M.J. O’Connor’s Irish Pub at the Boston Park Plaza
27 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02116 (617) 482-2255
Hours of Operation: Sunday through Saturday 11am-2am
December 16, 2005
I’ll admit it. I was expecting something formulaic when I entered M. J. O’Connor’s Irish Pub at Park Plaza. Shamrocks, leprechauns in bowler hats, and a motif awash in green. But, Faith and Begorrah, I was pleasantly surprised to enter a welcoming, warmly wood-burnished pub. Instead of turning on my heels, I made a beeline for the L shaped bar to contemplate the lunch menu and enjoy the compelling features that drew me over the threshold.
The ambiance inside practically shouted “Guinness!” Worn down to the bare wood at its rounded edges, the smooth L shaped walnut stained bar showed the effects of years of elbows and jars of beer and ale being plunked, perhaps pounded, upon it. The stand of seven beer and ale taps on each side of the L stood like tall sentinels ready to return your salute after you’d ordered one of them.
The rich color scheme was the biggest surprise. In the softly lit place was a mélange of rich ochre and pale rose, both rag rolled onto the walls and ceilings. Opposite the bar side of the pub, varnished wooden tables and chairs configured for four, six, eight patrons were arranged under the exposed timber ceiling and occupied by a business suit to flannel wearing clientele that filled the place for lunch. The mix of colors on the walls and furnishings had a surprisingly inviting effect and seemed to whisper, “Come in and take a load off.”
Having walked inside after a brisk thirty minute stroll around Park Square in 20 degree weather, it took me all of ten seconds to decide on the Guinness Beef Stew, garden salad lunch. While waiting for my stew to arrive, I studied the menu and noticed the brogues of the bartender and a couple of the wait staff. To my utter amazement, hardly anyone was watching the three video monitors in the pub. They were actually talking to one another in real time. I realize the Irish are said to be blessed with the “gift of gab” and on this day the entire clientele behaved as if they came from the same gene pool.
Today’s lunch menu listed appetizers ($6-$10), soups ($3- $4.50), salads ($5-$10), sandwiches ($8-$12), entrées ($10-$12). The daily specials included choices not usually associated with Dublin: Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich $8, Steak Boxty $10, Grilled salmon wrap $8, Chicken Stir Fry $9, and Chicken Marsala $9.
My beef stew arrived in a hot stoneware ramekin topped with a swirl of whipped potatoes. The artfully arranged mesclin salad strewn with cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber topped with julienned carrots was covered with just enough balsamic dressing to add taste without drowning the delicate mesclin. Being the peasant I am, I would have appreciated a hunk of crusty bread to set upon the oblong plate on which the whole business was served.
My bones needed thawing and the sturdy chunks of beef, potato, and carrot in a “rich stout reduction” under the whipped potato did the trick efficiently but were not memorable otherwise. The sharp balsamic dressing was a surprisingly good counterpoint to the mellow taste of the stew.
The pt at large sparkling service award made its debut here today. Just as I was wondering how I was going to sop up the beef stew’s juice with only the knife and fork that came with the meal, a voice over my shoulder said, “Here you are, you might need this to finish your stew.” and a waiter placed a large soup spoon beside my platter. That gesture made me forget about the bread and remember to try the place again in the near future. pt at large rates M.J. O’Connor’s as a good bet for solid pub grub and a comfortable, reasonably priced way station while you’re shopping or touring the town.
Head’s Up: to sign up for January’s “Cabin Fever: A Winter Beer Dinner to Warm Your Cockles”, and for menus and a photo tour of the pub, log on to http://www.mjoconnorsboston.com/mjoconnors/
Hey Paul, a timely review. We are heading into Boston Saturday with Dick's 90 year old (Northern) Irish mom, and wouldn't we love to know about this restaurant for lunch?? So thanks! And if you're in the neighborhood once again, drop in to join us. (Call me at to see if we're there first. This age stuff can get iffy.)
Sounds like retirement is treatin' you good. Like chopping wood, then enjoying the fire...warms you twice. You're doing the same. Only better. L
Posted by: Lynn Dowall | January 11, 2020 at 07:08 PM
I'm really liking these, PT. You're developing a strong ability to
describe what you see as well as the confidence to talk about the vibe
that a place/people emit. Keep it going!
Posted by: Jeff Kelly Lowenstein | January 11, 2020 at 07:09 PM