Based off the reviews, I was really hoping for more from this establishment. Especially considering the raving reviews and how long they have been in business. Unfortunately, I can say I was underwhelmed and will not be back.
My wife and I decided to try a new restaurant yesterday and we settled on the Black Shamrock Tavern. When we arrived the vibes were immediately off, but against our better judgement we decided to still give it a chance.
We were not greeted at all when we arrived. It was in fact very awkward as the bartender made eye contact with us several times before we decided to just seat ourselves. Mind you, we went at approximately 2pm and it was not busy at all. In fact, there were about 4 other parties there, mainly ordering drinks and not meals.
While the bartender initially took our order politely, the service quickly shifted in contrast to how other new arrivals were treated. It is important to note we were the only black women in the establishment and 2 of 3 black people in the entire establishment. So naturally, it seemed obvious to why we felt unwelcome.
The food and drink was decent, but again, it was very apparent the bartender did not want to service us. There was no acknowledgement or 'check-in' with us in comparison to the other restaurant guests. Not long after, owner came out, I assume to check on restaurant goers, and he seemed very nice. Because of his welcoming and kind energy we decided that maybe the tension we were feeling at first was not intentional and decided to stay for one more drink.
Because of the bartender/server's lack of attention to us, the owner noticed we wanted to order and conveyed to the bartender that I wanted one more drink. He soon departed and we sat and waited. During this time, the bartender greeted new guests, took an order, and made two drinks, all of which was ordered after I requested another drink. And I want to emphasize yet again, the restaurant was not packed or even close to busy, and my order was requested well before she began these new tasks.
Upon noticing this, naturally, I did not want the drink anymore. The owner returned and I advised him that we no longer wanted the drink and we would only like the check. He asked the bartender if she heard him say that we wanted a new drink and she responded 'no' in a very unconcerned, disinterested manner. He then advised her that we only wanted the check and he departed again soon after. When she brought the check, it was the same ill-energy as before. No acknowledgement or words of any sort. Just dropped the check and very weirdly and awkwardly scurried away.
I share this experience to say: we are HUGE on customer service. Food, or any product for that matter, may be decent, but if the customer service is amazing, we will be back. We love to support small, local businesses oppose to franchise chains. The customer service at this establishment was terrible.
I wanted so much more from our visit here, and it has potential to be a beautiful, inclusive environment. The aesthetic is traditional, quaint, and adorable. The owner also seems nice. However, I cannot emphasize enough - any form of discrimination or abysmal service is unacceptable.
In this day, age, and society, it is not hard to understand why some actions appear as targeted or discriminatory. A learning experience for us for sure, as all spaces are not meant for everyone. This business has potential, but until the service culture changes, especially around inclusivity, we cannot recommend it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Valerie Santa
GREAT SELECTION of Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, and other booze ofcourse! Great atmosphere: Irish Pub, Very clean, Great Service, and LOVE the pizza here. Even better than JDolan's... I said what I said... (FYI, also love JDolan's Pizza)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oof Manr
Was here a couple of days ago, amazing pizza and drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deborah Safarik
Buzzing crowd, great pizza and drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tony Carbonell
Good local pub attended by many fun loving locals
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Christopher Smith
Really cool Irish Pub.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jacqui Burford
It is tough to find REALLY good pizza around Honolulu - we moved here a couple of years ago and just found Black Shamrock Tavern. It is really the best pizza in the area - and we have tried them all. The staff is great, beer is cold, the menu is short but anything we tried is a 10/10!! We ordered an extra pizza this time just to have some to take home!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dirk Goldberg
Owned by a MARINE who stayed on the island after his discharge. Food was excellent and the service superb .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy Richardson
The Leathernecks had an absolute blast! Thanks so much for the hospitality!
Robert Bernier
Great bar in Honolulu, was a shame we found it on our last day. Service was great, bartender was awesome, food was tasty and prices were reasonable. Started to get crowded before we left to catch our flight. Will definitely go back next time I'm in Oahu.
Amazing pizzas! Cool atmosphere in an old brick building. Servers and bartenders are very friendly and personable and provide excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vicky R.
I got the pizza with sausage, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and garlic. Crispy, chewy crust. And the Guinness was wonderful. Creamy and balanced. I'm happy with the experience and would go back. The music was at a moderate volume. Catchy and upbeat without being offensive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
brad horton
Great pizza, live music at lunch today nice staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ben Genco
Other than it being a bar in a terribly echoey old building, it was perfect. Enjoyable food and drinks, high quality ingredients, great bartenders and wait staff. Fun place while stuck in HNL on business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julie-Ann Archer
The food was very ordinary and overpriced. The paper plate and plastic cutlery was also disappointing.
Based off the reviews, I was really hoping for more from this establishment. Especially considering the raving reviews and how long they have been in business. Unfortunately, I can say I was underwhelmed and will not be back.
My wife and I decided to try a new restaurant yesterday and we settled on the Black Shamrock Tavern. When we arrived the vibes were immediately off, but against our better judgement we decided to still give it a chance.
We were not greeted at all when we arrived. It was in fact very awkward as the bartender made eye contact with us several times before we decided to just seat ourselves. Mind you, we went at approximately 2pm and it was not busy at all. In fact, there were about 4 other parties there, mainly ordering drinks and not meals.
While the bartender initially took our order politely, the service quickly shifted in contrast to how other new arrivals were treated. It is important to note we were the only black women in the establishment and 2 of 3 black people in the entire establishment. So naturally, it seemed obvious to why we felt unwelcome.
The food and drink was decent, but again, it was very apparent the bartender did not want to service us. There was no acknowledgement or 'check-in' with us in comparison to the other restaurant guests. Not long after, owner came out, I assume to check on restaurant goers, and he seemed very nice. Because of his welcoming and kind energy we decided that maybe the tension we were feeling at first was not intentional and decided to stay for one more drink.
Because of the bartender/server's lack of attention to us, the owner noticed we wanted to order and conveyed to the bartender that I wanted one more drink. He soon departed and we sat and waited. During this time, the bartender greeted new guests, took an order, and made two drinks, all of which was ordered after I requested another drink. And I want to emphasize yet again, the restaurant was not packed or even close to busy, and my order was requested well before she began these new tasks.
Upon noticing this, naturally, I did not want the drink anymore. The owner returned and I advised him that we no longer wanted the drink and we would only like the check. He asked the bartender if she heard him say that we wanted a new drink and she responded 'no' in a very unconcerned, disinterested manner. He then advised her that we only wanted the check and he departed again soon after. When she brought the check, it was the same ill-energy as before. No acknowledgement or words of any sort. Just dropped the check and very weirdly and awkwardly scurried away.
I share this experience to say: we are HUGE on customer service. Food, or any product for that matter, may be decent, but if the customer service is amazing, we will be back. We love to support small, local businesses oppose to franchise chains. The customer service at this establishment was terrible.
I wanted so much more from our visit here, and it has potential to be a beautiful, inclusive environment. The aesthetic is traditional, quaint, and adorable. The owner also seems nice. However, I cannot emphasize enough - any form of discrimination or abysmal service is unacceptable.
In this day, age, and society, it is not hard to understand why some actions appear as targeted or discriminatory. A learning experience for us for sure, as all spaces are not meant for everyone. This business has potential, but until the service culture changes, especially around inclusivity, we cannot recommend it.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
GREAT SELECTION of Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, and other booze ofcourse! Great atmosphere: Irish Pub, Very clean, Great Service, and LOVE the pizza here. Even better than JDolan's... I said what I said... (FYI, also love JDolan's Pizza)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was here a couple of days ago, amazing pizza and drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Buzzing crowd, great pizza and drinks!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good local pub attended by many fun loving locals
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Really cool Irish Pub.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It is tough to find REALLY good pizza around Honolulu - we moved here a couple of years ago and just found Black Shamrock Tavern. It is really the best pizza in the area - and we have tried them all. The staff is great, beer is cold, the menu is short but anything we tried is a 10/10!! We ordered an extra pizza this time just to have some to take home!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owned by a MARINE who stayed on the island after his discharge. Food was excellent and the service superb .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Leathernecks had an absolute blast! Thanks so much for the hospitality!
Great bar in Honolulu, was a shame we found it on our last day. Service was great, bartender was awesome, food was tasty and prices were reasonable. Started to get crowded before we left to catch our flight. Will definitely go back next time I'm in Oahu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing pizzas! Cool atmosphere in an old brick building. Servers and bartenders are very friendly and personable and provide excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got the pizza with sausage, pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and garlic. Crispy, chewy crust. And the Guinness was wonderful. Creamy and balanced. I'm happy with the experience and would go back. The music was at a moderate volume. Catchy and upbeat without being offensive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Great pizza, live music at lunch today nice staff
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Other than it being a bar in a terribly echoey old building, it was perfect. Enjoyable food and drinks, high quality ingredients, great bartenders and wait staff. Fun place while stuck in HNL on business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was very ordinary and overpriced. The paper plate and plastic cutlery was also disappointing.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
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