Popular spot for lunch or evening meal, got decent selection on the menu and food is ok. Probably…read morethe best descriptionfor the food is home cooked rather than haute cuisine. Prices are ok too. The place has got a nice homely old world type of ambience. Locally this place is known as Ownies and I have heard stories of a bad crowd at night ,especially the weekends! It is fine at lunch time and, as far as my experience goes, in the early evening.

I'm extremely surprised at the less than stellar reviews this bar has received so far…read more I have been coming here ever since I was old enough, and absolutely love it. Contrary to what has been said, I feel 100% safe in this bar, and unlike a lot of other places that can get a bit rowdy, I have never seen anything untoward in this bar whatsoever. Anyway, the Joymount Arms, or Ownies, as it is locally known, is pretty much one of the liveliest most popular bars in the town. They have had a refurb quite recently, and there is loads of space for everyone (my only complaint previously was that, owing to its popularity, it got so packed and it was hard to move!) They have two bars downstairs, and a further bar upstairs with a function room and balcony. They have a huge, covered smoking area with widescreen TV's outside, and lots of heaters, so even in the middle of the winter, you won't get cold! They have lots of live music, promotion nights, quiz nights, you name it. You will definitely have a great time here. Anyone who does not like this place must have a screw loose!

Its in a great location with sea views and the prices cannot be beaten…read more However the service is slow even though the last few times we were in it was pretty quiet. Last time was indicative of a standard experience. We sat down at a table by the window and had other ask the guy to give it a wipe as it was dirty from a previous customer. Order a couple of pints and some food on the app, it takes ages to come despite the place being fairly empty. When it does the woman at the next table barks at the server that they were there first and even scowls at us as though that was our fault. Waited another 5 mins after the food but then had to go to the bar to ask about the drinks. "oh yeah" was all I got, not even a "sorry".

Gord and I had a late lunch today at Wetherspoons. So nice to have lunch on a patio overlooking a…read morecastle! Gord had battered cod and chips, which he liked. I had a pepperoni pizza ... the pepperoni had a weird taste. The prices were really cheap.

The Royal Oak, or The Oak, as it is locally known, is a modern and spacious bar over two levels at…read morethe seafront in the town, which has been refurbished in the last few years. It used to be a hugely popular bar around 5 years ago, but interest has waned in recent years since the smoking ban came in (smokers are not catered for as well here as they are in the many other bars in the town) The downstairs bar attracts an older crowd and would be mostly 'locals'. The upstairs bar would be livelier at weekends and attract a younger crowd (18-30 mainly) There are large TV screens in both bars, and also in the galley style smoking area which show regular sports games. The upstairs bar has a jukebox and various gaming machines to entertain patrons. There are also various quiz nights held throughout the year in the bar.

Certainly a popular spot this, generally has a good buzz and friendly atmosphere about the bar or…read morelounge. Gets pretty busy at the peak times but this adds to the atmosphere as a good crowd of regulars frequent this local. The staff are great, friendy and heplful so all roun d agood spot to enjoy a drink.

A lovely old pub in a sweet beach town just down the street from Carrickfergus Castle. The staff is…read morewonderful and if you get a chance, stay the night at Walter's Place next door. The inside of Ownies is beautiful dark wood, tapestries and local artwork. There is also an upstairs and a back patio for dining. The food is amazingly big and very well priced. I can't say enough about the seafood chowder! Thick, creamy and loaded with seafood and bits of potatoes. Best I've ever had. Highly recommend Ownies but it can get busy in the weekends when the tourists roll in.

Ownies Bistro is a lovely traditional restaurant which is art of the Joymount Arms hotel. With its…read moreexposed beams and open fireplace it really does have that good old Irish charm missing from so many places now that seem to be thrown up overnight. They do specialise in seafood here but also offer lovely traditional dishes such as beef and Guinness pie, Lamb, carbonara and steaks. I decided to go traditional with the Beef and Guinness pie and champ mash (oh yes!) and it was really great! Just what the doctor ordered. They also boast a fantastic beer garden for those long summer evenings...well....when we get them.

As said on other reviews the food can be really hit and miss in here. It's really cheap, but some…read moreof the food definitely reflects this. The bbq chicken melt is tasty!!! Their buffet specials are good, plenty of choice and eat as much as you like. The choc fudge cake is amazing, worth going for one of these and a cappuccino! There's a kids play area at one side, kids running about everywhere so if you have some with you up that end is handy as they can go on in, but if you aren't too fussed on kids or the noise best place to sit is probably the opposite end. Called in one night and there was a pub quiz on, the atmosphere was fab and we won a bottle of wine! The drink isn't expensive especially considering the location on the harbour. Beautiful on a summers day.

Went here for the first time today, hubby and I got bottomless drinks (hallelujah!) we both had…read morecarveries which, aside from the roasties being a bit of a rubbery texture and the gravy being too runny, it was great! My son had the pasta and meatballs with chips and veggie sticks and he all but cleared his plate. Play area could do without those damn machines that makes kids crazy for money to play them but the soft play definitely give us peace and quiet to eat our dinner and catch up with our friend. Will be back!

The Brown Cow comprises a bar and bistro…read more I would eat in the bistro regularly, and it is fantastic. They have a small but varied menu with something for all tastes, and they REALLY know how to cook their menu to perfection. A favourite of mine is the salmon, it is absolutely delicious and considering the high quality of the food, it is very fairly priced. I don't think the restaurant gets the attention it deserves, unfortunately, due to the reputation of the bar. It has a slight reputation locally as a bit of a rough place, and now because of the smoking ban, there are regularly crowds of people crowded out the front, which I imagine might put some people off. This said however, I have had a few drinks in the bar on numerous occasions, and not had any problems at all - so I would definitely recommed this little gem!

Thursday night. Steak night 2 steaks, sides and sauce plus a bottle of wine for £28 great! Loads of…read moredrinks promos too! Homely and friendly and a pool table. Look out for other offers on Facebook. Great!

Tiny tiny bar, if you can find it you deserve a drink!…read moreReally only frequented by locals, it's probably one to avoid. It's dark, dingy and the toilets are not too clean.

The Marine Bar is well hidden and like others have said tends to be inhabited by locals. That said…read moreit is a friendly bar and in my opinion the best of the two pubs in whitehead. An open fire welcomes you into the place and now that we have a smoking ban in place you can gram a pint make yourself comfortable and just sit back and watch the locals.

Situated in the small village of Ballycarry, Millar's is a bar, restaurant & off-sales all in one…read more The bar area is typical of a village pub with limited seating, open fire and the stereotypical older clients sitting about, enjoying their beverage. There is a restaurant out the back that can cater for large groups. The food menu is decent enough. The quality of the food is also great considering the very reasonable price. The staff here are local and friendly and always keen to chat, despite us not being regulars. There are themed nights / live music nights on throughout the week, so heck the screens or the bars website for details. There is also an upstairs games room that has a pool table, so it can help keep the kids entertained. Millar's is a great spot in the heart of the village, even if you're passing through you should check this place out.

Lovely we local country bar. A few entrances to this place, either the front door which will take…read moreyou by the off licence part as well or the side door which is also the entrance to the restaurant out the back. Once inside they have a fire burning in winter and sometimes summer as well( we do live in Northern Ireland) The staff are friendly and it's usually easy to find a seat. It is the style of bar with a few twists and turns and plenty of different place to sit. Beer isn't to dear, banter is plenty and they have a cheap bar snack menu serving burgers and pizzas. All in all we love it.

Relaxed, generally empty, local. Goggins is an exceptionally friendly pub, a family pub even. I…read morewent in the other day to find the barman nursing a baby. His mates had brought it along for a visit, it's that type of place. Gets a posh middle-aged crowd on Fridays and Saturdays. Has an excellent smoking area and a load of fireplaces, great for hot whiskeys around Christmas. The attached offy helps keep the party going, it's a nice pub to drop into for one or two before hitting the offy and the road.

Goggins is a darkish but open pub with a nice atmosphere. There are 2 parts to it, the older…read moretraditional bit to the front and a modern, carpeted groovy bit to the back. There are also a few Tvs scattered around the place which I absolutely hate in a pub but in the case of Goggins I am willing to forgive as it is about the only thing that is wrong with the place.