O'brien's Restaurant & Bar

10/01/06

Great food and atmosphere

by sundayafternoons at Citysearch

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

09/30/06

Good food and great outdoor seating.

by marydiperro at Citysearch

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

08/21/06

arrogant little bartender

by bigred123 at Citysearch

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

08/17/06

WORST BARTENDER SCAM EVER

by biscuitsandwillies at Citysearch

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

05/11/05

User review by tromalaura

by tromalaura at Citysearch

great restaurant, wonderful outdoor dining

best deal in town

we eat there often

Old Town mainstay doubles as a classic steakhouse and neighborhood watering hole.

by Contributor at Citysearch

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.

04/10/03

Old-time supper club in Old Town

by wlevitt at Citysearch

this is a classic dining experience-like a supper club from the 40's. traditional standbys like shrimp cocktails, caesar and iceberg salads, steaks and seafood. the garlic mashed potatoes are excellent-the creamed spinach you can pass on-bergoffs does it better. service is outstanding-prices are accordingly high. a nice old-town original.

02/19/03

Outstanding!

by jasper_kilbasa at Citysearch

O'Brien's is a great traditional steak house. The atmosphere and surroundings are fantastic. The steaks are very tasty and very well done. The sides are great and reasonable. It is beyond me why O'Briens is not in the top ten and why Gene and Georgetti's is.

• Pros: great food, great sides, good atmosphere
• Cons: none

12/31/02

Spotty food and service

by eurochicago35 at Citysearch

I live in Old Town and this place runs hot & cold: food can be inspired or insipid, service can be downright awful or attentive. Getting noticed by a greeter is a time-killer. Best time to go is in summer when the outdoor area is open: sandwich menu is a pretty safe bet. Drinks are ok but pricey. Great location but unless they pay better attention to food & service I don't think too many people will keep coming back.

• Pros: Patio, Outdoor bar
• Cons: Inconsistent