O'Leary's Public House

My mom and I went in to O'leary's on a dead Sunday afternoon. There were 3 other people in the bar. The bartendress was chatting on the phone with her friend and set it down just long enough to take our order. That wouldn't have bothered me if the food hadn't been totally disgusting. My mom ordered a burger and said she had never before seen hamburger that looked like that. I had a tuna melt that was cold in the middle. Also, the diet coke was flat. I am normally a very low-maintenance patron, but have eaten at some other great Irish places in Chicago (Garrett Ripley's) and was disappointed we stumbled into this place. If you were just looking to have a beer at the bar, this would be a fine choice.

Pros: No wait for a table

Cons: Food

Posted 02/03/07

I love the sidewalk patio and the big open windows in the summertime. The drink prices are pretty average and the food is not bad--the chicken Caesar salad is surprisingly tasty. It's a great after-work hangout.

Posted 05/22/02

This is a perfect spot for just hanging out and having drinks--not a scene place or typical of any particular type of crowd, it's more upscale than a dive, but not as uptight as a hipster haven. Beer banners and TVs broadcasting sports contrast with the refinement of the huge dark-wood bar, but the disparity sets O'Leary's comfortable tone. The bartenders tend to be older men, which may give an initial impression of an old boys' club, but they are equally attentive to both male and female patrons. The menu is fairly straightforward--sandwiches and bar munchies--and satisfying. There's a good selection of draft beers, prices are reasonable, and the jukebox plays songs most folks know.

Posted 05/20/02

This is a good place for lunch or after work. The food is basic, but not greasy. The service was nice and prompt. Sitting outside is fun, and the crowd is basically office folks on their way in one direction or another. I will be going back.

Posted 05/15/02