Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill and Irish Pub — Restaurant in Butte

SUMMARY: Simply, the most AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB in the most Irish town in America. The food was EXCELLENT, the atmosphere was INCREDIBLE and the service was OUTSTANDING.

FULL REVIEW: ATMOSPHERE: Open the door and the first thing you hear is traditional Irish music. The first thing you see are brick walls lined with photos and items from Ireland and Butte’s rich Irish history. The first thing you smell is wonderful food being prepared in the front kitchen.

Then you see owner Irish Johnny, dressed in a vest and green tie chatting cheerfully with patrons while expertly orchestrating his spectacular staff who are as friendly and attentive as he is. He doesn't pass anyone without a smile, a hello, or even a chat. We often saw him even sit with customers for some craic. It is Irish hospitality at its very best.

Every picture and item on the walls has a story. But I won't deprive you the pleasure of hearing the tales straight from Irish Johnny in his heartwarming accent. Just be sure to ask him about the harp in the back.

True Irish pubs have no TVs, and you won't find any here. Instead, enjoy the company of those you are with, or the lovely Butte locals. As the old saying goes, “There are no strangers here. Only friends you haven't met yet.”

FOOD: All the traditional Irish favorites are here along with American fare as well. I had the Guinness Beef Stew which was the best I've had outside of Ireland. My wife had the fish and chips which she loved. We also shared what's known as Boxty Cakes, which are a must try.

GUINNESS: If you're Irish, you scrolled here first. And you're in luck- perfect pours topped with delightful images. (See photos for an example.)

CONCLUSION: If you're just looking for a great restaurant, you're in luck. But, if you're looking for a true, authentic Irish pub EXPERIENCE, you'll find none better. Anywhere.

Thank you, Irish Johnny. I have a new...

While I wasn’t thrilled with the service this particular day (the one from a year ago), we always have a wonderful experience. We are back after a year (not waiting due to do with the service). The owner remembered me and my review, mentioning it this visit. That was very impressive though he is always friendly, often checking on his guests. I am changing my review rating, chalking up the previous visit to a fluke. Thank you very much :)

Female bartender working Friday November 8th 3- 4pm, wasn't very busy but I felt like she got stuck waiting on us. 2 sets of silverware on the table for 4 and we received our food but she didn't ask if we needed anything else. It took me 5 minutes to flag her down for the other two sets of silverware we needed. Her attitude wasn't friendly like the other other servers. She was more pleasant for the table next to us. My mother-in-law was buying my birthday dinner so I asked if they had any birthday specials, she didn't think so but didn't know and didn't offer to check. I had to flag her down for boxes, etc. She had time to talk to other servers - wasn't hurrying, didn't have a bunch of people at the bar. We are party split up, my boyfriend sat at the bar and I was trying get myself situated on my chair. She got a beer for him and hurried away without offering me anything. I had to shout down the bar I would like to have a Pepsi. I gave her a $2 tip on his $8 beer to be nice. I don't know if my Mother-in-law gave her a tip or not as I know she didn't care for her service. Finally, my cabbage from Corned Beef and Cabbage Meal was not braised at all. I am taking it home to boil it and eat it with the great tasting...

This place is 10/10 across the board. Probably my new favorite place in Butte. My friend brought me here for the first time tonight after she had a great time here. She hooked me after saying the food was amazing. I had never really had irish food before and was a little nervous but excited to try it. And it's like genuine irish food. Not like americanized "kinda Irish food." Seems like the real deal. You walk in and the atmosphere is unbelievable, one of a kind, absolutely completes the irish experience. The service was amazing off the bat, greeted at the door. Prompt friendly service. The manager (I think he was the manager, maybe owner?) even came by and chatted with us and shook my hand after I told him it was my first time. I think even he is irish too with his awesome accent. But you never get that genuine human to human connection and experience anymore and it was just amazing (I think we are all just so used to being treated like dollar signs and not people, rather sad). And this was all before the food even came. And the food came quick! I dont know how they prepare such cuisine in such a small kitchen, that's a feat within itself. Y'all the food is amazing. I had the Corned Beef Reuben Boxty (Shawn's favorite) and it was delicious! Highly recommend. And to commend such a joyous evening, my friend and I shared an Irish Grasshopper. And that too was amazing. Tasted like a liquid thin mint! Everything from presentation, atmosphere, ambiance, service, price, food.. there's just absolutely nothing wrong...