McNally's Irish Pub — Restaurant in Oakland

Imagine two Irish Americans getting a late start on Saint Patrick's Day, 2021. One Irish pub in Montclair was just too crowded for these Covid times. So, we went to another Irish hang-out but it wasn't happening. We decided to try Bill McNally's. When we drove by, we saw an outside structure that was all lit up and filled people.

There was a long line, and we joined it—for well over an hour. I had to put my hands under my coat to keep them warm. The server invited us to sit with another couple at a small table. When it was time to order, the server told the other couple that there was only one corn beef and cabbage dinner left—and they took it.

When the waiter came back he told us that they had found one more corned beef and cabbage dinner. So, we got that one. The server was stretched quite thin—they needed more help. Celebratory sounds were coming from the booths—the more they drank—the louder it got. No one was let inside of the pub, but we were grateful to be out of line and sitting down. At our table, the boys talked, and us girls were pretty quiet.

The server was so busy that my partner only had one beer—pretty amazing for a St. Partick's Day night out. There were heat lamps, but we weren't in their range. My partner and I shared a slightly warm corn beef dinner with one set of plastic plasticware. We ate it all, and decided to leave.

I don't think the restaurant was ready for ALL the people that showed up. Many left before they got to the front of the line. It wasn't the management's fault that we arrived too late to get a warm booth--so we could have celebrated uproariously!!!

If we come next year, hopefully we can go inside, and celebrate with...

If you miss getting a beer with your mates because of covid19, you might want to check this place. They've set up a beer garden out front. Partitions separate tables into booths that seat 4. Tables and barstools are wiped down with sanitizer between customer uses. Because of some legal technicality, when you sit down , they sell you an empanada for a couple of bucks. You don't have to eat it, but they have to serve you some food to serve beer outside. During MLB playoffs, they had a couple of flatscreen t.v. brought outside so one could watch the game. I presume this is done for all sports events. A good place to get a beer with minimal risk of exposure. Booths are limited, so when they are full, you have to wait until one opens up and they wipe down the stools and table. Someone was just going both times I went so I had no wait. The only downside was the beer selection. It was decent, but uninspired. A good place to get a...

Started going much more during the pandemic when they built the parklets. Gave it a whole new feel. Great local bar for easy drink ordering, meeting friends, and taking dogs. My husband also likes to watch games there since it’s usually not crowded. You can also take food in which is very convenient.

Dog treats and water available. Paid Jukebox.

Table by fireside when it’s cold. Outside when it’s sunny. Back room doesn’t have the same feel as inside, but good for overflow. Back patio for smokers. Side gate is usually open to throw your trash in the bins.

Games on the tvs. Snugs if you want to tuck away with your group, but the one by the fireplace blinds you with a lightbulb in the eye.

St Patrick’s get packed. Get there super early if you...