Crogans is a great nieghborhood bar if anything for the convenience to get to if you live in Montclair or the Montclair village. The staff are also terrific and welcoming people. However, from the taste of thier limited draft beer options, it's clear they rarely clean the taps. The food is also awful, most of which seems frozen until heated up. They could use a bit of a Jon Taffer and Gordon Ramsay shakeup. Until then, Guy Fieri won't be visiting anytime soon. Ima keep comin' back though for the dirty tap beer. read more

My husband and I are regulars here. It's nice that the servers acknowledge us whenever we come in and give us drinks when we sit down without even asking! Despite the busy nights they have here, all the servers are extremely attentive and friendly. Super fun to come here when your favorite team is playing, too. So fun to be in a small bar when everyone's cheering their team on. Not only do they have a variety of beers on tap and a full bar but their food is pretty flavorful too. I don't think I've had anything bad on the menu - You can't go wrong! So funny to think my husband and I came here on our first date. It'll always be a chill spot for us to come, grab a drink and talk about our weeks. Stop by and check this place out =) read more

Nice people, good service, very tasty food. Good sports bar too!! It's in a good location of Oakland in the Montclair district. Will definitely go there again! read more

This spot has been an unbelievable oasis for outdoor dining in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic. The staff is incredibly friendly and especially attentive to cleanliness in this time of sanitizers and hygiene. In addition to their attention to safety, the racially diverse staff works hard to make sure everyone has a quality dining experience. The menu has been updated and offers an affordable and varied selection of items and choices. I recommend Crogan's for those looking for a quality meal read more

Crogan's was a-okay. I came with my boyfriend and we sat in the bar area. It was pretty packed in their but the service was still good. I got the calamari and it was delicious, but later it upset my stomach. My boyfriend got the French onion soup and chicken Marsala and said both were really good! I would come back here for the drinks probably and maybe order something else! read more

Crogan's is a Montclair staple. Great bar, great drinks and staff are always attentive and friendly. Burger is solid. Not sure how they messed up the grilled cheese so thoroughly, come on man. If the food and menu can be upgraded a few notches it will secure their fate as the most iconic Montclair establishment of all time. I want this to happen badly. read more

We love the salmon and barramundi fish, which was delicious. Crogan's scramble & fried calamari was good.

I really do try to be fair with my reviews here. But I am angry right now. I sat down at the bar at Crogan's and ordered a martini with no menu in front of me. A standard martini. $15.75 Before writing this review I did a local search for the most expensive and highest rated restaurants in the area and their drink lists didn't top $14 for a carefully crafted cocktail. Be warned, the markup at this elevated pub with posh but mediocre food is insane. UPDATE 9/18/19: Mike W. very quickly and nicely reached out to me and offered to make it up to me the next time I came in. It was wonderful customer service! I was meaning to come back to yelp and change my review. But now he's posted a comment here that I ordered a double. I did not. I ordered "a slightly dirty martini". I was offered Belvedere. I said "sure." I was asked if I wanted olives, I said "no thank you." I was a bartender. I understand that a martini is a stiff drink. But I've never worked at or been to a bar or restaurant that called a standard pour that sits neatly in the proper stemware "a double." I'd be curious what a "single" looks like as served by Crogan's. read more

Definitely recommend the fish 'n chips. They're authentic and just as delicious as those found in my UK hometown. Also, you won't regret sampling the fried zucchini with ranch sauce. Many thanks to Mike and staff for adding the chocolate chip cookies treat to my takeout order. Nice classy touch. read more

My incredibly cozy place to dismiss all life's challenges and just have a nice cocktail good food and think about nothing else but one word - vibe vibe vibe! Cool points always to Crogans My 90s Haunt Still Here In The 21st Century! read more

See all

We loved Crogans. We've been going there for years. Last night we arrived at the bar at about 4:45, ordered a drink and found ourselves next to a couple at the bar "making out". A young woman who was very obviously inebriated with a date clearly her senior. Lined up on the bar in front of them were a full shot and two drinks. It was apparent the bartender was still serving this couple. Over the course of the next hour the young woman got lost going to the restroom, got her dates hand up the back of her dress and well up her butt and fell into us twice. When they finally staggered out, the bartender joked with patrons about this couple suggesting their barstools needed sanitizing. Nobody in management seemed to be concerned about who of these two drunks might have been driving. It totally changed how I feel about what I thought was a friendly neighborhood bar. I'm disgusted. read more

I've been craving french onion soup for a few weeks now and finally convinced a friend of mine to go with me to Crogan's to get some. Based on the other Yelp reviews that I read. Unfortunately the experience the reminded me of why I usually cook at home. We are the French onion soup and split a small Caesar salad and brussel sprouts. The brussel sprouts were tasty but the rest was mediocre at best. The French onion soup is a little too sweet, not beefy enough and lukewarm. I expect my French onion soup base to be a nice beef broth scalding hot, lots of onions of course, with slightly browned melted cheese on top. The Cesar salad was also mediocre. Yes there were some anchovies on top but I wouldn't be surprised if it was just bottled dressing dusted with parmesan with s few anchovies placed on top. Not a "classic" Cesar. My craving unfulfilled and lesson learned to cook at home, I left kicking myself for having expected more. read more

Paella was awful. Bland, bland, bland. Mussels were a day or two from being a weapon of mass destruction. Chicken consisted of two drumsticks on the bone. Thigh or breast pieces would of been a better choice. I couldn't begin to finish and would not consider a doggie bag. Service was great as was my wife's tri tip salad. If there is a next time, I'll stick with something safer when I order. read more

Crogan's Montclair - American Near Me - Oakland, California

just an awesome neighborhood bar. i go for the drinks and friendly service. All the service staff are top notch. Glad they made it through the pandemic. I hope the outdoor tent stays. Would be nice if they carried a wider range of Oakland craft beers. read more

I have been coming here for over fifteen years. Crogan's sets the bar in Montclair. The service is incredible. The food is great, and a lot of the plates come in good-sized portions. I miss their lamb though. I once showed up wondering if I could bring my muddy bike into the bar. Three separate people on the way in greeted me and each welcomed me in, bike and all. It is amazing since its a fancy place. I had a beer and chased it with some fried oysters which the waitress recommended. On another occasion I came back (clean this time) with my wife and she loved the fried oysters too. read more

I love this place. I got a lot of takeout during Covid (they always include cookies!!!) but now that things are opening up, they have tents set up and it's really a lovely dining experience! Super fun and friendly patrons, dog-friendly, and really great servers. I have NEVER had a "meh" meal or cocktail here. No matter what you may be in the mood for, Crogan's has you covered. Truly an Oakland gem. read more

This is a good spot to grab a drink with some friends, acquaintances, or family. They have a decent beer selection and the liquor selection is wide open. The atmosphere inside the bar is great for hanging out and having a good time. Try the garlic fries while enjoying your drink. Street parking as they don't have their own lot. Haven't eaten at the restaurant but heard good things. read more

Great experience, Birthday celebration food, drinks and service was excellent. I will to watch a sporting event at the bar read more

Crogan's Montclair - Moscow Mule - American Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Only because the manager reached out and that means a lot to me. Haven't gone back yet but I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate great customer service :) read more

Let's just say I am not a woman of a few words. But where Crogans is concerned, I have not much to say. So here it is. Food is 2 at best, service is horrendous and is not more than a 1. Pricing is absolute ridiculous. I work in the area and have given this restaurant many chances before I finally decided to review them. Today was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. I had been on a cleanse for last 4 days and today was my steak day. I was desperately looking forward to a great piece of meat. But since I haven't had protein in quite a few days, you really could not mess my meat up. I will probably enjoy it even if it's half way decent. My co worker and I ordered two 8oz sirloin steak. I subbed my potatoes, mixed veggies with fresh cut tomatoes. My plate came out and the steak was cold with char that was pretty humanly inedible. But, I was on a time crunch and was dying to have a steak so I sucked it. The meat was supposed to medium rare but clearly the "chef" had zero clue on a proper piece of sirloin. The meat itself was not bad quality. The cooking was appalling. The center was red and cold and the outside was black charred and tough. My co workers was not any better. He has a green salad that was smothered with ranch dressing!! And the beef was red in center. Even my 15 year can grill a better piece of meat than this. Omg! Can this get any worse?? Yes! I got the bill and they charged me $1.50 extra for my tomatoes and didn't even tell me!! Really??? My supposedly sirloin was $25.95!!! My co worker was trying to be nice and mentioned to the waitress regarding the tomato (not to mention the piece awful meat) and why she should've said something about the $1.50. Her responds "I'm sorry. In the past when I do mention it, people are offended because it implied they couldn't afford it." Really?? Unacceptable. Never will return. I can't wait till this place closes down so we can have a nicer restaurant move into an awesome neighborhood. Ok. Done complaining. Off to a much nicer dinner to fix my very jacked up pallet... Until next time, Bon appetit, ciao read more

Crogan's Montclair - Yuck!! - American Near Me - Oakland, California

Crogan's is the flagship restaurant representing the mediocrity that is the Montclair Village restaurant scene. I want it to be great, because they have a great location, but everything from the food, to the atmosphere, to the staff, just is not, and has never been, decent. Once all the old people who frequent this joint die, I imagine this place going even further downhill. read more

Crogan's is consistently good. Saturday night we enjoyed flat iron steak and Barrundi fish. Both done nicely. Accompanied by tender braised Brussels sprouts and potatoes. Attentive server. A very pleasant time read more

Crogans in montclair is the nicest of them all. spacous dining room. full bar with many wines and brews to choose from, full lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus lots of flatscreens pour: Igan IPA (4.75) -nice and cold HH: M-F, 4-6. $3 drafts, house wines, $3 cocktails, guinness, $5 appetitzers on draught: -when going to main dining room, watch your step, floor isn't level. -regular menu seems pricey, not sure quality of food. -large dining room, food must be ok. -service attentive, cordial, pessure free. -nice place to drink, watch tv, or eat... read more

All I had on my mind was burgers, burgers, burgers. Suddenly after telling my husband about my cravings he recommended this place as our next Sunday outing. We invited our friends and headed out to Montclair. The bar area is really cool with open windows for street interactions and viewing the game revelers inside. Our friends have a little baby so the manager took a few minutes to set up a window table and a chair for the baby. Nice seating and really open separate dinning room from the bar. The first thing I noticed was that the web site drink menu and the actual restaurant drink menu did not match and the real one sucked. Please up date for us who do our research first. We ordered drinks first. My husband got the Blackberry Lemon drop. Unfortunately they were out of Blackberry whatever so they supplemented Blueberry instead. I had some white wine, lime concoction. It was pretty good. I cant remember the name of it because it was bizarre and not worth the brain cells to remember. Then I went with what my husband had and felt better about my drinking experience. Also, the manager took one of our drink orders and forgot. The drinks took forever to come to the table in general. That would be my biggest complaint. So yes the burgers. They have a 1/2 lb burger that is really good. Great choice of sides to go along with it also. I went with the Sweet Potato Fries as did everyone else at the table. My burger really hit the spot. It was really big and I couldn't finish it and had to take it home. The burger itself was cooked to perfection and very fresh. I was not overly impressed but I was happy with my food at least. I would like to possibly bring a customer here one day. Its a good neutral spot. read more

See all

So we (two brown women) were waiting to be seated after a woman with a take out order. A white woman comes in and the hostess sat her first? That was not a good first impression Didn't help that there were very few brown people in the place. The ribs were very good but my fries got soaked because they put them under the ribs? The manhattan I ordered was okay The salad was not good...how do u mess up salad? We only ended up here because the Italian place we were going to was closed Never again I will defiantly choose a restaurant next time with a little more diversity ...which I know in Montclair is def hard to find read more

The worst meal I've had in the East Bay, hands down. We shared a bunch of things - a beet salad with walnuts, vegetarian nachos, the portobello mushroom sandwich, fries. Nothing was edible. The salad was soaked in dressing to the point of sogginess, and the walnuts were so sugar-coated they made my tongue curl. The chips in the nachos were soggy by the time they hit the table, and we discovered that the cheese was actually cheeze - Velveeta??? REALLY? Two bites of the portobello mushroom sandwich was all we could stomach, and even the fries stayed on the plate. Perhaps a good place to go for a beer while watching the game, but don't come for the food. read more

After an hour at the 24 hr fitness I noticed a text by one of my buddies and he said he wanted to go for a beer. Since he came to my town last time it was my turn to reciprocate. He chose Crogan's in Montclair Village and I told him I had never been there. This is a bar and restaurant and I was surprised I did not see Muffy and Biff in matching Lacoste polo shirts. We decided to eat at the bar because they had three flat screens with ESPN. After working out I normally don't want to drink and try to keep it healthy so I ordered an Amstel light . The waitress said "No...we only have Bud and Coors light". Big difference plus I thought I was in Montclair...surprised I thought. I looked at the menu and I thought I wanted a crab sandwich but decided to go with a burger which I asked if it was a Niman beef burger ($9.95). She looked puzzled and had to find out from a manager if it was.The burger was kinda flat and it was strange because I thought the bun had more flavor. For a $1.50 more you could have the salad and that was bland too! It was romaine lettuce with oil and vinegar, no croutons, tomatoes...plain. I have heard some good things about Crogan's so I'll have to try the restaurant next time. I know of some good burger places already so I'll try something else. read more

Crogans is an American diner with a ... French and Irish twist it seems? Great location in Montclair, parking shouldn't be a problem if it's past 6, don't need to pay meter. That is, if you don't mind walking a block or two. It's extremely spacious and nice, very upper class feel to it once you walk in. They start you off with bread and butter while you wait for your order. You can replace side dishes on your entree orders, for examples switched out my sautéed veggies for mixed greens. Entrees, mostly red meat dishes like top sirloin and rib eye range from 18 bucks to 28 bucks per dish. The pasta dishes are around 14-16$ and the salads and appetizers are all around the ball park of 10 bucks. I ordered a top sirloin. My waitress comes back and tells me they don't have that anymore today. That's fine, I'll go with the waitresses suggestion then: braised steak. She comes back again and says they also are out of that. Well... Why did you suggest it then? Ha. By then everyone else's food was coming out and I ordered the braised lamb which wasn't too good. Too chewy and salty. Not worth the price in my opinion, not a great experience. I've had better! read more

See all

As an Oakland native this restaurant is one of the key places that I feel particularly qualified to review. For the last 30+ years Crogan's has been both a personal and family favorite. I recently went after an incidental two year hiatus and nearly everything was, as expected, delicious and fresh. I have always loved their Boston Clam Chowder, the Burgers, and their scrumptious Cesar Salad (the dressing is insanely addictive). The service at the bar was friendly and very accommodating. Let me add that during my latest visit I was on a date with another Oakland native who had never been to Crogan's before, and afterward he was clearly delightfully impressed and adamant about returning for a future visit to try more of the same. I plan to update my review if we use their back room for a private party. Otherwise, I am a patron for life because this is a worthy Oakland cornerstone. read more

I ordered Cesear Salad Entree with chicken online (Uber eats) and I paid almost $17. The lettuce was not chopped!! Also, there was a piece of fish in my salad which smelled like hell! I'll never get back to this place!!! read more

Crogan's Montclair - American Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Any restaurant that is still in business after 30 years must be doing something right. Crogan's seems to play it safe with rather traditional food and there is nothing on the menu that is trendy and of course a busy bar helps. The Dungeness Crab Cakes were well executed. The Onion Soup came to the table very, very hot, not the best I've had, the broth was a bit bland, but still very satisfying. The Limon Mojito was good. MOR (middle of the road) food can be just what over stimulated taste-buds need read more

Great steak sandwich! Sweet potato fries if u want! Service was non intrusive but totally attentive. Will be back. FYI, if u do the review on the receipt u get 5$ off next time.!!!! Crogans in walnut creek is okay, but this one is better. read more

Crogan's is a neighborhood staple. Montclair-ians have been going here for generations, and you can definitely tell by the older crowd. My French aunt and cousin were in town and we were looking for dinner in the area. It's actually my first time at Crogan's despite my going to middle and high school nearby. 8pm and the dining area was relatively empty and parking was easy. The restaurant is nice but a bit bland. There is a bar on the right (again, older crowd) and a dining area with a high ceiling on the left. It's a pretty classy place, but I it wouldn't be my first choice for a romantic dinner - it's definitely a family joint. For $17 I got the BRAISED LAMB SHANK, and replaced the bean and mushroom sauce with the GRILLED POLENTA and veggies that I caught my eye in the equally-priced Braised Short Rib dish. The polenta was delicious and the lamb did not blow my mind but was good. Unfortunately, the menu was lacking innovation, and the kitchen was lacking in that they ran out of spinach and steak... The complimentary bread served also seemed a bit dry or old. My aunt got the Classic Louis Salad and my cousin got the Reuben Sandwich with fries. Neither looked noteworthy. But hey, we left full and satisfied with good company. So if you're coming with family and aren't looking for anything very fancy or interesting for your palate, I'd say it's not a bad choice (especially since "downtown Montclair" doesn't have the best dinner options). -TT read more

Crogan's Montclair - Lamb shank with sides replaced with polenta and veggies. - American Near Me - Oakland, California

Been here a few times and enjoy the atmosphere and staff. Only eaten in the bar where they have large tables and a good sized area if you have a larger group that wants to stay in the bar. I tried the Shepard's Pie on two occasions and both times it was very tasty. One of the occasions my buddy had the same thing and agreed with my assessment. Its a good sized meal too so you won't walk away hungry. They have a number of beer on tap (But, NO Drakes!) for your drinking pleasure and a full bar for anything a little harder. I've been here a number of times and its become my goto place when I want to meet for a beer and some good food. Forgot to mention the staff!! They are great too. They smile and give great service. read more

How does one mess up onion soup? Make it taste like vinegar, that's how. How does one mess up a spinach salad? Also make it taste like vinegar. See a pattern here? I do. But because the waitress was nice, I'll give you 3 stars instead of 2. But don't expect me to come back for seconds. read more

Weird. Came in by myself to grab a drink and waited near the host stand to make sure and let staff know i was going to the bar (with covid I like to be very clear with what's ok) and was completely ignored by the longer haired server standing there. Like no eye contact, no hello, nothing. Definitely a first for me. As I asked him if I could sit at the bar he barked back at me no! and pointed at a table... ok. Server who took my drink order was nice thankfully, as I tipped her appropriately. Sucks because I live down the street and was hoping this could be my neighborhood bar, guess I don't fit the mold or something. Honestly left a really bad taste in my mouth, wish I knew what I did to upset him by coming in to spend my money. read more

3.5 stars. Solid Montclair staple with a wide range of pub appetizers and meal entrees. Lots of comfort food. I had the Rigatoni Bolognese - which was fine and exactly what I expected (which is what you need when you crave comfort food right? Fred had the meatloaf - which hit the spot. They have a full bar and array of beers on tap. My soda was flat so I sent it back and got ice tea instead. Service was fine - but they are a bit stingy on the bread! read more

Was here with a group of folks from work - 10 of us. The staff was extremely accommodating. We had reservations, but asked for something on which to sit gifts. They provided an entire table for the gifts along with chairs for our coats... a very nice touch. We ordered many different appetizers. I only tried the fried calamari, which was good, a potato skin, which was also good, and a coconut shrimp, which seemed a little over fried. The shrimp was good, but the coconut breading was very dark brown. I didn't use the sauce, which I'm sure would have elevated the flavor... it was just too hard to get to with so many folks at the table. I ordered the Golden Bear Burger medium rare. It was done to perfection. The sweet potato fries were very tasty, but could have been hotter. As I mentioned there were ten of us at the table. It took a while for everyone's meal to be delivered. I find it hard to review a restaurant when visiting with a work group. If we're ever in the area again I'd come back. read more

First timer and I will definitely be back to try other dishes. Everything was delicious . Must try. I hear the fish is good and I want to try the seafood pasta and steak. Mmmmmm read more

See all

Summary: Undercooked meat and long knotted hairs tucked under the lettuce. Poor service. Tasty barramundi though. Feel like taking a chance with your health?! Came here Friday night after a playdate: party of five, two moms and three kiddos. The place was busy, especially the bar. We were seated quickly with boosters and crayons and paper to keep the kids busy. The moms ordered the barramundi upon our server's recommendation; the kiddos all wanted burgers. Our orders arrived...two orders of delicious barramundi and two burgers....for three children. The server explained she thought we only ordered two burgers. Well we ordered one burger first and then as she made her way around the table added two more which would make three... The kids were hungry and getting ready to throw an all out tantrum so we focused on triaging the situation, offering fries all around and slicing one burger in half while the server put in the order for the third child at the table. As annoying as that hiccup was, it turns out that it was a good thing all of this happened because the burger I was about to serve my kids was hot pink on the inside. Cripes! I asked for it to be cooked more thoroughly, it's not a steak after all and these are kiddos. The second burger arrived with the first one. My friend told me to slice open the second burger just in case. I thought there's no way the second burger has issues after we sent the first one back but to sate my friend I sliced it open too. That burger was even more rare than the first - hot pink and jelly consistency in the middle. Blech! All I could think was that the cook was intentionally trying to give my children e. coli. We sent that one back too. The server tried to argue that the burgers were in fact medium well. Hmm..they couldn't have both been medium well as the consistency was not the same and according to every other restaurant I have been to in SF, NYC, Chicago and LA, and a visual chart accessible via Google, the burgers were medium rare and rare. Who serves a rare burger to a child? As we finished up eating and stacked the plates I spotted a tangle of long hairs (something you might find in the corner of the bathroom after blowdrying) on my daughter's plate between leaves of lettuce. Absolutely disgusting!! I almost lost my dinner on the table. It's a good thing my kids don't eat lettuce on their burgers. I didn't bother bringing it to management's attention. The kids were at their breaking point and the food was already consumed. Not even money back could have made us whole at that point. I am NEVER coming back and I'll be surprised if they continue to pass health inspections. Thanks for your response Mike. The burgers were corrected/recooked at the restaurant. The plate that was returned to us after they were cooked properly contained a tangle of hairs. There is nothing mgmt could have done to correct that. I am glad you are reading this though and aware. Our server was Stephanie and we were there Fri 8/17. read more