I really do want to like this place, but my experiences there have been pretty sub-par. I've been there three times. The first two were unremarkable, and my most recent visit was pretty aggravating.
I like the bar decor, and the BBQ guy, Greg is awesome. I wish he were the bartender. Unfortunately, we were served by a blonde woman that seemed either drunk, or just really, really bad at bar-tending. The bar has never been full of people, and my visit today was no different, but it took FOREVER to get a drink. The bartender seemed more interested in chatting with her friends than welcoming new patrons, as pretty much everything she did favored those she knew already. She served an entire group of people that walked in after I had been waiting for over 5 minutes while she chatted, before getting to me. On top of being last on her list of priorities, she was kind of rude. She told my friend that is 30 that he looked 17. If she meant it as a compliment, it failed, because she certainly didn't make him feel very good.
I was willing to give it a shot (thus my three visits), but it is just like any other Alameda dive. As soon as the interior ages a bit, it will be indistinguishable from The Lemon Tree, John Patrick's, or the Shamrock -- a neighborhood watering hole full of aging alcoholics and completely repulsive bartenders. Service is something too many Alameda bars have no interest in; Welcome Swell to the club. Â I'll continue heading to Forbidden Island (across the street from Swell), and Lost Weekend to get my kicks.
The Forbidden Island up the street was full so we ended up here for the night. Â Pretty cool bar. Â They had a couple bar games to play - darts and a nautical themed rope and pulley type game the guys couldn't stop playing. Â Good drinks, cool atmosphere and decor. Â Would come here again.
Review Source:I recently moved to the Island and this is my favorite local bar! Â McGrath's got an amazing makeover from a dingy dive bar to detail oriented nautical theme bar with friendly bartenders, free Sunday BBQ, drink specials, awesome DJ's, Bingo, a sunny back patio, and a chill crowd of regulars, sailors, and fun people just wanting to have a drink without any attitude. Â Every time I pop in, it seems like the owners have added another little touch to the decor as well.... Love it!
Review Source:This little bar is awesome. It has a surfer theme and is tucked away from Alameda's main drag. The bartender is attentive and the drinks aren't too expensive. My friend was DJing here so I came out to support her. I was surprised at the chill vibe here.
They have cider too so that makes me happy. It's one of the few drinks I actually enjoy. They also have different theme nights so depending on when you stop in, music can be hit or miss. I will definitely be back, especially if I'm in the area.
Swell is a great place for friends old and new to come hang out play a game of Drinko on Monday nights, Trivia on Thursday nights and even though it says not a good place for dancing.... I feel that is untrue !! I've spent a fare share of Friday and Saturday nights plus the last Thursday of the month dancing up a storm to rockabilly, honky tonk, punk, new wave, 80's, heck even some good soul and oldies!! I love Swell Bar... I just can't get enough!!
Review Source:swell is a Swell Bar.
flatscreen: old movies & sports or  ?
venue: various themed nights....rock on weekends.
on draught::
-literally sat next to a dog(yorkshire terrier) who gave me a smell test and went back to sleep(guess i passed).
-happy hours are rare (11 a.m.-1 on what day?)
-guinness (4), almost perfect, gin & tonic (3) in a sierra nevada glass. my guess normal pricing.
-place revamped, doesn't look like a construction zone anymores
-patio opened in back where smoking is ok.
-attentive bartender (who likes tips) and friendly patrons.
-parking not that difficult.
-a few microbrews  and very reasonable (cheap) pricing for alameda.
Cool neighborhood spot...
I used to frequent this place back when I lived (literally) around the corner, and it was run by an Englishman named Pete. For years this place was called McGrath's Irish Pub. It had a somewhat older crowd, live music acts, and was a neighborhood dive bar if there ever was one...
The new owners have really cleaned the place up. I love the back patio, and the topless mermaids that grace the walls are fun to look at. A lot of the faces are still familiar, including some of the bartenders. Good drinks at fair prices. Wish my neighborhood had a bar like this...
I love how this bar is just a couple blocks away from our home. It's a cool little quiet bar. Their drinks are fairly priced. They have two dart boards, jukebox with ok selection and a back area for outside drinking or smoking that closes before midnight so as not to piss off neighbors. I love the sailor theme they have going most of all.
Review Source:One of my favorite haunts in Alameda! Â
Formerly McGrath's Irish Pub:
<a href="http://www.yelp.ie/biz/mcgraths-irish-pub-alameda">http://www.yelp.ie/biz/m…</a>
The new owners have done a great job fixing up the place. Â The back patio rocks!
Drinks are reasonably price and made well.
Bartender's are efficient to get those drinks in your hand while still being friendly to everyone there. Â
The patron's are fun, cool, nice folks. Â Always a great conversation to join into.
Just a great place!
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