This place has been on my list for a while. I love Irish pubs, and I actually celebrated one of my birthdays in Ireland not too long ago, so I was especially excited to finally check it out. I also noticed they offer a complimentary entrée on the Thursday of your birthday week, which honestly made it the perfect excuse to go. There's a ton of seating options here. You can sit inside, outdoors by the fire pit, or in one of several different rooms. Our server was awesome, really attentive, and had great recommendations. I ordered: * Steak & Shrimp: this came over mashed potatoes with a side of spinach. The steak was huge, cooked perfectly, and seasoned really well. Everything on the plate was delicious. We hung out by the fireplace, had some drinks, and just enjoyed the vibe. They also run great weekly specials. I believe Tuesdays are buy one burger, get one free, and Thursdays they have $7 smashburgers that looked massive when I walked by. Overall, this place has a really fun, welcoming energy. My friend from Scotland tried the Guinness and approved, which says a lot. It's surprisingly hard to find a good Guinness in the States, and they nailed it here. Definitely will be back. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Steak & Shrimp - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Parking can be tough, but I usually have parking luck. Came here in the rain so the place was not too busy. We were greeted by a waitress who sat us at the bar. She did not have much work to do as the bartender helped us and most of the people who were also at the bar. We ordered a Guinness and my roommate had the Shepard's Pie (which he devoured) and I had the Dublin burger which was tasty. We ordered another round of Guinness to wait out the rain and because,... Guinness. Staff was friendly, we bought the bar tender a Shephard's Pie as he said he never tried it before, though he had worked there for over a year. I hope he liked it as it came after we left. Only dig on the place is that the prices are a bit high. They do have some good specials and happy hour for those who want to give this place a try and save a few bucks. read more

Bar food being bar food in a beach town is how I would describe Hennessey's La Jolla. Comparative to all the high end restaurants in the neighborhood this is a no frills spot tucked away and ready for anyone that likes burgers and sandwiches. I got the Southwest chicken and the grilled peppers along with the Swiss cheese reminded me of the Philly cheese stick without the cheesesteak. It was just the chicken which was great and what I wanted I substituted for a side of onion rings and an up charge of four dollars more but it was worth it because I liked it and I'd rather eat that than the fries at the moment. Service was attentive and they brought what we needed in time and gave us a lot of space as we ate too. read more

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Hennessy's is an awesome spot if you want some cheap ish drinks and good burgers without the fanfare. They have awesome food deals most week days and having tried several of their burgers now, they're all seriously delicious. Come here for the fun Irish dive bar vibes and stay for the food! read more

awesome spot for some live music and drinks on friday nights 8-12!! good vibes and street parking available read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - live music - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Cute little Irish bar In the lovely La Jolla. We went on st Patrick's day this year. They had Irish beers and cuisine in celebration of st pats day. I didn't see any green beer thought :(. Our server was kind and our food came out quickly. We also noted they have a space for weddings! read more

I will be honest it's a nice bar but I was not a fan of the crowd. That in no way is the bars fault. But the drinks were really over priced even for something basic. The bartenders were nice, place was clean but I wouldn't drive out of my way to come back here. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

You seat yourself and the wait staff will come to you with a menu. I'm a bit of a fish and chips snob and Hennessey's knocked my socks off. They hand dip their fish in a light breading and fry it to a crispy finish. It was honestly one of the best I've had. read more

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Churro Waffle Sundae w/ Irish Coffee. That's really the important part, whether you eat here or somewhere else. Just came in for some evening drinks, unhurried and low-key, perfect fit. In La Jolla proper, but not pretentious. Plenty of outdoor seating, either out front or near their fire pit. (They do allow quiet dogs at the tables outside). Service (Grace?) was awesome, patient and helpful. They had nice live jazz (Sat night) in the enclosed bar area, and you could pick your volume level just by where you seat yourself. The Buffalo Wings (10pc/16$) were legit -- crispy and traditional, served hot. Hennessey's Lemonade was easy drinking, fresh squeezed. The Irish Coffee was exactly Buena Vista style, not tarted up. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Curro Waffle Sundae - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Pretty easy to get a reservation and I like that they have a separate semi private room with a TV and fireplace. The service was good and everyone was friendly. Parking can be a challenge, there are a few lots around, or else it's basically Street parking. For food I wanted to get something a little more traditional so I went ahead and tried the shepherd's pie. The portion was a pretty good size, I couldn't quite finish it. It tasted pretty good, although I've had better. It came with a side of broccoli, which I thought was a little unusual and didn't really fit. We also ordered the flight of fries, which came with three different fries, and three different sauces for dipping. The fries were good, the whiskey sauce was our least favorite. I enjoyed the calamari, it wasn't too chewy and I liked that it had a good mix of legs and rings. Overall this is a pretty good Irish pub, and if you are in the area or live nearby I definitely think it's worth a visit. If you're coming from pretty far like I was, I'm not sure it would be somewhere to repeat often. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Calamari - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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I don't come here often because I don't come to the village of La Jolla very much and it slips from my mind as a result. I love this place though. The wait staff is awesome. The building is like a quirky story being told. The food is consistently tasty and inoffensively priced. The live music is great and always welcome. This place ticks all the boxes, but it also ticks the most important box of all... the eternally magical wellspring of Guinness. I love this place. It's the closest I've found to Dublin out of Eire. read more

hennessey's restaurant gen. mgr. returned my call this morning, was gracious and offered a gift card to reconcile, I was also gracious and accepted. Altho my mistake, Hennessey's only open 15 yrs, not 20, so ok, I stand corrected. Nice gesture on his part tho' .. read more

Hennessy's La Jolla is a lively Irish-themed tavern serving bar food and drink. There are lots of interior and exterior seating. Happy hour is on weekdays 4-7pm. SERVICE Friendly, helpful, attentive. DRINK 4/5 Hennessey's Elijah Craig Small Batch Old Fashioned: whiskey-bourbon forward, with a sweeter taste towards the bottom of the drink. Wish luxardo cherries were used instead, however I understand this is a happy hour drink. FOOD 5/5 SMOKED BBQ BRISKET SANDWICH Thin-sliced, tender smoked brisket topped with melted cheddar, BBQ sauce & crispy onions, served on a fresh bun, with kettle chips 4/5 Smash Burger Cooked onions that still have a kick, bacon, two beef Pattie's (a little too cooked), melted cheddar in between buns all for $7 on Thursdays is a deal. 3.5/5 Nashville Hot Chicken Bites Flavor is Nashville spicy, honey sweet, served with sides of sliced pickles & ranch dip. Breading texture could be improved read more

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Very nice Irish style bar with a lot of different areas to hang out. Their happy hour is from 4-7pm. My husband got the old fashion and I got the jumbo house red wine (a Cab). We also got the 3 samplers of fries - very big quantity and I loved all the sauces it comes with. Dogs are allowed anywhere which is a plus. Service was nice but very slow. We had to ask for someone to come take our order and to bring check a few times but I would still come back, maybe for St. Patrick's day! read more

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Went here on a Sunday morning during the 16th Annual La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. It was a great spot for brunch since they weren't busy. I've been to Hennessy's in Carlsbad, and both locations have a similar pub-style vibe. I really liked how spacious this tavern is. Service Food came out quickly. The manager was very nice and welcoming. Food We ordered the French Fry Sampler, which included Classic Tavern, Zesty Garlic Parmesan, and Spicy Sriracha fries, served with Guinness Ketchup, Sweet & Smokey, and Chipotle Aioli sauces. I wasn't a fan of the Sriracha fries, but the Classic Tavern and Zesty Garlic Parmesan were delicious! I didn't even dip the fries into the sauces much, but all the sauces were pretty good. The tomato soup was tasty! My husband had the Red-Headed Reuben. I found it a bit dry, and he thought it was okay, but said he wouldn't order it again. Beverages The drip coffee was great. Coors Light on tap hit the spot for my husband. Parking We parked at Air Garage, conveniently located right across the street. Hot Tip Check-in through yelp and you'll receive 50% off any appetizer! read more

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While in La Jolla we were nearby and the outdoor seating was perfect. We had burgers & beers! Server took great care of us and we didn't feel forgotten about because we chose to sit outside. Definitely great lunch spot! read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Entrance - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great spot for karaoke! Came here after a comedy show nearby and the place was packed and they had a great $7 burger and fries deal my friend loved. We had great service and sang our hearts out (with a little liquid courage of course!). Would come back when I'm in San Diego again! read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

The food was decent. The service was terrible. Employees gathered up in the back bar, ignoring customers I could've walked out without paying, and no one would've noticed. read more

Amazing staff. Friendly and the manager Dan is great, Food is great as well. Couldn't recommend highly enough.

Came here on a busy Sunday afternoon to celebrate St. Patrick's day. Unfortunately, we didn't get a seat in the patio as it was first come and first served or so I thought until the people behind us kept getting seats before us, which sort of pissed me off. They also had the fireplace turned on at 5 in the afternoon which made the room unbearably hot even with the windows open (that I had to ask on my behalf). Although the server came right away after we sat down, we weren't given a drink menu and she seemed annoyed that we didn't know what we wanted (ma'am you need to give us a drink menu if you want us to order a drink other than a Guinness). Plus, she also asked what we want less than a minute after we sat down. Great for impatient people but not good for us indecisive folks! Like another review said, the servers can feel unwelcoming at times but by a few drinks, I would say I would come back (the food was great!) but only if I get a patio seat. It was way too hot to be sitting indoors with the fireplace turned on and lots of guests inside especially if you're here in the afternoon (It was like they didn't want the indoor guests to stay too long. Just order, drink/eat and leave) Parking: Street parking Price: $$ Service: Was a hit and miss. Sometimes, they were friendly and sometimes they felt rushed but I think it was mostly due to the holiday weekend... Recommendation: Irish pub nachos & burgers. Skip the fries. Try to get an outdoor patio seat in the day. They have the fireplace indoors and it can get pretty toasty on sunny afternoons. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Great Irish Nachos - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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The burger bun was so saturated with grease I could not even cut it. The bartender/server never checked back so I did not eat. I would not go again. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Pool of grease... the whole bun was saturated with grease. - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

I am obsessed with this place. I love it here. The bartender was amazing. I will not lie. I had never done a proper shot of tequila until the bartender took the time to tell me how to do one with salt and lime in the right way to do it. And the food alone could make me come back every day of the week if I can afford it. And the whole feeling of the place is very welcoming. They do have live music. I don't know what days. But I would recommend it to anyone that goes to La Jolla. Do not pass up this place. Make sure you stop by. read more

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After 20 minutes waiting this is what they call a Guinness in an "irish bar" in socal. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Muck - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

We went on a Tuesday so it was two for one burgers and breakfast. Buy one get one free. I had the Hennessy big burger and my cousin had a veggie omelette. Both were delicious. The service is always excellent there no matter who your server is. It's a super cute place. You can dine inside the bar or outside on the patio or in the front on the sidewalk. read more

Half of the menu they didn't have and the food they did have was nasty and overpriced not sure how this place is even still open. Also fed my left over poke to my outdoor cat and the next morning it was dead just something to keep in mind read more

This is bar-none, my favorite place for food, drinks, social-get-together, happy hour, and general joy! No place in San Diego has their charm and the staff are the best of the best. Prices are amazing. Quality of food and drinks is top notch. The widest variety of seating and atmosphere you will find in Southern California, and tons of TVs playing live sports. I've eaten here weekly for the past 4 yrs. and have never experienced anything but consistently great food. On top of all that, there's live music all the time. And I've seen some great talent here. So many times singing along to the classics they play. Kid-friendly, and dog-friendly. Do yourself a favor and make this place one of your regular hangouts. You will impress your friends by organizing your get-togethers here instead of elsewhere. read more

Tim's open mic on Monday nights is well worth the visit! With good service and drinks, the music makes it a place to hang out.

Okay, I just have to start with the Smashburger: this thing is aaaah-mazing! They're a bit chintzy with the bacon aioli, so I always get mayo on the side. Then again, I always get mayo on the side. :) And the fries! OM Gosh! Crispy outside, fluffy inside -- these are pretty consistently perfect. Well, probably need to add some salt, but I tend to do that wherever I go. Many other burgers, monthly special, haven't had a bad one yet. Two-for-one burgers on Tuesday, $6 Smashburger Thursdays; just come earlier on Thursday if you want to miss the crowds (and the karaoke). Jake, Joe, and Emily are among those that have been very attentive. Tell them I sent you! And watch out for Fred: he'll eat your fries. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Fred, the unofficial mascot of Hennessey's. - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Awesome Service! We had such a great experience thanks to our server, Kayla. From start to finish, she was super friendly, attentive, and just overall on point. You could tell they actually cared that we were having a good time. They gave great recommendations (the nachos were a hit!) and kept everything running smoothly without ever making us feel rushed. Drinks were never empty and the vibe she brought to the table really made the meal even better. It's not often you get service that feels this effortless and genuine. Huge shoutout to Kayla we'll definitely be back, and we'll be asking to sit in your section again! read more

Sat outside waited 20 minutes nobody came to take our order why have us sit down at all waste of time

My husband and I ate here last night. The weather was warm so we sat outside. Our waitress was great. When I got home, I realized I had left my purse at the resteraunt. I called them and sure enough they had it for me. I had to leave a review because I appreciate so much the kindness and honesty. read more

Amazing food and amazing service! Family friendly. Traditional Irish food with some alternative options. Kids menu offered. Craft beers on draft. Specialty drink menu. Sabrina was an amazing server! We came in on a Saturday evening and were seated right away. read more

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incredible ambiance and service. our server isabel made this possibly the most enjoyable experience ive ever had a restaurant. would highly recommend the smash burger and a bloody to start off the day. 11/10 would recommend and will be coming back asap! read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - smash burger - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Greeted upon entering. I just wanted to see the menu then decided to ask the waitress if they can accomdate me. We arrived about 2ish on Tuesday (Jan 2nd). Establishment had approx maybe 5 customers. Waitress said we can sit anywhere. It has been awhile to be able to go out with my husband enjoy lunch. I had a gastric bypass and am currently on full liquids, and they were able to accommodate me. Staff friendly and provided good service. Place is clean, and their options are to sit in front as in the parking area that is a makeshift patio but be careful with those birds or opt to sit in the patio in front or back. Highly recommend. Thank you for making my day. read more

The food was amazing! Service was great. There was a live band that was fun. Definitely will be back!

Lad's Steak & Shrimp, Chipotle Fire Burger Came here today for lunch, the service and the food were absolutely outstanding! The steak & shrimp had the most wonderful seasonings and flavor. The chipotle burger was phenomenal and our server was absolutely great! Very welcoming and very good prices. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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Loved how big this place is! There's inside seating at the bar, inside tables , semi outside seating and then outside seating. We went for an early lunch so place was kinda empty but that was nice. Prices seemed reasonable and it had Irish food offerings. Seems like drink specials are also offered. Had the Bloody Mary, pub nachos and chicken sandwich. Bloody Mary wasn't anything to write home about which was sad. Pub nachos and chicken sandwich were delicious! The sandwich was spicier than expected also. Waitress was very nice and friendly. read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Pub Nachos - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Great place, always seems to have live music and the Guinness is great! The food is standard bar food but tastes really good so no complaints here read more

Hennessey's La Jolla - Menu - New American Near Me - La Jolla, California

Food service late hours and prices. It reminds of an old neighborhood gathering place.

Good food and atmosphere! Service was very attentive. Had the fish and chips which were excellent.