The food was good - we had a party of 7 and no issue getting in on Saturday night. The space is roomy and comfortable. The food came out faster than expected, but waitress was slow throughout. The table ordered: - Guinness and Jameson - corned beef poutine which seemed unique and my brother liked it. - wings - lots of orders of fish and chips. The tartar sauce was good. The slaw portion was small, but really good. The fish and fries were well cooked and tasty. Compared to Sir Edmond Halleys - I would choose here. The food IMO was better, the restaurant isn't as dark, the prices/portions were better, the parking. Situation/lighting is better and the location is in a walkable downtown type area where you can walk off your calories after you eat. Overall: A hidden gem and I will return. read more

As soon as we walked in this restaurant, I knew it was going to be wonderful. The atmosphere was great. It was dimly lit, the wood was painted black, candles on the table. It just had such a great vibe, a true Irish Pub. I ordered the corned beef poutine, which was phenomenal. My husband ordered fish and chips and a Guinness beer and he said it was the best fish he's ever had in his life so we were super happy. Our waiter was Anthony and he was wonderful. He was so pleasant and helpful. He was always there when we needed him with a smile. The only complaint was the fish and chips comes in a basket with wax paper and the wax paper tears while you're eating, and my husband thinks he may have eaten a little bit of the wax paper. Next time he's going to ask for his fish and chips on a plate . I can't wait to go back! read more

See all

Matthews is one of my favorite cities in the Charlotte Metro. Far from a cookie cutter suburb it has a very charming and historic downtown along with a plethora of options for dining and drinking. A great example of what the downtown has to offer is Grace O'Malleys a local Irish pub located in a historic banking building along the main downtown street. It is fairly easy to spot just look for the Irish flag waiving alongside our Stars and Stripes. If you still don't see it just look for the large crowds gathered on the patio. This is definitely a neighborhood favorite and it's easy to see why. It offers the cozy Irish pub atmosphere that people enjoy. It feels welcoming and offers the dishes you would expect like shepherds pie, and Guinness stew. I recently was able to stop in for St. Patrick's Day and while I was slightly horrified that they were serving Guinness in plastic cups (it was very busy so I get it) the scene was lively and we had a good time. If I lived closer I would likely be a regular here! read more

Grace O'Malley's - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

First time. Stop for a beer and an appetizer. I want to start off with Amber the waitress very professional. Did an exceptional job. We'd like the place in the atmosphere. Next time we'll come for food. read more

See all

Really loved the food and service my parents and I had! It's a classic casual spot and in a perfect spot in downtown Matthews. If the weather is nice the outside seating is perfect and they have a huge space! Classic Irish food - reminds me of my time studying abroad in Galway! Great place to go for great food, great people and also a good spot to bring the whole family! read more

See all

We came here for dinner during the Yankees game. I really enjoyed the veggie wrap. It was savory. The leek and potato soup was delicious. I was still a little hungry. This is more like a lunch portion. The bartender was good and conversational. This is located in downtown Matthews. read more

Grace O'Malley's - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

Food here was pretty good. Relatable to a traditional Irish pub with many TVs available. Good chicken and beer. Bar area was clean all around. read more

Grace O'Malley's - Table and tv - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

One of my favorite after Gym Workout Lunch Stops. My wife and I had a chance to drop in for Dinner. I always rave about the Blackened Chicken on the Southwestern Salad. They are one of the very few Restaurants that actually cover the Protein with the seasoning. Most places just sprinkle a little on. We both had the Southwestern Salad... Hers with the Blackened Chicken, mine with Blackened Salmon. We love the Atmosphere and the Service is always excellent. read more

The epitome of a cozy dark Irish pub - Guinness and Irish pub classic fare. Been here for drinks prior but the food hit too! As good as any shepherds pie I've had before. Happened to go during notre game football final so the crowd was buzzing and lively. Waitress was a true professional despite the madness of the championship. Kudos to Grace o malleys read more

Grace O'Malley's - Mac and cheese add chicken - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

I have tried and tried and tried to give this place a chance but today was the last straw. Every time the burger/chicken is always burnt. It's so consistent that I have a difficult time believing they can burn that many burgers in a row. Today I got the chicken sandwich with the THINNEST piece of chicken I've ever seen. Half the time they forget to even give me toppings on my sandwich on takeout orders. I promise I will not be back. read more

We've been several times and it never disappoints. Some of the best Irish food in the area. Shepherd's pie is delicious. Really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

Grace O'Malley's - Shepherd's Pie - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

First time guests- we loved the space/decor and the food smelled great. There were Monday night specials listed on the board by the bar top- Irish drafts, $6. We thought, great! And just in time for the holiday! However, when we asked for the check, we were charged $10/beer. I asked the bartender what the cause was for the difference in drink price and she responded that they weren't honoring the specials today. Not at any point in our experience- from walking in, sitting down, ordering multiple rounds- were we informed that the specials didn't apply. This is totally misleading and if an establishment is advertising certain deals, those prices should be honored. This interaction left such a poor taste in our mouths, we will not be back. read more

We wanted to order a plain burger patty for our dog but they were unable to. We ordered 2 burgers and restaurants generally just add an extra patty for like $4-5. So they ended up just giving us a kids meal, burger no bun. They literally brought the plain patty out without a side and charged $10. I had to ask if it was a kids meal, if so, we might as well get the side that comes along with it! Right? If we are paying for it‍. The server was confused and asked if the dog was going to eat it. I'm not making this up. I said no, I'll eat it. We are literally paying for it...They were really pleased with themselves serving a plain patty for $10. I'm not sure what kind of limited situational awareness this is, or what kind of establishment thinks this is acceptable, but to us, it was shocking. The plus side, we can bring our dogs on the patio. But cockroaches will be roaming everywhere at night . read more

Average at best. I wouldn't recommend this place if you want traditional Irish food. The bar experience is great if you're just going for drinks. The outdoor patio is really nice but the service could be better for the outside. read more

We found ourselves in Mathews NC this week and wanted to stop for dinner. As always my fellow Yelpers did not steer me wrong. We stopped at Grace O'Malley's due to the reviews I read and it was so good I was concerned it would be busy on a Thursday night, but we got right in with no wait. We sat inside, but the outside area looked very comfortable, though busier than inside. We ordered the Poutine, Reuben, and Irish Stew to share. I really enjoyed the Poutine. The gravy was flavorful and the chips were still crispy. And there was a generous portion of cheese curds. Loved it! I love a grilled Reuben, and this one did not disappoint. Perfect amount of corned beef, cheese, kraut and dressing. The Irish Stew had a very good gravy. The meat and veggies were tender, not mushy with perfect mashed potatoes. Though we were stuffed, and packed some leftovers to take home, we still wanted to try the bread pudding. This was the one thing that I would not order again It was moist, and the glaze was a perfect amount. It had chocolate chips in it and I was not a fan I prefer a cinnamon or fruit bread pudding. Overall it was a great find. read more

See all

Okay first of all, everyone needs to get the lucky charm cocktail. Fabulous. We had the fish & chips. Cooked beautifully, served with a warm smile, & a perfectly poured Guinness. Cute place. Great people. We will definitely be back. read more

Grace O'Malley's - Lucky Charm Cocktail. Beautiful man. - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

The restaurant itself is an old bank establish in 1909 right on Main Street in Matthews. It's a great atmosphere has outdoor seating and outdoor bar a quiet section off to the side. There's plenty of room in there. The service was great. The staff was really friendly and there were plenty of helping hands. Let's get to the food. We went in for a late lunch and the offerings were so difficult to choose from. I tried the fish and chips with a side of shaved brussels sprouts. The hubs had Irish chicken curry over rice and added fries. We finished up with a piece of raspberry donut cheesecake. I ordered a burger a couple months ago when we were there and it was delicious, but I forced myself to try something new. read more

See all

Burgers are bomb here! Fish and chips are an excellent choice as well. It took us years to finally try this place close to home and so glad we did. Service is good and fast, plenty of seating indoors or outside. read more

See all

REUBEN!!!! That is all that I need to say. Originally from NJ/NY, but I've lived in Raleigh for years. During my time in Raleigh, I've been on a personal hunt for the best reuben. Welp Yelp, I may have just found it south of Charlotte, in Matthew's, NC. Sweet Mama, it's good. Grace O'Malley had a burger special while i was there, a Reuben Burger special!!!! *feet tapping* So freaking delicious. My girlfriend ordered the Reuben *insert drool*, which was phenomenal. The flavor and tenderness of the slow-roasted corned beef, sauerkraut, Irish cheddar.........let me repeat that "Irish Cheddar", a nice light coating of Russian dressing, all in between perfectly grilled/toasted marbled rye! It was so good, not a single picture was taken HA!!! We are coming back to order an assortment of food from the fried Brie, corned beef poutine, the corned beef & cabbage, Maureen's Shepherd pie, Irish beef stew, Irish chicken curry (very interesting), O'Malley chilli, chunky potato & herb soup, and the berries & brie salad. Yes, that is our official order for a party of ME!! Hahaha. Lastly, the staff are all super cool!! This is a great Irish sports bar with all your favorite beers, liquors, and specialty drinks. There's street parking along with shred buisness parking. If you like outdoor seating, Grace O'Malley has that as well. They are located across from a community farmers market which could be fun afterwards. read more

See all

Great atmosphere and service. I visit Ireland every couple years and I do have to say the recipes need a little help. It was good but should be more authentic. I would go back because I enjoy being there. read more

For lunch today, we went to Grace O'Malley's. The restaurant is located in an old bank. Very nice interior. We started our meal with the banger puff appetizer. For our entrees, we had a fish and chips, a Reuben, a chicken dinner and an Irish BLT. Everything was delicious. The rye bread was of excellent quality and the tartar sauce was great. Service was great. read more

I've eaten here many times. As usual, the food was good, the portions generous, the drinks cold, the service friendly. Unfortunately for me, they made some updates to their menu and dropped one of my favorite, the Banger Bites. Still, I had a good time, and look forward to coming again. Definitely recommend the place if you want to get a well poured pint in an atmosphere that pretty well resembles a pub in Ireland. read more

Grace O'Malley's - Menu - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

This is a super fun Irish pub right in the heart of downtown Matthews. We absolutely love their outdoor patio and it is just perfect in the warmer months. Inside is a little small, and fills up quick so there may be a wait if you go on a weekend night. I love the chandelier made from Jameson bottles! We like the food and are always delighted to see how creative the Burger of the Month can be. The Jameson burger is delicious and you have to try the bacon brussels sprouts! Most recently, I ordered the cobb salad with the chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. The salad was fine, I'm not a huge fan of iceberg lettuce as a salad base but the homemade blue cheese dressing was divine. I got a steak one time and it was a little tough & chewy so I wouldn't get that again. Go for the pub/bar food. They always have good draft beer and cocktail specials. Check out Grace O'Malleys! read more

See all

1st in! Had the Lamb burger & Potato /Leek soup. Lamb Burger was really good came with fries , that I sent back due to being cold- replaced quickly with tasty hot/fresh fries. Loved the Potato -Leek soup, honestly small serving for the price point. Looking forward to going back! read more

I went on there to order to go around 5:30 pm. The bartender was nice enough to call me when the order was ready, so props to her. My husband and I got a bacon cheese burger with fries, a salad with grilled chicken, and an order of fried pickles. The burger was well-seasoned, although it was undercooked but still pretty good. That was the highlight. The salad had a few slices of thinly sliced grilled chicken, which was not cooked to order - I'm talking pre-cooked people, but the greens were fresh. Both the fries and the fried pickles were probably cooked at a low-oil temperature. This made the pickles limp and the fries limp and spongy. Needless to say, we won't be returning. read more

One of my favorite places to visit in Matthews. Nice atmosphere, great food, beers, and drinks. The chocolate stout old-fashioned is awesome. Natalie is a really nice person and a great bartender. read more

Grace O'Malley's has always been a bit of a splurge spot for me and my friends--somewhere we go once a month to celebrate life, usually sitting at the bar, which has always been a fantastic experience. Unfortunately, Saturday night was the complete opposite. I came in to join a group of four (two from out of town), and while I get that it was a Saturday and things were busy, the service was just unacceptable. It took a while to be greeted for a drink, which we were patient with. We all work in the restaurant industry, so we understand the hustle. But from there, it spiraled. The appetizers came out--fried pickles literally thrown onto the table, splashing their very unique ranch (which I don't like) all over them. No silverware for over 15 minutes after the meatballs arrived, which came in a hot skillet. I had to flag our server down to ask for utensils, mentioned the meatballs were cold, and that I couldn't eat the pickles. She offered a new order of pickles but disregarded the meatballs--great. I accepted. The table kept piling up with empty plates, bowls, and glasses. A cup of ice spilled, and we had nothing to clean it up with. No help. Finally, halfway through our meals, the new pickles arrived. I flagged her for drinks and requested a regular side of ranch. Drinks were set down over the spilled ice--still no acknowledgement, and I never got the ranch. She didn't check on us again until we were ready to pay. I asked for a box for the untouched pickles and a side of ranch to go. She charged me $0.50 for it. On a $200+ check. When I asked to speak to a manager, she told me she was the manager. I calmly laid out the problems. She told me I was the only one with an issue (false), and then full-on puffed up, threw her arms out, and shouted at the table, "Do you want a discount then, since you're so dissatisfied? Huh? HUH? Do you want a 10% discount?" It was humiliating and completely unprofessional. No apology. No accountability. Against my better judgment, my group left a 20% tip--not because we're disrespectful, but because she claimed to be the manager, and she certainly didn't earn one. We've already told everyone we usually come here with that we won't be returning. 0/5. Grace O'Malley's, do better. Also, it's honestly concerning that none of the staff appear to wear proper non-slip shoes, and the female servers are in cropped tops and short shorts--not only unprofessional, but unsafe in a busy bar and restaurant setting. Our Server/"Managers" name was KRISTIE. read more

My wife and I have seen this place over and over as we drive by and it is usually packed. So we decided we would give it a try. We went for lunch and went to the back to park. You walk in the back door and walk up to the front to be seated. As you walk in you notice it's a pub just like advertised. It has good ambiance. Nothing but tables that I could see. We were asked if we wanted inside or outside. It was pretty hot that day so we said inside. We sat at the table and began looking at the menus. We first found the drinks we wanted. She got Dr. Pepper and I got sweet tea. Sweet tea was pretty good. We then started looking at the appetizers. There were several ones that caught our eye but we settled on the "banger bites." Overall not great in my opinion. My wife said the sausage was good but the puff pastry not necessary. And for the price ($10.95) and the taste, wouldn't get them again. We then ordered our main meal. She got the "Jameson burger." I got the "Irish pub Mac & cheese." Mine first. Not great. I added bacon to it thinking it would add something to it but it didn't. No flavor and not very hot. Not worth the price ($16.95) at all. Her burger was good according to her. Cooked very well and very juicy. But still not worth the price ($15.95) according to her. We did not get dessert because we were full and it was just time to go. Overall it wasn't a terrible experience but I do not get the excitement about this place. The waitress was great, I think her name was Ashley, but not worth the money we had to drop to eat here. It was a total of $58 (not including tip) to eat here and it was nothing special. If you do come here to eat, just get the burgers and be done with it because everything else might be a risk. read more

See all

Ok pretty strong 4. I was afraid the curry was going to be too much but it was great on the fries so get them and don't be scared! I do wish there were more fried but the cheese was great! I'm a little lost on the dinner plate but I didn't leave hungry. Maybe add some more bread? Service was good and he joked around w us which is always nice when they act like they care. Place was really cool inside and in a great spot with much to walk to near by. read more

See all

Here with Sarah for a 'plan-B' Friday evening dinner. The weather turned cold & wet so our plans for a 'roof top' Simplified show in the CLT got rained out. We had reservations for 6p and we both got there at the same time and were immediately seated at a very small two top in the main dining room. Sarah had the burger and I went for the traditional Shepherds Pie which was really good. About the best that I've had state side. When you've had it in a Dublin Pub, the bar is set high. We had good service with Robert and the food was OK and I'm not going below 3 stars for a first visit. I had just a couple of nits for this 'downtown' Matthews favorite. Don't expect to have an easy conversation with anyone sitting across from you at the table. We were constantly saying 'what did you say'. The bar is large and loud and unlike most bar's to' front and center in the main room. Everyone in there is yelling at the top of their lungs to be heard. It's so loud that it carries one into the main dining room. There was a 4 top right next to us and they were so loud, we almost had to pause our conversation in between their pauses so we can understand in each other. As we wer leaving, I saw a separate dining room more toward the right side of the main one that I wish we had requested. The other nit is the parking, it's barely there. If you don't get there early, you'll be searching for street parking. I did notice they have an outside patio so I expect this would be the best option when the weather is nice. You can at least save your lungs from an extreme workout over dinner. read more

Good meal, nice staff. Nothing extra special but a solid place to eat. Would recommend.

Nat is the best bartender in Matthews and the food is excellent. I definitely eat here more often than I should.

I wish the SA community would stop going to this place. There are other places to watch rugby. The staff are very rude. Watched how they were rude to multiple tables, not just ours . The food is average. We go, but very reluctantly. Least last week they had the sound on the TVs but this is not the norm. read more

We had the best meal here, and the service is friendly and quick. Fried pickles, Irish Reuben, gaelic chicken, fish and chips and Cobb salad were all delicious, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Nothing was overly salty. read more

Ordered the Reuben and the Cobb salad. The Reuben was not great and fries were cold, the Cobb was lacking.

I've never gotten into an argument with a hostess before, but there is a first time for everything! The outright rudeness of this person really made me angry. I was out to dinner with my mom trying to have a good evening, but this restaurant is clearly lacking in any politeness or customer service! (Also maybe it rubbed me the wrong way that this hostess was in her 50s and old enough to know better. I am more forgiving of oblivious teenagers than adults who I expect to be more competent at their job!) I would also add that the drinks here are small and weak for the price you pay, and the fries are cold. Overall a bad experience all around. read more

Nothing out of the ordinary! Good food, not that great service. The place has a good atmosphere and location. Good place to spend time with spouse or friends. read more

See all

Great spot & solid stop in downtown Matthews. I would say the Corned Beef poutine was our favorite for sure.... the service was great and they're very keen to ensure drinks are full. Hubs and I stopped by on a random date-night & were very happy to see all that downtown Matthews has to offer! I always love knowing places like this exist where families can have spots where all can enjoy. It was a random Sunday afternoon, so it was not busy, but I could easily see how this place would be a sports viewing destination for many when it's full blown football season. We'll definitely make our way back. read more

Was looking for a spot for lunch & was lucky to find Grace O'Malleys open, very friendly young man helped us. The place is big inside and there were Adirondack chairs all over the front yard, so cute! but it was way too hot the day we were there. I had a sugary grapefruit OMG it was good & it tasted exactly like a sugary grapefruit. Got the fried chicken sliders, they were really good, crispy fried tender white meat chicken, yum yum. Really good place for drinks & some good pub food! read more

Grace O'Malley's - Fried chicken sliders - Irish Pub Near Me - Matthews, North Carolina

See all

One star- great staff but the food was really bad. The Rubin as delis cut and terrible