Featured Business: O’Blarney’s Irish Pub
Whether St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon or not, a visit to O’Blarney’s Irish Pub should be at the top of your to-do list.
Sure, this longtime Olympia favorite offers up green beer, delicious eats (Irish-themed and otherwise), and traditional Irish dancers and music on the big green day – all amid a friendly swarm of regulars and new friends.
But O’Blarney’s also draws impressive crowds year round. And a diverse crowd, at that.
“We have sweet little old ladies here in the afternoons, the deacons from St. Martins, and the parish priests from St. Michael’s,” says owner Mike Heelan. “And then, by 9 o’clock, we’re a twenty something sports bar.”
It’s this dual personality – and catering to both so well — that keeps customers streaming through O’Blarney’s doors for dinner or drinks, or both.
O’Blarney’s doesn’t pretend to be a traditional Irish pub. The Irish theme, according to Heelan, is a touch tongue-in-cheek, and all in good fun.
After Mike’s dad John opened O’Blarney’s in 1985, he ran the successful eatery and sports bar with his wife Eileen, until their retirement a decade ago. Mike has continued the tradition.
O’Blarney’s could wallpaper its walls with the local polling awards its been handed over the years, from Olympia’s best burger to best sports bar.
The spacious dining room feels downright cozy thanks to the roaring fire in its charming stone fireplace, and the menu has something for everyone, with all the expected pub grub, both Irish and American. Think comfort food. Think delicious. From shepherd’s pie and traditional Irish pasties to hot wings and nachos. And the hand-dipped ale fish n’ chips are not to be missed. Eating light? Try one of O’Blarney’s scrumptious salads.
The large adjacent room offers every sports bar favorite, including pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, pull tabs, coin games, and more. Thirsty? Try one of the 19 beers on tap. Seating is plentiful and you’ll spy televisions from every angle.
If a sporting event’s on TV, you’re likely to find it on one of O’Blarney’s many high-definition screens. NFL, MLB, NASCAR, NBA, PGA, MLS, NHL, UFC, hurling, and more. March at O’Blarney’s also means simultaneous viewing of all March Madness games.
Stop in for live music on Tuesday nights, or pull up a chair for the weekly trivia game on Thursdays.
Mike is proud of O’Blarney’s track record pulling in regular customers – and retaining a fantastic staff. Half his workers have been with O’Blarney’s for over 10 years. And it’s a friendly crew known for providing great service.
O’Blarney’s is a lively gathering spot – casual, comfortable, inviting, and full of friendly faces. Not a regular yet? One visit and you just may leave feeling differently. After all, according to Mike, O’Blarney’s motto is: “You’re only a stranger once.”
4411 Martin Way East
(360) 459-8084
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Had a great time at O’Blarney’s today (St. Patrick’s Day) with my friend Ken Balsley. We arrived at a little after 10 a.m. I had a reuben sandwich and Irish stew for breakfast, and then began on several shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey chased with Dr. Pepper. We tried to talk over several bagpipe bands in fine form, watched local Irish step dancers entertain us through lunch, re-connected with some total strangers and even met with a former employee from 30+ years ago. It was a great day to be Irish. It was a great day to drink Irish whiskey. It was a great day to be an American. It was a great day to be free. If you live anywhere near O’Blarney’s, and are Irish, and have not been there on St. Patrick’s Day, you are flat missing it.