O'Briens Irish Pub

Updating because I stopped in here tonight purely out of desperation.  This plaza was our final stop of a night filled with hopping from bar to bar.  Our original destination was Flight, which was closed.  Hungry and not wanting to drive any further, we opted to hit up O'Briens for some grub. I ordered the BANGERS AND MASH HOAGIE and La CHICA got the potato skins.  The sammich was plenty big for two people to split.  Plus, it came with 700 lbs. of fries.  Delicious, thick-cut, steak fries!  The sausage was nice and mild and tossed in a bun with various types of bell peppers, onions and provolone cheese.  We took down the sammich and skins with a $6 pitcher of Bud Select.

I was at O'briens (Carrollwood) twice in the past 3 weeks. I will NOT be going back. Almost all of the bartenders smoke cigars. The problem is they pick it up and play with it rolling their fingers through their saliva on the end of the cigar. They then set it down and make your drink. They repeat this process ALL night long. I also observed the wait staff coming out to smoke. When they are done smoking they go inside and take your order and serve your food and NEVER wash their hands. Again I observed this through out the night. I'm waiting for the night that they appear on "DIRTY DINING". If you like your food and drinks tasting like cigars and cigarettes this place is for you. I also had a corned beef sandwich there and it was terrible. If you want a good corned beef sandwich go to Jason's Deli.

My old college haunt outgrew itself and moved to this location. A bit of it's charm lost, it now resembles a large Wal-Mart or Disney of "Irish" bars now. Still, the live music is a great time, and the same ole staff is somewhat reassuring. Still feels like home seeing familiar faces, but kinda miss the old shit hole it used to be. At least I have my memories!