Bring your kids to most Bars on a Sunday at 4PM a
nd 9 out of 10 people look at you like you are a bookie checking in on the scores. A true Pub to me is one that goes beyond serving drinks and plays a vital social role in the community. It caters to the locals, but welcomes new patrons with open arms. I have not been there at other times, but the Sunday Irish Session (4PM) at O’Neills in Salem fills that void.
Sundays is a time you can come watch the games, listen to some good Irish music and even bring the kids. I don’t know if the guy who told us to seat ourselves works there or was just part of the welcoming committee. The wait staff brings a perfectly poured Guinness and dodge the 3 year olds doing the jig. They do this while all having smiles on their face. I like their Irish offerings and recommend their Guinness Stew with a Guinness or a Magners pint!
What other places have a Pub feel around town? I went to Stone’s Pub and immediately felt right at home. They really made us all feel welcome. Kitty O’Shea’s (Beverly) is another favorite Irish Pub in the area. Others?
Thanks – Paddy Ryan
Good Morning Gloucester 
Cape Ann Brewing with the board games and such! 😉
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Can they handle my 2 and 3 year old running around some of the time??
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HMMM!, Beer and Kids? I have 4 great boys. My youngest is 19. If I was to spend a night out it wouldn’t be with the Kids. No matter how much I love them. But,if you don’t have a Babysitter it’s cool they would put up with it. Not sure how the other Patrons would deal with it tho.
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Its more around dinner time – We get an early start. I guess this entry makes it look like I take the kids out all night long – HA!
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this must be an irish thing. Maybe my idea of a pub for 21 year olds and older is not a true definition. In Ireland is it considered a family place? let a old Sicilian\portagee in on the secret.
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Did you know that originally, shot glasses were intended to be miniature “pint” glasses for leprechauns and/or children? It’s true, look it up.
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I did not! thanks. I will ask them not to bring a kids cup but a shot glass for my kids.
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Dude bring a funnel too. The Bean just told me she wants to do funnels right after I teach her how to do keg stands.
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Another North Shore Brew Pub to take into serious consideration is The Cape Ann Brewery in their new location on Roger’s Stree, Gloucester. The Pub has a full kitchen now with a panoramic view of the inner harbor and come spring will have an open deck where you sit within feet of the working fishing fleet. It is a fun atmosphere where you can see families interacting playing board games. They have a knitting evening on 2 Thurs a month and a trivia night every Weds. You should check it out.
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I am definitely going to check that place out with the whole fam! I love what they did with that place and its great for the waterfront!
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We used to go to O’Neills all the time for Sunday evening family time. It was always a blast, the kids would have a great time dancing and the parents could have a pint. A great dinner option for all!
Havent been there in a while, maybe its time to revisit.
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anyone been to the pickled onion? keep meaning to check it out but haven’t had a chance
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