- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Hours:
Mon, Thu-Fri, Sun 10 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for O'Gara Bar and Grill
Review Highlights
"Great venue for bands."
(in 7 reviews)
"...night they have an excellent fish and chips, not an all you..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...to meet the incredible Charles Schulz here even though both..."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
33 reviews in English
-
Review from Jerry M.
Kirkland, WA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
My review is for drinks and service. Both were great but I did not eat. Cool place to hang out for a game.
-
Review from Mallory B.
St Paul, MN
11/14/2011
Not impressed with the food.
I dined here on a Saturday night with my boyfriend. First of all, the service was terrible. I swear we waited over 30 minutes to get our bill.
I ordered the fish & chips with a (gross) salad. Maybe I'm just picky, but a salad should be green, not white. If i'm eating a salad I damn well better be getting some nutrients out of it! Only one more complaint, my fish tasted fishy. The boyfriend's sandwich was good, but he's not nearly as picky as me. Which is also why he finished my salad :)
It's definitely very dark inside, but I think it fits the bar food theme quite well.
One MAJOR plus, they have a thing on the door in the bathroom that allows you to open the door with your foot, instead of putting your hand on the nasty nasty handle!
I would definitely return to O'Gara's to drink but defiantly not to eat. -
Review from John L.
St Paul, MN
2/4/2012
I live a few blocks from here and I really wanted to like this bar, but all I've found is disappointment. The beer selection is fairly large, but nothing out of the ordinary and all over-priced. The happy hour is awful for beers (only premos) with no late night specials, making it probable that the tap turnover is awful. I've only had the wings which were fine, but overpriced. It's a hard sell when you can get $4 Surly and $4 baskets of tater-tots down the street at the Blue Door.
-
Review from Joshua W.
Minneapolis, MN
1/25/2012
Went here on New Years with friends, it was an average bar.
-
Review from Rhonda G.
10/22/2011
A group of about 15 needed an impromptu private room and they were able to set us up with no wait. There seems to be 2 party rooms. Jen's right about it being too dark, at least have more light in a private room. Parties usually want to SEE something. On Friday night they have an excellent fish and chips, not an all you can eat. Four nicely fried pieces should do the trick, not greasy at all. I loved the chowder. I had their version of a patty melt. They serve it on sourdough which makes it better than most. A very tender medium well served with an unnecessary 1000 island, it's better alone. The bathroom tiles are cool with green shamrock looks scattered throughout. They offer overflow parking at the bank.
-
Review from Brandon B.
St Paul, MN
11/29/2010
This review is for the O'Gara's Garage, where the bands play. First off, it shouldn't be called "The Garage", it should be called "The Wallet Dump". It should be called O'Gara's Wallet Dump because that's what you do there, you dump out your wallet and give your money to O'Gara's for little more than some music.
First and foremost, they charge you seven bucks. Personally, i find that to be a little ridiculous considering that if none of the people showed up to listen to the music, no one would be buying drinjks there.
Which leads me to my second point, the drinks suck!! They serve you your beer or mixed drink in The Wallet Dump in a tiny little plastic cup. It's like the size of two little dixies cups and yet they still charge you five bucks. If i have to pay seven bucks just to get in, they shouldn't be charging me an arm and a leg for a drink in a double dixie cup.
Three, they don't take credit cards in The Wallet Dump. Nope, you have to use their ATM and pay them more money if you want to buy drinks in The Wallet Dump. Last time i was there the ATM wasn't even working and i had to go to the bank across the street.
The funny thing is you can get around all this by just getting a normal sized drink you can purchase with your credit card at the normal part of O'Gara's. So this begs the question, why are you treated like such a douche in The Garage when they expect you to pay seven bucks more just to get into the place? -
Review from Laura P.
Minneapolis, MN
11/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I usually only go here to hang out with
my friend Ashely that lives close by.
I think the main draw to this place is her...and that is it.
If I were to say my favorite things about this place....
it would be her sweet sweet shapely curvacious booty.
Ashely got back!!!!
Hee hee :)
It's an irish sort of sports bar
with some police/fire fighter stuff on the walls.
Sweeeeeeeet.....
Decent happy hour.
Dim lighting, which I like.
The booths are kinda sweet.
Nice woodwork and bar.
Too bad they went in the direction of sports pub. -
Review from Dan F.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2009
I lived a stone's throw away from O'Gara's for abut seven years during and after college. Sure it was cool when I was underage and could sneak in with my upperclassmen teammates. Sure it's kind of cool when St. Patrick's day rolls around and they have a full week of Irish flavored debauchery (25 cent beers, and the all-important beer tent). Sure the garage is kind of cool in that they have live music that doesn't completely suck, from time-to-time.
But in the end, O'Gara's was consistently disappointing.
The food and alcohol is drastically overpriced.
The service is consistently mediocre.
Oh, and did I mention that this is Norm Coleman and Tim Pawlenty's favorite bar. So, if that St. Patty's day green just took on a radioactive hue, I won't blame you.
OG's has skated by as one of the only bars in the area, but as more options begin to emerge (Blue Door, etc.), I sincerely hope that St. Paul will straighten up and tell the far right wing to take a hike. I just hope this doesn't adversely affect the Neighborhood Cafe's business, because I friggin' dig that place, and it's open on the late night.
And now you all know that I'm a bleeding-heart liberal. -
Review from Dan S.
4/6/2009
I haven't been to O'Gara's in a while, but stopped in for the start of a bachelor party this past Thursday and had a good time. In the past I had only been in on weekends and based on that experience tended to avoid the place.
It's a typical Irish pub, they have some decent pours and lots of wood. During off nights they have drink and food specials. On Thursday I had a few $3 Summit EPAs, not bad. I ate a Snelling Avenue burger that provided a great alcohol base for the night, it came with fries and was about $9.
I've seen some good bands in the garage on several occasions as well. They also have a few conference rooms and don't charge a fee, so it'd be a good place for party. -
Review from Jason S.
4/9/2011
O'Gara's is an "Irish pub", so, normally, I would choose some "traditional" Irish / UK dish to review (Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepherd's Pie, etc.). As far as I can tell O'Gara's menu is largely absent of these items (though while browsing the menu, post-ordering, I noted I missed their "Fish & Chips"). Thus my review is based on the American pub standard: the Bacon Cheeseburger. On the positive side, the hamburger is substantial: a 1/2 lb beast. That, however, is about the nicest thing I can say about it. The beef lacked any discernible flavor and their use of the terms "thick-cut" and "seasoned" for the bacon and tater tots, respectively, reminded me of a quote from the Princess Bride: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." Very mediocre.
-
Review from Carey G.
Detroit, MI
8/20/2009
We Drove by and decided to give it a try. We are less than impressed. Our waitress looked like she was completely burned out and her service level clearly demonstrated that.
I ordered the "walleye sandwich" with american cheese and seasoned tots, bringing the total to the $12 range. The walleye was completely browned and overcooked and the sandwich bun was way too much bread.
My better half ordered the Ruben, which she said was good. On a side note, any pubs/bars that serve the local brew (Leinenkugel) for $12 a pitcher should be shot; especially after lunch. If anything they should discount alcohol during that time since most patrons are on their working lunch hour.
We are still looking for a great Irish pub in the St. Paul area similar to Kennelley's in Houston. -
Review from Rebecca Y.
Maple Grove, MN
8/1/2008
Working with a bunch of Irish guys, I got roped into going to yet another Irish pub to celebrate some organizational feat.
Walking in for lunch, it smelled sorta musty but in a pleasant dive bar sort of way. Large open spaces with a couple different rooms was perfect for our loud crowd.
I ordered the O'Cheeseburger and O Boy was it good. Of course, I felt like my gut was rotting for the next couple of hours as it was a pure grease delight.
Unfortunately, I couldn't drink...you know...a work thing BUT I did see they have flights of beer.
I think I need to come back :)
p.s. did I mention that this place has HISTORY?! I guess Charles Schultz's Dad (remember him? the Charlie Brown cartoonist?) owned part of the building which used to be a garage. Who knew St. Paul had such celebrities?! -
Review from Katie O.
4/9/2011
O'Gara's has great atmosphere, but overall I feel the price of food isn't reflected in it's quality. It's a greasy spoon that offers mom and pop burgers and mainly american food - I don't see the irish part in this place. Both myself and my husband got sick from eating here due to it's low quality and grease content. I'd pass on this place from now on.
-
Review from phoebe r.
San Diego, CA
8/5/2008
what a stressful night. I'm not from Minnesota and i got lost while trying to get back to my cousins house. why dont you close the entire freeway except for one lane around 11 at night. when i finally made it to my exit my phone died, no directions i was totally lost. in walk o'gara's, one of those joints where you walk in and the entire bar knows that you aren't from these parts. it was very comforting i like those kind of places where everyone knows everyone. i needed use an outlet to charge my phone. they were very accommodating, had a beer to calm my nerves. was finally feeling good, thank god for o'gara's!! the decor was awesome, it was mellow around 12 but i think it was a monday night so i assume that is normal. had a nice little chat with some of the locals and the bartender who was just adorable! i felt so great after i left that i stopped by the next night!
thank you for helping me find my way in st. paul!!! -
Review from Bethany D.
Burnsville, MN
9/23/2008
A St Paul staple... located at the crossroads of two main arteries of St Paul (snelling and grand)
Parking is a feat, but this place is perfect for private gatherings. so far I've only been here during the daytime - but from what I can tell it's generally the older "pub" crowd anyway -
Review from Ian S.
4/7/2007
O'gara's Irish Pub is a modern bar and grill with old roots.
If you go to the back bar, you can see how it started. The shillelagh from Ireland is still hanging over the bar where you can imagine it being placed when they opened and not moved since. A reminder of the homeland.
The food here is pretty good but make sure to get your order in before it gets busy, or you may be waiting quite a while.
This is a very versatile space which can accommodate private parties, a concert in the back, and normal bar traffic all at once. -
Review from Nancy V.
Saint Paul, MN
6/1/2010
I grew up at this restaurant slash bar. When I was six years old, I was lucky enough to meet the incredible Charles Schulz here even though both my mother and I had no idea who he was at the time. He was a regular; hence, the characters outside...
Regardless of meeting him, the burgers are top-notch beef! Each bite is always char-grilled to perfection with seasoned tots and great staff. They also have the best catering team in the Twin Cities! I highly recommend them! -
Review from Kendra P.
Minneapolis, MN
8/23/2009
Our friend's band was playing at O'Gara's Garage yesterday so we went early and had some dinner. I had a buffalo chicken wrap that was mediocre so...not completely impressed with the food. We had some drinks in the dinning room while we waited for the garage to open so we could go listen to the bands.
This bar is huge, I don't even think I saw the whole thing and I took some time to explore it. It would look a lot better if they did something nice with their floors, but I guess it was fine.
When the garage opened I was a bit sad that the bar was cash only. No good. However, the redeeming factor was how lively the crowd was. The Garage looks a little retro and it was an exciting environment once people started arriving. I got to dance! Hooray. -
Review from Matt M.
Hudson, WI
3/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place has a good feel to it ,neighborhood bar in the hood but non threatening Good Food Clean nice waitresses and bar tenders if you want to Party on St. Pat's this is the Place after all it is a Irish Pub!
-
Review from Gaby M.
Atlanta, GA
1/16/2009
I lived above O'Gara's in College (Go Macalester!) & it couldn't have been a more perfect place to live during College & during Winter. I mean, it could've been, if I had a dumbwaiter that would shoot me directly onto a barstool from my apartment upstairs.
The beer & food was divine-- high up on the pub food scale.
The staff was rad-- particularly the bouncer who checked my ID on my 21st birthday & said "Ahh, Georgia Peach!" and winked at me-- particularly since he had seen me the week before & my name- at that time- was Ashley & I was from California. (Statute of Limitations is over, City of St. Paul! & it was a real ID, just not real(ly) me.)
The only heart attack I ever had living above O'Gara's was on St. Patrick's day & I thought cannons were being shot off at 5 am. Turns out it was just about a gajillion Guinness kegs being hurled into the joint to prep for the day's debauchery so that's pretty magical. -
Review from Mariel K.
Minneapolis, MN
3/29/2009
Good service. Usually room to sit at the bar, and the booths look nice, well lighted, comfy. Sports on the TVs make it a pretty good place to watch a game (though not up there with Joe Sensors or anything like that). It was a bit on the steep side but the mixed drink I got was STRONG. It's great for a group, just a fun relaxed atmosphere.
No discount/free thing on your birthday. :(
And one thing: it looked like a leprechaun threw up the bathroom! I'm fine with themes, but it was ridiculous! But it was clean, so I guess I can't complain too much. :) -
Review from Sarah S.
Minneapolis, MN
3/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great St. Paul bar. Great venue for bands!
-
Review from Chris M.
Elgin, IL
Very cool "Neighborhoody" type bar. Good menu choices for food and drink. Reuben and a Guinness= an awesome lunch.
-
Review from Kathryn B.
Saint Paul, MN
8/9/2010
Your burgers are sooooo delicious and your service sooooo bad. I often visit this place down the street from my work when I'm in a really good mood, so I'm not bothered by the slow-ass service and can enjoy an awesome burger and fries.
Listed in: Places I Avoid
-
Review from Joseph W.
7/5/2010
I don't know why I hate this bar so much... but let's just say that it reminds me of a joke: "A hundred douchebags walk into a bar... " Also there's music. If you're interested in seeing the worst bar bands ever... come here any night of the week.
-
Review from Maureen C.
Saint Louis Park, MN
11/19/2008
I am surprised it took me this long to review O'Gara, not that I am a regular, but have gone here many a Wednesday night. I agree that it is in a fairly convienent location by Snelling and University Ave. I can't comment much on the food, as I usually just grab a beer after class, but last night I did try the potatoe skins. They were pretty yummy and came with a side of this delicious creamy dill dipping sauce. It's a good place to grab a drink and relax. They usually don't seem to be too busy during the week.
-
Review from Jen B.
Minneapolis, MN
5/24/2009
The side they do shows in is far too dark. Other than that, it's alright. The food is quite tasty. Their waffle fries and seasoned sour cream is delicious! No complaints, but not peeing my pants to go back either.
-
Review from K T.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2010
Worst service in the Twin Cities.
-
Review from Matthew T.
Brooklyn, NY
7/23/2010
Glad I got to work with this bar- I hosted the Twin Cities Bacon Takedown here- and it was awesome. The owners couldn't have been nicer - and clientèle was incredibly friendly and supportive. It's a great local bar- with the added benefit of an amazing amount of space, and a huge concert venue in the back! If I was a local, that would be my regular. There's a ton of history here - Charles Shulz, the Irish angle, the PD and FD are obviously tight with the place- it's got a real cool honesty and friendliness about it- and certainly no pretense. And I'll definitely be back!
-
Review from dave b.
Saint Paul, MN
11/15/2008
I enjoy eating at o'gara's,because the food is good,prices are http://reasonable.it might be me,but every time i have had dinner there,the service is slow,and the waitresses,seem to have attitude problems.my favorite,is the steak dinner special.brewsy lovers,will enjoy the home-made suds,that are on tap.....they also serve foreign and domestic beers too.weekend nights,seem to draw the biggest crowds.despite my misgivings about the service.i still give this jumpin' joint a solid 4 stars.
-
Review from Elliot U.
Minneapolis, MN
5/15/2011
I went here after the living green expo. After my mother said it was a must place to go I decided to try it. The service was ok, nothing bad , nothing really spectacular either. I Just had a beer and an appetizer of their seasoned fries which were fairly good. Did not see a lot of irish food on the menu and the music was your typical bar music playing
-
Review from Kelsey K.
Minneapolis, MN
1/11/2007
This is a family tradition sorta place for me. My dad use to come try to sneak in when he was a youngun and now we hold a yearly x-mas party there. I also go the garage to listen to bands. Its a roomy location which is nice and when that isn't my cup of tea the old bar area is crowded and the perfect place to chat it up with nice irish boys. :)
-
Review from Michelle W.
Las Vegas, NV
10/31/2005
O'Gara's Garage is a great place to see live music. They have a fun atmosphere and the acoustics are pretty good for a bar. They have plenty of bathrooms for the girls and a decent sized dance floor for partying with the bands!
