We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“Great atmosphere, decent food”

Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant
Ranked #13 of 178 Restaurants in Downers Grove
Cuisines: Irish
Dining options: Late Night
Restaurant details
Dining options: Late Night
Reviewed December 23, 2015 via mobile

This is a reliable pub with good burgers and fries, and a nice selection of sandwiches, some Irish specialties, beers and cocktails. If you're not expecting gourmet dining, you'll have a great time here.

Date of visit: December 2015
Thank Debbie H
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (146)
Traveler rating
Traveler type
Time of year
Language

59 - 63 of 146 reviews

Reviewed October 3, 2015

This is a classic Irish Pub, with great staff, great beer, great atmosphere and better food then you'd expect from a pub! The group that created this pub (and it's two 'sister' pubs) went over to Ireland, studied real Irish Pubs (I would have loved to help do that research!) bought a bunch of pub furnishings (doors, shelves, church confessional, etc). and built this pub.

They, of course, have the usual variety of Irish beers (Harp, Guinness, etc.) and a bunch of rotating microbrews. They have a lot of the usual fried pub foods, but they also cook a variety of high-quality foods and even healthy entrees.

My favorite sandwich is the corned beef and rye sandwich. You may say "what's the big deal - lots of places have it". Yes, lots of places buys pre-cooked sliced and dry corned beef, pressed between a couple of greasy pieces of bread. Ballydoyle cooks giant side of corned beef in their kitchen. They slice up big chunks of real corned, make this think and juicy sandwich. They then toast the rye bread and press the corned beef and cheese together - there is no greasy bread. They use the same process to create their classic reuben. I've been to literally dozens of pubs/restaurants and no other place has made the sandwiches this good!

They also rent out rooms for parties. Our kids held a surprise party for us and 25 friends at Ballydoyle. The services and food were great and the staff was wonderful. From what my kids told us, it was very reasonably priced.

I can't recommend Ballydoyle enough! Slante!

Date of visit: October 2015
Thank Charlie M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed September 28, 2015

I am not a beer drinker and when the bartender came to the table I told him why I did not drink beer and he said that he had a beer I should try. He came back with a small glass which I tried it was the first beer I ordered in 40 years and it was great. The lunch menu was very good also.

Date of visit: July 2015
Thank Emile1206
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed August 11, 2015

Figured we would try this restaurant for dinner. As we were seated outside in their patio, the table next to us had a yelping little poodle. Don't get me wrong but I am all for rescue or help dogs in training but not a spoiled little dog in ribbons which barked at every passer by coming down the alley way. On the other hand the service was slightly above average as the food was below. Had a Reuben which looked like it was put into a press. I definitely will not be back.

Date of visit: August 2015
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank wcdiamondlake
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed July 9, 2015 via mobile

Authentic pub. Good food and great atmosphere . The service was good and the food came to us quickly. Had Shepard's pie and salad and Harp!

Date of visit: July 2015
Thank Beth P
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Travelers who viewed Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant also viewed

Downers Grove, DuPage County
Downers Grove, DuPage County
 
Downers Grove, DuPage County
Westmont, DuPage County
 

Been to Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.