0 Followers
O'Donovan's
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
O'Donovan's
7.8
O’Donovan’s is a historic North Center pub with a big beer garden, sports on TV, and a menu of burgers, bar snacks, and simple American plates. It’s more about atmosphere and convenience than chef-y food, but locals lean on it for casual group outings and neighborhood hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
O'Donovan's Burger, Mini Turkey Burgers, Tater Tots
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school trolley-line pub with a roomy beer garden and TVs.
Who should go: Sports watchers and groups needing easygoing pub grub.
When to visit: Game days and mild evenings on the patio.
What to order: House burger, mini turkey sliders, loaded tots.
Insider tip: Head straight for the back patio when weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood, generally manageable but can fill up during peak dinner hours and big game days
Dress code: Casual – jerseys, jeans, and relaxed pub attire are totally fine
Noise level: Lively during games; otherwise moderate with easy conversation at most tables
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes if weather is nice or a big game is on; usually faster if you’re flexible about seating
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – salads, veggie burgers, and a few snacks are available
Vegan options: Limited – possible to customize but not a focal point
Gluten-free options: Some modifiable options, but not a dedicated gluten-free setup
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than romantic first dates. It works if you’re both sports fans or want a low-pressure meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – most guests walk in. Arrive early on game days or when the patio is open for the best choice of seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are common earlier in the evening. It may feel louder and more bar-forward later at night or during major games.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs, patio beers, and game-day viewing without fuss
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven food, craft cocktails, or a quieter, intimate dinner
O'Donovan's
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Sports Bar Central
O'Donovan's is a sprawling neighborhood pub with a history that predates its current name, now known for a big beer garden, game-day crowds, and staple bar plates like Buffalo wings. Locals lean on it for casual rounds of beers, TVs everywhere, and shareable baskets of wings and snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Grilled or Boneless Wings, Pub Nachos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big, TV-lined pub with a beer garden and reliable wing platters.
Who should go: Families and friend groups chasing wings with lots of TVs.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons, happy hour, or early in big games.
What to order: Buffalo wings, grilled wings with ranch, loaded pub nachos.
Insider tip: On busy game days, head straight for the beer garden for faster seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood is usually available but can tighten up during peak sports events and weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and game-day wear are totally normal.
Noise level: Loud during games; conversation is easier on non-game nights or earlier in the day.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during big games or warm weather when the beer garden fills.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait unless there’s a major daytime sporting event.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — expect pub standards like salads, veggie apps, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — customization is possible, but true vegan entrées are sparse.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-friendly items and modifications are available, but this is not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or sports-loving couples than romantic nights — the energy is lively, noisy, and relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but plan extra time on weekends, during playoffs, or when the patio is open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the day, with kid-appropriate food and space. Late evenings lean more bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, game-day energy, and classic wings with a big beer selection in a laid-back setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet dining, craft-driven chef menus, or intimate date-night vibes.
O'Donovan's
8.3
O’Donovan’s is a longtime North Center pub where a full slab of saucy baby back ribs shares the menu with burgers, wraps, and bar staples. Regulars use it as a catch-all spot for games, group outings, and patio hangs when they want a rack of ribs without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baby Back Ribs, O'Donovan's Famous Burger, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Irish-leaning pub where a full rack of ribs pairs with a big patio and TVs.
Who should go: Groups wanting ribs, beers, and a casual pub setting.
When to visit: Game days or warm evenings on the patio with friends.
What to order: Baby back ribs, house burger, fries or onion rings.
Insider tip: Reserve or arrive early on big game nights to claim patio space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; it can fill up during peak dinner hours and big games.
Dress code: Casual pub attire — jerseys, jeans, and relaxed weekend wear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games; quieter on off-nights and earlier seatings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during busy sports nights or patio season.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with easy same-day seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, appetizers, and a few pub mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — expect only a small number of workable options.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified, but it’s not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want casual, lively energy and comfort food. If you’re after quiet conversation or romance, consider somewhere more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. Arrive early on game days or when the patio is open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common here, especially earlier in the evening. The relaxed pub atmosphere works well for older kids and teens.
Best For
Better for: Large groups who want ribs with beers, TVs, and a big patio without leaving the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-driven barbecue, ultra-smoky ribs, or a quiet dinner setting.
O'Donovan's
7.8
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
O’Donovan’s is a long-running North Center bar and grill best known for its large beer garden, weekend brunch, and burgers. The spacious patio and multiple dining rooms make it a flexible choice for families, birthday groups, and casual hangs when outdoor seating is a priority.
Must-Try Dishes:
O'Donovan's Famous Burger, Steak nachos, Fish and chips
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Historic tavern with a sizable beer garden that anchors neighborhood gatherings.
Who should go: Groups planning casual birthdays or game-day patio sessions.
When to visit: Sunny weekends or early evenings before big-game rush.
What to order: Famous burger, steak nachos, fish and chips.
Insider tip: Request beer garden seating when reserving; it fills before indoors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly free neighborhood street parking; can tighten up around peak dinner and weekend brunch times
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and everyday wear are totally fine
Noise level: Moderate to loud — patio is conversational, inside can get lively during games
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak times if the patio is full
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several approachable options like salads and meatless pub plates
Vegan options: Limited — customization may be required
Gluten-free options: Some items can be adapted; confirm with your server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than romantic occasions — the patio works well if you want a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, though the beer garden fills quickly on sunny weekends and during big games.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the day and during brunch, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, outdoor patio hangs, casual birthdays, and game-day gatherings at comfortable prices
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, chef-driven dinner or an intimate date-night restaurant