Donovan's Irish Pub

We stopped in here for lunch in the middle of Boston Road errands and were pleasantly surprised.  It's part of the Eastfield Mall food court, but has a separate outside entrance with patio seating.  The inside is what you would expect from a traditional pub and does not feel the least bit "mall-ish" or even particularly commercial.  Very dimly lit, lots of wood paneling and deep velvet upholstery, walls lined with Irish memorabilia and ephemera, all just worn enough to feel aged and authentic.  There is a main bar area lined by big comfy booths and a separate, spacious dining area.  We opted for the dining side and settled into a booth that was deep enough to sit cross legged and could probably fit six people.

The menu was traditional pub fare:  overstuffed sandwiches, 1/2-lb burgers, fish & chips and other fried seafood options, shepherd's pie, Guinness beef stew and other hearty soups, and the like.  We both wound up with fried scallops on our server's recommendations and they were indeed yummy.  Boyfriend got the scallops/clam strips combo and we both agreed that the clam strips were better than any of our favorite summer roadside haunts...very big and meaty without a hint of chewiness anywhere.  I thought the fried crust on the scallops was a tad over, but the scallops themselves were perfect and not the least bit overdone.  Portions were generous, and service was friendly.

Nice place to stop in on the weekend.
Live Irish music, good appetizers, good selection of beer.   Nice group of people on the weekend. Entertainment starts around 8 pm

I really like Donovan's.  It's warm and welcoming, has a great selection of beers, and the food is yummy!  Whether you're in the mood for a few apps, a burger and fries, or a hearty  favorite like shepherd's pie, there is something for you!  The live Irish Music on the weekends is fun, too!