EDITED REVIEW: After having basically lived in McGovern's for a year now, I felt it was a good idea to amend my review in fairness to the staff of an establishment I have come to love.

First and foremost, the burger selection is excellent. If a burger is too much, the menu has many other options. Personally, I recommend the Buffalo Shrimp Wrap. The food at McG is not inventive or unique, and this is a good thing. Traditional food made well, quickly, sold at a fair price.

The crowd potential is incredibly dynamic. Some nights it is wall to wall college students. Other nights it is locals, cops, and ne'er-do-wells like myself drowning their sorrows. There is a healthy and interesting crowd of regulars who know and love McG's particular style. Their Event Space is great and many groups utilize it, creating an interesting juxtaposition between the Bar and the Restaurant. If rumored expansion plans are followed, the McG space will be even more accommodating and diverse. The lunch crowd is vibrant if somewhat subdued, owing largely to the fact that they are just dropping in for a burger & brew.

During the day, Mike and Morgan run a tight ship that caters to the large and varied lunch crowd. At night, Moe and his tiny army of helpers serve drinks and hilarity until 2am. All in all, the place is great, especially for a people seeking refuge from the massive changes occuring in Newark. McGovern's is a piece of living history that is worth more than a single visit.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Food is good. Drink selection is standard. Staff is great to mediocre. Uncomfortably bright lighting. If you are not a cop, college student, or a Prudential office hamster, this bar is a one-off.