased with the beer selection and the food. After eating at other places in our neighborhood, however, I'm not too excited about the food anymore. My husband spent a semester in Ireland in college, and maintains that Irish food is, simply put, pretty gross. So, maybe that's my problem. I think if I were going to run an Irish place, I might veer away from strict authenticity in order to be slightly more palatable. But, that's just me. Food aside, I'm always happy with their beer specials and selection. The service has never been anything but impeccable. Some servers fake an Irish brogue. I know because we went to a Stand-up Comedy night there once, and our "Irish" server became decidedly American by the end of the night. I find that simultaneously impressive and disconcerting. The man doing dishes in my kitchen wants me to note that the Irish breakfast is delicious. And I should probably add that the look of the place is absolutely perfect. If you live nearby and haven't been here yet, you should probably go.
(3)
Nikki C.
i bought a beer here once and it was cold and served in a glass. I tipped the bartender, drank my beer as i waited for the heat from the fireplace to warm my toes, but alas it was not going to happen unless the tv screen caught fire. oh wells. next.
(3)
Will V.
The food is pretty standard Irish pub fare. I do like their chips and curry sauce. But they pour an amazing pint of Guinness... the best in Chicago, as far as I'm concerned, and the bartenders are really great and friendly. If you want something a little sweeter than standard Guinness, ask them for a black and black (a splash of black currant syrup and a pint of Guinness) it's delicious! Most bartenders at so-called Irish pubs will look at you funny when you ask for that, but at O'Shaughnessy's, they know exactly what you're talking about.
(4)
Gabriela L.
O'shays is the place to be!!! It has a great menu, incredible staff, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes you want to go back again and again.....which I have, plenty of times! In the summer, their outdoor seating is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. Great addition to the Ravenswood area!!!!
(5)
Eric B.
Had a mixed experience. Went there for brunch and I had the corn beef hash which was awesome. My girlfriend had an omelet that was a bit over cooked and bland. Overall it was a neat bar with friendly people.
(3)
Beth A.
quaint irish pub...lots to keep u entertained...tv/waitress/music/irishmen ;) good beer selection...noms were aight...had the chili but apparently shoulda gotten the corned beef...my bad only wish we coulda heard the tunes from way up in the front room since the back was initially so crowded
(4)
Gary B.
Went here on a Friday night and arrived around 630. In this area there isn't much around for a happy hour crowd so this place must be it. A couple of bus lines start/end there in that area as well as the Metra so you get that crowd. There was a large party up front consuming most of the tables. All of the bar spots were taken as well as a few other tables. I was able to secure a table in the back and my dining companions showed up. We had the wings, 2 fish and chips and a cheese burger. The food was typical bar food with nothing terrible and nothing outstanding. We were all full at the end. If we were in the area I am sure we would stop in again for something to eat and have a couple of beers. The server was very pleasant especially after I mixed to of them up and started asking the wrong one for more beer...whooops. Couple of things. Every table is up for grabs, there is no one at the front door to direct traffic so at times there can be a cluster you know what up there. Looks like they are going to expand more which would ease up on some of the congestion but you may want to tell people there are additional rooms with tables.
(3)
Paul S.
Well .... My first visit was a mixed adventure. As to the food I had the Skirt Steak. Sounded great on the menu but in reality the bun was really dried out and, even worse, the steak had so much sinew that my teeth couldn't rip through it. Arrrrrrgggghhhhhh! With that said I thought the decor was awesome and our server was friendly and attentive. I would try O'Shaughnessy's one more time for sure. However I will perhaps try a burger next time. Great ambiance in the neighborhood!
(3)
Andy M.
They did a really nice job remodeling this place. The old Zephyr was a dump. O'Shaughnessy's is what you would expect out of a good ole Irish pub. The inside is kind of dark, but they did a nice job in giving the place the feel of a real Irish pub. The fake fire places were kind of cheesy, but dark wooded bar and dark trim gives the place a real comfortable vibe. If I have one pet peeve with bars in general is that they can't pour a decent pint of Guinness. I have been to places that give you a cup of foam. The Bartenders at O'Shaughnessy's poured my pints perfectly. The food is typical bar fare. The Buffalo chicken strips were quite good and the Burger was quite tasty. I enjoyed my visit to O'Shaughnessy's and will definitely go back. If you are in the mood for a pint or two, decent food in a comfortable setting, give O'Shaughnessy's a try.
(4)
Jez E.
Great atmosphere, good food, good beer. We'd come here more if you'd add Prairie Path to your beer list - please consider! You have so many other great Two Brothers beers, and we'd love to see their excellent gluten-free one on your list. It is far superior to New Planet, as it's barley-based and thus tastes like a real beer. Cheers!
(3)
M R.
I like O'Shaughnessy's a lot. But....if it is 80 degrees out, you NEED to have Air Conditioning!!!!! Why would you not have this on? I feel for the patrons and especially the staff that are running around. It is always hot in there.
(4)
Tod P.
Great local Irish pub in Ravenswood!! Cozy ambience inside with exposed brick and a large dark wood bar! The menu is extensive and the food is great, along with a really good selection of craft beer & whiskey! Super friendly bartenders!! Great place!!
(4)
Mana I.
Great location. Beer list has improved tremendously recently. And check out the Halloween decorations right now! And cheers to Pauline, she attentive and quick.
(4)
Eduardo M.
Ok, I've been back a few more times here for lunch - I'll admit, things do improve. The lunchtime service is quicker, the drinks (in this case soda - hey, it's a workday!) got refilled quickly, and the waitstaff was plenty attendant. The food is still good pub fare - perfect for a lazy afternoon. I used to have an issue here where the tomatoes tasted like those evil, evil onions, but even that's better now. Three trips here and not a single oniony tomato! Like I said before, this a good place to relax and hang out with friends, so that's not changed (fortunately).
(4)
Adele n.
Given the fact that (a) I really like to drink, and (b) live around the corner from O'Shaugnessy's, and (c) there are no other bars anywhere near this close to my house, I should be a regular here. And let me tell you, over the months that they were building out this thing, I was totally gearing up to be the neighborhood slob who goes there to get watered down four times a week. But, since it's opened, I've only been there twice. It's just not very welcoming -- it's way too brightly lit, way too air conditioned, strangely formal, weird music, blaring TVs. Ugh. It's just not doing it for me. They have a patio now, which I haven't tried yet. Maybe that'll be the answer. Otherwise, I could take it or leave it.
(2)
Eliza M.
When considering places to eat, I never put O'Shaughnessy's in that category. The food in the past has been lackluster, but seeing all these recent good reviews on the food, we gave it another try. And we were pleasantly surprised! The goat cheese salad was fresh and tasty and was easily split between two people. The reuben and fish & chips were also good. Service was prompt (love those Irish accents) and the clientele are on the down-to-earth/laid back side. It's a decent place to get some better than average bar food. PS- Ladies, I saw some cute male patrons dining/drinking alone at the bar. Might not be a bad place to strike up a conversation.
(4)
Virginia T.
(3.5) I stopped into O'Shaughnessy's for lunch with a coworker not too long ago. The bar is beautiful. It wasn't that busy, there were lots of TVs. I ordered the roasted vegetable quesadilla. It really needed hot sauce, or something spicy- it wasn't great but not horrible either. Coworker got the chicken nachos which were enough for 4-6 people. So much for "small bites/plates". They too, lacked spice or pizazz. However, the waitress was really nice and the beer selection was great. They had Delirium Tremens, Oberon, Gumball Head, Dogfish Head 60min IPA, and more. We split a Lagunitas IPA (bottle). I might be back for drinks after work or something.
(3)
Katherine R.
The breakfast here is good. Ordering the full or half order of the Irish potatoes, scrambled eggs and toast with butter from Ireland next to black and white pudding and grilled tomatoes is not enough here. There all you can eat fish and fries, and shepard pie is also two I've commonly ordered here. Five days a week I order their french fries and curry sauce and a red bull. While I wait for my take out of breakfast or dinner by their fireplace I drink a couple cups of their freshly brewed pot of joe. I haven't been there on trivia night but the flat screens, and excellent service and food keep me coming back to this Ravenswood neighborhood public house.
(5)
Doug F.
Great spot to meet with friends for a beer. Music is not loud, staff is friendly and they'll be happy to call you a cab if you should need one.
(5)
Jaz P.
Got there early to enjoy a lazy Friday afternoon. Relatively new, only been here for a few years. It's new, but it's built like an old Irish pub. I'll still take it. So nice to have this option on Ravenswood. Plenty of parking options nearby. Well laid out. Communal table in the middle, and dark wood everywhere. There's the smell of fish and chips when you walk in. They had a $3.50 Thai beer special called "Chang's." The fries are crispy and perfect, especially with a little malt vinegar on them. The Buffalo chicken wings make my list. Crispy and on the saucier side. Our waitress was sooo nice, brimming with the right amount of energy to handle the sweltering crowd that built up as the night progressed. We hit it off with her. I live far, in Wicker Park, but I could see myself becoming a regular. My friends are all accruing up in Ravenswood.
(4)
Jeannine M.
As Toby Keith would say, I love this bar! It great for friends, familys, sports, dinner, lunch, brunch. Easy parking and good service.
(5)
Sid V.
Solid local option to have in the neighborhood. The food wasn't too good when they opened but they've steadily improved the menu. The servers are friendly and generally on top of things. The space was beautifully built out-clearly they did not skimp on the major renovation of the space that preceded this place opening. My biggest complaint, and it's a minor one, would be that the beer list is kind of limited and generic. But if you are in the mood for UK beers that are typical of an establishment such as this the selection is perfectly adequate and they usually have one or two beers on special at good prices. All in all, very happy that this place chose to locate where it did.
(4)
Emma M.
They have Three Floyds Gumball Head on tap!!! My favorite beer which is hard(er) to find on tap. 5 stars for that! Even cooler that it's only a 3 block walk from my house. I really like the vibe at O'Shaughnessy's. It's a mature crowd, not something you will find at your typical Irish Pub in Lincoln Park. The staff is friendly, I like the dark wood and the bar inside, they have a nice outdoor patio on one of the best streets in Chicago (Ravenswood ave) and their food is pretty good. Now that summer is coming around, you will find me sitting in the outside patio with an cold pint of Gumball Head in my hand.
(4)
Kate B.
LOVE O'Shaugnessy - like as Ashlee Simpson - L-O-V-E, and yes, its so wrong to quote Mrs. P. Wentz when reviewing an irish pub..... anyways... Its a great little gem in kind of the middle of no where on Ravenswood. They have the best fish and chips that I have had in the city, and yes, I have been to the Duke of Perth on more than one occasion. I have dabbled and tried several other items on their menu, all have been very good. We met the manager one summer afternoon while we were holding down the patio, and to this day he still remembers who we are when we end up there. Thats a good memory, because I am sure we arent the only group of loud, drunken fools that grace O'Shaughnessy's. They have a HUGE beer list, and often have great specials, even on weekend nights. Great service, good food, amazing authentic decor and good service to boot!
(5)
Jason P.
Came here after a charity dodgeball tournament and didn't get too many strange looks walking in from a 20-degree night in shorts, unlike the first place we went, so that was a plus. This place is pretty damn big. We tried to cram our group of 10 into a smallish corner in the front of the establishment, and were told there was a larger space in the rear if we wanted to head back there. Another plus. There were all sorts of people here, from those who just came from sport/rec activities, casual locals, and drunk guys in suits hitting on the female members of our team. The place was busy on a Friday night at 9pm, but not overwhelmingly so, and not to the point of having to shout to talk to the person next to you. The service (Glenn) was friendly and fast. Prices were good, and the food was decent. My only complaints were that I ordered the boneless wings and got the regular wings, and one of the pieces of fish in my all-you-can-eat fish and chips was a little off. Not big enough failures to keep me from coming back here, as I definitely would if I was ever in the neighborhood again. Also, as I said, we had a group of 10 people, and some pretty funky check-splitting and round-combining arrangements. Glenn took this all in stride and didn't hint that this was in the slightest bit troublesome. The final plus. I like it. I'll be back.
(4)
Kirsten N.
Wednesday Irish Music Nights used to be my favorite thing to do when I lived in the neighborhood. Eoghan is one of the best bartenders in the city and Jackie is a great waitress. If they ever fire the older waitress then maybe I would make the longer commute more often than every couple months since I no longer live in the neighborhood.
(3)
Heidi N.
I guess you could say I'm a regular here. The boyfriend and his friends patronize O'Shaughnessy's on a nearly weekly basis, and they're nice enough to let me tag along. So, having been here my fair share of times, I can say that it's a pretty fantastic establishment. The staff are the shining star of this place, in my humble opinion. The drink specials are certainly worth walking the couple blocks from my apartment. And the atmosphere is always cozy and inviting. The bar is spacious and I'm a big fan of the wood-heavy decor. I'm not usually there for food, but if I'm there and I'm hungry, I do like the goat cheese salad. Two thumbs up on that one. Give this place a shot if you're in the neighborhood - it's a little off the beaten track, but I promise it's worth it - and if you're there on a Friday night, look for me!
(4)
Nada R.
It's expensive, there's not much to eat or drink that's not junk, it's loud, it's crowded, people are yelling at or otherwise angled toward one of many TV screens, babies are crying, and it's not well-laid out. The service leaves a lot to be desired, and if there's some sort of game on, all of this will be many times worse. This obviously doesn't count against O'Shaughnessy's, but the clientele it attracts seems to have a staring problem. Would you STOP that, and close your jaw? It's unbecoming and I can see most of that nasty-ass sandwich in your mouth. Curry fries (are veg) +1
(2)
Retro C.
Pros: Atmosphere, Parking, In A Quiet Neighborhood Cons: Everything else. Quote for this place: Just because a million flies eat sh*t, it don't make it right! This is a place you WANT to love and from the looks of the people always crowding the place, one would think this had some of the best things to offer in a pub. Aside from the great atmosphere and the look of the pub itself. The "Bangers & Mash" was so disappointing that I had to just throw it away. I can easily tell that the beans were not fresh, that they were canned. The meat was so bland and the mash, well I never thought one could f*ck up mash, but hell they did. The "Fish and Chips" my friend ordered was more of a slab of uncooked cod and french fries. When we told the lady about the fish, it took about an extra 20 minutes for it to be done. And even then, we did not even get a sorry for the wait or an apology for them messing up. .... beer selection seemed ok, but rather go to edgewater lounge for more of a selection of good beer and better food. All in all, it was ok, the only reason I would go back would be if I lived in the hood and I had no where else to go, but I rather gauge out my eyes with a rusted spoon before heading back. The service is lacking what i say, PERSONALITY. They just seem not to care and you are not important. This is a place for the masses who don't care what quality they have, as long as they have a beer in hand and they are with a bunch of buddies. If I was rating it on the atmosphere alone then it would prolly get 3.5 stars, but since everything else in it just.... SUCKS then cha ching 2 it is...plus, it is a tad expensive for the regular blue collar folks, at least i think it is..... thats just me and my humble opinion. Go here if you are not expecting much of a WOW factor but to just chill, because it is in a great location to just chill at...
(2)
Rebecca L.
I used to go here on occasion for trivia. There used to be a waitress there who was just awesome. She was super attentive and funny. I think her name was Jackie? She was fantastic, but she must have quit? I stopped seeing her there on trivia nights a few months ago. The food is kind of hit or miss. Some things are pretty good and other things are just OK. I recommend the Shepherd's Pie and the Fish and Chips - they are very good bets. The rest of the wait staff is extremely inattentive and sometimes borderline rude. They are the sole reason for this poor rating. I wish I could break out the star rating and issue 1 star for service. That one waitress was really good. The rest suck. This rating would be 4 stars if the service were better.
(2)
Q D.
I received a magic card trick from a guy named Eugene, he was awesome! I went on a monday and by far this was a fun time!
(4)
Michael H.
Great Old School Irish Pub reeling with charcter.. Pour a perfect pint of Guinness as well! The food looked great but I didn't get a chance to try anything and they have a live "Sit In" a couple of nights a week.. Staff is great and the place is spotless/check it out!! GTFJD
(4)
John C.
I've been to O'Shaughnessy's twice and have enjoyed both visits. The wait staff is quite pleasant, and I like that a few of them are actually Irish. The place has great decor, and a cool back room that has been occupied by private parties both times I've visited. I was so pumped to see that they served Mozzarella Sticks on our first visit - during football season, and sad that they've left the menu on our most recent. While it seems every place in the city has tater tots, Chicago seems to be a Mozz. Stick wasteland. Anyways - the veg. burger was great the first time I came. Like, really great! My most recent trip - nasty! It was as if it was either cooked on the grill for 15 mins or completely freezer burned. I could barely cut through the thing. Our party of 4 ordered the Hummus Platter to start thinking, "platter, must be enough to share!" Nope. The hummus was great, the veggies were fresh, but there were a whopping eight miniature pieces of pita. Give me a break. Platter? I think not. A good selection of brews, and close to the metra and the brown line. I'll definitely be back and hoping for those Mozz Sticks and the delicious veg. burger next time.
(3)
Jeremy G.
Checked this place out this past weekend....nice atmosphere and good crowd. I wish it was a tad closer to Lincoln Square.... I live in Ravenswood where Paddy O'Splaine's is the neighborhood bar....this place reminds me of Paddy's as far as decor and that it's Irish, but it's a complete 180 in every other way.....drinks were good, wait staff seemed more than competent and friendly, people were having a good time, there were actual people in there.... I wish this place could replace Paddy's...I'd be there a lot more often!
(4)
Shonda D.
We bopped over to O'Saughnessy's on a Sunday evening after doing some window shopping. This place has a very nice and laid back space. If you're a sports fan you can watch the tele and get as loud as you want in the bar area. If you want to chill out and talk, you can head to the room beyond the bar and still have access to the TV. But even better than the space is the fish and chips. The fish is tender, moist, delicious and reasonable. One piece of fish/fries will run you $6.50, two pieces of fish/fries $10.50. I ordered 1piece and had way too many fries left over. My friend ordered the Shepard's pie and she said it was tasty. The waitress was on top of things. On top of that, we didn't have to pay for parking, hot potato! We were so relaxed, we stayed for like 3 hours eating, talking, and drinking wine. Ahhhh.. O'Shaughnessy's is a good place. We will definitely head back. I read a few of the other reviews. My verdict: as with anything, in order to judge, you have to go for yourself.
(4)
Joseph S.
A very good spot for lunch. The Southwest salad with Salmon is great. Danielle is always very attentive and helpful. Highly recommended.
(4)
Chuck K.
Very canned Irish pub. Not that impressive and service is par. Decent beer selection but not anything exciting.
(2)
Deborah E.
I have a confession to make. I let other Yelpers' reviews of this pub influence me - negatively. 'Tis true. I completely shied away from going to O'Shaughnessy's due to the complaints of slow service, complaints about the food, ambiance, being expensive - you name it. As we live in the 'hood, tonight we decided to give it a try and I have to tell you that we experienced none of the negatives that many of my fellow Yelpers have bitched about. In fact, we all agreed we would be back - many more times. Can't comment on the beer as none of us are beer drinkers but, as far as the food goes, I thought it was superb pub food. The fish and chips were great (nearly ranking up there with my all time favorite Chgo fish n chips at The Duke of Perth) - crispy freshly Harp-battered cod with hand-cut fries. I do think they should serve this with the traditional serving of peas, however. I had the Bangers and Mash - Irish bangers (sausages) served with mashed potatoes, onion gravy, topped with crispy fried onions and a choice of baked beans or peas. I must admit - I did not receive either the beans or peas on my plate and had completely forgotten about that actually due to our complete and utter obsession with the onion rings appetizer. Oh, how we demolished the onion rings.....my god. I consider myself an onion ring connoisseur. I am constantly in search of the perfect onion ring - must be crispy, preferably beer battered, must be hand-dipped - never frozen, must be of various sizes. Yeah, I am picky. These rank among the best I have had in my 22 yrs in this city. Fabulous! They were served with a "creamy mare rose sauce" - I have no freaking clue what THAT is but it's so good we also used it as a dipping sauce for the wonderful fries. For dessert, another member of our party tried the apple crisp with ice cream and she raved about it. In older previous reviews, I noted Yelpers pining away for this location's previous occupants - Zephyr, the ice cream establishment. WTF? Are you kidding me? The few times I walked into Zephyr my nose would scream MOLD - it was so dirty and unkept, it would nearly make me gag. It was stupidly expensive with teeny ice cream portions and.... okay, okay, but I digress. In summation - we had a pleasant meal at O'Shaughnessy's with an excellent server (Jackie) who took great care of us. Love the location, comfortable decor, extremely clean and good affordably priced food. We will definitely be back soon for one of their daily specials like the all-you-can-eat fish n chips or to try the Prince Edward Island mussels steamed with garlic, Guinness and a touch of cream. Oh, and the votes are in, O'Shaughnessy's - your onion rings have been awarded the Deborah E "Death Row Food Award" for excellence in the lost art of hand-dipped, freshly battered crunchy goodness. Congrats!
(4)
BF K.
Delicious. Quiet, though I went in on a Tuesday, and left before 8pm trivia got underway. The fish&chips are the best i've had in this city yet- hard to find good seafood here (east coast born). But these were pretty good, and the fries were yum. Dark and warm, I'll definitely be back to visit again.. right off the metra, perfect for a drink after the trip home.
(4)
Shauna D.
This is a good lookin' bar inside. I used to live nearby, otherwise I don't know if I ever would have stumbled across this place but I'm glad I found it. I have come here alone on several occasions and never feel weird about it, which speaks volumes about how "comfortable" of a bar it is. Some bars are not cut out for loners but this is the kind of place I don't hesitate to stop in by myself after a long day. They actively (but not over-actively) update their Facebook with happenings and specials. Decent Jukebox selections, and you can always catch a game on the TVs. The wings are excellent, but pass on the spinach and artichoke dip if you're sharing, it's a small portion and not memorably good. The fish and chips have always been great- and all you can eat for $8.95 on Fridays- AWESOME. They've recently added to the menu, some traditional fare you expect and some not. Friendly bartenders and friendly crowd, I've met complete strangers and had good chats almost every time.
(4)
Brian J.
Great pub to grab a pint. I go here on Sunday mornings sometimes to have a great Irish Breakfast. Even a half Irish Breakfast is filling enough to eat in the morning . If you are really hungry just get the Full Irish and you will be good all day if not most of it. Fish and Chips are delicious by the way, light, flaky, and never greasy. The bangers and mash comes with this onion gravy that is excellent. Shepard's pie, burgers and curry fries are amazing. Wonderful place to eat at a good value. A really comfortable place to relax and enjoy a good meal. Also during football season they have plenty of screens to watch the game. One thing that they have that I think is hard to find. You can actually watch soccer games here on the television. Not many bars I know of in Chicago have this at all. So you can actually watch the Manchester United game . I know its not soccer its football , but I'm American. Easy parking and a real Irish tap beers. I am really not sure what everyone else is taking about with these other reviews. A full Irish breakfast is about 10 dollars and more food then you'll ever need. You can eat here for under ten dollars a head . This isn't McDonalds people you are getting way better quality and portion size in a homey atmosphere. I eat out quite a bit, this is a great deal to eat at. Never had a problem with the service and have eaten there multiple times. I have even seen people bring their kids there in the morning and not have any trouble. Don't let these other reviews discourage you .
(5)
James M.
Service was fine. The Guinness pour was decent, but I've had better. I do love the design of the place - without the bright lights you could easily mistake the interior for a real Irish pub. Honestly, I can always count on O'Shaun's to be decent, but not usually a lot more than that. I remember the first time I went in I was really impressed but have yet to have a similar experience. Been a couple times and it's pretty reliable to meet friends for pint, get a quick bite, or watch the game.
(3)
John S.
I work a couple blocks from this place, and live a couple blocks in the other direction. We frequently grab carry out from here for lunch. The Jameson BBQ chicken sandwich is my favorite, though the shepherds pie is another favorite. I've had late dinners here a few times as well. Service can be a little slow depending on who you get, but the food is good and the drink selection is decent.
(4)
Restaurant Vigilant E.
O'Shaughnessy's is a delightful neighborhood bar. It's in the quiet neighborhood of Ravenswood. O'Shaughnessy's is an "Irish Pub Kit"...meaning it is about as Irish as a bar can get in the states - not quite the Disneyland of Irish pubs, but they have the right beers, they have the bric-a-brac and a good pub atmosphere. The bartender, Owen, is a direct import from Ireland...there maybe more staff members who are, I don't know. It tends to be a 30 something crowd, but a very welcoming crowd. There are some TV's showing sports, but usually not too loud or in your face. They serve food - typical bar food and some Irish type entrees...I have eaten there two or three times and have found the food acceptable. The interior is nice and comfortable, a lot of amber colored wood and such. It can get quite hot in there though - even in winter. It is the building, not the bar that is to blame for this. They also have outdoor sidewalk seating which is nice as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this place - it is usually crowded, but not too crowded - I have always been able to get a seat. This is a nice place to go for a pint, or even several pints...you could go on your own, or meet friends there and have a good conversation...you could eat there too if you wanted to. It is open pretty late - till at least 1, maybe 2 am...a good, sound pub with that atmosphere. Nice, comfortable, non-pretentious but with just enough of an up market feel.
(4)
Marjie W.
This review is for the food/service aspect of this place. My boyfriend and I went here a few days ago to try some food. We did read that it was mediocre, but you never know. I had the Bleu Cheese Spinach Salad and he had the burger. The salad was.. well.. bleu cheese and spinach. My boyfriend said his burger was.. well, mediocre. So, I guess we weren't surprised. The food was quite expensive, though....$8.50 for the burger! The atmosphere is really nice and chill, though, and the bathrooms are super clean and fancy.. always a plus! I suggest coming here if you're NOT hungry! :)
(3)
Michael R.
This is a nice Irish pub in Ravenswood. Kathy is a great bartender and know how to make you feel at home. The Guinness is a great quality (it should be Irish people own it) . Also the Shepherds Pie is phenomenal very savory and tasty. It's very roomy with booths, flat screens, and craft beers on tap. There soup is pretty good also. Basically if you live in the hood you try this place often.
(4)
Katie B.
Best fish n chips. They changed the recipe, and they're still the best! The all-you-can-eat fish n chips is served in smaller pieces, but still the real deal. O'S is a great place to down a few beers and get some good bar food.
(4)
Richie D.
O-Sh-Sh-Awn---- O'Pub. That works for me. I can never seem to remember how to spell it, let alone pronounce the place. My partner and I felt intimidated going in here 1) not being able to know the name 2) not being Irish. The outdoor seating is pleasant yet doesn't do the visit justice because the interior is really quaint. The "J" shaped bar of dark grain wood is gorgeous and quite fitting being an Irish public house. On the other hand, as a forewarning, if you're going to dine, the waitress service is not the best. They need to warm up to you. I've also heard through the grapevines that a certain waitress is biased towards males and particularly Irish men (blonde, accent, the whole sha-bang). Maybe you'll get her... As for the food, blah. The potato-leek soup was ok. I'm not a salt person but had to pour some in due to the plain taste. I ordered the Shepherds Pie since it is one of my childhood favorites and an Irish specialty. Ah, I'd stick to the greasy pub basics. The Pie was simply runny vegetable-beef stew topped with bland mashed potatoes and sour cheese. Nothing too exciting. If you're arriving on the Metra and getting off at Ravenswood, it's only a stone throws away. Simply stop in for a drink and for the ambiance.
(3)
Christopher R.
Really, it's a nice neighborhood place rather than destination dining. That said, it knows what it is, and it does that well. We went for a friend's birthday gathering and Tuesday night "trivia night." (It's a league sanctioned event, Dude...) The long table in the back room was more than ample for twenty+. The friends had a pint or four of Guinness, which was cold, but not deal-breaker cold. The wife and I opted for 1/2 price bottle o' wine night. Although they advertise two specific bottles of swill on the table tent-card as 1/2 price, the entire wine menu is available to you. Nice selection, especially considering we were in an Irish Pub. No gripes from the management about our friends bringing in a big old cake for the birthday dude. They even gave us forks and plates. Cool. Waitstaff was attentive enough. That's all I can really say. Not superb. Trivia night was actually really fun. They give you a scorecard upon which you and your teammates write down your answers. Seven rounds, ten questions each. We ended up winning in a tiebreaker, with the prize of a free round of drinks on the house. No complaints.
(3)
Heather K.
Live in the area and stopped in for a bite. Nice layout, beautiful wood, clean bathrooms. My food was good, not great, but hey, what Irish place is? No really, someone, give me a restaurant with quality Irish fare. The beer menu was better than expected and the service was great. Over all, a great pub, I'll be back.
(4)
Andy C.
Every neighborhood needs a good pub. I was glad to see this place open near me in Ravenswood (where Zephyr used to be). The first few times I went, I enjoyed the beer. This place has an impressive dark wood interior, although it's a bit too polished to feel authentic - nothing like the grit of Gingers Ale House. Plenty of nice TVs if you're a sports fan. I'm not really, but it's nice to see the score. But until tonight, I have to say, I thought the food wasn't great. Honestly now, I can't remember what I ordered, but several times I left thinking I should just stick with the beer and not go for dinner... But tonight I was there and I had a fantastic meal! It was one of the specials. Some kind of braised beef thing. It was awesome. I was with two friends who also had great food. Maybe something changed in the kitchen? Now I'm thinking this might be a great place for dinner. Bring on the mashed potatoes and a cold Smithwicks. PS: The service is great.
(4)
Dmitry B.
Great place. I love the vibe of the place. It's really clean the staff is super nice. Their deals are great, and the food tastes pretty good as well. They have some unique stuff on their menu that's definitely worth a try, I've been there plenty of times and have never been disappointed.
(4)
Chelsie L.
I had the best burger I have ever had here. NO JOKE! It was delicious. I've only been to O'Shaughnessy's once but it definitely made an impression. Not only does it have an impressive ambiance that makes it seem like you're in an authentic pub in Ireland but the alcohol selection is substantial and the staff is friendly and attentive. The clientele seemed like a mix of regulars and newcomers and had a very warm atmosphere. The music was a bit lacking (90's alternative?) but my food more than made up for it. Also, there are nice LED flat screens everywhere so this would be a great place to catch a game!
(5)
Tom H.
Long bar in the front room, high tables and booths in the back room. Breckenridge Vanilla Porter Draught was on special ($5.50) and was very good. Also had the pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans, the chop covered with a tasty mushroom/onion gravy, a Wednesday evening special ($9.00). The place was fairly full, the Wednesday night trad Irish music sesiún (beginning at 8:00) was musically good and entertaining. The outside sidewalk seating, which I enjoyed over the summer, was closed for the season (it's now late December). Checking in on FourSquare knocked ten bucks off the bill if you use American Express to pay the tab. Nice.
(4)
Lola T.
What a way to bring in the New Year! O' Shaughnessy's really exceeded my expectations. Good drinks, great atmosphere and a fantastic time! Supposedly this is the only place real Irish people go to drink Guinness...They say it's the closest to the real thing here. The bar set up is really cool. It has a few rooms and two bars with different beers on tap. If you go to their website, it will display their events and drink specials. Prices are reasonable and food is great! I had so much fun, there is really nothing wrong with this bar other than it's kind of far from my apartment downtown. If you like Irish pubs, then you MUST check this place out!
(5)
Caitlin G.
I've restrained myself from writing a nasty review of this place for so long. I've endured terrible service, nasty waitresses, mediocre-at-best food and overpriced drinks without a peep. But finally, I can hold my silence no longer. What, you ask, was the straw that broke the Yelp Camel's back? Answer: Watching two workers haul yet another piece of finely crafted woodwork through O'Shaughnessy's front door as I walked to work one morning. Really? We're investing more money into the bottomless pit funding the interior of this place, but we can't throw a few dimes toward developing a better menu or hiring a competent waitstaff that (at the very least) attends to their tables and knows the difference between 312 and Hacker Pschorr? O'Shaughnessy's is either incompetent and doesn't know how to improve itself or lazy and doesn't want to go beyond the lowest common denominator for its customers. Either way, I avoid giving them my business at all costs.
(1)
Lindsey B.
I've been here a few times and have found the food to be quite good but a little overpriced. But I still had a good time at the birthday party I attended. The waitress was really good and FAST! Before I was even done with my drink she had another in my hand. It was pretty awesome. I went again last night just to meet a friend for a couple of drinks and it was just an eh experience. The service was ok, not overly friendly but not unfriendly either. He didn't say much at all really. The hawks game was on and that was a plus, except for when they lost. It was super Hot in there but it was one of the first warm days so I let it slide. Overall it's just been "ok" experiences there, but I'd go again. Not gonna rule it out, plus it's a block from my house. I miss Zephyr's.
(3)
Kate C.
Came here twice. Food was bland at best, southwest salad was tiny - not worth $9. Staff was not attentive. Smelled like cigarette smoke near the back door. Too bad it's so close to my house and it sucks. We decided we won't be returning. Suggestion: go to The Bad Apple instead.
(2)
Carolynne M.
Well its got a rockin interior, thats for sure. There was so much detail and so much to look at my head was swimming after a few minutes. What would have really capped it for me is if they had real working fireplaces and not these pseudo fake jobs that were just one step up from the "roaring fireplace" tape you sometimes see people have on their TV. Oh well. Anyway, I ordered some soup of the day which was strangely out of place for an Irish restaurant: Coconut, chicken and ginger. Soup had a thin consistency and the coconut flavour was way too mild for my liking. The curry fries and buffalo chicken fingers were much better. Atmosphere was low key, mostly folks in their 20's and 30's in small groups, but we were there early too. Maybe it picks up after 8pm or so. I would go back if I was in the area, but I dont think I would make a special trip for it.
(3)
David G.
I may be biased because I live in the same building as O'Shaughnessy's and I've only been in there a few times. Good place to kick back and have a drink and pub food. The food from what I've tried has been good. I had a bbq sandwich one time and fish n chips anoter time and both were good. It's pub food so it's not supposed to be spectacular. I would say it was above average. It's very spacious but can get crowded on weekends. The decor is rustic and dark wood and there are televisions everywhere so you can catch sporting events. The great thing about this place is that it's no B.S. The owners are actually Irish so it's probably as authentic as it can get up on the North Side. There are some monthly specials on beer that I take advantage of when I can. There are also events on some nights. I wished I could have gone to "trivia night" and one of the nights they have live performers, but I'm planning on checking them out in the future.
(4)
Tracy K.
When they were first building this place, I was excited. Now that I have been here, I'm completely underwhelmed. Sure the interior looks great. The booths are comfortable. I like the fireplace. However, I have a problem with places that have the air conditioner on in late October. And those comfy booths? Yeah, they are right under the vents. The night we were here last, it was in the 30's outside, and even with my coat on indoors, I was still freezing. As a vegetarian, I don't expect to find much to eat at Irish places, so I ordered the curry fries and a small salad. The salad was pretty big for a "small" and was quite good. I thought the fries were too salty, and my boyfriend's grilled cheese was forgettable. Our waitress showed up exactly two times over the 60+ minutes we were there. She took our orders and dropped the food off. It was a Tuesday night, and not particularly busy. We are not sure where she disappeared to for the rest of the time. Too bad I wanted drink refills.. We had to go to the bar to ask for her to be found so we could get the check. After that, she walked by three times but never gave us our check. We ended up throwing some cash down and just walking out. I don't plan on coming back here.
(2)
Chris H.
Went there for the first time today. I just had to say an very good experience, would say excellent but it was my first time. Murphy's Irish Bistro should take note, this is how you do a Irish Pub. Food was excellent, and the prices were fair. Bloody Mary was spicy, maybe too spicy, but good. Service was also good. Prompt service, without feeling like they were hovering.
(4)
Duff B.
Loved the fries, liked the sandwiches, nice decor and a fine UK centric soundtrack. A good experience and I look forward to going again. Though I still weep nightly over dearly departed Zephyr.
(3)
Ted K.
never had a realy good meal here, but food seems to be decent. nice selection of beer and place looks really nice. not in love with it by any means, but definitely would go back.
(3)
Kristen T.
I'm sitting here waiting for my husband to arrive, so why not Yelp? First things first- Chewy, the bartender, is awesome. Always attentive, remembers faces, just a super friendly guy. The kind of bartender that brings us back. Second- this may be the cleanest bar I've ever been to. Everything is just immaculate. The cleanliness does not, however, interfere with the coziness of the place. There's outside seating to enjoy a few Magners during the summer(though I always manage to drink a lot more than a few) and the Guinness is poured well. If only more places understood the importance of a proper Guinness pour... The food is pretty darn good too, not amazing- but good. I'm a fan!
(4)
Marie P.
I am updating my review because the owner of this establishment took the time to email me with an apology, and also offered a gift card to my Chicagoan friend, to make up for the poor service we experienced. I appreciated her response and concern, and the fact that she expressed the need to take action to correct the problem.
(4)
Maria W.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood spots. Food is good, definitely a step up quality-wise from normal bar food and the Irish influence makes for more interesting options. Drinks are reasonably priced. Very warm and welcoming ambiance, especially in winter with the fireplace. Friendly bartenders and servers. You see people of all ages in here, which I like. It's not like a family restaurant or anything, just a nice neighborhood place. The only negative thing I can think of is that the wine list is a little lackluster. Also, there are a lot of TVs showing sports which I know can be a turn off to some. I wouldn't call it a sports bar though.
(5)
Kate J.
This place is great. I can't really say anything else about it. I've had the same server here both times I've gone, Maya, and she's so friendly. When I went here last week, our bill for two drinks was only $8. Even our server thought it was nuts. It's a good atmosphere as well. I don't like places that are super loud and crowded, but I like it to be a little lively. This place is the perfect happy medium for me. And it's in walking distance to my apartment, so there's another bonus. I haven't eaten here, but their menu looks good and they have specials on food and drinks every day.
(5)
Katie S.
I recently moved to the neighborhood and my husband and I gave this place a try on a whim. We were blown away! I've now been three times and each time I have ordered the Brie and fig sandwich. It's just so good. Like amazing. The people I have been with have ordered the salads, the fish and chips, and the burger. Everyone has loved their food! They have a good beer and drink list and the staff are knowledgeable. Last time I was there, I ordered a Stiegel Radler. They were out, but the bartender suggested another beer that has grapefruit in it and it was delicious! The decor is very Irish Pub. I imagine it's very cozy in the winter. They are usually playing soccer on TV. Overall, definitely a must if you're in Ravenswood!
(5)
Andrew B.
The fair is common pub fair. If you are looking for a beer, some pub food, and a football (read: soccer) match then you have found the right place. There were some spirited football related discussions going on at the bar when I was there, I assume about the match that was on the TV at the time. I ordered the fish and chips and enjoyed it. The fries were a little less crisp than I prefer them but they also appeared to be made from actual potatoes without being over processed or being poured into a frier from a gigantic bag of unspecified origin. The atmosphere is what you'd expect, tall chairs at square tables, some tall booth seats along the wall, the bartender had what I thought sounded like an Irish accent (although I could be wrong as I am not a linguistic expert) and the pictures will fill you in on the rest.
(5)
Carrie E.
"Oh that place!" Is what I called it when we ended up here on Friday night. I've walked by it a few times before, but hadn't been there until recently. We were originally going to go to Fountainhead's rooftop, but it was too crazy so this was a nice alternative. Decently sized patio and in a quiet area. Friendly service and big menu. They had a fun cocktail list for only $8 where that same drink would probably be $12+ downtown. I didn't get anything to eat, but would come back and try their food. Someone else in our group got the grilled cheese and it looked pretty good. This is kind of silly, but be careful opening the door to the women's bathroom because someone could be standing at the sink and there's potential to crash into them. Not the best engineering, but it's a clean bathroom.
(4)
Heather P.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great local watering hole. It's pretty spacious, has more than one bar, lots of tvs, outdoor space and food. All in all, I've never had a bad or memorable meal here and I've eaten here often so food is good, run of the mill bar food, I'd say. Beer selection is pretty decent. It's defiitely an A-OK bar.
(3)
Anne M.
3 Big old place up on Ravenswood - I've passed by this place many times and we finally stopped in for some dinner and drinks on a recent Friday night. We opted for the all-you-can-eat Friday night fish and chips, and we started with a few beers. We were seated in the dining room to the left of the main bar where there were a couple large parties. They have a few sections that could be kind of secluded for semi-private parties. This place was packed, and I liked the interior decorations. There was a nice wood paneled ceiling, and old pub feel to the place. The fish/chips were hot out the fryer - crispy, greasy fish + good dark-ish french fries. The fish didn't have much flavor and the grease got to be overpowering. It was a deal, as most all-you-can-eat scenarios are, but I don't know that I'd order that dish again here.
(3)
Jim H.
One of the best neighborhood bars. This place isn't your go out and get trashed type of spot, there's a few other places for that around the corner. Typically hit up brunch on Saturday or Sunday. I used to hate brunch, I felt it was for the birds. This place has changed that. The corned beef here is better than anywhere else in the city and they serve Boxty to boot. The omelettes...I...they're...it's spiritual. Hungover? The Full Irish will fix ya! Have family with kids in town? This place has a very family oriented attitude, it's normal to see kiddos about! Looking to watch some footy? They've got EVERY LEAGUE, not just Premier, when I'm looking to catch up with my German teams, they'll throw on some Bundesliga. The staff is incredibly friendly. Chuy is beyond amazing. If you've read this far, you should just go. Now. Not tomorrow, now. Unless tomorrow is brunch. Then go tomorrow. But also go now.
(5)
Hunter C.
It is off the beaten path, but a great "Irish Local" none the less. One of the few places left to get a proper pint of Guinness. They have a respectable choice of craft beers as well. Which should keep your bearded buck-town buddy from choking you out with his fashion scarf (true story). Really breaux? You're from Iowa. Stay off your wife's Pinterest. Pretty solid pub fare. I'm told the Curry is tasty. Chewy behind the bar is a pro, and worth a good tip. He might even be better than the man he replaced. Wait staff is always cheerful & welcoming, and the owner is seems to deserve/respect your patronage.
(5)
PF A.
Fun St Patrick's Day party! Great selection of Irish ales, IPAs, and typical pub food. The fish and chips are standard quality pub fare. The prices are reasonable and the service is good which is accentuated by the legit Irish staff. For a taste of the Chirish scene stop by this place!
(4)
Kristina B.
Great neighborhood bar that you can watch games at while enjoying a decent selection of beers and pub food. Are there better sports bars? Sure, but not in these parts of Ravenswood. Looking for a trendy place? This is a place for classics, no frou-frou here. Prices are standard, all are welcome, service is great, and you can leave your worries at the door. That's all you need from a great drinking hole.
(5)
Bernard L.
My wife and I have been to pretty much all of the brunch spots around our area so we decided to check our this place. We arrived at 10:30 A.M. and found out that brunch wasn't served until 11:00, which meant we had to sit and wait for half an hour. We started off with the artichoke dip, which was great. It was creamy and the pita bread was warm and delicious I got the traditional skillet with a side of turkey sausage and a cup of fruit. The skillet was OK with the potatoes being overcooked. The turkey sausage was tough and hard to chew. I will come back to this place, but overall I s disappointed with the brunch.
(2)
Jessica B.
I've been coming to O'Shaughnessy's for a while. It's a great bar, great prices, really good food, never too crowded (i.e. somewhere I can actually sit and socialize with people). The brunch, however, was the impetus for this review. I got something called a boxty with Irish potato pancakes, eggs, and sausage. These pancakes were out of this world melt in your mouth amazing and the parsley cream sauce on top really made them exceptional. The others at my table also LOVED their dishes (skillet and an omlette I think). $5 mimosa and bloody mary's and a meal for under $10? Um, I'll be back. P.S. the staff is always super nice. It's just a great place.
(5)
Tyler W.
Great corner Irish bar. Outdoor seating if that's your thing. Pretty decent food menu with some traditional "Americanized" Irish food such as burgers n mash, fish n chips and shepherds pie. Good drink specials (came on Tuesday night) and had $4 beers (Carlsberg). Environment is pretty good with classic two rail bar, some tvs (wouldn't recommend if you are looking for a sports bar). Clean. Good service. Only complaint is the music was awful. Had the Dirty Dancing theme song with other similar tracks playing throughout my meal. Not ideal for an Irish bar. Overall would recommend.
(3)
Krisha B.
It's an Irish pub with pretty good food. I really liked the grilled cheese and the curried fries. Their servers are very nice and it's it's a family friendly place.
(4)
Eryn G.
Best neighborhood bar in the area! Love how friendly the staff is, it also really adds to the ambiance being a lot of servers are Irish. The food is seriously delicious, we had honey mustard BBQ wings and I can't stop thinking of them. I'm also a huge corned beef fan and their corned beef is a must. They have outdoor seating as well as have televisions to watch sports, definitely can't wait to watch Notre dame games there. Way better than alternative neighborhood bars in the area.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Great service and friendly and comfortable vibe. Their beer selection leaves much to be desired. Bring back Optimator! Food is average. They need some more options. Sean and Chuy are great bartenders. Good music selection!
(3)
Green T.
Wonderful service here. Attentive weekend staff who know that customers have come to relax. The interior is clean, classy, and huge, but be prepared for the noise and glare of many screens. Outside, ample casual patio seating at a lovely, quiet (except for the Metra), pedestrian-friendly intersection, making for great people-watching. Good range of menu items for pub food. Great fries. Main disappointment was that the "lox omelette" did not contain lox, as indicated. Instead they used regular baked or steamed salmon. A sliver of lox was used for garnish. Very strange.
(3)
Kirsten P.
Seriously, worst food ever. I have repeatedly tried to find something, anything, that might be good Cuz it's so close to home, to no avail. Do yourself a favor and eat before you come. Drinks and decor are fun.
(1)
Deborah L.
I went to this neighborhood place via Meetup. It is a beautiful bar in a great historical building. It was a Sunday, the day their special is lamb. I was there at around 6 pm and to my disappointment they were already out! Instead I had their triple burger, asking it to be cooked medium rare. It was served well done as were the accompanying french fries. Far below the average bar food.
(2)
Joseph D.
Ugh. I really wanted to like this place but hard as I try, I can't give it any more than 2 stars. Stopped in for lunch as it came to us recommended. I will have to have a chat with my friend. We seated ourselves and were taken care of by the bartender who was very nice She took our drink orders and my wife asked for a glass with ice for her cider. We got the glass but no ice from a busboy so I went to the bar to get ice. Bartender apologized as she told the busboy to give us ice but he did not. Good help is hard to find these days I guess. Then there's the food. Yikes. We ordered the fish n chips and the "ultimate grilled cheese." Hoo boy, here's where the wheels really came off. The fish was cold and greasy like it had been sitting back there pre-cooked and the fries weren't much better. Glad they did offer malt vinegar to go with the dish as the tartar sauce that came with it was really a cup of mayo with a fleck of relish in it. Left that alone. The bigger disappointment was the grilled cheese. If you're going to call something "ultimate" you best be prepared to deliver. It was served open face on two large pieces of toast and all that it had was one slice of we think cheddar and one slice of swiss. Sure it was topped with a slice of tomato and bacon but 2 slices of cheese on something called the ultimate grilled cheese? How about basic grilled cheese. Or 2 slices of grilled cheese? Bummer. Beer selection is what you'd expect at an Irish place so that was good. But that's about it. Service was OK, food was below average and beer was good. As there aren't a lot of choices in this area, maybe that's how they can skate by on a mediocre experience. Maybe dinner I better but I'm not sure I want to find out.
(2)
KE M.
First off - amazing hospitality and fantastic service. Everything else is secondary. To explain: Our party (5) came in and ordered a couple of beers and some apps. Unfortunately, two minutes after our apps came out, so did our entrees. We sent them back to the kitchen, and when our waitress found out, she immediately comped the apps, apologizing profusely. The food: Pot roast sandwich is *amazing* and you should get it. Shepherd's pie - out of this world - best I've had in the States. Fish and chips? Meh - everyone seems to rave on it, but the portion size was laughably small (but on a huge pile of fries) and the batter separated easily from the fish. Flavor was good, however. The rib eye sandwich? Concept is brilliant - horseradish, rosemary, mushrooms. Execution is lacking, however. Ordered med-well and got med-rare, and the cut of meat is too gristley to not require some marinating. It was tough to chew, but completely delicious. Hey - not every dish is going to be a winner, but there were so many other things on the menu that we wanted to try, too. The server was all over it, though, and made us feel very welcome. At the end of the meal, we commented how much we liked the Stiegl 1/2 litre steins, and she actually got us a couple (for cheap)! We will definitely be back, and we will bring friends from out of town. The atmosphere is cozy, the server was fantastic, and our meal was enjoyable. Excited to go again!
(4)
Rod C.
All you can eat fish n chips! Great atmosphere! Great service!
(4)
Sara B.
Just your average neighborhood Irish bar - so cozy and wonderful. I could probably just live here forever. Also, mildly obsessed with their buffalo chicken salad. NOM!
(5)
Lauren R.
We go to O'Shaugnessy's when we just want a low-key place to eat with good food for a week night meal when neither my husband or I want to cook. The waitresses are all some of the slowest people on earth but they are very nice. Don't go here if you are in a hurry. The beer, cider and cocktail menu is good - lots of specials (Strongbow is on the menu, which makes me happy). One of my favorite sandwiches in the city is the Chipotle Lime Chicken Sandwich on a pretzel roll. It is SO flavorful and the chicken is really moist. The burgers are very good and the wings are yumm-o. I'd avoid the brie apple sandwich (bland) and the potato leek soup (blah). Like I said, go for a low-key, relaxing night when you aren't in a hurry.
(3)
Beth M.
What keeps me going back here every time? Probably the best shepherd's pie I've ever had. The key point for me is the cheese crust on top of the potatoes. Most places don't do that but it's the only way I'll eat my pie now. And everything in it is great- the gravy is perfect with the meat in veggies. Defiantly not dry at all. Also their curry fries are delicious and they have a great beer list. I can't personally vouch for their other food since I get the same thing, but every time I've been there everyone else has loved their food. Tip: if you really love curry fries and have about three other friends, do yourself a favor and order the traditional irish curry over fries in place of just curry fries for an appetizer. It's $4.50 more for easily twice-if not three times-the amount of delicious food.
(5)
Mike P.
Great little neighborhood pub right along the Metra tracks in Uptown/Ravenswood. The typical dark wood decor found in many Chicago Irish Pubs. There is a small fireplace in the back bar. Very cozy. The Bear's game was on every TV and the place was filled with fans. Not the young, drunk, obnoxious type, just neighborhood folks getting out to catch the game. What set O'Shaughnessy's apart was its food. It's fantastic. Traditional Irish food is what's on the menu, along with some burgers, sandwiches and other things. The corned beef sandwich was extremely good. No skimping on the meat here! The brisket was slow roasted to perfection. I usually don't like panini-style sandwiches, but this one was fantastic. My wife's bangers and mash looked great and she said it was really good. They poor an good pint of Guinness here. Traditional glass and all. To my shame, I've lived in Uptown for almost 7 years and this was my first trip to O'Shaughnessy's. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Brian L.
Great place. Good Irish Coffee. Left the place in a hurry though because the neighbor's 9 month old puked everywhere. It's an acquired taste. She'll come around.
(5)
Greta B.
Wanted to sit on a patio yesterday to enjoy the warm fall day and decided to go here since it was close. Bad idea. The patio was pretty packed and there was only one server. While she was hustling, the service was crappy. I've been here a handful of times and while I want to like it, I just don't. It always seems they are understaffed and the food is just okay. Yesterday, the food runner dropped off both courses and literally "ran" away. We had to wait for dressing for the wings, extra napkins, and then ketchup for the fries. Those are things that should be present with the dishes and could therefore cut down on extra steps for a busy staff. Saying "Cheers" every chance you get to guests doesn't really cut it.
(2)
Caroline D.
Service is back to what it was -- grumpy, weird, inconsistent. I've never seen a place where the management makes excuses to you about why the waitstaff is inappropriate and bad, and this has happened to me more than once here with multiple management. A waitress eavesdropped on me and my friend one afternoon here and approached our table in tears to tell my friend to stop talking about some incident -- which wasn't what we were talking about, but seriously, grow up! The crying waitress apparently called the owner, who came in and told my friend she was no longer welcome there because she speaks up about bad service, slow service, or unexplained policies like how the staff won't change a dollar and round up even if it's at your loss. Bizarre to say the least. Childish, too.
(1)
Danielle C.
Dropped in here with my Mom for a quick lunch. The food was great, reasonably priced, and served well. Mom had the smoked Salmon sandwich- tons of salmon, I had the corned beef. We both enjoyed! We loved the atmosphere! It was EXACTLY what we needed on a gloomy day. I am sure I will be back to try the libations. Thanks so much!!
(4)
Bailey D.
Went there with a guy I've been seeing. Good date spot. Friendly bartender. Food smelled yummy. Patrons looked happy. Situated in lovely Ravenswood. Pair this with a place to warm up after the Ravenswood arts Walk.
(4)
Amber L.
UPDATE: The server who looks cranky all the time? Is cranky all the time. I've been avoiding this place for half a year because the last time I went, service was so bad I had to speak to a manager. Went in this weekend with some friends, and got cold-shouldered by the server again. Why would you look so offended when I ask for another glass of soda water? Other people at the table commented on her over-the-top reaction. I won't be back.
(1)
Jane R.
This place has friendly, attentive staff, good beer on tap, and sometimes has live Irish music but the food is pretty average. Love the outdoor seating and casual outdoor seating though!
(3)
Pattie U.
I go here very often and am always pleased with the experience. The Irish bartender is my favorite. There's always a rotating $4 whiskey special. The perfect neighborhood pub. Be warned though; it gets real crowded on game days.
(5)
Dustin G.
I've gone here many many times since my initial visit. It's a regular brunch spot for me. I love the Full Irish when I'm really hungry. And, well...I only come here when i'm really hungry! The bloody marys are great, too. Come here for brunch! You will leave stuffed and happy.
(5)
Kristi B.
We come here often and it is great every time! My favorite 3 dishes are The Traditional Irish Curry, Fish and Chips, and The Lobster Mac n Cheese! Great spot! My favorite Irish pub on the north side of Chicago!
(5)
Stephanie C.
Yum! I've been to O'Shaughnessy's half a dozen times now and I'd definitely go back. Good beer list with really solid food--my only complaint is that the fish and chips were bland and way too greasy. But everything else I've had has been delicious, and the service is solid. The curry sauce that comes with the french fry appetizer is really tasty (as are the fries themselves), and I have enjoyed the black been burger, cheeseburger, chipotle chicken sandwich, and several salads. I also wandered in for lunch one day with my aunt and grandpa, and my grandpa thought the pot roast sandwich was excellent--so good that he still talks about it so I'll have to bring him back some day for another!
(5)
James R.
The wife and I have been to this place a few times now, as it's our local. Always had a great meal at a decent price! Specifically, their pick your own burger is awesome and I would highly recommend the Irish white cheddar for it! We also watched the US soccer team play during their World Cup campaign. Provided a great atmosphere! Will certainly be back.
(4)
Khris L.
I've visited a couple of times and thought the place was cool. They have a good selection of macro and micro brews on tap and in bottles. They also offer food. I've tried their burger and it was juicy. The fish and chips were also good. Try this place out if you're in the area!
(4)
Philip B.
Great neighborhood pub. My favorite place for a Guinness and fish & chips. Outdoor seating makes it a no-brained for this great Ravenswood bar.
(4)
Lillian H.
Food was OK. Not bad at all. What will keep me coming back is the fact that they serve Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer.... Hard to find!
(4)
Lisa H.
I have come to this place since it has opened. Loved the decor and very Irish, love the fireplace!!! TVs are a little small for watching sports, but this visit I ordered a southwestern salad as I have a million times and it was MUCH tinier- like half of what you usually get, but yet the price remained the same. $10.00 for a small salad? what happened?
(3)
Elizabeth W.
I've been here a few times in the last year or so. I've sat inside near the bar, in the back of the restaurant, and outside on the patio. Their drinks are fine, but nothing to write home about in my opinion; if you're a beer drinker they do have some decent stuff on the menu (I'm not into beer, myself.) I went with my friend the other day for an early dinner: I ordered fish tacos, which the waitress said were made with mahi mahi that day, and therefore would be even better than usual. She came back two minutes after taking our order to say that the fish tacos were off the menu; it was 5:15pm on a Friday. So instead, I got a burger with bacon, roasted red peppers, and cheddar cheese. My friend had the turkey club. Her sandwich looked pretty great; my burger was greasy and overcooked, definitely past the medium temperature at which I'd ordered. Service was mediocre at best, although the waitress did have a nice authentic Irish accent. So kudos to her for that. Overall, this is not my favorite place in my neighborhood. Probably won't stop by again unless someone else insists.
(2)
Jeremy O.
Going to a Cub game? Hop off the metra at Ravenswood, walk a couple blocks south and stop here for a great lunch and beer before the game. You'll thank me.
(5)
Ben T.
I come here all the time based on its proximity to my office. Overall, the food is somewhat hit-or-miss. For example, the chicken wings still had feathers in it, the bean burger was small and burnt and I just refused to finish the Irish steak wrap because the taste. On the other hand, the braised beef melt, rib eye sandwich and buffalo chicken salad were great. The beer selection is good. The servers are sometimes difficult (won't split checks) or forgetful of orders. The highlight is definitely the atmosphere, which is cozy and decked out with Irish stuff. I would suggest coming here for a drink. If you are hungry, don't get your hopes up. I mean chicken wings that still had feathers after being prepared shows a lack of attention to their food. Update: I went back and forth with one of the owners, Liz. She responded promptly about my bad experiences and asked that I be more direct in my feedback to the waitstaff so they could address their mistakes right then and there. I was also offered a complimentary meal for my other bad experiences. Other than that, I received a slew of excuses that deflected blame to their chicken purveyor (for the feathers) and their menu for being hard to read. I was also told that my opinin of two particular food items was incorrect because I'm the only person to ever say it tasted bad. I haven't been back since.
(1)
Kirsten A.
Free parking, good service, and what looked like a varied menu. They had a nice back room area that they set up for a non-profit group I'm involved in to have a meeting and let them even hook into the tv for a presentation. Nice.
(3)
Amelia B.
After a ridiculous workout one day, a group of us popped in here to undo all that calorie-burning goodness with some epic day drinking. On that front, O'Shaughnessy's delivered. At about 3pm on a Saturday, it was relatively dead, with our party being the only outside and a smattering of people inside. Plenty of space inside and out for large groups like ours. Plenty of standard Irish favorites, and special of a Guiness and shot of Jameson (a nip and a tuck? nip and nod? something like that) was especially welcome. The food was actually a cut above bar food at other similar Irish-themed establishments as well. Attentive service kept the beer flowing, and in the end, it all ended up pretty reasonably priced. Or at least my beer-goggles told me that.
(4)
Foodie S.
FINALLY!!! A neighborhood bar with no douchebags, fantastic service, moderate priced food, and drinks. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress, Suzanne was extremely attentive and accommodating. Food was delicious and plentiful. Triple Bipass Burger with fresh cut French Fries - Cooked to perfection and served on a toasted pretzel bun...I love pretzel buns!!! French Fries were to die for. I love homemade French Fries and these were pure perfection! Pan Seared Chicken with Artichoke cream sauce, Mashed potatoes, and Asparagus - Chicken was cooked to perfection as well, the sauce was perfectly seasoned and completed the mashed potatoes and asparagus. This place has really nailed their food! We had several beers to drink. They were out of one of my favorites on a Friday night which is why they did not get 5 stars. I will definitely be back for more. If they're out of my beer again...my stars will be reviewed.
(4)
Renee F.
This is such a great place! Healthy & unhealthy selection of food, which is very good. Plenty of choices for beer & drinks. Friendly, responsive staff. Very casual, welcoming, fun place to go for weekend brunch, work week lunch, dinner & late night drinking. I'm so happy to call this my neighborhood bar.
(4)
Nelson R.
Ok -- I've tried to give this place a fair share of chance (three visits, at varying times). It hasn't really turned out any better. And, actually, each time was worse than the previous one. Last night being the third and last time I plan on visiting this place. I had such an unpleasant time it actually spurred me to get a Yelp Account just to write this review. There are two things that would lead me to actually doing that: one, the service/business was extremely good, or two (and this is the one relevant to O'Shaugnessy's) the service/business was extremely bad. The first visit was on a late (weekend) night. A few buddies and I were walking by and decided to get some food/drinks. Their limited late-night menu didn't particularly impress me, but I expect that from most after-hours kitchen menus. I ended up ordering some desert. Their chocolate lava cake, or something along those lines. The description included the words 'hot' 'chocolate sauce', etc. I received the plate in which was a stone cold hard piece of chocolate cake sans anything resembling warmth. I asked the waitress whenever she ended up returning, and apparently they were out of the hot chocolate sauce. They failed to inform me of this before, or seemed to care after the fact I brought it to their attention. Ok. Well, I thought maybe it was a little late, and perhaps I shouldn't expect anything that great. So we returned last night at the insistence of my friends to watch the Blackhawks game. The place was packed to the brim. The waitress seemed to be quite busy so I won't really blame her for most of the failure. We all ordered food. I had a hard time deciding what to get. My friend (who enjoys the place) told me that their 'Loaded Potato Skins' were pretty mediocre. So I ended up going for their 'ULTIMATE Grilled Cheese' ($8-something), thinkin' that not much could go wrong with it. Meanwhile, the table next to us who arrived after us and had children received their food orders; as well as the table across the way whose party also arrived and ordered after us. My friend was thinking about cancelling her order, seeing as how an hour had passed and an entire period and a half of the game without mention or apologies from the waitress. But seeing as it was a game night I was even willing to forgo being obnoxious about the wait. So I simply asked the waitress if she knew how long it might take for the food, since we had a friend that needed to leave soon. She gave me a fairly curt response about the kitchen being swamped, while simultaneously NOT answering my question. But, less than a minute later she came with all of the food. Leading me to think that she possibly forgot about it until I reminded her. Or it could have been coincidence. And then, that's when it happened. They set my "ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE" in front of me. I wish I could post the picture, because this was the most underwhelming and cheaply made grilled cheese I have ever been given or seen in my entire life. On the stale barely toasted pieces of bread were two un-melted cold pieces of Kraft singles, and some unknown half-melted white cheese which I assume was the provolone. Along with two slices of tomatoes. Everyone at the table was literally dumbfounded. My roommate (who just about eats ANYTHING, told me I should have returned it). But I was hungry, and didn't feel like waiting another hour for some other similarly mediocre/awful piece of pub fare. The taste was worse than the look. I had to douse the entire sandwich in ketchup just to soften the bread and get it down. And then I ran out of my coke halfway through the 'meal' and asked for another. Which came literally 30 minutes later. I, at least, got an apology from the unfazed waitress which helped in absolutely no way at all. Neither did the Coke at that time because I had finished eating about 20 minutes prior to getting the re-fill. So -- the food was god-awful, the service was severely lacking (at peak hours and at non-peak hours, apparently), and the prices are not that great for what you actually get. The only positive things? The atmosphere for the game was pretty good. Though the TVs are a bit hard to look at for a standard pub/sports bar. The place is pretty clean and the design is nice, though not like any Irish pubs I ever saw while in Ireland. And the beer selection is decent, though I would expect more Irish beers, considering... Obviously I'm goin' to be staying away from this place, no matter how conveniently located it is. *Photo added.
(1)
Christine S.
I've been to O'Shaugnessy's quite a few times... I popped in here last night for dinner and drinks, and now it's time for a review. I've always really like'd it but last night kinda tipped it over into me loving it. The bartender (who is there every time I'm there) is awesome! He's so polite. He's very attentive. He's quick. He has a great "pour". He's pretty much just the perfect bartender. I really like this dude. I am VERY pleased with the two wraps I was able to try last night. I had the Blackened Chicken Wrap which has LOTS of chicken in it. If you're afraid of the jalepeno/strawberry jam, fear not...it's not hot kiddies. I also had the Portabella Wrap, and this was my perferred choice out of the two of them. It has the perfect blend of baby spinach, cranberries, goat cheese and roasted red pepper remoulad. I'd order either of these wraps again. BTW, the wraps are huge and served with a huge serving of fries. I was lucky enough to try two, because I had a dining partner that was interested in both wraps as well. I love when that works out! O'Shaugnessy's has a pretty large beer list...and they have some really great specials. Another useful tidbit...street parking is plentiful.
(4)
Mike L.
Great place...great food...awesome Bloody Mary's...the owner, Mike is a great guy and the staff is always warm and friendly...
(5)
Carol J.
Always great food, great service, impressive beer list, and my friends who like whiskey and scotch love the selection. My favorite neighborhood spot!
(5)
John H.
We're so happy to have O'Schaughnessy's right down the street! This pub has a relaxed and friendly environment with plenty of room (inside and out), plenty of specials, and plenty of parking! Setting up a party reservation is so simple, and they've always been able to handle our crowd. We've been lucky to have Donna as our regular server, and she represents what we've experienced with the rest of the staff - always ready to help you decide on a dish or pick a drink. We've been for trivia nights, for games, for dinner, after movies - and it's always been the perfect choice!
(5)
Reid F.
Really decorative inside and the amptoshere is very pub oriented, as it should be. The food here has always been top notch and the drink menu is full with lots of options. Service can waiver, but like any other good restaurant, waitresses running around means there's lots of people for a reason. Good place to catch Bulls or Hawks games.
(4)
JM C.
They got a new chef and the food is so much better! The service is better! Great wine; love the salmon and the rosemary skewers. With the wonderful outdoor seating, it's just a great place to go now so we've made it our weekly haunt!
(4)
Greg L.
There are daily specials that all look pretty good and a fun drink menu. Lot's of local and micro brews on draft. I had a good burger and the fries were nicely seasoned. Inside is a warm atmosphere with large tables and a classic looking wooden bar. In the warm months, there are many tables outside for your enjoyment. The staff was friendly and the food is good. Parking is limited, but the turnover seems high in the area.
(3)
Tom T.
Local bar with an authentic Irish flare. Come for the fries with curry dipping sauce. On Thursdays there is a live band playing contemporary jazz music. The best part about this place is after drowning my sorrows in apple cider beer and some bluesy tunes I can just muddle my way to bed two blocks down.
(3)
Christine M.
I really hope that this place gets better. Once we had a table, it was about 5 minutes of just sitting there before we got a menu. After that, it took quiet a while to get our drinks - just beers, nothing special. The menu did not impress us, so we didn't have dinner there. I hope the menu gets better. The main problem that I had with this place was the amount of *children* that were in the bar. I was not aware that they were going for the family-friendly vibe, but I'm surprised that they didn't have stroller parking outside the door.
(2)
Sally C.
I work down the street from here, and have been here four times. My first three experiences were great and deserved 4 to 5 stars. However, today's experience ruined it. The first three times I dined in for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. The staff was attentive and friendly. The ambiance was nice, and there were various seating options - outside in the nicer weather, at the bar, at the high top tables in the front, or at the regular height tables in the back. Today's experience ruined it. I ordered a buffalo burger to go. I picked it up and took it back to my office. The menu included this description: Buffalo-Style Burger - 10 Spicy buffalo sauce, bleu cheese & celery salad, And a touch of ranch dressing! Upon opening it, I discovered that they included the buffalo sauce and that's it! The bleu cheese, celery salad, and ranch dressing were missing! And they were the reason I ordered it! I realize this is most likely the fault of just one person and it's an isolated incident (I hope), but it's disappointing that this happened the one time I ordered food to go. Had this happened when I was dining in, it could have easily been fixed. I will probably not stop going here due to the convenience but I will be much more cautious if I ever order food to go again.
(2)
Anne T.
Dad says it might be the best burger he's ever had !! Red peppers and bacon. Yum.
(5)
Jenny K.
This place would be a solid option based on location alone. It's distinguished by surprisingly fresh and healthy food options (given the Irish pub motif). They offer nice salads, which you can round out with a side dish of veggies. Hey, if you're going to be enjoying a $4.50 Smithwick's (or whatever their special of the week is), it helps to balance it out with some lighter fare. Service is decent; all in all a great neighborhood pub. Outdoor patio, and low-key on weeknights. Wish they would bring back trivia!
(4)
Giselle M.
When I was initially planning my wedding I purposely kept the guest count low in order to provide my guest with an amazing experience. I started out with a facility off the Chicago River but then my budget quickly doubled due to hidden cost and extra fees. Having our wedding at O'Shaughnessy turned out to be the most amazing experience ever my guest still to this day tell me it was "one of the best weddings they have ever been too" and talk about how professional and attentive the staff were but most importantly "how amazing the food was" and "how quickly drinks were served". The staff and the hostess went above and beyond to ensure everyone had an unbelievable experience. When I dropped my wedding planner Liz the hostess and restaurant/bar owner was at the ready always available to answer question despite her busy schedule but arranged the times with the florist, decorator and baker. Everything was beyond perfect or anything I could have imagined and my husband and I have Liz and her utterly amazing staff to thank. Best part the wedding was so reasonable it was under budget and paid off well before the wedding date. SO if you want to stray away from the budget busting debt of a wedding and provide your guest with an utterly amazing experience you should place O'Shaughnessy high on that list. Words can't even express our gratitude...
(5)
Nikkie H.
I moved to my new neighborhood a few months back and was happy that I had a decent bar within walking distance. Much like my last place and its proximity to Gannon's, O'Shaughnessy's is just two blocks which makes it, by default, my go-to neighborhood pub. I like a lot of things about this bar - decent beer selection, food is good, the bartenders and servers are pleasant, good outdoor area (either in the shade or in the sun, depending on your mood), etc. What I also like about it, is that it's a bit off the beaten path. It's not in the heart of Lincoln Square, it's not super close to any particular train stations, it's just perfect, because it's the quintessential neighborhood establishment. People who are there WANT to be there. They aren't hanging out because The Grafton or Huettenbar was too crowded and this was next door and empty. I added a bonus point too, because they actually have staff who are Irish (or at least one person and she's lovely). That is very much appreciated when you go to an Irish pub.
(4)
Dan G.
A decent "Irish" pub. It is actually pretty gorgeous on the inside. Carved wood, tin ceilings, nice furniture, and plenty of HD TVs. The food is standard pub fare. Fish and chips, burgers, rubens, that kind of food. All decent tasting. You ask for a burger you get a burger. Nothing over the top, but nothing flashy. They have a good selection of beer. The usual English/Irish stuff. Which includes Boddington's on tap. A personal favorite. Pub, Sports, Beers, Food. That's it! Decent in all accounts.
(3)
Julio M.
Took my mom here for dinner tonight. We had been wanting to check it out. I hadn't been here since it was an ice cream shop. the place looks nice, a little grim. It was hard to read the menus because it was so dim. We weren't greeted when we walked in, I had to ask someone if we could sit down. The waitress was ok. Not very talkative or informative. She was nice throughout the service but it just seemed like everyone was preoccupied. The food was great! Tomato soup and corned beef sandwich were very tasty. Maybe the lights should be turned up so the staff can wake up a bit. Other than that was ok. I'll be back again for the food!
(3)
David R.
Okay, I'm going back to 3 stars because I was there on a Sunday night and it was A-OK. Also, there was a silver-tongued old devil in the bar who very charmingly introduced himself to my sister and ignored me utterly--only after finding out that she and I were not together. Made us both chuckle as we walked away.
(3)
Mark M.
You step inside and the interior is full of beautiful dark wood and authentic Irish decor. You're instantly transported to the old country and I love it! They pour Guiness the right way and it's creamy and delicious. Great neighborhood Irish Pub.
(4)
Megan K.
3.5 stars, if I could. I've been to this bar 10+ times in the last two months after conveniently moving down the block. They have a decent draft and bottle listing, which is nice because you won't get stuck ordering the same few beers all the time. A huge allure of this place is their outdoor seating, where they have two small areas outside (one on Ravenswood and one on Wilson) that are normally pretty full on any nice evening. I've only had a few of their appetizers, but their steak nachos are awesome as they grill up fresh tasting steak and give you a fair amount of it. We tried the chicken quesadilla and the sweet potato fries last night, and those both were delicious as well. They have half off appetizers during the evening on weeknights, so I'd recommend trying out a few bites to eat then. The only reason that I'm knocking off a few stars is that the service hasn't been the most consistent. We've had a few very attentive and nice waiters/waitresses, but there have been times where it would take 10-15 minutes for a beer to come out, or we'd just be ignored openly by the waitress. The atmosphere is great, not too loud if they're showing a game, so you're still able to carry on a conversation and not have your ears buzzing by the time you walk out. The bar is always pretty full, but never obnoxiously so that you can't get a table. If you're in the area, it's definitely a bar that stands out above the rest, so give it a go!
(3)
Kylie S.
Irish pub a couple blocks from our house. Always a good crowd, good service, and good beer. Small patio out front that we enjoy sitting it so we can have our dog with us - it's a bit noisy as it's by the El, but not really a big deal. Parking in the area is easy and the bathrooms are really nice (for a Irish pub). Food is ~3 stars because it's fairly standard pub fare, but I enjoy the atmosphere and location so we come back regularly.
(4)
Daniel C.
A great place to stop by for a for a drink and maybe a quick bite. It is not a destination bar and not worth going out of your way to visit. But if you are in the area of North Center/Ravenswood/Lincoln Square it is one of my favorite options. The drinks are reasonably priced and they have an average/above-average beer list. Very friendly bartenders and I can usually grab a seat, not problem. Probably my favorite part about the bar is their large outdoor patio in front of the bar - it is a great place to drink and hang out during the summer and spring. I don't eat there too much, but it seems live they've stepped up their food recently. Had some great curry chips that impressed me. They do also have a late night menu, though it is pretty lame, consisting mainly of standard fried items like onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
(4)
Becca C.
Great for brunch, watching football or fútbol. Decent pricing and good specials. Very large space with nice restrooms. Kinda reminds me of a bar I went to in Thurles Co. Tipperary...kinda. The curry chips always hit the spot. Overall great place.
(4)
Aimee M.
Visited this place a few times now--dinner, lunch, drinks. I love the dark wood decor and this last time an Irish gent was telling me about a huge rugby match that Ireland won over England. And was he excited! Gosh I miss Ireland. The food is pretty good. I've had the fish and chips, burgers and Irish Breakfast different times. The burger was good--fresh ingredients, made to order. Fish and chips and Irish Breakfast was also good. Of course better in Ireland, but good enough that it reminded me of good times in Ireland. The service is laid back and friendly. Good beer/drink selection with daily specials. Each time I've visited it hasn't been overly crowded, but there were enough folks that made the chatter carry. It's always been a fun time at O'Shaughnessy's.
(4)
Tara M.
Okay, so this is a bar that if you go during the week, and are a female, will be in the minority in the room. I personally have no problem with this, but I know others who do. Anyway, when we first got there, it was pretty packed, finding a table wasn't as easy as I'd have liked, but not altogether impossible. Waitress got to us right away and had our drinks on the table minutes later. Good deal! Food was a different story, like I said it was a bit busy, a Hawks game was on, and so rawdiness was present with the patrons. That said, we did get what we ordered, the way we ordered it. I had the Baja Chicken Ranch Press, which was good... didn't have a ton of flavors going on, but as a basic samich... not bad. Friend had the Blackened Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla and offered no complaints. I think its a nice place to have dinner and a drink, and watch a game. Not some place I'd go out of my way to head over to unless I was meeting up with friends. Will I go again? sure... if I know people there or am in the neighborhood.
(3)
Margaret R.
It's official, I'm now a 'regular', I love this bar!! They have a great food and beer selection and specials every day of the week. Atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the staff are attentitive and full of recommendations for the newcomer. My favorite dishes are the corn beef press and the chicken curry, the curry sauce is amazing. I highly recommend you pay this place a visit, you'll thank me for it!!
(5)
Rollie H.
Well, something has changed, besides the menu. I used to love the Fish Limon. A piece of tilapia, NOT DEEP FRIED, what a concept, with steamed veggies and brown rice. Finally a place w/fish I can eat, yay! and now it's gone off the menu. So all the fish is deep fried, so I won't be back for that. The new menu just like other places. And I will never understand why there is Latin food at Irish pubs. You won't see this in Ireland. And, they had to put signs by the fireplace warning that they are real and they are hot, and to keep children away. How pitiful is that. Parents, can't you teach your children that fireplaces are not play places? Not going back and I'm sad about that.
(1)
Kevin C.
Why is that I judge a book by its cover when the cover is appealing? I need to stop doing that. We stopped in for a couple beers and good conversation. Initially wanted to sit outside, grabbed a table, and waited about 15 minutes with no luck. To their credit only two waitresses were on for the outside which boasts around 20 some tables. Picked up shop and went inside to the bar. Another 10 minutes or so...and were tended to. As for the pub itself it had a very inviting atmosphere with hardwood throughout mixed in with a cozy Irish twist. Truly a nice place and is very large which would be well suited for large groups. I'll admit it was a Tuesday night - but was it 50's plus night (old man bar alert)? Being on the younger side of 25 this stuck out like a sore thumb, which is okay, it's a neighborhood bar. So if you're looking for a younger crowd you might not find it here. The beer selection was geared toward Irish brews but they had a fine variety to offer. It was nice to see Bell's Oberon on tap which is a fine tasting summer ale. Five dollar pints is pretty standard so no complaints there. I was unimpressed with the service. No mention of the monthly specials ($4 Hoegaarden and $3 Beck's bottles come to find out later) or if we wanted to see a menu. Felt slightly neglected as we had to get the bar tenders attention for our first beer, the second, and the bill (and he didn't pour a canned beer into a glass for a lady patron - what's with that?). By no means were they slammin' at 8 o'clock on Tuesday. Dropping by for a couple of beers failed in my opinion. Based on the food that was coming out of the kitchen and previous reviews I will be back for a taste. I'll give O'Shaughnessy's another fair shake.
(2)
scott B.
Been here a few times before as "adults" and always had a good time, but last Friday we brought our toddler with us. It was around 6:00 pm and the place was filling up. I never noticed before how many seats in the place were "high bar stool type" chairs. We spotted some lower seating in the back room, but several of the tables had "Reserved" signs on them and the rest were taken. We ended up at a high table and watched our son like a hawk in case he launched over his stool. I had the yummy pot roast sandwich and she had the fish and chips. Fish was a little greasy that night. Our son had the chicken fingers. He said they were fine. Beer selection was great as always. We will be back, but not with him until he gets much taller,
(3)
matty z.
I'm disappointed with myself that I first gave O'Shaughnessy's a 3-star rating. I was mistaken. She's a four-star. The reason for the upgrade? High attention to service and keeping you happy. And that's worth it, my friends. That's worth it. It's comfortable, unassuming, and a great place to spend hours away with friends. Or, hell, even by yourself! Love it.
(4)
Whitney B.
I used to go to this bar for Trivia on Tuesday nights. Unfortunately I did not feel that the owner gave support to the people actually running or participating in the trivia. Despite servers being very nice, the service and food are not the greatest. It is generally somewhat slow. However, my main complaint is that after multiple emails asking to be removed from the email list for that trivia, the owner insists upon keeping me on said list. This week will now be the third email I send to ask to be removed. It is simply indicative of incredibly poor customer service if you ask me. And just to be clear, I have worked in the service industry for a substantial amount of time in prior years. So I am well-acquainted with how establishments like this should handle customers. It is a real shame if you ask me, because the bar has a great monopoly on the neighborhood in a lot of ways.
(1)
cassie r.
Curry sauce and fries. My newest discovery....latest obsession. Thanks to O'Shaughnessy's for the introductions. This place has a lot going for it - A chill vibe, with plentiful seats on a Sunday, football watching afternoon. Good food, decent beer and friendly service. And again, curry sauce and fries. Hello?! Amazing. We also tried the hummus, but I only had a bite of that, so I can't really attest to it's quality. However, I'm fairly certain I ate 95% of our fry order. I can definitely attest to their amazingness. And I shall. Repeatedly.
(3)
Kristen W.
Not thrilled, not thrilled at all. The food was extremely greasy (fries were inedible) and the beer was lukewarm. Highly disappointing because they've obviously taken great care with the decor. It's a truly beautiful Irish style pub. They really need to kick the food up a notch or two. And they really screwed up the Irish breakfast. Total sin in my book.
(2)
T M.
I had high hopes for O'Shaughnessy's for the months that it was under construction. I'm not sure why, it's not like I frequent Irish pubs or anything. But all the buzz we heard from the owners about what their plans were, and the signage out front, pointed to something more than what was delivered. It's a very nice place, attesting to the contractor background of the owners, although I would have avoided putting A/C vents directly over people's seats. There have been a few times I've sat down and moved immediately so I wouldn't freeze, and that's pretty impressive. I do wish they had gone for smaller or fewer televisions. While everyone who works there is very nice and the service has always been good, the food itself is just too expensive for what it is. Either they should drop the prices in recognition of the food's utter mediocrity, or make it a lot better. I doubt they'll make it cheaper, so that means they should start practicing in the kitchen. I do appreciate the salad that they've substituted for fries- it was a solid portion with a nice mix of greens. I think they also have a decent liquor selection. It's heavy on favorites, but they do carry some fun stuff, like Tennent's lager, which I have to recommend. I try to stay away at night, since it becomes mostly indistinguishable from other Irish pubs which I similarly avoid.
(3)
Lynn M.
The chicken curry impressed me. The inside was very cozy and still well designed and decorated.
(5)
Crystal D.
I really hesitated about giving it a 4th star, versus just 3, but in the end I gotta say that this place definitely does not offend me and I always find myself having a pleasant, if not spectacular, time. My first time dining was on the patio and they were nice enough to look the other way about my dog being with me- sorry to all the dog haters!! But the fish and chips was just meh. And the boxti were really awful. My second time there was at the bar on Thanksgiving and the owner was VERY hospitable to us so that definitely is worth 4 stars. He talked to us and seemed to be aware of some of the service and kitchen issues and I think he is really trying to fix them. Let's hope he gets the kinks ironed out. So based on that visit, the boyfriend and I visited a couple of weeks ago for dinner to see if the food had improved. It was ok. Really not a very Irish menu- a few things here and there. As my boyfriend said, "how can you not have any corned beef or reuben on an irish menu?" Maybe we have the wrong idea about irish food but I likes me some corned beef every now and then and would have thought that would be the place to get it! The Curry Fries are pretty good and the artichoke dip was fine but a little light on portion size and screw the vegetables- too hard to dip in artichoke dip- bring on more pita! Tried the fish and chips again and was still not impressed but the shepherd's pie was ok. You're not going to a five-star restaurant- it's a pub people. Luckily my service has been fine. This is a fun bar to hang out in. The food is nothing special so I would focus on going here as a bar and maybe ordering appetizers. Oh and the interior is BEAUTIFUL!
(4)
Peter V.
Why would you spend an obvious large sum of money to completely gut a space, build it out, make it one of the better looking Irish bars in Chicago only to serve food that taste like burnt plastic and have the world's largest selection of bad beer? Because you are an Irish bar in Chicago. This city needs another Irish bar like it needs another steak house. O'Shaughnessey's - You put an obvious effort into the building now make half an effort into your food or maybe bring in a beer that is not a Bud or Miller product. We're pretty smart drinkers these days. And how do you screw up French Fries? people complain about the food not being authentic Irish, I don;t care what it is, my complaint is the food isn't edible This isn't River North or Wrigleyville and this bar will barley cling to life for a year or so only because there is no other option for food or drink nearby.
(1)
Darin E.
What was I thinking!!?!?! I ordered a Mojito with fond memories of a trip to Puerto Rico a few years back. It was on special, and they aren't THAT hard to make. This one was 'orrible. I would actually rather have had a warm Budweiser. My wife got the potato leek soup - it was like baby food. BLEH. The soda bread seemed homemade, though, and was good. "Chips" with curry sauce were ok too. Waitresss a Irish accent. Nice overall feel to the place. Dark paneling etc. Any potential for redemption was ruined by a rowdy bunch of LOMBARD guys (any William Gibson fans out there?) that came in after the Blackhawks lost the hockey game.
(2)
Sean C.
I happen to live right around the corner from this nice looking Irish pub, and was hoping it could be a regular stop for friendly service and great beer. I haven't had much of a chance to visit over the summer, but after a few trips to O'Shaughnessy's I feel I have come up with a fair review. After the first couple of times going there, I just shook off the crowds and sub-par service to a new, 'not quite there yet' bar. The food wasn't all that great either, but tolerable. Just don't waste your money on the Potato Skins. They have zero taste. Let me sum it up as best as I can: Fancy Irish decor? Check. You can start your Irish pub architectural tour here. Great pour of Guinness? Check. God help an Irish bar that can't do this. Good looking women? Hit or miss - the 60-something waitresses aren't giving us guys much to look at either. Unless you're into that sort of thing. Oh, and for the ladies i'd imagine the men weren't all that much to look at either. Especially since I was there... Authentic Irish grub and/or great food? Good luck finding it here. Bartender who refuses to replace a soapy beer? Affirmative. I think this place finally struck out with me.
(2)
Luke S.
I seem to have had a good time here. My buddy bought me a beer which tasted like Robitussin, but that was only because he lost a bet and was biter. It's your typical Irish pub. The food looked pretty good and the service was quality. Four stars for the bag of candy that I found in the back of the room. Skittles and Starbursts were a crucial find at that point in the night.
(4)
Danita B.
The early Yelp reviews of this place had me feeling a bit cautious. Thankfully, my experience from last week Wednesday was just fine, and that was actually the second time I've gone. I live in the neighborhood. Most of the early complaints I saw of this place dealt with the service. On my initial visit, one of my friends gave the server a bit of a stumbling block - "I'd like the cod baguette, but no cod! And an order of fries with curry." (She's a vegetarian.) And this was after asking if they had chili-mac (something a different Irish pub nearby has). Our server needed a couple seconds to process, but then she took the challenge in hand and got my friend settled with a no-cod-cod-baguette which comes with fries anyway, and a side of curry. (Cheaper than they way my friend was trying to order it.) Based on that, I guess you could say that the menu could be improved with some move veggie friendly additions. Our food was good. I had a burger that time, no complaints. My second visit I had the Irish B.L.T. Meh. Not so much a fan of that one. I guess I prefer regular American style bacon more. Both times we were there, we wanted to watch a game on tv. For whatever reason, they persist in playing really crappy music instead of having the sound for the game on. (A station or something of covers...a man covering Britney Spears' "Toxic"? REALLY? You're going to make people suffer that?) The second time we were there, the sound for WGN was on, but then they turned it off in favor of that cover station. Eventually things did improved when a bunch of musicians came in to play traditional Irish music. There must have been twelve of them, and they were really good. I plan on going back on more Wednesdays to catch that. Overall, worth a visit.
(3)
David G.
So, the place is brand new and looks that way. Some Yelpers seem to want it to look like a 50 year old Irish pub right off the bat. Consider for a moment that this would look pretty stupid, too. Do classic institutions often get there by mimicing some old cliche? Or do they stick to their mops and be the place they want? Maybe I'm a little pissed that you guys don't look 75 year-old Persian prostitutes. The woodwork in here is grand, dark and um, expensive-looking. The staff is friendly and Irish. (The tall guy has asked my name and given me a free shot.) Contrary to another review - maybe an old one - they have many Irish whiskeys on hand. A hundred stars.
(4)
Julee M.
I have been waiting what seems like forever for this place 1 block from my house to open. I was a huge fan of its former occupant, Zephyr. I loved that I could walk over there and have a meal outside. I was heartbroken when Zephyr closed. I was happy to see another restaurant would be taking it's place. The fact that it is a bar is a major bonus. They are supposed to be adding outdoor seating soon too which rocks. Our area of Ravenswood needs a place like this. So last Saturday a couple friends and I decided to have lunch there before the roller derby. We got there about 3pm and got one of the last 3 open tables. Like the reviewer below said, we too were surprised by the amount of children. Luckily they were all well behaved. My first impression upon entering was that the place looked gorgeous and it was hard to believe that the art deco Zephyr was once there. They put a lot of work into it and it shows. My only complaint is that because the dcor is so dark, the outside light coming in through the windows is blinding. No big deal though. Our waitress was very nice but sloooowww. It took forever for her to take our order and then it took forever for the drinks to come. She was also not very knowledgeable of the menu and what was included and forgot to bring a few things throughout the meal. I will overlook this though since they did just open and I'm sure she was still learning, but I hope the service improves in the future. Now onto the food. The menu was interesting. I've just recently started enjoying Irish food. Well ok, it's the curry sauce I'm enjoying. But anyway, there were several things on the menu I wanted to try. I settled on the grilled cheese with Irish Cheddar and a side of curry fries. The cheddar they used was excellent and I love that it was served on whole wheat bread. I ordered it with tomato but it was still a little dry. It could use some sort of sauce or something that so many places seem to be adding to their grilled cheese these days. It was good though and I would order it again for the cheese. The fries were over cooked but the curry sauce was great and made up for it. One friend had the thickest burger I have ever seen and the other had the Irish sausages. Both said they were good. Sooo...1 star for location and convenience. 1 star for ambiance. 1 star for the food. I hope to raise that in the coming months as they get over the "just-opened" growing pains. I'll be back for sure.
(3)
Melissa B.
I may re-do my review in the future, since all I had was a beer. Although I will say their beer specials are awesomely priced. The open mic is hosted by Zen, who is spectacular. This open mic is still in it's infancy stages, so we all decided to do more of a "round robin" style. The sound system leaves something to be desired, but the back room, and drink specials make me think this could blossom into something wonderful.
(3)
Brett G.
Went in during a downpour this past Friday night, at about 8ish. Since I run by this place frequently, I have watched it progress during construction. There really are not many bars up in the area (aside from the Rail), so had some hope for this place being one where you could stop in and get a drink and bite to eat. Totally disappointed. While the place looks nice from both the outside and inside, there was an hour wait for any sort of seat, either at the bar or table. It was so extraordinarily loud, I had to ask the woman taking names to repeat her message twice. An hour to sit at a place where I can't even hear? No thanks. Maybe it's just because the bar is conveniently located, and the Ravenswood folk are starved for a bar, but that's just a bit much for me. Perhaps the review will improve once I actually try their drinks and food, but the food looked like standard, fried Irish fare (not my thing).
(2)
Barry J.
comfy place to drink with friends. kind of pricy but they spent some bucks on the build out. Keeps out the riff raff. (actually I kind of like a little r/r. ah well.) Alpha King on tap. Plenty of cabs. Stumbling distance for some of us. Spacious. Huge clean bathrooms. U2@100dB. Nice looking young people misbehaving. Or wanting to. They're obviously not taking any chances here but that's cool. Type of place I'd be happy to hang at if someone else was buying my drinks. *** = a-ok
(3)
Jeff B.
7 light beers at an Irish Pub....give me a break. There were only two Irish brews on the beer list. What's Irish about that? To add insult, the menu is small and no corned beef, no reuben, no shepherd's pie, no bangers and mash...what kind of pub is this again? My date and I ordered the fish n chips and a salad. The two fish sticks and 10 fries...where's the beef? The salad looked like a bunch of weeds pulled from down the street. On top of that it was served on a platter, dressing on the side so there was no way to "Toss" the salad. Service was slow, food was bad, why go back? This place will be on the for sale block soon. in this economy you can't afford to be new and making such a horrible impression.
(1)
Elaine C.
I had one of those days where between the time I decided I was hungry and the time I actually decided what to eat, it had been 5 hours. I don't know if it was stress or what, but I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to decide what to eat. Luckily, someone rescued me and took me here. The chicken and avocado sandwich (which came with mango and cilantro and other stuff) was exactly what i needed. I did wish it came with more mango and more chicken, but an abundance of avocado is not something to complain about in chicago. They gave us curry sauce for the fries, plus I drank a gigantic Magner's and life was good once again. This place is really the kind of place you wish you lived around the corner from, kind of like Bar on Buena. It's homey, inexpensive ($7 for my sandwich), and has a cure for whatever ails ya. Thanks to O'shaughnessy's and my friend for not letting me starve.
(4)
Anthony J.
Been there a half-dozen, maybe more times. Beer selection nothing special, usual pub stuff. Food is decent, can't complain. Most of it isn't exactly homemade, but this ain't a gastropub. Go for burgers, fish and chips, bangers and mash. All those are good. Prolly 3.5 stars, but I'll give it 4 for timely service and a real clean joint.
(4)
Eric S.
Right across the street from where I live, can't complain about that. I have never been inside a pub in Ireland, so I cannot vouch for the decor. Think Dixie Kitchen with an Irish theme. But the dark wood, green curtains and subtle lighting give it a very comfy atmosphere. Only had apps the first night. They were OK. Really glad to see Strong Bow on tap. I'll be stopping in for that all summer long.
(4)
janet f.
After having read some of the reviews of this place, I wanted to throw my hat in the ring also, having been here several times. I tried the fries with curry. Meh. The sauce tasted like diluted ketchup mixed with curry powder, and the fries were undersalted and not very tasty. I've had Irish curry before and liked it very much...this was not it. Although I realize the place is Scottish, the vegetable chips at Duke of Perth are far superior. The chicken pot pie is pretty good, as are the mussels. One can see that the owners spent a lot of time and effort on the design and decor. They did a nice job, though I agree that the air conditioning needs to be diverted so that it is not blasting on the patrons' heads the whole time. This can easily be fixed.
(2)
Suzanne S.
Was here yesterday when they were having temporary air-conditioner issues (which they apologized for), and yet I still had a good time. The decor is well thought-out and complete. I like the variety of seating options. The ladies room is clearly marked (I hate ambiguously labled bathrooms) and has automatic faucets :) The outdoor seating is abundant (sat inside this time due to the impending rain). I tired the spinich artichoke dip and the fish & chips. Both good. It doesn't seem like there are many "lighter" options on the menu. So if you go to eat, expect to eat some grease and fat. The beer selection was ok. Fat Tire and Strongbow made me happy. My only issues were in some minor details. Had to ask for napkins/utensils when our food came. Also, decided to go up to the bar and help myself to coasters, after the condensation from our drinks had created a little pond on our table. Otherwise, our server was attentive, and friendly. And the music selection was funny. I guess there's a jukebox, but what was playing sounded like satellite. When we got there, it was late 90's rap/euro disco....then it switched to more current alternative...Next time, I'll put some money in the juke box.
(4)
Francis K.
O'Shaughnessy's was run through the Irish Pubitron 6000. It has the clean look of a bar which was never exposed to Chicago in its smoking days. Go here to get a Guinness (I didn't), Go here to get breakfast anytime (always a plus), Go here if you want a clean bar with friendly staff that will probably not last as it gains popularity. Go here if you want to be pleasantly surprised by drunk revelers bursting out into songs from the Olde Country. If this is not your cup of tea you have been warned. I quite enjoyed listening to the lamenting balads that some of the people in the bar were singing. I am unsure how long that will last but the bar should encourage it. I will return here often but on my first visit I felt like was experiencing a one off night. The cynic in me will expect to find this place to have dipped some on next visit. I want to be completely wrong! The space is HUGE. The Bangers and Mash were a let down. I am not sure who supplies their sausages but they simply missed wide right. The missus enjoyed her meal which I took frequents stabs at since I was let down severely.
(3)
Drew S.
I'll start out by saying that I hope to up the stars on future visits to Oshaughnessey's but feel obligated to rate it accurately and not just throw 5 stars its way because Ravenswood finally has a decent bar. Yes, Carol's and The Rail, that was directed at you. My gripes are as follows and largely bartendering related: the first vodka martini one of my friends ordered took some time to arrive on the bar. It looked like the guy was trying to find the box labeled "martini shakers" and by some coincidence no one had ordered a martini in the first week of the place being open. My other friend, on some sort of weird high school flashback, decided to drink whiskey sours that 85-90% sour mix. I stuck with the whole Irish pub theme and drank Guinness which was well and slowly poured though inexplicably ice cold. The bar itself is beautifully renovated and a real treat to be in. A lot of attention went into the detailed painting and woodwork. Sports fans will certainly enjoy the plasma screens running ESPN-HD. Thankfully there was no audio from said screens as I am not a sports fan. It's a good compromise. The kitchen closes at 10pm on weekdays so I didn't get to try any food but somehow I expect I'll make the 3 block walk in the near future to do so.
(3)
January C.
I was working on a project nearby when this place was being built out. I kept trying to get my co-workers to check it out after work but that never seemed to happen. So finally last week after dinner at Spacca Napoli I convinced my friend to go there for a drink. One drink lead to many, but what can I say; I've never been known to disappoint anyone when it comes to drinking my share. I was very impressed by this place. I really liked the decor, particularly the ceiling panels which I think are actually wall panels placed on the ceiling. It has the cozy, authentic feeling of a real Irish pub. Typically, I would rather shoot myself in the head than venture into another "Irish Pub" in Lakeview or surrounding area, but this place has managed to draw a different crowd than the generic, obnoxious northside i-was-in-a-frat-in-college group of 20 somethings. In fact, this place is so great that I don't think it would tolerate such a crowd. There were real, actual Irish folk, and quite a lot of them. Everyone was very friendly. The bar was not crowded, yet not empty. I ran into someone I know. I will be back when I'm in that neighborhood! (I would also like to note they have a small outdoor patio on the sidewalk)
(4)
Willem B.
This could potentially be a 5 star restaurant but as it's only been open for 4 days it would be premature to make such a judgment. But based on my one first time experience Id say it's outstanding. The staff, although obviously everyone's on their best behavior as this is the debut week, were extremely eager t please and very sincere. Our meal was only mildly late because of some temporary glitch in the kitchen and the manager hastily rushed us some free side dishes. The decor is really comforting. The whole place has a mahogany fell to it - you defintley feel ensconced in an old world Irish Pub (upscale pub). Compared to the old Zephyr there, the Zephyr was an outright dump. And the way the layout is you can walk from one large family friendly area into the more sports/ bar area - although each areas are acceptable for both types of experience. The TV's are large and spaced very well throughout. The bathrooms are beyond immaculate and ornate. The on tap beer selection is top notch. Guinness obviously with Harp, Boddingtons - and many others I cant remember. I think the bartender is straight out of Ireland and is an ace at pouring stout. Having had only one meal there so far I can't rave about the taste of anything else yet, but the Irish Breakfast was the best I've ever had. Very large portions and served exactly as described in the menu. The rest of the fare is authentic Irish. Bangers, rashers, Irish grilled cheese etc. I couldn't be happier that this place is in my neighborhood. I consider myself pretty skeptical in regard to restaurants and was prepared to go negative on this pub is it turned out to be so - but everything I had hoped this place would be is what it is - outstanding in decor, staff, price food and drink.
(4)
Susan L.
I've been back! Great food! Love the drink specials! Love love love the attention to detail! Thank you for not being another stupid bar!
(5)
Melissa H.
I wish I had been hungry when I went here. The crew that I had met up with there had noshed before I had arrived and I was already full with an early brunch with the parentals. Each of them had ordered fish and chips, which they all said were fabulous and had moved on to the beer of the month - Magic Hat - which, while I'm not a fan; at $4 drafts, it's a price that can't be beat. I settled in with a cocktail instead and we all just sat around watching the Cubs tank. Again. The bar has a pretty nice sized patio, and parking is easy. It's an interesting neighborhood to put a restaurant in but they were pretty busy even for a early Saturday evening. It seems as though it might be a great place for bigger groups of people, too. So, sometime soon I'll be back there. Not for Magic Hat, but definitely for fish and chips.
(3)
Handyman Rich E.
A Beautiful interior, and a pleasant waitress were the high spots. The Music was to loud for conversation, The waitress had it lowered for us on request. We stopped for desert only, & a brownie w/ ice cream & raspberry sauce was the only thing they offered. They'd only been open for a month, & their menu is still being developed. The brownie was large. It's texture (& taste) were more like a muffin, but still tasted pretty good. The single malts were stingy, & by the time we were leaving, it looked like it was going to be a hopping Saturday night @ the public house.
(3)
Nycole H.
I went to a surprise birthday party there this past week and we had part of the back room to ourselves. It was a nice space and we had our own bar in the back which was super convenient. The staff was all very nice and even though they were busy they kept the drinks flowing. The group had ordered some light appetizers and they had cut up sandwiches, onion rings and salad. Everything was good. If I'm ever in the neighborhood again I'd go for drinks.
(3)
Ross F.
I grew up not too far from here and had great memories of the old Zephyrs ice cream parlor. The place has been completely remodeled and it is gorgeous- you can tell the owners really wanted to get the pub feel right. The menu has some really authentic Irish grub and the beer is cold. Its a new place so the menus aren't all done and they seemed a bit understaffed. No doubt they will work out the kinks- O'Shaugnessy's looks like it will be here for a long time!
(4)
Todd M.
I have been meaning to give O'Shaugnessy's a try for a while. I looked at the reviews today and realized the three star rating was misleading as it appears many of the low ratings were fairly old. I am glad I gave it a try. When you first walk in it appears to be a relatively small place but there is a hallway to a back room that has a second bar which is probably very convenient late in the night. All the typical Irish beers are available and they have a nice menu to compliment the drink list. I did not try any of the Irish fare for dinner but did very much enjoy my caesar salad and the hamburger with fries. I will be back and look forward to sampling more of their menu and taking in some of their live music on a future visit.
(4)
Brandon W.
This is actually a great little place. What used to house Zephyrs, the home of the 64 oz milk shake, now holds a beautiful bar that looks NOTHING like the old place. This is a pretty relaxed place. i love it that it is popular, but not that popular yet to where you can't get in the door or get a table. The staff here is very friendly, and they are always welcoming! Service has always been pretty quick, and accurate. Food prices are extremely decent. The food is also good too. Although, I think we ordered chips and salsa, and they made the strangest salsa I have ever had. Tasted kind of like an attempt at a mango salsa, with rotten mangos. However, the guacamole was pretty good, and really spicy too - which I like. As I only munched on appetizers here so far, I cant say how good the rest of the food is, but again, they look great and are reasonably priced. This is now a regular stop for me because it is located in my neighborhood and is a lot more pleasant then many of the other area bars!
(4)
Carri C.
My husband and I live a few blocks from this bar and have been there at least 20 times since it opened. We have always had good service (of course, some servers are betters than others, but none have been terrible), the Guiness is excellent and the food has greatly improved since when they first opened (the bangers and mash and fish and chips are excellent). I don't consider the food or drinks expensive-typical Chicago prices. The beautiful woodwork, stained glass, and ample seating are a big plus. This bar is worth checking out.
(5)
Arnold L.
OK...so the place has been open for 2 weeks now. I have been there 5 times. It is a great place to stop for a pint on the way home. It is a great place to stay for another one. I have read some of the reviews and the reason it is packed is because it is new. It will get better in time and when they add outdoor seating it will be even better. I wish it would have been opened after the Ravenswood 5k. I heard the breakfast is outstanding.
(4)
A Q.
Had a beer, not the food. Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but a clean, huge, new Irish pub that has nice servers and is two blocks from my house. Upon leaving I was puzzled as to the relatively mediocre Yelp rating I had read prior to getting dragged there, as the place was totally inoffensive in every way.
(4)
Daniel Y.
Nice bar. Good beer selection. Last time I was there the bartender split a salad and sandwich for my wife and I onto two plates without us even asking. On the weekends they have live music and it's not too loud. A good place. Edit: I had to drop O'Shaughnessy's to a three....last few times I went there it is crowded, noisy and the staff have not been friendly. It's still a good place to go on an afternoon or weeknight but avoid it on a weekend.
(3)
Richard H.
Charming neighborhood pub with tasty food. The warm moldings and hearty stews makes me feel like a hobbit. (Er, this is meant to be a good thing.) I highly recommend the irish curry with half fries/half rice.
(4)
D S.
This place continues its slide to suck. It used to be thoroughly mediocre: mediocre food, mediocre service. It's now a step below that. Staff has gone from wishing they were somewhere else to acting like that. (Took 20 minutes to get the waiter to come take money from us. He spent most of it chatting with another server at the bar.) Food quality has gone down hill, they've clearly switched to lower grade of everything, and have stopped serving things with what the menu claims they should.
(2)
Melissa S.
Was super excited when this bar moved into our neighborhood. Nice decor and good looking menu. However, the service NEVER fails to be awful. Because I wanted to like O'Shaughnessy's since it is by far the closest neighborhood bar, we tried it about a dozen times. My favorite of the experiences is when the lovely waitress noticed and admitted as she was handing me a larger version and more expensive version of what I ordered that it must have been the "kitchen's mistake." She then disappeared only to come back the next time with the check in which I was charged for the large entree. This was our final trip to O'Shaughnessy's.
(2)
Brad H.
Didn't try the food, but they pour a good pint. Pub has an authentic appearance, and many of the staff speak with an endearing Irish brogue.
(4)
Christine T.
We have been completely happy with the food, service, and value at this bar. My favorite section on the menu is the salad section because both the quality and the choice of salads are impressive. I also like that you can order a small or large salad, depending on whether you want it as a side or a main course. (Some of the main courses also come in small and large sizes, too, which I like.) We love this place! PS: A previous poster mentioned that O'Shaughnessy's doesn't have shepherd's pie. That item is now on the menu, although I'd go for a unique salad or the great curry dish over plain 'ol shepherd's pie. :)
(5)
Tony B.
Ever since Zephyrs left and this bar moved in around the corner, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, they still haven't hit their stride. Service is almost always lousy. Except for Joe, most of the staff has long memory lapses or puts orders in wrong. Food is getting better, but still doesn't live up to the Healthy or Hearty promise. Mostly greasy/mediocre bar food. Soup is way too salty. Beer selection is great. Guinness is superb. As good as Cullen's back bar. Keep in mind that it's a neighborhood bar and not a 4 star restaurant. Lower your expectations and be prepared for some unattentive service Oh, and to Keely B. - I seriously doubt you were sick from this bar. True food borne illnesses take 24-48 hours to develop. If you had reported this to the Chicago Health Dept, they would ask for a full inventory of everything you ate for 3 days or more. Think harder.
(3)
Diane S.
I stopped going to Glenn's because it was so crowded, and O'Shaughnessy's became my neighborhood standby. The food is consistently good, whether you order traditional pub-fare or a light salad. The service has ranged from fantastic to meh, and they frequently rent out the back room for parties which severely limits the seating options. Overall, a good neighborhood standby for a casual meal on a day when there's no party going on.
(3)
michele m.
Food Decent, Atmosphere Good, Just don't be in too much a hurry, I think the main downfall is their service.
(4)
Judy W.
Sunday football playoffs: Bears vs. packers. My friend and I went early. When you walk in, it looks like a small corner bar, but there is also a large back room. We started the day with breakfast. I had an omelette w/ my choice of 3 ingredients and my friend had corned beef hash. The food was hot and tasted great. My friend was impressed with the size of the potatoes in her hash. I had a bailey's and coffee with my food. After we ate, I had 2bloody mary's. The place was a little slow at first, so the bartender was serving us. We were joined later by some other friends. They had a burger and a couple salads. We also had some appetizers and several beers. The only complaint we had was the amount of grease in the onion rings. Our server was very attentive, even as the place became very crowded. We were there for more than 8 hours. We had a great time and would definitely visit again.
(4)
Pete M.
What an enjoyable, comfortable place! We stopped by on Saturday, on our way home from a bike ride. Our server was friendly and helpful. We had the blackened chicken quesadilla, the turkey club sandwich, and the Smoked and Roasted Burger. The turkey club was fine, and the quesadilla and the burger were excellent. The beer list was relatively inexpensive, so we'll be back.
(4)
Ann M.
A neighborhood pleasure for me. The food is interesting, I generally enjoy the salads, especially the goat cheese salad. The chips with curry dip are a must have. The curry dip is so delicious!
(3)
Dee C.
had my joint birthday party here last night, we booked a spot on the on the patio for 30 people, Tom the manager was great, didn't order food but tried a friends home made fries and curry, both were awesome, not sure why some people had bad service, our server was awesome, handled all the seperate checks with ease and no attitude., will post her name, once I learn it on next visit. Doorman was a sweetheart
(5)
Sarah J.
Good place for food, drinks and relaxing. They have good salads, I had the buffalo chicken salad, I like the pot roast (melts in your mouth), and their chipolte-lime chicken sandwich. they have good appetizers and a nice outside spot!
(4)
James K.
Loved the atmosphere, decor, and space. Decent selection of beers on tap. The food was edible, but not exciting. The outside and inside are wonderfully decorated and really quite fun. On several occasions I commented to my companions that I really liked the atmosphere and ambiance. The place has a pub feel, but isn't crowded or cave-like. The ceilings are high and there is room to maneuver. Beer selection is good, can't go wrong with a draft Guinness or Carlsberg. Unfortunately, the server kept taking my glass before i was completely finished. I estimate I lost three whole sips! Hey, I paid for that, chief, what the hell? Ahhhh, the food. Don't come for the food. My "fondue" was something of a misnomer. More like garlic toast and warmish bleu cheese. This seemed rather low quality and is to be avoided. The chicken wings and curly fries were average.
(3)
John L.
I dig the look and feel of this place, very authentic old country Irish pub design, sprawled out to U.S. dimensions. A handful of authentic Irish dishes, including a full Irish breakfast anytime, with a particularly tasty exotically spiced blood sausage. Surprisingly, the Smoked and Roasted burger here is one of the best burgers I've ever had (And if there's one thing I know, it's burgers). Also, Magners both in the bottle and on tap, and Strongbow too, all reasonably priced for the hard cider fans. This is as solid an Irish pub as any I've been to.
(4)
rachel p.
long gone are the days of sipping a milkshake in a vinyl booth under the glow of a pink neon flamingo in the pickard building. o'shawnasty's has replaced the milkshakes with alcohol (which i generally approve of), the vinyl booths with wooden high tops and the neon with dark, lacquered wood. its not that i think that the place is "bad," its that i know it could have been SO much better. the interior is nice, but it just looks too new and over the top. there are too many tvs and it's generally fairly noisy. the service at the tables is usually mediocre at best, slightly better at the bar. there's just a general apathy drifting about the servers. basically what we've got here is a cookie cutter bar that might as well be on the corner of any two streets in the city.
(2)
Courtney P.
Nice hidden bar with a small outside space but huge iinside. If you like Irish pubs (and who doesn't?) and live close by, this is your place
(4)
Justin W.
Great location, great layout, good beer selection, terrible staff. You have a wonderful layout, raucous front bar and low key rear bar. The big problem is the staff, they are seemingly unbelievably busy even with no customers. I saw some of the reviews alluding to the service issue and i have to agree, it's just plain bad. The food is decent if you can ever actually order any.
(2)
Sarah B.
I really wanted to give this place 4 stars.... Decor-wise I love this place: the dark wood paneling, the fireplaces, the banquet, wrap-around seating, all of it is fantastic. And the bouncer and waitstaff are funny, charismatic and friendly. The beer selection is a quite good and the food is standard, pretty good quality Irish pub food. But the service was so slow! It was a Saturday night, but everything took such a long time. And, ultimately, the waitress apologized for the wait and she was so friendly that the long wait made it bearable. I would go back, but maybe during the week when service might be better.
(3)
Jennifer K.
This place was badly needed to add another option to the neighborhood, but sadly it's missing the mark. I've been hear a few times with coworkers or while waiting for a table at the restaurant down the street, and everytime i walk in I hope that I'll like it a little more because it honestly is convenient to get to for me. The food is just ok, and doesn't have as much variety as I'd like. Furthermore, the service is SLOW. Needless to say, I won't be going out of my way to head back.
(2)
Sarah M.
o'shaughnessy's is something that i've been in search of since moving here...a bar that has a quality, comfortable feel from all aspects. the atmosphere is very large and warm without being dingy. it's impeccably clean (ladies i'm pretty sure the women's is larger than my apartment...and def cleaner ;) and the wait staff is pleasant. also the irish band that played the last time i was there (wednesday night maybe) was off the hook!
(5)
siouxzi r.
I'm not sure if there's a Fairy Tale of O'Shaughnessy's or not. The facade really stands out in a Ravenswood sea of residential brick. Among the beautifully decorated interior you'll find lots of seating and a well broken-up space beating down the annoying "giant box" feeling so many Irish pubs have. I especially like the weight of the chairs at the regular tables; most chairs tip from the weight of my bag on the back - these stay solidly down on all fours. The drink selection is fair. I was happy to see Smirnoff Ice on the menu - Hey, alcho-pops are(were) plenty popular over there and it's the closest thing we've got. They poured a decent pint of Guinness (they'd better) but that wasn't mine so I can't speak to the temp of it. And they've got live musicians around on occasion (they were setting up when I left). They tried hard to get a good authentic fare on the menu, but I don't think anyone of my group found it rave worthy. And of course, being a vegetarian I have to grumble about my options. There's some myth that traditional Irish & English pubs don't have anything for veggies, but when I lived in England and visited Ireland, I never had to just settle for a salad; there were always a handful of options for people like me. Alright, alright rant off regarding the lack of options, I'll focus on the Veggie Panini I had. Holy zucchini McGowan. It's not often that the zucchini outdoes the portobello mushroom on a sandwich but here it did. This sandwich was probably 3" tall and 2" was all zucchini. Don't misunderstand me, this isn't a positive, this is a classic bigger is better mistake; I easily left half my sandwich on my plate. It was also pretty soggy and in dire need of some crisping up. And the "chips", really? Those were chips? I was expecting good chunky-style fries not the thin long type I can find at any restaurant in Chicago. Yes, they did seem to be handcut and the portion was large, just not what I want in my chips. I've been to O'Shaughnessy's a few times and I can say the service was a bit more timely on this most recent visit. I didn't wait long to order my next drink but I'd be hard pressed to say it was ever delivered with a smile. I'm not saying I expect a busy server to be sweetness and light every second but it would be nice to not feel like we're imposing on her by sitting in her section. I can say that previous visits were awash with trying to find someone to take my order and long waits to get anything after it was requested. Overall, the atmosphere is nice, they've a great space outside for summer dining. It's the kind of place I'd go to if a friend invited me there, but if it was my choice, I'd choose another place.
(3)
Raven's W.
Location: Excellent! Atmosphere: Great Food: ...um....okay? Drinks: I mean, beer is hard to mess up.
(3)
L O.
Great Irish bar to be sure, but I'm still trying to figure out how O'Shaughnessy's had 3'x4' signs printed and posted in the bar that said, "Flogging Molly - 10pm" for Saturday, March 13th and FM had a concert at the Aragon Ballroom that night. Seemed like a blatant attempt at packing a full house. Didn't work though - people caught on and the place was emptying out by 10pm. Tsk tsk! Even if the owners had HOPED that FM would show up... my god, don't print up signs that make it look like a sure thing. That's called false advertising in any book.
(1)
Arlene A.
Who doesn't love a good Bloody Mary? They do it right here at O'Shaughnessy's! With a rare Sunday afternoon off, decided to check this place out, the Bloody's here are filling and satisfying with just enough spice to keep things interesting. We had the Curry French Fries, while enjoying this clean and really attractive wood paneled pub. Our server was pleasant, and when there was a change of plans and couldn't stay longer, was cool. I definitely want to come back and try the Smoked Salmon BLT.
(3)
jillian d.
We return to O'Shaughnessy's for the spot-on fish and chips - some of the best I have had in Chicago - the staff and reliable brews. Staff is always attentive. Oddly laid out building, but inviting. Don't plan on taking large groups. It might be difficult finding a seat. In groups of 2-4, you will have a blast. Good traditional Irish food. Warm decor. You can tell they put some thought and care in it.
(4)
Erik W.
I really can't rave about O'Shaughnessy's enough. It is my favorite hangout for many reasons but #1 is definitely the staff. I don't know anyone from outside of the place- but they create such a great atmosphere of a local hangout where everyone is family- everyone from the servers to bartenders to support staff. You can really tell this is true by how many of the patrons are regulars. And they've only been open a little over 2 years, so to have that big of a regular following I think says a lot. And the place is beautiful. You can tell the owner really put a lot of thought and care into the design. The dark wood and long bench feel like an authentic Irish Pub that's been around for years. If there's a big game on, it's always on. If not, great music, frequently Celtic (I think they could play even more). Love the Celtic bands on Wednesday nights. Can't wait to have trivia back in the fall. And when they have special events like St. Patrick's Day, they do it up right. Beer selection- good- all the basics you would expect from an Irish pub. Maybe not as big a selection as Hopleaf, but they always have a few specials, either for that night or a beer of the month, that are a great deal. Food- again good. The prices are great for what you get. Some of my top picks: Barbeque Chicken Sandwich is great!- Fish & Chips, Chicken Lemone (only in the winter- should be year round), Dwelling salad, Goat Cheese Salad, Cod Sandwich. I don't do red meat, but friends that do all love the burgers. And my mother-in-law (who is from England and very picky about her UK food) LOVES the Bangers and Mash and Irish Breakfast. I think they try hard to appeal to those who want authentic Irish and the common American blokes who just want bar food- so they end up with sort of this hodge-podge mix of both sides, but each dish on its own is good. I'd love to see them work on a few more original dishes that might make them stand out a bit more- maybe some "Irish-twists" on American standard dishes that could kind of blend the two, like and Irish burger or an Irish dipping sauce with chicken strips? I feel like the Barbeque Sandwich is sort of that and I think that's why it works so well. Appetizers are maybe their weakest area. Again- they are all good- portions are a little small- like the hummus and the spinach artichoke- it would be great to have veggies and bread with both and a bit more. The new nacho one is great and so are the onion rings. How bout some Irish style potato skins? This is not a place to stop in real quick and get out. Stop in for a few hours with a group of friends and have a great time.
(5)
paul s.
i've eaten there twice and had too many beers. The service was good both times. The only problem was that it was too crowded. I had fish and chips the first time and buffalo wings the second both we're top notch and they had aspecial on dead guy ale, which is really good.
(4)
Lois A.
I had a good time here but little things with service could have made it much better. I don't like waiting 10 minutes to get a drink after ordering. I want my booze now! The $4 burger special was good, typical pub fare. Our waitress was really nice and I know she'd had to work a double shift which sucks in the worst way so when we said we were done and 10 minutes later two more drinks were served to us instead of complaining we did the right thing and drank them. This place has a really nice interior but the bathrooms were so dark that it was kind of like peeing in Batman's lair. I am sure I will be back.
(3)
Alex V.
Fish and Chips! Now I'm no expert when it comes to fish and chips but this place has some really good fish and chips. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. They have a great beer selection here. They have not your typical beers on draft. Any place that has Magic Hat on tap is alright by me. They have a small patio that fills up pretty quick. The place is set up very well and the decor is very nice. I will be coming back for the food and because it's so close to my place.
(4)
Shaun B.
Went with some friends after volunteering and had a decent time. It did unfortunately take a while to get our drinks and the waitress seemed over-whelmed. Food was alright and the prices were acceptable. It's not a bad place but not a place I'd go out of my way to go to with friends.
(3)
Patrick and Jes D.
We didn't check the other reviews before going, but we'd have gone anyway. In fact, we'd say some of the same things while recommending O'Shaughnessy's to friends. we enjoyed the mussels (they were the first i've ever had) and sandwiches (Irish BLT & Blackened Cod) that were good, but not outstanding. The steamed veggies were pretty good for bar food and the fries were above average. yes - the service was slow. no, we didn't mind - it was pretty true to being in a European restaurant. the food was hot and fresh when we got it and it came off as more leisurely than slow. the intersection is great for people-watching but not too busy when you're enjoying an evening on their roomy patio. the staff was friendly and kept track of our beer levels. The menu is priced comparably to places on Damen or in Lincoln Square and with the same variety, but without the crowds & a larger outdoor area. it's a place to hangout for a few hours and have a bite while you're sitting. The beer selection & those prices are good.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Amy O.
Let me preface this with saying I didn't eat there, we stopped by for a couple of drinks and I'm actually reviewing the FREE OPEN MIKE NIGHT ON MONDAYS. My husband and I were getting ready to leave after enjoying a couple of tasty brews and were approached by a guy that works there asking if we'd like to stick around for the free open mike night. He runs it and also does his own stand up routine. It was monday, everyone needs a reason to laugh on a monday, so we hung around. These guys pour their heart and soul into their stand up comic routine. Some you feel bad for cuz you know how hard it is to stand up there and try to make jokes that no one is laughing at (I certainly could never do it). And others I think seriously could have a career in stand up comedy. Last night was the first night they held this at O'Shaughnessy's and I want to help spread the word about it. So go for dinner (the menu did look pretty good...we'll be back to try the fish and chips) and stick around for a few good chuckles. It's free and these guys certainly appreciate anyone who is willing to give them a chance to make you smile!
(4)Cam B.
Great brunch! I ordered the skillet and was very happy with it. Service was just so-so.
(4)Michael H.
I have really taken to this pub and it has become perhaps my most frequented. A good pub was desperately needed in this area and O'Shaughn's fits the bill. There is plenty of room for a big crowd and two bars to accomodate it. The Irish Breakfast is very, very good and they make an excellent Bloody Mary to go with it. My only criticism is the slow service during the day. Even though it is generally not crowded around noon, the waitstaff seems as if they haven't woken up yet. The funny thing is that the very same servers are right on the ball later in the day with a bigger crowd! It is as if they are playing up or down to the circumstances. Overall, I hightly recommend this place.
(4)Karen L.
Not that impressed. Came here once for drinks and just went there again to try the food. Got the steak sandwich and fries and it was just OK. Their fries had potential to be good, but were a bit to crispy or something. The steak sandwich didn't have much flavor to it. My friend had the fish and chips and she said it was a little too greasy. The nice thing was it wasn't crowded on a Sat. night so we could get seated right away. And the Harp was only $4. There are better Irish bars to frequent.
(2)DA G.
I have been pretty disappointed by O'Shaughnessy's so far. True, the building looks great from the outside. Inside, it looks like any generic Irish pub in the city. Perhaps the layout couldn't have been helped, but the space feels cramped and segmented. Each time I've been there, there has been some sort of uncomfortable climate-control problem. Finally, the beer selection is below average. It's not a terrible place, and a bar was very much needed in that location, but I think I'll stick to the Globe, for its far better atmosphere.
(3)Catherine C.
When I was in college, my friends and I started using the name Limey O'Shamrock's to apply to the slew of pubs so new and generic that they weren't even sure if they were supposed to be Irish or English. OShaugnessy's identifies as Irish but otherwise fits into this category. I second (or third) others' comments regarding the blandly nice interior. In fact, were it not located a few blocks from my house (and, more importantly, a single block from my friends' office) I'm sure I would never find my way there. That said, they have good beer on tap and tasty, tasty curry fries that have proven to be an excellent happy hour snack. Grab a drink here right after work or while you wait for a table at Spacca Napoli, but there are better places nearby to bunker down for a whole evening.
(2)Moe f.
We tried this place our for drinks pre-dinner. The place looks great but miss the Zephyr. I mean how many friggin irish bars do we need in this city? The tyipical Irish beer list. Limited wine by the glass as I only recall 3 reds by the glass. And they were blaring really, really bad 80's music which I guess cannot be helped due to the jukebox
(3)Art K.
We ate there on Tuesday night - and sat outside. While it was a little loud with all the busses at the corner, the fish and chips were good. My wife had the irish toasted cheese - she didn't like it - but enjoyed a good spinach salad. We had to ask the waitress three times for water, which was ridiculous (she blamed it on the buss boys). We went inside to catch the score of the Cubs game and the inside seemed nice enough - warm and cozy actually. We'll be back, maybe just not right away.
(3)Deirdre L.
So went back to this place last night after a hiatus resulting from a serious dose of mediocre food to be pleasantly surprised. The chopped salad was delisch (-what- kind of bleu cheese is that?! yum) and the service was quick and friendly. I wish the specials were just a bit cheaper - beer special is still $4, but the place was busy enough, so I guess they really don't have to charge less. TVs are plentiful, but not obtrusive. Clean.
(4)Cristin M.
I'm going to give O'Shaughnessy's a big old "Eh". I was not impressed by much at all, except for maybe its cleanliness. It seems like they're trying too hard to be a cozy Irish pub, but have gone way overboard with the knick-knacks, TVs broadcasting sports in every corner, and dark wood. It all felt very sterile and made-up. They have two rooms that are separated by what feels like a no-man's land of awkwardness. It just didn't mesh. I came here only for a drink, so I can't judge the place on the food. It was really busy, so I guess it's popular, especially considering there isn't much within a two block radius for watering holes and restaurants. The jukebox seems to have a wide variety of music, which can be a good thing, but usually ends up a bad thing, but not the bar's fault.
(2)John W.
Hmm, where to start. Well, first off, this place is absolutely gorgeous inside. It's cool on the outside too but nothing different from any other Irish Bar trying to look like an Irish bar. I hear the owners either built or designed this place themselves and I would give them a big bravo for that. This accounts for 2 of the stars I gave them. On to the food: Strike one, they were out of fish so no fish and chips. Booo. Strike two, the fries sucked, soggy and greasy. I can take greasy if it weren't for the soggy. They weren't your typical fries that you would get with fish and chips, they were these skinny, dark, hand cut looking things. Strike three, they have no Shepherds Pie. What Irish joint doesn't have Shepherds Pie? I ended up with the blackened burger which was essentially cold and raw in the middle. Booo! As much as I would love to drink in a place like this I don't think I could handle the crowd. To start with it was super packed, this is a huge place and it was still as packed as you can get. I couldn't get a clear idea whether or not all the tables were for people getting food or if you could just grab a table for beers once someone got up. I thought this was a bar that served some food but maybe it's a restaurant that has a bar. I'm going to blame the absolutely horrible music I kept hearing on the crowd. Although there was some mix of different people I kept seeing people who all looked like they lived in the Suburbs and had 3 kids but still thought they were hot and liked to "party". It also kind of reminded me of one of those bars in Wrigleyville that fill up with Suburbanites after a Cubs game and although there was a Cubs game on TV it was an away game so these weren't people who just got out of a Cubs game. Perhaps I would go back for a beer during the day or something as the Guinness was decent and they had about all the beers on tap that you would expect them to have but it wasn't like O'Neil's or the Grafton where almost everyone drinks Guinness. There were still plenty of Miller Lites and Cosmos being passed around.
(2)Kathryn M.
My friend and I sat outside on the patio and had a few drinks in between rain storms. Needless to say, when I made it home my hair was huge from all the humidity and wind, anyway, that's not OShaughnessy's fault. I quickly looked inside just to see the lay out, but I can't really comment on it. The bar looked clean and simply decorated. Nothing jumped out at me. My friend ordered the Irish Breakfast and I had my traditional bar food, chicken tenders. She enjoyed her food, since she's Irish and all. My chicken tenders were good, but nothing special. My vodka tonics were slightly watered down but only $5 each. Our waitress was extremely nice. When we noticed a mistake with our bill she fixed it immediately. OShaughnessys has a nice neighborhood-y feel to it, but doesn't differentiate itself from all the other Irish bars in the city. Specials Monday-Thursday.
(3)David S.
I guess my hopes for this place were too high. After moving to Ravenswood from a more alive part of town, I was excited to see a public house opening up in my area. I thought I would be able to recruit some of my friends to come up to my neighborhood for a change and I could stroll home at the end of the night and they would be the ones in the cab. Last night, however, I convinced my buddy to come up and check out the new bar. To my surprise, it was almost all tables. There was a small curved bar but no place to stand around and hang out, making it seem more like a restaurant than a pub. The single bartender seemed overworked, and the menu was lackluster. The flavor of the food was nice. We had spinach artichoke dip with pitas and veggies. The dip was great and the pitas were wonderful. The portion, however, made me feel like I ordered a Lean Cuisine. I had the chicken sandwich in a Guinness sauce. It was very tasty and the fries were very nice. This is a nice place that my fiance and I will go to hang out. They have a great variety of beers and plenty of good liquor, but as far as a place to hang out with my buddies for the evening, I will pass.
(3)Shari M.
I work next to O'Shaughnessy's and have been in love with them from day one. They have the cutest chef around!! (Tom) and they have been changing their menu up for the season. Super food and great service! The bartenders are cute too! :-) You definitely should try it if you haven't been in a while because everything is fresh and new and so yummy!! I highly recommend this as a happy hour place too. Great selection of beer and awesome sports coverage. All around a GREAT place!!!
(5)Jendy B.
I went here on Friday with some friends and we had a nice time. It seems like a rather authentic Irish bar complete with Irish decor and Irish people. We didn't have food, so my rating is only based drink service. My Smithwicks was poured cold and fast as were my friends' Harps. I will be back.
(4)Garrett D.
Went to O Shaughnessys last night with the wife and child after spending the afternoon locally with friends. Wanted to check out this bar for a while. Initially thought they werent set up for children as the front room has high top tables only, but their back room has lower tables and was full of families getting evening dinner. Service was good as was the food, they have half portion for smaller people and my daughter enjoyed here first shepperds pie! All in all good service, nice room and food.
(4)Kevin C.
Just back from a pint. Like the idea of a $4 G-ness, but having $3 'wing specials' where the wings are more bone than meat is chincey. The service is bad as well. Strange how they take their time getting you a beer...but when the check comes, their anxious. To many other "o" places to go - including O'donovans.....
(2)M G.
Went there on a Friday for lunch. While I like the atmosphere and decor, the food could use improvement. I had the fish and chips and my husband had the bbq chicken sandwich. Both were mediocre. The grafton or celtic crown serve better food. I'd go back but only for a drink.
(2)E M.
The look of this place is interesting, intriguing and was -- for awhile -- desolate like a carnival after the tear down. Seriously beautiful and mysterious. After this Zephyr's that we speak of closed, the large and gorgeous red and gold building sat on the corner of Wilson and Ravenswood, empty forever. I moved here after Zephyr's and before O'Shaughnessy's and hoped something would go in there. And I have to admit I could not wait to see the inside. Not much longer (in summer '08, I believe, but I could be way off), the building opened. It was worth the wait because the inside is so gorgeous. Wood paneling and floors, dark with just enough light, a beautiful bar filled with the local characters (mostly much older) you didn't even know existed, enough nooks to hide out from the Lincoln Parkers and enough beers to drown out their get-outta-here-loudness. Seriously, their presence is the only mar on the bar or the neighborhood, and I don't know how they even found the place. The food is pretty terrible. Expensive and terrible. When it first opened, people were outside every day (yes, outdoor seating with a view of the sidewalk and the Metra, woohoo!) eating lunch with friends and coworkers and literally were spilling out into crowds on the street at night. THAT was a great advertisement for the place. We needed something like that in Ravenswood. I immediately dreamt up scenarios where I would go there with friends and run into other nice people and meet friendly locals and get a new crew. Nah, that faded pretty quickly. I think, after eating once or twice there, people gave up. The nights, however, remained PACKED for awhile. So packed my friends and I couldn't even get a diet Coke or separate checks when we requested up front, anticipating how busy the server would be. But the server didn't care. I mean, this was 7 months in. It should have been possible. So I was disappointed by O'Shaughnessy's not caring for the neighborhood it is in. Anyone who lives up here is a loyal person, and I would have been too. When I finally gave O'Shaughnessy's a second chance after 7 MORE months, that's when my boyfriend and I met Owen, the awesome, friendly bartender-with-an-accent. And because of him, maybe now -- after 7 more months -- I'll be back to sample all their expensive beers and Guinness specials. There is pretty good street parking, btw. So really 2.5 stars.
(2)Allison C.
Wow! I can't believe some of the negative reviews of this place. My husband and I and some friends decided to make-up our own minds this past Friday night. The bar is BEAUTIFUL INSIDE (someone called it "generic" in a previous review- they obviously don't know good carpentry when they see it), the beer was cold (God love'em for having Strongbow on tap), and the food was good (not great but it's bar food not gourmet). The bar is big and the service was a bit slow at times but otherwise I really liked it here and everyone agreed we would be coming back! The chips and curry sauce were delish, as was my chicken panini. I don't know why this place is getting a bad rap...I really liked it and am glad to have another friendly place to hang-out at this summer.
(4)Lynn C.
We had the potato skins and fish and chips with beans (not peas). The potato skins didn't have much cheese flavor and not much bacon. The fish and chips were tender and delicious! Service was fine (not very friendly, though). The air conditioning vent over our table was blasting - too much for me. Don't go if you don't like loud tv and fans.
(3)Kate H.
Good, authentic Irish food. Best fries ever. Love the Irish BLT. Lovely bangers and mash. Great decor and ambiance. Service is always great and really friendly. Even my mom, who's EXTREMELY choosy about restaurants, gave this one a thumb's up.
(4)Zeen A.
the place LOOKS quality and the beer is pumping out of clean lines...outside of that i've really got nothing exciting to say...the wait staff is slow...the patio closes at 10pm...and the food tastes like someones blind of aunty in ireland made it and shipped it over via the M.V.TIPPERARY!
(2)C M.
Cool decor and good vibe. The atmosphere is completely ruined by all those flat screen TVs, however. I can understand having them by the bar, but they're distracting in the dining area. If they removed the TVs from the back room, I'd be a regular.
(2)Carrie M.
ugh. well, we went there to celebrate a friends birthday last night, and I do understand that it is hard to deal with a large group of people but I digress... We got there and I noticed it was a nice looking bar. I ordered a cosmo and my BF ordered a beer. Not too hard to make, right? Right. The waitress spilled my cosmo on me and acted like it was my fault. She shot me a look and then proceeded to go wash her hands off. Never handing me a napkin or anything. She really had the personality of a wet noodle. Whatever. The band kept trying to steal our chairs if someone got up to smoke or use the bathroom. I'm not unreasonable but being told "no" once or twice you'd think they would get it. ugh. 45 min go by and we still have not gotten our food. I asked the "waitress" if it's going to be much longer and she gave me some lame answer, which leads me to think she forgot to put my order in. So I finally get my fish and chips. It was OK at best. Trust me, there are many places in Chicago that make a great fish and chips that are served with PERSONALITY. The drinks were okay. Nothing special. I think they used the cheapest bar vodka in the cosmos though. I will say, the decor was nice and the place was clean but so are a lot of places. There are many places I would recommend over this place. I don't think I would go back. I'd rather go to Chief O Neils or Red Lion.
(1)Chcogal C.
This place is great- as long as your expectations are correct. We live in the neighborhood, and love to hang out after work with friends or with the kids for dinner. It's a neighborhood bar with decent food. The people who are giving it bad reviews are trying to make it something that it's not. They have great beer, the servers are always friendly, and the BBQ chicken sandwich they just added back to the menu is tasty! Plus they have outside seating in the summer for a nice bonus touch. If you're looking for inexpensive or high end- then this isn't the place for you.
(4)Suzanne S.
Meh. Got my order wrong, but otherwise it's fine- nothing special, good food- I do have to say the decor is great and I love the location. And it's really clean.
(3)Jennifer H.
Love this place! My husband and I went yesterday (Sunday), around noon. Wwe wondered if it would be packed b/c of the Ravenswood run, but it was fairly empty inside. Looks great inside -- lots of atmospheric dark wood, huge fireplace, gorgeously detailed ceilings, etc. Our waitress, Danielle, was very nice. It seemed the kitchen was out of the fish and chips that my husband wanted, so he went with the Guiness BBQ chicken sandwich with handcut fries. I went with the small portion of the Cobb salad and the chicken boxty appetizer for us to share. Well, let me tell you, the food was EXCELLENT. I am rather picky about my salads, and this Cobb salad was WONDERFUL. No skimping on the tomatoes, Irish bacon, eggs, blue cheese, etc. The owner's wife is apparently very big on organic produce, so I wonder if the salad was organic as well (I didn't ask). The portion was very filling as well, even though I had only ordered the small (and at $5.50!! who can beat that?). The boxty was awesome - it was a large portion of what we jokingly called Irish eggrolls. Delish. My hubby was very pleased with the BBQ sandwich. We will certainly be back!
(4)K M.
Boy oh boy, the reviews are unforgiving for this place. We went here without reading them on a Sunday and had an absolutely perfect time. The place is clean, new feeling, and not overdone. I didn't see any cut out 4 leaf clovers taped to the walls. We sat ourselves and the place was quite filled for 2pm on a Sunday. The girls seated next to us were Irish, the people at the bar were Irish, and our servers were Irish - so call me crazy, but at least Irish people seem to like it. We got our drinks poured (Magner's and an Iced Tea) and repeatedly filled. I had the Chicken BBQ sandwich made with Guinness and love, he had the Irish Breakfast. We cleaned our plates - we're pigs and it was good. It was $30 and well worth it. Bathrooms are quite clean too. Plus they had the Sox game equally shown as the Cubs. Don't write this one off - good for relaxing, a tasty meal, and no crazy college Irish pub hooligans.
(4)Geoffrey L.
wanna go to a really nice looking irish bar with good guiness and decent food served by unbelievably slow and indifferent servers who are almost blatent in how poor they take care of their customers? then this place is just for you
(1)Brian K.
We had a holiday party there on Friday night. They reserved the back room for us, allowing us to decorate and bring in snacks, as long as it wasn't heavy appetizers, as they serve thse on their menu. I thought that was really nice, as they could have told us no to any of that. Very accommodating, I did like the music being played as well. Service was OK, nothing spectacular but not bad either. We will definitely be back there in the future for our holiday party.
(4)Carolyn F.
Wonderful menu, drinks and atmosphere. Not so good on the service nor the accomodations of groups. Get over it - people like to drink and eat in groups. Meh. Tons of parking; sweet owner.
(3)Emily Z.
O'shaughness's has some pretty good outside seating (probably 25 tables in all), easy parking, a big and interesting menu, and good beer selection. Done and done. I had the steak and blue cheese salad which was good and my friend had the fried goat cheese salad which she also really liked. The only downside is its directly next to the metra and EL which gets a little loud at times. Give it a try if your in the area !
(3)Bobby W.
I can't believe I've never written a review for this place! Hands down: Best. Irish. Bar. Nice quiet neighborhood, awesome food including authentic Irish dishes, good company, great beer, an authentic Irish feel and an awesome staff. Kudos. If you're in Chicago, please support this bar and stop by for a night, it really is worth the trip.
(5)Tim H.
Food and beer selections are good. Prices have gone up a bit, but what is going to keep us from going back is the fact that the service has become terrible as of late. As regulars with usually large bills and generous tippers, We're definitely taking our business else where!
(1)John P.
The pub has a great & diverse draft selection. Plus, the Guinness pour is on par. Food is okay: nothing great but not bad. Avoid that all you can get fish fry, more grease than a body is allowed to process. It has free wifi but popular sites are blocked, making the wifi useless. YouTube in particular. You can't show someone a quick video while drinking with friends. Googling the word "YouTube" is even blocked. (DISCLOSURE: I'm a YouTube Partner. I share ad revenue with Google through YouTube.) HOWEVER, you can watch porn in this establishment. No YouTube, but porn. Personally, I would rather go to a different Irish pub & hang out. When you get inebriated & share stories, sometimes you want to share things. We are a sharing world. GET UP TO PAR!
(1)Greg Y.
This is my local watering hole good food, great staff and best of all cold pints of beer.
(5)Nicole T.
I have been to this place about a half dozen times, and it has always been a great place to go for a drink and a bite. This place has an old irish pub kind of feel, while still being totally fresh and up to date. Lots of veggie options. Really great staff that makes you feel welcome. Lots of fun.
(5)Bridget K.
O'Shaughnessy"s gets my five star rating for Irish pubs, especially since my brother-in-law who is from County Kildare, Ireland and it's his favorite Irish pub in Chicago. His dad who still lives in Ireland and used to manage of pub loves O'Shaughnessy's. The food was good, especially the all you can eat fish and chips. The pints of beer are also great. The only thing is that I'm not a Notre Dame fan so seeing the Notre Dame mascot on the wall was a bit of a turn off for me. Other than that I really enjoy O'Shaughnessy's.
(5)Steve M.
O'Shaughnessy's is a cozy feeling pub in Ravenswood. It's reminiscent of a nicer, classic English/Irish pub. They've got the Tennet's. The Carlsburg. All the Guinness and Boddington's you can shake a stick at. The decor is wood and warm lighting. From what I hear, the outdoor seating is pretty cool when the weather is nice too. Haven't tried the food or free WiFi yet, but I'll enjoy checking this place out again.
(3)Nektaria R.
Great selection of draft beer and bottles. Down to earth feel. Great atmosphere. Where everyone knows your name. Beautiful and friendly staff. Small group of us dropped in for a quick drink for a friends' birthday. It was so perfect. The music was hip, the TVs had sports on, the people were all so relaxed and enjoying themselves. Very positive vibes could be felt. Our drinks were on target. Dessert was delicious! I was sad when zephyrs closed down. I'm glad it was replaced by such a fabulous pub. I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Rob R.
Love this place!! The food is really good and fairly authentic...love the curry chips!....and Danielle in the afternoons is a wonderful way to spend time at this pub! :)
(5)Kimberly B.
We went for pub trivia. It was really fun! Before trivia kind of took over, the servers were attentive (during the trivia-takeover it was harder to get their attention but no more so than during trivia anywhere else, you know?). The food was way better than expected and the beer selection was good. I would definitely go for the all you can eat fish and chips because I had the fish and chips and it was lovely. The chips were surprisingly good, it came with a small side of cole slaw that I really liked, and the breading and cooking of the fish was some of the best I've had at a pub in Chicago. And I do love my fish and chips. Tasted a friend's bangers and mash which were also quite tasty. I would say this is the best bar in the area.
(4)Carol K.
I've been remiss in not updating my review of O'Shaughnessy's. On my most recent visits- this place has delivered on fun, good drinks and decent food. We even stopped in here yesterday to help celebrate St. Patty's and found an interesting crowd (Irish and the Irish wanna be's), great servers and bartenders with just the right attitude for a "party day". My surprise was that I asked one of the employees if the owner was there as she had reached out to me after my first review of the place. Given how busy the place was- I never expected that she would actually take the time to come over and talk to us but she did- AND she bought us a drink. Class act- I must say! Check it out. This place makes you feel like St. Patty's is a year long celebration!
(4)Aurore L.
For about 30 minutes, I was transported across the ocean to beautiful Ireland. And since I hadn't been back in 17 years I quite enjoyed the ride. Lost in the sounds of fiddles, flutes, bodhráns and concertinas, watching the snow whirling down and savoring my beer I thought of the summer of '93. I was 17, touring the Emerald Isle with a group of friends, savoring every single moment of it, swimming in icy waters, riding our bikes among herds of sheep, laughing in the wind, flirting and kissing red-head boys with curly hair. Kenneth, Sean and Connor, I still remember your cutie faces. Last night was not that glamorous ('cause, let's face it, nothing beats what Sinatra and all the boyz labelled as "A very good year") but was a very pleasant surprise nonetheless. I had driven by a thousand times without even thinking about stopping by and then came the night. After a lovely dinner at Caro Mio a mere block away I met the hubby (another Paddy-boy crossed with a bit of German and what-not) for a last beer before heading back home. And holly leprechauns, that was a great idea. Not only is the place gorgeous - tin ceilings, beautiful woodwork around the bar, antique clock, bronze gleaming lamps - far superior aesthetic-wise to anything I saw back in Eire - but they serve Guinness the 'right way', the ONLY way. Nitro-pour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! $4 on Wednesday nights, as well as 60min IPA.....I say hell to the yeah! And 14 types of hops on tap, there is something to please everyone. Perfect quiet place in the dead of Chicago winter. Lovin' it!
(4)Catherine W.
If I could give 3 and 1/2 stars, I would. O'Shaugnessy's was one of our go-to places for the past two years. I even took my parents here when they visited this summer. They don't get out much, but I think they were pleased with the beer selection and the food. After eating at other places in our neighborhood, however, I'm not too excited about the food anymore. My husband spent a semester in Ireland in college, and maintains that Irish food is, simply put, pretty gross. So, maybe that's my problem. I think if I were going to run an Irish place, I might veer away from strict authenticity in order to be slightly more palatable. But, that's just me. Food aside, I'm always happy with their beer specials and selection. The service has never been anything but impeccable. Some servers fake an Irish brogue. I know because we went to a Stand-up Comedy night there once, and our "Irish" server became decidedly American by the end of the night. I find that simultaneously impressive and disconcerting. The man doing dishes in my kitchen wants me to note that the Irish breakfast is delicious. And I should probably add that the look of the place is absolutely perfect. If you live nearby and haven't been here yet, you should probably go.
(3)Nikki C.
i bought a beer here once and it was cold and served in a glass. I tipped the bartender, drank my beer as i waited for the heat from the fireplace to warm my toes, but alas it was not going to happen unless the tv screen caught fire. oh wells. next.
(3)Will V.
The food is pretty standard Irish pub fare. I do like their chips and curry sauce. But they pour an amazing pint of Guinness... the best in Chicago, as far as I'm concerned, and the bartenders are really great and friendly. If you want something a little sweeter than standard Guinness, ask them for a black and black (a splash of black currant syrup and a pint of Guinness) it's delicious! Most bartenders at so-called Irish pubs will look at you funny when you ask for that, but at O'Shaughnessy's, they know exactly what you're talking about.
(4)Gabriela L.
O'shays is the place to be!!! It has a great menu, incredible staff, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes you want to go back again and again.....which I have, plenty of times! In the summer, their outdoor seating is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. Great addition to the Ravenswood area!!!!
(5)Eric B.
Had a mixed experience. Went there for brunch and I had the corn beef hash which was awesome. My girlfriend had an omelet that was a bit over cooked and bland. Overall it was a neat bar with friendly people.
(3)Beth A.
quaint irish pub...lots to keep u entertained...tv/waitress/music/irishmen ;) good beer selection...noms were aight...had the chili but apparently shoulda gotten the corned beef...my bad only wish we coulda heard the tunes from way up in the front room since the back was initially so crowded
(4)Gary B.
Went here on a Friday night and arrived around 630. In this area there isn't much around for a happy hour crowd so this place must be it. A couple of bus lines start/end there in that area as well as the Metra so you get that crowd. There was a large party up front consuming most of the tables. All of the bar spots were taken as well as a few other tables. I was able to secure a table in the back and my dining companions showed up. We had the wings, 2 fish and chips and a cheese burger. The food was typical bar food with nothing terrible and nothing outstanding. We were all full at the end. If we were in the area I am sure we would stop in again for something to eat and have a couple of beers. The server was very pleasant especially after I mixed to of them up and started asking the wrong one for more beer...whooops. Couple of things. Every table is up for grabs, there is no one at the front door to direct traffic so at times there can be a cluster you know what up there. Looks like they are going to expand more which would ease up on some of the congestion but you may want to tell people there are additional rooms with tables.
(3)Paul S.
Well .... My first visit was a mixed adventure. As to the food I had the Skirt Steak. Sounded great on the menu but in reality the bun was really dried out and, even worse, the steak had so much sinew that my teeth couldn't rip through it. Arrrrrrgggghhhhhh! With that said I thought the decor was awesome and our server was friendly and attentive. I would try O'Shaughnessy's one more time for sure. However I will perhaps try a burger next time. Great ambiance in the neighborhood!
(3)Andy M.
They did a really nice job remodeling this place. The old Zephyr was a dump. O'Shaughnessy's is what you would expect out of a good ole Irish pub. The inside is kind of dark, but they did a nice job in giving the place the feel of a real Irish pub. The fake fire places were kind of cheesy, but dark wooded bar and dark trim gives the place a real comfortable vibe. If I have one pet peeve with bars in general is that they can't pour a decent pint of Guinness. I have been to places that give you a cup of foam. The Bartenders at O'Shaughnessy's poured my pints perfectly. The food is typical bar fare. The Buffalo chicken strips were quite good and the Burger was quite tasty. I enjoyed my visit to O'Shaughnessy's and will definitely go back. If you are in the mood for a pint or two, decent food in a comfortable setting, give O'Shaughnessy's a try.
(4)Jez E.
Great atmosphere, good food, good beer. We'd come here more if you'd add Prairie Path to your beer list - please consider! You have so many other great Two Brothers beers, and we'd love to see their excellent gluten-free one on your list. It is far superior to New Planet, as it's barley-based and thus tastes like a real beer. Cheers!
(3)M R.
I like O'Shaughnessy's a lot. But....if it is 80 degrees out, you NEED to have Air Conditioning!!!!! Why would you not have this on? I feel for the patrons and especially the staff that are running around. It is always hot in there.
(4)Tod P.
Great local Irish pub in Ravenswood!! Cozy ambience inside with exposed brick and a large dark wood bar! The menu is extensive and the food is great, along with a really good selection of craft beer & whiskey! Super friendly bartenders!! Great place!!
(4)Mana I.
Great location. Beer list has improved tremendously recently. And check out the Halloween decorations right now! And cheers to Pauline, she attentive and quick.
(4)Eduardo M.
Ok, I've been back a few more times here for lunch - I'll admit, things do improve. The lunchtime service is quicker, the drinks (in this case soda - hey, it's a workday!) got refilled quickly, and the waitstaff was plenty attendant. The food is still good pub fare - perfect for a lazy afternoon. I used to have an issue here where the tomatoes tasted like those evil, evil onions, but even that's better now. Three trips here and not a single oniony tomato! Like I said before, this a good place to relax and hang out with friends, so that's not changed (fortunately).
(4)Adele n.
Given the fact that (a) I really like to drink, and (b) live around the corner from O'Shaugnessy's, and (c) there are no other bars anywhere near this close to my house, I should be a regular here. And let me tell you, over the months that they were building out this thing, I was totally gearing up to be the neighborhood slob who goes there to get watered down four times a week. But, since it's opened, I've only been there twice. It's just not very welcoming -- it's way too brightly lit, way too air conditioned, strangely formal, weird music, blaring TVs. Ugh. It's just not doing it for me. They have a patio now, which I haven't tried yet. Maybe that'll be the answer. Otherwise, I could take it or leave it.
(2)Eliza M.
When considering places to eat, I never put O'Shaughnessy's in that category. The food in the past has been lackluster, but seeing all these recent good reviews on the food, we gave it another try. And we were pleasantly surprised! The goat cheese salad was fresh and tasty and was easily split between two people. The reuben and fish & chips were also good. Service was prompt (love those Irish accents) and the clientele are on the down-to-earth/laid back side. It's a decent place to get some better than average bar food. PS- Ladies, I saw some cute male patrons dining/drinking alone at the bar. Might not be a bad place to strike up a conversation.
(4)Virginia T.
(3.5) I stopped into O'Shaughnessy's for lunch with a coworker not too long ago. The bar is beautiful. It wasn't that busy, there were lots of TVs. I ordered the roasted vegetable quesadilla. It really needed hot sauce, or something spicy- it wasn't great but not horrible either. Coworker got the chicken nachos which were enough for 4-6 people. So much for "small bites/plates". They too, lacked spice or pizazz. However, the waitress was really nice and the beer selection was great. They had Delirium Tremens, Oberon, Gumball Head, Dogfish Head 60min IPA, and more. We split a Lagunitas IPA (bottle). I might be back for drinks after work or something.
(3)Katherine R.
The breakfast here is good. Ordering the full or half order of the Irish potatoes, scrambled eggs and toast with butter from Ireland next to black and white pudding and grilled tomatoes is not enough here. There all you can eat fish and fries, and shepard pie is also two I've commonly ordered here. Five days a week I order their french fries and curry sauce and a red bull. While I wait for my take out of breakfast or dinner by their fireplace I drink a couple cups of their freshly brewed pot of joe. I haven't been there on trivia night but the flat screens, and excellent service and food keep me coming back to this Ravenswood neighborhood public house.
(5)Doug F.
Great spot to meet with friends for a beer. Music is not loud, staff is friendly and they'll be happy to call you a cab if you should need one.
(5)Jaz P.
Got there early to enjoy a lazy Friday afternoon. Relatively new, only been here for a few years. It's new, but it's built like an old Irish pub. I'll still take it. So nice to have this option on Ravenswood. Plenty of parking options nearby. Well laid out. Communal table in the middle, and dark wood everywhere. There's the smell of fish and chips when you walk in. They had a $3.50 Thai beer special called "Chang's." The fries are crispy and perfect, especially with a little malt vinegar on them. The Buffalo chicken wings make my list. Crispy and on the saucier side. Our waitress was sooo nice, brimming with the right amount of energy to handle the sweltering crowd that built up as the night progressed. We hit it off with her. I live far, in Wicker Park, but I could see myself becoming a regular. My friends are all accruing up in Ravenswood.
(4)Jeannine M.
As Toby Keith would say, I love this bar! It great for friends, familys, sports, dinner, lunch, brunch. Easy parking and good service.
(5)Sid V.
Solid local option to have in the neighborhood. The food wasn't too good when they opened but they've steadily improved the menu. The servers are friendly and generally on top of things. The space was beautifully built out-clearly they did not skimp on the major renovation of the space that preceded this place opening. My biggest complaint, and it's a minor one, would be that the beer list is kind of limited and generic. But if you are in the mood for UK beers that are typical of an establishment such as this the selection is perfectly adequate and they usually have one or two beers on special at good prices. All in all, very happy that this place chose to locate where it did.
(4)Emma M.
They have Three Floyds Gumball Head on tap!!! My favorite beer which is hard(er) to find on tap. 5 stars for that! Even cooler that it's only a 3 block walk from my house. I really like the vibe at O'Shaughnessy's. It's a mature crowd, not something you will find at your typical Irish Pub in Lincoln Park. The staff is friendly, I like the dark wood and the bar inside, they have a nice outdoor patio on one of the best streets in Chicago (Ravenswood ave) and their food is pretty good. Now that summer is coming around, you will find me sitting in the outside patio with an cold pint of Gumball Head in my hand.
(4)Kate B.
LOVE O'Shaugnessy - like as Ashlee Simpson - L-O-V-E, and yes, its so wrong to quote Mrs. P. Wentz when reviewing an irish pub..... anyways... Its a great little gem in kind of the middle of no where on Ravenswood. They have the best fish and chips that I have had in the city, and yes, I have been to the Duke of Perth on more than one occasion. I have dabbled and tried several other items on their menu, all have been very good. We met the manager one summer afternoon while we were holding down the patio, and to this day he still remembers who we are when we end up there. Thats a good memory, because I am sure we arent the only group of loud, drunken fools that grace O'Shaughnessy's. They have a HUGE beer list, and often have great specials, even on weekend nights. Great service, good food, amazing authentic decor and good service to boot!
(5)Jason P.
Came here after a charity dodgeball tournament and didn't get too many strange looks walking in from a 20-degree night in shorts, unlike the first place we went, so that was a plus. This place is pretty damn big. We tried to cram our group of 10 into a smallish corner in the front of the establishment, and were told there was a larger space in the rear if we wanted to head back there. Another plus. There were all sorts of people here, from those who just came from sport/rec activities, casual locals, and drunk guys in suits hitting on the female members of our team. The place was busy on a Friday night at 9pm, but not overwhelmingly so, and not to the point of having to shout to talk to the person next to you. The service (Glenn) was friendly and fast. Prices were good, and the food was decent. My only complaints were that I ordered the boneless wings and got the regular wings, and one of the pieces of fish in my all-you-can-eat fish and chips was a little off. Not big enough failures to keep me from coming back here, as I definitely would if I was ever in the neighborhood again. Also, as I said, we had a group of 10 people, and some pretty funky check-splitting and round-combining arrangements. Glenn took this all in stride and didn't hint that this was in the slightest bit troublesome. The final plus. I like it. I'll be back.
(4)Kirsten N.
Wednesday Irish Music Nights used to be my favorite thing to do when I lived in the neighborhood. Eoghan is one of the best bartenders in the city and Jackie is a great waitress. If they ever fire the older waitress then maybe I would make the longer commute more often than every couple months since I no longer live in the neighborhood.
(3)Heidi N.
I guess you could say I'm a regular here. The boyfriend and his friends patronize O'Shaughnessy's on a nearly weekly basis, and they're nice enough to let me tag along. So, having been here my fair share of times, I can say that it's a pretty fantastic establishment. The staff are the shining star of this place, in my humble opinion. The drink specials are certainly worth walking the couple blocks from my apartment. And the atmosphere is always cozy and inviting. The bar is spacious and I'm a big fan of the wood-heavy decor. I'm not usually there for food, but if I'm there and I'm hungry, I do like the goat cheese salad. Two thumbs up on that one. Give this place a shot if you're in the neighborhood - it's a little off the beaten track, but I promise it's worth it - and if you're there on a Friday night, look for me!
(4)Nada R.
It's expensive, there's not much to eat or drink that's not junk, it's loud, it's crowded, people are yelling at or otherwise angled toward one of many TV screens, babies are crying, and it's not well-laid out. The service leaves a lot to be desired, and if there's some sort of game on, all of this will be many times worse. This obviously doesn't count against O'Shaughnessy's, but the clientele it attracts seems to have a staring problem. Would you STOP that, and close your jaw? It's unbecoming and I can see most of that nasty-ass sandwich in your mouth. Curry fries (are veg) +1
(2)Retro C.
Pros: Atmosphere, Parking, In A Quiet Neighborhood Cons: Everything else. Quote for this place: Just because a million flies eat sh*t, it don't make it right! This is a place you WANT to love and from the looks of the people always crowding the place, one would think this had some of the best things to offer in a pub. Aside from the great atmosphere and the look of the pub itself. The "Bangers & Mash" was so disappointing that I had to just throw it away. I can easily tell that the beans were not fresh, that they were canned. The meat was so bland and the mash, well I never thought one could f*ck up mash, but hell they did. The "Fish and Chips" my friend ordered was more of a slab of uncooked cod and french fries. When we told the lady about the fish, it took about an extra 20 minutes for it to be done. And even then, we did not even get a sorry for the wait or an apology for them messing up. .... beer selection seemed ok, but rather go to edgewater lounge for more of a selection of good beer and better food. All in all, it was ok, the only reason I would go back would be if I lived in the hood and I had no where else to go, but I rather gauge out my eyes with a rusted spoon before heading back. The service is lacking what i say, PERSONALITY. They just seem not to care and you are not important. This is a place for the masses who don't care what quality they have, as long as they have a beer in hand and they are with a bunch of buddies. If I was rating it on the atmosphere alone then it would prolly get 3.5 stars, but since everything else in it just.... SUCKS then cha ching 2 it is...plus, it is a tad expensive for the regular blue collar folks, at least i think it is..... thats just me and my humble opinion. Go here if you are not expecting much of a WOW factor but to just chill, because it is in a great location to just chill at...
(2)Rebecca L.
I used to go here on occasion for trivia. There used to be a waitress there who was just awesome. She was super attentive and funny. I think her name was Jackie? She was fantastic, but she must have quit? I stopped seeing her there on trivia nights a few months ago. The food is kind of hit or miss. Some things are pretty good and other things are just OK. I recommend the Shepherd's Pie and the Fish and Chips - they are very good bets. The rest of the wait staff is extremely inattentive and sometimes borderline rude. They are the sole reason for this poor rating. I wish I could break out the star rating and issue 1 star for service. That one waitress was really good. The rest suck. This rating would be 4 stars if the service were better.
(2)Q D.
I received a magic card trick from a guy named Eugene, he was awesome! I went on a monday and by far this was a fun time!
(4)Michael H.
Great Old School Irish Pub reeling with charcter.. Pour a perfect pint of Guinness as well! The food looked great but I didn't get a chance to try anything and they have a live "Sit In" a couple of nights a week.. Staff is great and the place is spotless/check it out!! GTFJD
(4)John C.
I've been to O'Shaughnessy's twice and have enjoyed both visits. The wait staff is quite pleasant, and I like that a few of them are actually Irish. The place has great decor, and a cool back room that has been occupied by private parties both times I've visited. I was so pumped to see that they served Mozzarella Sticks on our first visit - during football season, and sad that they've left the menu on our most recent. While it seems every place in the city has tater tots, Chicago seems to be a Mozz. Stick wasteland. Anyways - the veg. burger was great the first time I came. Like, really great! My most recent trip - nasty! It was as if it was either cooked on the grill for 15 mins or completely freezer burned. I could barely cut through the thing. Our party of 4 ordered the Hummus Platter to start thinking, "platter, must be enough to share!" Nope. The hummus was great, the veggies were fresh, but there were a whopping eight miniature pieces of pita. Give me a break. Platter? I think not. A good selection of brews, and close to the metra and the brown line. I'll definitely be back and hoping for those Mozz Sticks and the delicious veg. burger next time.
(3)Jeremy G.
Checked this place out this past weekend....nice atmosphere and good crowd. I wish it was a tad closer to Lincoln Square.... I live in Ravenswood where Paddy O'Splaine's is the neighborhood bar....this place reminds me of Paddy's as far as decor and that it's Irish, but it's a complete 180 in every other way.....drinks were good, wait staff seemed more than competent and friendly, people were having a good time, there were actual people in there.... I wish this place could replace Paddy's...I'd be there a lot more often!
(4)Shonda D.
We bopped over to O'Saughnessy's on a Sunday evening after doing some window shopping. This place has a very nice and laid back space. If you're a sports fan you can watch the tele and get as loud as you want in the bar area. If you want to chill out and talk, you can head to the room beyond the bar and still have access to the TV. But even better than the space is the fish and chips. The fish is tender, moist, delicious and reasonable. One piece of fish/fries will run you $6.50, two pieces of fish/fries $10.50. I ordered 1piece and had way too many fries left over. My friend ordered the Shepard's pie and she said it was tasty. The waitress was on top of things. On top of that, we didn't have to pay for parking, hot potato! We were so relaxed, we stayed for like 3 hours eating, talking, and drinking wine. Ahhhh.. O'Shaughnessy's is a good place. We will definitely head back. I read a few of the other reviews. My verdict: as with anything, in order to judge, you have to go for yourself.
(4)Joseph S.
A very good spot for lunch. The Southwest salad with Salmon is great. Danielle is always very attentive and helpful. Highly recommended.
(4)Chuck K.
Very canned Irish pub. Not that impressive and service is par. Decent beer selection but not anything exciting.
(2)Deborah E.
I have a confession to make. I let other Yelpers' reviews of this pub influence me - negatively. 'Tis true. I completely shied away from going to O'Shaughnessy's due to the complaints of slow service, complaints about the food, ambiance, being expensive - you name it. As we live in the 'hood, tonight we decided to give it a try and I have to tell you that we experienced none of the negatives that many of my fellow Yelpers have bitched about. In fact, we all agreed we would be back - many more times. Can't comment on the beer as none of us are beer drinkers but, as far as the food goes, I thought it was superb pub food. The fish and chips were great (nearly ranking up there with my all time favorite Chgo fish n chips at The Duke of Perth) - crispy freshly Harp-battered cod with hand-cut fries. I do think they should serve this with the traditional serving of peas, however. I had the Bangers and Mash - Irish bangers (sausages) served with mashed potatoes, onion gravy, topped with crispy fried onions and a choice of baked beans or peas. I must admit - I did not receive either the beans or peas on my plate and had completely forgotten about that actually due to our complete and utter obsession with the onion rings appetizer. Oh, how we demolished the onion rings.....my god. I consider myself an onion ring connoisseur. I am constantly in search of the perfect onion ring - must be crispy, preferably beer battered, must be hand-dipped - never frozen, must be of various sizes. Yeah, I am picky. These rank among the best I have had in my 22 yrs in this city. Fabulous! They were served with a "creamy mare rose sauce" - I have no freaking clue what THAT is but it's so good we also used it as a dipping sauce for the wonderful fries. For dessert, another member of our party tried the apple crisp with ice cream and she raved about it. In older previous reviews, I noted Yelpers pining away for this location's previous occupants - Zephyr, the ice cream establishment. WTF? Are you kidding me? The few times I walked into Zephyr my nose would scream MOLD - it was so dirty and unkept, it would nearly make me gag. It was stupidly expensive with teeny ice cream portions and.... okay, okay, but I digress. In summation - we had a pleasant meal at O'Shaughnessy's with an excellent server (Jackie) who took great care of us. Love the location, comfortable decor, extremely clean and good affordably priced food. We will definitely be back soon for one of their daily specials like the all-you-can-eat fish n chips or to try the Prince Edward Island mussels steamed with garlic, Guinness and a touch of cream. Oh, and the votes are in, O'Shaughnessy's - your onion rings have been awarded the Deborah E "Death Row Food Award" for excellence in the lost art of hand-dipped, freshly battered crunchy goodness. Congrats!
(4)BF K.
Delicious. Quiet, though I went in on a Tuesday, and left before 8pm trivia got underway. The fish&chips are the best i've had in this city yet- hard to find good seafood here (east coast born). But these were pretty good, and the fries were yum. Dark and warm, I'll definitely be back to visit again.. right off the metra, perfect for a drink after the trip home.
(4)Shauna D.
This is a good lookin' bar inside. I used to live nearby, otherwise I don't know if I ever would have stumbled across this place but I'm glad I found it. I have come here alone on several occasions and never feel weird about it, which speaks volumes about how "comfortable" of a bar it is. Some bars are not cut out for loners but this is the kind of place I don't hesitate to stop in by myself after a long day. They actively (but not over-actively) update their Facebook with happenings and specials. Decent Jukebox selections, and you can always catch a game on the TVs. The wings are excellent, but pass on the spinach and artichoke dip if you're sharing, it's a small portion and not memorably good. The fish and chips have always been great- and all you can eat for $8.95 on Fridays- AWESOME. They've recently added to the menu, some traditional fare you expect and some not. Friendly bartenders and friendly crowd, I've met complete strangers and had good chats almost every time.
(4)Brian J.
Great pub to grab a pint. I go here on Sunday mornings sometimes to have a great Irish Breakfast. Even a half Irish Breakfast is filling enough to eat in the morning . If you are really hungry just get the Full Irish and you will be good all day if not most of it. Fish and Chips are delicious by the way, light, flaky, and never greasy. The bangers and mash comes with this onion gravy that is excellent. Shepard's pie, burgers and curry fries are amazing. Wonderful place to eat at a good value. A really comfortable place to relax and enjoy a good meal. Also during football season they have plenty of screens to watch the game. One thing that they have that I think is hard to find. You can actually watch soccer games here on the television. Not many bars I know of in Chicago have this at all. So you can actually watch the Manchester United game . I know its not soccer its football , but I'm American. Easy parking and a real Irish tap beers. I am really not sure what everyone else is taking about with these other reviews. A full Irish breakfast is about 10 dollars and more food then you'll ever need. You can eat here for under ten dollars a head . This isn't McDonalds people you are getting way better quality and portion size in a homey atmosphere. I eat out quite a bit, this is a great deal to eat at. Never had a problem with the service and have eaten there multiple times. I have even seen people bring their kids there in the morning and not have any trouble. Don't let these other reviews discourage you .
(5)James M.
Service was fine. The Guinness pour was decent, but I've had better. I do love the design of the place - without the bright lights you could easily mistake the interior for a real Irish pub. Honestly, I can always count on O'Shaun's to be decent, but not usually a lot more than that. I remember the first time I went in I was really impressed but have yet to have a similar experience. Been a couple times and it's pretty reliable to meet friends for pint, get a quick bite, or watch the game.
(3)John S.
I work a couple blocks from this place, and live a couple blocks in the other direction. We frequently grab carry out from here for lunch. The Jameson BBQ chicken sandwich is my favorite, though the shepherds pie is another favorite. I've had late dinners here a few times as well. Service can be a little slow depending on who you get, but the food is good and the drink selection is decent.
(4)Restaurant Vigilant E.
O'Shaughnessy's is a delightful neighborhood bar. It's in the quiet neighborhood of Ravenswood. O'Shaughnessy's is an "Irish Pub Kit"...meaning it is about as Irish as a bar can get in the states - not quite the Disneyland of Irish pubs, but they have the right beers, they have the bric-a-brac and a good pub atmosphere. The bartender, Owen, is a direct import from Ireland...there maybe more staff members who are, I don't know. It tends to be a 30 something crowd, but a very welcoming crowd. There are some TV's showing sports, but usually not too loud or in your face. They serve food - typical bar food and some Irish type entrees...I have eaten there two or three times and have found the food acceptable. The interior is nice and comfortable, a lot of amber colored wood and such. It can get quite hot in there though - even in winter. It is the building, not the bar that is to blame for this. They also have outdoor sidewalk seating which is nice as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this place - it is usually crowded, but not too crowded - I have always been able to get a seat. This is a nice place to go for a pint, or even several pints...you could go on your own, or meet friends there and have a good conversation...you could eat there too if you wanted to. It is open pretty late - till at least 1, maybe 2 am...a good, sound pub with that atmosphere. Nice, comfortable, non-pretentious but with just enough of an up market feel.
(4)Marjie W.
This review is for the food/service aspect of this place. My boyfriend and I went here a few days ago to try some food. We did read that it was mediocre, but you never know. I had the Bleu Cheese Spinach Salad and he had the burger. The salad was.. well.. bleu cheese and spinach. My boyfriend said his burger was.. well, mediocre. So, I guess we weren't surprised. The food was quite expensive, though....$8.50 for the burger! The atmosphere is really nice and chill, though, and the bathrooms are super clean and fancy.. always a plus! I suggest coming here if you're NOT hungry! :)
(3)Michael R.
This is a nice Irish pub in Ravenswood. Kathy is a great bartender and know how to make you feel at home. The Guinness is a great quality (it should be Irish people own it) . Also the Shepherds Pie is phenomenal very savory and tasty. It's very roomy with booths, flat screens, and craft beers on tap. There soup is pretty good also. Basically if you live in the hood you try this place often.
(4)Katie B.
Best fish n chips. They changed the recipe, and they're still the best! The all-you-can-eat fish n chips is served in smaller pieces, but still the real deal. O'S is a great place to down a few beers and get some good bar food.
(4)Richie D.
O-Sh-Sh-Awn---- O'Pub. That works for me. I can never seem to remember how to spell it, let alone pronounce the place. My partner and I felt intimidated going in here 1) not being able to know the name 2) not being Irish. The outdoor seating is pleasant yet doesn't do the visit justice because the interior is really quaint. The "J" shaped bar of dark grain wood is gorgeous and quite fitting being an Irish public house. On the other hand, as a forewarning, if you're going to dine, the waitress service is not the best. They need to warm up to you. I've also heard through the grapevines that a certain waitress is biased towards males and particularly Irish men (blonde, accent, the whole sha-bang). Maybe you'll get her... As for the food, blah. The potato-leek soup was ok. I'm not a salt person but had to pour some in due to the plain taste. I ordered the Shepherds Pie since it is one of my childhood favorites and an Irish specialty. Ah, I'd stick to the greasy pub basics. The Pie was simply runny vegetable-beef stew topped with bland mashed potatoes and sour cheese. Nothing too exciting. If you're arriving on the Metra and getting off at Ravenswood, it's only a stone throws away. Simply stop in for a drink and for the ambiance.
(3)Christopher R.
Really, it's a nice neighborhood place rather than destination dining. That said, it knows what it is, and it does that well. We went for a friend's birthday gathering and Tuesday night "trivia night." (It's a league sanctioned event, Dude...) The long table in the back room was more than ample for twenty+. The friends had a pint or four of Guinness, which was cold, but not deal-breaker cold. The wife and I opted for 1/2 price bottle o' wine night. Although they advertise two specific bottles of swill on the table tent-card as 1/2 price, the entire wine menu is available to you. Nice selection, especially considering we were in an Irish Pub. No gripes from the management about our friends bringing in a big old cake for the birthday dude. They even gave us forks and plates. Cool. Waitstaff was attentive enough. That's all I can really say. Not superb. Trivia night was actually really fun. They give you a scorecard upon which you and your teammates write down your answers. Seven rounds, ten questions each. We ended up winning in a tiebreaker, with the prize of a free round of drinks on the house. No complaints.
(3)Heather K.
Live in the area and stopped in for a bite. Nice layout, beautiful wood, clean bathrooms. My food was good, not great, but hey, what Irish place is? No really, someone, give me a restaurant with quality Irish fare. The beer menu was better than expected and the service was great. Over all, a great pub, I'll be back.
(4)Andy C.
Every neighborhood needs a good pub. I was glad to see this place open near me in Ravenswood (where Zephyr used to be). The first few times I went, I enjoyed the beer. This place has an impressive dark wood interior, although it's a bit too polished to feel authentic - nothing like the grit of Gingers Ale House. Plenty of nice TVs if you're a sports fan. I'm not really, but it's nice to see the score. But until tonight, I have to say, I thought the food wasn't great. Honestly now, I can't remember what I ordered, but several times I left thinking I should just stick with the beer and not go for dinner... But tonight I was there and I had a fantastic meal! It was one of the specials. Some kind of braised beef thing. It was awesome. I was with two friends who also had great food. Maybe something changed in the kitchen? Now I'm thinking this might be a great place for dinner. Bring on the mashed potatoes and a cold Smithwicks. PS: The service is great.
(4)Dmitry B.
Great place. I love the vibe of the place. It's really clean the staff is super nice. Their deals are great, and the food tastes pretty good as well. They have some unique stuff on their menu that's definitely worth a try, I've been there plenty of times and have never been disappointed.
(4)Chelsie L.
I had the best burger I have ever had here. NO JOKE! It was delicious. I've only been to O'Shaughnessy's once but it definitely made an impression. Not only does it have an impressive ambiance that makes it seem like you're in an authentic pub in Ireland but the alcohol selection is substantial and the staff is friendly and attentive. The clientele seemed like a mix of regulars and newcomers and had a very warm atmosphere. The music was a bit lacking (90's alternative?) but my food more than made up for it. Also, there are nice LED flat screens everywhere so this would be a great place to catch a game!
(5)Tom H.
Long bar in the front room, high tables and booths in the back room. Breckenridge Vanilla Porter Draught was on special ($5.50) and was very good. Also had the pork chop dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans, the chop covered with a tasty mushroom/onion gravy, a Wednesday evening special ($9.00). The place was fairly full, the Wednesday night trad Irish music sesiún (beginning at 8:00) was musically good and entertaining. The outside sidewalk seating, which I enjoyed over the summer, was closed for the season (it's now late December). Checking in on FourSquare knocked ten bucks off the bill if you use American Express to pay the tab. Nice.
(4)Lola T.
What a way to bring in the New Year! O' Shaughnessy's really exceeded my expectations. Good drinks, great atmosphere and a fantastic time! Supposedly this is the only place real Irish people go to drink Guinness...They say it's the closest to the real thing here. The bar set up is really cool. It has a few rooms and two bars with different beers on tap. If you go to their website, it will display their events and drink specials. Prices are reasonable and food is great! I had so much fun, there is really nothing wrong with this bar other than it's kind of far from my apartment downtown. If you like Irish pubs, then you MUST check this place out!
(5)Caitlin G.
I've restrained myself from writing a nasty review of this place for so long. I've endured terrible service, nasty waitresses, mediocre-at-best food and overpriced drinks without a peep. But finally, I can hold my silence no longer. What, you ask, was the straw that broke the Yelp Camel's back? Answer: Watching two workers haul yet another piece of finely crafted woodwork through O'Shaughnessy's front door as I walked to work one morning. Really? We're investing more money into the bottomless pit funding the interior of this place, but we can't throw a few dimes toward developing a better menu or hiring a competent waitstaff that (at the very least) attends to their tables and knows the difference between 312 and Hacker Pschorr? O'Shaughnessy's is either incompetent and doesn't know how to improve itself or lazy and doesn't want to go beyond the lowest common denominator for its customers. Either way, I avoid giving them my business at all costs.
(1)Lindsey B.
I've been here a few times and have found the food to be quite good but a little overpriced. But I still had a good time at the birthday party I attended. The waitress was really good and FAST! Before I was even done with my drink she had another in my hand. It was pretty awesome. I went again last night just to meet a friend for a couple of drinks and it was just an eh experience. The service was ok, not overly friendly but not unfriendly either. He didn't say much at all really. The hawks game was on and that was a plus, except for when they lost. It was super Hot in there but it was one of the first warm days so I let it slide. Overall it's just been "ok" experiences there, but I'd go again. Not gonna rule it out, plus it's a block from my house. I miss Zephyr's.
(3)Kate C.
Came here twice. Food was bland at best, southwest salad was tiny - not worth $9. Staff was not attentive. Smelled like cigarette smoke near the back door. Too bad it's so close to my house and it sucks. We decided we won't be returning. Suggestion: go to The Bad Apple instead.
(2)Carolynne M.
Well its got a rockin interior, thats for sure. There was so much detail and so much to look at my head was swimming after a few minutes. What would have really capped it for me is if they had real working fireplaces and not these pseudo fake jobs that were just one step up from the "roaring fireplace" tape you sometimes see people have on their TV. Oh well. Anyway, I ordered some soup of the day which was strangely out of place for an Irish restaurant: Coconut, chicken and ginger. Soup had a thin consistency and the coconut flavour was way too mild for my liking. The curry fries and buffalo chicken fingers were much better. Atmosphere was low key, mostly folks in their 20's and 30's in small groups, but we were there early too. Maybe it picks up after 8pm or so. I would go back if I was in the area, but I dont think I would make a special trip for it.
(3)David G.
I may be biased because I live in the same building as O'Shaughnessy's and I've only been in there a few times. Good place to kick back and have a drink and pub food. The food from what I've tried has been good. I had a bbq sandwich one time and fish n chips anoter time and both were good. It's pub food so it's not supposed to be spectacular. I would say it was above average. It's very spacious but can get crowded on weekends. The decor is rustic and dark wood and there are televisions everywhere so you can catch sporting events. The great thing about this place is that it's no B.S. The owners are actually Irish so it's probably as authentic as it can get up on the North Side. There are some monthly specials on beer that I take advantage of when I can. There are also events on some nights. I wished I could have gone to "trivia night" and one of the nights they have live performers, but I'm planning on checking them out in the future.
(4)Tracy K.
When they were first building this place, I was excited. Now that I have been here, I'm completely underwhelmed. Sure the interior looks great. The booths are comfortable. I like the fireplace. However, I have a problem with places that have the air conditioner on in late October. And those comfy booths? Yeah, they are right under the vents. The night we were here last, it was in the 30's outside, and even with my coat on indoors, I was still freezing. As a vegetarian, I don't expect to find much to eat at Irish places, so I ordered the curry fries and a small salad. The salad was pretty big for a "small" and was quite good. I thought the fries were too salty, and my boyfriend's grilled cheese was forgettable. Our waitress showed up exactly two times over the 60+ minutes we were there. She took our orders and dropped the food off. It was a Tuesday night, and not particularly busy. We are not sure where she disappeared to for the rest of the time. Too bad I wanted drink refills.. We had to go to the bar to ask for her to be found so we could get the check. After that, she walked by three times but never gave us our check. We ended up throwing some cash down and just walking out. I don't plan on coming back here.
(2)Chris H.
Went there for the first time today. I just had to say an very good experience, would say excellent but it was my first time. Murphy's Irish Bistro should take note, this is how you do a Irish Pub. Food was excellent, and the prices were fair. Bloody Mary was spicy, maybe too spicy, but good. Service was also good. Prompt service, without feeling like they were hovering.
(4)Duff B.
Loved the fries, liked the sandwiches, nice decor and a fine UK centric soundtrack. A good experience and I look forward to going again. Though I still weep nightly over dearly departed Zephyr.
(3)Ted K.
never had a realy good meal here, but food seems to be decent. nice selection of beer and place looks really nice. not in love with it by any means, but definitely would go back.
(3)Kristen T.
I'm sitting here waiting for my husband to arrive, so why not Yelp? First things first- Chewy, the bartender, is awesome. Always attentive, remembers faces, just a super friendly guy. The kind of bartender that brings us back. Second- this may be the cleanest bar I've ever been to. Everything is just immaculate. The cleanliness does not, however, interfere with the coziness of the place. There's outside seating to enjoy a few Magners during the summer(though I always manage to drink a lot more than a few) and the Guinness is poured well. If only more places understood the importance of a proper Guinness pour... The food is pretty darn good too, not amazing- but good. I'm a fan!
(4)Marie P.
I am updating my review because the owner of this establishment took the time to email me with an apology, and also offered a gift card to my Chicagoan friend, to make up for the poor service we experienced. I appreciated her response and concern, and the fact that she expressed the need to take action to correct the problem.
(4)Maria W.
This is one of my favorite neighborhood spots. Food is good, definitely a step up quality-wise from normal bar food and the Irish influence makes for more interesting options. Drinks are reasonably priced. Very warm and welcoming ambiance, especially in winter with the fireplace. Friendly bartenders and servers. You see people of all ages in here, which I like. It's not like a family restaurant or anything, just a nice neighborhood place. The only negative thing I can think of is that the wine list is a little lackluster. Also, there are a lot of TVs showing sports which I know can be a turn off to some. I wouldn't call it a sports bar though.
(5)Kate J.
This place is great. I can't really say anything else about it. I've had the same server here both times I've gone, Maya, and she's so friendly. When I went here last week, our bill for two drinks was only $8. Even our server thought it was nuts. It's a good atmosphere as well. I don't like places that are super loud and crowded, but I like it to be a little lively. This place is the perfect happy medium for me. And it's in walking distance to my apartment, so there's another bonus. I haven't eaten here, but their menu looks good and they have specials on food and drinks every day.
(5)Katie S.
I recently moved to the neighborhood and my husband and I gave this place a try on a whim. We were blown away! I've now been three times and each time I have ordered the Brie and fig sandwich. It's just so good. Like amazing. The people I have been with have ordered the salads, the fish and chips, and the burger. Everyone has loved their food! They have a good beer and drink list and the staff are knowledgeable. Last time I was there, I ordered a Stiegel Radler. They were out, but the bartender suggested another beer that has grapefruit in it and it was delicious! The decor is very Irish Pub. I imagine it's very cozy in the winter. They are usually playing soccer on TV. Overall, definitely a must if you're in Ravenswood!
(5)Andrew B.
The fair is common pub fair. If you are looking for a beer, some pub food, and a football (read: soccer) match then you have found the right place. There were some spirited football related discussions going on at the bar when I was there, I assume about the match that was on the TV at the time. I ordered the fish and chips and enjoyed it. The fries were a little less crisp than I prefer them but they also appeared to be made from actual potatoes without being over processed or being poured into a frier from a gigantic bag of unspecified origin. The atmosphere is what you'd expect, tall chairs at square tables, some tall booth seats along the wall, the bartender had what I thought sounded like an Irish accent (although I could be wrong as I am not a linguistic expert) and the pictures will fill you in on the rest.
(5)Carrie E.
"Oh that place!" Is what I called it when we ended up here on Friday night. I've walked by it a few times before, but hadn't been there until recently. We were originally going to go to Fountainhead's rooftop, but it was too crazy so this was a nice alternative. Decently sized patio and in a quiet area. Friendly service and big menu. They had a fun cocktail list for only $8 where that same drink would probably be $12+ downtown. I didn't get anything to eat, but would come back and try their food. Someone else in our group got the grilled cheese and it looked pretty good. This is kind of silly, but be careful opening the door to the women's bathroom because someone could be standing at the sink and there's potential to crash into them. Not the best engineering, but it's a clean bathroom.
(4)Heather P.
Don't get me wrong, it's a great local watering hole. It's pretty spacious, has more than one bar, lots of tvs, outdoor space and food. All in all, I've never had a bad or memorable meal here and I've eaten here often so food is good, run of the mill bar food, I'd say. Beer selection is pretty decent. It's defiitely an A-OK bar.
(3)Anne M.
3 Big old place up on Ravenswood - I've passed by this place many times and we finally stopped in for some dinner and drinks on a recent Friday night. We opted for the all-you-can-eat Friday night fish and chips, and we started with a few beers. We were seated in the dining room to the left of the main bar where there were a couple large parties. They have a few sections that could be kind of secluded for semi-private parties. This place was packed, and I liked the interior decorations. There was a nice wood paneled ceiling, and old pub feel to the place. The fish/chips were hot out the fryer - crispy, greasy fish + good dark-ish french fries. The fish didn't have much flavor and the grease got to be overpowering. It was a deal, as most all-you-can-eat scenarios are, but I don't know that I'd order that dish again here.
(3)Jim H.
One of the best neighborhood bars. This place isn't your go out and get trashed type of spot, there's a few other places for that around the corner. Typically hit up brunch on Saturday or Sunday. I used to hate brunch, I felt it was for the birds. This place has changed that. The corned beef here is better than anywhere else in the city and they serve Boxty to boot. The omelettes...I...they're...it's spiritual. Hungover? The Full Irish will fix ya! Have family with kids in town? This place has a very family oriented attitude, it's normal to see kiddos about! Looking to watch some footy? They've got EVERY LEAGUE, not just Premier, when I'm looking to catch up with my German teams, they'll throw on some Bundesliga. The staff is incredibly friendly. Chuy is beyond amazing. If you've read this far, you should just go. Now. Not tomorrow, now. Unless tomorrow is brunch. Then go tomorrow. But also go now.
(5)Hunter C.
It is off the beaten path, but a great "Irish Local" none the less. One of the few places left to get a proper pint of Guinness. They have a respectable choice of craft beers as well. Which should keep your bearded buck-town buddy from choking you out with his fashion scarf (true story). Really breaux? You're from Iowa. Stay off your wife's Pinterest. Pretty solid pub fare. I'm told the Curry is tasty. Chewy behind the bar is a pro, and worth a good tip. He might even be better than the man he replaced. Wait staff is always cheerful & welcoming, and the owner is seems to deserve/respect your patronage.
(5)PF A.
Fun St Patrick's Day party! Great selection of Irish ales, IPAs, and typical pub food. The fish and chips are standard quality pub fare. The prices are reasonable and the service is good which is accentuated by the legit Irish staff. For a taste of the Chirish scene stop by this place!
(4)Kristina B.
Great neighborhood bar that you can watch games at while enjoying a decent selection of beers and pub food. Are there better sports bars? Sure, but not in these parts of Ravenswood. Looking for a trendy place? This is a place for classics, no frou-frou here. Prices are standard, all are welcome, service is great, and you can leave your worries at the door. That's all you need from a great drinking hole.
(5)Bernard L.
My wife and I have been to pretty much all of the brunch spots around our area so we decided to check our this place. We arrived at 10:30 A.M. and found out that brunch wasn't served until 11:00, which meant we had to sit and wait for half an hour. We started off with the artichoke dip, which was great. It was creamy and the pita bread was warm and delicious I got the traditional skillet with a side of turkey sausage and a cup of fruit. The skillet was OK with the potatoes being overcooked. The turkey sausage was tough and hard to chew. I will come back to this place, but overall I s disappointed with the brunch.
(2)Jessica B.
I've been coming to O'Shaughnessy's for a while. It's a great bar, great prices, really good food, never too crowded (i.e. somewhere I can actually sit and socialize with people). The brunch, however, was the impetus for this review. I got something called a boxty with Irish potato pancakes, eggs, and sausage. These pancakes were out of this world melt in your mouth amazing and the parsley cream sauce on top really made them exceptional. The others at my table also LOVED their dishes (skillet and an omlette I think). $5 mimosa and bloody mary's and a meal for under $10? Um, I'll be back. P.S. the staff is always super nice. It's just a great place.
(5)Tyler W.
Great corner Irish bar. Outdoor seating if that's your thing. Pretty decent food menu with some traditional "Americanized" Irish food such as burgers n mash, fish n chips and shepherds pie. Good drink specials (came on Tuesday night) and had $4 beers (Carlsberg). Environment is pretty good with classic two rail bar, some tvs (wouldn't recommend if you are looking for a sports bar). Clean. Good service. Only complaint is the music was awful. Had the Dirty Dancing theme song with other similar tracks playing throughout my meal. Not ideal for an Irish bar. Overall would recommend.
(3)Krisha B.
It's an Irish pub with pretty good food. I really liked the grilled cheese and the curried fries. Their servers are very nice and it's it's a family friendly place.
(4)Eryn G.
Best neighborhood bar in the area! Love how friendly the staff is, it also really adds to the ambiance being a lot of servers are Irish. The food is seriously delicious, we had honey mustard BBQ wings and I can't stop thinking of them. I'm also a huge corned beef fan and their corned beef is a must. They have outdoor seating as well as have televisions to watch sports, definitely can't wait to watch Notre dame games there. Way better than alternative neighborhood bars in the area.
(5)Jennifer W.
Great service and friendly and comfortable vibe. Their beer selection leaves much to be desired. Bring back Optimator! Food is average. They need some more options. Sean and Chuy are great bartenders. Good music selection!
(3)Green T.
Wonderful service here. Attentive weekend staff who know that customers have come to relax. The interior is clean, classy, and huge, but be prepared for the noise and glare of many screens. Outside, ample casual patio seating at a lovely, quiet (except for the Metra), pedestrian-friendly intersection, making for great people-watching. Good range of menu items for pub food. Great fries. Main disappointment was that the "lox omelette" did not contain lox, as indicated. Instead they used regular baked or steamed salmon. A sliver of lox was used for garnish. Very strange.
(3)Kirsten P.
Seriously, worst food ever. I have repeatedly tried to find something, anything, that might be good Cuz it's so close to home, to no avail. Do yourself a favor and eat before you come. Drinks and decor are fun.
(1)Deborah L.
I went to this neighborhood place via Meetup. It is a beautiful bar in a great historical building. It was a Sunday, the day their special is lamb. I was there at around 6 pm and to my disappointment they were already out! Instead I had their triple burger, asking it to be cooked medium rare. It was served well done as were the accompanying french fries. Far below the average bar food.
(2)Joseph D.
Ugh. I really wanted to like this place but hard as I try, I can't give it any more than 2 stars. Stopped in for lunch as it came to us recommended. I will have to have a chat with my friend. We seated ourselves and were taken care of by the bartender who was very nice She took our drink orders and my wife asked for a glass with ice for her cider. We got the glass but no ice from a busboy so I went to the bar to get ice. Bartender apologized as she told the busboy to give us ice but he did not. Good help is hard to find these days I guess. Then there's the food. Yikes. We ordered the fish n chips and the "ultimate grilled cheese." Hoo boy, here's where the wheels really came off. The fish was cold and greasy like it had been sitting back there pre-cooked and the fries weren't much better. Glad they did offer malt vinegar to go with the dish as the tartar sauce that came with it was really a cup of mayo with a fleck of relish in it. Left that alone. The bigger disappointment was the grilled cheese. If you're going to call something "ultimate" you best be prepared to deliver. It was served open face on two large pieces of toast and all that it had was one slice of we think cheddar and one slice of swiss. Sure it was topped with a slice of tomato and bacon but 2 slices of cheese on something called the ultimate grilled cheese? How about basic grilled cheese. Or 2 slices of grilled cheese? Bummer. Beer selection is what you'd expect at an Irish place so that was good. But that's about it. Service was OK, food was below average and beer was good. As there aren't a lot of choices in this area, maybe that's how they can skate by on a mediocre experience. Maybe dinner I better but I'm not sure I want to find out.
(2)KE M.
First off - amazing hospitality and fantastic service. Everything else is secondary. To explain: Our party (5) came in and ordered a couple of beers and some apps. Unfortunately, two minutes after our apps came out, so did our entrees. We sent them back to the kitchen, and when our waitress found out, she immediately comped the apps, apologizing profusely. The food: Pot roast sandwich is *amazing* and you should get it. Shepherd's pie - out of this world - best I've had in the States. Fish and chips? Meh - everyone seems to rave on it, but the portion size was laughably small (but on a huge pile of fries) and the batter separated easily from the fish. Flavor was good, however. The rib eye sandwich? Concept is brilliant - horseradish, rosemary, mushrooms. Execution is lacking, however. Ordered med-well and got med-rare, and the cut of meat is too gristley to not require some marinating. It was tough to chew, but completely delicious. Hey - not every dish is going to be a winner, but there were so many other things on the menu that we wanted to try, too. The server was all over it, though, and made us feel very welcome. At the end of the meal, we commented how much we liked the Stiegl 1/2 litre steins, and she actually got us a couple (for cheap)! We will definitely be back, and we will bring friends from out of town. The atmosphere is cozy, the server was fantastic, and our meal was enjoyable. Excited to go again!
(4)Rod C.
All you can eat fish n chips! Great atmosphere! Great service!
(4)Sara B.
Just your average neighborhood Irish bar - so cozy and wonderful. I could probably just live here forever. Also, mildly obsessed with their buffalo chicken salad. NOM!
(5)Lauren R.
We go to O'Shaugnessy's when we just want a low-key place to eat with good food for a week night meal when neither my husband or I want to cook. The waitresses are all some of the slowest people on earth but they are very nice. Don't go here if you are in a hurry. The beer, cider and cocktail menu is good - lots of specials (Strongbow is on the menu, which makes me happy). One of my favorite sandwiches in the city is the Chipotle Lime Chicken Sandwich on a pretzel roll. It is SO flavorful and the chicken is really moist. The burgers are very good and the wings are yumm-o. I'd avoid the brie apple sandwich (bland) and the potato leek soup (blah). Like I said, go for a low-key, relaxing night when you aren't in a hurry.
(3)Beth M.
What keeps me going back here every time? Probably the best shepherd's pie I've ever had. The key point for me is the cheese crust on top of the potatoes. Most places don't do that but it's the only way I'll eat my pie now. And everything in it is great- the gravy is perfect with the meat in veggies. Defiantly not dry at all. Also their curry fries are delicious and they have a great beer list. I can't personally vouch for their other food since I get the same thing, but every time I've been there everyone else has loved their food. Tip: if you really love curry fries and have about three other friends, do yourself a favor and order the traditional irish curry over fries in place of just curry fries for an appetizer. It's $4.50 more for easily twice-if not three times-the amount of delicious food.
(5)Mike P.
Great little neighborhood pub right along the Metra tracks in Uptown/Ravenswood. The typical dark wood decor found in many Chicago Irish Pubs. There is a small fireplace in the back bar. Very cozy. The Bear's game was on every TV and the place was filled with fans. Not the young, drunk, obnoxious type, just neighborhood folks getting out to catch the game. What set O'Shaughnessy's apart was its food. It's fantastic. Traditional Irish food is what's on the menu, along with some burgers, sandwiches and other things. The corned beef sandwich was extremely good. No skimping on the meat here! The brisket was slow roasted to perfection. I usually don't like panini-style sandwiches, but this one was fantastic. My wife's bangers and mash looked great and she said it was really good. They poor an good pint of Guinness here. Traditional glass and all. To my shame, I've lived in Uptown for almost 7 years and this was my first trip to O'Shaughnessy's. We will definitely be back!
(5)Brian L.
Great place. Good Irish Coffee. Left the place in a hurry though because the neighbor's 9 month old puked everywhere. It's an acquired taste. She'll come around.
(5)Greta B.
Wanted to sit on a patio yesterday to enjoy the warm fall day and decided to go here since it was close. Bad idea. The patio was pretty packed and there was only one server. While she was hustling, the service was crappy. I've been here a handful of times and while I want to like it, I just don't. It always seems they are understaffed and the food is just okay. Yesterday, the food runner dropped off both courses and literally "ran" away. We had to wait for dressing for the wings, extra napkins, and then ketchup for the fries. Those are things that should be present with the dishes and could therefore cut down on extra steps for a busy staff. Saying "Cheers" every chance you get to guests doesn't really cut it.
(2)Caroline D.
Service is back to what it was -- grumpy, weird, inconsistent. I've never seen a place where the management makes excuses to you about why the waitstaff is inappropriate and bad, and this has happened to me more than once here with multiple management. A waitress eavesdropped on me and my friend one afternoon here and approached our table in tears to tell my friend to stop talking about some incident -- which wasn't what we were talking about, but seriously, grow up! The crying waitress apparently called the owner, who came in and told my friend she was no longer welcome there because she speaks up about bad service, slow service, or unexplained policies like how the staff won't change a dollar and round up even if it's at your loss. Bizarre to say the least. Childish, too.
(1)Danielle C.
Dropped in here with my Mom for a quick lunch. The food was great, reasonably priced, and served well. Mom had the smoked Salmon sandwich- tons of salmon, I had the corned beef. We both enjoyed! We loved the atmosphere! It was EXACTLY what we needed on a gloomy day. I am sure I will be back to try the libations. Thanks so much!!
(4)Bailey D.
Went there with a guy I've been seeing. Good date spot. Friendly bartender. Food smelled yummy. Patrons looked happy. Situated in lovely Ravenswood. Pair this with a place to warm up after the Ravenswood arts Walk.
(4)Amber L.
UPDATE: The server who looks cranky all the time? Is cranky all the time. I've been avoiding this place for half a year because the last time I went, service was so bad I had to speak to a manager. Went in this weekend with some friends, and got cold-shouldered by the server again. Why would you look so offended when I ask for another glass of soda water? Other people at the table commented on her over-the-top reaction. I won't be back.
(1)Jane R.
This place has friendly, attentive staff, good beer on tap, and sometimes has live Irish music but the food is pretty average. Love the outdoor seating and casual outdoor seating though!
(3)Pattie U.
I go here very often and am always pleased with the experience. The Irish bartender is my favorite. There's always a rotating $4 whiskey special. The perfect neighborhood pub. Be warned though; it gets real crowded on game days.
(5)Dustin G.
I've gone here many many times since my initial visit. It's a regular brunch spot for me. I love the Full Irish when I'm really hungry. And, well...I only come here when i'm really hungry! The bloody marys are great, too. Come here for brunch! You will leave stuffed and happy.
(5)Kristi B.
We come here often and it is great every time! My favorite 3 dishes are The Traditional Irish Curry, Fish and Chips, and The Lobster Mac n Cheese! Great spot! My favorite Irish pub on the north side of Chicago!
(5)Stephanie C.
Yum! I've been to O'Shaughnessy's half a dozen times now and I'd definitely go back. Good beer list with really solid food--my only complaint is that the fish and chips were bland and way too greasy. But everything else I've had has been delicious, and the service is solid. The curry sauce that comes with the french fry appetizer is really tasty (as are the fries themselves), and I have enjoyed the black been burger, cheeseburger, chipotle chicken sandwich, and several salads. I also wandered in for lunch one day with my aunt and grandpa, and my grandpa thought the pot roast sandwich was excellent--so good that he still talks about it so I'll have to bring him back some day for another!
(5)James R.
The wife and I have been to this place a few times now, as it's our local. Always had a great meal at a decent price! Specifically, their pick your own burger is awesome and I would highly recommend the Irish white cheddar for it! We also watched the US soccer team play during their World Cup campaign. Provided a great atmosphere! Will certainly be back.
(4)Khris L.
I've visited a couple of times and thought the place was cool. They have a good selection of macro and micro brews on tap and in bottles. They also offer food. I've tried their burger and it was juicy. The fish and chips were also good. Try this place out if you're in the area!
(4)Philip B.
Great neighborhood pub. My favorite place for a Guinness and fish & chips. Outdoor seating makes it a no-brained for this great Ravenswood bar.
(4)Lillian H.
Food was OK. Not bad at all. What will keep me coming back is the fact that they serve Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer.... Hard to find!
(4)Lisa H.
I have come to this place since it has opened. Loved the decor and very Irish, love the fireplace!!! TVs are a little small for watching sports, but this visit I ordered a southwestern salad as I have a million times and it was MUCH tinier- like half of what you usually get, but yet the price remained the same. $10.00 for a small salad? what happened?
(3)Elizabeth W.
I've been here a few times in the last year or so. I've sat inside near the bar, in the back of the restaurant, and outside on the patio. Their drinks are fine, but nothing to write home about in my opinion; if you're a beer drinker they do have some decent stuff on the menu (I'm not into beer, myself.) I went with my friend the other day for an early dinner: I ordered fish tacos, which the waitress said were made with mahi mahi that day, and therefore would be even better than usual. She came back two minutes after taking our order to say that the fish tacos were off the menu; it was 5:15pm on a Friday. So instead, I got a burger with bacon, roasted red peppers, and cheddar cheese. My friend had the turkey club. Her sandwich looked pretty great; my burger was greasy and overcooked, definitely past the medium temperature at which I'd ordered. Service was mediocre at best, although the waitress did have a nice authentic Irish accent. So kudos to her for that. Overall, this is not my favorite place in my neighborhood. Probably won't stop by again unless someone else insists.
(2)Jeremy O.
Going to a Cub game? Hop off the metra at Ravenswood, walk a couple blocks south and stop here for a great lunch and beer before the game. You'll thank me.
(5)Ben T.
I come here all the time based on its proximity to my office. Overall, the food is somewhat hit-or-miss. For example, the chicken wings still had feathers in it, the bean burger was small and burnt and I just refused to finish the Irish steak wrap because the taste. On the other hand, the braised beef melt, rib eye sandwich and buffalo chicken salad were great. The beer selection is good. The servers are sometimes difficult (won't split checks) or forgetful of orders. The highlight is definitely the atmosphere, which is cozy and decked out with Irish stuff. I would suggest coming here for a drink. If you are hungry, don't get your hopes up. I mean chicken wings that still had feathers after being prepared shows a lack of attention to their food. Update: I went back and forth with one of the owners, Liz. She responded promptly about my bad experiences and asked that I be more direct in my feedback to the waitstaff so they could address their mistakes right then and there. I was also offered a complimentary meal for my other bad experiences. Other than that, I received a slew of excuses that deflected blame to their chicken purveyor (for the feathers) and their menu for being hard to read. I was also told that my opinin of two particular food items was incorrect because I'm the only person to ever say it tasted bad. I haven't been back since.
(1)Kirsten A.
Free parking, good service, and what looked like a varied menu. They had a nice back room area that they set up for a non-profit group I'm involved in to have a meeting and let them even hook into the tv for a presentation. Nice.
(3)Amelia B.
After a ridiculous workout one day, a group of us popped in here to undo all that calorie-burning goodness with some epic day drinking. On that front, O'Shaughnessy's delivered. At about 3pm on a Saturday, it was relatively dead, with our party being the only outside and a smattering of people inside. Plenty of space inside and out for large groups like ours. Plenty of standard Irish favorites, and special of a Guiness and shot of Jameson (a nip and a tuck? nip and nod? something like that) was especially welcome. The food was actually a cut above bar food at other similar Irish-themed establishments as well. Attentive service kept the beer flowing, and in the end, it all ended up pretty reasonably priced. Or at least my beer-goggles told me that.
(4)Foodie S.
FINALLY!!! A neighborhood bar with no douchebags, fantastic service, moderate priced food, and drinks. Service was phenomenal. Our waitress, Suzanne was extremely attentive and accommodating. Food was delicious and plentiful. Triple Bipass Burger with fresh cut French Fries - Cooked to perfection and served on a toasted pretzel bun...I love pretzel buns!!! French Fries were to die for. I love homemade French Fries and these were pure perfection! Pan Seared Chicken with Artichoke cream sauce, Mashed potatoes, and Asparagus - Chicken was cooked to perfection as well, the sauce was perfectly seasoned and completed the mashed potatoes and asparagus. This place has really nailed their food! We had several beers to drink. They were out of one of my favorites on a Friday night which is why they did not get 5 stars. I will definitely be back for more. If they're out of my beer again...my stars will be reviewed.
(4)Renee F.
This is such a great place! Healthy & unhealthy selection of food, which is very good. Plenty of choices for beer & drinks. Friendly, responsive staff. Very casual, welcoming, fun place to go for weekend brunch, work week lunch, dinner & late night drinking. I'm so happy to call this my neighborhood bar.
(4)Nelson R.
Ok -- I've tried to give this place a fair share of chance (three visits, at varying times). It hasn't really turned out any better. And, actually, each time was worse than the previous one. Last night being the third and last time I plan on visiting this place. I had such an unpleasant time it actually spurred me to get a Yelp Account just to write this review. There are two things that would lead me to actually doing that: one, the service/business was extremely good, or two (and this is the one relevant to O'Shaugnessy's) the service/business was extremely bad. The first visit was on a late (weekend) night. A few buddies and I were walking by and decided to get some food/drinks. Their limited late-night menu didn't particularly impress me, but I expect that from most after-hours kitchen menus. I ended up ordering some desert. Their chocolate lava cake, or something along those lines. The description included the words 'hot' 'chocolate sauce', etc. I received the plate in which was a stone cold hard piece of chocolate cake sans anything resembling warmth. I asked the waitress whenever she ended up returning, and apparently they were out of the hot chocolate sauce. They failed to inform me of this before, or seemed to care after the fact I brought it to their attention. Ok. Well, I thought maybe it was a little late, and perhaps I shouldn't expect anything that great. So we returned last night at the insistence of my friends to watch the Blackhawks game. The place was packed to the brim. The waitress seemed to be quite busy so I won't really blame her for most of the failure. We all ordered food. I had a hard time deciding what to get. My friend (who enjoys the place) told me that their 'Loaded Potato Skins' were pretty mediocre. So I ended up going for their 'ULTIMATE Grilled Cheese' ($8-something), thinkin' that not much could go wrong with it. Meanwhile, the table next to us who arrived after us and had children received their food orders; as well as the table across the way whose party also arrived and ordered after us. My friend was thinking about cancelling her order, seeing as how an hour had passed and an entire period and a half of the game without mention or apologies from the waitress. But seeing as it was a game night I was even willing to forgo being obnoxious about the wait. So I simply asked the waitress if she knew how long it might take for the food, since we had a friend that needed to leave soon. She gave me a fairly curt response about the kitchen being swamped, while simultaneously NOT answering my question. But, less than a minute later she came with all of the food. Leading me to think that she possibly forgot about it until I reminded her. Or it could have been coincidence. And then, that's when it happened. They set my "ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE" in front of me. I wish I could post the picture, because this was the most underwhelming and cheaply made grilled cheese I have ever been given or seen in my entire life. On the stale barely toasted pieces of bread were two un-melted cold pieces of Kraft singles, and some unknown half-melted white cheese which I assume was the provolone. Along with two slices of tomatoes. Everyone at the table was literally dumbfounded. My roommate (who just about eats ANYTHING, told me I should have returned it). But I was hungry, and didn't feel like waiting another hour for some other similarly mediocre/awful piece of pub fare. The taste was worse than the look. I had to douse the entire sandwich in ketchup just to soften the bread and get it down. And then I ran out of my coke halfway through the 'meal' and asked for another. Which came literally 30 minutes later. I, at least, got an apology from the unfazed waitress which helped in absolutely no way at all. Neither did the Coke at that time because I had finished eating about 20 minutes prior to getting the re-fill. So -- the food was god-awful, the service was severely lacking (at peak hours and at non-peak hours, apparently), and the prices are not that great for what you actually get. The only positive things? The atmosphere for the game was pretty good. Though the TVs are a bit hard to look at for a standard pub/sports bar. The place is pretty clean and the design is nice, though not like any Irish pubs I ever saw while in Ireland. And the beer selection is decent, though I would expect more Irish beers, considering... Obviously I'm goin' to be staying away from this place, no matter how conveniently located it is. *Photo added.
(1)Christine S.
I've been to O'Shaugnessy's quite a few times... I popped in here last night for dinner and drinks, and now it's time for a review. I've always really like'd it but last night kinda tipped it over into me loving it. The bartender (who is there every time I'm there) is awesome! He's so polite. He's very attentive. He's quick. He has a great "pour". He's pretty much just the perfect bartender. I really like this dude. I am VERY pleased with the two wraps I was able to try last night. I had the Blackened Chicken Wrap which has LOTS of chicken in it. If you're afraid of the jalepeno/strawberry jam, fear not...it's not hot kiddies. I also had the Portabella Wrap, and this was my perferred choice out of the two of them. It has the perfect blend of baby spinach, cranberries, goat cheese and roasted red pepper remoulad. I'd order either of these wraps again. BTW, the wraps are huge and served with a huge serving of fries. I was lucky enough to try two, because I had a dining partner that was interested in both wraps as well. I love when that works out! O'Shaugnessy's has a pretty large beer list...and they have some really great specials. Another useful tidbit...street parking is plentiful.
(4)Mike L.
Great place...great food...awesome Bloody Mary's...the owner, Mike is a great guy and the staff is always warm and friendly...
(5)Carol J.
Always great food, great service, impressive beer list, and my friends who like whiskey and scotch love the selection. My favorite neighborhood spot!
(5)John H.
We're so happy to have O'Schaughnessy's right down the street! This pub has a relaxed and friendly environment with plenty of room (inside and out), plenty of specials, and plenty of parking! Setting up a party reservation is so simple, and they've always been able to handle our crowd. We've been lucky to have Donna as our regular server, and she represents what we've experienced with the rest of the staff - always ready to help you decide on a dish or pick a drink. We've been for trivia nights, for games, for dinner, after movies - and it's always been the perfect choice!
(5)Reid F.
Really decorative inside and the amptoshere is very pub oriented, as it should be. The food here has always been top notch and the drink menu is full with lots of options. Service can waiver, but like any other good restaurant, waitresses running around means there's lots of people for a reason. Good place to catch Bulls or Hawks games.
(4)JM C.
They got a new chef and the food is so much better! The service is better! Great wine; love the salmon and the rosemary skewers. With the wonderful outdoor seating, it's just a great place to go now so we've made it our weekly haunt!
(4)Greg L.
There are daily specials that all look pretty good and a fun drink menu. Lot's of local and micro brews on draft. I had a good burger and the fries were nicely seasoned. Inside is a warm atmosphere with large tables and a classic looking wooden bar. In the warm months, there are many tables outside for your enjoyment. The staff was friendly and the food is good. Parking is limited, but the turnover seems high in the area.
(3)Tom T.
Local bar with an authentic Irish flare. Come for the fries with curry dipping sauce. On Thursdays there is a live band playing contemporary jazz music. The best part about this place is after drowning my sorrows in apple cider beer and some bluesy tunes I can just muddle my way to bed two blocks down.
(3)Christine M.
I really hope that this place gets better. Once we had a table, it was about 5 minutes of just sitting there before we got a menu. After that, it took quiet a while to get our drinks - just beers, nothing special. The menu did not impress us, so we didn't have dinner there. I hope the menu gets better. The main problem that I had with this place was the amount of *children* that were in the bar. I was not aware that they were going for the family-friendly vibe, but I'm surprised that they didn't have stroller parking outside the door.
(2)Sally C.
I work down the street from here, and have been here four times. My first three experiences were great and deserved 4 to 5 stars. However, today's experience ruined it. The first three times I dined in for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. The staff was attentive and friendly. The ambiance was nice, and there were various seating options - outside in the nicer weather, at the bar, at the high top tables in the front, or at the regular height tables in the back. Today's experience ruined it. I ordered a buffalo burger to go. I picked it up and took it back to my office. The menu included this description: Buffalo-Style Burger - 10 Spicy buffalo sauce, bleu cheese & celery salad, And a touch of ranch dressing! Upon opening it, I discovered that they included the buffalo sauce and that's it! The bleu cheese, celery salad, and ranch dressing were missing! And they were the reason I ordered it! I realize this is most likely the fault of just one person and it's an isolated incident (I hope), but it's disappointing that this happened the one time I ordered food to go. Had this happened when I was dining in, it could have easily been fixed. I will probably not stop going here due to the convenience but I will be much more cautious if I ever order food to go again.
(2)Anne T.
Dad says it might be the best burger he's ever had !! Red peppers and bacon. Yum.
(5)Jenny K.
This place would be a solid option based on location alone. It's distinguished by surprisingly fresh and healthy food options (given the Irish pub motif). They offer nice salads, which you can round out with a side dish of veggies. Hey, if you're going to be enjoying a $4.50 Smithwick's (or whatever their special of the week is), it helps to balance it out with some lighter fare. Service is decent; all in all a great neighborhood pub. Outdoor patio, and low-key on weeknights. Wish they would bring back trivia!
(4)Giselle M.
When I was initially planning my wedding I purposely kept the guest count low in order to provide my guest with an amazing experience. I started out with a facility off the Chicago River but then my budget quickly doubled due to hidden cost and extra fees. Having our wedding at O'Shaughnessy turned out to be the most amazing experience ever my guest still to this day tell me it was "one of the best weddings they have ever been too" and talk about how professional and attentive the staff were but most importantly "how amazing the food was" and "how quickly drinks were served". The staff and the hostess went above and beyond to ensure everyone had an unbelievable experience. When I dropped my wedding planner Liz the hostess and restaurant/bar owner was at the ready always available to answer question despite her busy schedule but arranged the times with the florist, decorator and baker. Everything was beyond perfect or anything I could have imagined and my husband and I have Liz and her utterly amazing staff to thank. Best part the wedding was so reasonable it was under budget and paid off well before the wedding date. SO if you want to stray away from the budget busting debt of a wedding and provide your guest with an utterly amazing experience you should place O'Shaughnessy high on that list. Words can't even express our gratitude...
(5)Nikkie H.
I moved to my new neighborhood a few months back and was happy that I had a decent bar within walking distance. Much like my last place and its proximity to Gannon's, O'Shaughnessy's is just two blocks which makes it, by default, my go-to neighborhood pub. I like a lot of things about this bar - decent beer selection, food is good, the bartenders and servers are pleasant, good outdoor area (either in the shade or in the sun, depending on your mood), etc. What I also like about it, is that it's a bit off the beaten path. It's not in the heart of Lincoln Square, it's not super close to any particular train stations, it's just perfect, because it's the quintessential neighborhood establishment. People who are there WANT to be there. They aren't hanging out because The Grafton or Huettenbar was too crowded and this was next door and empty. I added a bonus point too, because they actually have staff who are Irish (or at least one person and she's lovely). That is very much appreciated when you go to an Irish pub.
(4)Dan G.
A decent "Irish" pub. It is actually pretty gorgeous on the inside. Carved wood, tin ceilings, nice furniture, and plenty of HD TVs. The food is standard pub fare. Fish and chips, burgers, rubens, that kind of food. All decent tasting. You ask for a burger you get a burger. Nothing over the top, but nothing flashy. They have a good selection of beer. The usual English/Irish stuff. Which includes Boddington's on tap. A personal favorite. Pub, Sports, Beers, Food. That's it! Decent in all accounts.
(3)Julio M.
Took my mom here for dinner tonight. We had been wanting to check it out. I hadn't been here since it was an ice cream shop. the place looks nice, a little grim. It was hard to read the menus because it was so dim. We weren't greeted when we walked in, I had to ask someone if we could sit down. The waitress was ok. Not very talkative or informative. She was nice throughout the service but it just seemed like everyone was preoccupied. The food was great! Tomato soup and corned beef sandwich were very tasty. Maybe the lights should be turned up so the staff can wake up a bit. Other than that was ok. I'll be back again for the food!
(3)David R.
Okay, I'm going back to 3 stars because I was there on a Sunday night and it was A-OK. Also, there was a silver-tongued old devil in the bar who very charmingly introduced himself to my sister and ignored me utterly--only after finding out that she and I were not together. Made us both chuckle as we walked away.
(3)Mark M.
You step inside and the interior is full of beautiful dark wood and authentic Irish decor. You're instantly transported to the old country and I love it! They pour Guiness the right way and it's creamy and delicious. Great neighborhood Irish Pub.
(4)Megan K.
3.5 stars, if I could. I've been to this bar 10+ times in the last two months after conveniently moving down the block. They have a decent draft and bottle listing, which is nice because you won't get stuck ordering the same few beers all the time. A huge allure of this place is their outdoor seating, where they have two small areas outside (one on Ravenswood and one on Wilson) that are normally pretty full on any nice evening. I've only had a few of their appetizers, but their steak nachos are awesome as they grill up fresh tasting steak and give you a fair amount of it. We tried the chicken quesadilla and the sweet potato fries last night, and those both were delicious as well. They have half off appetizers during the evening on weeknights, so I'd recommend trying out a few bites to eat then. The only reason that I'm knocking off a few stars is that the service hasn't been the most consistent. We've had a few very attentive and nice waiters/waitresses, but there have been times where it would take 10-15 minutes for a beer to come out, or we'd just be ignored openly by the waitress. The atmosphere is great, not too loud if they're showing a game, so you're still able to carry on a conversation and not have your ears buzzing by the time you walk out. The bar is always pretty full, but never obnoxiously so that you can't get a table. If you're in the area, it's definitely a bar that stands out above the rest, so give it a go!
(3)Kylie S.
Irish pub a couple blocks from our house. Always a good crowd, good service, and good beer. Small patio out front that we enjoy sitting it so we can have our dog with us - it's a bit noisy as it's by the El, but not really a big deal. Parking in the area is easy and the bathrooms are really nice (for a Irish pub). Food is ~3 stars because it's fairly standard pub fare, but I enjoy the atmosphere and location so we come back regularly.
(4)Daniel C.
A great place to stop by for a for a drink and maybe a quick bite. It is not a destination bar and not worth going out of your way to visit. But if you are in the area of North Center/Ravenswood/Lincoln Square it is one of my favorite options. The drinks are reasonably priced and they have an average/above-average beer list. Very friendly bartenders and I can usually grab a seat, not problem. Probably my favorite part about the bar is their large outdoor patio in front of the bar - it is a great place to drink and hang out during the summer and spring. I don't eat there too much, but it seems live they've stepped up their food recently. Had some great curry chips that impressed me. They do also have a late night menu, though it is pretty lame, consisting mainly of standard fried items like onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
(4)Becca C.
Great for brunch, watching football or fútbol. Decent pricing and good specials. Very large space with nice restrooms. Kinda reminds me of a bar I went to in Thurles Co. Tipperary...kinda. The curry chips always hit the spot. Overall great place.
(4)Aimee M.
Visited this place a few times now--dinner, lunch, drinks. I love the dark wood decor and this last time an Irish gent was telling me about a huge rugby match that Ireland won over England. And was he excited! Gosh I miss Ireland. The food is pretty good. I've had the fish and chips, burgers and Irish Breakfast different times. The burger was good--fresh ingredients, made to order. Fish and chips and Irish Breakfast was also good. Of course better in Ireland, but good enough that it reminded me of good times in Ireland. The service is laid back and friendly. Good beer/drink selection with daily specials. Each time I've visited it hasn't been overly crowded, but there were enough folks that made the chatter carry. It's always been a fun time at O'Shaughnessy's.
(4)Tara M.
Okay, so this is a bar that if you go during the week, and are a female, will be in the minority in the room. I personally have no problem with this, but I know others who do. Anyway, when we first got there, it was pretty packed, finding a table wasn't as easy as I'd have liked, but not altogether impossible. Waitress got to us right away and had our drinks on the table minutes later. Good deal! Food was a different story, like I said it was a bit busy, a Hawks game was on, and so rawdiness was present with the patrons. That said, we did get what we ordered, the way we ordered it. I had the Baja Chicken Ranch Press, which was good... didn't have a ton of flavors going on, but as a basic samich... not bad. Friend had the Blackened Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla and offered no complaints. I think its a nice place to have dinner and a drink, and watch a game. Not some place I'd go out of my way to head over to unless I was meeting up with friends. Will I go again? sure... if I know people there or am in the neighborhood.
(3)Margaret R.
It's official, I'm now a 'regular', I love this bar!! They have a great food and beer selection and specials every day of the week. Atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the staff are attentitive and full of recommendations for the newcomer. My favorite dishes are the corn beef press and the chicken curry, the curry sauce is amazing. I highly recommend you pay this place a visit, you'll thank me for it!!
(5)Rollie H.
Well, something has changed, besides the menu. I used to love the Fish Limon. A piece of tilapia, NOT DEEP FRIED, what a concept, with steamed veggies and brown rice. Finally a place w/fish I can eat, yay! and now it's gone off the menu. So all the fish is deep fried, so I won't be back for that. The new menu just like other places. And I will never understand why there is Latin food at Irish pubs. You won't see this in Ireland. And, they had to put signs by the fireplace warning that they are real and they are hot, and to keep children away. How pitiful is that. Parents, can't you teach your children that fireplaces are not play places? Not going back and I'm sad about that.
(1)Kevin C.
Why is that I judge a book by its cover when the cover is appealing? I need to stop doing that. We stopped in for a couple beers and good conversation. Initially wanted to sit outside, grabbed a table, and waited about 15 minutes with no luck. To their credit only two waitresses were on for the outside which boasts around 20 some tables. Picked up shop and went inside to the bar. Another 10 minutes or so...and were tended to. As for the pub itself it had a very inviting atmosphere with hardwood throughout mixed in with a cozy Irish twist. Truly a nice place and is very large which would be well suited for large groups. I'll admit it was a Tuesday night - but was it 50's plus night (old man bar alert)? Being on the younger side of 25 this stuck out like a sore thumb, which is okay, it's a neighborhood bar. So if you're looking for a younger crowd you might not find it here. The beer selection was geared toward Irish brews but they had a fine variety to offer. It was nice to see Bell's Oberon on tap which is a fine tasting summer ale. Five dollar pints is pretty standard so no complaints there. I was unimpressed with the service. No mention of the monthly specials ($4 Hoegaarden and $3 Beck's bottles come to find out later) or if we wanted to see a menu. Felt slightly neglected as we had to get the bar tenders attention for our first beer, the second, and the bill (and he didn't pour a canned beer into a glass for a lady patron - what's with that?). By no means were they slammin' at 8 o'clock on Tuesday. Dropping by for a couple of beers failed in my opinion. Based on the food that was coming out of the kitchen and previous reviews I will be back for a taste. I'll give O'Shaughnessy's another fair shake.
(2)scott B.
Been here a few times before as "adults" and always had a good time, but last Friday we brought our toddler with us. It was around 6:00 pm and the place was filling up. I never noticed before how many seats in the place were "high bar stool type" chairs. We spotted some lower seating in the back room, but several of the tables had "Reserved" signs on them and the rest were taken. We ended up at a high table and watched our son like a hawk in case he launched over his stool. I had the yummy pot roast sandwich and she had the fish and chips. Fish was a little greasy that night. Our son had the chicken fingers. He said they were fine. Beer selection was great as always. We will be back, but not with him until he gets much taller,
(3)matty z.
I'm disappointed with myself that I first gave O'Shaughnessy's a 3-star rating. I was mistaken. She's a four-star. The reason for the upgrade? High attention to service and keeping you happy. And that's worth it, my friends. That's worth it. It's comfortable, unassuming, and a great place to spend hours away with friends. Or, hell, even by yourself! Love it.
(4)Whitney B.
I used to go to this bar for Trivia on Tuesday nights. Unfortunately I did not feel that the owner gave support to the people actually running or participating in the trivia. Despite servers being very nice, the service and food are not the greatest. It is generally somewhat slow. However, my main complaint is that after multiple emails asking to be removed from the email list for that trivia, the owner insists upon keeping me on said list. This week will now be the third email I send to ask to be removed. It is simply indicative of incredibly poor customer service if you ask me. And just to be clear, I have worked in the service industry for a substantial amount of time in prior years. So I am well-acquainted with how establishments like this should handle customers. It is a real shame if you ask me, because the bar has a great monopoly on the neighborhood in a lot of ways.
(1)cassie r.
Curry sauce and fries. My newest discovery....latest obsession. Thanks to O'Shaughnessy's for the introductions. This place has a lot going for it - A chill vibe, with plentiful seats on a Sunday, football watching afternoon. Good food, decent beer and friendly service. And again, curry sauce and fries. Hello?! Amazing. We also tried the hummus, but I only had a bite of that, so I can't really attest to it's quality. However, I'm fairly certain I ate 95% of our fry order. I can definitely attest to their amazingness. And I shall. Repeatedly.
(3)Kristen W.
Not thrilled, not thrilled at all. The food was extremely greasy (fries were inedible) and the beer was lukewarm. Highly disappointing because they've obviously taken great care with the decor. It's a truly beautiful Irish style pub. They really need to kick the food up a notch or two. And they really screwed up the Irish breakfast. Total sin in my book.
(2)T M.
I had high hopes for O'Shaughnessy's for the months that it was under construction. I'm not sure why, it's not like I frequent Irish pubs or anything. But all the buzz we heard from the owners about what their plans were, and the signage out front, pointed to something more than what was delivered. It's a very nice place, attesting to the contractor background of the owners, although I would have avoided putting A/C vents directly over people's seats. There have been a few times I've sat down and moved immediately so I wouldn't freeze, and that's pretty impressive. I do wish they had gone for smaller or fewer televisions. While everyone who works there is very nice and the service has always been good, the food itself is just too expensive for what it is. Either they should drop the prices in recognition of the food's utter mediocrity, or make it a lot better. I doubt they'll make it cheaper, so that means they should start practicing in the kitchen. I do appreciate the salad that they've substituted for fries- it was a solid portion with a nice mix of greens. I think they also have a decent liquor selection. It's heavy on favorites, but they do carry some fun stuff, like Tennent's lager, which I have to recommend. I try to stay away at night, since it becomes mostly indistinguishable from other Irish pubs which I similarly avoid.
(3)Lynn M.
The chicken curry impressed me. The inside was very cozy and still well designed and decorated.
(5)Crystal D.
I really hesitated about giving it a 4th star, versus just 3, but in the end I gotta say that this place definitely does not offend me and I always find myself having a pleasant, if not spectacular, time. My first time dining was on the patio and they were nice enough to look the other way about my dog being with me- sorry to all the dog haters!! But the fish and chips was just meh. And the boxti were really awful. My second time there was at the bar on Thanksgiving and the owner was VERY hospitable to us so that definitely is worth 4 stars. He talked to us and seemed to be aware of some of the service and kitchen issues and I think he is really trying to fix them. Let's hope he gets the kinks ironed out. So based on that visit, the boyfriend and I visited a couple of weeks ago for dinner to see if the food had improved. It was ok. Really not a very Irish menu- a few things here and there. As my boyfriend said, "how can you not have any corned beef or reuben on an irish menu?" Maybe we have the wrong idea about irish food but I likes me some corned beef every now and then and would have thought that would be the place to get it! The Curry Fries are pretty good and the artichoke dip was fine but a little light on portion size and screw the vegetables- too hard to dip in artichoke dip- bring on more pita! Tried the fish and chips again and was still not impressed but the shepherd's pie was ok. You're not going to a five-star restaurant- it's a pub people. Luckily my service has been fine. This is a fun bar to hang out in. The food is nothing special so I would focus on going here as a bar and maybe ordering appetizers. Oh and the interior is BEAUTIFUL!
(4)Peter V.
Why would you spend an obvious large sum of money to completely gut a space, build it out, make it one of the better looking Irish bars in Chicago only to serve food that taste like burnt plastic and have the world's largest selection of bad beer? Because you are an Irish bar in Chicago. This city needs another Irish bar like it needs another steak house. O'Shaughnessey's - You put an obvious effort into the building now make half an effort into your food or maybe bring in a beer that is not a Bud or Miller product. We're pretty smart drinkers these days. And how do you screw up French Fries? people complain about the food not being authentic Irish, I don;t care what it is, my complaint is the food isn't edible This isn't River North or Wrigleyville and this bar will barley cling to life for a year or so only because there is no other option for food or drink nearby.
(1)Darin E.
What was I thinking!!?!?! I ordered a Mojito with fond memories of a trip to Puerto Rico a few years back. It was on special, and they aren't THAT hard to make. This one was 'orrible. I would actually rather have had a warm Budweiser. My wife got the potato leek soup - it was like baby food. BLEH. The soda bread seemed homemade, though, and was good. "Chips" with curry sauce were ok too. Waitresss a Irish accent. Nice overall feel to the place. Dark paneling etc. Any potential for redemption was ruined by a rowdy bunch of LOMBARD guys (any William Gibson fans out there?) that came in after the Blackhawks lost the hockey game.
(2)Sean C.
I happen to live right around the corner from this nice looking Irish pub, and was hoping it could be a regular stop for friendly service and great beer. I haven't had much of a chance to visit over the summer, but after a few trips to O'Shaughnessy's I feel I have come up with a fair review. After the first couple of times going there, I just shook off the crowds and sub-par service to a new, 'not quite there yet' bar. The food wasn't all that great either, but tolerable. Just don't waste your money on the Potato Skins. They have zero taste. Let me sum it up as best as I can: Fancy Irish decor? Check. You can start your Irish pub architectural tour here. Great pour of Guinness? Check. God help an Irish bar that can't do this. Good looking women? Hit or miss - the 60-something waitresses aren't giving us guys much to look at either. Unless you're into that sort of thing. Oh, and for the ladies i'd imagine the men weren't all that much to look at either. Especially since I was there... Authentic Irish grub and/or great food? Good luck finding it here. Bartender who refuses to replace a soapy beer? Affirmative. I think this place finally struck out with me.
(2)Luke S.
I seem to have had a good time here. My buddy bought me a beer which tasted like Robitussin, but that was only because he lost a bet and was biter. It's your typical Irish pub. The food looked pretty good and the service was quality. Four stars for the bag of candy that I found in the back of the room. Skittles and Starbursts were a crucial find at that point in the night.
(4)Danita B.
The early Yelp reviews of this place had me feeling a bit cautious. Thankfully, my experience from last week Wednesday was just fine, and that was actually the second time I've gone. I live in the neighborhood. Most of the early complaints I saw of this place dealt with the service. On my initial visit, one of my friends gave the server a bit of a stumbling block - "I'd like the cod baguette, but no cod! And an order of fries with curry." (She's a vegetarian.) And this was after asking if they had chili-mac (something a different Irish pub nearby has). Our server needed a couple seconds to process, but then she took the challenge in hand and got my friend settled with a no-cod-cod-baguette which comes with fries anyway, and a side of curry. (Cheaper than they way my friend was trying to order it.) Based on that, I guess you could say that the menu could be improved with some move veggie friendly additions. Our food was good. I had a burger that time, no complaints. My second visit I had the Irish B.L.T. Meh. Not so much a fan of that one. I guess I prefer regular American style bacon more. Both times we were there, we wanted to watch a game on tv. For whatever reason, they persist in playing really crappy music instead of having the sound for the game on. (A station or something of covers...a man covering Britney Spears' "Toxic"? REALLY? You're going to make people suffer that?) The second time we were there, the sound for WGN was on, but then they turned it off in favor of that cover station. Eventually things did improved when a bunch of musicians came in to play traditional Irish music. There must have been twelve of them, and they were really good. I plan on going back on more Wednesdays to catch that. Overall, worth a visit.
(3)David G.
So, the place is brand new and looks that way. Some Yelpers seem to want it to look like a 50 year old Irish pub right off the bat. Consider for a moment that this would look pretty stupid, too. Do classic institutions often get there by mimicing some old cliche? Or do they stick to their mops and be the place they want? Maybe I'm a little pissed that you guys don't look 75 year-old Persian prostitutes. The woodwork in here is grand, dark and um, expensive-looking. The staff is friendly and Irish. (The tall guy has asked my name and given me a free shot.) Contrary to another review - maybe an old one - they have many Irish whiskeys on hand. A hundred stars.
(4)Julee M.
I have been waiting what seems like forever for this place 1 block from my house to open. I was a huge fan of its former occupant, Zephyr. I loved that I could walk over there and have a meal outside. I was heartbroken when Zephyr closed. I was happy to see another restaurant would be taking it's place. The fact that it is a bar is a major bonus. They are supposed to be adding outdoor seating soon too which rocks. Our area of Ravenswood needs a place like this. So last Saturday a couple friends and I decided to have lunch there before the roller derby. We got there about 3pm and got one of the last 3 open tables. Like the reviewer below said, we too were surprised by the amount of children. Luckily they were all well behaved. My first impression upon entering was that the place looked gorgeous and it was hard to believe that the art deco Zephyr was once there. They put a lot of work into it and it shows. My only complaint is that because the dcor is so dark, the outside light coming in through the windows is blinding. No big deal though. Our waitress was very nice but sloooowww. It took forever for her to take our order and then it took forever for the drinks to come. She was also not very knowledgeable of the menu and what was included and forgot to bring a few things throughout the meal. I will overlook this though since they did just open and I'm sure she was still learning, but I hope the service improves in the future. Now onto the food. The menu was interesting. I've just recently started enjoying Irish food. Well ok, it's the curry sauce I'm enjoying. But anyway, there were several things on the menu I wanted to try. I settled on the grilled cheese with Irish Cheddar and a side of curry fries. The cheddar they used was excellent and I love that it was served on whole wheat bread. I ordered it with tomato but it was still a little dry. It could use some sort of sauce or something that so many places seem to be adding to their grilled cheese these days. It was good though and I would order it again for the cheese. The fries were over cooked but the curry sauce was great and made up for it. One friend had the thickest burger I have ever seen and the other had the Irish sausages. Both said they were good. Sooo...1 star for location and convenience. 1 star for ambiance. 1 star for the food. I hope to raise that in the coming months as they get over the "just-opened" growing pains. I'll be back for sure.
(3)Melissa B.
I may re-do my review in the future, since all I had was a beer. Although I will say their beer specials are awesomely priced. The open mic is hosted by Zen, who is spectacular. This open mic is still in it's infancy stages, so we all decided to do more of a "round robin" style. The sound system leaves something to be desired, but the back room, and drink specials make me think this could blossom into something wonderful.
(3)Brett G.
Went in during a downpour this past Friday night, at about 8ish. Since I run by this place frequently, I have watched it progress during construction. There really are not many bars up in the area (aside from the Rail), so had some hope for this place being one where you could stop in and get a drink and bite to eat. Totally disappointed. While the place looks nice from both the outside and inside, there was an hour wait for any sort of seat, either at the bar or table. It was so extraordinarily loud, I had to ask the woman taking names to repeat her message twice. An hour to sit at a place where I can't even hear? No thanks. Maybe it's just because the bar is conveniently located, and the Ravenswood folk are starved for a bar, but that's just a bit much for me. Perhaps the review will improve once I actually try their drinks and food, but the food looked like standard, fried Irish fare (not my thing).
(2)Barry J.
comfy place to drink with friends. kind of pricy but they spent some bucks on the build out. Keeps out the riff raff. (actually I kind of like a little r/r. ah well.) Alpha King on tap. Plenty of cabs. Stumbling distance for some of us. Spacious. Huge clean bathrooms. U2@100dB. Nice looking young people misbehaving. Or wanting to. They're obviously not taking any chances here but that's cool. Type of place I'd be happy to hang at if someone else was buying my drinks. *** = a-ok
(3)Jeff B.
7 light beers at an Irish Pub....give me a break. There were only two Irish brews on the beer list. What's Irish about that? To add insult, the menu is small and no corned beef, no reuben, no shepherd's pie, no bangers and mash...what kind of pub is this again? My date and I ordered the fish n chips and a salad. The two fish sticks and 10 fries...where's the beef? The salad looked like a bunch of weeds pulled from down the street. On top of that it was served on a platter, dressing on the side so there was no way to "Toss" the salad. Service was slow, food was bad, why go back? This place will be on the for sale block soon. in this economy you can't afford to be new and making such a horrible impression.
(1)Elaine C.
I had one of those days where between the time I decided I was hungry and the time I actually decided what to eat, it had been 5 hours. I don't know if it was stress or what, but I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to decide what to eat. Luckily, someone rescued me and took me here. The chicken and avocado sandwich (which came with mango and cilantro and other stuff) was exactly what i needed. I did wish it came with more mango and more chicken, but an abundance of avocado is not something to complain about in chicago. They gave us curry sauce for the fries, plus I drank a gigantic Magner's and life was good once again. This place is really the kind of place you wish you lived around the corner from, kind of like Bar on Buena. It's homey, inexpensive ($7 for my sandwich), and has a cure for whatever ails ya. Thanks to O'shaughnessy's and my friend for not letting me starve.
(4)Anthony J.
Been there a half-dozen, maybe more times. Beer selection nothing special, usual pub stuff. Food is decent, can't complain. Most of it isn't exactly homemade, but this ain't a gastropub. Go for burgers, fish and chips, bangers and mash. All those are good. Prolly 3.5 stars, but I'll give it 4 for timely service and a real clean joint.
(4)Eric S.
Right across the street from where I live, can't complain about that. I have never been inside a pub in Ireland, so I cannot vouch for the decor. Think Dixie Kitchen with an Irish theme. But the dark wood, green curtains and subtle lighting give it a very comfy atmosphere. Only had apps the first night. They were OK. Really glad to see Strong Bow on tap. I'll be stopping in for that all summer long.
(4)janet f.
After having read some of the reviews of this place, I wanted to throw my hat in the ring also, having been here several times. I tried the fries with curry. Meh. The sauce tasted like diluted ketchup mixed with curry powder, and the fries were undersalted and not very tasty. I've had Irish curry before and liked it very much...this was not it. Although I realize the place is Scottish, the vegetable chips at Duke of Perth are far superior. The chicken pot pie is pretty good, as are the mussels. One can see that the owners spent a lot of time and effort on the design and decor. They did a nice job, though I agree that the air conditioning needs to be diverted so that it is not blasting on the patrons' heads the whole time. This can easily be fixed.
(2)Suzanne S.
Was here yesterday when they were having temporary air-conditioner issues (which they apologized for), and yet I still had a good time. The decor is well thought-out and complete. I like the variety of seating options. The ladies room is clearly marked (I hate ambiguously labled bathrooms) and has automatic faucets :) The outdoor seating is abundant (sat inside this time due to the impending rain). I tired the spinich artichoke dip and the fish & chips. Both good. It doesn't seem like there are many "lighter" options on the menu. So if you go to eat, expect to eat some grease and fat. The beer selection was ok. Fat Tire and Strongbow made me happy. My only issues were in some minor details. Had to ask for napkins/utensils when our food came. Also, decided to go up to the bar and help myself to coasters, after the condensation from our drinks had created a little pond on our table. Otherwise, our server was attentive, and friendly. And the music selection was funny. I guess there's a jukebox, but what was playing sounded like satellite. When we got there, it was late 90's rap/euro disco....then it switched to more current alternative...Next time, I'll put some money in the juke box.
(4)Francis K.
O'Shaughnessy's was run through the Irish Pubitron 6000. It has the clean look of a bar which was never exposed to Chicago in its smoking days. Go here to get a Guinness (I didn't), Go here to get breakfast anytime (always a plus), Go here if you want a clean bar with friendly staff that will probably not last as it gains popularity. Go here if you want to be pleasantly surprised by drunk revelers bursting out into songs from the Olde Country. If this is not your cup of tea you have been warned. I quite enjoyed listening to the lamenting balads that some of the people in the bar were singing. I am unsure how long that will last but the bar should encourage it. I will return here often but on my first visit I felt like was experiencing a one off night. The cynic in me will expect to find this place to have dipped some on next visit. I want to be completely wrong! The space is HUGE. The Bangers and Mash were a let down. I am not sure who supplies their sausages but they simply missed wide right. The missus enjoyed her meal which I took frequents stabs at since I was let down severely.
(3)Drew S.
I'll start out by saying that I hope to up the stars on future visits to Oshaughnessey's but feel obligated to rate it accurately and not just throw 5 stars its way because Ravenswood finally has a decent bar. Yes, Carol's and The Rail, that was directed at you. My gripes are as follows and largely bartendering related: the first vodka martini one of my friends ordered took some time to arrive on the bar. It looked like the guy was trying to find the box labeled "martini shakers" and by some coincidence no one had ordered a martini in the first week of the place being open. My other friend, on some sort of weird high school flashback, decided to drink whiskey sours that 85-90% sour mix. I stuck with the whole Irish pub theme and drank Guinness which was well and slowly poured though inexplicably ice cold. The bar itself is beautifully renovated and a real treat to be in. A lot of attention went into the detailed painting and woodwork. Sports fans will certainly enjoy the plasma screens running ESPN-HD. Thankfully there was no audio from said screens as I am not a sports fan. It's a good compromise. The kitchen closes at 10pm on weekdays so I didn't get to try any food but somehow I expect I'll make the 3 block walk in the near future to do so.
(3)January C.
I was working on a project nearby when this place was being built out. I kept trying to get my co-workers to check it out after work but that never seemed to happen. So finally last week after dinner at Spacca Napoli I convinced my friend to go there for a drink. One drink lead to many, but what can I say; I've never been known to disappoint anyone when it comes to drinking my share. I was very impressed by this place. I really liked the decor, particularly the ceiling panels which I think are actually wall panels placed on the ceiling. It has the cozy, authentic feeling of a real Irish pub. Typically, I would rather shoot myself in the head than venture into another "Irish Pub" in Lakeview or surrounding area, but this place has managed to draw a different crowd than the generic, obnoxious northside i-was-in-a-frat-in-college group of 20 somethings. In fact, this place is so great that I don't think it would tolerate such a crowd. There were real, actual Irish folk, and quite a lot of them. Everyone was very friendly. The bar was not crowded, yet not empty. I ran into someone I know. I will be back when I'm in that neighborhood! (I would also like to note they have a small outdoor patio on the sidewalk)
(4)Willem B.
This could potentially be a 5 star restaurant but as it's only been open for 4 days it would be premature to make such a judgment. But based on my one first time experience Id say it's outstanding. The staff, although obviously everyone's on their best behavior as this is the debut week, were extremely eager t please and very sincere. Our meal was only mildly late because of some temporary glitch in the kitchen and the manager hastily rushed us some free side dishes. The decor is really comforting. The whole place has a mahogany fell to it - you defintley feel ensconced in an old world Irish Pub (upscale pub). Compared to the old Zephyr there, the Zephyr was an outright dump. And the way the layout is you can walk from one large family friendly area into the more sports/ bar area - although each areas are acceptable for both types of experience. The TV's are large and spaced very well throughout. The bathrooms are beyond immaculate and ornate. The on tap beer selection is top notch. Guinness obviously with Harp, Boddingtons - and many others I cant remember. I think the bartender is straight out of Ireland and is an ace at pouring stout. Having had only one meal there so far I can't rave about the taste of anything else yet, but the Irish Breakfast was the best I've ever had. Very large portions and served exactly as described in the menu. The rest of the fare is authentic Irish. Bangers, rashers, Irish grilled cheese etc. I couldn't be happier that this place is in my neighborhood. I consider myself pretty skeptical in regard to restaurants and was prepared to go negative on this pub is it turned out to be so - but everything I had hoped this place would be is what it is - outstanding in decor, staff, price food and drink.
(4)Susan L.
I've been back! Great food! Love the drink specials! Love love love the attention to detail! Thank you for not being another stupid bar!
(5)Melissa H.
I wish I had been hungry when I went here. The crew that I had met up with there had noshed before I had arrived and I was already full with an early brunch with the parentals. Each of them had ordered fish and chips, which they all said were fabulous and had moved on to the beer of the month - Magic Hat - which, while I'm not a fan; at $4 drafts, it's a price that can't be beat. I settled in with a cocktail instead and we all just sat around watching the Cubs tank. Again. The bar has a pretty nice sized patio, and parking is easy. It's an interesting neighborhood to put a restaurant in but they were pretty busy even for a early Saturday evening. It seems as though it might be a great place for bigger groups of people, too. So, sometime soon I'll be back there. Not for Magic Hat, but definitely for fish and chips.
(3)Handyman Rich E.
A Beautiful interior, and a pleasant waitress were the high spots. The Music was to loud for conversation, The waitress had it lowered for us on request. We stopped for desert only, & a brownie w/ ice cream & raspberry sauce was the only thing they offered. They'd only been open for a month, & their menu is still being developed. The brownie was large. It's texture (& taste) were more like a muffin, but still tasted pretty good. The single malts were stingy, & by the time we were leaving, it looked like it was going to be a hopping Saturday night @ the public house.
(3)Nycole H.
I went to a surprise birthday party there this past week and we had part of the back room to ourselves. It was a nice space and we had our own bar in the back which was super convenient. The staff was all very nice and even though they were busy they kept the drinks flowing. The group had ordered some light appetizers and they had cut up sandwiches, onion rings and salad. Everything was good. If I'm ever in the neighborhood again I'd go for drinks.
(3)Ross F.
I grew up not too far from here and had great memories of the old Zephyrs ice cream parlor. The place has been completely remodeled and it is gorgeous- you can tell the owners really wanted to get the pub feel right. The menu has some really authentic Irish grub and the beer is cold. Its a new place so the menus aren't all done and they seemed a bit understaffed. No doubt they will work out the kinks- O'Shaugnessy's looks like it will be here for a long time!
(4)Todd M.
I have been meaning to give O'Shaugnessy's a try for a while. I looked at the reviews today and realized the three star rating was misleading as it appears many of the low ratings were fairly old. I am glad I gave it a try. When you first walk in it appears to be a relatively small place but there is a hallway to a back room that has a second bar which is probably very convenient late in the night. All the typical Irish beers are available and they have a nice menu to compliment the drink list. I did not try any of the Irish fare for dinner but did very much enjoy my caesar salad and the hamburger with fries. I will be back and look forward to sampling more of their menu and taking in some of their live music on a future visit.
(4)Brandon W.
This is actually a great little place. What used to house Zephyrs, the home of the 64 oz milk shake, now holds a beautiful bar that looks NOTHING like the old place. This is a pretty relaxed place. i love it that it is popular, but not that popular yet to where you can't get in the door or get a table. The staff here is very friendly, and they are always welcoming! Service has always been pretty quick, and accurate. Food prices are extremely decent. The food is also good too. Although, I think we ordered chips and salsa, and they made the strangest salsa I have ever had. Tasted kind of like an attempt at a mango salsa, with rotten mangos. However, the guacamole was pretty good, and really spicy too - which I like. As I only munched on appetizers here so far, I cant say how good the rest of the food is, but again, they look great and are reasonably priced. This is now a regular stop for me because it is located in my neighborhood and is a lot more pleasant then many of the other area bars!
(4)Carri C.
My husband and I live a few blocks from this bar and have been there at least 20 times since it opened. We have always had good service (of course, some servers are betters than others, but none have been terrible), the Guiness is excellent and the food has greatly improved since when they first opened (the bangers and mash and fish and chips are excellent). I don't consider the food or drinks expensive-typical Chicago prices. The beautiful woodwork, stained glass, and ample seating are a big plus. This bar is worth checking out.
(5)Arnold L.
OK...so the place has been open for 2 weeks now. I have been there 5 times. It is a great place to stop for a pint on the way home. It is a great place to stay for another one. I have read some of the reviews and the reason it is packed is because it is new. It will get better in time and when they add outdoor seating it will be even better. I wish it would have been opened after the Ravenswood 5k. I heard the breakfast is outstanding.
(4)A Q.
Had a beer, not the food. Not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, but a clean, huge, new Irish pub that has nice servers and is two blocks from my house. Upon leaving I was puzzled as to the relatively mediocre Yelp rating I had read prior to getting dragged there, as the place was totally inoffensive in every way.
(4)Daniel Y.
Nice bar. Good beer selection. Last time I was there the bartender split a salad and sandwich for my wife and I onto two plates without us even asking. On the weekends they have live music and it's not too loud. A good place. Edit: I had to drop O'Shaughnessy's to a three....last few times I went there it is crowded, noisy and the staff have not been friendly. It's still a good place to go on an afternoon or weeknight but avoid it on a weekend.
(3)Richard H.
Charming neighborhood pub with tasty food. The warm moldings and hearty stews makes me feel like a hobbit. (Er, this is meant to be a good thing.) I highly recommend the irish curry with half fries/half rice.
(4)D S.
This place continues its slide to suck. It used to be thoroughly mediocre: mediocre food, mediocre service. It's now a step below that. Staff has gone from wishing they were somewhere else to acting like that. (Took 20 minutes to get the waiter to come take money from us. He spent most of it chatting with another server at the bar.) Food quality has gone down hill, they've clearly switched to lower grade of everything, and have stopped serving things with what the menu claims they should.
(2)Melissa S.
Was super excited when this bar moved into our neighborhood. Nice decor and good looking menu. However, the service NEVER fails to be awful. Because I wanted to like O'Shaughnessy's since it is by far the closest neighborhood bar, we tried it about a dozen times. My favorite of the experiences is when the lovely waitress noticed and admitted as she was handing me a larger version and more expensive version of what I ordered that it must have been the "kitchen's mistake." She then disappeared only to come back the next time with the check in which I was charged for the large entree. This was our final trip to O'Shaughnessy's.
(2)Brad H.
Didn't try the food, but they pour a good pint. Pub has an authentic appearance, and many of the staff speak with an endearing Irish brogue.
(4)Christine T.
We have been completely happy with the food, service, and value at this bar. My favorite section on the menu is the salad section because both the quality and the choice of salads are impressive. I also like that you can order a small or large salad, depending on whether you want it as a side or a main course. (Some of the main courses also come in small and large sizes, too, which I like.) We love this place! PS: A previous poster mentioned that O'Shaughnessy's doesn't have shepherd's pie. That item is now on the menu, although I'd go for a unique salad or the great curry dish over plain 'ol shepherd's pie. :)
(5)Tony B.
Ever since Zephyrs left and this bar moved in around the corner, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, they still haven't hit their stride. Service is almost always lousy. Except for Joe, most of the staff has long memory lapses or puts orders in wrong. Food is getting better, but still doesn't live up to the Healthy or Hearty promise. Mostly greasy/mediocre bar food. Soup is way too salty. Beer selection is great. Guinness is superb. As good as Cullen's back bar. Keep in mind that it's a neighborhood bar and not a 4 star restaurant. Lower your expectations and be prepared for some unattentive service Oh, and to Keely B. - I seriously doubt you were sick from this bar. True food borne illnesses take 24-48 hours to develop. If you had reported this to the Chicago Health Dept, they would ask for a full inventory of everything you ate for 3 days or more. Think harder.
(3)Diane S.
I stopped going to Glenn's because it was so crowded, and O'Shaughnessy's became my neighborhood standby. The food is consistently good, whether you order traditional pub-fare or a light salad. The service has ranged from fantastic to meh, and they frequently rent out the back room for parties which severely limits the seating options. Overall, a good neighborhood standby for a casual meal on a day when there's no party going on.
(3)michele m.
Food Decent, Atmosphere Good, Just don't be in too much a hurry, I think the main downfall is their service.
(4)Judy W.
Sunday football playoffs: Bears vs. packers. My friend and I went early. When you walk in, it looks like a small corner bar, but there is also a large back room. We started the day with breakfast. I had an omelette w/ my choice of 3 ingredients and my friend had corned beef hash. The food was hot and tasted great. My friend was impressed with the size of the potatoes in her hash. I had a bailey's and coffee with my food. After we ate, I had 2bloody mary's. The place was a little slow at first, so the bartender was serving us. We were joined later by some other friends. They had a burger and a couple salads. We also had some appetizers and several beers. The only complaint we had was the amount of grease in the onion rings. Our server was very attentive, even as the place became very crowded. We were there for more than 8 hours. We had a great time and would definitely visit again.
(4)Pete M.
What an enjoyable, comfortable place! We stopped by on Saturday, on our way home from a bike ride. Our server was friendly and helpful. We had the blackened chicken quesadilla, the turkey club sandwich, and the Smoked and Roasted Burger. The turkey club was fine, and the quesadilla and the burger were excellent. The beer list was relatively inexpensive, so we'll be back.
(4)Ann M.
A neighborhood pleasure for me. The food is interesting, I generally enjoy the salads, especially the goat cheese salad. The chips with curry dip are a must have. The curry dip is so delicious!
(3)Dee C.
had my joint birthday party here last night, we booked a spot on the on the patio for 30 people, Tom the manager was great, didn't order food but tried a friends home made fries and curry, both were awesome, not sure why some people had bad service, our server was awesome, handled all the seperate checks with ease and no attitude., will post her name, once I learn it on next visit. Doorman was a sweetheart
(5)Sarah J.
Good place for food, drinks and relaxing. They have good salads, I had the buffalo chicken salad, I like the pot roast (melts in your mouth), and their chipolte-lime chicken sandwich. they have good appetizers and a nice outside spot!
(4)James K.
Loved the atmosphere, decor, and space. Decent selection of beers on tap. The food was edible, but not exciting. The outside and inside are wonderfully decorated and really quite fun. On several occasions I commented to my companions that I really liked the atmosphere and ambiance. The place has a pub feel, but isn't crowded or cave-like. The ceilings are high and there is room to maneuver. Beer selection is good, can't go wrong with a draft Guinness or Carlsberg. Unfortunately, the server kept taking my glass before i was completely finished. I estimate I lost three whole sips! Hey, I paid for that, chief, what the hell? Ahhhh, the food. Don't come for the food. My "fondue" was something of a misnomer. More like garlic toast and warmish bleu cheese. This seemed rather low quality and is to be avoided. The chicken wings and curly fries were average.
(3)John L.
I dig the look and feel of this place, very authentic old country Irish pub design, sprawled out to U.S. dimensions. A handful of authentic Irish dishes, including a full Irish breakfast anytime, with a particularly tasty exotically spiced blood sausage. Surprisingly, the Smoked and Roasted burger here is one of the best burgers I've ever had (And if there's one thing I know, it's burgers). Also, Magners both in the bottle and on tap, and Strongbow too, all reasonably priced for the hard cider fans. This is as solid an Irish pub as any I've been to.
(4)rachel p.
long gone are the days of sipping a milkshake in a vinyl booth under the glow of a pink neon flamingo in the pickard building. o'shawnasty's has replaced the milkshakes with alcohol (which i generally approve of), the vinyl booths with wooden high tops and the neon with dark, lacquered wood. its not that i think that the place is "bad," its that i know it could have been SO much better. the interior is nice, but it just looks too new and over the top. there are too many tvs and it's generally fairly noisy. the service at the tables is usually mediocre at best, slightly better at the bar. there's just a general apathy drifting about the servers. basically what we've got here is a cookie cutter bar that might as well be on the corner of any two streets in the city.
(2)Courtney P.
Nice hidden bar with a small outside space but huge iinside. If you like Irish pubs (and who doesn't?) and live close by, this is your place
(4)Justin W.
Great location, great layout, good beer selection, terrible staff. You have a wonderful layout, raucous front bar and low key rear bar. The big problem is the staff, they are seemingly unbelievably busy even with no customers. I saw some of the reviews alluding to the service issue and i have to agree, it's just plain bad. The food is decent if you can ever actually order any.
(2)Sarah B.
I really wanted to give this place 4 stars.... Decor-wise I love this place: the dark wood paneling, the fireplaces, the banquet, wrap-around seating, all of it is fantastic. And the bouncer and waitstaff are funny, charismatic and friendly. The beer selection is a quite good and the food is standard, pretty good quality Irish pub food. But the service was so slow! It was a Saturday night, but everything took such a long time. And, ultimately, the waitress apologized for the wait and she was so friendly that the long wait made it bearable. I would go back, but maybe during the week when service might be better.
(3)Jennifer K.
This place was badly needed to add another option to the neighborhood, but sadly it's missing the mark. I've been hear a few times with coworkers or while waiting for a table at the restaurant down the street, and everytime i walk in I hope that I'll like it a little more because it honestly is convenient to get to for me. The food is just ok, and doesn't have as much variety as I'd like. Furthermore, the service is SLOW. Needless to say, I won't be going out of my way to head back.
(2)Sarah M.
o'shaughnessy's is something that i've been in search of since moving here...a bar that has a quality, comfortable feel from all aspects. the atmosphere is very large and warm without being dingy. it's impeccably clean (ladies i'm pretty sure the women's is larger than my apartment...and def cleaner ;) and the wait staff is pleasant. also the irish band that played the last time i was there (wednesday night maybe) was off the hook!
(5)siouxzi r.
I'm not sure if there's a Fairy Tale of O'Shaughnessy's or not. The facade really stands out in a Ravenswood sea of residential brick. Among the beautifully decorated interior you'll find lots of seating and a well broken-up space beating down the annoying "giant box" feeling so many Irish pubs have. I especially like the weight of the chairs at the regular tables; most chairs tip from the weight of my bag on the back - these stay solidly down on all fours. The drink selection is fair. I was happy to see Smirnoff Ice on the menu - Hey, alcho-pops are(were) plenty popular over there and it's the closest thing we've got. They poured a decent pint of Guinness (they'd better) but that wasn't mine so I can't speak to the temp of it. And they've got live musicians around on occasion (they were setting up when I left). They tried hard to get a good authentic fare on the menu, but I don't think anyone of my group found it rave worthy. And of course, being a vegetarian I have to grumble about my options. There's some myth that traditional Irish & English pubs don't have anything for veggies, but when I lived in England and visited Ireland, I never had to just settle for a salad; there were always a handful of options for people like me. Alright, alright rant off regarding the lack of options, I'll focus on the Veggie Panini I had. Holy zucchini McGowan. It's not often that the zucchini outdoes the portobello mushroom on a sandwich but here it did. This sandwich was probably 3" tall and 2" was all zucchini. Don't misunderstand me, this isn't a positive, this is a classic bigger is better mistake; I easily left half my sandwich on my plate. It was also pretty soggy and in dire need of some crisping up. And the "chips", really? Those were chips? I was expecting good chunky-style fries not the thin long type I can find at any restaurant in Chicago. Yes, they did seem to be handcut and the portion was large, just not what I want in my chips. I've been to O'Shaughnessy's a few times and I can say the service was a bit more timely on this most recent visit. I didn't wait long to order my next drink but I'd be hard pressed to say it was ever delivered with a smile. I'm not saying I expect a busy server to be sweetness and light every second but it would be nice to not feel like we're imposing on her by sitting in her section. I can say that previous visits were awash with trying to find someone to take my order and long waits to get anything after it was requested. Overall, the atmosphere is nice, they've a great space outside for summer dining. It's the kind of place I'd go to if a friend invited me there, but if it was my choice, I'd choose another place.
(3)Raven's W.
Location: Excellent! Atmosphere: Great Food: ...um....okay? Drinks: I mean, beer is hard to mess up.
(3)L O.
Great Irish bar to be sure, but I'm still trying to figure out how O'Shaughnessy's had 3'x4' signs printed and posted in the bar that said, "Flogging Molly - 10pm" for Saturday, March 13th and FM had a concert at the Aragon Ballroom that night. Seemed like a blatant attempt at packing a full house. Didn't work though - people caught on and the place was emptying out by 10pm. Tsk tsk! Even if the owners had HOPED that FM would show up... my god, don't print up signs that make it look like a sure thing. That's called false advertising in any book.
(1)Arlene A.
Who doesn't love a good Bloody Mary? They do it right here at O'Shaughnessy's! With a rare Sunday afternoon off, decided to check this place out, the Bloody's here are filling and satisfying with just enough spice to keep things interesting. We had the Curry French Fries, while enjoying this clean and really attractive wood paneled pub. Our server was pleasant, and when there was a change of plans and couldn't stay longer, was cool. I definitely want to come back and try the Smoked Salmon BLT.
(3)jillian d.
We return to O'Shaughnessy's for the spot-on fish and chips - some of the best I have had in Chicago - the staff and reliable brews. Staff is always attentive. Oddly laid out building, but inviting. Don't plan on taking large groups. It might be difficult finding a seat. In groups of 2-4, you will have a blast. Good traditional Irish food. Warm decor. You can tell they put some thought and care in it.
(4)Erik W.
I really can't rave about O'Shaughnessy's enough. It is my favorite hangout for many reasons but #1 is definitely the staff. I don't know anyone from outside of the place- but they create such a great atmosphere of a local hangout where everyone is family- everyone from the servers to bartenders to support staff. You can really tell this is true by how many of the patrons are regulars. And they've only been open a little over 2 years, so to have that big of a regular following I think says a lot. And the place is beautiful. You can tell the owner really put a lot of thought and care into the design. The dark wood and long bench feel like an authentic Irish Pub that's been around for years. If there's a big game on, it's always on. If not, great music, frequently Celtic (I think they could play even more). Love the Celtic bands on Wednesday nights. Can't wait to have trivia back in the fall. And when they have special events like St. Patrick's Day, they do it up right. Beer selection- good- all the basics you would expect from an Irish pub. Maybe not as big a selection as Hopleaf, but they always have a few specials, either for that night or a beer of the month, that are a great deal. Food- again good. The prices are great for what you get. Some of my top picks: Barbeque Chicken Sandwich is great!- Fish & Chips, Chicken Lemone (only in the winter- should be year round), Dwelling salad, Goat Cheese Salad, Cod Sandwich. I don't do red meat, but friends that do all love the burgers. And my mother-in-law (who is from England and very picky about her UK food) LOVES the Bangers and Mash and Irish Breakfast. I think they try hard to appeal to those who want authentic Irish and the common American blokes who just want bar food- so they end up with sort of this hodge-podge mix of both sides, but each dish on its own is good. I'd love to see them work on a few more original dishes that might make them stand out a bit more- maybe some "Irish-twists" on American standard dishes that could kind of blend the two, like and Irish burger or an Irish dipping sauce with chicken strips? I feel like the Barbeque Sandwich is sort of that and I think that's why it works so well. Appetizers are maybe their weakest area. Again- they are all good- portions are a little small- like the hummus and the spinach artichoke- it would be great to have veggies and bread with both and a bit more. The new nacho one is great and so are the onion rings. How bout some Irish style potato skins? This is not a place to stop in real quick and get out. Stop in for a few hours with a group of friends and have a great time.
(5)paul s.
i've eaten there twice and had too many beers. The service was good both times. The only problem was that it was too crowded. I had fish and chips the first time and buffalo wings the second both we're top notch and they had aspecial on dead guy ale, which is really good.
(4)Lois A.
I had a good time here but little things with service could have made it much better. I don't like waiting 10 minutes to get a drink after ordering. I want my booze now! The $4 burger special was good, typical pub fare. Our waitress was really nice and I know she'd had to work a double shift which sucks in the worst way so when we said we were done and 10 minutes later two more drinks were served to us instead of complaining we did the right thing and drank them. This place has a really nice interior but the bathrooms were so dark that it was kind of like peeing in Batman's lair. I am sure I will be back.
(3)Alex V.
Fish and Chips! Now I'm no expert when it comes to fish and chips but this place has some really good fish and chips. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. They have a great beer selection here. They have not your typical beers on draft. Any place that has Magic Hat on tap is alright by me. They have a small patio that fills up pretty quick. The place is set up very well and the decor is very nice. I will be coming back for the food and because it's so close to my place.
(4)Shaun B.
Went with some friends after volunteering and had a decent time. It did unfortunately take a while to get our drinks and the waitress seemed over-whelmed. Food was alright and the prices were acceptable. It's not a bad place but not a place I'd go out of my way to go to with friends.
(3)Patrick and Jes D.
We didn't check the other reviews before going, but we'd have gone anyway. In fact, we'd say some of the same things while recommending O'Shaughnessy's to friends. we enjoyed the mussels (they were the first i've ever had) and sandwiches (Irish BLT & Blackened Cod) that were good, but not outstanding. The steamed veggies were pretty good for bar food and the fries were above average. yes - the service was slow. no, we didn't mind - it was pretty true to being in a European restaurant. the food was hot and fresh when we got it and it came off as more leisurely than slow. the intersection is great for people-watching but not too busy when you're enjoying an evening on their roomy patio. the staff was friendly and kept track of our beer levels. The menu is priced comparably to places on Damen or in Lincoln Square and with the same variety, but without the crowds & a larger outdoor area. it's a place to hangout for a few hours and have a bite while you're sitting. The beer selection & those prices are good.
(4)