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P.J. O'Brien's
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 1 am
Thu-Sat 11:30 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for P.J. O'Brien's
Review Highlights
"So enjoy one of Toronto's AUTHENTIC Irish Pubs."
(in 9 reviews)
"Lots of good beer on tap."
(in 3 reviews)
"...boss had the lamb burger (medium rare) and he said this is..."
(in 3 reviews)
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Mariko M.
2/6/2012
My alma mater had an alumni event here. Yay Queen's !
Never heard about this place so I was excited to check it out tonight.
Tucked in, it's in a very unassuming location. I parked close to King Station and I'm not going to lie... I did get lost finding the place.
Servers were awesome here. The bar area was hella busy, but I didn't have to wait that long for the bartender to take my order. Food is your typical pub grub ... the calamari was delish; the spicy mayo that accompanied the calamari was a nice addition to the dish.
A good place to unwind after a long day at work.
A solid five stars. -
Review from Thom H.
1/21/2012
Come for a pint - but eat elsewhere. A pretty little pub with a great atmosphere. But the food: YUCK. Fish and chips look like they were pretty generic to begin with, but then it it seems like they got steamed after frying and the batter was very soggy. Crab cakes were the worst I've ever had. No hint of crab flavour and the texture was as like someone put soggy cardboard in a blender. I've had a few lunches here in years past and never had any complaints, but tonight the kitchen really sucked.
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Review from Ares X.
Toronto, ON
1/3/2012
My fish and chips were good, especially with a nice big glass of Stella.
Came with 2 nice pieces of fish with a great batter. Fries weren't salted though/soft.
However it was a little akward sitting at such a high bar (mainly when eating), and the price was a little on the high side.
Ill probably come back and try another one of the dishes (not a big pub person). -
Review from Eric L.
11/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
What kind of pub does not have chicken wings, interac, decent beer selection, or decent service? Why P.J. O'Brien's of course!
Went there after work with a couple of co-workers. We just wanted some chicken wings and beer. They bill themselves as an Irish pub, but there is really nothing Irish about it. As we walk in, we are told there are no seats left and if we would like to wait at the bar. However, there were 2 tables in the back and we needed to point that out to the dopey waitress.
We had a seat and we're given menus. The menu was limited to a few items, but what we wanted, and what most decent pubs offer was chicken wings and good selection of beer. This place had neither! I just expected more out of a pub.
I ordered a Guiness and a steak sandwich instead. The Guiness was great as allways , but the steak sandwich was horrible. I asked for medium rare, but the steak was well done. The bread was overly dry and krusty. The french fries were slightly warm and too salty.
Our service was quite slow, we had to wave down the waitress whenever we needed something. I'm a patient enough person, I understand things can get busy or understaffed, but the bar was not pack and there were a ton of staff all over.
When the time came to pay, I give her my debit card and she informed me that they don't debit and there was an ATM in the basement. This is were my blood starts boiling, this is a restaurant, not a bank, why do they do this. Of course we know the answer, they want to charge you 4$ for the banking fee. Fine, I took it out of her tip, but explained to her why I gave her a shitty tip. I usually never do this unless the place is very bad, and this time I had to. The best to them, but I will not be returning. -
Review from Heather M.
11/12/2010
I would give this place 3.5 stars. Staff are friendly, drinks are good, but appetizers are a little small and not overly amazing. However, I like the crowd that comes here- you've got a great mix of people between the ages of 25-70. Bathroom is also a tad small, but there is likely one that was elsewhere in the restaurant.
Side note: there was a somewhat crazy lady who kept harassing us for our table for a good 4 hours who kind of creeped us out, but the staff were nice enough to tell her to stop bugging us. Beyond her, it was enjoyable. -
Review from Jordan T.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2010
I have only been here twice, both times for drinks and no food. Both times I have found the service to be good. The prices are what you would expect (on the higher end but not out of line). The bartenders wear lab coats, I suppose because they are "mixologists" not bartenders. The bar side is quite nice and not like every other pub in Toronto, which is a nice change.
I noticed in another review there was criticism of the beer selection. I admit that the selection is somewhat limited but I didn't find it to be offensively so.
It's a good place to go if you are looking for a pub that does not have Firkin or Duke in the name for a change. My rating might change if I try the food sometime. -
Review from Noel D.
6/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Such a great little place... I love the layout. It's very wide open when you first walk in. There seemed to be a private party of sorts happening so I guess they usually have tables and chairs in this area though. But I met some friends here last night and there was five of us just standing around one of those high tables and I managed to hang out in that very spot for almost three hours. So something has to be said about the comfort factor of this bar...
The bartender (wearing a white lab coat) was super nice. The place was pretty full and we had three people coming to our table (which was only 5 feet from the bar) asking us if we were good for drinks. My phone even died during this time and the bartender was more than happy to let me use an outlet to charge it.
I didn't get a chance to sample any food, but the people behind us ordered lots of it and it looked and smelled delicious. I definitely want to come back here and have something to eat. Unfortunately I'm not really in the area very often (my friends work around there) so it might be some time before I get the chance to come back.
One note... The men's bathroom had weird sink faucets that were essentially just screws for handles. Not sure if this was a design thing, or if they were actually missing handles.
PS... Lots of good beer on tap! Boddington's! -
Review from Dale M.
Toronto, ON
12/31/2009
Decemburger Dark Horse!
A five-star burger experience is about more than just a slab of meat and a bun. These are non-negotiable elements, but constitute only a starting point, a necessary but not necessarily sufficient condition, if you will.
My dear readers, a five-star burger experience is about the sides, the drinks, the service and the atmosphere. And PJ O'Brien delivered on all fronts.
This Irish pub (could you guess by the name) sits unassumingly on a quiet corner just off Toronto's rat-track and you'd probably never know it was there unless you'd had occasion to cruise the backstreets near Yonge and King or had been invited to a Sinn Fein meeting (kidding). I've been in for drinks before, but had been itching for a taste of what Joe "Honorary Irish" B. has called the best burger he ever had. We had been thwarted on a past attempt after finding out the hard way that this place is closed on Sundays.
Once inside, you're exposed to worn, strip-hardwood floors, cozy little side-rooms (good luck getting one after five or during lunch on a weekday) and a dining area that somehow manages a warm feel despite its sprawl across three rooms and two buildings. Décor is classic Irish pub with nothing specific to write home about but overall is very homey.
Indeed, Joe can pick a burger. Angus-certified beef, grilled to order, served on a bun that's covered head-to-toe with sesame seeds, and paired with some of the best fries in the city. I had water, but Guinness is on tap along with a host of other good beers.
The patty was thick and juicy, and you could tell it was made in-house. I had mine grilled medium-rare, which left it pink in the middle (just the way I like it) but I didn't have to deal with dripping blood as the ground beef kept all the juices in the patty, instead of on my plate. I asked for mine topped with blue cheese, and while visually I thought I had been shorted on the fromage, it turned out to be the perfect amount and lent a beautiful bite along with the hint of mustard I applied myself.
The fries were some of the best I've had this month. Perfectly salted, and served with au jus instead of gravy (on request, and for a nominal charge). One of the best au jus I've ever had too; well-seasoned with strong hints of red wine.
Service was prompt, charming and comfortable. Fresh bread was served with lunch, which was a big win with me. I went for medium-rare on my server's advice, paired with her knowledge that she was serving me Angus-certified beef. It's always nice to deal with someone who knows their menu.Listed in: Decemburger and Beyond!, My Epic Reviews
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Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/6/2009
I thoroughly enjoy this place. It's secret, tucked away and I almost dont' want to write a review about it because I want to keep it my little secret.
Great neighbourhoody bar in the midst of random expensive restaurants on the east end of the financial district.
Come here with a small group of people just for a chat and good drinks -
Review from Greg F.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2009
As Torontonians we are used to Irish Pubs with no real Irish flare. There are plenty of these in the city.
But there is one that is authentic as its namesake - PJ's. The fact that this place is cramped, warm with authentic (yes real Irish memorabilia) decor, and staff that wear crisp white service staff uniforms with ties make this place unforgettable.
It is service class at it's best.
Most like to warm up to a Guinness (comes with 4 leaf clover in the head), as do I, but this place actually carries the cream of Manchester (I know its British, but the Irish have accepted a good beer)! They have original pub fare, and serve it well. I personally love the Bangers and Mash - A classic!
So enjoy one of Toronto's AUTHENTIC Irish Pubs
Slainte! -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2008
It's nice seeing little places grow up. PJ's is tucked away on Colborne Street just north of King Street. This in itself is one of Toronto's better-kept secrets. The street houses several smaller-style fancier eateries, typically trying to be found by first-timers in really poor attempts, frantically late for a dinner reservation looking for the right restaurant frontage like victims looking for an exit in a haunted house. Once you find Colborne Street the first time, commit it to memory.
Ditto PJ's. PJ's is a small Irish pub with something that you won't find in most Irish pubs that choke Toronto; actual Irish people. The owners are Irish, they hire folks from Ireland. It's nice that such a degree of authenticity is brought to the place. It is cozy and will get loud as the Guinness begins to flow. There is a small dining area at the back that serves up great meals as well as a separate upstairs bar that is used for overflow from the main floor or private functions.
Not content with filling up the main floor, PJs has expanded to the next building to the east, having put up a new bar area called Pat Quinn's Lounge, a result of a visit from Restaurant Makeover. The bar's mini-sausages cannot be beat, and you better believe that these folks know how to pour a Guinness properly. Enjoy. -
Review from Frederick F.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely an improvement over the touristy Irish Embassy. It's worth walking the extra block.
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Review from Joe M.
1/10/2010
Great place! The food was outstanding as was the service and the drinks! Great selection of food with portions that were generous but not over-the-top. This place was just warm and "felt right". It's pretty large but feels very cozy. Did I mention the extremely good service? Oh, yeah I did. Well, you can never have enough good and friendly people in the world. This place is run by several of the best.
Accidentally finding this place was one of the highlights of my trip! -
Review from M P.
Toronto, ON
6/10/2010
Big fan of pub food, tho it might not always be healthy for me :p
This cozy little restaurant is a hidden gem. The beer selection is as good as the Irish Embassy's, which is a sister restaurant. The food is quite good... I ordered the salmon salad sandwich with fries and a greens on the side. IT WAS A DELIGHT!! My boss had the lamb burger (medium rare) and he said this is the best lamb burger he's ever had!!! Trust me, the guy knows his burgers!!
I was impressed and will definitely go back!!
Oh, dont ask me about prices... My boss was taking out for lunch so didnt even care to check :D.
Vivre free lunch, literally!!!! -
Review from Amber H.
3/20/2010
My husband and I visited 3/20/2010 and expected far better. We were not greeted when we entered - had to ask if it was open seating (which was met with, "Just sit where ever" by a waiter who continued to walk away from us as he spoke). The same waiter took our order and didn't not tell us the specials (we realized they had specials when the waitress serving the table beside us informed them).
We both ordered Spinach Fettuccine and Chicken. Which was served quickly and hot -- the only reason I'm giving this place a two and not a one. The food was nothing special, not excellent quality -- not poor quality - acceptable but bland. Portion size were also about adequate for the price - you won't be starving when you leave, but you'll likely be hungry 2-3 hours later. The restaurant smelled strongly of flowers (but there were none in sight), not unpleasant - but not at all appetizing.
After our food arrived (which was very quick), nobody came to refill drinks (making the 3.25 they charge for Diet Coke even more ridiculous) or check to make sure the meals were ok. Our plates were cleared by the person who brought our food, he didn't offer to refill our empty glasses. At this point we thought we'd maybe order a beer anyway when the waiter brought our check, so we weren't too put off.
25 minutes later, the waitress who was waiting on the table next to us asked if we'd like anything else. We said our check and explained that we'd been sitting there a while.
Overall, there are much better places to eat.
PLEASE NOTE: The bartender of this restaurant contacted me after reading this review and offered my husband and I a complimentary meal for our negative experience. Sadly, we were on vacation at the time and probably won't be back in Toronto for sometime. It seems entirely possible that our experience was a random lapse. -
Review from Dan P.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2009
This is a really good pub. It's as close to a real irish pub as you're going to find in this city in my humble opinion. It's mostly quiet, until a band plays, the food is EXCEPTIONAL.
If you are into good beer, good food, and the ability to hold a conversation, go here. -
Review from Lana L.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2010 1 photo
I went in the evening for a drink and a bite during the week. The place was crowded but not overly loud. Service was attentive and food pretty good. I had the classic Shepard's Pie and wasn't too upset with my choice. The crowd seemed to range from late 20's+. A great place for a beer and a bite with the guys but not so hot if you want to sit and talk intimately. For a more quiet and slightly more mature setting hit a close by pub called "The Irish Embassy".
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Review from Karen O.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2011
im writing this for eric l.
as an irish person, working in an irish bar(not this one) in toronto there have been a few things that annoy me about expectations for irish bars, expecting chicken wings in an irish bar? how are chicken wings irish, we rarely see such things at home in restaurants. why go to an irish bar if you want chicken wings. and secondly, complaining about the poor beer selection, if you are going to an irish bar, its for irish beer no? why dont you go to a specialist beer bar if you want a good selection of beer?
and docking your server for something she could not have helped, not cool. they receive nothing from the atm charges. I'd like to see you survive in most bars in ireland, no such thing as table service and you would be laughed at for expecting debit.
and as for pjs, i think its a top quality bar, like stepping into ireland, sunday afternoon pub visit with the family, all thats missing is the tatyo and the club orange. (apart from the lab coats the bartenders wear, i dont know where that idea came from) -
Review from Jon K.
9/9/2010
Not too bad, not too great. I'd go back.
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Review from Rich T.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2010
Solid all around. If you're in the financial district and looking for a spot just to connect with friends for conversation over a few pints, look no further. It's a real pub with live music (at least on Thursdays). As for food, it's kicked up pub grub. Tight quarters though so if you're group is big, you might want to book a string of tables ahead of time as there's very little room to stand around the bar without being shoved aside by a server making their way to the tables. Nice place in the winter given a homey, warm feel. +ives: Guinness -ives: tight space
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Review from Ryan V.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2008
I have been going here for.......well let's say a long time and everytime I have never been disappointed! Great service and probably the best pub in Toronto for food; hands down! Try the curry chips with a Pint (or 2) of Guinness.
