(Drank 06/15/26 MO @ 8:00pm): No three-hour tour on this trip to Gilligan's Irish Pub!
After time well-spent catching up with old friends and former colleagues during happy hour at nearby El Sol Family Restaurant, I casually made my way across the parking lot to Gilligan's Irish Pub. I wasn't quite ready to go home yet after everyone went their own separate ways, and I'd never been here before, so why not since I was in the area? The name itself made it memorable for me, but rarely did I visit this far-end part of Honolulu Ave. Did I manage to stay afloat at this Irish pub, or did my time at Gilligan's get washed away!?
PURCHASE(S)
Popcorn (COMP): Freshly-popped and salty, this paired well with my beer and filled my belly! This and peanuts need to return to all bars and breweries! This practice ceased after the pandemic.
Modelo Especial Mexican Lager Beer 4.5% ABV 16floz Draft ($6.00): Amber color, light malty aroma, light body, malty watery flavor, smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste. A standard Mexican cerveza!
SERVICE
Graciously greeted by an older gentleman and woman behind the bar, I lumbered to an empty stool at the end of the bar, ordered an easy draft beer which came quickly, and grabbed a bowl of fresh popcorn from behind me. Because I was there just to check things out and ended up having only one drink, there was no other need for their services. Everything was straightforward and just what I needed - thank you!
PARKING
(FREE): I simply walked over from the nearby El Sol Family Restaurant where I earlier parked. Otherwise, I didn't recall a separate lot for them, but there were many spots along the main drag of Honolulu Ave. - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A casual divey simple bar that seemingly catered to the locals in the neighborhood with a lone pool table, a dart board, several tall tables, and a basic bar on the inside, while an open back patio with communal tables and lawn ornaments was nice for some fresh air. I saw two dogs inside, which was a nice thing. The only natural light entered through the front or back doors whenever they were open (obviously, the back patio was all natural lighting with some hung string electric lights) while dim electric ceiling lights covered the rest inside. I believed there were a couple of muted TVs while customers fed the jukebox for some music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I was always down for a dive bar, and Gilligan's Irish Pub nearly fit the bill. I was fine with the no-frills aspect, but outside of the Guinness on tap and signage, it didn't feel quite like other Irish pubs I've been to; rather, just a regular watering hole where the regulars came in after work, shot the shit, didn't care too much of what they were drinking, and possibly husbands hid here from their wives. There wasn't a kitchen, so outside food was allowed, but I understood they sometimes had food trucks. Additionally, I wasn't sure whether or not they had a happy hour. The prices were affordable, the liquor selection was decent, and the service was easy. Plus, I preferred to support small mom & pop businesses whenever possible. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $6.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more