Alice N.
Yelp
I popped into J.B. O'Reilly's for a friends' drinks after work on a Wednesday. I've been there once before, maybe six/seven years ago for dinner but I haven't been there since. It's just not a pub I would usually frequent, but it was her call, and of course, the Irish gal picked the Irish pub. So predictable, I know.
I arrived around 30 minutes after the group and they'd managed to snag a big table by the window. Thank god, because at 4.30pm, the pub was busy. Predominately filled with guys, it had a warm, community feel. People sat at the bar, groups of friends that I guess know each other from the pub stood outside talking, accompanied by a gorgeous staffy who wandered around the outside area, and the pub buzzed. Every five minutes more people would arrive and by 5.30pm, the venue was pumping. I was pleasantly surprised.
Reasons J.B. O'Reilly's was much better than I expected.
1. Cider. There was an alright selection of cider, including the obvious Magners.
2. There was heaps of seating. At the bar, out the front, big tables, little round tables. You had so many options of where to sit and they could totally accommodate groups.
3. Wedges. Someone at our table ordered a bowl of wedges and they came out covered in melted cheese and sour cream. YUM.
4. The bar staff were laid back but hard working. They were all friendly and they made you feel welcome. They moved pretty quickly too, the bar was busy and there was never much of a wait.
5. Crisps. I miss English pubs. Nowhere over here has crisps for purchase over the bar, and these guys even put your crisps in a freaking wicker tray/bowl. AMAZING.
It's not usually my kind of bar, but it was the perfect venue. No frills, not too much fuss, but they're nailing what they do. Kudos.