Aidan's Pub

4.0 star rating
34 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Restaurants, Pubs  [Edit]

11 John St
Bristol, RI 02809
(401) 254-1375
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Music:
DJ, Background, Live, Juke Box
Best Nights:
Thu, Sun, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "...a Sunday and were happy to find a live Irish band playing." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "The PUB looks great, and the GUINNESS was smooth and cold." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "Aiden's in awesome in the summer to sit outside." In 2 reviews
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34 reviews in English

  • Review from Mark S.

    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Butler, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    3/4/2012

    We were here on a Friday night, took up a table for six while waiting in vain for the fifth member of our party, ended up just the four of us after waiting for more than half an hour and the staff still was wonderful and attentive.

    Many restaurants would not have been so patient.

    The waitress was young and energetic and properly attentive.  Though seemingly a bit inexperienced, she worked hard and we had no reason to be unhappy with the service, especially considering the earlier mentioned issues.

    The food:

    I had a cup of New England clam chowder that was pretty good but no different from any other place in Bristol or in New England for that matter.  It was tasty, thick, a good number of clams and the potato's were firm but not under cooked.

    I had the baked cod with vegetables.  This was a large serving of fish, properly cooked, still nice and moist and the bread topping had a satisfying crunch and did not overwhelm the fish.

    My friends both had the Fish and Chips and each serving would have easily fed two.  They reported that the fish was fresh, the batter was crisp and not greasy and the Pub Fries were delicious.

    My son had the burger and said it was exactly as he asked for it, medium rare with a nice crust from the flat top.

    This restaurant goes on our recommended list to be sure.

  • Review from Ray C.

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This Irish bar in the heart of downtown Bristol is probably the only bar I actually like going to in Bristol. Especially in the spring and summer when the outside deck and bar is set up. IMO they have above average food for a pub, and I especially love the authentic Irish dishes on St. Patrick's Day.

    The prices on the menu is actually reasonable. My first time here I was surprised by how much of a selection they have. Now keep in mind that this is a prime social spot for college students being that Roger Williams is right down the road, but honestly it doesn't bother me as it seems to attract s decent crowd.

    So if you are out to just chill for just a few drinks or for a meal, I think Aidan's is a cool spot to check out.

  • Review from Honoria P.

    • 2 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2012

    I visit Rhode Island at least once a year and every visit I go to Aidan's. I love the place, it is one of my favorite places in Bristol if not Rhode Island. The food is always good and I love the beer selection. I loved the old Aidan's and I am still loving the new space. Parking is always a little tight but I'm from LA and I guess that is my problem. I love the patio in warm weather! I look forward to my next visit to RI and my next visit to Aidan's.

  • Review from Paul D.

    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    Awesome bar winter or summer (decks) food choices are pub based but the specials are always good.  Great place to eat and or get a pint.  Sunday late afternoon irish music great.  Highly recomend the shepard's pie with a pint on a cold winter day.

    Met my wife here and that wasn't even on the menu waht more could you want.

  • Review from Taylor T.

    Providence, RI

    4.0 star rating
    1/23/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Aidan's is one of my favorite places to come on Sunday afternoons during the summer. I love that you can sit outside on the deck and enjoy ice cold drinks and decent pub fare. Fridays and Saturdays tend to get pretty crowded, but Sunday afternoons are perfect for watching the sun set over the bay and hanging out with a group of friends. The staff always seems to be friendly and attentive, even when it's busy, and will help accommodate larger parties. They have a great selection of bottled and draft beers, my favorite being the blueberry ale by Sea Dog.

    As far as the menu goes, the clam cakes and chowder are pretty good, but my absolute favorite appetizer is their stuffies. I've made it a point to try stuffies all over Rhode Island and these are by far my favorite! They're always full of flavor, have big chunks of clam, and come hot out of the broiler with a nice crispy exterior. I think they're great with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a little hot sauce. Yum! Burgers and salads are decent, but I once tried a vegetarian sandwich special that had cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes, and a garlicky mayo on toasted wheat bread that was heavenly (and I'm not even a vegetarian).

    Bottom line: come to Aidan's for the friendly service, great view, cold brews, and of course the stuffies, and you won't be disappointed!

  • Review from Paul P.

    • 0 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Swansea, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/28/2011

    Who needs Newport when you have Bristol. Went to Aiden's Pub on Sat. nite and it was just what I needed. A real IRISH PUB, with outdoor seating over looking the bay. The PUB looks great, and the GUINNESS was smooth and cold. I ordered the SHEPARD PIE. It was fantastic. One of the best SHEPARD'S PIES i have ever had. I also tried the LOBSTER ROLL for $14.95 you can't beat the price. It was on a buttered roll the NEW ENGLAND WAY.
    I say if you live in the BRISTOL area and are a fan of PUBS you got to try AIDAN'S. Great BEER, FOOD, & Location.

  • Review from Caitlin G.

    • 8 friends
    • 118 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    I first came to Aidan's while they were temporarily housed at Judge Roy Bean's a few years ago, they've since finished remodeling and relocated back to their original spot. The restaurant looks terrific, they've got a great atmosphere going on with live Irish music, a huge real, non-gas fireplace, and everything is furnished cheerfully and warm. So I really enjoyed that.

    However, I'd have to say that my Aidan's experiences those few years back were much more delicious than the one I had the other night, I'm disappointed! Service was a little slow, but they were busy and it was a holiday weekend. Our waitress forgot our drinks twice.

    One of the highlights of all the previous meals had been their clam chowder (New England, not Rhode Island) so I ordered a cup, but it wasn't as flavorful and thick as before. We also had the clam cakes as an appetizer but they were extremely doughy and didn't have a lot of clam in them, yet the tartar sauce that came with was quite tasty, with lots of fresh herbs and a little kick to it. I had the chicken Caesar salad for my entree, but the chicken smelled AWFUL and had a funny taste to it. Their grill is in desperate need of a thorough cleaning and scraping. It was too bad because the chicken was perfectly cooked, nice and juicy. I didn't want to send it back because it would have taken forever (our waitress was overwhelmed) so I pushed the chicken to the side. Despite the meat stank, the salad itself was decent, not great but not terrible.

    Overall, I'd be slightly less keen on returning there for a meal again, but I'd still give them another shot based on prior excellent experiences. The atmosphere is a huge plus, so I'd definitely come back for that! I'm giving it three stars because the first few times there were so wonderful, despite the junky recent one.

  • Review from Jack P.

    • 1 friend
    • 49 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    10/31/2011

    Aiden is a small Irish Pub in Bristol. Having been to Pubs in the UK, I can say that this one does a decent job or remaining true to those establishments. The food here is pub fare, but they have some interesting dishes like "meatloaf mountain". The drinks here can be a bit pricey, but they have a huge selection and you will find something new to try each time.

  • Review from Gina-Marie M.

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    8/25/2010

    Cozy when is cold outside. Fantastic outdoor seating in the summer!
    Nice little pub with great food!
    The waitresses have always been great and friendly.
    I love coming here at the end of the day and relaxing outside with a drink and some friends.  
    Pretty much one of the only places I go in the summer!

  • Review from Kirstin K.

    • 20 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Washington D.C., DC

    4.0 star rating
    6/18/2011

    Their wings are great! We were in here with a big group on several occasions and there is plenty of space with big tables to just hang out. They have a wide selection of beers (local and imports) but only serve by the glass, not by the pitcher. I would not recommend this place to college kids looking for cheap beer/ food but it's a great spot for grown ups to relax. They also have a ton of patio seating so it's great for a nice summer evening.

  • Review from Bill O.

    • 4 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    6/6/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Best beer selection in Bristol - w/ a quality "pub style" menu.  Burgers are a solid B/B+ and the Reuben is out of this world.  Also of note are their fries - which are more like potato slices (good - if a bit different.)

    Recently renovated - they did a nice job keeping the charm of the old bar area and adding a fireplace in the adjoining room and some nice outdoor seating.  Only wish they added a bit more personality to the upstairs - which comes across a bit bland (and loud when full.)

    Sunday Irish Session is always worth a visit as well.  Good musicians & a solid pint - can't ask for much more.

  • Review from Kelsey M.

    • 68 friends
    • 182 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2010 1 Check-in Here

    This was my husband's hangout when he lived in Bristol, and I can see why! It's a lovely spot, great seating indoors and outdoors, with tons of food and beverage options. Fair prices, great staff, good prices.

    We stopped in on a Sunday and were happy to find a live Irish band playing. The place was packed and it was a happy time all around. I've been in Ireland and tried to find something along these lines - drinks, band, happy people, singalongs, etc. - but failed. How fun to find it in tiny Bristol!

  • Review from Dan M.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/22/2010

    Aidan's Pub is my spot. It's a great place in the winter because they always have the fire blazing and it's a great place in the summer because they have a large deck and beautiful views.

    The food is pretty good, nice Irish selection and some really good burgers. They have a large list of beers and some really nice and unique brews on tap that are constantly changing.

    I really like this place and me and my college buddies would love going hearing before beginning our weekend festivities. The only knock I have on Aidan's is its a bit pricey for college kids.

  • Review from Lou P.

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    10/23/2009 11 Check-ins Here

    Dinner or nightcap
    The crowd is tame, not rowdy
    Tasty, filling menu

    The food here is great, especially the beef stew. It was a bit disappointing in the selection of Scotches (yeah, a minor gripe), but the bottled beer selection is decent. It's a fantastic place to come get a drink with a group to sit and talk at a table, but not so much to go and meet new people.

  • Review from Amanda X.

    • 231 friends
    • 1080 reviews

    Homosassa, FL

    3.0 star rating
    9/28/2009

    I've eaten here twice now, with average food. What I'm really a fan of are the potato "chips" aka thin fried potatoes.

    Both times I've gotten the burger so I can't say I've been all that diverse, but it was OK. Not a fan of Irish bacon, so I always take it off.

  • Review from Alicia C.

    • 8 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    Aiden's in awesome in the summer to sit outside. They set up a bar outside when the weather is nice at night time. The prices are reasonable, and the food is decent.

    The sweet potato fries are my favorite. They have a long list of beers, so if you are a beer lover check Aiden's out. They even have 2 yearly beer fests where you can sample different ales.

  • Review from Ryan F.

    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Amesbury, MA

    4.0 star rating
    12/29/2010

    I often have dreams about Aidan's Reuben.  I don't believe that it is traditional, as they use homemade corned beef that is thicker than you would usually find, but it is the most tender, flavorful corned beef I've ever tasted.  Plus, the sliced potato fries are amazing.  Couple that with a pint of Guinness or a black and tan, add in some traditional live irish session music coming from the front room, and you have the best pub experience you can find.

  • Review from Dani G.

    • 14 friends
    • 299 reviews

    Warwick, RI

    3.0 star rating
    9/29/2008

    So when my husband and I walked on a sunday afternoon, I felt as though I had stepped into on of those movies that portray the Irish scene of a loud brawling bar. The new building is very well put together, pretty hardwoods and very authentic. The front bar was filled with very loud men and a handful of young women who wore heavy eye shadow and were chain smoking cigs outside the front door...I turned to my husband. and I said simply..."I am not sure that I want to stay". While I am always up for an adventure, this was my Sunday afternoon in which I wanted ot have a nice lunch in a low key type of spot. The hubby convinced me to stay and we ate in the back room.

    The food was good- our lunch consisted of Irish potato cakes with a balsaminc reduction(yum) and a burger and veggie burger respectively. It was pub food -nothing more nothing less.

    Service was attentive and efficient.

  • Review from John M.

    • 2 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Hoboken, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    I was in Bristol for the weekend for a wedding.  We walked down to Aidan's from our B&B and were very pleased with what we found.  It has a great Irish pub feel with the bonus of excellent outdoor space to enjoy the seaport town feel.  

    Sat outside for dinner and had an excellent dish of curry chicken with rice.  Very flavorful with large portions.  I was very pleased. My girlfriend had a salad with steak that also excellent.  

    The Guinness was first-rate for those of you that are looking for a good pint.  And the beer selection beyond was outstanding.  Over 60 beers and some very good ones at that.  I give it very high marks for those looking for a good selection of beers.  It was good enough that we stayed after dinner and moved on over to the outdoor bar to watch the Sox game, enjoy some more drinks, and the outdoor atmosphere.  

    Excellent service, friendly staff, and all around a great place.  I only wish it was down the street from me rather than 5 hours away.  I would definitely be a regular.

  • Review from Sam A.

    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Providence, RI

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2010

    My family and I stopped in for dinner the other night.  The food came so fast that we were out of the place before we knew it.  The food was nothing special;  I had the chicken potpie, I should have gotten something else....anything else.
    Nice place, good staff, but the food was unremarkable.  Good location in the center of Bristol - go for the drinks and not for food.

  • Review from Katherine B.

    • 5 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Very good. Love the atmosphere and location.... great selection of beers...attentive staff... will go back

  • Review from Devin S.

    • 0 friends
    • 44 reviews

    Hackettstown, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    1/2/2010

    Great clam chowder, both white and clear, great fish and chips and a perfect black and tan. What more can be asked for. It's just a great place to sit and have a bowl of chowder and some general pub grub. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive even when they are busy. They also offer nice out door seating that over looks the bay and convenient parking in a town that when busy can lack it. Make sure you get the clam chowder bread bowl and a Guinness you will not be disappointed.

  • Review from Mike D.

    • 33 friends
    • 177 reviews

    Brighton, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/28/2008

    Good, fresh beer on tap, good hearty Irish food from the kitchen, and the perfect location for a leisurely lunch on a bike trip between Newport and Providence or just from Providence and back down the East Bay bike path.

  • Review from Jaimelynn K.

    • 9 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Scottsdale, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    11/19/2008

    The best shepherd's pie ever!

  • Review from Francis S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Worcester, MA

    1.0 star rating
    3/13/2011

    I used to frequent Aiden's a lot from 1994 to 2005.  I attended every St Patricks day every year from opening to closing.  I got married in 2005 and had a child soon after.  I haven't gone much in the past few years.  Yesterday was the bigeste dissapointment in my life:  The Irish coffee was deplorable, my Guinness was a bad pour, the Shepherd's pie was subpar, but 9 hours later I started vomiting and spent the rest of the night sick.  I did not see a doctor, so I will call it coincidence.  All around a bad experience from one of my favorite places of my youth.

  • Review from Mark S.

    Providence, RI

    4.0 star rating
    8/19/2010

    Good food at reasonable prices.  Typical pub grub with some Irish specialties thrown in.  Great Sheppard's pie.  I love it during the winter - very warm and cozy inside.

  • Review from Jay D.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    12/23/2008

    I've been here several times over the last few months. The cheeseburger with Irish bacon is fantastic. THICK sliced bacon, not those wimpy little dried up pieces you get most places, and great pub fries (the kind that look like fat potato chips).

    Great selection of beer, and on Sunday at least, there was a small band playing authentic Irish music.

    It's a pub and the menu reflects that. Sit near the fireplace and enjoy a stew or chowder, or grab an ice cold Guinness and just be Irish for awhile !

  • Review from Karen T.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Fremont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/6/2011

    When we come to Bristol from California, we never miss stopping in at Aidan's.  The atmosphere and food are family friendly, and the prices are reasonable.  We love the pub fries as well as everything we've tried to include the steak and blue cheese salad, salmon ceasar salad, bangers and mash, cajun chicken sandwich, lobster roll and grilled cheese sandwich.  We will definitely keep Aidan's on our list of haunts as we return each summer!

  • Review from Ed A.

    • 17 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Portsmouth, RI

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Been here many times over many years... Consistently top notch menu and quality; great Irish fare if you like that... Excellent burgers; warm and intimate atmosphere year round. Highly recommended for casual fare.

  • Review from nadia m.

    • 1 friend
    • 28 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/1/2008

    mmm aidens in the fall. haven't been there since college a few years ago, but then it was a nice nightcap kinda place. Cider!!

  • Review from Paul R.

    • 1 friend
    • 29 reviews

    Plantsville, CT

    5.0 star rating
    3/23/2010

    During my college days I frequented often. Ten years passing, the flavor has remained the same. My favorites are easy- boneless Buffalo wings, Cajun chicken sandwich w cheese and mayo and the Shepard's pie for desert. The SP comes delivered with just the right amount of gravy and the mash potatoes are golden brown. It's the only place that seems to consistently get it right. I do recommend staying away from the stuffies however everything else is trump tight.

  • Review from Mike B.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/9/2011

    Great food, had a burger. I liked the atmosphere and service. The beer selection wasn't bad either.

  • Review from Tommy C.

    • 2 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Warren, RI

    3.0 star rating
    9/24/2010

    My favorite goddamn bar has been yuppified.

  • Review from james g.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Bristol, RI

    4.0 star rating
    5/6/2010

    great burgers, and fish 'N chips.  Friendly staff, only wish when they remodeled they made the bar bigger.  For pub food, its hard to beat, and a great beer selection.

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