Strictly meh.
The couple times I've been here, I've been really disappointed with the food. I don't think it warrants me coming here a third time, because I don't think it will be the charm.
The first time there, the service was really lacking. Getting any kind of attention was pretty impossible, and it's not like there were many patrons. Bread basket had ridiculously hard bread, and the steak sandwich I got was almost impossible to eat, as the steak was pretty damn chewy. Ick.
The second time there, it was for a graduation party. The drinks were fine (well, I only drank beer) but the pasta was bland, bland, blaaaaand. Not very enjoyable.
There are tons of places to eat in Bayside, so you are better off elsewhere.
Went because I heard the oyster and wings were good, and wow! super fresh oysters (although not blue point) and AWESOME buffalo wings..possibly one of the best I had!
Everyone raves about the burger so a group of friends and I got the burgers too (beef and turkey) and was REALLY disappointed. Orders that were made to be medium rate came out medium well..some even over done. The meat wasn't tender whatsoever. We also ordered the hot appetizer sampler which was mediocre. The shrimps however were so succulent, juicy and perfectly cooked.
If you're in the mood for some good fresh oysters and awesome wings, definitely choose Donovan's.
Staff was friendly and attentive. Ambiance was a 8 out of 10.
Donovan's used to be the best spot to get burgers in Queens. I remember it has even been rated on of the best burgers in NYC and rightfully so!
This place was awesome for the longest time, and then took a sudden turn for the worse a few months back. Service was slow, food took several attempts to get right. Uggh, so frustrating. I'd love to come back here if they ever get their act together. Â It used to be THE spot!
A solid 4, the food is consistently good, the service is friendly and attentive. They have their own valet parking which is essential for a crowded Bell Blvd. Â Among my favorite dishes are any burger cooked medium; the French Dip Sandwich; Fish & Chips (except the cole-slaw is lousy); the sweet potato fries; their buffalo wings are top notch as well but their best sandwich in my opinion is the Rustic Chicken-- you must try this as it is absolutely spectacular. Â The bar scene is vibrant, friendly and there are many TV's to watch sports while you wait. Â They have limited outdoor seating and private party rooms.
Great place to go on a date or with a large or small group of friends to celebrate a special occasion.
Last week I tried to go here, but the wait was too long. Saturday I decided to go with a girlfriend. We arrived at 7 and was told it would be a 20 minute wait. It was a lovely evening so we walked around a bit,. We were beeped within the 20 minutes.
The restaurant was very busy. When I walked in, Â I noticed how warm it was. Thank goodness I was wearing a short sleeved shirt. It was also quite loud in the restaurant. We were seated at booth and I did notice that the seat was missing some of the vinyl. Also every time the person behind my friend moved she could feel it. It's a booth that might need work.
My friend and I used to go to Donovan's many, many years. We shared a mixed salad. She ordered a well done plain burger and I ordered the Wisconsin Burger medium rare. It was perfectly cooked and the meat tasted so fresh. Great fries! My friend did not like that they served two little dishes of ketchup. I preferred this because I hate using ketchup bottles.
For desert, apple cake with ice cream. Very nice too! My Irish coffee was smooth.
The service was fast, but our waiter seemed a little bit harried. I could not finish my meal so I brought it home. The hamburger actually tasted great cold the next day. I never eat cold burgers.
If I crave a hamburger, this is where I will go.
We went for lunch one day when Press 195 packed and had a half hour wait. Â It was a bit pricey for a lazy holiday Monday lunch with entrees ranging from 12 to 18 dollars. Â I ordered the crab cakes and my only complaint was on the menu it said it came with rice and a vegetable. Â When the plate came though there was certainly rice on it and a portion of diced tomatoes. Â When did diced tomatoes qualify as a side vegetable!?!?!
Still, they do have happy hour specials on beer and appetizers during the week which are pretty good.
Not to be confused with Donovan's in Woodside, home of the best burger on planet Earth. Â this place's chicken fingers has sauces that are the BIZNESS. I had the shepherd's pie that was seriously bigger than my head. Â The burgers looked good and lots of stuff to choose from. Â Now for getting here, the train station is like, right there. Â It's off the Bell Blvd exit, on 41st Ave. Â It's a cool place, I'll probably go back sooner or later.
Review Source:Came here for lunch today with my sister and brother. The location is convenient, right next to a parking lot and the Long Island Railroad Station... it's also close to a lot of bars and pubs on Bell Blvd. The atmosphere of the place is quite nice...nothing too intimidating but not a hole in the wall either. There's a bar area so that's great if there's a wait (don't know if this place gets packed since we came in the afternoon).
We ordered a dozen raw oysters to start and 2 of their burgers (the Saloon which has crispy onions and horseradish and the Wisconsin which had, i think, cheddar? and bacon). So our oysters take awhile to arrive but when they do, we dig right in... after finishing, I was bored and wanting to make a joke with my siblings, pointed out a red squiggle on one of the oyster shells joking that it was a worm. I thought it was just some oyster innards or something like that.... anyway. Terrible joke, because they looked closely and saw it move... so it was a tiny worm-like thing... and it was on one of the oyster shells that I ate. That's karma for you.
We pointed it out to the waiter who was apologetic and brought the platter in and after a short moment a woman, maybe the manager?, came out apologizing as well and asking if we wanted another platter (we said no... because I was having paranoid thoughts about parasites) but that portion of our meal was comped. I'm glad they were so gracious about it.
After some googling, we figured it was a seaworm or something of the sort... and carried on bravely with our meal.
Burgers were delicious... came with fries and a pickle spear. The meat was tender and juicy. It was too bad our meal was marred by the oyster-worm experience... but I guess that's the risk you take consuming raw seafood.
Donavan's has a nice ambiance and friendly attentive service but the food is ok, nothing special really. Their skirt steak and shepherds pie are good as well as their Sunday brunch menu. The burgers are pretty good as well.
The bartenders are friendly and courteous. Nice place to get together with friends for drinks.
Went to Donovan's for dinner two weeks ago.  The restaurant is lovely to look at.  Very cozy and well-decorated.  I ordered the shell steak cooked medium rare.  My food came and the steak was just this piece of brown meat on my plate, cooked medium well to well and clearly was fried  not broiled on a grill.  Then I took a bite.  I love my steaks and this steak was awful.  It did not taste anything like shell steak.  I asked the waiter if they gave me the skirt steak instead of the shell and he said no.  To his credit, the waiter immediately asked me if I'd like something else.  I declined as the rest of our party had their food and I didn't want to wait.
Would I eat there again - maybe, maybe not. Â I would never order the steak again.
I never been to this place..i had walked pass by there a couple of times. Â It was a Friday night and I was meeting up with my friend. Â For those that drives, they actually have their own parking lot. Â No need to worry about not finding parking. Â I do like the whole atmosphere and the crowd was pretty diverse. Â Our waiter was pretty patient with me, because I kept asking him about the food on the menu. Â
If you like milk shake..i would recommend the milk shake. Â Taste pretty good and it wasn't too sweet..Just right.
I also ordered the Linguine with white clam sauce and it was awesome!  Linguine was not over or under cooked and the sauce was just right.  However, it would be better if it was a bit creamier.  Portion was pretty big for me.  Although the price was a bit pricey, but  you get what you pay for.  Overall I was very satisfied!
Don't forget to tip the guy at the parking lot if you do park there! lolx
We came here Saturday night for dinner and waited pretty close to an hour for a table. The place was packed, it's understandable, but don't tell me it's gonna be 20 minutes if it's not. They were clearly having some issues with table management (seating 2 people at a four top when there are plenty of groups of four waiting) and letting a group taking up like 4 tables hang around with the bill sitting on the table, unpaid, for 20 minutes while people are waiting.
When we actually did get seated, things didn't get much better. I had to literally flag down a waiter to take our drink orders after sitting there for 15 minutes hungry and thirsty while wait staff passed us by countless times without an "I'll be right with you" or anything. By that time, things had slowed down significantly and there was really no reason that the service was so bad.
The food was good. The shepherd's pie was spot on and the calimari was also delish. Overall, I probably wouldn't go back. For what it is, it's not worth the wait or the crappy service.
My experience with Donovan's was always limited to the one in Woodside, Queens. It was the go-to place for our family's baptisms, communions, confirmations or just a random Sunday dinner after Mass.
This location is bigger and a little less pub like than my other beloved Donovan's. I was here on a Friday during Lent so ya know what that means....do not look at the meat dishes under any circumstances! Not a fan of torturing myself. But then, we looked at the fish dishes and realized, it wasn't so bad after all!
I had the crab cake sandwich and my boyfriend and other male friend ordered "The Docks", a delicious and appropriately named dish. It was an assortment of clams, shrimp, calamari, etc. over linguine. Would have that any day of the week, not just Fridays during Lent! We were dining with another couple and my girlfriend ordered a risotto dish that was very good and fulfilling.
Decent beer and liquor selection on top of that....
Thumbs up all around. Even from Jesus.
If you go there, only get the burgers! Today I ordered clams oreganata and the skirt steak (medium rare). The clams had so much breading and they were dry. The skirt steak got to me well done. Â I am very disappointed with my meal today. I've had their burgers in the past -wished I ordered one today!
I have also had a party there of 95 people, buffet style. Food was also good.
All in all, burgers and banquet parties are okay. Stay away from the other food on the restaurant menu.
Food and decor are great. Service has been good. There should be another one or two TVs in the bar area. Â Brunch is excellent. In the last year or two they started taking credit cards. It used to be cash only. Their valet parking is great because parking in the area can be difficult. Good Irish hospitality.
Review Source:I don't live close to Bayside, but I travel all the way there about 1x a month to visit Donovan's. Donovan's is essentially an upscale Irish pub that features regular Irish pub fare like Shepard's Pie, Fish & Chips, burgers, etc., but they also have bar style appetizers (nachos, wings, onion rings, etc.), fresh steaks, entrée salads, +++ My favorite thing on their menu is their burger. I'm a medium rare boy myself, and I can say that their burgers (when ordered medium rare) are succulent and tasty! Try the Wisconsin Burger, which has tasty cheddar and bacon, or the Bacon Blue Burger with blue cheese. Both are mouth-watering! I'm also a big fan of their fries! Their home-style fries are thick cut and cooked just right!
Donovan's features both a full-size dining room and a large bar. They even have a dining room in the back that can be rented out for parties. Speaking of their drinks, they serve up tasty ones for sure. And, if you go, look for Michelle L.-- she's the best bartender in the world! Â
Note that if you live in Manhattan, Donovan's might seem like a far trek-- but, really, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump on the LIRR (about 30 minutes).... so don't let the location scare you!
So, the Donovan burger... Average. There's nothing special about it. I ordered mine with fried onions, and they gave me burnt onions. The burgers are large, so it's a satisfying portion with the fries.
The restaurant itself is very nice. Upscale ambiance -- think business lunch or semi-dressy dinner, but not really.
Donovan's is definitely a better choice for a burger than Jackson Hole, but it's not a great choice in general. The Donovan burger is as good as a regular burger from a decent diner.
Donovan's is one of those places that you forget exists, but when you return, like the prodigal son, you swiftly remember why it's been in business for over 40 years!
I came here after work with some friends and sat at the bar. John, the bartender was quick to show us the great happy hour food menu. They have some really good items on it. Dozen oysters for $10, or a seafood platter (6 oysters and clams, 4 shrimp and 4 crab claws for $25. What a great deal. Not to be outdone, are the burgers. While I still feel that the Donovans in Woodside, has better burgers, the meat here is still quite delicious.
Valet parking in a private lot across the street and a great selection of beers and booze. One point of note, I would highly recommend sitting at the bar.
I will probably return in another year after I have forgotten about it again. HA!
To start they have a parking lot just for them. Just validate your ticket
They Burgers are really really good. It just sux each topping is extra and they don't have a large selection of different styles of burgers. They are still good.
You also have to try the Sunday brunch specials. The skirt steak with Eggs, home fires and and English Muffin with a bloody maria is just what the Sunday Dr ordered.
Upon arrival we were told the wait time for a table would be 20 minutes. At least 37 minutes went by before we're seated.. seated at a table that still had food bits & hair. Nothing says Sunday brunch quite like a DNA sample.
While ordering, it was confirmed that coffee was included with brunch. We asked for some when our meals arrived but the sweet caffeine didn't make an appearance till the bill was being settled.
My Belgian waffles (photo provided) were okay at best. The apple topping tasted more like apple sauce than actual pieces of fruit - too mushy for my taste and not worth $16.
Was it the best burger in town? NO Was it a great burger?YES
I'm still on my search for best burger like Marshall from "How I Met Your Mother".My mom and I came here for lunch yesterday. I ordered the burger and they charge you $1 for each additiional topping even though you get to make it the way you want. I noticed that the crowd was mainly older people who looked like regulars. It's a big place and I liked the decor, very spaced out. Their even wheel chair friendly.
Burger: It was very juicy and I liked that the buns were toasted. However there were way too many onions! I ordered it as a topping but they put so many on I had to take some off so I could taste the burger.
Sweet Potato Fries: Delicious and came with a dipping sauce that tasted like it had cumin in it.
Fries: I really liked the fries here, they were crisp and cut nice. Some of the best I had but once they got a little cold not as good.
It was nice to try this place since my grandpa and just about everyone else raves about the burger here. It reminds me a lot of Jackson Hole, but I prefer them over Donovan's. It would be fun to show your date this place if they love burgers and see what they think. I would come back to maybe try a Irish dish. $30 for 2 burgers though I'll pass on until I find the best burger.
I went here for dinner with my parents just because. Â This happens to be a restaurant that my parents enjoy a lot, often because of the nice decor. Â
That's the first thing I want to comment on...the decor. Â When you walk in you don't feel like you are in Bayside anymore (that's a good thing usually). Â The inside has some high ceilings with a lot of intricate woodwork all around. Â It looks very elegant and very...old world classic I guess. Â The servers were all very welcoming and very helpful and everyone was nice and uniformed with different colored ties. Â (Somehow that made a difference in my mind) Â We were seated promptly and the place was busy. Â Not too many empty tables at all.
There are 2 dining rooms, the first one is opposite the bar on the other side of a divider - which is where we were seated. Â I did take a walk around to the back diner which seemed more homey...i didn't like it as much as i liked the 1st dining room. Â
The Food: Â 3 of us got the Restaurant week special of a 3 course meal. Â The 4th
* Appetizers - Soup of the Day - New England Clam Chowder. Â Wow...this was super creamy, and delicious - almost like a clam bisque in the flavor of the soup, but still had nice chunks of clam, potatos carrots and other things. Â The Pulled BBQ Beef was served on top of a fried potato wedge i think and had a very good flavor. A+
* Entree - I had the chicken pot pie - It was good - not heavy on the salt. Â Actually i'd be surprised if any salt was added during cooking. Â It tasted pretty fresh, but very healthy. Â The dish is deceptively large - especially after the bowl of soup. Â Lots of chunks of chicken, veggies and the creamy sauce was just flavorful enough. B-
*Dessert - Brownie al la mode - Brownie with a scoop of ice cream. Â Or rather a huge fudgey brownie with chocolate dripping all over...with one large scoop of ice cream and some whipped cream. Â It...was...good...i'm not a chocolate guy or a cake guy, but this was pretty good. Â To complete the meal? Â Yes...A
All in all the food was pretty good - the entree could have been a little tastier, but the soup and dessert more than made up for it. Â The decor was awesome and that made me able to relax, sit and enjoy my meal.
I'm usually skeptical of Bayside's restaurants, the food always seemed a bit sub-par. And reviews always talked up the Donovan's in Woodside as opposed to Bayside, so I didn't know what to expect. But since Donovan's is famous for their burgers, I should try one of those.
The BBQ Burger with sweet potato fries - awesomely juicy. Ordered it at medium, and the beefy flavor blends perfectly with the sauteed onions and barbeque sauce. And the sweet potato fries? Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. I haven't had good sweet potato fries since Sago closed down. Now if only they gave honey as a dipping sauce. Wonderful combination.
On an odd note - the waiter ask if everything was okay and I ask for more water (I ran out). He said okay and never came back. I drank someone else's water instead. ADD much?
Very nice place. Comfy cushy booths. Â Large bar on one side of the restaurant with flatscreens you can't miss. Â Love the high ceilings and wine cellar feel along the one wall. Looked like a huge banquet room in the back too.
We came for lunch during the weekend. Â The burgers looked good but I wasn't much in the mood for one. Â The lobster roll was one of the specials and I had to partake. Quite tasty! Â Also tried some of the shrimp salad sandwich, also a special.
Valet parking across the street. Get your ticket validated inside before leaving. CASH ONLY.
I give Donovan's 5 stars based on this place being a great pub.
I loved the burgers, the new makeover, the service/staff, parking, and the prices.
Our waiter was attentive and kind. I love someone who enjoys their job and does it well it just adds to the experience.
Even the restrooms are new, clean and attended to. We all know you can tell allot about a place from how they maintain their restrooms.
I would recommend this place to friends and family.
Kudos to the folks at Donovan's.
Donovan's left me completely underwhelmed. On a Friday night, the bar area was packed and the restaurant side wasn't nearly as populated -- kind of like a scene from Kitchen Nightmares.
The homemade chips with their "special onion sauce" really lacked any flavor. The chips were good, but my mom made them as well when I was 7. The onion dip -- they were trying to recreate the packet/powdered stuff and it didn't work out, at all.
( Because of the reviews on Yelp... ) I ordered a burger. Pretty awful idea. I'll assume the chef hasn't heard that you can put salt and/or pepper on burgers, because their was no flavor at all. The burger was basically burnt on the outside, and not even juicy on the inside. The bun was flimsy. THEY PUT SUGAR ON THEIR SWEET POTATO FRIES. WTF. Also, way too much of it.
Two stars for:
the waiter, Mike. He was kickass, somewhat intimidating. The Yuengling, because it was $4. And for the fries I snagged off my boyfriend's plate -- they were amazing.
I really wanted to go crazy about this place after seeing it featured on the Taxi TV for their muffelatta sandwich, but it was not my cup of tea. Â The bread was way off from what I was expecting and was rather clumsy to eat. Â The meat was fresh though...I guess you can't have it all.
The restaurant was nice. Â The service was great and the free parking across the street was clutch. Â
However it was something I wanted to check off on my list, it has been checked, but I don't plan on a followup.
Also, bring cash...credit cards aren't accepted here.
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