One thing I genuinely like about my career, is that many times my clients will take me out to lunch. Last week, one of my clients took me to a place he described as both a historical landmark, and a great place to eat, Doyles. Located between the Forest Hills and the Green Street stop on the MBTA's Orange line, Doyles is a traditional Irish Pub. It was established in 1882, and the first third of the restaurant is the original building.

Architecture and Decor

First of all, Doyle's is a pub to behold. It was one of the original choices to be used for the television show Cheers. Thankfully, it was not, and retains its original charm (more than I can say for Three Cheers and the Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, that have all but been destroyed by their commercial tourist trap decor). You walk in, and the first thing you notice is the huge wooden bar that runs the length of the pub. The bar itself is a work of art crafted of hard woods with an ornate grand look to it. Huge mirrors back the rows and rows of various spirits. The tables in Doyles are all the old fashioned booths with huge backs on each bench to separate each booth. The ceilings are high, and sport the original ceiling fans. You literally feel like you have stepped back into history when you step into Doyles. The remaining two thirds of the restaurant were added in more modern times, but both additions have been painstakingly crafted to resemble the original pub.

Photos of whose who in Boston's history, mostly signed, line the walls of the restaurant. Our particular booth was adorned with signed photos of Mayor Tobin, the mayor of Boston back in the 1940's (The Tobin bridge was named after him). Of course photos of the infamous Mayor Curly are also present, as well as every other Boston politician, and many sports celebrities as well. Doyles was and is, a famous hangout of Boston politicians. On the original wall is a large original menu. Regrettably, the 25 cent steak is no longer valid.

The Service

First of all, the man who greeted me asked if I had ever been there before. When I told him it was my first time at Doyles, he gave me menus to take home, and showed me around the bar, which he described as a museum. We were seated in one of the large booths, and a waitress promptly came over to take our drink orders and give us menus. She came back quickly to take our orders, and the food was brought out without delay. We went at lunch time, I am not sure if the service would be the same in the evening when Doyles is really busy. I was pleased with the quick friendly service.

The Food

I had a potbelly burger, which was an awesome pub style burger. It was a large tasty burger, cooked medium rare, on a large bun topped with cheddar cheese, peppers and mushrooms. It came with large steak fries. Simply put, the burger was delicious, and I was quite full when I was finished. For the rest of the food, I can only tell you that my client lives in the area, and considers Doyles his favorite restaurant. When I eat here again, I will update my review on my personal thoughts on other dishes.

The Menu

Fear not, Doyle's Pub offers a far greater selection than oversized tasty burgers, a wide variety of beef, pork, fish, chicken and turkey plates are on the menu, including entree's like broiled swordfish, 12 oz sirloin steak, BBQ turkey tips, and BBQ steak tips. If you are hungrier than that, Doyle's offers 16 oz boneless prime rib or an 8 oz filet mignon& crab cakes (that's my kind of surf n turf!). Prices for the dinner entrees range from 12-18 dollars.

All your typical sandwiches and burgers are offered with prices of 7-8 dollars. Since its an Irish pub of course you can get a corned beef sandwich or a grilled reuben.

Vegetarian dishes I realize not everyone shares my love of animals, and Doyles caters to you as well. A variety of salads as well as a Vegetarian Garden Burger are on the menu. You could also order a quiche with the salad of the day or spaghetti. One of the appetizers is also a vegtable plate.

Appetizers Potatoe skins, onion rings, fries, nachos, chicken wings or even a veggie plate make up the appetizer list here. 6-8 dollars. There is also a good variety of salads. Doyles also has Pizza if you'd like.

Daily Specials What local pub would be complete without a daily special? From Monday thru Sunday the daily specials offered are meatloaf, hamsteak dinner, stuffed chicken dinner, New England boiled dinner, baked stuffed shrimp dinner, roast pork or lamb dinner and finally Sunday's roast turkey dinner.

Weekend Brunch Doyle's has a whole other menu for weekend brunch. It doesn't appear that they offer a buffet style brunch, but a variety of omelets and egg breakfasts line the brunch menu. One such item Eggs Bellange - authentic Irish style corn beef hash on an english muffin topped with the eggs and hollandaise sauce. You can also get Bloody Mary's by the glass or by the pitcher.

The Bar

Well this is one of Boston's oldest pubs so of COURSE you can get a wide variety of drinks. Guiness, Ireland's most famous brew is available as well as local favorites like Samuel Adams. Doyle's also boasts over 50 varieties of single malt scotches, and 10 straight whiskeys. They even have a variety of international coffees to drink (read coffee plus alchohol).

Summary

If you want a REAL taste of a good ole fashioned Irish Pub and Restaurant in Boston, DON'T go to Cheers, head out to the end of the Orange line, and go to Doyles for a slice of true Boston history and a great lunch or dinner (or brunch on the weekend!) This was a restaurant that I want to come back to. I only wish it were located in downtown Boston, instead of out in Jamaica Plain.

Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The pub burgers are great!
Best Suited For: Friends