Alright let's go down the list: because I gots a lot
First and foremost, loves Sarah
Okay great beer! Try the Mcgurks by ofallon.
Had the spinach and artichoke ravioli recommended by Aimee K--Amazing!
The Reuben is the best I've ever had. Hand cut, great bread, just enough kraut just enough sauce. Great. The onion rings with that spicy chipotle sauce is killer!
Now, dessert, The Beggars Purse: oh man, think fresh baked chocolate chip cookies wrapped in cherries, wrapped in chocolate and caramel and sided with vanilla bean ice cream! So good! Loved the bar, loved patio, took a lot of pictures.
Great place.
I really, really like McGurks. I go there more for dinner than the nightlife now-a-days (myself at 22 would probably gasp at that statement) but I'm consistently impressed by the food. Yes they have great fish & chips, but there's so much more than meets the eye on that menu!
The spinach & artichoke rav's are a great option for appetizers, and they come with an addicting & tangy ranch sauce for dipping. I'm also a huge fan of their baked potato skins & the baked spinach and artichoke dip. Pair it with a cocktail or glass of wine & you're on your way to a great meal!
Where McGurk's really shines is in their house specialty offerings. Bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish stew? Yes please! Make sure to always ask what the special of the day is. Most recently they had seared grouper with mango salsa over new potatoes, carrots, and spinach, and I was completely blown away.
When the bands are playing here it's a little loud, but it's all part of the experience. It might not hurt to stick around to check out the nightlife scene, either. You can't help but love that giant patio!
Their reuben is too good for me...
I am used to a reuben with those thin, deli slices of corned beef - you know the ones. Â Piled on a couple of pieces of marbled rye with some sauerkraut and thousand island. Â Move over, baby, now there's something meatier! Â The McGurk's reuben is about a pound of thickly sliced (off a real roast!) corned beef. Â Maybe I am exaggerating a little, but it was WAY too much of a good thing for me. Â Add that to their homemade chips (which I am a sucker for) and my coworker almost had to roll me out of there after lunch.
The second time I went I didn't want to hurt myself so I ordered the burger, which seemed like a smaller option. Â It was beautifully seasoned, and cooked to a perfect medium. Â They also gave me a couple of slices of tomato, which is always a hit, and once again with those crispy yummy homemade chips.
Oh, and we received great service both times. Â I plan to take Husband here when I can get around to it.
When the nice weather officially hit STL this summer, I googled places with patios to go have lunch and McGurk's came up.
I now have a new stomping ground!
I have frequented Soulard many times, always passing this corner location but haven't gone in until recently. Â We went to the garden for a seat and got a table right by the gorgeous fountain. Â Our waitress took pride in knowing that it was our first time and was sure to tell us the best options. Â We settled on their chicken sandwich entrees with fries for me, and my husband got their famous mashed potatoes. Â Very yummy!
They already have two bars in their garden and while there, construction on a 3rd was taking place. Â Inside you can get live music 7 days a week.
Its always fun to find new places, can't wait to go back!
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. This place is hands down my favorite bar I have ever been to. It's sort of spit into 2 bars.
The inside gives you a traditional Irish pub feel with the exposed brick, pictures of regulars and band players all over the walls, and tiny booths. The absolute best part about the inside is the live music. It NEVER fails. Between 4 people they'll play 15 instruments and it's the kind of music you stomp your feet to and can't help but clap your hands.
The outside is massive with 2 more bars and a patio style area with a fountain. The outside doesn't have the live music the inside offers, but on a nice night there's nothing better than being outside with a drink in your hand.
Even on it's most crowded nights it's not overwhelming and it has never taken me longer than a minute or two to get a drink. Their service is top notch. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend going here.
McGurk's is not just a pub, a restaurant, or a great Irish place. McGurk's is an experience.
In my my opinion, McGurk's is the very best bar in all of St. Louis. Why you ask? Because it has everything a bar needs in one place, and does it well.
- Live Music: The bands that play here are always phenomenal, and each has their own unique twist on Irish music. You can't help but want to stomp your feet or sing along.
- Patio: My God, this patio goes on forever. Complete with small gardens, fountains, and tables to post up at. It's great on a beautiful summer evening, or even in the winter, because they do a great job enclosing the patio so you can still enjoy it.
- Great bartenders: They work quick, and keep it lively. It also helps that there are more than a few different bar sections throughout the place, so your wait is never too long.
- Good/cheap drinks: The selection is excellent, as an Irish place should be, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by my bar tab at the end of the night.
- Great clientele: As a transplant, I've come to find that St. Louis isn't always the most friendly city right off the bat, but the crowd at McGurk's is one exception. I've never made it through the evening without making a few new friends.
What can I say, I love this place. When someone visits me from out of town, this is the first place I take them, and it becomes their fast favorite as well.
This is definitely a step above your average Soulard bar- great service, good food, and a really fantastic patio area set McGurk's apart from local peddlers of fried fare and beer. I enjoyed a lunch with colleagues here and was really impressed with the ambience and our waiter, who was super attentive and friendly (shoutout to Joey!). I also loved my toasted ravioli, which I had planned on splitting with my friend buuuut we ended up just ordering two plates because they were delicious and we have no shame. I'm likely to come back here, not only for a drink on the patio but also for the elevated bar food that totally hits the mark.
Review Source:When I first heard about this place, I wanted to dislike. Its the place  where everyone in soulard "ends up" and the most well-known spot in the area.
However, its actually really great. Its a HUGE bar complex and even on the most crowded days it doesn't get too crowded. They've got great irish music going most nights and great drinks to match. Definitely my go to spot in soulard.
We were seated in their outdoor garden area and it was so pretty. It was a much larger area than expected and you can tell a lot of work went into it. Our server was very friendly and I ended up with the fish and chips. The chips were house made and the fish was perfectly crispy on the outside. I liked that you could order a smaller version for lunch too. The Guinness was just right too! They even have restrooms attached to the outdoor seating area so you don't have to traipse through the bar to find the indoor ones. These people know there stuff!
Review Source:Due to another reviewer I ordered the pork sandwich.. this isn't your typical pulled pork .. it's basically a classic pork roast on bread and the flavor is great. I did not give 5 stars due to seeing a less than clean beer glass.. and oy the noise. The place was packed and my boyfriend and I could hardly have a dinner conversation without shouting. We were seating inside.
Review Source:The last time I came here was my wedding night, after the reception. I was completely shit-faced and vaguely remember taking pictures with people I did not invite to my wedding and trying to keep people from stepping on my dress.
The time before that, I was at a bachelorette party with a bunch of skinny bitches that ate like birds... salads and such. What I am getting at is I have never really, truly had the chance to get my grub on at McGurk's.
The hubby and I were driving around aimlessly trying to find a restaurant that didn't permit smoking in Soulard... it's basically impossible. We were headed to Tucker's (again...) when we realized that McGurk's serves food.
We sat inside and instantly I was reminded of my good times at Dressel's Pub. Nice dark woodwork, Irish music pumping softly through the speakers and good beer. I felt comfortable and warm all over. We were sitting by the fireplace... it was kinda romantic.
Our server was Helen. We liked Helen. A lot. In fact, if my husband tipped her any more, I probably would've accused him of having an affair, but he swears she was just a good server. She was.
She suggested a few things that were popular and that the servers ate regularly. We ended up getting the onion soup and the soup du jour... Beer Cheese! Both were absolutely amazing. The beer cheese soup was so good that I ordered an additional cup so that we could dip our chips in it... kinda like rarebit. *GET RAREBIT!*
I had the pork sandwich. It was slow-roasted, nicely seasoned and came shredded with Guinness onions, provelone and citrus mayo on a nice torpedo roll. It was heavenly and we are going to try to make it at home. The hubs humored me and ordered a bacon cheeseburger... medium came out more like well but everything was so pleasant and tasty, we dare not send it back. The chips, also called crisps, were fresh, hot and not greasy like some other pubs'. Also, the house Irish beer is a smooth, well-rounded red that I could've drank for days.
I can't tell you the last time that we went out to eat and spent less than fifty dollars on respectable food. I literally hurt myself because I ate so much... I just didn't want to share my leftovers with my husband. In the end, I wanted to call a friend and spread the word. Yes, McGurk's is older than me... or my old-balls hubby, but their game is still tight. The food is worth every penny and sooo delicious. I can not wait to come back on a night when we weren't in a rush due to other plans... I want to try the short ribs per Helen's suggestion.
Let it be known that McGurk's is awesome. Helen is an awesome server also.
Love this little pub!! The vibe is great. The food is great. The beer  is great. The service is great. The live entertainment is great. The fire pit/beer garden is great!
All the food is really good. But my favorite thing to order is the Tilapia Sandwich and their Cider.... SO GOOD. I also like their most of the other fish items (fish and chips & the salmon dish they have). My friends had their burgers and said it was great.
The only annoying thing is that it is always SO crowded no matter what time you go at. And parking is a hassle. Â There is usually a wait time before you get seated.
The luck o' the Irish. Guinness on tap, boom.
We were here on an extremely busy Saturday night. We waited 2 hrs to get seated but we were forewarned and opted to wait. We sat outside and drank beers by the fire pit.
Once we were seated we were well taken care of. Our server was pretty awesome and managed to be around fairly often for a busy evening. He was friendly, attentive, and got our separated checks correct.
For appetizers the table had House Made Pretzel Bites with cheese dipping sauce and Toasted Beef Ravioli with marinara and parmesan. The pretzels were warm and soft and the the cheese dip was standard but tasty. I was told the toasted ravioli was super good but I didn't try any because I'm off of red meat at the moment.
Our entrees were Fish and Chips - beer battered cod filets, Irish crisps, with house made tartar sauce, a John D. McGurk's Burger with Irish crisps, and an Herb Glazed Salmon - Pan seared salmon filet, pearl couscous, spinach, asparagus, and herb pesto. Everyone enjoyed their meals but the Fish and Chips were the fave among us. The fish was thick and juicy but crispy and not too greasy on the outside. The house made Irish crisps are wonderful. I used plenty of malt vinegar and I would say this was the best fish and chips I've had in STL. The salmon was good but not amazing. However the couscous that came with it was pretty bomb. I was informed the burger was good. Thick, juicy and cooked as requested.
The later it got the more crowded it got. I know I'm going to seem judgy but it's a pretty douchetastic crowd at night. I would rather hit this place up for lunch or early dinner and chill on the patio. It's so nice outside and btdubs this place is ginormous.
We will mos def be back to eat but I doubt we would just hang out and drink here. Unless it was suggested by others.
I have always loved McGurks, it feels like your neighborhood bar, but is more of a traditional Irish pub. One thing that I have to admit though is their patio, it reminds me of Pat O'Briens in New Orleans. The food is good, however I tend to favor the Spinach Artichoke Ravioli, it is amazing and something you must try. I typically stick with their burgers which do not disappoint however they do have some other amazing dishes. Be sure to check their calendar if you plan on stopping by since almost every evening they have live music. This is a great place to spend an evening with friends while enjoying some great food and good beer, a must stop if you are in Soulard or visiting St.Louis.
Review Source:Stopping in here after a Rams football game it reminded me why I don't go to crowded bars anymore, it's for young people and an old guy like me has no business being here. But since I made the trek here goes.
Can you say Budweiser? It's liquid gold in St Louis and it was flowing freely. Yep that's a good mix, tons of beer and so many people that if you farted it couldn't even waft up, thank goodness for crop dusting.
It's a fun place and the crowd is lively and since it's the Midwest the people are pretty courteous and friendly. They have a nice garden outside and use every inch of space and brother do they need it.
I'm going to hit this place again but not on game night.
Enjoy!
I'm not from St. Louis, and my first trip to McGurk's was on a very cold day in December (so I don't know what it's like in the warmer months). Â I thought the layout was awesome- very hospitable. Â A roaring fire was waiting to warm outdoor smokers, with soft, glowing fires for those inside. Â We had a live band (can't say enough about them, totally toe tapping experience!) Â Drinks were amazingly cheap (for what I"m used to) and generously mixed (again, for what I"m used to). Â But best of all are the patrons- super friendly, laid back folks. Â You'll have a great time!
Review Source:WoW! Â I had honestly forgotten how good the food tastes at McGurks. Â Usually I'm a late arriver and enjoy people watching on the back patio. Â This time I arrived early enough to eat. Â Their menu is huge! Â Since we had a group was able to start out with a bunch of appetizers.
We ordered the home made kettle chips, spinach artichoke dip, chicken wings, crab cakes, and the toasted rav. Â The crab cakes win in landslide! Â
I selected their special "short ribs" and they were incredible! Â Presented in a large bowl over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Â Actually a hefty portion of short ribs on top. Â If they have that on their menu every night I'll be heading back soon!
Service was a little slow but we had an extremely large group and only one waitress so I can't really complain. Â
In summary:
Get the crab cakes and Short Ribs if they have it on their menu!
I am told that McGurk's is the most authentic Irish Pub in town, however, as I am not Irish, I cannot attest to that.
All in all, I liked the ambiance of this place. Â I felt like I was walking into a dark, moody tavern...but in a good way. Â I tried the McPaddy Melt, which was pretty good actually, but not OH-MY-GAWD amazing. I'd definitely get it again, though.
I really liked the McGurk's beer and while I did not try any, they did have a pretty good selection of hard cider.
I went on a Tuesday night so it was dead, but I've heard it can get really busy on the weekends.
One of my favorite places to eat out with friends. The rack of lamb is fantastic as well as they're burgers. And their onion petals are a phenomenal appetizer . I also highly recommend the bread pudding for desert.
Few things are as good as sitting out on the patio on a nice summer night with friends.
I'm from California and was in St. Louis visiting a friend for a long weekend. McGurk's was the first place he took me. He knows me well. I love this place. I'd pick it up and move it back to CA with me, if I could.
It's an Irish pub that actually feels like an Irish pub. It's dark (I love the dark inside as opposed to the huge wonderfully landscaped patio, which is also awesome in its own way), there's Guinness and Magners cider on tap, and there was traditional Irish music being played by a real band--and there's live music every night of the week. There was a slightly surly Irish bartender, whom I loved immediately. Â (He was so obviously unimpressed with some scantily clad ladies who came in who just didn't seem like his kind of patrons. Like I said, I loved him.) It's the best pub I've been to outside of Ireland. I liked it so much we spent my last hour in town there too--this time enjoying some delicious homemade potato chips. I'll have to go back to St. Louis some day to get the Guinness stew and sit out on the patio. Can't wait, honestly! This is a kick-ass bar.
The only down side is weekend nights when the place is apparently packed full of d-bags.
I've been here twice now and each time I've loved the out door seating. Â They have a beautiful waterfall and if it happens to rain there is a covered section to help.
The one thing I did not like is they do not have french fries. Â I'm a big FF fan and even though they did have the home made potato chip version, I was really wanting some FF.
I had a hamburger that was really super good. Â It was the perfect size and it was made perfectly. Â Juicy and moist yet not so red it would make you sick!
Inside the bar they had live Irish music and from what I understand is they bring these bands over from Ireland and let them stay for a period of time while they perform. Â How awesome is that.
I could see having a fun party there with friends and family. Â
Thanks McGurks for being original and fun!
So we walk in the front door of John D McGurk's and it is so dark i can barely see, funny though i kinda liked it. Â Then you make your way to the back of the restaurant, out the back door to a beautiful patio! Â There were several different options of where you could sit, we chose the bar in the back that is covered (most crowded too). Â The atmosphere outside is lovely. Â
I asked the bartender if there were any  happy hour specials, cause I like that and she told me there was not, I could order whatever I wanted.  I was a little disappointed, but ordered a Harp draft beer in a pint glass.  Neither the beer or the glass were cold...and the cost was 4.75!!!  Is that high?  My friends margherita was 5.25...  We ordered toasted ravioli to share and it could of come from a box and the sauce from a can...somehow I expected that.
We went there for the atmosphere, of course we were not disappointed. Â Given the choice again, I dont think I would go back. Â I would if it was to meet someone that was already there. Â There are other places with nice patios, happy hour specials, better drink prices and better food.
If your looking for a nice place to eat weather it's lunch or dinner, then check out McGurks Irish pub and garden. Â I started eating year several years ago, and to this day I still have yet to have a bad experience there..
When you think of "pub" food quick staples comes to mind, but at McGurks the menu is far more extensive than you think. Â with appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches and a large selection of dinner entrees, you will find something on the menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
I have yet to expand my horizons here further past the burger selection, Â however I must say that it is a rather tasty burger with many choices of condiments and extra additions such as cheese, bacon, and side dishes.
for an extra special dining experience be sure to ask to sit on the patio, its covered and full of delightful flowers, trees and even a pond with some  Koi happily swimming around.
This place combines two of my favorite things: beer and koi ponds. I mean, the beer is kept separate from the koi, but...ya know....anyway.
One time I went here I in a huge birthday party bus group and since this stop was second to last on the stops list, I was so drunk I could hardly stand, but as I hazily recall, everyone was still super nice to us. And if you can be nice to two dozen obnoxious people in matching b-day t-shirts, you're a damn saint.
I went there once not quite as drunk, and the food was pretty good. Not the best fish and chips and bread pudding I've ever had, but good enough that I'd eat here again.
Seriously pretty patio. KOI POND.
Why don't I go here more often? That needs to be remedied. Oh, I know - if I win Taste of Soulard tickets for making this review, then I'll have a good excuse to stop by again. Hooray!
Hands down one of the best bars in Saint Louis and probably the spot to be in Soulard for any occassion. Â I've been here for family outings, before wedding receptions, on Mardi Gras, late nights, and just because days. Â The place is an all-around bar and restaurant. Â
5 bars (2 outside 3 inside) make sure you are kept well lubricated. Plenty of seating, a beautiful patio that, depending on the season is covered or open make make the location ready for just about anything. The bar staff and wait staff are always nice and professional.
I guess what keeps me coming back is all of the great times my friends and I have had. Â If it is going to be a good night, it is going to be a McGurk's night. Â
The food is excellent. Â The Fish and Chips is great, the burgers are excellent and the toasted ravioli's are probably the best off the hill. Â The place draws all sorts of people, and maybe that is why it is such a great bar. Â McGurk's has something for everyone. Â The Irish musical talent they bring in is very enjoyable inside. Â Also, I love how I can get a cigar here as well. Â
When I lived in Soulard this is where my friends would all want to go. Â And since I was 4 blocks away I would always oblige them. Â You can't have it any better then here.
What can be said about McGurk's that hasn't been said before?!?! I mean I like this place. This was actually the first Irish Bar I visited when I moved to STL last year! I remember enjoying the people the atmosphere and most importantly, I remember enjoying the beer!
I recently went to grab a bite to eat and grab a few beers with my friend! We had great service and of course the food was delicious! I always go and think I want to order the wings, but then I never do! They smell so good, but I always end up ordering something safe....maybe next time.
I enjoy the live music and I love the bartenders! Thank you for making ME feel special when I am at the bar! That's talent.
As for the restaurant itself, I have never eaten inside as I always enjoy the patio since it is so large and inviting! The waterfall, the flowers, the "garden" look! I love it. Maybe now that it has gotten colder I will need to retreat inside, but the patio is where it's at.
Okay, so I found my new favorite bar in St Louis.
Seems weird to say that about a bar that I was only at long enough last Saturday night to enjoy one pint of Guinness, but here I am saying it. I think I'm in love, but time will tell whether this is the real thing or just bar lust.
A friend had invited me to meet her here, and I walked in having done pretty much no research on the place...a rarity for me. Let me tell you, I was INSTANTLY smiling as soon as I crossed the threshold. Everywhere I looked there were groups of friends smiling and hugging and laughing loudly at their booths. A band played uptempo Irish music that reminded me of that wedding scene at the beginning of Braveheart. The good vibes were palpable.
As I sipped my Guinness I went exploring, and was shocked at how much space there was on the inside. Then I got to the beer garden...the glorious, sublime beer garden. I think I said "wow" out loud at least 5 times as I made my way through it taking in my surroundings. So much space! Two huge bars with TVs! A waterfall and koi pond! And it's only a mile from my place! =D
I would make out with this bar if I could, but I'd settle for shaking the owner's hand if I ever get the privilige.
This year I went to JDMIP to avoid my usual foray into the zombie mass of drunkards in Dogtown for two reasons. I didn't plan on getting smashed, and I was craving some corned beef and cabbage. My first thought, JDMIP's!
They had the street next door blocked off and had a bar outside. We were lucky enough to score a table inside the covered patio. The waitress was quick with the drinks and food which was nice considering how packed the place was. They were offering a limited drink menu, which made sense to me.
But, I am giving this review only 2 stars because of the quality of the corned beef. corned beef and cabbage might not mean much any other day, but on this day it means a lot to me. Esp since I went there for that reason! We got the dinner plate to share because you got beef, cabbage, carrots, and bread.
The corned beef was SO GROSS. It was the worst I've ever had. It was beyond salty and was just like these two big hunks of flavorless meat slapped on five little pieces of potatoes and carrots. There were also fat chunks. I could barely eat but maybe three bites. The cabbage was also in huge chunks and had no flavor at all. It was very very disappointing for being known as such an iconic Irish restaurant in Saint Louis.
Inside, McGurk's is like a true Irish Pub, except the customers are mostly American. Â Unlike most Irish pubs in St. Louis, the owner flies musicians in directly from Ireland and puts them up in his digs next door. Â They know how to poor a pint of Guiness (most bars in the STL don't) and you can usually find "Lucky" (the token Irishman) behind the bar. Â
The crowd is pretty vanilla (yes, that means white). It seems that county folk will venture into the hood in droves, to visit McGurk's (Soulard is pretty safe and has their own security force, as well as, a solid police presence, but we still have scaredie-cats out there).
Inside the restaurant, it looks like a pub. The restaurant is centered around one of three bars. Â There are brick walls and archways everywhere. Â The restaurant is filled with Irish music, Guinness drinkers galore, and an occasional drunken Yank giving their best attempt to demonstrate an Irish jig.
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Outside is an entirely different environment. Â They have a massive garden patio in the back. Â It's one of the nicest beer gardens in town that includes a pond with waterfall, two bars, and beautiful landscaping. Â During the day, it's a great environment for an outdoor lunch, at night the patio is filled up with lots of young hotties on the prowl. Â The patio is covered, heated, and enclosed in the winter.
The menu offers a variety of Irish and American faves. Â They are known for their fish and for their Irish stew. Â I personally recommend the mushrooms... awesome! Â Nothing on the menu is bad. Â Some of the entrees are pricy. Â But, if you are on a budget, they have a great sandwich and salad menu that will not disappoint.
McBummer.
Came here for a nice, family dinner at 7PM on a Saturday. Â It was my dad's 60th birthday and we thought it would be a nice place to dine, and then later have cocktails with the extended family (who would join after we ate).
Sounded simple enough, right?
Eh.
We were seated in the back bar area, like right next to the bar. Â It was awkward. Â There were lots of people standing around, loud people. Drunk people. Celebrating someone's 30th birthday. Â Nothing wrong with that (except, well, it's only 7PM people! - but I digress).
It was a very uncomfortable place to eat dinner with my parents and boyfriend, but we didn't ask to be moved because the whole place looked too crowded.
I must be eating too much Sriracha on my meals, because the sandwich I ordered was bland as hell. Â The maple-spiced pork loin sandwich SOUNDED really good, but what came out appeared to be something I'd make with leftovers from last night's dinner. That's kind of how it tasted, too. Â I was disappointed, though my boyfriend and Dad were quite pleased with their steaks. Mom said her burger was good, too.
We remained here as the night went on, and as time passed the place got more and more crowded, younger, drunker, and sluttier. Â Not really the "Irish Pub" I think my Mom had in mind when she made the reservations. Â The second hand smoke was disgusting too (but I live in Chicago, where there isn't any smoke in any bars). Â
I can't say this place is ENTIRELY bad, because I recall coming here in the past and enjoying a nice, early dinner (or late lunch?) on the patio. Â
If you're not a 22 year old single white college student lookin' to hook up, you might want to stay away from here after 9PM.
Most people come to McGurks to drink. A lot. On any given night during the colder months you can find people here bellied up to one of the three indoor bars, indulging in what appears to be their third or fourth drink of the night (and that's being generous!). In the summertime, it gets even busier here, as the gorgeous outdoor patio regularly draws a sustainable crowd.
What many don't know about McGurk's is that their food is also pretty darn good! I discovered their spinach and artichoke t-rav's several years ago here while trying to sober up/eat in the middle of a Soulard bar crawl. Why was I trying to sober up at McGurks, I dunno! Regardless, the food is good! Sometimes I come here just to eat - and maybe have a beer ;)
The traditional Irish music adds to the character of McGurk's for sure! If you are coming here for the first time, you can't help but to get up and dance a jig in excitement! And if you ask real nice, some of the regulars will get up and join you!
Good eats, good peeps, good drinks. I like it!
I'm almost reticent to ask, but does a better beer garden than McGurk's even exist? Anywhere?
Whether I'm craving a liquid lunch or a low-key evening out, McGurk's is my go-to pub in St. Louis. They do reubens and fish and chips well, hell, even the most discriminating Irish lad would be proud. And the live music-- the bands actually hail from Ireland and if you stick around late enough, you may find yourself in a battle of shots type o'war. Proceed with caution ;)
The service can be spotty... I lounged in the beer garden this past Friday afternoon and the late lunch rush left us waiting... and waiting... but 9/10 times, I'm a happy, full and sometimes tipsy girl.
Lots of good beer on draught. And did I mention the beautifully landscaped beer garden? Come, sit and tip back a perfect pour of Guinness with me... on that note, I may be heading there right now!
McGurk's has one of the best patios I've ever met. Â It's big, multi-tiered, and well-landscaped with lots of fountains, plants, and small birds swooping down literally at your feet to snatch up your dropped chips.
My reuben was alright - I've had better, and I've definitely had worse. Â It mostly just needed more sauerkraut. Â
I do get annoyed when places charge $8-10 for an average sandwich and tell you that you're getting potato chips unless you pay an extra $2 to upgrade to mashed potatoes. Â Lame. Â Granted, these are apparently housemade "Irish" chips, but I would have much preferred fries. Â
I didn't set foot inside (due to the very convenient restrooms for the patio) but I liked the outdoor atmosphere enough to offset the minor annoyances of potato chips and insufficient sauerkraut.