WFXLIII | Mass Food & Wine

Fish and chips from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

The week we went to O’Connor’s I had fish and chips at three separate restaurants. I was desperately grasping for the fleeing fried seafood coattails of summer. The first meal was overwhelming in size and basic fried flavor. The final was a northern Rhode Island landmark with super crunchy batter that ended up separating from the fish with the slightest introduction of a knife. The second dish was at O’Connor’s and was a great mix of qualities I look for in fish and chips; the plate was not overbearing in size and there was a reasonable amount of fries. The batter became super crunchy, but had multiple layers and remained stuck to the fish, which was well cooked and flaky. The batter was not overly greasy and the filet remained intact with its crunch while I ate from one end. The quality of the meals of those around me as well makes me feel confident that any dish I order from O’Connors will be well executed and flavorful.

Avocado Gouda Burger from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

If you’ve never been to O’Connors, It’s a wonderful treat. Feels like you are walking into an Irish pub overseas with knick nacks on the wall and framed Irish sayings which make me laugh all the time. The selections of beer on tap is wonderful and if you like “Magners” cider, like my wife, they have it on tap as well!

The atmosphere is warm and inviting as well as the servers and owners. Making you feel at home right away. The location is deceptive on the size. They put us in a function room that I didn’t even know existed!

I love me a good burger. You might be asking yourself, “Why would he order a burger at a place that serves amazing European and Irish fare?” We’ll, I’ve been to O’Connor’s many times and it seemed to me that I would like to try a burger (not what I would typically get, but knowing that most of my Foodie Friends would be ordering the typical, I opted for something else). I love me a good burger and hoped I wouldn’t be disappointed.

I ordered it medium rare with all the fixin’s. The gouda was smoked and creamy. I was a little tentative on the red onion. Those typically are too strong for me and I can only take them in small doses. I was pleasantly surprised when they served it too me. It was properly cooked and a fair size. Not the largest burger, but not the smallest either. A well enough portioned size that included the fries that I was still able to eat some of a dessert passed around to me.

I have to admit that if I went back, I’d probably order either the Guinness pie, or the Shepard’s pie. Those are my “go to” orders when going to O’Connors. We have been many times and will continue to go. Many great things on the menu. I had been there only two days before and had the warm goat cheese, apple and beet salad. My goodness, that was wonderful!

All in all, O’Connors is a wonderful place to dine and enjoy a meal with your friends and family. A huge selection of meals, appetizers and drinks to choose from. We’ve never been disappointed and find it’s one of those places I like to bring my friends who visit from out of town for a great meal and long conversations.