O'donnell's 1923 Pub & Grill

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  My wife and I grew up in Gloucester and this was always a good place to dine.  We came back today and found out its now a GREAT place to eat.  It's seems so much bigger with the renovations and food, service, and price were all top notch.  Louie and our server Colin couldn't been more attentive and we'll be passing this info to all friends and family.

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  Posted on 04.13.12 Michael H.

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  If you remember the old,  you ll love the new,  food always good,  nice size.,  new bar layout makes you feel more comfortable

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  Posted on 01.01.12 Daniel H.

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  Completely renovated inside. Open layout, so it is a bar atmosphere in the restaurant section. The food was very good, and the staff was very friendly. The service was extremely fast, granted we were literally the only people there to eat. The new O'Donnell's is definitely worth checking out.

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  Posted on 03.29.11 Todd R.

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  I'm giving the newly re-opened O'Donnell's 4 stars, but based on a Happy Hour experience.  I cannot speak for the food (I am also not sure if the cod in the previous review is still available under the new ownership.  I will report back.  I never had the cod in the previous review, which I probably would have liked. )
  
  I was in the old O'Donnell's too many times to count, mostly for private room events.  It was drab, desperate for a face lift, with blah food.  That is actually an understatement, but once again I'm being nice.  (Get over it; I was raised in the South.)
  
  I'm quite happy with the new renovations.  The only thing they kept was the old piano (and I like old stuff, plus I like pianos, so they scored some points with me.)  The layout is way better, and the bartender was quite nice.
  
  So, when it boils down to it, it is a Jersey bar.  But I believe in context (a small Jersey town loaded with dive bars) this place deserves 4 stars. It is a pleasant experience.  I hope the new owner does well with the business.  Of the Gloucester City bars, I would choose this place second to Max's.

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  Posted on 01.15.10 Lana F.

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  This is actually a rinky dink place which reminded me of being at a marina.  It brings back some good memories though...my boss, of late, loved this place.  I remember the first time I went there I thought it was going to be terrible (nothing like judging a book by its cover!)  Just the exterior and the city that it is in is somewhat rundown.  He insisted on me trying the cod (oh boy I thought now i have to try something that sounds stupid...and was thinking why couldn't they have lobster (so call me spoiled).  We went out to lunch alot and this was one of the first of many lunches for years.
  
  When we first went in, a much older hostess gave him (Lou) a big smile and said "Louie - good to see you" and seated us right away.  The waitress (much older as well) was over within seconds with ice water and said "the usual lunch Mr. K"? and he said "yes, two".  
  
  Well, I vividly remember sitting there with him at a booth with wood seats and a paper placemat thinking if I don't like it i'm not gonna eat it.  It's kind of a dark place and older looking - nothing special.  
  
  Well, let me tell you, let me tell you (just making sure you're reading all of this) the Cod was scrumptious...light, flaky and a melt in your mouth, flavorful piece of fish cooked perfectly with a little butter dripping on the top.  The fries were chunky wedges and there was a side of coleslaw.  The waitresses were so attentive, and they doted on him.  Now here was a man that was worth millions and he loved these little down home type places with real people, sincere kindness and a quiet sort of atmosphere.  
  
  I thought about this place tonight because when I was grocery shopping with my son he pointed it out and said "mom, what's cod?  and I ended up telling him the story and said i won't buy it at the store but I will take you to a little place called O'Donnell's and I think you'll love it.....
  
  I think you would love it too & don't judge the book by it's cover as this is a tiny little place in a nowhere town that is fabulous.

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  Posted on 11.11.08 Joanne V.

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