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McNally's Irish Pub
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
89 reviews for McNally's Irish Pub
Review Highlights
"Also had bumper pool and a pinball machine."
(in 15 reviews)
"Best of all there is a real working fireplace."
(in 21 reviews)
"the bartenders are wonderful as well as the owners."
(in 23 reviews)
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89 reviews in English
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Review from Shareef S.
Lafayette, CA
12/31/2011
One of my favorite bars in the entire East Bay for a few reasons. They have Bumper Pool which is far superior to regular pool, so bring all the quarters you have hidden under your car seat.
McNally's also pours the best pints of Guinness I have ever had outside of Europe. When they get busy late at night on Friday/Saturday the Guinness pours sometimes suffer but by that point I've usually switched to lager. The other drink that is amazing here is the Irish coffee, it has a nice thick layer of freshly whipped cream and goes down ridiculously smooth. Needless to say they have a good selection of Irish whiskeys, I highly recommend the Powers over Jameson's when you are taking shots.
They also have a back room with a Foosball table and a single plasma that is laid back when you want to get away from the noise. The bartenders are all very sociable and accommodative to your requests. Overall this bar easily gets 5 stars from me! -
Review from Ashley J.
Oakland, CA
9/20/2011
McNally's = HOME
Good people, good times, good drinks, and GREAT bartenders. -
Review from Celia B.
Portland, OR
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a really fun bar to go to. The bartenders are super nice (especially the older guy, he is my favorite, and super funny!). The drinks are good. The atmosphere is great. There are not that many tables, but there's lots of room for a group if you don't mind standing or hanging out by the bar. The crowd is nice and friendly. I will return.
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Review from Jim B.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011
I love how they have a fireplace in this joint, whether it is freezing cold, or just a little cold. Me and an old friend were in their during the day, getting a bit lound. No one said a word and did not bother us. Cool old man bar...
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Review from Brandon M.
Oakland, CA
3/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Two words...Bumper Pool.
Plus they had a playboy pinball machine. You don't get more dive bar than that. And I say dive bar as a compliment....I love a good dive bar and this is a fantastic bar. The only thing missing from this bar is a good drink special list. I probably won't drink a house pour or a cheap drink but I just like seeing PBR for $1 or two...however if they put Jager on special and you may see more of my mug.
I would recommend everyone swing by for a whiskey shot or two at this fine spot.
Cheers! -
Review from Ishmael E.
Oakland, CA
9/7/2011
good place to relax and talk with friends. Not too crowded. Dive feel without the grunge. Prices are reasonable and staff is nice.
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Review from Kathryn M.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
Good people, good vibe and an all around fun time. The bartender was extremely friendly. The place was just busy enough without being crazy packed and the crowd was a healthy mix of age groups. The sweet DJ even accommodated my song request then joined the dancers on the floor. This is a good spot for a couple of beers, maybe a couple of games and a bit of dancing. I look forward to a reason to return again!
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Review from Benjamin H.
Napa, CA
2/2/2011
This place is an absolute pleasure, and a great place to get a drink without a hassle.
I went there on a Saturday night and the bar had a great crowd and good bartenders, what else can you want. Bartenders where good at keeping your glass full and you entertained. There is a fire place in the back that gave the place a comfortable feeling, and was great to warm up at when you walk in from the cold. -
Review from Ash D.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
12/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Two dollar olympia's can't beat that!!!!! Don't forget to get the Kilkenny cream ale, its fantastic!!!
I do love how the have a real fire place inside the bar!!!
They also have live music on thursday nights... I believe! They have also just gotten a new jukebox that takes cash or cards!
There is an outdoor area where you can smoke, as well as, bring your drinks!
Tony is a also a wonderful guy! love to chat with him and all the other bartenders are always friendly, as well!!!
I love to go there whenever I am in rockridge!!! -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2009
A chill's in the air, the economy's gone to pot, the belly's a-grumblin'. What better to do than to get your drink on? And who does it better than the Irish? Why, that's a trick question. Pair some good ol' American staples, jukebox, Big Buck Hunter, photohunt and a bit of British snooker, and folks, we have ourselves the makings of nights o' fun.
Needn't forget the white haired flirt of a bartender and his frosted-till-your-palm-sticks glasses. Everyone say "Red Seal", "Hoegaarten", "Smithwick's", "Reissdorf" with me! We're all happy now, lounging by the fireplace. I'll take some of that lovely whiskey, please. This is a dive? Where's all the grime? Meet me in the backroom for a quick make-out sesh or on the patio for a rollie.
Per my last visit there were 67 days until St. Patrick's. That's not a lot of time to practice! Lucky for us all, this bar is stumbling distance from the Rockridge BART and takes cards, so there's no excuse to leave when you run out of cash. Car bombs, anyone?Listed in: Oakland Nightlife, East Bay Beer
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Review from Emily J.
12/14/2009 ROTD 1/2/2010
My fabulous friend Jamie just moved home from London and we joined her at McNally's to celebrate her return. (Yes, we celebrated her return to the United States from England at an Irish Pub. What.)
We parked less than half a block away in a metered lot that is free after 8 pm. There is also another parking lot just past the bar (on the right if you are driving away from the freeway).
The bar wasn't very busy at 9 pm and we found our friends in the back room. Although a bit chilly because of a open doorway leading outside, it was the perfect spot for our group of friends to spend an evening chatting and laughing and enjoying adult beverages. There is a large table in the back and we were able to gather around and have a good time.
Jamie gets five stars for moving back home and McNally's gets a solid four for being a nice spot to meet up with friends. -
Review from Tony C.
3/6/2010
Behold, yet another place I'd love to give 4 1/2 stars but not able to do so. It's not a perfect place by any means, but it was perfect last night.
Been here at least a dozen times or so. Pretty consistent atmosphere. Divey and lively. Great place for a bit of sass from a bartender, some cheaper beers and a cave like setting to wax philosophical with your buddies around a bar round. If you're looking for more from a bar, you should probably try a lounge and if you happen to be of Irish heritage, this place will at least give you a few maps to point out where your family came from.
Best part of the evening, being accused of being an alien because the way my earlobes moved when i talked.
Ah, Oakland...you're far too charming! -
Review from max y.
San Francisco, CA
I liked it so much that I bought it.
Really.
Just closed the deal with my new partner Tobias.
We don't plan on changing much as McNally's is an institution that has been around since 1933. It holds the distinction of being the oldest existing licenced bar in all of Alameda County.
Stop by to say hello and have a pint, Tobias or I will most likely be at the bar.Listed in: Top Places To Go Out
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Review from Bill B.
1/26/2009
Don't get too confused - the sign outside says "Bill's Irish Pub" (no relation), but this is the place. Double-checking the street number helped me confirm that after I'd walked by twice.
Once inside, I was pretty happy. Lots of space meant it was easy to move around, and the music volume was very reasonable; I never had trouble carrying on a conversation. The digital jukebox is heavily loaded, so you'll find some fun stuff. A snooker table (!) and Big Buck video hunting game provide additional entertainment options. The large stone fireplace opposite the bar wasn't lit tonight, but it lent authenticity and made me think I could step outside onto the moors. On "dark and stormy" nights, it would probably be great. Out back is a nice smoking area - not just an open patio, but even a small... hut, for lack of a better word. A couple tables, some chairs, and even a TV make it hospitable.
The main bar is heavily decorated with Irish paraphernalia - sports, cultural, and geographic. There are nearly a dozen beers, mostly British, on tap as well as a respectable scotch selection. Like traditional Irish pubs, no food is available, except for bags of chips (or "crisps"); plenty of restaurants are nearby, however, and there's no problem bringing in food. The bartenders weren't always Johnny-on-the-spot to get your drink, but any waits were reasonable, especially because they were friendly, even a bit mischievous, helping the atmosphere (traditionally known as the "craic") seem fun and jovial, so I never minded. Overall, a fun, relatively cheap way to visit Ireland for an evening.
TRIVIA: Irish pubs and Irish pub-themed restaurants are a major "export" of Ireland and have a highly profitable business model, which is why they continue to expand even during these tough economic times.Listed in: East Bay DYL Happy Hours
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Review from Amy J.
1/24/2009
This is a pretty cool pub within walking distance from Rockridge BART. The crowd is mellow and you can do your own thing. There's also a lot of fun places to explore on the way. I'd definitely go back here. The only complaint I have is that it's pretty small so if you're looking to gather a large group, it might be a little tough to get stools.
I had maple cupcakes with bacon in them here! (These were brought in for a fellow Yelper's birthday...the only thing on the menu here is alcohol.) -
Review from vicarious c.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2007
Bumper pool, aging Irishmen, a functioning fireplace and more off-duty, East Bay service industry peons than you can shake a stick at. It's hard to ask for more.
Minus one star for no longer having Hoegaarden on tap.**
**UPDATE 12/14/2007: Returned with friends recently (at the behest of one of the proprietors) to find my beloved Hoegaarden on tap once again. Yay! The elusive 5th star comes back!
Another thing I didn't mention in my first pass is the EXTREME AWESOMENESS that is Tony the bartender. This man is a force of nature--an aging, Irish, quick-witted force of nature!
True story (and the reason why if I were older, I'd be Tony's bitch. I still kind of am.): At my last visit to McNally's, I found myself waiting at the bar for a few friends who were woefully late. And, as often happens in bars, the men were plentiful and the women were scarce... so, while I was waiting for my friends, I found myself trapped in some pretty lame conversations with some equally lame dudes looking to bone. Bleh. Anywho, when I finished my first pint, Tony asked me if I wanted another beer, in the same glass or in a new, cold one. I told him to go ahead and serve me again in the same glass, I didn't need a cold one. Then, just like that, he looked up at the dude sitting next to me (who was prattling on and on about something ridiculous and boring) and said, "Get lost buddy, she doesn't like cold ones." Ha! Shazaaam! Boring dude--gone!
I'd give this place a 6th star for Tony alone. -
Review from Alissa W.
Fremont, CA
8/16/2007
Me and Erin W. ventured out last night to meet Max and enjoy the Jamesons Irish Whiskey tasting. The minute I walked in the door, Max was there with a hearty welcome and a big smile. Ding, Ding, Ding -- five stars!
I made my way to the bar and...whats that I see...Racer5 IPA on tap! Folks, I think we have a winner.
Moved on out to the smoking patio and LOVED that there was a little smoking lounge, with a TV, tuned to the A's game (natch!) Several handsome gentleman were out enjoying a smoke and a beer and they were incredibly friendly and kind. I even met "the next mayor of Oakland" (Tim Brown - remember the name).
I had a wonderful conversation with Max about the long history of the bar and their role as stewards of an important Rockridge institution. Talked politics with Mr. Brown, and even ran into a friend I hadn't seen for years (who reminded me that I had actually been to McNally's before but didn't remember - man I'm gettin' old).
Do go to McNally's - strike up a conversation with Max, enjoy some ice cold Racer5 and a friendly smoking patio. I know I'll be back. Bonus for being steps away from the Rockridge BART station. -
Review from David B.
Oakland, CA
10/27/2011
My new Sunday spot! John the bartender is super cool and makes a really solid bloody mary. Three HD flat screens and DirecTV make this a great place to watch (bemoan) my NY Football Giants without having to pay for the NFL pass at home or deal with annoying frat boys at an all-sports bar. Thanks for your hospitality and see you this weekend!
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Review from Annie D.
Alameda, CA
6/19/2007
So I'm a sucker for a good dive bar. The digs are no Mr. Smiths chick, but they are comfy and kind of retro cool. The drinks are affordable, and plenty strong. The clientele was a diverse crowd from 21 to 81, lots of friendly regulars, as well as us young'uns out for a good time.
If you're like me and you have no idea how the hell bumper pool works (you know it looks like a baby pool table with a mushroom farm in full growth on the top) just ask the old Irish bartender. Something tells me he's had many a slow night practicing, he knows all the angles, literally. Even though I had my ass kicked at bumper pool we'll definitely be back! -
Review from Miika m.
2/7/2007
According to my bf, this is one of the best places he knows of to get his share of fried fish & chips and we usually make a point of it to visit when brunch seems a little too far fetched to alleviate hunger pangs from a late morning start.
We can usually walk here from his apt, but they do have free parking underground, and if the weather is willing, sitting outside in the courtyard is nice. Such was the weather this past Sunday.
I usually order a hamburger, because I like their heavy hand with the beef and fries. BF usually orders the fish and chips. This is the place to go for your beers though, they have a bunch on tap as well as other more special beers. Cheap eats and good atmosphere.
It was pretty empty on Superbowl Sunday, which was a surprise, so it was pretty quiet.Listed in: Hey, its me, in Oakland!
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Review from Kenny L.
2/23/2008 2 Check-ins Here
Good vibe, good people, good times. A big plus for the old school fireplace, it really heats the place up on cold winter nights. However, if smoking or even smelling like cigarette smoke is not your thing stay out of the back room.
Places like these are a reason why I am so glad to have moved to Rockridge.Listed in: The Land of Priuses and Baby…
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Review from Jen P.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011
Love this little dive bar! They host our kickball league after-party every Wednesday night and provide us with flipcup tables until we're done celebrating our wins or forgetting our losses. The $2 super cheap beer is always a good choice - currently, it's Olympia - beer of the gods!
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Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
3/10/2008
This place has Character, capital "C." Get a very cozy and authentic Irish feel from the owners and their decor, especially the not-up-to-code, roar-my-boots-off fireplace. This place always feels fun, with friendly clientelle and a good set up, including some extra almost-hidden rooms and a patio. Beer selection's not so great but Whisky selection makes up for it.
*UPDATE*
This is the place to go on St. Patrick's Day. And also the place to run into everyone you know if a) you shop in Rockridge or b) you went to high school in Oakland. -
Review from ki r.
San Rafael, CA
2/27/2010
Love love love this place. Bumper pool, huge stone fireplace, decent (well, ok, not great) jukebox, and nice mix of students, Oakland hipsters, and parents on their night out.
And some day soon, Tony and I are gonna run away together. -
Review from Francine R.
Oakland, CA
6/5/2011
Everything about this place is exactly what I love in a bar. I has a divey feel, but I would not consider it a dirty dive bar. The bartenders are very cool and friendly, but not overly friendly like they are just trying to win over customers.
After only coming here a few times, the bartenders recognized me and always make me feel like I am personally welcome at the bar.
There is definitely a fun community of regulars who come to watch sports and hang out.
There is nothing flashy about McNally's, its just a comfortable place to hang out for a beer on Tuesday afternoon, or even party hard on a Friday night. The best thing, however, is probably that it is never over packed. Its not a club and its not trendy. There is always room to breathe, easy access to the bar for a refill, and minimal bathroom lines. (Unless its St Patty's Day!!)
They have a very cool garage room in the back with tables and chairs for smoking, which is great for people that do not want to leave their beer and go to the side walk for a smoke.
My favorite bar in Oakland! -
Review from Vanessa F.
Covina, CA
6/19/2009
This is my kind of bar. Small, dark, and laid back.
They have some good beers on tap, and a wonderful drink (that I can't remember now what it was called, but it's their specialty so maybe a bartender will point you the right way).
They have a bumper pool table, which I had no idea up until then what the heck that was. I found out, and it's really cool. It makes people like me (who suck at real pool) not feel so loserish when my ball is going everywhere.
A great hang out, and I wish I lived a bit closer. -
Review from G Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2009
McNally's is one of the better local bars you'll find in Oakland. At least since The King's X closed down. Back in the day I'd bring some girlfriends and knock back jack and cokes. Yeah I know, the beginnings of a path to nowhere.
But this bar holds a place in my heart. There was this older Irish bartender who used to hit on my girlfriends. I remember thinking, "easy there man, back off the girl." "Hello sugar." He was dropping lines on them, and even getting some hugs and kisses.
Well the ole' Irish rouge is still charming up the ladies and running the joint. Well at least he pretends to remember me from back in the day.
This place is an old bar with a strange little "bumper pool" table, a large stone fireplace, and a bizarre back room that works as a smoking area with goodwill couches, classic rock posters and a back patio. Its an Irish bar without being over zealous about being Irish. McNally's recently changed hands in ownership. But things are basically the same as it ever was. Tony is still there to update me on the local scene, and to pour a stiff cocktail.
The only problem is that sometimes when I go here I run into the locals. And sometimes not the ones I want to run into. But that's my problem. McNally's remains one of the better drinking spots in Oakland. -
Review from Ken L.
3/21/2011
This place seems pretty dive-y but it was a good scene. Came here to watch some March Madness and drinks were reasonably priced. Not crowded at all, so we were able to get a bunch of our friends in. Also had bumper pool and a pinball machine. Bartenders there were friendly and funny.
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Review from Blake K.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2007
They sponsor my men's post-collegiate lacrosse team, and they now have Smithwick's on tap.
I needn't say more...except that I wish there was a McNally's in SF. -
Review from Marissa N.
Oakland, CA
6/9/2010
Love this place. Go there TODAY.
It's a neighborhood-type pub that is reasonably priced and fun to meet friends at. It's not overly crowded to the point of insanity, but there's always a great mix of young and old folks who are looking for smart drinks and good company. The bartenders are friendly, and there's a pool table and jutebox to play tunes from. -
Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2007
McNally's Rocks. I've had a great time everytime and great company as well. This bar has a small outdoor area with a tv (if you like to smoke, chat, watch tv, sit down or stand), there is a back area as well with some couches and tables with some posters to keep your eyes occupied. and inside, pub type atmosphere with a fireplace, big wooden bar with alcohol for miles, and golden tee in the back. the bartenders are wonderful as well as the owners!
highly recommended, close to bart if you don't live in the rockridge/berkeley/oakland area. -
Review from David W.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/9/2009
This was my college hangout. I now only get here a couple of times a year but it remains a favorite of mine.
I've been to many faux Irish bars, one of which I have reviewed here. This is a legitimate Irish bar that makes Irish coffee the correct way. My only problem is that I can't tolerate coffee after noon and McNally's doesn't have decaf. But they do have a good scotch whisky gantry so I'm happy with the drink offerings.
McNally's is a come-as-you-are bar. The clientele is a good mix of Cal students and locals. Bartenders are friendly and feisty. And the wood fireplace is a fabulous area to hover on cold winter nights.
No food is served here so make sure you eat dinner at one of the many good Rockridge restaurants before coming here for a nightcap.
I highly recommend McNally's. -
Review from Schuyler W.
Oakland, CA
2/5/2008
McNally's is a cool place to meet up and hang out. It is the type of bar that you go into for one drink, and end up staying for 3. The bartenders make it easy, most of them are charmers. I also appreciate the fact that they boast the oldest liquor license in Oakland, because the environment has that "old school" appeal.
Tobias, one of the owners, is a very personable fellow, fun to drink and chat with. And since the place has not yet been infiltrated by the masses, you can usually find a seat, hear yourself think, and have a moment to divulge whatever secrets are driving you to drink at the moment with the bartender.
I recommend Thursday nights with Steve. He is my favorite bartender on the planet, but don't go bending his ear too much, I need time to drink and disclose too!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from kevin p.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2007
After moving to Oaktown from the City, we finally found our local bar.
We love strolling into the place on Friday or Saturday night for a before dinner drink, after dinner drink, or just drinks for dinner and park ourselves at the bar. Tony, the irish bartender is hilarious (I mean, how much more of an authentic Irish name can you get then Tony).
If he wasn't so damn funny, old and if he didn't pour stiff drinks, I might take offense with his shameless flirting with mi esposa - the constant hand grabbing, bad pick-up lines and attempts to make out with her. A great time for all involved. -
Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
1/21/2008
This place was alright. I think I was grouchy because I got lost trying to get here. But I felt better when I got parking right outside.
Service was slow, but friendly. And they kept the door open so I was cold. Beer was cheap and fresh.
Wasn't super crowded so I got to have a conversation with my friends. Young crowd, lots of college students or fresh Berkeley Alumni ... -
Review from Gloria B.
Oakland, CA
3/18/2009
I've never been to McNally's even though it's in my neighborhood, perhaps because my latest return to Boston made me scared of bars full of loud, lardy white guys (see my review of Union Street Grill, ahem).
So you wouldn't think I would have set foot in the place on St. Patrick's Day, but my friend lured me out on a night when I *really* needed a drink and my significant was away. At first, I was horrified - a wait to get into a bar on College Avenue? Really? People were begging with the bouncer as if it was an episode of Entourage (if people in Hollywood would be caught dead in puffy green top hats). Once inside, it was packed and I got jostled by several of those loud, lardy guys and I wanted to run my little self home and watch American Idol in peace.
BUT...we actually managed to get up to the bar and get each of our rounds very quickly - I appreciate barkeeps who don't look past or over a petite gal like me. And the space opened up a bit, and the DJ was pretty damn good. And the bagpipe and drum corps was pretty bad-ass. I cannot believe the dude swinging the big fuzzy drum-stick thingies didn't hit anyone.
On looking around, too, I remembered why I love Boston more than Oakland - because there were brothers in the crowd, and sistas, and people of every hue all acting equally stupid in their green gear. We had a good old time.
Can't judge how it would be on a normal night, but it was a good place to be on March 17. -
Review from tom r.
Pleasanton, CA
9/26/2011
Been going there for years and years. This, my friends, is as Irish a pub as you can find. They know how to pour a proper pint of Guinness and the Irish coffees are excellent as well. I even poached a few college girls there when I was younger. One was from College of Arts and crafts down the street. She was a glass blower. I do miss her....but I digress - It does get crowded at times but the bartenders work hard and I've never gone thirsty. Sometimes, when it's cold outside they'll get the fire going in that great old stone fireplace. Sometimes they have good acoustic Celtic jam sessions, but one thing they always have - Bumper Pool!
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Review from Jenn C.
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really like this little neighborhood bar - it's so non-Rockridge-y - and it's one of the least clique-y feeling dive bars I've ever visited. I love the warm wood inside, the bartenders are always friendly & efficient, prices for beer are reasonable. All this reviews writing is making me thirsty - wonder if they have wi-fi?
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Review from Chico R.
Oakland, CA
5/11/2011
good beer, good atmosphere , best place to be on St. Patrick's day
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Review from Andrew L.
Oakland, CA
3/30/2008
Ambiance was great compared to the other Irish pub on Piedmont Ave.
Their bartenders seemed to know what they were doing, though our group didn't order a huge variety of beverages.
The crowd seemed to be varied, and the music wasn't overbearing. I like having to speak up a little bit in a bar, and their ambiance helped accomplish that. I'm not hoarse today, nor am I deaf, which is always a plus.
