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McNally's - what can we say - it's not a bar it's an institution!!
This is the only bar in the East Bay that makes a real Irish Coffee, if the bar tender thinks the coffee has been sitting too long - he makes a fresh pot! It's worth the wait.
Best of all there is a real working fireplace!! Cold winter evening fireplace - friends - good Irish - life is perfect!
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.
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 are 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.
irish coffee, so good! you can smell it when you walk in. the ambience is great and the fireplace is a plus.
bill mcnally's the only bar in the bay area that allows you to travel back in time.
this time machine, disguised as a bright green, otherwise unassuming building on college avenue, is so scientifically advanced, you don't even feel like you've left the present.
walk through the door and allow yourself to be transported back to high school. look! there's that girl from art class! and, oh! i know him, too! hey, wow! good to see you!
as you meander through your simulated high school, exit out the back of the time machine's central capsule into the exterior memory pod (e.m.p.). feel that soft ground under your feet? feel the chill of the fog? can you smell those cigarillos as you attempt to make out the faces of your peers through the darkness? the e.m.p. has superior technology that recaptures the precise ambiance of a high school kegger party. you can even bum a p-funk ultra light off of art class pal while you wait for your solo cup of sierra nevada to be filled.
technology, man.
McNally's is one of the better local bars you'll find in Oakland. At least since The King's X and The King Fish closed down. I used to come here when I was just a wee-little guy.
I'd bring some girlfriends and knock back jack and cokes. Yeah I know, the beginnings of alcoholism. Sure, but this bar holds a place in my heart. I mean there was this older Irish bartender back then used to hit on my girlfriends. I remember thinking, "easy man, back off my girl." "Hello sugar." He was dropping lines on them, and even getting some hugs and kisses on the cheek out of them.
Well the ole' Irish rouge is still charming up the ladies and running the joint. And he remembers me from back in the day. This place is an old bar with bumper pool, a large stone fireplace, and a bizarre back room that works as a smoking area with goodwill couches 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 there to give me local updates and to pour me a stiff cocktail.
The only problem is that sometimes when I go here I run into the locals, aka the "cutters." And sometimes not the ones I want to run into. But that's my problem. McNally's remains one of the old drinking holes we rely on in Oakland.
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?
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.
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.)
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.
This place is definitely better than satisfactory. Here's the deal: I wouldn't go out of my way to go to McNally's and the only reason I've been there as much as I have is because a friend of mine used to live in Rockridge and this was the closest bar to his house so I could hop off BART, walk a couple blocks to his house, and we'd be here throwing back a few beers a couple minutes later.
The best part about McNally's is without question the little lawn out back where you can sit and drink on sunny days. My friend has since moved so I haven't been there in quite some time, but anytime I'm in the area and looking for a bar, I'd be quite happy to go back.
Like many so-called "Irish pubs", I fail to see what makes this place Irish except for a pretty exceptional whiskey selection (I consider any options beyond the regular two--Bushmills and Jameson--to be a rare surprise, even in "Irish pubs"), and there's some rugby memorabilia on the walls if you're into that kind of thing.
A lot of the regulars who come in will insist on Nascar or golf on the big tv. Mostly Rockridge types, but they're cool, and there's enough space for you to easily ignore a bunch of cars driving around in circles for hours on end while people cheer them on. John the bartender is the man. Just a funny guy, easy to talk to and he knows just about all there is to know about bourbon. In fact, I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with the bartenders at this joint.
As you make your way to the back area, there's a smoking room which, save the band and concert posters on the wall and the TV on the stand, looks like the place where some bootlegger once held court. It just has that kind of clandestine feel to it. The patio beyond the smoking room is pretty rickety but it has tons of character. They should call it the "back shack" because it looks like just that. It kind of looks like they sawed off a piece of the Kingfish, schleped it up Claremont and placed it in the back of McNally's. I hope they never change it.
This place was pretty cool. 12 beers on tap, full bar. The bar area is really cozy, with comfy stools, a real, functional fireplace and lots of historic/cultural documents and memorabilia on the walls (along with the usual selection of sports stuff). The bartender was awesome. They have one bumper pool table, as well. I'll probably be back sometime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
This place is an after-work favorite, mostly because all my co-workers are best-buds w/Tobias (he's super nice/cool), but also because there is a back patio and back indoor area that everyone smokes in. Everyone also gets really excited about bumper pool. For me, mostly this place gets the extra star because of how many memorable nights I've had here when my co-workers take over the place. It's fun to watch a game on TV in the back room, and I've seen people in the back doing work and sipping on a beer during non busy times. It's sort of like being in someone's garage. Cheap strong drinks, and plenty of good beer. Oh, it's pretty divey and grungy though, fyi.
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!
I ALWAYS have a good time when I'm here! I come with friends, and when they all leave to go home, I stay and mingle and meet new friends. Very laid back, cozy atmosphere. Barkeeper is personable and friendly. I can see how this can be a regular hangout for many!
My buddy and I wanted to try out a new spot so we came here for happy hour early in the week. Only a handful of patrons, but it sure felt like we were interrupting the bartender--he wasn't mean, just acted like he was doing us a big favor. Finished our pints and left it at that. No reason to go back again, or to recommend the place. There's definitely better bars in the area.
Quick, google "irish pup oakland" and see what you discover. McNally's is about the only option that was returned, so I figured my odd's of going to the right Irish bar in Oakland were good.
Strode in, after dismounting my trusty steed. Appreciated the large, green exterior, reminiscent of the Green Monster at Fenway. A subdued atmosphere lingered as the jukebox missed it's latest tare.
Dimly lit, as all proper bars should be, lest our fantasy of bedding beauties be tarnished, I approached the vacant bar space in front of me (it was 8PM) and requested from the genuine Irish barkeep, what his suggestion for an Irish Whiskey might be (thanks previous Yelpers). His suggestion, "Red Mist."
I said, "Sure thing." "What beer would you suggest," I added.
"Have you tried Smithwick's?"
"Not till now," I replied.
A taster was immediately offered to ensure that his suggestion rang true, which was promptly validated with my swig. My Red Mist arrived, a quick pour, some words on its smoothness. My lift, sniff and sip. Strong, but not wincing (wuss, yes) and a bodied finish lingering with softness on my palate.
"That IS smooth," I confirmed. Taking a sip of the Smithwick's, I realized that this Irish man was legit. His establishment was legit. And I just found my new favorite pub.
Peace.
PS The poetry reading I was supposed to attend was held in the back room. I highly suggest finding ways to organize your group using that space. Felt like a personal clubhouse.
Best place to watch the RAIDERS game on College.
McNally's has bumper pool. It's so much fun. Pure stupid fun!!
My favorite bar in my hometown. You can find me here at least every couple of months making a drunken ass out of myself. Woo hoo! Once Tobias came into town, it got even better! I love this bar.
Although the regulars will tell you that it's not what it used to be, it's still the best bar in Oakland. Fine selection of beers on tap as well as Duvel and Chimay in bottles and a large collection of whiskey and assorted booze. Great irish coffee as well as the Mussolini--a shot made with coffee, whiskey (I think), and whipped cream.
Every time I go I seem to meet someone new. There's some magic in that old pub and you don't always have to go looking for it in order to find it.
i was lead to believe there is a fire pit here. my search for it last night lead me to a back area that looked like someone's family room, with a family in it. it was so totally different from the front area, i'm wondering now if i imagined it.
the bartenders were busy but efficient and the drinks were very stiff. after 2, i was done. i liked the place, even without a fire pit.
This has been "my bar" since around the mid 80's. Sean, Tony and Alex when he use to be there (those were the days) Even still the place is the best Irish bar in the East Bay! Racer 5 on tap, big selection of single malt scotches, fireplace, smoking room and all the best Irish men ;-) The drinks are always strong, and the beer cold. Hang out play some pool, talk about some soccer, if you get hungry you can order from Garibaldi's next door. Don't miss St. Patrick's Day as this is the best place to be. Parking is rough, but if you have a motorcycle you are set;-)
Not the best Irish bar I've been to, especially not compared to New York, or Chicago, but the only Irish bar that serves both Red Stripe and Guinness. Very local, not too many creepy old men, but don't go during Monday night football unless you're really into that type of thing, because the bartenders and betting on the game.
ok, i'll admit it, part of the reason i'm giving this place 5 stars is because of tony, my favorite bartender ever. he always makes me feel special. and it drives the husband crazy that this balding, 60-something irish man likes to kiss my hand and tell me he'd be glad to impregnante me since the husband isn't getting the job done himself. priceless.
this an authentic neighborhood bar, with a mix of young and old, cheesy music, a pool table and a fireplace. i wish they had more seating, but i have always been able to snag my place at the end of the bar. they make strong drinks for cheap and have great beer on tap, including smithwick's (tony taught us it's pronounced smiddick's) and bass and newcastle and guiness (of course).
I don't know what other reviewers are talking about this being a yuppie hangout. It was more like a smelly hippie with their doggies dive bar. Welcome to berkeley/rockridge. $5 crown royal, smokers patio, a surly old bartender, that's what I call a great dive bar, too bad there was a 9:1 guy to girl ratio.
Old school Irish bar with $5 Duvels. Nuff said.
A nice little bar with a secret back room (wait, *two* secret back rooms!), an outdoor backyard area, and a great drink selection (especially beer and whiskey). This place would be great if it weren't for the semi-lame clientele and a relatively uncomfortable seating area that only has high tables and tall chairs. Has the unfortunate distintion as being the venue where we watched the last two Presidential election returns come in. Bad, bad memories there.
Neighborhood: North Oakland
Category: Bookstores
Neighborhood: North Oakland
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: North Oakland
Category: Dive Bars
Neighborhood: Rockridge
Category: Pubs
Alameda, CA
Category: Lounges
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