Sally O'Brien's

This is a wonderful place! We always have so much fun! Liam the owner supports amazing live music! Spencer is a fantastic bartender/waiter: always knows what we want and when we want it. I love this place more than any bar/pub in the Boston area, and I've been to most of them. Thank you, Liam, for supporting live music and creating such a fabulous community!

The secret about Sally's is that they probably have the best sound in Somerville. If you see a band you like is playing there, definitely go.

Great Irish Bar! We stopped on our way back from seeing the Queen concert at TD Gardens. It was late so the kitchen had closed. We're not from the Boston area, but we felt really welcomed. Live music had left, but the music on playtunes was great! The bartender, was so friendly. My only regret is that this bar isn't where we live. When we come back to Somerville, Sally O'Brien's is a warm & friendly bar. A must stop! Thank you.

Came here for a friend's show. Good spot for music, and a solid (if small) bottle and draft list. Didn't try any of the food, but everything out of the kitchen looked good. The vibe is chill, and layout is pretty cool. There are some standing tables a bit back from the main bar, so it's a nice area to hang out with friends in after getting drinks from the main bar. The whole atmosphere gets a big boost from the windows spanning the whole front of the place which give a great view of the street while you're there. Would come back again!

This is our neighborhood local Monday bar! Simple bar, simple food, no fuss or frills, and live music. This place has an old/curated feel. Wood bar tops and bar shelves. Live music every week blues, jazz, etc. Come for a beer after work, or if you want to come feel like a local.

Casual bar. Nice people. Good comfort food.

Cool band there tonight. Not too loud. Decent drink prices. Plenty of space

Great live music! I came here on a Thursday night for dinner and drinks and enjoyed it.

Labor Day weekend in Boston for work, and my hosts brought me here after dinner at a German restaurant nearby. In my travels I see a lot of "corporate" pubs; this is not that. It's a local watering hole type place, with an easy vibe. A loquacious patron whose name I did not get told me the owner was sitting at the other end of the bar, and I believe it, because it felt like family inside, like a real Irish pub. There was an incredible band playing Irish music with no cover charge, and the drink prices were very good. Add in good bartenders and a dog-friendly patio outside, and you've got the best Irish Pub in Boston, IMHO. Glad to have found it; hope to return on next visit. Very fun night, and highly recommended. OMG I'm starting to almost like Boston.

A down to earth pub with live music and plenty of adults (not youngsters) dancing. I wanted a burger, and ordered at the bar and found a table. It didn't take long, I think we got there about 9:10 and the kitchen closed at 10pm. The burger was exactly the kind of burger I was craving. Meaty, tender, potato bun, good fries, and definitely not frozen! They had all the fixings on the table and the burger even came with a kosher dill pickle spear. Really hit the spot on a later Saturday night!

Excellent. We were here on a Friday night, and there was live music. It was excellent. And fun. The fries were fantastic. We got the extra curry thing. Amazing. Highly recommend. Great vibe.

Went on a Saturday night for a local artist. $10 at the door. Had dinner and was enjoying the music then literally I felt like I was in church. Someone went around with a long basket on a poll asking for "tips". Was disgusted. I'll never go back.

Good food. Awesome staff. Music 2-3 nights a week. Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to see a show, we ate. I got the curry fries and they were perfect! I loved my whole experience, thank you!

The friendliness, free live music with dancing and lots of local folk having a good time. This place deserves to survive! You can drop in, hear a few tunes and go on your way

Music is awesome, love Duppy Conqueror's, Chelsea. Urge and the general chill vibe of the place....

It's simply amazing food with amazing service. The atmosphere is spot on and the owner is an absolute gentleman. What more can you ask for?! Lunch or dinner, you're foolish not to treat yourself at Sally O'Brien's !

Great live music early on Fri, Sat, & Sun eves so the 'oldies' crowd can get out, dance and socialize with a really nice group of people who love music - and they can be home by 10 :). The staff is friendly and attentive. Love this place, love this music!

This is a review of the music and drinks. We didn't eat here but my friends said, "its pub food!", enough said. The portions I saw looked big, heart attack on a plate, but big! The music here on a Saturday night is great between the hours of 6-8pm. This was my first time here and I was at first completely underwhelmed with the place on walking in but my friend comes the second Saturday of the month religiously so I joined as a tag along. I was happily surprised. The music had people up and dancing in the small space provided and the usual band was absent, it was a sit in band. No seat was empty and by the time we left, standing room only. That said, my friends only come for the 6-8pm shows. The crowd is older, much older I might add then the typical 20-40's bar crowd but the music is country, funk-blues and the atmosphere festive and fun. I will be checking it out again. Be warned there is no wine list it is a "what reds do you have?". Server replied, "Red". No expectations, no disappointments that my only advise think dive and you'll be ok and thrive. Have fun and get out there and dance!

Came here for a friend's birthday. Drinks were nothing special although they weren't expensive (~$8-10). I had the "Bad Santa" (3 stars) which was a scotch-based Manhattan. Overall, the space was a bit dark, even for a bar. The best part of Sally O'Brien's in my view is the live music which gets the place going (I was there on a Monday and the place was packed). The Monday I was there, there was a Reggae band performing which was a neat touch. Would return for the music.

The bartenders are friendly, girls like to talk, the food is fantastic I love going there.

Came in on the weekend. Good spot for live music. Plenty of TVs to catch a game. Good American food. Had burgers and a beer. Good spot, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Food was good. Also inexpensive.

You kind of have to wonder if Sally O's, the Greek American Social Club, PA's, and Bull McCabe's have signed some sort of an agreement pledging to keep the gentrification of Union Square at bay. These are all homey, unpretentious places (the Greek American Social Club runs away with the most unpretentious award and by god I hope it always does), but Sally O's has the best food and generally the best music. You can get anything from honky-tonk to space rock depending on when you come, so make sure to check the music schedule before you come. Only downsides? You'll find more gregarious townies here than, say, the Independent-- although, depending on how you look at it, that could be a good thing. Also, it's pretty much impossible not to listen to the band if you are anywhere in the bar, since the space is relatively small.

Can't say enough about this wonderful gem! Here visiting from Annapolis, MD to see family. It was the perfect spot to catch up, watch the game, and eat some amazing burgers. The Palomas were spot on too. Owners were welcoming.....Thanks for making our visit special, we'll be back!

(3/10/13)...Bartenders were fantastic, as was the music. The music was extremely eclectic and I was pleasantly surprised that the three different acts had different styles of music. People were very friendly there - seemed almost like family. Something about an Irish pub, good food, and good music brings people together... My date and I had an absolute blast (it was our first date), and I think we're going to date again! Very casual, relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the cheeseburger with onion rings and it was a GREAT burger. Asked for it cooked medium and that's exactly what I got - which is good. This was my first time (I went on 3/10/13) and I will definitely be returning sometime soon! Thanks to the bartenders and owner for providing a great place to hang out and get to know people. Here's an update. Every year, my fiance and I go back to this place to celebrate the anniversary of our first date, on 3/10 of each year. Love this place! You guys are fantastic!

I went here for a concert and had a blast! The bar is a little small but the room where the concert was had a lot of space for people to stand and dance, which was very fun. They have dinner service until the show begins, then you have to go to the bar for any drinks. Overall fun time and great atmosphere.

This review is based on only 2 visits to Sally O'Brien's. I went to Sally's ages ago for a casual dinner + beers, and I think it's a friendly, casual spot in Union with decent food and beer options. I went again with friends last week to catch the live music on a Saturday night. (Wut Wut Dirty Paxton!) The place got crowded fast, and it's always fun when a bar will offer live music, especially when it's a smaller spot. The beers were affordable, and I LOVED that they offered Traveler's Ginger Shandy. I wasn't going to drink that night, but how can you say no to a ginger shandy?! I didn't get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but girls were going in and out without complaining about the facilities, so I'd risk going in there next time at Sally's. All in all, would definitely go back (especially to hear DP play if they get another gig!).

I went to Sally O'Brien's for lunch on a beautiful spring day. My friend and I sat outside and I brought my two dogs. Sally's has two outdoor seating sections- one fenced off with larger tables and another with two two-top cafe-style tables. We wanted to sit at the larger tables, but my nervous greyhound had other thoughts, so we ended up at the smaller tables which were the perfect size for a lunch for two. The gentleman that was working that afternoon gave us menus and then left for a little bit. It turns out that he had gone to Riverdog (another amazing Union Square business!) and bought two dog ice creams for my pups! He had noticed that my dogs were a little nervous and got the ice cream as a treat for them. My friend and I were blown away by such a kind and generous act! That alone would result in a five-star review! We ordered lunch- both got burgers- and were also impressed by the speed of service, the quality of food, and the reasonable price- so five stars all around! Sally O'Brien's was such a lovely place to have a delicious lunch. Big thank you to their owners and staff for being so friendly and welcoming!

First just a heads up, I'd either walk, or take a uber here. DO NOT DRIVE, the area is under extremely heavy construction, parking is a nightmare, obviously this is something the business can't help just a FYI The service was friendly, music was good, food was awesome! I'd definitely recommend this spot to people without doubt.

A lotta people love this place for their burgahs, but the steak cut fries do it fah me. Stumbled into Sally O's on a night of open mic comedy. I think it was a Monday but I can't be shuah, I had already had a few by the time I got theah. The Sawx were off that night and Skylah was working late, so I figyahd I'd venture up to Somerville past Hahvahd. Decided to leave the cah and rode the T to the Hahvahd Squeah stop, and then took a walk up Washington Street to Somerville Ave. It was a bit of a hike, but when I stepped in the door, I felt right at home and it made the trip worth it. Ordahd the Irish Burgah and a pint of Guinness. They know how to pouah Guinness. The bahtendah's brogue and their fries were just the way I prefah... Thick. These Steak Cut Fries could almost be reassembled on yoah plate to form a whole russet potato. I went with the Irish Burgah, because why not? Cheddah, toasted bun, and as rare as I ordahd it. Fella didn't even give me the standahd, "Oh we can't serve uncooked meat, blah blah blah." Let me make my own choices when it comes to my food; which is what they do at Sally O'Brien's. Menu's not huge, because they know what they ah and stick with what they know. The place is a quality Irish pub that keeps it simple. That's why I'll be back again. Even the comedians at the open mic were pretty good. Gonna head back for a night of live music next time and request some Gerry Rafferty. Good music to fight to... Pahticulahly the song "Baykah Street." lotta = lot of burgahs = burgers fah = for shuah = sure theah = there Sawx = Boston Red Sox Skylah = Skylar (my girlfriend) figyahd = figured Hahvahd = Harvard University cah = car Hahvahd Squeah = Harvard Square ordahd = ordered pouah = pour bahtendah's = bartender's prefah = prefer yoah = your cheddah = cheddar cheese standahd = standard ah = are Pahticulahly = Particularly Baykah = Baker

Oh Sally O's. You always seem to be there when I need it, providing delicious liquid salvation. I've been in many a time and will continue to make the trip to Union Square to partake in the age old tradition of copious alcohol comsumption. Price wise they are on par with many other Somerville haunts. It's never been a bad time! I have gone in a couple times for their Monday night open mike. It can be hit or miss. Sometimes I laugh a little, sometimes I don't but hey, it's open mike! Its like picking the surprise grab bag. Sometimes you find something cool inside and sometimes its junk. I was however glad to see Joe Wong there on a couple occasions. He holds a special place in my heart. Sometimes he's off but if you pay attention he can be freakin hilarious. I've seen him in another place in Boston and was pleased that he was here! I really have to hand it to him, he tries hard and I really hope it pays off big for him some day. Ok, enough of my JW shout out! Roberto is right that you should have a little patience for the one guy servicing the whole place especially on a busy night. I also agree with Nicholas- they should have a budget option! Sometimes you just want something that'll do the job without killing the ol wallet.

This review is for the bar/music scene. I have not ever eaten here. I have been to all the bars in the Union square area and maybe most probably all of Somerville (I don't keep a list). I have not ever had a bad time in this bar. They serve PBR and you know the regular high end stuff. The bartenders are always nice and are pretty good at their job (i.e. you don't have to wait very long for a beer). The music is always at least decent. Sometimes they have a cover sometimes they don't. I find this refreshing versus say PAs which seems to always have at least a $10 dollar cover and I cannot say the bands are on average any better. Not to mention Sally's is just a nicer place to drink. The crowd here is older which may give it a more mellow vibe. I like this myself since I am not usually in the mood to deal with a younger crowd that sometimes can be rude or obnoxious. Maybe they are the neighbors and have been drinking here for years?

Sally O'Brien's is my other go-to bar besides Bull McCabe's, since they are basically across the street from each other and I am too sketched out by P.A.'s to ever go in there! Sally's and Bull's are basically the same - cheap food and drinks, friendly patrons, live music. I like the space at Sally's a little more than Bull's because it's 3x the size, which makes the live music a little more tolerable because you're not right on top of the band. And the two gigantic LCD TVs behind the bar make it a good spot to catch a game. BUT the crowd at Sally's always seems a little older and more subdued, so this isn't a place to really get rowdy, whereas Bull's always seems lively. Food options are basic, and really nothing "Irish" on the menu for an Irish pub, but at least they have a real kitchen. Also odd, the name "Sally O'Brien" is supposedly a reference to Harp (and they have a big Harp sign outside) but I don't think they have Harp on draught! So far I've only tried the chili dogs and they were fine. They also do 25 cent wings on Wednesdays I think, so I'm likely to try those out at some point.

Walked in on a Sunday early afternoon and it happened to be the first Sunday they serve their brunch menu. It was pretty good, I had the kale guacamole omelette with organic beacon. I guess the organic menu is on a trail basis for now, hopefully they'll keep it. Nice ambience on for a Sunday, quiet and comfortable.

Sally O'Briens has hands down the best cheeseburger I've ever had in Massachusetts, The Sally Special Pub Burger is AMAZING. Onions, your choice of cheese, bacon, mushrooms, just the right amount of grease. Holy God, I want one now. Well done and with Swiss cheese, it was heaven in my mouth. Sadly, no 5 stars for this establishment as I had to wait 15 minutes for a drink at the bar. It was pretty crowded, but I'm sorry, that is just a tad ridiculous for 7 pm on a Saturday. Alas, even that prolonged wait for some alcoholy goodness did not detract from the perfection that was my cheeseburger. To be honest, this kind of place isn't really my scene, but after my meal I actually want to go back. I am trying to convince my roommate to go so here's hoping!

Sally O'Brien's is a nice enough bar. I have gone in many times over the past few years and seen some improvements in the atmosphere, bar selections, and overall service, but is has a ways to go. This bar definitely has its share of regulars, which worked to my disadvantage - I felt like I did not "fit" or "belong" - not the most welcoming bunch. On the positive side, I did have a good pint of Guinness as well as a decent Black and Tan.

Per usual, I am with Roberto with his rating. I hadn't been here until today, when I was really craving a burger and a beer for lunch. Isn't that what unemployment is all about? I sat at a table, which was a little awkward because I was the only one over there, but whatever. My other option was to sit at the bar with old dudes (apparently during the day, this place is an old man bar) and that wasn't highly appealing, since I just wanted to chill and read the Weekly Dig. I ordered a Blue Moon Summer (pretty tasty!) and a burger with onions and blue cheese. I was a little put off that my blue cheese came in the form of blue cheese dressing on the side, but I will admit that once my uppity self got over that and dumped it on my burger, it was pretty tasty. Also a plus, good steak fries. The service was good and really quick, and I would definitely bring the boys I roll with here if we weren't up for going to The Independent. Again to what Roberto says. One more plus: hearing full Elvis Costello albums played here.

I haven't reviewed Sally's yet? How'd this happen? In many ways, Sally's is my perfect bar. I sit down, the bartender comes over and says hi, takes my order, gets me what I want and moves on. He's available for conversation, but as I prefer to eat and drink quietly while reflecting on life (and doing an internal Bukowski impression), I pass. The patrons are the perfect patrons as well, also sitting quietly or quietly engaging in conversation with the bartender and no one is trying to suck me into anything or ask me about the last sox game. So I sit. And I consume And I am happy.

I would like to give this place two stars for the occasional decent band that graces this bar's stage. Other than that, if you don't want to spend your night hanging out with a lot of over served old fogies, a bartender who looks like he's been sucking lemons all day for 14 years and putting your hands and arms on sticky tables that never have seen a clean rag... then I'd recommend spending your time and money elsewhere.

Nothing too fancy. I've been there a couple times and am 50/50 on the live music, the last time I was there the band was epic thou so it makes up for one bad experience. The crowd is mid 20's, not out of control, good beer selection, priced right. One of my fav. spots in Davis square.

This is a nice place. Set up real simple. I was here after dinner at around 10 to see a friend's band play. The beer selection was real good. BUT, there was only one bartender and he was taking a lot of time. At times testing my friend's patience. There was a big croud and the least you would expect is a two bartenders. But the beer was priced ok. I knew a lot of people around so the atmosphere is something I cannot comment upon. I guess it would be good even otherwise. It was a typical bar croud. Some heckling, some loud, some trying to hit on women and some there just to drink. Nice mixture in my opinion. It is a little away from the T. So, it is a problem but you can get the 91 bus which is ok but only has an hourly frequency. I would rate it a 3 if the place had better service. Maybe the next time I go they will work to change my opinion.

This place is pretty chill. Dropped by for an afternoon snack, had some tasty, meaty chili and an order of spicy onion rings that was spot-on. Had to wander over to the bar to get in an order, though. Seems like a good venue for music, a nice place to relax. Nothing fancy. Just what it says on the tin.

What can I say? I love Sally's..between the staff, the food, the music, and even the Wednesday night poker. They have a pretty good beer selection. I head in there fairly frequently, depending on my mood and that nights entertainment, but I am always happy I went in. They also have brunch on sundays(including $3 tall Mimosa and Bloody Mary special!)

Wonderful place for live music, great drinks. Food is OK - I was actually surprised my fish-and-chips was as good as it was!

This place has great music. That is the only reason I gave them 4 stars, because really it's just 3. This is a towny bar with a lot of older guys and a few ladies. The tap is simple but very reasonably priced (5.50) Overall has a nice atmosphere.

Try the clam chowder. You'll be pleasantly surprised. The music here is ecclectic but usually really quality stuff. Use patience when you park or take the bus. Good value.

I have had only one good burger since moving to Boston 4 years ago, and have largely given up ordering them. Sally's is the place that served me the one good burger. I no longer live around the corner and grab dinner here frequently, but I look forward to every time a band is playing there that I like, so I have an excuse to go get a Smithwicks and a burger.

I ordered the fresh catch haddock sandwich while attending the Roy Sludge trio show tonite. Always love seeing live sludge so the music was stellar. Having very high standards for fish sandwiches, I have to say I was extremely satisfied with the quality and taste of my fish sandwich. Delicious! Can't wait to go back and have another one!

Very interesting night at Sally'O Brien's. We went there to see a band that we heard was real good and the beer and food was good. We made the 90min ride there. We get there and at 8:40 the place is full with a private political rally going on and no sign of music. Then the band showed up and looked surprised at what was going on. We ordered a Sams Oktoberfest draft served in a 12 oz shaker glass for $6.50 the bottle domestics are $3.50 and $4.50 for Imports like Corona type bottle beers. The drafts are overpriced for the place. The tall boy PBR was $3.50. Here is the strange part. Later we saw the Narragansett Oktoberfest cans. 3 different prices, First I paid $3.50 then my brother paid $3.75 (different bartender) then I paid $4.00 all the same beer but different prices? The restrooms are so small that people were saying they should have a shoehorn to get in and out of. The bathroom in my RV is bigger. They had food out for the rally and since the music was held up for about 1:15 at Bob's request. So we sampled the food, the rolls were god but the meatballs were the frozen type with can sauce, the wings were frozen type but held allot of grease to make them tasty. The pasta was pasta with the same can sauce. Advertised start time on SallyO's web page 8:30 they could not start till 9:45. Then Bob took over the stage after 2 songs for a speech then after 2 more songs did it again but this time asked the band to take a break. They had the 2 TVs blasting also all night. Very rude. The band did finally get to play and there was a bar fight as expected in Somerville. I will not go back again no matter who is playing there. The Fact that the owner bends to political pressure over a good time and food for his patrons is wrong. STAY AWAY unless you want the Somerville dive bar experience. THEY BAND WAS WICKED AWESOME AND TURNED THE NIGHT INTO A BLAST ANWAY.

Great, cozy little spot. Well, not too little. Caught a friend's band playing there last night and felt that this place is very welcoming. Street parking available in Union Square (easier than the other squares) or walk / bus-able. Good drinks, and a great atmosphere. I haven't tried their food yet, but I've been told that they open at 11am for lunch and will def. check them out in the future.

I went to Sally for my mother's birthday party tonight. All around the experience was great. Band was great food was amazing (I strongly suggest the burgers they were delicious). This place was so friendly my nephew even tagged along and even he had a great time! I will be back for sure!... may I add even if you don't drink great place for you and some friends to grab a bite sense they have a dining area.

Great free music and good bar food! I always enjoy myself when there! Especially... MARLEY MONDAY!! Duppy Conquerers Bob Marley tribute band every Monday night! A must see!

Awesome grilled Atlantic Salmon! The buttery lemon glaze was fantastic! We love the steak tips, Guinness beef stew & burgers at Sally's too! The daily specials change frequently & are always tasty, especially the chili!

Awesome bands! Cool people. Nothing fancy, just good people.

I came to see a local band and because there was a yelper who said that the burgers here are great. Parking was a pain in the neck as most of the street spots were already taken, the roads were in bad condition with potholes and construction, so I wasn't too happy before I got in. Inside, the bar is off to the right and tables to the left. There were several bands lined up that night with their fans. The prices are very reasonable and the burger/fries were pretty good, not the best I've had but good enough to recommend. It's a nice little pub with good food, it's the parking that sucks, and the bar table is too short.

This review is based on approximately 1,000 visits to Sally O'Brien's over the last 10 years, though I'm focusing on more recent times. Sally's is one of the last vestiges of the Union Square I moved into a decade ago. It's still a bit divey, but in a charming way. The day crowd regulars are still there, and there's Bud, Miller Lite and Powers whiskey, just like always. There's also a good, though modest selection of 10 draft beers that usually features something fairly new, along with Guinness. There's a decent bottle and can selection, and all the standard bar drinks that don't involve fruit soaked in vodka and such. The music, which started around the time I showed up, has matured into a distinct scene. This is predominately a country/rockabilly bar, although on Monday nights, once the ever-improving comedy open mic wraps up, the Duppy Conquerers play Bob Marley covers to a dazed and appreciative crowd. There's some rock, too, as well as the odd old legend, like Spider John Koerner who makes his way to Sally's for a set one or two times a year. In general, you get your money's worth at Sally's when you go see music since there is rarely a cover, and when there is it's usually just 5 bux and goes to the band. Sally's is a bit under-appreciated for it's food value. While it's just pub food, it's decent and a great place to meet up with a group of even a fairly large size for lunch. If you don't need frills with your beer or bourbon, and a burger is your thing, you should give Sally's a try while you are in Union Square. Prices are good. The staff is good. In good weather, you can sit outside.

I just hosted my second staff holiday party at Sally's. Once again, it was a huge hit. Liam, the owner, is laid back, accommodating, and willing to work with people to make a great party happen. We settled on an unbelievably low price per person. The buffet contained a seemingly endless supply of varied wraps, chicken wings and tenders, pasta, meatballs, rolls, salad, coffee, and dessert. I told Liam that we have a few vegans on our staff and he made sure to have roasted veggie wraps (no cheese) and pasta in vegan marinara sauce. He simply put a separate chafing dish of meatballs and a dish of grated cheese on the side. All dietary concerns were easily addressed, which was great. We basically overtook the entire place from 3-6 in the afternoon, and many of the partygoers stayed well beyond 6 to enjoy the live music. If you're the party organizer for your business, office, school...whatever, do yourself a favor and contact Sally O'Brien's about a holiday (or any occasion party). Once you firm up a date and make your menu preferences known, you can just sit back rest assured that you're going to have a great party. Thanks Liam and Crew.