Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill

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Address:
9853 US HWY 20
Galena, IL 61036

Neighborhood:
Galena

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Cuisine:
American

Price: $30 and under

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Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.theirishcottageboutiquehotel.com/pub.asp
Email: info@theirishcottage.com
Phone: (815) 776-0707
Hours of Operation: Lunch:

Friday-Sunday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Dinner:

Everyday 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: American, Irish
Executive Chef: Rusvel Martinez
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Fireplace, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Private Party Facilities: We offer a number of unique areas for private gatherings. Authentic Irish Pub, charming library, sophisticated lounge, spacious presidential suite and large banquet and meeting rooms are available. Let our professional staff prepare a customized menu sure to "wow" your friends, family or business associates. Full food and beverage options available.
Private Party Contact: Ann Cremer (815) 776-0707
Entertainment: The Pub offers great year round live entertainment. Every weekend, the Pub is energized with talented musicians performing live on stage. Each evening, performances are kicked off by traditional Irish dancers. There is no charge for the weekend entertainment. Call or visit www.theirishcottageboutiquehotel.com for complete schedule. During select times of the year, Frank O’Dowd’s hosts regionally and nationally recognized bands. The annual Keltic Koncert Series offers great live entertainment at a resonable rate. Discounted hotel packages available.

Getting there

Cross Street: HWY 20 (3/4 mi from Main Street)
Parking: Hotel Parking
Parking Details: Lots of free parking!

A word from Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every day at Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill. The Pub’s rich ornate interior, designed and handcrafted in Ireland, embraces an earlier time.

The menu includes American favorites mixed with several iconic Irish dishes. Start with an expanded… selection of appetizers. Meat and potato lovers will enjoy selecting entrees featuring fish, chicken and beef, while those seeking a taste of the “Old Sod” will delight in homemade Shepherd’s Pie or Hand Breaded Fish ‘N’ Chips. The menu also offers great salad and sandwich selections.

Enjoy a Keltic Kocktail, specialty Martini or Donegal Draft Delight from the Pub’s diverse drink menu. Choose from a extensive draught beer selection featuring Celtic favorites as well as, domestic craft brews. On weekend’s the Pub features live entertainment and traditional Irish Dancers.

Join us for a memorable experience and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every day! Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerMost Booked

Diner Reviews

"The atmosphere was very warm and charming. The food was average but the service was good."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"First off, the food is good. Service was good as well. You can put up signs and posters but that doesn't necessarily mean you've got an Irish pub. I expected to see more traditional Irish meals, drinks and specials on the menu. Where's the lamb stew? There was no corned beef and cabbage to be found. Yes, there was a corned beef sandwich which I ordered and it was very good, but I could get this at most sandwich shops. Where's the bread pudding for dessert? I ordered a black & tan and did not see the separation between the Guinness and the ale which should be really distinct with a good head of froth. Didn't stop me from drinking it, but it's the presentation and the vibe that's missing here. Oh, and how about some Irish music?"
Dined on 2/21/2014
"We ate at Frank O'Dowds and my fiance had the cheese burger with fries; I ordered the Irish Stew. Both were quite good. The old Irish bar atmosphere is fun and appealing. The dinner was enjoyable and reasonably priced. It was a nice alternative to the pricier and more upscale restaurants in Galena."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"This was a fun place to eat, the music and dancers made this a fun experience :) the waitstaff were nice and professional. My other half had the Shepherd Pie. I tried a couple bites and it was just ok, I had the stuffed chicken breast. It had no flavor, extremely bland. When we go back to the Galena area again, I would go for the fun and have a drink or two at the bar to watch the entertainment, but would have dinner somewhere else."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"We were looking for something different to do. Found this place on the internet. Great food, waitress was wonderful, the entertainment by the young girls was great. We stayed a bit for the live music. Nice oldies selection. Drinks were a little pricey, would have liked to sat at the bar and a had a few more, but the pocket book was broke. Glad we decided on this place for something out of the ordinary."
Dined on 1/25/2014
"My husband said if he couldn't take me to Ireland...Frank O'Dowds was the next best thing...and he was right. Good times!"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Frank O'Dowd's was a pleasant surprise wasn't sure what to expect. Food was good entertainment by Andres was a nice addition to the atmosphere."
Dined on 12/30/2013
"Frank O'Dowd's was the restaurant my husband and I chose for our first anniversary dinner and we had a great time. We started by having authentic cheese curds, which were delicious. Both of us ordered the gaelic steak--it was a New York strip, covered in a white wine and mushroom sauce. The meal came with mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, and a pretzel roll. When ordering, we mentioned my husband's food allergies and the waitress was courteous and careful with what she brought us after that, which was very helpful. We didn't wait too long for our food and the steak was one of the best I've ever had. The potatoes were smooth and rich and did not need salt, pepper, or gravy to be enjoyed. The entertainment was good and we enjoyed our night."
Dined on 12/29/2013
"Very nice pub feel with dark woodwork and beautiful bar. Food was great and HOT which is often a restaurants failing. Entertaining Irish cloggers stage show added to the pub feel, then relaxing after dinner ballad singer and Irish coffee ended our relaxing evening. Nice casual atmosphere."
Dined on 12/13/2013
"Owners very nice. Staff was a mixed bag, some nice some rude. Some if the food was very good, some not so good."
Dined on 11/29/2013
"great bar, beautiful place, very "authentic" Irish look for someone who has not been to Ireland. Very nice staff, live entertainment. Fun night out."
Dined on 11/23/2013
"Great food, great service, great drinks, great fun. You can't go wrong with this amazing pub!"
Dined on 11/23/2013
"Food was very good I would recommend to eat there the bar entertainment on the week end was great and lively and we are not Irish. but we had a great time. Breakfast was a different way to have a buffet they give you your plate, and tell you what they are serving for breakfast, not standing in a line and you can ask for as much as you would like. very unusal buffet. experience. the food was very outstanding too."
Dined on 11/16/2013
"My sister and I were spending a weekend in Galena and decided to try Frank O'Dowd's Restaurant just minutes outside Galena. Between 6:30-7:30 PM every Friday and Saturday, they have Irish Dancers. These adorable (aged 15-22) young women are fully attired in Irish dancing garb and really know their routines well. They danced beautifully together and apart. We enjoyed their costumes, the music and their well-rehearsed steps. We then were entertained by a young man (Sam) on the piano playing popular oldies. He also was talented both in voice and instrument. The food was excellent--we both had the chicken kabobs--and very reasonable prices. Waitress was friendly and quick. We really enjoyed our evening there and will return."
Dined on 11/9/2013
"We booked the Anniversary package and stayed two nights in a suite overlooking the valley, beautiful room and view. Had breakfast at Frank's O'Dowd's Bar and Grill on Saturday and Sunday morning and Saturday night dinner. All the food was delicious!!! The Irish Dancers were great to top off the Saturday evening at Frank's."
Dined on 11/2/2013
"The fish and chips were excellent as was the salmon. Had cheese curds for appetizer and enjoyed them with delicious mixed drinks. My first experience with using Open Table. I had requested a table close to the stage if possible and we were pleased with the table we had. Enjoyed the Irish Dancers entertainment."
Dined on 10/26/2013
"The corned beef was excellent!! The beer delicious. What made the evening very memorable was the entertainment. An Irish singer singing Irish folk songs!! It was so much fun!!"
Dined on 10/25/2013
"Warem cozy, great service , great menu, good portions, excellent entertainment... great deserts."
Dined on 10/27/2013
"For traditional Irish Pub, the Irish Cottage,has to be at the top of the list, Great Irish Dishes as well as great regular fare. The pub is a step into a pub in Dublin. The waitstaff are friendly, courteous and helpful. The entertainment on weekends is outstanding and the Irish dancers are a must see.Truly a the place to go!"
Dined on 10/26/2013
"If you are Irish or just want to be for the night, go or run to Frank O'Dowd's. They have traditional Irish fair along with great mid-west steaks and salads. A treat for anyone!!"
Dined on 10/20/2013
"My husband and I had a great time, waitress, food, and AWESOME entertainment! This was the first time we visited your pub/grill. We loved our table to see the wonderful talented Irish dancers perform too. I like that you can reserve a table on line ahead of time. Our waitress Amber, she did an excellent job taking care of us and we really enjoyed our evening. Thank you! Keep up the great work! Hats off to you and your staff!"
Dined on 10/6/2013
"Appetizers were great. Main courses were average and lacked anything special. Live entertainment (katie and brownie) were very good. Prices were a little high for the average tasting food."
Dined on 9/28/2013
"We were on a girls weekend. Good food and fun entertainment. Katie & Brownie are great! You would think you are in an Irish Pub in Dublin!!! Can't wait to return!"
Dined on 9/28/2013
"Good food - I had the shepherds pie, very tasty and my sister had the fish & chips which was delicious! How nice to be in an Irish pub that actually plays Irish music ... we'll definitely be back when in Galena next time."
Dined on 9/20/2013
"This restaurant was fantastic! Friendly service, great food, cozy atmosphere, and fantastic Friday night entertainment. The only thing that I would have liked to see more of was the selection of food choices."
Dined on 8/31/2013
"Good flood and drinks. Great service, but the Music and fun will keep me coming back"
Dined on 8/31/2013
"It was my first time dining for supper at the Pub. The food was very bland, and not anything special. I don't think out of the appetizer or any of the meals that my table got had any kind of seasoning on it. The entertainment was very loud, so we really couldn't talk. The restaurant ambience was neat. The waitress kind of pushed our check on us since it was around 9:30 PM before we finished eating and she wanted to leave. However, the breakfast was delicious and we were surprised with the quality after having supper there the night before."
Dined on 8/24/2013
"We stopped at this place for dinner as we were staying at the connected boutique hotel. There was live music and the atmosphere was fun and enjoyable. We got the fish & chips and Reuben sandwich. I asked if the fish was cod fish and they assured me it was. Although after I got it, I'm not to sure that it was. The food was still good and we had an enjoyable time."
Dined on 8/17/2013
"We had even more fun than we hoped for. The menu offered a great variety. Our meals were delicious. All staff members were pleasant and knowledgeable. The Irish dancers were darling and the evening's entertainment were talented and so funny. We won't go anyplace else the next time we're in Galena."
Dined on 8/10/2013
"Go to Frank 'O Dowd's for great food, drinks and entertainment."
Dined on 7/27/2013
"We went for the live music. We had dinner as well. It's good bar food, friendly staff."
Dined on 7/13/2013
"we had a fine dinner. I thought it was all a little expensive. food was good enough though. irish dancers were an added bonus. we did enjoy the ambience."
Dined on 6/30/2013
"I would recommend this place to a friend and hope that they got a better waitress. Our waitress took our order and we never saw her again until she brought the check. We had to ask for refills and when we asked for ketchup, it never appeared. I got up and got it myself because I could see where they kept it. When we received our check, she had overcharged us for all of our meals because we had all ordered off the specials menu. She apologized and changed it, but I have no doubt it had happened to every table before us. They do not have a hostess so when we walked in we had to wait for someone to notice us. It did not take long. The food and atmosphere were good, so I do hope the waitress we got was a fluke."
Dined on 6/23/2013
"We had a wonderful meal and enjoyed the Irish dancers and live music. Our waitress Amanda Meidl was fantastic, courteous, efficient and very friendly. She certainly helped make our evening more enjoyable and you could tell she loves her job. Food was excellent and service impeccable."
Dined on 6/8/2013
"We went to this restuant mostly to see the Irish Dancers but had dinner first. Food was good, basic. Fish and Chips and Shepards pie. Dancers were very goood!!"
Dined on 6/1/2013
"My wife and I had a romantic getaway planned,and I made all the right choices staying at the irish Cottage Hotel, from the lodging to the restaurant. Being a devout Irishman, I found the whole experience at the Irish Cottage and Frank O'Dowd's to be just what we wanted, it was awesome!!. And when my wife is happy then so am I. Thanks for the memories."
Dined on 5/29/2013
"Loved the evening entertainment! Irish dancers started off the evening, then a wonderful singer-storyteller performed for hours... Audience participation encouraged, but not forced on you. Good fun!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
"My mom, sister, young nieces & young daughter were on a girl's weekend and found Frank's online. My mom, sister & I love fish & always try to find a good fish spot whenever we go somewhere so we thought we would try Frank's. Very glad we did because it was the best restaurant we have experienced on a trip in a long time. I will definately go there again if I am in Galena. The kids had chicken strips & said they were the best they had ever had."
Dined on 5/3/2013
"Came to Galena for a relaxing weekend. Stayed at the Irish Cottage Hotel and was I glad that Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill was inside the building! EXCELLENT food and really nicely decorated. Beer was also excellent. Had the Gaelic Steak and it was done to perfection with a great irish whiskey cream sauce. Had planned to try several restaurants in the area but honestly, with the quality at Frank O'Dowd's why bother! Will definitely go back and stay where I did and eat a Frank's again!"
Dined on 5/3/2013
"Had a great time...my Mother was celebrating her 85th birthday and everyone was very wecoming! Our waitress brought out a desert with a candle and everyone sang to her...very special. Thanks. Entertinment was great as well as the food."
Dined on 4/18/2013

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