Gillespie's Irish Tavern & Kitchen

This place had great food and a great atmosphere. My wife an I went on a recent trip and thought we'd give it a try. We sat at the bar which seemed to be our mistake as we are not regulars or friends of the bar tenders because we were rarely checked on and often had to try and get their attention as they were mostly at the other end of the bar. Even when more of their regulars/friends arrived and sat near us we had to interrupt their conversations to get service. It did appear the wait staff for the tables were on top of it. The pictures are a Bread Pudding with ice cream and a prime rib sandwich (I think) which was overflowing with meat. The tater tots were crispy but barely warm. I still enjoyed them. My wife had a Pub Curry and she loved it. This would have been a 5 star review if it wasn't for the poor service at the bar as everything else was killer.

This place is outstanding. If you’re looking for fish and chips where the breading speaks for itself and it doesn’t even need tartar then come here. We went for brunch but you can eat off the main menu as well. I got the corn beef hash with eggs and it was delicious. It also reheated very well because it was a bunch of food. My husband got the fish and chips and the potatoes are small wedges with a really good seasoning on the top and it didn’t even need ketchup. We also got Rubens to go and they reheated perfectly for later that day. Don’t sleep on the appetizers here. Make sure that you get the corned beef eggrolls. They are served with a side of thousand island dressing and they were so good! I am really glad that we decided to try them. It was a friendly atmosphere with good service. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. We would absolutely come here again. The parking lot is large and there is plenty of room to park. The bathrooms were clean and well kept. If you’re in the mood for really good Irish food then stop here when you’re in the area.

It’s a cute bar/restaurant with charm, but the food falls flat and their specials aren’t really specially priced outside of this immediate area. No real draw to drive here from elsewhere. I had the shepherds pie and while it was served really pretty… I have to wonder if there is salt or any other seasoning in the kitchen. The scotch eggs were even bland like the hollandaise they were served on. Cute little space, but outside the name and theme there isn’t much here to be excited about. I still say give it a shot if you’re inclined, but don’t expect the best representation of food.

The chicken stuffed jalapeños are really good. The sherperds pie is the main reason I came, and it did not disappoint me. And you can't go wrong with an order of deviled eggs. Really good food and friendly environment.

I really enjoyed my first visit to Gillespie's! Food was great, all made in house. Bangers and mash were delish. Cold beer on tap and live music, what a fun place. And kilts 😄!

My new favorite Irish Pub! This place has great whiskeys, awesome atmosphere, and amazing food. I wanted to order everything.

The atmosphere and food are excellent. The service was a little slow, but in all fairness, they seated a table of 16 people just before us. We will be back to try more of their delicious food.

Came here on Saturday night and really enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere here! They do a great job of bringing Ireland to Richardson. The drinks were strong and tasty, however the food was so-so. Wished the Reuben Sliders had rye bread - the current buns used are just too much bread for the meat that’s put on them. My boyfriend ordered the Lamb Shank and while he liked it enough, he said he would likely try something else if we go again. Personally I got the Honey-Whiskey Roasted Salmon, and the sauce tasted prepackaged to me. Luckily I ordered the house salad as a side, so I just mixed in the salmon and made my own salmon salad which ended up being really good. Overall, we’d definitely come back because the atmosphere and live music are really wonderful, but it might be more for just drinks and small bites.

My husband and I did brunch here on a Sunday morning a few weeks back. Admittedly, an Irish-inspired tavern is not where your brain goes first when you think Sunday morning brunch, but they did have a brunch menu and drink specials. And it's what I was craving. We did the Irish nachos (bacon on the side, since I don't eat bacon but my husband does), which were PHENOMENAL. I did the breakfast hash which was very very good. My husband did the pancakes which he said were a little dry. That said, maybe not really a pancake place. We both did a brunch mimosa and a whiskey flight. Service was great and the space is quite nice. It was a quiet, mostly retired crowd on Sunday morning, but I would imagine a more typical bar group in the evenings.

John the bartender was excellent. His recommendations on The Rueben and Wellington were great suggestions. The Gillespie's New Fashioned drink was super cool with its smoky flavor. I liked my lemon drop martini. The River Driver band was entertaining and we enjoyed a game of pool. The one disappointment was the carrot cake- terribly dry and there was a metallic taste from the baking powder. I hope to drop by again. We drove 45 min upon the recommendation of a friend. It will not disappoint

After my first review, we have kept Gillespie's on rotation and it has mainly been wonderful. We enjoy their live music selection and have even enjoyed Trivia nights. I just have one pretty major point of feedback for the restaurant: If you are only going to have one vegan/vegetarian item on the menu, you must ensure it is stocked. Three times recently I was told they were out of the "best ever veggie burger". That is about a significant failure rate and one on which I am no longer willing to take a risk. I will call in advance from now and I recommend you do the same (if you are plant-based). I end up getting a couple of sides and they are not that great or satisfying. I would love to see them add more plant-based options. Maybe a vegan shepherd's pie or a veggie curry?

This place is fantastic! Great food. Awesome live Irish music on Friday and Saturday. Celeste was our server and we will be looking for her when we go back again.

We've been eyeing the place and finally got the chance to try it out. There were so many things on the menu we'd like to try that we know we'll be back based on a great first experience last night. The ambiance makes you feel like you are in a cozy pub with a full bar running all down the side and tables throughout. Our server was friendly and great about checking in with us throughout the dinner which was great as they place really picked up for a Saturday night. I started off with a Tavern Mule made with whiskey. I'll have to say I'm not a huge whiskey fan, but in a mule form was quite delicious. My husband went with the Buffalo Family Bourbon flight and he had no issues finishing it off. For food, we started with the Ultimate Scotch Eggs and a cup of the Shiner Beer-Cheese Soup (because we just had to try it). The flavors of both items were great. The Scotch Eggs had the right amount of breading and the egg was cooked as desired with the soft boil to make the flavors stand out and the hollandaise sauce was a great touch. For dinner we shared the Traditional Reuben Sandwich and opted for the turkey pastrami as the meat. It was delicious! The pumpernickel-rye bread was fresh, thick and flavorful. The meat had great flavor of its own even being a leaner cut of meat. We also split the Irish Pork Wellington as that isn't something we'd make at home. The pork tenderloin was perfectly done and the flavors of the bacon, mushrooms and puff pastry around the dish complimented the dish well. Portion sizes were plentiful and we even brought food home so we wouldn't overeat! We look forward to coming back and trying other dishes!

Always love coming to this place! Tried some new menu items and everything was delicious except we didn't like the Irish nachos very much. Just not enough cheese to make everything stick to really thick chips. The Reuben sliders were so so good! Still love my pineapple martini. It's a MUST try! Service was good, as always!

Food was good. Music was ok. Service was a little weird - lots of employees were there but about 70% of them were in the back room playing pool. Maybe they weren't on the clock, but it was confusing to see so many people in server gear. We'll definitely give it another shot.

My sister took me to this Irish pub to eat dinner. I had the Gillespie Burger. Angus burger patty topped with corned beef, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, 1000 island, lettuce, and tomato in a potato bun. The patty and the corned beef combo was amazing an delicious. I substituted the 1000 island for Ranch dressing on the side instead. I will be back to check out the entertainment next time

Love that they take reservations!! We were celebrating our son's birthday, and the ability to reserve a table made it so much easier to plan for a small group. We ordered several items from their menu, and everything was delicious, fresh, and generous portions. They were very short handed on a wait staff but did their absolute best to keep up. Don't forget to redeem your 15% off coupon -- YELP check-in. We stayed to watch Plunk Murray! Their music vibe was super cool, unique!

We were headed to this restaurant but as we approached the restaurant we could hear loud, live music. We heard a couple of people saying as they walked out of the restaurant to sit on the patio that they needed a break from the loud music. Hard pass for us on a weeknight.

A good Irish-themed tavern. The tavern is spacious and modern. The menu is diverse but not overwhelming. The food is good but the prices are higher, though not much. The Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs are good, The Deviled Eggs are great and the Irish Nachos are a very imaginative take on Nachos. Potato Chips replace Nachos and are topped with ground meat (beef and lamb). We were a party of 6 and I had a Fish Sandwich. The fish was fried well and the sandwich had good flavors but was a bit messy. The service is excellent and an overall a very good experience.

The food was not good. I ordered the ribeye which is usually a tender well marbled cut of beef. This "ribeye" was as tough as shoe leather and didn't have any marbling. It tasted more like sirloin. Service was excellent. Atmospheric was fine. Steak sucked. V

Took my boys to eat here and it did not disappoint. The food was excellent and to top it off they have a live Irish band which was great

Food was very good . The service was horrendous because there was one wait person to cover the entire restaurant on a Friday night while some special function was going on in the back and had 4 wait people who stood around. Atmosphere was good, music was good.

A friend and I decided to try Gillespie's since we liked Apollonia's which is owned by the same people. Our waiter, Dwight, could not have been more accommodating, competent, or charming. We went specifically for the Shepherds Pie, and it didn't disappoint. There was a lot of yummy in that iron skillet. We also saw a bunch of other diners food and we decided we need to come back and try some other entrees. Also we noted interesting events, karaoke, live music on Saturdays, half priced whiskey nights and other fun things. We will be back.

Listen, I'm a girl who will travel far and wide for some good mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are my favorite comfort food. Even when they are done wrong, they are above average. It's mashed effin' potatoes. Samwise Gamgee is my dream man. I've never been to a restaurant where I didn't ask the waiter of the possibility to sub a side for some good ol' mashed pots. This place blows it all away. My lips had not even finished closing around my fork when my eyes lit up with the taste of these creamy, buttery tots. These potatoes had me see God, and she was a beautiful red-headed country side cook with an Irish brogue that could carry me away to nirvana. These mashed potatoes are a reason to wake up in the morning, a reason to dream, a reason to find true love, start a family, raise a daughter, and bring her here on her 18th birthday to let her try her first sip of good whiskey and a plate of these immaculate damn potatoes. I have no criticism to give, no negatives to throw out. Make the trip to Gillespie's. Order some food, get a side of mashed potatoes. You won't regret it. Also the service, drinks, and other food were great too! Thank you Christian!

Great atmosphere. I recommend stopping by and having an Irish libation or two. Food is great! Had the jalapeño poppers filled with spicy Buffalo chicken and cheese, prime rib sandwich and the Gillespie Burger. Inside feels like an authentic Irish pub. Friendly wait staff with a relaxing fun vibe about it. It's a must if your in the area.

I give it 3 stars because the bartender sure tried his very best . He was alone and handling the entire bar and restaurant drinks . The bar was dirty and disorganized. I felt so sorry for him .

We found Gillespie's by accident when were searching for another pub and decided to go here instead. What a great choice we made! We started off with a meatball weekly special and it was so good I forgot to take a photo. The meatballs were tasty and weren't dry. The brown gravy sauce they came in was delicious. We then shared some fish and chips (sharable portion with two large filets of fish) and smoked wings. Everything tasted fresh and it was cooked well. The flavors on those wings surprised me, I would definitely order again. We finished off with the carrot cake, which was moist, flavorful, and topped with plenty of delicious cream cheese frosting. The food tasted like it was made by someone who genuinely enjoys cooking and takes pride in the food they serve. I appreciated that. As far as service, we came on a weekday, during lunch hour and our server was amazing. I forgot his name unfortunately but he enhanced our experience and was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food and drinks. We played it a little safe by ordering classic fish and chips, but I can't wait to come back again and try some of the other dishes that they offer or to see what weekly specials they have. We were told that they have a brunch on the weekends, live music, and karaoke as well. Check out their website for more info. Depending on how the atmosphere/crowd is during dinner and their events, this might be a regular place that I go to!

Great food, excellent service and fun/entertainment. Met some friends there for Sunday brunch- 9 of us. There was live entertainment, not so loud that you had scream across the table. Food was lovely and tasted great and came out hot. Probably my only complaint were the high top chairs that we had were not very comfy, but they weren't super busy so we found the cushy ones. We will be back! Next week, in fact, with another friend visiting.

One word... INCREDIBLE! We didn't have enough self control to take photos of all the food before digging in.. but we had the pie, nachos, jalapeño poppers, amazing beef Wellington, chicken curry, and beef barley soup. I can't say which was the favorite because it was all so delicious. Great atmosphere- music- decor.. everything was perfect. Especially the service. The chef even came out and spoke to us! Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!

We loved the Prime Rib sandwich that has been replaced with French Dip. Not nearly the same unfortunately. Bad decision!!. Also their new cash register receipt is terrible. " Trying to track our liquor costs" was reason our drink had two prices, one for liquor and another as UPCHARGE we were told. Plus you can save if you pay cash instead of credit..found AFTER we gave the credit card and got our bill. Don't plan visit again soon.

This place is very good! It definitely gives off the tavern vibe with its decor and set up! There is a back room on with pool, darts and a chess board. They have daily specials and theme nights like karoake or trivia! Our waitress was kind and very knowledgeable about the menu when we had questions! I ordered braised pork with mashed potato's and buttered peas and it was so good!

Service is ok, but you may need to holler at the bartender to get their attention. Food is not that great. It gets loud after 6 or 7 with live bands and karaoke. I like to get there early before it gets loud.

Karaoke Thursday's . That is all. Great times, fun bartenders. DJ and Locals perform their favorites. Would get wasted there again

Food and service excellent! Bartenders nice and make great drinks. Guinness Beef Stew was amazingly delicious. Shepherds pie also excellent. Carrot cake OMG SO GOOD. If you want an adult bar with good food. I recommend. We will be back.

Our evening at Gillespie's Tavern was a wonderful experience. Hostess seated us immediately, server was exceptional, meal was outstanding- Shepherds Pie and Steak for my hubby!! Looking forward to a return visit!!!!

Great local pub! Friendly folks in a authentic decor like an Irish pub. Had live Irish music too. Some of the best Irish inspired dishes I've had anywhere in the states. Best was the scotch egg! The sausage was delicious with a soft yolk in the center. All drenched in real Hollandaise sauce. I've could have stopped there. Then was the meatballs in Guinness sauce with caramelized onion. Very good with a unique sauce, not your typical brown gravy. Someone back I. The kitchen has a distinct pallet! Wedge salad with real blue cheese. And a great blue cheese dressing. Than Guinness Irish stew covered with puff pastry! Again the sauce was every distinct and delicious!! Not the same as the meatballs, but a fully developed Gravy spiked with Guinness. Full of pieces of fork tender beef! I appreciate when a restaurant goes out of their way to develop such great food. There were many more Irish specialties on the menu to try next time!

Sat down with the family this evening (Tuesday, hardly anyone there) and waited for about 7 minutes to have nobody acknowledge us. Walked out and won't be coming back.

Nice vibe. Large bar. Great food and service. Large whiskey selection and of course Guinness on draft.

I came for the first time this evening specifically for the shepherd's pie. It is truly the best I've ever had.! It's servedn8n a piping hot skillet. The Lamb, carrots and onion filling is topped with Concannon potatoes and a bit of melted cheese. I also had a glass of malbec....a respectable wine for a house wine. Service is excellent and the music wasn't too loud...yay! Coming back here!

Food, Shepard s pie was below average, fish and chips was ok Service was good Expectations were not met. Thought the new owners did more to the Shire, again atmosphere was nothing like the Trinity Hall, now gone. Not worth the drive.

I ordered a slice of overpriced carrot cake only to get home and discover it was SEVERAL days old. This thing is drier than an 80 year old lady. Worse than a Florida sunbather. Crisp as the night is cold. Trash.

SUPER GOOD!!!! The food was amazing absolutely love this place I'll definitely bring my friends with me next time! Drinks are top notch

Awesome food and pub vibe, First time here and will definitely come back. Flights of Woodford Reserve!!! Our server Timmy is the best

Food was good, great little Irish tavern, and the servers ce was great! Thanks for a great time, Colton!

We had a great lunch of Scotch Eggs and Guinness Stew. $5 drafts on Wednesday. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly. We'll be back.

The fish and chips were really good, and honestly more food than I should have eaten. My wife was on the fence about the salmon, but all of the other food we received was great! We had a fantastic serving staff, and the live music was a lot of fun, especially once the Black and Tans and Jamison started kicking in. :) We did end up finishing their last bottle of Jamison that night unfortunately, but I'm sure they have since purchased more so no worries there. Really enjoyed what I remember of the place, and we were fortunate to have invited (intentionally) my driving-age grandson who graciously drove us all home. I'd like to go back when it is not my birthday so I can try to remember more of the place and post a more informative review. But I do recommend it based on the food and atmosphere!

Hands down best food and the people that work there are amazing! Alayna and Derrick. The Sunday morning brunch and live music is something you have to go enjoy!

We came here with high expectations. We left a little disappointed. The service was good and the live entertainment (Mike Allyn) was great, but the food was so mediocre. I ordered the prime rib, medium rare with broccoli and mashed potatoes. Hubby ordered fish n chips. The prime rib came out medium, but I did not complain (maybe I should have). It was tough. Like leather. Have you ever eaten tough prime rib? Not good. At all. The fish was heavily battered with little taste and about as appetizing as frozen fish sticks. The drinks tasted watered down and poorly mixed. The broccoli and mashed potatoes were the only edible things on my plate. Overall, the atmosphere was good just not the food. We will probably come back, but will definitely try something else.

Such a mixed bag. Mini shepherd's pie was tasteless, cheese soup was good but far from a traditional cheese soup. Jalapeno bites were good but undercooked. Nothing was delivered hot...just lukewarm. What really spoiled the entire lunch was the guy singing Irish tunes who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Not being harsh here, he actually was cringe-worthy out of tune on every note. We would have stayed for an Irish coffee and dessert had it not been for his singing.

Great music especially 5 Second Rule. Good food and drinks. Nice servers. Would definitely go back often

Always great service and good food. The Shepherds Pie and the Prime Rib sandwich are excellent. Pool, shuffleboard and darts with TVs in the back for fun!

I used to come here regularly...for their fish and chips and their curry bowl. They have the best pub curry I've ever had. I now moved away from this area and I think about Gillespie's very often. And I haven't been able to find a replacement in the supposedly the best food scenes in the country. On top of the excellent food, they also have great drinks (tried several beers and cocktails there) and ambience. This is one of the places I miss most about the DFW area.

Been here twice this week, found my home. Who can refuse Irish Coffee, and Shephards Pie...

Outstanding establishment that is run to perfection. The service and hospitality provided by the staff is uncommon. Very welcoming environment, great entertainment, and excellent food. Will recommend to anyone that is in the area and will definitely return whenever I'm back in town.

This pub is outstanding and our new go-to place for authentic Irish food! The atmosphere is very Irish (friendly), the bar gorgeous, the food so yummy! The Guinness Stew Pie is a favorite. As is the corn beef and cabbage. We love to sit at the bar and admire our surroundings and eat well!

We've been here twice in the last month and both times have been great. Food is awesome and it's kid friendly as well. Last visit was a Friday night and they had an awesome Irish band playing music, helps with the ambiance of the restaurant. This restaurant has been added into our monthly rotation.

Didn't manage the crowd well on St. Patrick's Day. Ended up leaving rather than wait indefinitely. No one was at the door to even give us an idea of what was going on. And we were there 30+ minutes without any staff communication. Maybe will try again sometime, but was unimpressed with the experience. Just wanted to know what was happening...

Best carrot cake ever - the specials are generally interesting enough that I haven't ordered off the standard menu. Meals are generally well seasoned and cooked to an appropriate level where they have never had a hint of dryness. Signature cocktails are good with a heavy leaning into blackberry