Conroy's Public House

I'm torn on how to rate Conroy's. I feel like I want to like it a lot more than I do, but I'm just not there yet. Not that 3 stars is BAD, it's just that I would like to rate Conroy's higher, but feel like I just can't right now.

The good parts of Conroy's are the fact that they show some of the rugby games (the ones on Fox Soccer Plus, for any rugby followers), they're open 7 days a week, it's reasonably close to my house, and the bartenders have always been nice and friendly. Oh, and the bathrooms are extremely clean (I do love a clean pub bathroom)! Plus, this pub is part of what I affectionately call the "Gaf Family", and I do love the other 2 bars in that family, so Conroy's gets some carryover love.

BUT.

I have to say, the food isn't great. It's alright (though the nachos I had there were abysmal), but really, everything I have had has been pretty mediocre. Which is a bummer, because I feel like it's a struggle for me to pick something to eat there, but when we're in for an early rugby game, I also don't want to be drinking on an empty stomach. Also, the drinks are sort of expensive. They do have daily food and drink specials and a reverse happy hour (which I will have to give a try), but...yeah, I just don't love it.

With all of that being said, though, I think they're really trying and have the potential to be a great bar, they do have a really good atmosphere, and I think I'll have to stop in some night to catch a band and try out the reverse happy hour. Maybe Conroy's will just be my drinking place, and not my eating place!

The nondescript exterior belies a truly glorious public house on the inside, all dark woods and Guinness signs.  This is the kind of place that makes everyone remark, "Hey this reminds me of this great little place in [random city] when I used to go drinking with my college buds..." we felt immediately at home on the very first visit,  The service was absolutely wonderful; our server Erin was at the top of her game, and the bartender was great too, with a friendly & chatty greeting for everyone walking in the door.  The food was equally good -- fish & chips, beef sandwich -- generously portioned & delicious.  The best part was the bread pudding!  It's made in house, with plenty of raisins, and comes with whipped cream.  Yum!

There's good nightly specials, and a patio out back that I'm looking forward to once the weather warms up.

I'm holding off on a five-star review simply because I haven't had a chance to try their food yet.  Everything else, however, was outstanding at this new location on 95th street in OP.

We sat in the bar area with some friends and had drinks after a dinner elsewhere. The two bartenders working the bar area were astute, quick, friendly, and always ready to refill a water glass or ask for another round at the table. Five stars for these guys!!

The cover band playing in the main dining area was high quality with some really off the wall songs (who plays Cemetery Gates by the Smiths? Not complaining!!) mixed into the normal favorites.

Perhaps the best quality of Conroy's was the atmosphere. Everyone was happy, smiling, and having a good time.

I'll definitely head back to try the food. Even though I'm expecting typical bar food, it would be well worth it in this cool and friendly location.