Hanafin's Pub

Hanafins is one of my Go-To places in central Glastonbury.
After reading some of the other reviews, I am a bit surprised. I have always had a great time here, keeping in mind, I only come in the late evenings. Hanafins provides awesome live local music, (The only place in Glastonbury that I know of to support local musicians) and offers a great Open Mic night on Wednesdays. I usually head over after my long double shift, when I'm in need of a cold beer, some yummy comfort food, and groovin' tunes.  
I love the French Onion soup here. The pumpernickel croutons give such a hearty flavor and a nice twist on the traditional. I usually enjoy the pub salad also, fresh greens and lots of flavor, and I make it better with some fried chicken strips. The staff behind the bar has always been really friendly and relaxed, and they take great care of their guests.
If you have been thinking about Hanafins, but other Yelpers are putting you off to it, I say give it a try, look for the music, and let me know what you think!

Hanafin's, Hanafin's, Hanafin's...I'm going down the middle on this one because there is a lot to like and a some serious misses...And actually, depending on what you're looking for, you're probably going to love or hate it...

What's to Like:  For starters the bar area is beautiful if you're into the Irish pub vibe.  Dark wood, cozy tables, great looking bar, and nice placement of TV's to watch a game (always showing the European "futbol" if you're looking for a place to scratch your soccer itch.  Bar selection, likewise, has all of your faves on tap including both Guinness and Murphy's (My go-to stout when available) and a bunch of micro's and other Euro options for you.  Nightlife seems to have it's fair share of acoustic and authentic Irish groups playing most nights I've been there as well.  Overall, if you're out for a drink with friends and like the Irish pub vibe, this could be your place...

What's not to Like:  ...Buuuutttt...If you're looking to find a place for a nice sit down meal and service or if you're looking for a place with well prepared food in general, you might want to seek out other places.  The dining area, unlike the bar, is kind of meh and a little cold actually.  The wait service was OK.  Server was very friendly, but food arrived slowly on a slow Monday night.  And the food itself was underwhelming.  My Guinness stew was average at best and the Shepard's Pies ordered by the rest actually did not look good at all (and got less than stellar reviews from my dining companions).  Nothing was bad, mind you, but the whole dining experience was just underwhelming.

Bottom Line:  When I return to Hanafin's (and I will), it will be to drop in for a pint or 3 in the bar and to listen to some traditional Irish Pub Music.  I'll just make sure I swing by another restaurant in Glastonbury first to get a proper meal first. :)

This past weekend was my third lunch at Hanafin's and my experience has always been so different than other people on Yelp. Again, it wasn't packed at lunch, there was no game on, no DJ or any craziness like on the weekend evenings. There were a couple of families with kids in the bar area and some couples. Very low key. The food and service was solid as usual..the Reuben is fantastic, the house corned beef always tender. They have banging fries as well. Hand cut and always hot and crispy. I am still a fan, though based on other reviews may stick to lunch only.