O'Gara's

Circa-1941 Irish tavern with a warm, old-time vibe featuring pub food, draft beer & flat-screen TVs.

In March of 1941, James Freeman O’Gara opened the doors of this tavern providing a wholesome atmosphere for conversation and camaraderie. Initially food and liquor was served to the local residents who fought World War II at home by manufacturing supplies and munitions for those overseas.

Gradually, the O’Gara reputation for serving excellent food and drink at a fair price became known and has ensured an ever-growing trade. In fact, O’Gara’s is the oldest family owned operation of its kind in Saint Paul still at the original location. Several people lay claim to employment at O’Gara’s of 35 years or more. The bar has always been an Irish haunt by virtue of its name and clientele, but the family has burnished that image over the years, and they’ve seen the bar become perhaps the busiest place in town on St. Patrick’s Day.

If the O’Gara name isn’t Irish enough, certainly the decor is. The mural of leprechaun cobblers on the south wall of the main dining area was done from creation by founder, Jim O’Gara. The shillelagh over the adjoining all-wood bar is also the real item, coming from the County Sligo, home of the first O’Gara clan. One glance at it and you’ll see why unruly behavior doesn’t exist here! The new bar and dining area speaks for itself. The etched glass, alternating family name with family crest, along with a three-quarter ton green granite bar top adorned with brass, were specifically designed for this expanded section.

The expansion of O’Gara’s is the fulfillment of a dream by Tim, who succeeded his father Jim in 1972. Tim’s knowledge and desire to satisfy has resulted in the expansion of new rooms, including the Shamrock Room, Brew Pub and The Shanty. The main bar, The Shamrock Room, established in 1982, hosts jazz/big bands and acoustic sing along music with traditional O’Gara hospitality. This room has played host to many banquets and private parties. O’Gara’s Garage was established in 1985 and renovated in 2011 to become The Shanty, one of St. Paul’s premiere music clubs, featuring the Twin Cities finest local/national acts. The Brew Pub, opening in 1996, once consisted of a wide selection of O’Gara’s own handcrafted brews, brewed on site.