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    M.J. O'Connor's Back Bay

    3.2 (383 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Irish Pub
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    M.J. O'Connor's Back Bay Photos

    Business Info

    M.J. O'CONNOR'S BACK BAY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Beef stew
    Deb R.

    If I closed my eyes and someone dropped me in here.. I'm pretty sure I'd swear I was in Ireland. . Really cute inside - inviting and friendly. We had the Irish stew and classic cheeseburger. Stew was hearty, filling and flavorful. Garlic bread was perfectly toasted, buttery and seasoned. Burger was juicy and delish. Service was great!

    Interior
    Howard B.

    I was living just around the corner when I visited M.J. O'Connor's, and it turned out to be a great neighborhood spot. I ordered a cheeseburger and a Wormtown beer, and both hit the mark. The food was exactly what I wanted ... nothing fancy, just solid, satisfying pub fare. Service was friendly and efficient throughout my visit. The staff made it easy to settle in and enjoy the meal. The space has that classic Irish pub vibe, with warm wood, a relaxed atmosphere, and a mix of locals and visitors. For Boston, the prices were surprisingly reasonable, especially considering the location. It is a dependable spot if you're looking for comfort food, a good draft list, and a casual place to unwind. I would definitely stop in again.

    No, it is not a pregnant fish.
    Dennis L.

    I was at the Boston Convention center and needed something quick and close by. This was right next door. It gets stars for the convenience! It is not going to wow you but it gets the job done when you are looking for a quick bite. I ordered the fish and chips. The fish was huge! The fries were good. The grease did get to me at the end of the meal. When at the convention center, can't beat the convenience. Check them out.

    Dan R.

    "Meet me in the pub about half past one We're goin' out and have some fun" (Fats Domino) I asked Microsoft Co-pilot how many Irish pubs are in Boston. Its answer was "Boston boasts a staggering 242 Irish pubs, making it one of the most Irish cities in America in terms of pub density". We visited one for lunch today, located at the Park Plaza Hotel. M. J. O'Connors sure has the look of an Irish Pub with dark wood tables and chairs, tin ceiling, dark wood paneling, a fireplace, and a very elegant bar. They offer a broad menu of appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, pizzas and sandwiches. Of course they have Irish favorites like Kilkenny steak tips, bangers & mash, Chicken Curry, Guinness onion soup, and Irish cocktail sausages. I don't know if corned beef and cabbage egg rolls are technically an Irish favorite, but they're on the menu as well. I went light for lunch because I knew I'd be going heavy for dinner at Fire + Ice, so I went with a Caesar Salad ($16 for Romaine hearts, grana padano cheese, garlic-parmesan croutons & creamy Caesar dressing) and a cup of their "Hall of Fame Chowder" ($11). Why Hall of Fame? Well, their chowder is a three-time winner for best clam chowder at Boston's Harborfest. PRO TIP Although M.J. O'Connors is featured as a dining option on the Hilton Boston Park Plaza's website, it actually isn't accessible from the hotel! You'll have to walk outside and walk a few steps to the right to access it.

    Elizabeth S.

    Clam clowder was awesome and we had the special surf and turf. Very good Not too busy mid afternoon on a Friday. Quiet. Staff was friendly and Irish! Would eat there again.

    Expressing martinis
    Marta T.

    We jumped in here for a quick expression martini . We had asked an espresso martini that was not too sweet, but the bartender made them so sweet, we couldn't drink them. Ten out of ten, not sure I would recommend.

    Mac n Cheese
    Liz A.

    This restaurant was very close to our hotel which was the main appeal on our last full day in Boston. Hungry and wanting something close by, we stopped. Mike called this place, "an Irish Applebees". I got the Mac and cheese (added bacon) and he got wings. The food and service were good. Reasonable prices and quick.

    Chicken tenders in 1st basket  Chicken kitten free  sandwich and fries in 2nd basket.
    Dawn D.

    Great wine and beer list. Assorted cocktails. I got the Riesling, very good. Daughter got the Strawberry Spritz, very good. They also have a lot of Gluten Free options. She got Chicken Blat on gluten free roll. I got the Breaded Chicken Tenders. Fries come with the sandwich. The tenders were the best I have ever had. Very little breading and fried to perfection. She loved her sandwich. Our drinks were great. If you're in the area you really need to try this place. Waiter was great. Prices are reasonable. Place is clean and very busy.

    Fish & Chips
    Christine A.

    Came here with coworkers after finishing up with a trade show. We were all tired and looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat. This was close to our hotel so it wasn't that hard of a choice to make. The staff was very friendly, and we were seated immediately. We each got something different and we all enjoyed our food. I got the fish and chips because it is one of my go to's when ordering. The fish was flaky, and very tasty. I also loved the vibe this restaurant gave, and the pictures that were framed on the walls. Definitely a go back to place next time I'm in Boston.

    Pretzels.
    Lauren A.

    Bartenders were friendly...the Fish and Chip plate was delicious and huge. However, the fish so fresh too! Pretzels were okay not the best and little hard.

    Onion soup

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Nick is the greatest accommodator me and my party loved him he showed us the most love and made sure we came back!

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    3 months ago

    Jose - awesome bartender and really knows how to drop a surprise drink when you need it. Cheers

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    5 months ago

    Horrible customer service. Makes up fake rules to deny people entry to their bar. Bad lighting and bad drinks

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    6 months ago

    The environment is great. Loved the music. But the food was just mediocre, I feel like I could've made my meal at home better.

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    Ask the Community - M.J. O'Connor's Back Bay

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    I made the reservation at the Dubliner for a birthday dinner with my family. We arrived a little…read moreearly for our reservation and the hostess was welcoming and pleasant. She was able to find us a table after a short wait at the bar. By the way, at the bar I had the best Guinness I have had in a while - a great pour. Once we sat down, Rachel was right there to welcome us and get us started. This exceptional level of service from her continued throughout the evening. We started with the sharing platter and each item was fantastic. Everything was hot and delicious. Of particular note were the pigs in blankets - the sausage is fantastic. The only disappointment was that it came with one scotch egg instead of two. For supper, two of us ordered shepherds pie, one Guinness pie, one Guinness stew and one Fish & Chips. Everyone was very happy with their meal. Great flavor/seasoning, good portions and perfectly cooked beef and fish. We continued to enjoy the Guinness and Smithwick's on tap until the end of the meal when got a round of Irish Coffee which was delicious. Rachel was spot on with her service and attitude and even engaged in a conversation with us about our next trip to Ireland and she reinforced our desire to go the north of Ireland including Donegal where she is from. At some point my wife told Rachel that it was my birthday and that I am not a cake person. Rachel managed to get the kitchen to make a personal size apple crumble which was scrumptious and happens to be a favority of mine. In fact my wife commented after that she would have ordered it but it was not on the menu as a dessert. Another example of Rachel going above and beyond the call to ensure we had a great experience. And we did. Thank you to Rachel and all the staff and chefs for a briliant evening. I can't wait to go back!!

    The Ham and Cheese Toastie is my fave dish from the Dubliner but it changes every time! The bread…read moreswitches up but I always order it because when it's good it's really good. Service is usually always good - easy to order. It gets super busy on Fridays at lunch so you usually have to wait longer but nothing too crazy. Ambiance is pretty standard pub - good beer, good people, good food.

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    Emmets Irish Pub & Restaurant - Guinness Beef Stew

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    Love this place. When I'm here, I forget Boston exists on the outside as I'm culturally brought…read moreinto a new world. I feel like I'm in Ireland here. It's homely, welcoming, and I feel included. Last went here during the Red Bull Heavy Metal event that was happening at City Hall. Place was packed. We had the best Irish coffees and were able to get a table despite the crowd. I love the attention to detail this place puts regarding its decorative wood around the bar, the lighting, life music, and more. Great place to have a drink. Yes, I think the food could improve a bit - maybe some nice club sandwiches or vary the food offerings, but overall love this place.

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    I'll be honest, I was a little disappointed the second I walked in the door. I walked in, said…read more"Good afternoon everybody" and nobody said my name. Thought this place was where everybody knows your name?? Haha Seriously, we were on our way to the airport and unfortunately did not have time to try out the food. I was hoping to at least have a beer at the bar but again, was flying out of Logan International Airport. Looking around really brought back some memories of the show. Upstairs was a replica of the actual bar from the set along with a second gift shop. There is a small gift shop on the first floor. I look forward to visiting Boston again in the future and will definitely get a beer at the bar.

    I walked down the stairs to go into the bar and there was a host waiting to seat people and I asked…read morehim " What's my F'n name?" He had no idea so that means this place is built on lies! Everyone doesn't know your name! Anyway, this place is a tourist trap but that's kind of the point. I walked in hoping to see the square bar like in the TV show but instead there is just a small bar and a bunch of tables, then down the hall, there is another smaller bar and more tables. There is also an area to buy all the standard gift shop souvenirs. We ordered a couple of beers from the bar while checking out all the memorabilia all over the walls. We didn't eat any food so no opinion on any of it. The place was cool for what it is. So, while they may not know your name, but you'll be glad you came if you are a fan of the tv show. Just keep the expectations low and enjoy.

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    M.J. O'Connor's Back Bay - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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