Black Shamrock Tavern — Restaurant in Honolulu

Based off the reviews, I was really hoping for more from this establishment. Especially considering the raving reviews and how long they have been in business. Unfortunately, I can say I was underwhelmed and will not be back.

My wife and I decided to try a new restaurant yesterday and we settled on the Black Shamrock Tavern. When we arrived the vibes were immediately off, but against our better judgement we decided to still give it a chance.

We were not greeted at all when we arrived. It was in fact very awkward as the bartender made eye contact with us several times before we decided to just seat ourselves. Mind you, we went at approximately 2pm and it was not busy at all. In fact, there were about 4 other parties there, mainly ordering drinks and not meals.

While the bartender initially took our order politely, the service quickly shifted in contrast to how other new arrivals were treated. It is important to note we were the only black women in the establishment and 2 of 3 black people in the entire establishment. So naturally, it seemed obvious to why we felt unwelcome.

The food and drink was decent, but again, it was very apparent the bartender did not want to service us. There was no acknowledgement or 'check-in' with us in comparison to the other restaurant guests. Not long after, owner came out, I assume to check on restaurant goers, and he seemed very nice. Because of his welcoming and kind energy we decided that maybe the tension we were feeling at first was not intentional and decided to stay for one more drink.

Because of the bartender/server's lack of attention to us, the owner noticed we wanted to order and conveyed to the bartender that I wanted one more drink. He soon departed and we sat and waited. During this time, the bartender greeted new guests, took an order, and made two drinks, all of which was ordered after I requested another drink. And I want to emphasize yet again, the restaurant was not packed or even close to busy, and my order was requested well before she began these new tasks.

Upon noticing this, naturally, I did not want the drink anymore. The owner returned and I advised him that we no longer wanted the drink and we would only like the check. He asked the bartender if she heard him say that we wanted a new drink and she responded 'no' in a very unconcerned, disinterested manner. He then advised her that we only wanted the check and he departed again soon after. When she brought the check, it was the same ill-energy as before. No acknowledgement or words of any sort. Just dropped the check and very weirdly and awkwardly scurried away.

I share this experience to say: we are HUGE on customer service. Food, or any product for that matter, may be decent, but if the customer service is amazing, we will be back. We love to support small, local businesses oppose to franchise chains. The customer service at this establishment was terrible.

I wanted so much more from our visit here, and it has potential to be a beautiful, inclusive environment. The aesthetic is traditional, quaint, and adorable. The owner also seems nice. However, I cannot emphasize enough - any form of discrimination or abysmal service is unacceptable.

In this day, age, and society, it is not hard to understand why some actions appear as targeted or discriminatory. A learning experience for us for sure, as all spaces are not meant for everyone. This business has potential, but until the service culture changes, especially around inclusivity, we cannot...

The Black Shamrock checks off all the boxes and more in regards to a fine adult beverage dispensary. An Irish bar in Chinatown that serves it up right. Gone are the dingy dark cigarette smelly days of O'Tooles. In, are attentive and friendly bartenders pouring the perfect pint and whiskey. Looking forward to the complete menu but for now keep tantalizing us with the awesome pizza. Spent a fine day(and night) recently with lots of Irish craic and Hawaiian Ohana at the Black Shamrock. A place not to miss, we...

Great Irish pub with a fantastic bar. Apparently they don't do live music anymore. The bartender I had was awesome. She was super friendly and welcoming. There was a mistake with my card when another bartender came on. I paid in cash and was charged out on my tab after I left. I called in and she remembered me and fixed the situation with the manager right away. Good people, clean bar, with great selection! A+ Apparently, they serve pizza and such but I...