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  2. United States
  3. New York / Tri-State Area
  4. New Jersey - Central
  5. Keyport

McDonagh's Pub

3.5
3.5
180 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Located in the Heart of Downtown Historic Keyport in a turn-of-the-century brick building near the bay, McDonagh's pub combines Old-World charm with modern hip cuisine. We offer an amazing menu of Irish Fare, bistro-style salads, home-made awesome soups, signature sandwiches, wraps, sautés, thin-crust pizza, fabulous fish and chips, daily specials and over 70 beers and lagers!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American, Irish, Continental

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (732) 264-0999

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Catering

    McDonagh's Pub catering offers a wide range of menus that can be custom-made to suit your needs. Please call us with any questions you may have.

  • Private party facilities

    McDonagh's Pub is a fun, hip and friendly place that offers...GREAT FOOD, GREAT DRINK AND GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! We do a custom menu for each party to be sure to suit the requests of our customers. We host Holiday Parties, Christenings, Birthdays, Victory Parties, Engagements, Anniversaries, etc. If you would like more information in regards to letting McDonagh's Pub host your next function, please call us so we can answer any questions you may have.

  • Private party contact

    Ken Lawlor: (732) 264-0999 ext. 5

  • Neighborhood

    Keyport

  • Cross street

    Broad Street

  • Parking details

    Our private parking lot is located next to the pub for your convenience. Please drive to the back of the municipal parking lot to enter the lot.

  • Public transit

    Hazlet and Matawan Train stations are located within a few miles from the Pub. Also, there is a bus stop in front of the Pub on West Front Street.

  • Entertainment

    We offer amazing live music from Irish Folk to Rock and Roll on the weekends and cool acoustic tunes in the bar on the weeknights. Come out on Monday's for Bingo, Tuesdays for Karaoke night, and Wednesdays for Trivia!

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 180 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.5
3.5 based on recent ratings
  • 3.3Food
  • 3.3Service
  • 3.5Ambience
  • 3.5Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. LastminuteDinner

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall3food1service3ambience1
    We had ordered a vodka pie and fried cauliflower and French onion soup. The food was interesting to put it nicely. It felt ouke a strange fusion of different countries, the pie has a seasme tasting overbaked crust. The French Onion soup left something to be desired, the top of the cheese, the best part!, was covered in frazzled onions and unrecognizable. The fried Cauliflower was my favorite part of the evening, we has the garlic parm and it was actually pretty good. Service was curious and came to check on us once, however once my drink was gone it sat empty for a while before seeing him again. I probably wouldn't go again.
  2. RobF

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    I've been to McDonagh's before. I've had good service, food, and drinks. This visit I struck out on all 3. It was not a good night for Martini's, and it was Martini night. No Martini menu, so I ordered a Cosmo, simple enough. It was watered-down juice. The batter on the fish and chips was like rubber. I couldn't cut thru it. I just peeled it off and ate the fish. The other guests I was with didn't have a good experience either. There were signs all over that they were hiring. Perhaps it was due to inexperienced staff.
  3. suzie

    New York Area

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    There was no one to seat us. They only have high top tables , except for large groups. The waiter was friendly and helpful. My burger and fries were good, but my friend 's Reuben was dry and tasteless. The music was too loud during trivia. We could not hear ourselves talk. Trivia with Gentleman Jim was MUCH better!!
  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Bad rude stAff noisy crowded we had to walk out
  5. opinion8ter

    New York Area

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Pulled pork sandwich and burgers are delicious! Servers are attentive I went on Trivia Tuesday. So much fun! Four rounds, first three are multiple choice and forth is write in. There are bonuses each round Prizes awarded to top 3 teams. Tip, sit in the covered outside area because it is quieter than inside. Covered area is heated, has a bar and tables. Recommend this restaurant
  6. dgenovese

    Exclusive

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    A great Keyport spot! The Bavarian pretzel is outstanding. It's ginormous, soft, and salty served with beer cheese and honey mustard. The fish and chips was good. The fish was well cooked and crispy. I think it might be better with the house made chips rather than fries but it was good. The draft beer selection was extensive and we had a good few. Cool spot if you're hanging out in Keyport or at a pre concert dinner (10 minutes from PNC Arts Center) like we were.
  7. BeverlyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fast seating, fast service, value for your money!
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gathering of good friends celebrating life… 5 lung transplant patients .
  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service from Michael, our waiter, everything was great!
  10. GaryN

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and Sam was great. Good food and Guinness
  11. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lot of fun, and the band was a big plus. They were awesome.
  12. ROBERTG

    New York Area

    53 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The restaurant was fairly busy. We ordered drinks and a few apps. Got the drinks and waited about 20 -25 minutes and still no food. The waiter came over apologizing saying they gave our food to another table. Took probably another 10-15 min for the food…. Which was great by the way. In fairness to the waiter he was very apologetic and we know it’s tough getting help to fill all openings these days.
  13. craige

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    The service and food were good but a little expensive for 4 people for lunch with no alcohol ordered
  14. Staceysreview

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Atmosphere and food were delicious. Everyone was very friendly
  15. LynnK

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The create your own waffle station was amazing, would definitely go back for another!
  16. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall2food4service1ambience3
    The waitress was not attentive at all. She brought one of our parties food at the end when everybody else was finished. Totally inattentive, it was odd actually.
  17. JohnM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had such a good time, we stayed and listened to the band after dinner. It was a great evening and we will definitely be back !!!!
  18. StephanieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place was awesome!! Went to celebrate my sisters birthday. It was my family’s first time and it could not have been better. The service was excellent and the food was insanely great. We will defiantly be back!!
  19. StoutsInPA

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2020

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Visited for my wife’s 50th birthday dinner with her family. When I called to confirm the reservation three days before I was told that they were closing early that evening but it would not be a problem. 45 minutes before our reservation they contacted me and asked if we could come in earlier but everyone was already in route. Once we got to the restaurant they rushed us through our meal and were upset when we asked for coffee and desert to celebrate. The manager tried to make things right when he realized what was happening but the owner had come in and turned on the house lights and turned off the TV’s before we had even ordered desert. His actions made it clear that we should get out. We quickly finished up and left about 40 minutes before I was originally told the restaurant was closing that even.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were there for Irish New Year and you guys did not disappoint! Food was delish, atmosphere was perfect and our waiter was spot on. Thank you..
  21. LynneS

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Noise level was great, all sports on TV, but not blasting sound.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2019

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    food was very good but very loud and service is very slow and inattentive. They brought us our dessert and we still had most of our dinner dishes on our table.
  23. MaryM

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    BUT- depends on the occasion. Large family group, seated at long table. Food was good for a pub/bar, eclectic menu that satisfied all age groups. The "music act" that started around 5 pm was overwhelmingly loud (no further conversation possible). Probably better for a lunch, than an early family dinner.
  24. LAURAB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Monday night Burgers and Bingo was a lot of fun. Half priced delicious burgers and free silly bingo games with some nice prizes. Ten of us were there and had a lot of laughs.
  25. Eater

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible corned beef Rueben sandwich
  26. Shore

    Charleston

    53 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food with very large portions. Excellent service too. They had a trivia night going on that night, great fun
  27. TessieT

    Orlando

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    McDonough's was a delight. The weather was warm, so I sat on their quaint patio. I was there on a Fri and took advantage of their $5.99 weekday lunch. The $5.99 menu had LOTS of options. I understand they have live music many evenings as well. Definitely worth checking out.
  28. AlArbour

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Very good food, good service, great atmosphere. Arrived on a Monday night and found out it was Bingo night. Not great if you just want to sit and talk to your friend. Otherwise all good.
  29. DawnP

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2019

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food really tasty but the service was quite poor. Took nearly an hour to get our entrees and server was MIA most of that time.
  30. KeyportResident

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2019

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    I’ll be honest. I’ve come here for years and the last 3 times the service has been really bad. I made a reservation most recently and still had to track down a waiter when sitting outside. The atmosphere is great but, I’m going to stop suggesting going there with family and friends due to the service. Food is pretty good but most recently they were out of bud light on draft and corned beef for a Reuben Sandwich. That shouldn’t happen early on a Saturday night.
  31. PattyW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Everything was good. Sorry to see they no longer use the cards for free lunch.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Love McDonagh’s, Love Keyport❤️
  33. KevinH

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    It was okay- I wouldn't say great and I would say not so good, but with so many places to choose from in Monmouth County, we probably won't go back. My wife and I thought we would try something different, but it won't wind up on our "go to" list.
  34. Zhansi

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Great service. Victoria was delightful and attended our table fabulously. We had a little bday celebration and team marveled us by making it extra special.
  35. Shannon

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite places! Great food and wonderful outside seating area!
  36. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2019

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Used to be better. Seems like they’ve went for cheaper ingredients in their traditional menu items, such as Reuben egg rolls and shepherds pie.
  37. steveNhelen

    New York Area

    129 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Good burgers.
  38. steveNhelen

    New York Area

    129 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    129 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2019

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    It’s okay...this place is hit or miss.
  39. MayM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great neighborhood place. Live music, singer was great. Excellent food. Attentive service. Inside was a little warm, ventilation could be better. Food and service made up for it. Enjoyed outside seating at another visit. The burgers were delicious. Side of black and tan onion rings were a nice treat! Loved the fish and chips. Will visit again
  40. NeverlandBondMatt

    New York Area

    57 reviews

    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Father’s day dinner with my parents and our puppy. We come here every few weeks since they are dog friendly. The food, service and overall experience are great.

FAQs

McDonagh's Pub is rated 3.5 stars by 180 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today
Google Map for McDonagh's Pub

2 West Front Street, Keyport, NJ 07735

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Broad Street

  • Neighborhood

    Keyport

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    American, Irish, Continental

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Our private parking lot is located next to the pub for your convenience. Please drive to the back of the municipal parking lot to enter the lot.

  • Public transit

    Hazlet and Matawan Train stations are located within a few miles from the Pub. Also, there is a bus stop in front of the Pub on West Front Street.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Entertainment

    We offer amazing live music from Irish Folk to Rock and Roll on the weekends and cool acoustic tunes in the bar on the weeknights. Come out on Monday's for Bingo, Tuesdays for Karaoke night, and Wednesdays for Trivia!

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (732) 264-0999

  • Catering

    McDonagh's Pub catering offers a wide range of menus that can be custom-made to suit your needs. Please call us with any questions you may have.

  • Private party facilities

    McDonagh's Pub is a fun, hip and friendly place that offers...GREAT FOOD, GREAT DRINK AND GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! We do a custom menu for each party to be sure to suit the requests of our customers. We host Holiday Parties, Christenings, Birthdays, Victory Parties, Engagements, Anniversaries, etc. If you would like more information in regards to letting McDonagh's Pub host your next function, please call us so we can answer any questions you may have.

  • Private party contact

    Ken Lawlor: (732) 264-0999 ext. 5

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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