There is a small venue in Batavia – just across the river and north of Wilson Street – that, at one time, had some very decent food. It has changed hands several times and the food has never been the same. Another new owner (now O’Brien’s Pub and Grill) has taken over, and I stopped by last summer for a beer and to check out a local band that was playing there outside. At that time, I had made up my mind to try the place for dinner some time.
Limestone Walls & Rich, Old Mahogany Bar
Since St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and the place had an Irish name, Lauren and I decided that it might be a good time to sample the menu. O’Brien’s is a rather smallish place in an old building that has been around for as long as Batavia – maybe even longer. The period limestone walls are evident and the rich, old mahogany bar speaks volumes about a time long past. It’s very cozy inside, with a half-dozen tall bar tables against the wall opposite the long bar. The bar area was not very populated, but we still asked to be seated in the no-smoking section. We were led to a small adjoining room, where I noted about a dozen tables – only 2 of which were occupied.
The tables were covered with a blue, gingham-checked plastic cloth, and there were four small appetizer plates with napkin-wrapped silverware at the corners. A lit candle was placed at the center. The walls were a reddish-maroon color and there was a sort of drop ceiling with some acoustical material that really helped what must have once been a very noisy room. The lighting was warm and inviting. We were seated at a 4-top, and were almost immediately approached by a waitress who poured a large glass of water and asked if we would like something to drink… to which I instantly responded, yes! (We had put in a long day and were ready to reward ourselves)
Fish & Chips and Lamb Stew
The menu was simple, containing a few appetizers, a numbers of sandwiches, salads and about ten entrees. The hummus app really stood out – I don’t recall seeing it on any menus around here – and I wish we would have had a bigger appetite. We both would have ordered it. As it was, Lauren opted for the Fish and Chips ($8.95) and I decided to try the O’Brien’s Lamb Stew ($10.95; “savory leg of lamb, carrots, potato, celery and onions in a rosemary sauce, potato crust”).
The fish and chips came with 3 large pieces of deep-fried haddock – fried in a Harp’s beer batter – a dish of Coleslaw, tartar sauce and fries. Lauren really liked the fish, but mentioned that the oil may have been a bit on the “tired” side; it had left a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste. My stew was excellent. The lamb had a very good flavor and there was just enough rosemary to flavor the dish without overpowering it. The potato crust was piped on top and the stew inside was steaming hot. I ate every bit.
Recipe for a Winner
I don’t know how Irish O’Brien’s Pub and Grill wants to be, but the menu has a number of Irish dishes – including Shepherd’s Pie and the classic Reuben. The menu also includes ten great sounding sandwiches, each named after one of the ten brothers in the O’Brien clan. If I can judge the rest of the menu by what we had, I must say that O’Brien’s Pub and Grill has the recipe for a winner. As we left, I noticed that the bar had filled and a couple of other diner tables were occupied as well. But I remain surprised at the number of vacant tables I observed on a Saturday night. I hope that part changes. But keep puttin’ out the good food… and don’t change the Lamb Stew!
There is joy to be had in B’Ville… the mighty Casey has not struck out. In fact, he’s got himself a hit. Just how far the ball carries remains to be seen. But considering the very good service, the food quality and price and the overall experience that Lauren and I just had, Casey just might “go yard” with this one. I give O’Brien’s Pub and Grill 3 ½ Zins and recommend that you give it a try – on St. Patrick’s Day… or any other!
Your Table is Waiting
Ralph Pancetta
O’Brien’s Pub & Grill was located at 12 N. River St in Batavia, IL. They have since closed and the space is now occupied by Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden.
