Tag: Irish

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Guinness Pie

Guinness Pie from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

Before last night my only other visit to O’Connor’s was to enjoy a few libations at the bar with friends so when Foodies for October was announced, I looked forward to getting acquainted with one of Worcester’s best known casual dining spots.

Entering O’Connor’s I immediately got a warm and comfortable feeling. We were greeted with a big smile and brought to one of their back rooms through a maze of smaller rooms and bar areas. “How interesting”, my dining partner commented as we walked past the beautifully decorated walls and seating areas. As nice as it all was, I was slightly more interested in some of the delicious and rich comfort food O’Connor’ss is so well known for around Worcester.

Looking forward to a meal rich and meaty I started my night off with a full-bodied, ice old, 20oz Berkshire Brewing Octoberfest. At first, the beer was a little to bitter for my taste, but it grew on me and ended up being the perfect pairing for my meal.

As we all were looking at our menus, someone commented that the Guinness Pie was a huge dish, too big to be finished by anyone at one sitting. Always up for the challenge I immediately decided it was Guinness Pie for me and put down the menu. Described as enormous and filled with rich and malty stew, when the dish arrived it did not disappoint. The flaky pastry top was the size of both of my hands and I eagerly broke into it to sample the steaming beef and vegetables. The slow-cooked beef, mushrooms, celery, onions and carrots were savory and rich, taking on the flavors of the Guinness and the pastry crust was flaky and delicious. And paired with the Berkshire Brewing Octoberfest made for a perfect meal. For the record, I did finish the whole pie but it certainly was a huge portion!

O’Connor’s menu is varied with lots of options including fish, poultry, vegetarian and more so no matter what you want for dinner, O’Connor’s is sure to please!

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Irish Shepherd’s Pie

Irish Shepherd’s Pie from O'Connor's Restaurant on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

Irish Shepherd’s Pie from O'Connor's Restaurant on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

Going to O’Connor’s Restaurant is like going home, and for me it was just that. Having grown up in the Burncoat area of Worcester, the West Boylston Street staple was a huge part of some of my most memorable moments. From celebrating a soccer win in high school, to meeting up with college friends for a holiday drink, or a rehearsal dinner for my best friend’s wedding, O’Connor’s has always been the place to get together with friends and family.

In making my dinner selection, I chose something that would give me a similarly nostalgic feeling, selecting the Irish Shepherd’s Pie. The slow cooked beef, roasted vegetables (corn, peas and carrots) and savory gravy were a tasty combination and the creamy mashed potatoe / cheddar cheese topping was baked to perfection. This heaping portion of comfort food was enough for 2 or 3 meals of, but I was prepared to eat and made sure to finish every bite! The buttery potatoes and cheddar reminded me of my Mom’s shepherd’s pie when I was growing up and how I have since tried to replicate her recipe.

If you’re in need of a night out, but are still looking for the feel and taste of home, you need to check out O’Connor’s! Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth, you will be greeted with their friendly staff and treated as if you’re part of the family. Don’t worry either if comfort food isn’t your thing; O’Connor’s, which distinguishes itself for their European flair, also offers many lighter menu options. Constantly changing their menu to move forward with up and coming food trends, O’Connor’s also includes a variety of salad, vegetarian, gluten free and fresh-daily seafood options!

The restaurant itself also has a rich history, and has grown and expanded as much as the building has in its twenty-five years; you can see it on their walls. O’Connor’s Restaurant is decorated from top to bottom with décor and memorabilia from a lifetime of stories and experience.

So go ahead, join the family!