Morrison's Irish Pub — Restaurant in Alton

Morrison’s Irish Pub on the corner of State St. and Broadway in downtown Alton, IL is an intimate bar and restaurant that has tasty Irish food, a fine selection of beers, and enough whiskies to make your head spin for days!

Seven of us had a Sunday lunch there and we all enjoyed it thoroughly. When we arrived between Noon and 12:30, most tables in this cozy establishment were already occupied. Luckily an extended booth to accommodate us was open.

Our server arrived promptly and got us started with waters as we decided on our drink order.

Imported and domestic beers are available on tap and in bottles. Various imports, local craft brews, and mainstream American beers are all there for your choosing. A couple of draft stouts, a Guinness Blonde on tap, and a bottle of Bud Light rounded out our beer order.

Some of us felt like having whiskey. I ordered Knockmore and several other whiskies were ordered too. We sampled each other’s and they were all very tasty.

I have to say that their whiskey menu is something to behold. There were literally pages and pages of brands listed with descriptions. Most I had never heard of before. The whiskey prices start as low as, I believe, $4.50 and go up from there. I thought that was extremely reasonable.

The food menu is, not surprisingly, filled with Irish dishes and Irish inspired items.

Two in our party started with salads. The salads were a plate covered with a spring mix. Their house Dijon white wine vinaigrette dressing was superior. A ranch dressing is also offered.

I want to mention that they had a menu with a “Pick 2 for $9.95” which offered a nice variety.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch. The Irish Stew was hearty and tasty, the Guinness Fish and Chips was 8 ounces of near perfectly breaded and fried cod, a mussels special looked delicious and disappeared quickly.

The corned beef sandwich had a generous amount of meat on marbled rye. That looked like something I should order on my next visit. Another dish had Irish pancakes layered with other items and I was told that it was quite good too!

About half way through our lunch, a gentlemen with his guitar came in and situated himself off to the side in the front of the restaurant. He sat and played some very pleasant music at a low volume. That was an added treat having some fine music gently wafting through this little spot.

By the time we left, every table was filling up and the bar chairs were mostly occupied too.

Overall, the decor was fun and comfortable. The food was delicious. And their bar was stocked with an amazing variety of beers and alcohols. Specialty drinks were offered too.

From my experience, having a meal, drinks or both at Morrison’s Irish Pub is a winning choice that...

Great concept but poorly executed. Since we had never been to this establishment before and since we were driving 27 miles to get there, I called ahead to get some information. I asked her what time the band started and if they had any weekend specials since we were going on a Saturday. She informed me that the band started at 6:00, the special was a Smashburger and that a tour group was arriving and she suggested we get there before 5:30. We arrived around 5:15 and as the establishment is extremely small (total seating including the bar area is about 30 people) we were able to get the last two seats available at the bar. There were no tables available even though there was a table and two unused chairs up in the stage area that could have been used for more seating. When we ordered our food we were told that they were completely out of mashed potatoes! Seriously, at an Irish Pub you're out of mashed potatoes? She did not tell me this when I called. One of the food menu items we went there for specifically was the colcannon. We were also told that our food order would be at least an hour since the tour group had ordered all at once and there was only one cook in the kitchen! We ordered our food and replaced the colcannon and boxty with regular potato chips. While we were waiting for our meal we saw two tables served with mashed potatoes on their plates! We were immediately upset. When our food finally did come it was okay, nothing to write home about. And then while we were eating our dinner we saw another table served with mashed potatoes! This led us to leave a 5% tip not that we wanted to leave any tip at all but our server who was greatly overwhelmed with customers did a good job. The band was fun but I was disappointed to find out that they didn't know any of the traditional Irish songs that I requested. They actually said they had never heard of these songs before. My stepfather was an Irishman and I've heard all the authentic Irish songs as that is all he listened to. I did not recognize any of the songs that this band played, it just sounded like Irish songs with Irish Tunes.

My suggestions for improvements for this establishment are as follows: have enough staff to serve your customers, have enough food to serve your customers, and if you're going to call yourself an Irish Pub, be one properly. We...

Morrisons Irish Pub in Alton, Illinois, is a hidden gem that captures the essence of a true Irish pub experience. From the moment you step inside, the authentic atmosphere immerses you in a world of Irish charm. The character and ambiance of Morrisons are unparalleled, creating a welcoming and cozy setting for patrons.

The menu at Morrisons is a testament to its commitment to offering the real deal in Irish cuisine. From hearty stews to traditional Irish fare, each dish is crafted with authenticity and flavor in mind. The pub also boasts an impressive selection of Irish beers and a whiskey collection that caters to enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The attention to detail in both food and drink contributes to a dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of Ireland.

What truly sets Morrisons apart is the friendly and outgoing nature of the owners and staff. Their warm hospitality creates a sense of community within the pub, making every visit feel like you're among friends. The owners' passion for Irish culture and dedication to providing a genuine pub experience shines through in every aspect of Morrisons.

For those seeking a taste of Ireland in Alton, Morrisons Irish Pub is a must-visit destination. It seamlessly combines great food, an authentic atmosphere, and welcoming owners, making it a standout establishment in the local...