j k o'donnell's irish ale house

the absolute worst restaurant experience i have ever had.

my family loves going to irish pubs, so when we saw there was one close to us with good reviews, we were excited to go.

we walked several blocks in the cold from our hotel and were greeted by a sign that said “please seat yourself”. ok, fine. so we went around looking for a place to sit 4 people and there were none. there were plenty of couples taking up a table for four and plenty of open twos and threes, but no fours.

so we walked around looking. then we tried to flag down a server. for ten minutes, we couldn’t get a response. every one just walked on by.

we finally found a table where people were leaving. great. so we waited patiently there for a few minutes until this bulldog-looking thug (the bouncer) came over and got right in my face (seriously? the first person to talk to us is the bouncer, and he comes over to intimidate me? am i in a mob bar?)

he said we couldn’t sit there because of the kids, we could only sit in family seating. i asked him where that was, he pointed to three tables in the back. yes, seriously. this big, bustling place and they have three family tables. and they were all filled with non-families.

so i get a little annoyed at this and how close he’s been in my face and how tersely he’s been speaking to me, so i ask him to step back. instead, he gets closer and tells me to leave.

i can not believe that this actually happened. strong arm tactics in a irishpubthat advertises being family friendly. i mean, i’m fine if apubwants to be adults only. but this place advertises that they’re family friendly. they are not.

if you’re a tough guy soldier on leave, you might have some fun here. but all reasonable human beings should avoid it at all costs. i can’t believe any business would treat any customers this way.

i used to love this place, but i've been there twice at lunchtime over the past three weeks and had terrible service. the wait staff seemed more intent on congregating behind the bar and talking about customers in the bar than taking care of their patrons. in addition, they were out of the first three beers that i ordered on my first trip.

for apubthat used to be excellent, it's fallen pretty far.


-----02 aug, 2009-----

easily the best irishpubin the city. the chef's special (and yes, they really have a chef) is great, no matter what it happens to be. add this to one of the most extensive beer lists in the midwest and you have an easy, inexpensive dining choice with a great atmosphere.

great beer list!. that i why i visited this place and why i will go back! food is basicpubfood with the obligatory english/irish fare added.

where else can you get corned beef and cabbage?. jk o'donnell's does offer something that no other place in the area does. i've never been to ireland but i imagine a nicepubthere to look and feel exactly like thispubdoes. the owners have done a great job showing characteristics that are unique and fun. the grub is also pretty tasty. there are many menu items that remind me of all those traditional irish dishes that i always see on rick steve's europe. the corned beef and cabbage, irish stew, and fish and chips are a few of my favorites. as a whole, i feel like everything is about a dollar too much overpriced, but part of the appeal of this craftypubis its uniqueness and originality. the craft beer list is outstanding. if you aren't a beer drinker be sure to check out their wine list. surprisingly, it's very diverse.

i love thispubfor a multitude of reasons: excellent beer selection, chill atmosphere, free music on wednesdays, decent food and friendly staff. their chef is creative but the specials often sound better than they taste. the fried pickles are tempura battered and great. favorite entrees are fish and chips and bangers and mash. i adore the chocolate mousse served in a half pint glass with stout syrup.

i'd have to say j k o'donnell's did a fine job in capturing the essence of an authentic irishpubwith the food, the extensive beer list and the decor throughout the place. the wait staff was quick and efficient, and it was a pleasant evening all around.

jk's = bestpubin ft wayne. jk's is locally owned by a ceo of fort wayne metals and is a one of a kindapubin the area. it has a great european atomosphere and hundreds of beer selections. it also has great food. any time you go there every tv will be on the fox soccer channel which i love being a huge soccer fan. it is a bit more expensive then your average pub, but is worth it if you are in the mood for a cold beer and some irish food. be careful what time you go there because it is always packed at prime hours, especially on weekends.

fun downtown pub. every visit to j.k. o'donnell's has been very enjoyable. i'm not a big beer drinker but my friends appreciate the great selection. i agree that some of the food is a little expensive but the plates are large. thepubfries with curry mayo are awesome!

jko is an irishpuband as such - the ambiance oozes thepubfeel. the restaurant is full of dark, beautiful wood - the walls, the floor, the short stools, the booths - everything. it is visually appealing, relaxing, which lends itself well for grabbing a beer after work with friends.

great beer list. take the beer tour. a greatpubto visit in fort wayne.

great beer selection. the beer selection is great. the place looks like an irish applebee's though. an irishpubneeds blood on the floors, a couple dart boards, not cold duck appetizers and "right out of the freezer" fish and chips...did i mention the great beer selection?