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O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Master Critic Review
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant
7.8
This authentic Cork-owned Irish pub serves jumbo buffalo and teriyaki wings alongside Guinness and live sports. A 30-year Santa Monica institution with 15 TVs and NY Giants game-day crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings with Hot Sauce, Teriyaki Wings, Black & Blue Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic Irish pub with UFC fights and trivia nights since 1994
Who should go: Sports fans and trivia buffs seeking wings
When to visit: NFL Sundays or Wednesday trivia at 8pm
What to order: Buffalo wings, Guinness, fish & chips
Insider tip: Get there early on Giants game days
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Ave, metered until 6pm. Small lot behind building fills up on game days
Dress code: Casual - jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are the norm
Noise level: Loud during games - conversation difficult when crowds cheer
Weekend wait: 30-45 min during NFL season, walk-in only
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of bar seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, and appetizers
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly modified salads
Gluten-free options: Limited - wings are not GF, stick to salads
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal during games or fight nights - too loud and sports-focused. Try weekday happy hour instead
Can I get a table without a reservation? First-come first-served only. Arrive 30 min before kickoff for games or grab bar seats
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 8pm - high chairs available, kids menu. Gets rowdier late night
Best For
Better for: Authentic Irish atmosphere with actual Irish owners, better beer selection than chain sports bars, loyal locals create community feel
Skip if: You want gourmet wings or a quiet dinner - hit Hooters for variety or The Misfit for upscale pub fare