Solid Food & Good People
McGovern's Tavern is a Rutgers-Newark campus staple that is loved and frequented by many! I can always depend on McGovern's to be consistently consistent when it comes to the food, drinks and service. This is the go-to bar on campus for a quick bite to eat, a drink and a great time!
-Price: $10-17 per person (food & drink)
-Screams: Irish Bar, College Hangout, Jersey/ NY Proud
-Cool Beans: McGovern's was open during Hurricane Sandy
-Ambiance: Laid back, unpretentious, friendly neighborhood bar
-Frequented By: Rutgers-Newark & NJIT students, staff/ faculty and visitors, police officers, alums and tons of loyal regulars
-Good For: Groups, catching up with friends and eating some decent bar grub
-What To Order: Burgers, fries, beverages/ cocktails, any fried foods, wings. The sweet potato and lava fries are incredibly delicious!
-Service: Dedicated staff that take pride in their job, bar, city and the state of NJ
-Best Nights: Tuesday (Trivia Night), Wednesday & Thursdays
-Tip: $10 Minimum for credit/ debit cards
I've been a student at RU-N since the dawn of time and this is the only place we go because it's close to campus and we know it's safe. Â It's a good place to unwind after a semester and hang out with the people you've gotten to know. Â The food is pretty decent, the beer is always cold, and the service is very friendly. Â McGovern's knows that it's a dive bar and doesn't hide from it.
Review Source:Ahh this place has been my regular since I was in college at NJIT, that was back in 2001. The bar has not changed much neither have the people. My friend Moe works behind the bar., the drinks are usually very strong and very cheapo and reasonably priced. On Thursday nights they have trivia night and its a lot of fun. At the back the have a dart board so someone is always playing cricket. Â A lot of cops hang out at the bar too. It has always been fun to hang out here and I still go here once in a while. The food is pretty good as well especially the burger and wings are excellent.
Review Source:Maybe this is just me being pretentious, but this pub doesn't inspire me. It's what I refer to as "a sports bar that serves Guinness and throws up some Irish decor and calls itself an Irish pub." It's not authentically Irish in the least.
I can't give a fair review on the food. As a vegetarian, my options are limited. I'm told the burgers are great, but the veggie burger is not housemade and is nothing special.
This place is the sole reason I was able to get through college....through tough exams and frat row pregaming, McGoverns never dissapointed.....Ordering beer here by the pitcher is always the best way to start a night, place is a great bar in the center of university heights that is frequented by stressed out undergrads and grads alike. Friendly service from proprietors who are genuine and take an honest interests in making customers welcomed. I havent been around as often since graduating but I'd never turn down an invite here when i'm in the area.
Review Source:This is yet another Newark Irish pub/restaurant that we seem to frequent on special occasions. Â Now from the outside, you'd think you're heading into the bar in the Deer Hunter-it looks like some run-down hole in the wall from coal-country western, PA (not taking any shots there, I've been in GREAT bars that look like crap from the outside). Â However, once you sit down, order a cold beer (Guinness on tap, thank you very much) and look over the menu, you realize that you've entered the twilight zone of deliciousness. Â
I've probably eaten here 15-18 times and the food is awesome. Â Burgers always done perfectly (and I've had almost all of them-close your eyes and pick one...you can't go wrong), appetizers are normal bar fare (go with the lava fries or the chili cheese fries for a nice little fattening slice of goodness), and the sandwiches I've tried have all been pretty damn good too (Corned beef sandwich in an Irish pub...c'mon, this is a home run). Â Can't comment on the wraps or salads because any self-respecting guy (or girl) isn't getting a salad at an Irish pub.
So get yourself past the outside view (don't judge a book by it's cover) and get inside for a great meal, some cold beer, and another place in Newark where the bartenders and wiat staff actually give a crap and want you to come back!
Nice local bar for a beer... I stopped into McGovern's after hearing rave reviews about the "Lava Fries"... Lava fries is a heavenly creation of french fries, melted cheese and hot sauce... While at first this doesn't sound too appetizing, it is in fact quite a delectable combination. McGoverns is your quintessential college bar, no frills or frippery.
Review Source:I have to admit the burgers here are very good. I'm not crazy for beef but this burgers is very juice. Might be the best burger I ever had. The place looks like it's not even open and there's no sign for the entrance. The people there are friendly but they should at least come by more often to check if you need refill on the drinks. I tried the Lava Fries and I don't see what's so special about it. So it has cheese. And is it suppose to be spicy? Â I didn't feel it was spicy at all.
5 star for the burger but I have to subtract one star for everything else.
This is a perfect spot for all the students from nearby Rutgers and NJIT campuses. If one taking is taking train then this place is at 15-20 mins walk from the Newark station or one can also catch a bus or shared cab to this place.
I was here on a Thursday evening to meet some of my friends. From outside this place looks like a big warehouse. But when one walks in, one realizes this place is huge and is divided into two different sections. They carry an exhaustive menu when it comes to food and drinks. Overall it's a nice place to hang out with friends.
"Do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it? " - Ron Burgundy
This has probably been the hardest review I have written since moving to Jersey. McGovern's is more or less across the street from the Rutgers Law School,and many events as a law student either are here or end up here. Was this place awesome in my mind because it was there or is it because it really is a step above the rest. Â In other words, "do you really love the lamp, or are you just saying it because you saw it?"
This place can be pricey at times, and there is a $10 credit card minimum. Â However, the burgers are good, very good. Lava Fries? I see why people like them but I don't really like cheese so it's not really my thing. Â The service here is top-notch, perhaps they just know how to deal with law students. Law school can be crazy at times, but this place keeps me sane at times.
The bartender wasn't that nice, but the ambiance is great.
It's in a relatively safe area of Newark, it doesn't seem like a place that is 'empty' on weekdays, it was packed on a Tuesday evening during or before NJIT finals week(s).
The french fries are great, the taps are clean (the Yuengling did not taste like a gym teachers band aid) which is a always a good sign.
The server was nice and cordial, there are helmets hanging from the ceiling, and the bathrooms don't smell like vomit. Â Got my vote!
Local bar for college students. Â Occasionally some underage people get through, sometimes they are strict sometimes they are not. Â Depends on who you know...or run into. Â Gets crowded certain days of the week. Â They have trivia and pong tables on certain nights. Â Prices are decent, good place to gather after class. Â Good eats. Â Have returned post college for old times.
Review Source:Great Irish pub with good people in the middle of the third world country known as Newark.  This is your good old boy Irish pub with great burgers cheap drinks and the  "regulars" that either grew up or work in Newark or Nerk as its now known. Â
You can also expect the Rutgers and NJIT crowd when college is in session. Â But all year round this is a place for the regulars and hard working people that are still left in Newark and trust me there is less and less of these people. Â This is one place you don't have to worry about being robbed or mugged in Nerk. Â Good bartenders good atmosphere all thanks to the great owners keeping the tradition alive.
I came to McGovener's because it was close enough Rutgers so a friend could walk there from class. Upon walking in, the places had an average bar feel. The not well lit nor dark yet no direction wear to sit down. Eventually we walked over to the back where we found a waitress and a seating area. Now having read some pervious reviews we decided that we would order some Lave fries and pick whatever else we thought sounded good. The waitress was nice enough and the food was ok. Â I was hoping for more with the lava fries, not that I was expecting a culinary miracle but some more then hot sauce cover fries covered in some cheese, because to me that's just a fancy name for cheese fries with hot sauce
Parking is nonexistent from what I saw or I'm blind, every street looked like it was permit only for lunch time anyway. If I was in the area I might come back, although I would have to try a few other places before agreeing with that concretely.
Been coming here for yearssss! It's my office go to happy hour spot. It's cheap, it has good vibes, comfy, great for groups, great for private parties, and their McGoo burger and buffalo wings?!? Probably the best wings around!
Forget Kilkenny's! Â This place never fails! Best in the summer time when the college kids aren't running around.
I Â must preface this by saying I don't drink but went with friends to eat...
so my review is on food (don't shoot me, i just like to review things...)
I ordered a veggie burger that was surprisingly fresh...
their lava fries are DELISH (spicy bbq sauce on fries with melted cheese)
It's pretty cheap 6.50 for veggie burger and pasta salad/fries
Ahh McGovern's...the memories of getting nice in between class and Thursday night karaokes and body shots. Alas, we meet again. I recently enrolled back to RU for grad school and this place is just how I remember it 5 years later. The burgers are still phenomenal. the beer cold and the service great. Last time we went a couple of weeks ago, somehow games of flip cup and beer pong ensued in the back. Felt like an undergrad all over again :) The crowd is a mix of RU students, local professionals, local blue collar, and you might even spot a profesor in there once in a while. The bartenders and servers are always nice. One of my fave pubs in Jersey.
Review Source:When you look up "dive bar" in the dictionary, a picture of this place would show up. Â It is in the heart of Newark; close enough to both law schools but near nowhere (if you live in Newark, you know what I'm talking about). Â There are no windows whatsoever in this place. Â But it is not a gentleman's club. Â Just a simple watering hole. Â The drinks are not that cheap (e.g., $5 for pint of Guinness or Smithwicks). Â But the bar food is pretty good despite the fact that the kitchen closes early.
The clientele is a motley crue. Â From attorneys to law school students to frat boys to blue collar.
I personally prefer Kilkennys on Halsey St (around the corner) but I could see the charm to McGovern's. Â During the weekdays, Rutgers or Seton Hall Law Students will generally fill up the place.
Chill bar, cheap drinks, and plenty of seating. Â
They had free sandwiches when I was there, which was pretty awesome, but I don't think you can count on that.
A Yuengling was 3.50, shots were like 4 bucks. Â When I ordered my Paddy's on the rocks I was charged 7 instead of 4, but dude poured an enormous drink.
The girls I was with were ordering dumb shit like cosmos and pineapple/vodkas, and the bar was totally ripping them off by charging them nine dollars, which I found to be hilarious.
I went with dude from Newark who ordered a pitcher and 4 beers and put it on his card, and only got charged 12 bucks. Â Apparently the owner gets wasted and screws up tabs, so it's much better not to pay cash, because you might get a bunch of free drinks.
I have been coming to McGovern's for 10years and I've never had a better burger or a better time!
From the staff to the customers everyone is welcoming! Â Blue collar workers chat up attorneys and students!
Great great bar that has stayed  true to itself with the gentrification of Newark and other swankier watering holes popping up!
A MUST visit! Besides...who doesn't love a bar with no windows!!!
McGovern's Tavern is a great spot to relax, kick back, enjoy a brew, and have some food.
My co-worker introduced me to here, and I was surprised that this Irish pub's burgers were good. Â I ordered a Chipotle mayo version. Â Next time, I'll try to substitute something else for the fries that come with the burger though. Â If my fries aren't sweet potato, waffle, or cajun fries, I usually don't care for them.
McGovern's is conveniently located in front of the Rutgers Newark campus. Â They have TV's in both the front bar area and in the back room.
I'm a big fan of McGovern's. It's always the best option when hanging out at Rutgers-Newark. Â I was actually introduced to McGov's when I was playing rugby... we had some epic drink ups there after games. Â There aren't not too many places like it in the area. Â I recommend you get the wings and a Guinness or two when you're there.
Review Source:Wings and burger is pretty good. I've been here twice for food, both during the off peak times around 2 or 3 p.m.
The service is nice, although if you are sitting in the back, they sometimes forget that you're there (or just don't come around the back often enough, same thing). That being said, it's a family owned business and everyone's friendly enough. Very Irish!
I'm told the alcohol, especially the beers, are great, but I'm not a beer drinker so I don't know. It is a great hang-out places for Rutgers Law students... nothing like relaxing from or bitching about law school with the company of your classmates over alcohol.
Only thing is that, when you're sitting at the bar, it's difficult to get the bar tender's attention unless you're one of the "regulars."
I like McGoverns because it reminds me of every single other Irish Pub near where I grew up, right down to the exact placemats and Police & Firemen badges on the wall. I've only been here on off-days, either in the afternoon or when school is out so its never been crowded but the service is always good and its pretty average bar food. I am really picky about my burgers but McGoverns' are pretty good. Beer selection is decent too. They also have a good veggie burger if you're into that. One time my friends and I tried to go here on a Sunday night and it was closed, not sure what was up with that but oh well.
Review Source:I like McGovern's Tavern during the day, around 2pm when its dead and everyone else has left from lunch. Â I can go in, sit peacefully, order a burger with fries and a Guinness, and just chill the fuck out. Â Its very intimate and special as the bar tender and waitress are just real sweet. Â It also feels good somehow after a workout and swim.
A nice place for this University Heights area of Newark
This classic traditional Irish bar is a must visit bar if you're in around this area. Not fancy and not very noticeable from the outside, but that's what make this place great and is not that hard to find. The bar area isn't that big and during night time (especially Thursday night) you will definitely have no place to sit, gets really crowded. Â They also have tables at the back of the bar, seating is usually not that big of an issue.
You can't go wrong with the beer; and that's what they are good for. But the mixed drinks over there aren't up to its reputation.
The food there is so good that sometimes makes me wonder if this place is a resaurant or a bar. You got to try their burgers, you'll probably say WOW THIS IS A GOOD BURGER when you took a bite. French onion soup is a great combination with your dish, not too salty but still has good flavor into it. Â The buffalo wing is another good to eat choice, very strong flavor & taste, love it.
You'll probably get addicted to the burgers!
When I first walked up to the place I was a bit bummed. Â This place looks like nothing special from the outside.
Open the door, don't walk away! Â
I ate probably the best burger I have EVER had! Â The bartender was attentive, nice, and getting himself a bit buzzed....it was awesome.
I go to Newark for business quite a bit and this place will become a regular stop for me.
Oh, no 5 stars because the customers there seem to have no concept of sharing space...couldn't get by them no matter how many times you ask. Â And the bathroom was nasty!
Crap. I'm the first person to break the 5 star streak. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut but then why bother Yelpin' at all. I like this place. Really. It is by far the most authentic Irish bar downtown. It has the history, the libations, the clientele (inebriated Law students mixed with some regulars and colorful old timers) and the best burgers. Ah, but there in lies my problem with the 5 stars. I went there for lunch and they were actually out of burgers. Huh? They might just as well run out of beer. I had a corned beef on rye and it was good but I wanted a burger. I may sound bitter but the burgers are that good.
Review Source:Two words - "Lava Fries"
Take your standard issue french fires, cover them in buffalo wing sauce, then in cheese, toss 'em in the broiler, and you have the very foundation for a great side for drinking. Â Couple that with the old school vibe, the no television (except World Cup soccer games - a fair exception), and great burgers, and this is a can't miss for downtown Newark.
This place mine as well be owned and operated the rutgers newark campus. Usually if your looking for someone who goes there then you will end up here if you go out for drinks. Overall cant say anything that hasnt been said... cool bar, cool people, cold drinks and good food. what else do you need ?
Review Source:Ah, McGovern's! Â Such a wonderful place to console myself after dealing with the daily drudergy of school, and to drown my sorrows. Â It is one of the perks of being a returning older student at Rutgers--finding the college bars where you can get totally ripped in a few hours for under $20. Â And, trust me, this is a true dive bar. Â Go in, enjoy, and be forewarned that the bar tender will give a buy back, and the Guiness is great.
Review Source:this is your typical Irish bar, if you were actually *in* Ireland. Â This is awesome on at least two levels.
One, the barkeep is Irish Irish, not Irish-American or Boston Irish-American (two distinct  clans, as one owes allegiance to the Bosox at birth and the other is not so limited).  You can, if you're polite, get a pleasant rundown of the history and, based on your tips, discover diverse observations about Counties in Ireland and New Jersey.  So this is a long way of saying it's a friendly place.
Two, it closes at 11pm. Â I do not lie, 11pm. Â Bars in Ireland close at 11pm, so McGovern's does as well. Â Why is this awesome? Â Because it's real, it's history, it's a personal bit of "I'm doing it my way because I own the damn place". Â I respect that, even as I buy four rounds when he shouts "Last Call!" so I nurse them well past midnight (another tradition he's thoughtfully carried over).
And oh yeah, they have a kitchen. Â Do I need to tell you the pints of Guinness are good here?
-C
I'm so happy to be the first to review this, as I drank here in college and brought my Wife here on her 21st birthday a long time ago for her first legal night out, so the memories are happy ones.
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