(312) 787-3131
1528 N Wells St
(North Avenue)
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.9099
-87.6349
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
Years in business
Established in 1981
Hours:
Mon-Fri 11am-10pm
Sat-Sun 11am-12am
Price:
$$$
Last updated 8.16.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Live Music, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About O'briens Restaurant & Bar
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
In Short – O'Brien's exudes old-school elegance with a copper-topped bar, teak outdoor furniture and live piano music. On weekends, well-heeled locals mix with young scenesters, and during the summer, O'Brien's beer garden is packed. The continental menu highlights steak and seafood. Options include a starter of paper-thin pizza with smoky chicken and mushrooms; Caesar salad prepared tableside; Chilean sea bass; and a fillet with sauteed mushrooms. Lunch entrees include burgers and grilled tuna sandwiches.
Editor's Tips
- Parking:
- O'Brien's offers complimentary valet.
- When to Go:
- Patio seating is coveted and more easily obtainable during the week; weekend nights are packed.
- Know Before You Go:
- There's live music Tuesday-Sunday in the bar starting around 7:30pm.
- The Extras:
- The restaurant shows its Irish heritage during a huge St. Paddy's Day celebration, with live entertainment, a corned beef and cabbage buffet and more.
| ambiance | 100.0% positive |
|
|---|---|---|
| drinks | 100.0% positive |
|
| food quality | 92.8600025177002% positive |
|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
|
| overall | 100.0% positive |
|
| service | 71.4300012588501% positive |
|
Great food and atmosphere
by sundayafternoons
A unique, historic dining room is pleasantly separate from the also-friendly piano bar area. The food (we had fish, pork, lamb, and steak at our table) was excellent, and well complemented by a variety of bread. The calamari fritti appetizer was also exquisite. Our server was very attentive to our needs, and our glasses were always full. Creme brulet and ice cream were beautifully presented and delicious.
The dining room would be suitable for quiet children with "restaurant manners," but there is also an outdoor patio (with bar), which was still open at the end of September. The main dining room would be a perfect choice for a business dinner.
Overall, this is perfect neighborhood restaurant, and we greatly appreciated the free valet.
- Pros: Several different, special dining areas; patio open at least through September; food and desserts
Good food and great outdoor seating.
by marydiperro
The food was very good (we ordered mainly burgers and chicken). THe wait staff was excellent and the bartender mixed great (ie potent) drinks and was hilarious (however, those without a sense of humor or insecure may not laugh).
We will definitely go back!!!!
- Pros: Great outdoor seating and good food
- Cons: None
arrogant little bartender
by bigred123
who is the little napoleon-esque punk who tends bar here? tina? tony? the service here.....TERRIBLE. the prices here......TERRIBLE. if it weren't for the free-parking and great outdoor patio, obrien's would be GONE. somebody gonna get b!tch-slapped
- Pros: outdoors
- Cons: little punk who bartends and has a big mouth
WORST BARTENDER SCAM EVER
by biscuitsandwillies
I went there last night and the bartender was unbelievably awful. Not only did he throw a bottle cap at my face (I am a girl!) but he overcharged us for drinks and wouldn't take them off our bill. The worst part came this morning when I checked my bank account and saw that he had taken my credit card slip and tipped himself an extra $20. It was truly unbelievable that this guy works in the service industry. I'm going today to see about getting my money back. Tony the bartender is a real piece of work...
- Cons: Service is TERRIBLE
User review by tromalaura
by tromalaura
great restaurant, wonderful outdoor dining
best deal in town
we eat there often
The Details on O'briens Restaurant & Bar
Place Categories:
- very good food
- superb service
- great neighborhood restaurant
- fantastic atmosphere
- like traditional standbys
- nice oldtown original
- excellent hamburgers
- unique historic dining room
- very attentive server
- great location
- fantastic surroundings
- best heated patio
- unbelievably awful bartender
- great outdoor seating
- excellent the wait staff
- exquisite calamari fritti appetizer
- great environment
- wonderful outdoor dining
- always full glasses

