#129 of 131 Pensacola Beach Restaurants

O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown

O'Riley's Irish Pub – Homey Pub With a Lively Atmosphere
Local Expert's Rating:
4 / 5
The Bottom Line:

O'Riley's Irish Pub is popular among locals and tourists thanks to its fun, lively atmosphere, mouthwatering food, and good vibes. It's a great place to hang out with friends, go on a relaxed date, watch the big game, or play a game of darts or billiards of your own while enjoying a craft beer or cocktail. 

- The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team

When it comes to Irish pubs, you’ve got a few options in Pensacola. But O’Riley’s Irish Pub ticks all the boxes: great atmosphere, excellent food, darts and pool tables, and a convenient location in downtown Pensacola. Thanks to these factors, O’Riley’s Irish Pub is a repeat favorite among locals and tourists alike. 

There’s always something happening at this friendly pub, whether it’s trivia night, game day, or rollicking St. Patrick’s Day events. O’Riley’s Irish Pub has been around for over 40 years, and in that time they’ve gotten to know their customers and perfected their American-Irish menu of favorites. Whether you stop in for dinner and a craft beer with friends, go on a relaxed date to hang out over a game of darts or a few cocktails, or come for trivia night, chances are good you’ll end up planning a return visit. 

It’s easy to watch the game at O’Riley’s Irish Pub, thanks to the huge flat-screen HDTV screens. An outdoor eating area provides a great place to people-watch, whereas the game room–with plenty of space for darts or billiards–offers a fun escape. Plus, the food and drinks are top-notch, whether you’re in the mood for bangers & mash or a classic burger. 

Some of our favorite menu items at O’Riley’s Irish Pub include:

Craft Beers
You’ll find over 30 beer options on the menu, including craft beers from near and far: Sir Richard’s King’s Lager from the Pensacola Brewing Company, Big Wave from the Kona Brewing Company in Hawaii, or Last Snow from the Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, Florida. The unique list of beers, IPAs, and draft selections includes something for everyone, whether you want to try out a hyper-local option or grab a familiar favorite. 

Bangers & Mash 
An Irish pub favorite, O’Riley’s Irish Pub bangers & mash is spot on. The classic Irish sausages are served with homemade, skin-on mashed potatoes and smothered in house-made brown gravy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more savory, hearty option to fill up your tank after a long day of enjoying Pensacola. 

Shepherd’s Pie 
The shepherd’s pie is another local favorite that packs a hearty punch. Slow-braised lamb and steak pairs effortlessly with caramelized onions, peas, and carrots, then topped with a creamy garlic potato mash and melted sharp cheddar cheese. The flavors are always on-point and satisfying in this classic dish, which is served up piping hot and fresh every time. 

Burgers
The quality of the meat and the sheer volume of topping options make the burgers here a no-brainer. Every burger is cooked to order and starts with a half-pound certified Angus beef patty. Choose from your favorite toppings: Gouda cheese, pepper jack, bacon, sauteed mushrooms, frizzled onions, a pineapple ring, and a slew of fresh sauces are just a few of your options. 

Salads
If you’re looking for a lighter menu option, the salads served up at O’Riley’s Irish Pub are reliably fresh and crunchy, thoughtfully combining flavors in a way you’ll appreciate. Whether you’re a Caesar salad fan or you want something a little heartier like a steak or cobb salad, you’ll find it here–and chances are good you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of salad, dressing, and other accouterments. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to most salads if desired. 

Location 
O’Riley’s Irish Pub is located in downtown Pensacola on Palafox Street. It’s a block away from the Bayfront and across the street from Plaza Ferdinand VII. 

Insider Tips:
-Love a good game of Bingo? O’Riley’s hosts Bingo Night every Tuesday starting at 8 pm. 
-O’Riley’s Irish Pub has two bars and two floors: one upstairs, one down. The game room with pool table, darts, and XL Jenga game is downstairs. 
-Ask for sidewalk seating if you want to enjoy some fresh air and people-watching.