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O'Brien's Irish Pub
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
O'Brien's Irish Pub
8.3
Weekend brunch goes full-frame with bottomless mimosas and Irish plates—think Full Irish, Irish Benedict, and granola-crusted French toast. Spacious tables and bright plating make it a Parkside photo favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Irish Breakfast, Irish Benedict, Pub French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Irish-leaning weekend brunch with bottomless mimosas and bold, camera-ready plates.
Who should go: Groups craving lively brunch energy
When to visit: Sat–Sun 11–1 before peak crowds
What to order: Full Irish; Irish Benedict; Pub French Toast
Insider tip: Request a window high-top for the best natural light on your shots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Taraval and side streets; fills quickly after 11am on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—think brunch-ready attire; jeans fine, but most guests lean polished for photos.
Noise level: Lively during brunch rush with music and chatter; moderate enough for group conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A - brunch focus; busiest 11am–1pm with 30–45 min wait for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quieter crowd and faster service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including veggie omelet, granola-crusted French toast, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited - can modify avocado toast or salads; no dedicated vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free toast and some brunch items available upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want energetic brunch vibes rather than quiet intimacy. The lively scene and photogenic plates create easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for small parties if you arrive before 11am; larger groups should book ahead as prime brunch hours fill fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly adult-focused during brunch hours, but children are welcome. High chairs available and friendly staff accommodate families early in the day.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for social brunch gatherings and photo-worthy spreads—beats quieter diners for group energy and presentation.
Skip if: You prefer low-key or quick solo meals; noise and crowd levels rise sharply after noon.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
8.1
Irish-leaning American pub opened in 2022 in the former Parkside Tavern space, with big tables, kids-welcoming staff, and a reliable kitchen. Burgers, fish and chips, and roast chicken land on time, making weeknight family dinners low-stress.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Paddy Burger, Fish & Chips, Half Roast Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Spacious pub layout with full American menu and friendly pacing.
Who should go: Families needing sit-down space with variety
When to visit: Weekdays 5–7pm before evening crowds
What to order: Double Paddy Burger; Fish & Chips; Kids chicken tenders
Insider tip: Request a high-top by the windows for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and nearby residential blocks is generally available, though it can tighten after 6pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans, sweaters, and polos fit right in. No need to dress up unless arriving for a special occasion dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversations are easy at smaller tables before 7pm, but expect bar buzz later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes typical wait after 6:30pm, walk-ins welcome but best to arrive early for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick and steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several meatless salads, veggie burgers, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few modifiable dishes such as salads or fries can accommodate requests.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free buns available on request, but shared fryer used for most fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates—relaxed setting and friendly energy, though not ideal for intimate ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome; tables turn fairly quickly outside of peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—high chairs available, kids’ menu offered, and staff are welcoming to families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups and families wanting dependable pub fare with full bar and kids’ options.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet fine dining or a refined wine list—try a smaller Parkside bistro instead.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
8.1
Irish-leaning American pub fare with a full bar and spacious tables that work for working lunches. Kitchen executes classics like fish and chips and a double patty burger with reliable timing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Paddy Burger, Fish & Chips, Half Roasted Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Spacious pub setting with a broad American lunch menu.
Who should go: Teams needing sit-down space with drinks
When to visit: Weekdays 12:00–2:00 before after-work crowd
What to order: Double Paddy Burger; Fish & Chips; Half Roast Chicken
Insider tip: Ask for a high-top near the windows for quieter conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval and nearby side streets; usually available during weekday lunch but tighter after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — button-downs and jeans are fine; business attire blends well at lunch.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a meeting or conversation comfortably before evening bar hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if a game is on; call ahead for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately, even for groups up to six.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, veggie wraps, and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes contain dairy or meat, though some salads can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Partial — fries and proteins can be served without bread; no dedicated fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you prefer casual and lively — it’s more relaxed pub energy than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, reservations aren’t required; walk-ins are common at lunch and early evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime meals; families are welcome before the evening bar crowd, with kids’ menu options available.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups or coworkers who want hearty pub fare with drinks in a comfortable setting.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic, or plant-based lunch — try a café nearby instead.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
8.3
Neighborhood Irish-American pub serving hearty plates, a strong burger program, and weekend brunch with live music energy. Locals lean on it for sports, pints, and reliable comfort food on Taraval.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish & Chips (local snapper), Double Paddy Burger, Bangers & Mash
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Irish pub hospitality with a broad American comfort lineup and weekend brunch.
Who should go: Game-day groups and pub-comfort seekers
When to visit: Early evenings or weekend brunch for shortest waits
What to order: Fish & chips; double burger; bangers & mash
Insider tip: Sunday features live Irish music—arrive early for bar seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available but fills quickly during major sporting events or brunch hours. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and hoodies are common, though brunch regulars often lean toward smart casual.
Noise level: Lively — expect crowd energy during games and live music; quieter on weekday afternoons.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for larger groups; bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1 p.m.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — includes veggie burger, salads, and meat-free brunch options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and customizable salads, but mains are meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes — burgers and sandwiches can be served on gluten-free buns upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, activity-style date than an intimate one — fun if you’re both into sports or pub trivia nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm, but arrive early for prime bar or patio seating during televised games.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day — families often visit for brunch or early dinners; evenings skew more adult once live music or game crowds build.
Best For
Better for: Lively sports atmosphere, hearty pub food, and local community feel compared to chain sports bars.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale cocktails, or a refined date-night ambiance.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
8.2
Neighborhood Irish pub with a strong burger program, from a double-stack house burger to cheddar-bacon builds. Sports screens and pints make it a go-to for casual dinners and game-day bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Paddy Burger, Cheddar Bacon Burger, Irish Curry Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hearty pub burgers paired with a lively Taraval pub setting.
Who should go: Burger lovers who want pints and sports
When to visit: Early evenings or during big games
What to order: Double Paddy, cheddar bacon, curry fries
Insider tip: Request medium-plus for extra crust without overcooking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Taraval is generally available but fills during evening games; free residential spots within a block or two.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, jerseys, and hoodies are perfectly fine; no need to dress up unless it’s a date night.
Noise level: Lively—music and TV commentary make it energetic but you can still hold a conversation in most corners.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak games; bar seating often opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is fast for daytime regulars.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burger and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable veggie burger and fries are main options.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free bun option and some bar bites available, though not celiac-certified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys a relaxed pub vibe—dim lighting, lively energy, and hearty food make it casual but fun. Not ideal for intimate quiet talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables are first-come, first-served. Arrive before 6:30pm on game nights for best chances; the bar area stays open seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until evening hours—families often visit for early dinners. High chairs and basic kids’ menu items like sliders and fries are available.
Best For
Better for: Better for casual burger nights with friends, sports watching, and pub-style comfort than upscale dining spots nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet meal or gourmet-style burgers—this is about comfort, not fine dining.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
7.6
Irish pub with a lively weekend brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and hearty fry-ups. Sports screens and friendly staff make it a casual crowd-pleaser.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Irish Breakfast, Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Lively Irish-brunch energy with bottomless mimosas on weekends.
Who should go: Brunch groups and pub-breakfast fans
When to visit: Arrive by 11am on weekends to beat game-day crowds
What to order: Full Irish, pancakes, Irish coffee
Insider tip: Request black pudding with your fry-up if available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taraval can be tight on weekends, but there’s usually space within a block or two on side streets before 10:30am.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and team jerseys fit right in for brunch or game days.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversations are easy before noon but get lively once sports broadcasts start.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes during peak game nights if you don’t have a table reserved.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and toast-based breakfasts can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads, but most plates use eggs or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated prep area, but staff can adjust a few items on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second date—energetic vibe with shared brunch plates and mimosas, but not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though for weekend brunch it’s smart to arrive before 11am or expect a short wait, especially during televised games.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours—booths and a relaxed staff make it comfortable for families, though afternoons get louder with bar traffic.
Best For
Better for: Group brunches, big breakfasts, and sports-viewing weekends with solid service and bottomless drinks.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, refined brunch or have strict dietary preferences.
O'Brien's Irish Pub
7.7
Lively Irish pub that flips into a weekend brunch scene with fry-ups and bottomless-style specials. TVs, pints, and friendly pacing make it a social pick for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full Irish Breakfast, Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.1
What makes it special: Irish-leaning brunch with a pub energy and game-day vibe.
Who should go: Groups wanting brunch plus sports screens
When to visit: Weekends 11–1 for buzz; earlier for seats
What to order: Full Irish, corned beef hash, pancakes
Insider tip: Ask about black pudding add-on for a fuller fry-up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Taraval can be competitive during brunch hours, but usually manageable within a block or two before noon.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure or jeans are fine; jerseys are common on game days.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch or game times—conversation possible but expect background cheer.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during sports events; shorter in off hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—ample seating and bar space available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and vegetarian fry-ups are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some breakfast plates but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free toast available on request but kitchen is not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual pub energy—expect TVs, laughter, and pints rather than candlelight or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 11am on weekends for the best chance at a booth.
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime hours are fine for families; high chairs and kid-friendly breakfast options available, but evenings skew bar-heavy.
Best For
Better for: Lively group brunches and casual sports-watching with hearty Irish breakfasts and solid drink deals.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or health-focused brunch—go to Avenues SF or Hollow instead.