True Irish Hospitality
Aine O’Brien wants patrons at Ma O’Brien’s Irish Pub to feel like they’re sitting in her living room – that is, if her living room was equipped with Guinness on tap.
"To me, Irish hospitality is all about making people feel like they’re in your home instead of in a bar," O’Brien said. "That’s a huge part of our success here: When people come in, they’re strangers, but when they leave, they’re friends."
O’Brien opened the Irish sports bar last November at 5734 N. Elston Ave., formerly home to Nil Tap.
The first year was all about experimentation and figuring out what worked, O’Brien said. In year two, she wants to solidify the pub’s status as a Northwest Side staple where neighbors come together over a pint, she said.
The Perfect Pint
Over the past year, the pub has become known for its pint of Guinness. O’Brien learned the art of pouring a crisp pint working at her hometown pub when she was just 16, she said.
"That was probably the best training I’ve ever had in my life and now I’m so particular about the pint of Guinness," O’Brien said. "I trained everyone on how to pour it just right, and I make Guinness come out and check our lines twice a month."
Ma O’Brien’s Irish Pub
O’Brien’s housemade cinnamon whiskey. Credit: Molly DeVore/ Block Club Chicago
Ma O’Brien’s Irish Pub as seen on Dec. 17, 2024. Credit: Molly DeVore/ Block Club Chicago
In addition to Guinness, Ma O’Brien’s serves a rotating selection of local beer and wine, as well as hand-crafted margaritas, espresso martinis, and Old-Fashioneds made by O’Brien’s son. O’Brien’s son is also working on a cinnamon whiskey that includes fresh peppers from his garden.
The bar draws large viewing crowds for American football, basketball, and hockey, O’Brien said. Ma O’Brien’s also shows games from the Gaelic Athletic Association, including hurling, rugby, and Gaelic football, and hosts Jeopardy watch parties, trivia, karaoke, and live Irish music. This holiday season, Ma O’Brien’s held a gift-wrapping event, a high tea, and a kids’ Christmas party.
Conclusion
Ma O’Brien’s is open 2-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays. For details on upcoming events, check the pub’s Instagram and Facebook.
FAQs
- How did Aine O’Brien get started in the hospitality industry?
Aine O’Brien wanted to work in hospitality from a young age. She grew up in the village of Clarina in County Limerick, Ireland, and would tell people she wanted to go into hotel management when she grew up. She worked in a few local pubs before studying hotel management in Dublin. After graduating, O’Brien moved to the U.S. for work and eventually got a job at the Allerton Hotel on Michigan Avenue. - How did O’Brien learn to pour a perfect pint of Guinness?
O’Brien learned the art of pouring a crisp pint of Guinness working at her hometown pub when she was 16. She trained everyone on how to pour it just right and makes Guinness come out and check their lines twice a month. - What kind of food options are available at Ma O’Brien’s?
For now, customers can order food for delivery to the pub. O’Brien may eventually add some food options in the future.
