O'Niell's Pub Restaurant Review

O'Niell's is a great find for families who are looking for food that will make the kids happy, and the kind of great drinks and draft beers that will put a smile on the face of any adult.

With a long wooden bar and attention to a good pint, it draws in locals who want an exceptional draft.

As expected at an Irish pub, there is some traditional Irish fare, from Fish and Chips (8.25) to Shepherd's Pie (7.95) to Lamb Stew (5.95), and Beef and Boxty (15.95), which is 8 oz. of ribeye with boxty, a kind of scallion-potato pancake.

Try the seasonal drinks, like the summer O'Margarita, or the Mojito.

O'Niell's is a Nob Hill institution, an old fashioned "public house" with good food and honest drink. They do both admirably, and provide a community outlet for local causes to boot. O'Niell's works as a place to eat or hang out for drinks. Now the long time local pub has a second location in the northeast heights, on Juan Tabo.

We went for dinner one busy Saturday evening, so we chose the patio seating. My companions were happy to tuck in to the Fish and Chips (8.25), which were good, with the cod fillets fried to a deep crispy gold, and paired with a tasty tartar sauce. The side order of seafood chowder that came with the fish and chips was good. The St. Patty Melt (7.95), was deemed excellent. I was told the Big Cheese sandwich (7.49) was so good my companion wanted to "go home and make it myself. It's that good." My own Weird Sandwich (7.49) contained pesto, tomatoes and olives on pita bread covered in mozzarella. It was very good, as was the side salad.

Kids can find something to like, and ours soon lit into their plates of hot, buttered noodles topped with grated cheese. All kids meals come with a side (3.95), and there are ample choices, from fries to spiced applesauce. One of our kids declared the noodles "delicious and cheesy." (This young lady also said O'Niell's is her favorite restaurant).

The Celebration Chocolate Cake for dessert was meant to be shared, but unfortunately, not too special (6.95).

Our server was functionally attentive. By the time our check finally came, we were long ready to leave, but he didn't hurry or apologize for his lack of speed.

Also, be forewarned that outdoor patio seating can have you side by side with bar smokers. Since the statewide no smoking ordinance has gone into effect, people smoke in outdoor areas, such as patios. That's a major detriment to diners who like outdoor seating but who don't want to smell cigarette smoke or expose it to young children.