Donnelly's Irish Pub — Restaurant in Peoria

The menu items are hit and miss for me, but my family likes the food and the fried chicken meal is pretty good if you're very hungry or want leftovers. They have interesting decorations on the walls and TVs with sports channels.

The most recent time we went, they were busy when we got there, but the girl at the front said there was an empty table across the room they just needed to clean and it would be a 10 minute wait. Great! We had a large-ish group (7), so that was perfect—except then, after the 10 minutes were up, she told us it would be another 20 minutes, even though we had watched them clear off the table and other, smaller groups were let in and seated while we waited (maybe they had reservations?).

The hostess said she didn't want us waiting at the table when it would be a while for our waiter, so instead of being able to settle in, chat with my relatives from out of town, get drinks, and look over the menu, four of us were crammed into the tiny entryway bench and the rest of our group went outside to wait in the drizzling rain. We finally were told it was time and got my grandma on her feet to head to the table, but there was something the hostess ran off to check on and it was another couple of minutes before we actually got to head to the table.

Once seated, it was another another half hour or more before we were allowed to order, at least 45 minutes to get the food, and despite scarfing down our meals, we ended up the last ones there. We got to the restaurant at 6:30, didn't get to place our orders until at least 7:30, maybe got our food at 8:15, and left at 9. Even when most of the other tables had all cleared out, our waiter hardly checked on us, and things moved very slowly. The staff were all friendly, but there was no explanation for the added wait time.

I don't know what the deal was, but it's not the first time it's been very slow there. More communication would be nice if there's a hold-up. I've never been a waiter, but I would think if one waiter is too busy to take a table, maybe someone less busy would be allowed to wait on it?

Entrees are probably $15-20, so if you get a side (which are a la carte) and drink, you're going to go...

Really poor experience here on 11/25/22. I've been frequenting Donnelly's since the early 90's and have never had an experience that would prevent me from returning, until last night.

Ordered large tenderloin to share. Asked for onion, extra pickle and mayonnaise on side. Waitress said she would bring an extra plate and an extra bun. Bun was $1.75, charged me .50 for mayo, and .35 for extra pickle. Sandwich had total of 5 pickles. Sandwich did not have 5 pieces of onion so my wife asked for more. Waitress brought a bowl with a few more pieces upon request. Wife had ordered a "house salad". It came out in the pictured bowl. Photographed after half eaten unfortunately. Salad consisted of 4 bites of romaine, one cherry tomato sliced in half and 2 pieces of onion. $5.25 plus tax. Initially tried to charge us for first salad dressing and one extra. Waitress did remove the first salad dressing after we complained. She had asked if we wanted a side of fries or basket. We asked about difference in cost and she said $1.50. it was $3 difference.

Tenderloin was luke warm at best when it came out. Never received refill on drinks. Took 8 to 10 mins after we requested check. Asked for manager and it turns out our waitress was the manager. She said she has no control over food portions (salad) and indicated they had "a lot going on back there" assuming that is the kitchen and an 18 top to serve in the dining room. When we walked in we were immediately seated and the place was half full. It did fill up as we were there.

We paid our bill and tipped before airing our grievances as we weren't looking for anything other than to be refunded for the original salad dressing mind you. The waitress was indifferent at best. Not a great representative for your small business.

Unfortunately, we...

Googled Irish food in peoria, found "Donnellys", called to find out if it's authentic, as in true corned beef in their Rueben sandwiches After two requests, First answer being "corned beef is only on St. Patrick's Day" Second request adding clarity, "Yes, the Rueben is made with real corned beef" So, ok great. I go back to google, clicking menu, and it takes me to a blog regarding English food??? So, then I go to their website, I click menu at the top, and it loads a non-functioning page?? Upon calling, Ive found out the foods are all likely authentic, but how am I to know selection? Or prices? Disappointed, I call and ask for a manager, the nice young lady says "sure just a moment please" but the tranfer doesnt go through twice, evidently because it turns out the manager is missing. The call transfer is returned to her, she answers, yet again, and says "I'm sorry about that, I'll see if I can go locate him". She comes back with "Im sorry sir, I cant seem to locate him, but if you can hold on one more minute, I'll make another round and see if he turns up" I respond "sure, no problem" She comes back with another apology as the manager is unable to be located saying "he may have left for a minute. But if you would like I can write down your name and number and have him call you back" By this time, Ive lost interest, and express why, informing her of the reason for my call as I was trying to compare ratings, menu and cost to Kehellers. And thus, Donnelly's website menu being down was inhibiting my search. Lost interest, now going to Los Jimadore authentic Mexican food. At least I know what to expect here, and know I'll be pleased with food, menu, customer service and prices. Thanx for redirecting me to...