Tag: West Boylston Street

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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!

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Short Ribs Over Fried Polenta

short ribs over fried polenta from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

short ribs over fried polenta from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

O’Connor’s Restaurant is truly a gem. What once started as a small place to have a drink and a meal has turned into quite a large establishment. O’Connor’s is situation on route 12 where route 190 meets. This Irish sounding restaurant has Irish fare and many selections from all over Europe, including England, Spain and Portugal with quite an extensive menu. Once you enter, you notice a lot of natural looking wood on the walls, rustic but sophisticated with a casual dining areas throughout the building, giving you the impression of a small cozy space. Robust conversations came from the large bar area as we entered and was located just off the entrance. As you leave this area and journey further into the restaurant proper you hear the noise level diminish and again you feel like you are in a small cozy and setting with friendly surroundings.

Once we were seated, our server was prompt and came right over to attend us. I found our servers to be very friendly, open, and knowledgeable about the menu. When asked what our servers favorites dishes where there was no hesitation in telling us their favorites and why. After hearing my server tell me her favorite I knew what my choice would be for the evening.

I started my meal with an appetizer called “Shelagh sticks” they were amazing. It was mashed corned beef that had a creamy-ness to it that was wrapped in dough and then deep fried. It came with a honey mustard type of dipping sauce but I found it to be so tasty I never used any sauce with it. The dough was very light and was really just there to hold the moist meat together inside. Truly something I would come back for again and again.

I also had a side salad with mixed greens and an amazing blue cheese dressing. It was just the right size for a side salad.

For my meal I chose the “short ribs over fried polenta.” I received 6 short ribs bone in and was happily pleased to see the meat come off the bone very easily. The rib meat was tender and flavorful and came in a brown gravy which only enhanced the flavor. The polenta was fried crispy on the outside and was creamy on the inside. Truly a dish I will come back for and have many times again.

I would recommend this place to my friends and anyone who wishes to have a fantastic meal with fantastic server knowing the food is prepared loving and for your enjoyment. I can’t say enough good things about this restaurant. It will be forever on my rotation of favorite restaurants.