I'm a wee bit of a burger fiend. I've eaten burgers from over 200 places across the country...and when asked my favorite burger, the answer, without hesitation, is the pepper burger from O'Reilly's Pub in Clintonville.
From the outside, the joint is easily overlooked as a local watering hole that may not even have a kitchen. Upon entering, the bar is definitely front and center, but there are cozy booths around the perimeter and an enclosed patio for warm weather burger outings.
As for the burger, I cannot properly produce the poetry and prose to do it justice, but here goes...It's a half pound patty rolled in cracked black peppercorns, thrown on the grill and topped with cheese and bacon. It always comes from the kitchen cooked just right. The standard bacon cheeseburger experience is elevated by the slight sting of the peppercorns. Pair it with either the sweet potato fries or the onion rings and you are set for a stomach full of burger nirvana.
The dive bar has added some upgrades in the last year with local beers - 4 String and North High on Tap. However, I go here for the food, in particular three things: wings - which are the best in the city, The Pepper Burger which is among the best hamburgers in the city and the sweet potato fries with the special in house "crack sauce".
Hidden gem. Best burgers in town!
Who would have thought? Excellent food!. My husband and I have lived in Clintonville for less than month and we have ate at O'Reilly's at least 5 times. The food is really great, awesome burgers, excellent chicken breast sandwiches, hand cut fries. You just can't go wrong, it's what you'd call a "neighborhood bar", you see people of all ages, including young ones with their parents, I highly recommend it if you want yummy high quality bar food.
Go for the Pepper Burger. When I have gone to O'Reilly's a few times, I have ordered the Pepper Burger. I recommend it because of the great black pepper crust, bacon, and provolone on 1/2 pound burger. I know potato chips is included on it, but get the great french fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries for a little bit more money because it is worth it. Thank you so much.
Classic Neighborhood Bar. This is a fantastic place. You're not overwhelmed by TVs, the service is great (especially Ann Marie). The burgers are phenomenal. A great neighborhood bar.
One of the Best Burgers in C-Bus. Great burgers. Cheap beer.
Because it has an Irish name it is infused with real and fake Irish bric-a-brac for character. The bar is sunken. There are a few characters you can expect to see there every day on one side of the bar or another. The staff have been there for years, some have been there for decades. Ann Marie is the kind of woman that is likely to lose her car keys daily but if you walk through the door once she is likely to remember what you want to drink and your name the next t
This is a super old school joint. If you're looking for eclectic bougie appetizers and flights of craft beers (which sometimes I am) this is not the place. It's an awesome old school pub and diner.
Cozy little dive bar. Food is a little overpriced, but good. Juke box has outdated songs and needs to be updated - if you're not feeding money into it there isn't any music :(
It's convenient if you live in clintonville - a big plus. Biggest plus is smithwicks on tap.
Friendly neighborhood bar and grill. The service and food were both very good.
Alexander “Codie” West
+5
This place is one of few to inspire a five-star review, but it has genuinely become my favorite regular spot for drinks and debauchery in the Columbus area. It's a quaint, divey little pub - brings a welcoming small-town feel to the city. Family owned and operated; I can name most of the people who work here, and they almost all know my name in return. The beer is cold, liqueur selection is adequate, food is phenomenal, and the vibe I just what I was hoping for.
Great pub where everyone is friendly and the food tastes great! It is kid friendly and they offer a small kids menu which is nice! I recommend the wings, pepper burger, and meat loaf special...it's all good and I think those wings are better than most wing chains that specialize in them! Go try them! I didn't take any food pics but I plan to go back soon!
It was the best hamburger I have ever had. Our waiter was fantastic!! It was like, in one minute, we were acting like we had been friends for years.
Been going here for about two years now and it never disappoints! Food and drinks are always good, especially the wings. I often bring friends here as the atmosphere is both lively and yet calm enough to catch up with people. Lots of seating and the staff is very attentive and friendly
Service was great ,very nice girl burger and fresh cut fries EXCELLENT 👍 Definitely worth the drive to Clintonville
What a gem! Didn’t realize they had poppers when I walked in, cream cheese and cheddar! Love the spooky Halloween decor, such a beautiful little spot. The bar has unique and surprisingly rolley chairs. What a treat.
O'Reilly's is what some people would call a 'dive'. It's been there forever, it's not brand new and trendy, but it's wonderful. Great friendly staff, delicious food, good prices. It's a clintonville staple.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Columbus
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes