O'Connell's Pub

This is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. We dined here on a Friday evening, and the restaurant was very busy. Despite that, the staff were incredibly friendly and patient, taking the time to answer our questions with genuine kindness. They were also wonderfully welcoming to children. Every time the staff passed by our table, they greeted our kids warmly. We also noticed that many of the guests dining here were families, which made the atmosphere feel especially comfortable and welcoming. The food was outstanding—each dish was impressive and had its own unique character. This was our first time dining here, and it will definitely not be our last.

Great place if you have a lot of time. Food was 40 mins and waitress nice, but only seen when bringing out food or drink. Lamb stew- awesome Onion rings - good portion sizes and good Chicken sandwich- would order again Hamburger- nice size but no seasoning Grilled cheese - Interesting. It is a DRY grilled cheese, meaning not buttered. It is on a dense, thin but tasty bread and it is well sized. Shame about it dry, that bread would have been tasty with butter. I’d eat it with only butter. Cheese is one slice of American. All in all, we liked it, fair pricing, nice portions, cozy atmosphere, but would recommend no time restraints and being vocal and flagging down waitresses. We were there an hour and 40 for lunch. So, be patient. Probably great place for a beer and light socialization.

Burger was a proper hand made patty, excellent bun. Large onion rings were a meal onto themselves and good. Staff and atmosphere is excellent with reasonable prices for what you get.

Absolutely love this place!! The atmosphere, the food, the service, always top notch! Their roast beef sandwiches are fabulous!! It is an original building and I’m pretty sure the lighting is original so it tends to be a little dark inside, but just use your phone’s flashlight and no problem reading the menu. 😁 lol It is a must try when visiting St Louis

I love Irish pubs! Wherever I go, i look for them. I try to find them for our dinner in every city we visit. They always have the food that I want and the service that makes you feel at home. This place was just like that! Only wish is that the lighting wasn't so dark. It was really tough to see the menu. Had a wonderful server, neat place. Excited to try it in the summer and eat outside! I love outdoor seating!

Burger extraordinaire. Do not. I repeat. Do not eat the fried mushrooms for at least a couple min. Haha they will be very fresh and hot! Worth the wait. Coziest place in the Lou

Famous local Irish pub. Near interstate 44 and Kingshighway. Close to Tower Grove Park and the botanical gardens. I’ve been coming here for years. Great waitress with great recommendations and service. Known for their burgers and roast beef sandwich. They’ll ask you how you want the roast beef sandwich, cause they’re cutting it off of a roast. !!!!! You’ll enjoy it and probably will want to come back.

Great pub. I would absolutely have a few more beers and chow here. Food was awesome, I, three of us couldn't finish our Reubans. My wife had the cheeseburger and fries also great tasting. The onion rings were spot on. Service was a hit with an apprentice ACE. We had a few beers then a couple pitchers, mixed drinks. So we spent about $140+. I was hoping for old school STL wood millwork accents and just antique style and it delivered. Easy access, free, parking.

Came in with a group of 7 on Friday night and got seated right away despite the relatively crowded place. Service was fast. Food comes out on paper plates. My friends really enjoyed the Guiness. Some in my group were not as impressed by the burgers, but I really enjoyed my cheeseburger, a thick patty cooked perfectly to medium. Fries were thin (my favorite kind). The gooey butter cookie was very good and pillowy soft (although it is so soft, it breaks apart when you pick it up). The cheesecake was nothing to write home about.

This is a St Louis institution. We parked in front, walked past the bar & were pleased to be able to get a table at lunchtime. It was very dark inside, we needed the light on our phones to read the menu. I ordered the Thursday special, an Italian grilled sausage sandwich with meat from the hill, onions & peppers while my husband ordered the hamburger with onion rings. Our waitress was wonderful, prices were very reasonable, and our meal was delicious.

This Irish pub had a cozy vibe, but it was so dark inside that it was hard to see much of anything...even the menu. The atmosphere might've been better with a little more light. The service was quick and friendly. The food was just okay. It was nothing terrible, but there wasn't anything that stood out either. Overall, an average experience that didn't quite live up to its potential.

Iconic pub. Very old school vibe. No frills, very casual. Not a huge menu, but if you want some typical pub grub , you've come to the right place. Their beef sandwich is a bit upscale and generous and hearty. Bar open and welcoming greeting.

Went here with family wasn't too busy nor packed, waited 45 minutes after our drinks and appetizers were order to even have our waitress acknowledge us again. Two more groups had came in after us got drinks appetizers and food way before we had. Then after our food came out the waitress and I quote said "be careful the food is hot" ,more than 3 of our meals were cold to the touch. Now I have never been but this was a let down I've never been served cold food in general.

I love O'Connell's Pub. It's a St. Louis institution! The people who work here are dedicated and work their butts off! They are very attentive. They are kind. The food is pub food. Great burgers, salads, roast beef and the onion rings are fabulous. Great selection of beer and cocktails. It's dark and very cool inside. Lots of artwork and very much like an Irish pub. Get in here and support this important part of St. Louis history! Cheers!!

Great pint of Guinness. Love the dark lit look of the bar. Very old school. The chandelier in the center is the star.

First time visit and wasn't disappointed! I had a burger, super thick, cooked perfectly, amazing! The smell was amazing!!! As soon as I got out of the car I knew what I was in for :) The staff was great, no pressure and we went during lunch time. I don't really have any questions, but felt welcome enough that I feel our server would have taken the time to help with whatever we needed. Didn't have to ask for a refill, just showed up :) I had fries as well. They were perfect, they are the skinnier ones that always seem to be overcooked at lots of places...not here. Yes it's dark, but I liked it! There's enough light, no issues there. Plus like was stated on past reviews, I have a cell phone, if I need more light I can fire that up no issues. Unfortunately the pictures probably aren't going to do this one justice. Thanks for the great meal, excited to go back :)

Our waitress was 10/10 amazing. She treated us super well on my dad's birthday and made us feel really special with her kindness. Also unbeatable Irish car bombs Ty ty Oconnells!

I used to love O'Connell's Pub in St. Louis. It was one of my go-to spots for years -- great food, great atmosphere, and a place I recommended to everyone. Unfortunately, things changed about 5-7 years ago, and not for the better. Ever since the ownership/management switched, it has gone downhill fast. My most recent visit, in late June or early July, was with a group of coworkers -- and nobody enjoyed their food. The burgers, which used to be incredible, were overcooked, dry, and completely disappointing. The service was rude, and the management/owner came across as a jerk, which really sealed the deal. It's a shame to see what used to be a St. Louis classic turn into something I honestly wouldn't recommend to anyone now. Even worse, if you check their Facebook page, you won't see any negative reviews -- not because people haven't tried, but because anyone who posts criticism gets blocked or banned. The owner simply can't handle honest feedback, and it shows. Overall: I would not go back to O'Connell's Pub, and I suggest looking elsewhere if you want good food, good service, or a place that respects its customers.

If you're looking for an unpretentious, affordable pub with a welcoming ambiance, this place is a great choice. Tucked conveniently near the Botanical Gardens, this pub is an ideal choice for a quick bite or a casual hangout. The charm of this spot lies in its simplicity and affordability. Despite the small food menu, the prices are reasonable, making it a great place for a budget-friendly meal. The interior exudes a cozy, laid-back vibe, with blinds perpetually drawn and dim lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. The wooden furniture, including the booths, adds to the pub's warm, rustic character. It's the kind of place where you can unwind comfortably, whether you're grabbing a bite before or after a stroll through the gardens. Fried Mushrooms $6 - Crispy breading, bella mushrooms. Burger $10 - Thick juicy patty, served with onion and lettuce and a slide of pickle. French fries $3 - Crispy, thin and delicious, you'll want double orders. Tried in the past: Chili cup $4 - Hearty chili with optional fresh cut onion and $1 extra for cheese. Fazio's Cheesecake - $4 - Fluffy and creamy slice of dessert. .|\---/| | @_@ | ..\_^_/..2024

I came here a couple months ago bc I saw that they were posting non stop about getting support/patrons bc they were losing business due to the work on Kingshighway. I was like hell yeah-let's support. Rounded up a few friends and we had some drinks. Wanted a burger and some cheese fries. Basically, a slice of American cheese melted on their fries, which I have ordered multiple times before and received it. The bartender/server refused a slice of American cheese on the fries and was rude AF about it. I don't understand a business begging for support on social media outlets and refusing to melt/nuke a slice of cheese on some fries. Oh well, went to and supported another local restaurant. So ridiculous

Old school ambience, with traditional pub food! Our Server was attentive, but not overbearing!

The service and general attitude of staff. Went there to support them bc of a Facebook post about how they were struggling. Food was as good as always, service was bad. I understand if there slammed, just acknowledge the customers went to bar to grab our drinks.... Bartender wouldn't acknowledge me. Now there Facebook page says they will delete any "not" positive comments.... Bc page is their property. So.... Here I am. I do hope they stay afloat.., prob won't be back for a few years. Too many other options across the street on "The Hill"

Hamburgers are still the best in town. Service is amazing as always and the ambiance is old time Irish pub!!! MUST COME to get a burger and a drink!!!

I love this place. It hasn't changed all the time I've been going there. If you walk in on a bright day, you're gonna need a bit for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. It's part of the ambiance, which I love. Of course, this place is known for its burgers. It's just a simple burger, but it tastes great. I also like the hot, hard salami sandwich. Can't get that in too many places. The breaded mushrooms served with Mayfair for dipping are also a must. Our server was awesome. Our glasses never got below half a glass. Definitely Do it!!!

Non-repeater. Lived here many years, been there three times. Service wasn't good and food is just average.

Great atmosphere, food, and service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND u try lamb chops, special on Wed.

The bar is a work of art. The food is great. The drinks made well and reasonably priced. I highly recommend!

What a fantastic "joint" for an amazing burger. This is a perfect neighborhood bar with amazing food. The waitress was super nice and the music is a nice mix of blues. All around Delicious!

We have been going to O'Connell's for 30+ years. While we no longer live nearby we still go there and have old friends who insist on going there when they visit. They moved away at least 25 years ago. We love the hamburgers and salads and old pub ambience has not changed a bit.

When you walk in, it might take a few moments for your eyes to adjust as it's quite dark in this restaurant but that adds to the ambiance of a good old pub. They are known for their hamburgers which are very good. My mother and I ordered the roast beef sandwiches with au jus, so tasty! Comes with horseradish. We also split an order of onion rings - really good! Everything came out pretty quickly and the service was attentive. Prices are very reasonable. There is plenty of parking in front and around back.

O'Connell's blocked me on Facebook so I'll leave my review here. Hope the owner is able to sell the business like he's looking to do. The service industry would be better for it. My Fiance and I came here two winters ago after the garden glow. Online said they were still serving food, we ordered burgers and beers. We sat for 45 minutes after ordering, empty drinks while watching the kitchen staff drink beers instead of cooking ANY food. When we asked our server if we could get the bill, she was combative and then the owner came in yelling at us. Why? Because they had a busy night of service so it's OUR FAULT for coming in. He kicked us out. Honestly we were just cold and hungry after walking around outside and wanted to go somewhere local. That was one of the strangest and most unsettling service experiences I've had. -We waited over a year to say anything because it didn't seem worth it with how the owner attacks people online. However, seeing that more people continue to have these experiences I had to share my own.

Been going here since grad school in the early 80's, no longer Red or Leonard to greet u at the bar but always a friendly face that makes the drinks stout and perfect! The cold half dozen of shrimp, a bit smaller but we're still very good, the burger the best non-smash burger in the Lou! Cooked perfect, fat and juiced with great meaty flavor. Ice cold beer in a frosty mug what else would u need.

Fantastic atmosphere, food, and history. Best burger in St. Louis. Good for locals and visitors, great location, easy parking, and worth the visit.

This place has been on my radar for awhile, finally went for lunch yesterday. I love that they have Smithwick's on tap and the vibe is very, very Pub. I got the burger and my date got a coney. The burger was delightful - big patty cooked to order - just my style. The coney was devoured happily. I also got the fried mushrooms which made my Midwestern heart happy. Looking forward to going back!

I love their sandwiches! Try the roast beef and chicken! Beer is cold, and servers are warm and friendly! Eclectic decor I had burnt ends here once that were also very good. There are daily specials. Stop by for a pint and some grub!

Always have fantastic service and food. One of my favorite spots. Their Mayfair dressing is... chef's kiss.

I belong to a "Things to Do" on Social Media and everyone raved about O'Connell's burgers... so we had to check them out on our day off work. The place has a nice Irish Pub feel.. Dark Lighting but it was perfect for the ambiance. The menu is no frills but that is fine... keep it simple. We had the Cheesburger, Fries and Fried Mushrooms. The burger was really good and juicy. Fries were yummy.. I love the shoe string kind and the Fried Mushrooms good and I did like the Mayfair sauce to dip in. Next time I would love to go and just sit at the awesome bar!!! Prices are very reasonable.

I've been here many times before and was either placed in the very dark dining room or the food was just well, food, so I never felt it was worth my time to review until now. We sat in the bar area, and while my friend who is tall had a hard time sitting where we were placed, I was nice and comfy. Life had reared it's very ugly head at us and we wanted to get some food before we tried to muster through all the "life junk" later in the day so honestly I felt like I was being hugged in that seat. We both ordered drinks and onion rings. The drinks arrived right away... the bartender was very busy but was crushing it. The onion rings were good. My friend ordered a burger but I didn't know what I wanted. Our amazing waitress... I wish I had remembered her name... she was blond if that helps... listened to me ramble, and we decided on the tuna sandwich. It was really good. My friend's burger was great... but they make great burgers, so no real surprise there. Next time I need a "food hug," I know where I'll be going. Thanks!!

Burgers were pretty good, definitely thick and well seasoned. Not a place to go for smash burgers. They're cooked on a grill you can smell from outside and it smells so good coming in. I wish the onions on the burger were cooked a bit more, but the fries and onion rings were outstanding. Server was nice and attentive. My only other complaint would be, it is just a bit too dark. It's a great pub atmosphere but I could barely read the menu it was so dark. It's worth it for the food tho!

We had tickets to Missouri Botanical Gardens. So, we thought we would get a bite to eat beforehand. This wasn't our first trip to this 50 year + establishment and one of my husband's favorites. I got the Friday night Fish and Chips Special with an O'Connell's Ale by Schlafly and my husband got a Cheeseburger with Onion Rings (his favorite). Always a Win Win! The fish is fluffy and flaky and not too greasy. I couldn't eat it all! First time I tried the Ale and it was a perfect compliment to the Fish and Chips. Service was friendly and quick. Atmosphere is dark with lots of nostalgia on the walls. Clean and comfy.

This place is an original Irish Pub! They have a simple menu, but it packs the flavor! The ambiance is dark and cozy here, but that's what an Irish pub is supposed to be. In the bar area, there is one TV and everyone sitting at the bar can see it. We ordered fried mushrooms, a house salad and a French dip. All were AMAZING! They had a homemade dressing that tasted like a mix of Caesar and ranch and it was so creamy and delicious. Great spot for good food!

Today, we enjoyed lunch at O'Connell's pub. It's one of my favorite spots. Their sandwiches offer generous portions for the price, and their chili and breaded mushrooms are absolutely delicious. While they're known for their burgers, their sandwiches are equally satisfying. I'll definitely be returning, and I highly recommend giving them a try. Don't miss out--stop by and experience it for yourself.

YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO COME IN FOR A DRINK AND A BITE TO EAT! ! ! The service is outstanding and the atmosphere is even more magnificent! I highly recommend the roast beef sandwich, it definitely hits the spot after a long day. The bartender is super chill and always puts a smile on my family's face. The servers are top notch. I highly recommend you come enjoy O'connell's Pub TODAY!

I have been to O' Connels before, I usually order a burger, which is always a great experience. However, this time I decided to venture out and order the Roast Beef Sandwich, with added swiss cheese. This has to have been the thickest slices of roast beef I have ever seen on a sandwich! The flavor was delicious, especially when dipped into the aus jus! The way the bread soaks up that juice is really what pulls the entire sandwich together. I ordered the beef cooked medium, and that is exactly what I got. I would say the only issue is the thicker slices make the meat harder to bite off and if yoy don't have a solid grip while you eat it, it could very easily come apart. Aside from that, the fench fries and onio. Rings were hot and delicious! I also ordered a pint of Guinness ( not seen here due to me drinking it before I remember to take a picture, haha). I think this is a great Irish pub. The theming is top notch. We sat at the long table that had an old wooden "Kings Chair" vibe and it really just brought the experience to another level. If you ever get hungry for good hot food, this is the place to visit!

This place is a treasure ! Never fix that is not broken... it has not changed since it's open and it is super neat place to go to for great food. Good prices , highly recommend it to anyone looking for a wonderful hamburger or sandwich with a cold beer. O'Connell is the best!

Stopped today for lunch. Waitress was amazing. Mushrooms were taste. We both got the roast beef & is was tuff and must less meat than I remembered. In addition they now charge 3% for using a credit card. Seriously. No wonder the place was empty.Clearly much different since Jack died. Nothing stays the same, likely won't return.

Talk about old school vibes!! It doesn't matter if it's bright and sunny outside, when you walk through the door at O'Connell's you're greeted with a low light, low key atmosphere that makes you immediately want a pint and transports you to a different place in time. Everything from the tin ceiling, to the dark wood bar and the gorgeous light from the 1904 World's Fair chandeliers, creates an ambiance that is out of this world! Whether you belly up to the bar and chat with a friendly bartender that's been there for 14 years or cozy up in one of the beautiful wood booths surrounding the dining room, you can't go wrong. This spot is known for their massive no nonsense burgers but another standout item is their chili! With the close of Courtesy Diner, you don't find chili on the standard menu too often and man do they do it right with all the onions, cheese and crackers you can imagine! Another personal favorite is the fried mushrooms with Mayfair dressing - the mushrooms are crispy and delicious and the dressing if a wonderful, house made alternative to our midwestern obsession with ranch. :) They also have a rotating menu of hearty soups that are truly amazing. Upstairs they host various Irish musicians, book signings, poetry reading etc. so definitely follow them for the special events. They do not offer to go food and if you have leftovers to take home, be sure to ask for a piece of foil so you seem like a regular. ;) Once you visit, you'll understand why they have repeat customers that span decades and many consider themselves part of the O'Connell's family.

Food fabulous as always. Had the fried mushrooms and the best cheeseburger! I also like the smaller dining room that isn't super noisy, you can actually carry on a conversation.

Went for lunch on a Friday to try the fish special. It was very good. There were three good-sized pieces of fish per order and it was not greasy at all. Our server was very pleasant and efficient. The amber ale was tasty as well

The food is good but the daytime bartender with Gray hair (probably the owner) has the worst customer service of any human on the planet. And by the way according to him they "don't do to go orders" FYI of considering that. Also no condiments either if you order to go. I have always enjoyed this place but I won't be back. He should retire or let someone else manage them.

Almost want to give O'Connell's a 5 because you not seating or even acknowledging us for almost 10 minutes led us to Mac's Good Eats! Which was awesome, so thank you. All is well that ends well.

My father has been going to O'Connell's since 1965 when it was in Gaslight Square. He's been going there at least once a month, if not more since then. When we asked him where he wanted to go to celebrate his 80th birthday, O'Connell's was his only choice. Since there were going to be 10 of us we got there at 4:30 to make sure we got one of the two big tables. At the time we arrived the pub was about half full. All 10 of us were there by 4:45 and we ordered drinks and some appetizers. Around 5:15 we ordered dinner. O'Connell's has arguably the best burger in St. Louis and all of us ordered one, except my aunt who got a veggie burger. My daughters arrived unexpectedly around 5:45, and rather than just grabbing chairs from an empty table we asked for two more chairs. It was a tight fit, but I've waited on banquets that were squeezed together more. The owner acted very pissy and downright rude about it. We ordered another round of beers, and a beer for one of my daughters but the server left before my other daughter could order a drink. Around 6pm the server brought out our food. There should have been 9 burgers and a veggie burger, but what came out was a veggie burgers, 8 burgers, and two roast beef sandwiches. The server didn't know what went to which customer, and was calling out orders. When she asked who had the roast beef, we told her that no one ordered it, but we were short a burger. She insisted that "someone must have ordered it because she wrote it down". She left and went back into the kitchen to try to find the missing burger, and came back to tell us that the burger was on the grill and would be right out. Then she asked again who ordered the roast beef sandwich. Since all of us came for the expressed purpose of getting hamburgers we told her that no one ordered it. She then started screaming that since she put in sides of au jus we MUST have ordered it. She left again and returned with the beers, two of which were wrong. At this point I could tell she was losing it and rather than trying to get her to take food orders for my daughters I asked her if she still had those two roast beef sandwiches to sell. She said she did, and looked visibly relieved when I told her to bring them out and we'd eat them. I gave my burger to one of my kids, and the other one who likes her beef rare said she'd eat the other one, even though a burger is her favorite thing to eat. This was a mistake. The roast beef was sliced almost a quarter inch thick. Rare filet mignon this thick is delicious, but rare roast beef this thick is inedible. (photo attached) We finally finished and got our checks (one check, divided by 4) at 7pm. Even at this point I was willing to chalk up the experience to a bad night, but on the way out I stopped by and thanked the owner for accommodating us. He just rolled his eyes and said "get out". My aunt and father tried to thank him as well and got similar responses. I haven't been a customer as long as my dad, but I've been coming in often for around 30 years and never had an experience like this. It pains me to say I'll never go back.

Best burger, salad and fried mushrooms!! Their burger is an original 10/10 that remains consistent after all these years. Love the Irish dive vibes too.

Delicious burger! They use a really good beef and I was able to get it medium or even medium rare. The chili was perfect and a seafood gumbo that was exactly how I like it. Going back soon...

Now let me be clear-- I love my wife, Michelle, and everything she does and says--and feels--and she feels like there should be a TouchTunes up in this joint. Let Michelle play Mariah Carey. Please. It's what she needs. Fantastic service though!

This place was cool! I went in for a burger and fries. This place is just a experience. There are big chandeliers everywhere. The lighting gives a cool vide. The place has many antiques and things. The booths were are wooden. The staff was excellent. They were quick to seat us and get our orders. The cheese burger I had was great. If I lived closer to it I definitely would be going there a lot. It is a cool place with cool atmosphere! You will not be disappointed at this place. I deff give it 5 starts. It was such a neat place and experience!

I wanted a good cheeseburger, so I found this location. It took some time to get waited on, but once I did, I ordered the amber ale, cheeseburger (med rare), fries and onion rings. The amber ale was great, so I got a second one. It took over 15 mins to get my food, but I know they only had 2 waitresses. When I got my cheeseburger, it was cooked perfectly. The fries were just ok, and the onion rings were soggy. Overall, great food and great beer. I'll be back.