Sally O’Brien’s

Haven’t been in since the rat infestation, although I heard things have been clearing up. Not since that night the fat bald guy announced there was a rat behind the bar, have I or my significant other been back. Kevin the manager seems to think its all good, but he says «every now and then a trap goes off. They still have the best Guinness on Somerville Ave. They also have the best Mexican Guinness Stew. The rolls that sit outside on the sidewalk in the AM are to die for, the little fairy that worked the bar claims they are from LaRonga, but still good. The homeless guys across the street need their share as well.

I ordered the fresh catch haddock sandwich while attending the Roy Sludge trio show tonite. Always love seeing live sludge so the music was stellar. Having very high standards for fish sandwiches, I have to say I was extremely satisfied with the quality and taste of my fish sandwich. Delicious! Can’t wait to go back and have another one!

This is a review of the music and drinks. We didn’t eat here but my friends said, «its pub food!», enough said. The portions I saw looked big, heart attack on a plate, but big!
The music here on a Saturday night is great between the hours of 6−8pm. This was my first time here and I was at first completely underwhelmed with the place on walking in but my friend comes the second Saturday of the month religiously so I joined as a tag along. I was happily surprised. The music had people up and dancing in the small space provided and the usual band was absent, it was a sit in band. No seat was empty and by the time we left, standing room only.
That said, my friends only come for the 6−8pm shows. The crowd is older, much older I might add then the typical 20 – 40’s bar crowd but the music is country, funk-​blues and the atmosphere festive and fun.
I will be checking it out again. Be warned there is no wine list it is a «what reds do you have?». Server replied, «Red». No expectations, no disappointments that my only advise think dive and you’ll be ok and thrive.
Have fun and get out there and dance!

It’s an older crowd, and I don’t hate that. Bar staff is personable. Music tends to be quite good. Folks are friendly.

Awesome grilled Atlantic Salmon! The buttery lemon glaze was fantastic! We love the steak tips, Guinness beef stew & burgers at Sally’s too! The daily specials change frequently & are always tasty, especially the chili!

Went here just for a couple drinks on a Saturday afternoon. Nice atmosphere inside. Pretty empty and some mellow Irish music playing. Altho it was pretty empty the people that did straggle in all seemed to know each other so felt a little bit the outsider but (except for one guy who seemed to be veering towards a bit too loud and obnoxious) it was still pretty chill. And wasn’t catching a hipster vibe either which was a nice change in Union Square.
Seemed to be a pay-​as-​you-​go place? So found that a bit awkward and embarassing when I realized thats why bartender was standing staring at me and Ibwas just staring back but he seemed like a cool guy. Would definitely try it out again.

Great free music and good bar food! I always enjoy myself when there! Especially… MARLEY MONDAY! Duppy Conquerers Bob Marley tribute band every Monday night! A must see!

I frequent Sally’s because of the fun, supportive comedy open mic held there every Monday at 7:30, so my perspective is that of a vegetarian comic who largely abstains from alcohol. That said, Sally’s is an unpretentious Somerville mainstay perfect for a casual date night, an outing with friends, or simply a relaxing drink after work. Food-​wise, it offers typical bar fare: burgers, chicken wings, pizza, salads, etc. I favor the veggie burger with coleslaw, which I sometimes request sans bun; besides that, Sally’s doesn’t provide much for the health-​conscious, meat-​shy eater. The service is usually excellent and the bar tenders are very attentive.

This is my local bar and one of my favorites. Interesting mix of bands play here. The customers are shifted older than most Somerville bars which may contribute to the laid back vibe. Food is good but limited selection, try the specials or stick to the burgers. Bartenders are great. Monday night is my favorite.

This review is based on approximately 1,000 visits to Sally O’Brien’s over the last 10 years, though I’m focusing on more recent times.
Sally’s is one of the last vestiges of the Union Square I moved into a decade ago. It’s still a bit divey, but in a charming way. The day crowd regulars are still there, and there’s Bud, Miller Lite and Powers whiskey, just like always. There’s also a good, though modest selection of 10 draft beers that usually features something fairly new, along with Guinness. There’s a decent bottle and can selection, and all the standard bar drinks that don’t involve fruit soaked in vodka and such.
The music, which started around the time I showed up, has matured into a distinct scene. This is predominately a country/​rockabilly bar, although on Monday nights, once the ever-​improving comedy open mic wraps up, the Duppy Conquerers play Bob Marley covers to a dazed and appreciative crowd. There’s some rock, too, as well as the odd old legend, like Spider John Koerner who makes his way to Sally’s for a set one or two times a year. In general, you get your money’s worth at Sally’s when you go see music since there is rarely a cover, and when there is it’s usually just 5 bux and goes to the band.
Sally’s is a bit under-​appreciated for it’s food value. While it’s just pub food, it’s decent and a great place to meet up with a group of even a fairly large size for lunch.
If you don’t need frills with your beer or bourbon, and a burger is your thing, you should give Sally’s a try while you are in Union Square. Prices are good. The staff is good. In good weather, you can sit outside.

Great local and best bar in union square.

This review is based on only 2 visits to Sally O’Brien’s.
I went to Sally’s ages ago for a casual dinner + beers, and I think it’s a friendly, casual spot in Union with decent food and beer options.
I went again with friends last week to catch the live music on a Saturday night. (Wut Wut Dirty Paxton!) The place got crowded fast, and it’s always fun when a bar will offer live music, especially when it’s a smaller spot. The beers were affordable, and I LOVED that they offered Traveler’s Ginger Shandy. I wasn’t going to drink that night, but how can you say no to a ginger shandy?!
I didn’t get a chance to check out the bathrooms, but girls were going in and out without complaining about the facilities, so I’d risk going in there next time at Sally’s.
All in all, would definitely go back (especially to hear DP play if they get another gig!).

A lotta people love this place for their burgahs, but the steak cut fries do it fah me.
Stumbled into Sally O’s on a night of open mic comedy. I think it was a Monday but I can’t be shuah, I had already had a few by the time I got theah. The Sawx were off that night and Skylah was working late, so I figyahd I’d venture up to Somerville past Hahvahd. Decided to leave the cah and rode the T to the Hahvahd Squeah stop, and then took a walk up Washington Street to Somerville Ave. It was a bit of a hike, but when I stepped in the door, I felt right at home and it made the trip worth it.
Ordahd the Irish Burgah and a pint of Guinness. They know how to pouah Guinness.
The bahtendah’s brogue and their fries were just the way I prefah… Thick. These Steak Cut Fries could almost be reassembled on yoah plate to form a whole russet potato.
I went with the Irish Burgah, because why not? Cheddah, toasted bun, and as rare as I ordahd it. Fella didn’t even give me the standahd, «Oh we can’t serve uncooked meat, blah blah blah.» Let me make my own choices when it comes to my food; which is what they do at Sally O’Brien’s. Menu’s not huge, because they know what they ah and stick with what they know.
The place is a quality Irish pub that keeps it simple. That’s why I’ll be back again.
Even the comedians at the open mic were pretty good. Gonna head back for a night of live music next time and request some Gerry Rafferty. Good music to fight to… Pahticulahly the song «Baykah Street.»
lotta = lot of
burgahs = burgers
fah = for
shuah = sure
theah = there
Sawx = Boston Red Sox
Skylah = Skylar (my girlfriend)
figyahd = figured
Hahvahd = Harvard University
cah = car
Hahvahd Squeah = Harvard Square
ordahd = ordered
pouah = pour
bahtendah’s = bartender’s
prefah = prefer
yoah = your
cheddah = cheddar cheese
standahd = standard
ah = are
Pahticulahly = Particularly
Baykah = Baker

Very interesting night at Sally’O Brien’s. We went there to see a band that we heard was real good and the beer and food was good. We made the 90min ride there. We get there and at 8:40 the place is full with a private political rally going on and no sign of music. Then the band showed up and looked surprised at what was going on. We ordered a Sams Oktoberfest draft served in a 12 oz shaker glass for $ 6.50 the bottle domestics are $ 3.50 and $ 4.50 for Imports like Corona type bottle beers. The drafts are overpriced for the place. The tall boy PBR was $ 3.50. Here is the strange part. Later we saw the Narragansett Oktoberfest cans. 3 different prices, First I paid $ 3.50 then my brother paid $ 3.75 (different bartender) then I paid $ 4.00 all the same beer but different prices? The restrooms are so small that people were saying they should have a shoehorn to get in and out of. The bathroom in my RV is bigger. They had food out for the rally and since the music was held up for about 1:15 at Bob’s request. So we sampled the food, the rolls were god but the meatballs were the frozen type with can sauce, the wings were frozen type but held allot of grease to make them tasty. The pasta was pasta with the same can sauce. Advertised start time on SallyO’s web page 8:30 they could not start till 9:45. Then Bob took over the stage after 2 songs for a speech then after 2 more songs did it again but this time asked the band to take a break. They had the 2 TVs blasting also all night. Very rude. The band did finally get to play and there was a bar fight as expected in Somerville. I will not go back again no matter who is playing there. The Fact that the owner bends to political pressure over a good time and food for his patrons is wrong.
STAY AWAY unless you want the Somerville dive bar experience. THEY BAND WAS WICKED AWESOME AND TURNED THE NIGHT INTO A BLAST ANWAY.

Walked in on a Sunday early afternoon and it happened to be the first Sunday they serve their brunch menu. It was pretty good, I had the kale guacamole omelette with organic beacon. I guess the organic menu is on a trail basis for now, hopefully they’ll keep it.
Nice ambience on for a Sunday, quiet and comfortable.

This review is for the bar/​music scene. I have not ever eaten here.
I have been to all the bars in the Union square area and maybe most probably all of Somerville (I don’t keep a list). I have not ever had a bad time in this bar. They serve PBR and you know the regular high end stuff. The bartenders are always nice and are pretty good at their job (i.e. you don’t have to wait very long for a beer). The music is always at least decent. Sometimes they have a cover sometimes they don’t. I find this refreshing versus say PAs which seems to always have at least a $ 10 dollar cover and I cannot say the bands are on average any better. Not to mention Sally’s is just a nicer place to drink.
The crowd here is older which may give it a more mellow vibe. I like this myself since I am not usually in the mood to deal with a younger crowd that sometimes can be rude or obnoxious. Maybe they are the neighbors and have been drinking here for years?

Great bar food, good music, nice staff, clean bathrooms.

This place is pretty chill. Dropped by for an afternoon snack, had some tasty, meaty chili and an order of spicy onion rings that was spot-​on. Had to wander over to the bar to get in an order, though. Seems like a good venue for music, a nice place to relax. Nothing fancy. Just what it says on the tin.

I just hosted my second staff holiday party at Sally’s. Once again, it was a huge hit.
Liam, the owner, is laid back, accommodating, and willing to work with people to make a great party happen. We settled on an unbelievably low price per person. The buffet contained a seemingly endless supply of varied wraps, chicken wings and tenders, pasta, meatballs, rolls, salad, coffee, and dessert. I told Liam that we have a few vegans on our staff and he made sure to have roasted veggie wraps (no cheese) and pasta in vegan marinara sauce. He simply put a separate chafing dish of meatballs and a dish of grated cheese on the side. All dietary concerns were easily addressed, which was great.
We basically overtook the entire place from 3 – 6 in the afternoon, and many of the partygoers stayed well beyond 6 to enjoy the live music.
If you’re the party organizer for your business, office, school… whatever, do yourself a favor and contact Sally O’Brien’s about a holiday (or any occasion party). Once you firm up a date and make your menu preferences known, you can just sit back rest assured that you’re going to have a great party.
Thanks Liam and Crew.

Sally O’Brien’s is my other go-​to bar besides Bull McCabe’s, since they are basically across the street from each other and I am too sketched out by P.A.‘s to ever go in there!
Sally’s and Bull’s are basically the same — cheap food and drinks, friendly patrons, live music. I like the space at Sally’s a little more than Bull’s because it’s 3x the size, which makes the live music a little more tolerable because you’re not right on top of the band. And the two gigantic LCD TVs behind the bar make it a good spot to catch a game.
BUT the crowd at Sally’s always seems a little older and more subdued, so this isn’t a place to really get rowdy, whereas Bull’s always seems lively.
Food options are basic, and really nothing «Irish» on the menu for an Irish pub, but at least they have a real kitchen. Also odd, the name «Sally O’Brien» is supposedly a reference to Harp (and they have a big Harp sign outside) but I don’t think they have Harp on draught! So far I’ve only tried the chili dogs and they were fine. They also do 25 cent wings on Wednesdays I think, so I’m likely to try those out at some point.