This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)
Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)
Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)
Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)
John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)
Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)
Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)
Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)
Walter L.
Stopped in for a quick beer , ordered a Leffe blonde. Comes in a little 12 Oz glass. 7.00. Really 7.00, that's just to much.
(2)
Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)
Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)
Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)
Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)
Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)
Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)
Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)
Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)
Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)
Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)
Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)
John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)
Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)
Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)
Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)
Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)
Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)
Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)
Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)
Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)
Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)
Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)
Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)
christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)
Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)
Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)
Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)
Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)
Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)
Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)
Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)
Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)
Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)
John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)
christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)
Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)
Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)
Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)
nancy g.
This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)
Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)
Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)
Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)
Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)
Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)
Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)
Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)
Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)
Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)
Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)
PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
(4)
Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)
Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)
Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)
Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)
Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)
Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)
Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)
Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)
R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)
Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)
Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)
Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)
Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)
Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)
Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)
Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)
Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)
Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)
t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)
Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)
Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)
Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)
Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)
Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)
Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)
Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)
Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)
Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)
Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)
Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)
Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)
Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)
Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)
Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)
Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)
Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)
Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)
Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)
Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)
Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)
Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)
Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)
John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)
Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)
Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)
Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)
Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)
Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)
Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)
Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)
Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)
Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)
Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)
Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)
christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)
Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)
Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)
Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)
nancy g.
This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)
Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)
Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)
Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)
John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)
Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)
Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)
Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)
Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)
Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)
Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)
Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)
Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)
R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)
Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)
Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)
Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)
Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)
PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
(4)
t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)
Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)
Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)
Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)
Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)
Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)
Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)
Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)
Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)
Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)
Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)
Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)
Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)
Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)
Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)
Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)
Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)
Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)
Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)
John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)
Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)
Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)
Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)
Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)
Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)
Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)
Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)
Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)
Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)
Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)
Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)
Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)
Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)
Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)
Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)
Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)
Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)
Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)
Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)
Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)
Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)
Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)
Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)
Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)
Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)
Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)
R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)
Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)
Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)
Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)
Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)
Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)
Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)
Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)
t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)
Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)
Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)
PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live, Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
nancy g.
This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)Walter L.
Stopped in for a quick beer , ordered a Leffe blonde. Comes in a little 12 Oz glass. 7.00. Really 7.00, that's just to much.
(2)Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)nancy g.
This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
(4)Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
(4)Jim H.
I think some on here may have an agenda other than an honest review. I have been a regular every Friday night at McCloskey's for over six months. From day one both the service and food have been great. I have taken my kids and their families and they liked it very much as well. I just about always order the prime rib special, and it is *always* prepared properly. One reviewer complained it had too much fat on it. Of course it has fat on it . . it is prime rib. I have also had their burgers, which are right up there with the best around . . no kidding, they really are !! I have never had a bad meal at McCloskey's. Does it get crowded? Yes. The reason being it is a good place. Is it noisy at times? Yes, but it is a bar/restaurant. That's to be expected at a popular spot. I only mentioned a couple of entrées. I have had the salmon as well . . . very tasty. But sitting at the bar I see a lot of food coming from the kitchen, and it all always looks delicious. Also, my kids have had the roast beef sandwich, crab cakes and baked salmon . . all delicious. It does get crowded, so go early. Give McCloskey's a try. You'll be glad you did PS - One dish I did not care for was the fish 'n chips. But, to each their own. Maybe you will like it.
(4)Chris B.
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)Matt B.
McCloskey's has a nice local pub feel to it. The tables are candlelit, there's a bar that runs half the length of the pub, and a chalkboard with all of the beers on tap listed. They have a great beer selection. Plenty of good craft beers on tap including beers from Great Lakes, Chimay, Bear Republic, and Breckenridge. The appetizers are pretty good - I usually get the crab balls. The sandwiches are good and the fish and chips are great. Overall, the food is good, I just wish they had a bit more of a selection in terms of entrees. Then again, the beer selection makes up for that. They also serve glasses of clean ice water which is a plus. The place is always busy, and the service has always been excellent. The best pub I know of in this area.
(4)Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)christina g.
We love coming here. The burgers are great, the beer selection is huge and the service is always good! It's worth a stop over here! Hope you get the seats by the window...they are the best!
(5)Nick J.
This place is awesome. I ordered mozzarrella sticks wiith a cheddar bacon burger. The mozzarella sticks seemed like they were homemade, they were awesome. The burger practically melted in my mouth, great roll too. I was fortunate enough to try the entrees of those who were with me as well- crabcakes (real good) and the shepherd's pie (also great). I can see myself trying both of those in the future. I wouldn't be surprised if everything on the menu was good here. I also liked that they had a few strategically placed TVs with sports on. Place had a nice sized bar and a good beer selection as well.
(5)Alison T.
I was visiting the Philly area a few weeks ago for my birthday and stopping by McCloskey's was the best decision I made. The bartenders knew about every beer on tap and in bottles, they were able to easily suggest a great IPA for me to try. They even have these great beer books with tons of information about all the bottled beer they serve. After a few beers I ordered the wings (which were the best birthday present to myself) and my friend ordered a burger. In the end we shared our meals because they were too good to just eat one. Service was great and super friendly, I felt like a regular even though it was my first time visiting. I'd make the trip from NYC any day to eat those wings again.
(5)Harold H.
This place has the best lunch combos. Best value in the area for lunch with a friendly staff and great food. I'm a regular at McCloskey's and could not be happier with the service. I've never been anywhere else where I see repeat customers like myself on a daily basis.
(5)nancy g.
This is my neighborhood go-to place.... always great food and friendly service. Lunches are wonderful and they make absolutely the BEST BLT sandwich ever~!!!! Ardmore ROCKS~!!! Nancy Gold
(5)Eric W.
The girls and I were around Ardmore for some shopping. OK, they were shopping, I was walking with them. Afterwards we were looking for a non-chain place to eat and found McCloskeys. Found a table right away and were greater as we were sitting down. Drinks were served quickly and orders taken efficiently. We had the daily special of crab quesadillas, the California chicken sandwich, bacon cheeseburger and the patty melt. I had the patty melt and fries. Very good. Big patty, grilled bread just right with tasty grilled onions. Really very good. Fries were also very good. Really enjoyed it. The other burger was the same, good size, good bun and tasty bacon. My daughter liked the chicken sandwich and my wife liked the quesadillas. Found the food really good, service was also good but it was pretty slow early afternoon. When in the area will definitely go back! Solid 3 1/2 stars
(3)Allison M.
I have been coming to McCloskey's for years and it is by far 1 of my favorite "go to" spots! The staff are friendly and welcoming! The dining room and bar areas are comfortable. It's a great place for a dinner out with friends and there are plenty of tvs to watch a game. If there is a wait for a table or if the bar is crowded, there is a nice patio out back. The draft selection is great with rotating craft and seasonal beers. The food is amazing! House made soups and salad dressings, delicious sandwiches and burgers, weekly specials, and awesome desserts. The Apple Jamison chicken wings are a must try! Several nights per week they have live music and entertainment. I would recommend McCloskey's to anyone looking for a great meal in a casual and fun environment!
(5)Kris H.
The beer selection is a 4, while the food is probably 2 1/2. Decent little place to grab lunch or dinner just off the main strip of Ardmore. The food is below average pub grub with my chicken California sandwich rather tasteless, while the husband's chicken Parmesan sandwich had good sauce but smothered with so much cheese you couldn't see anything else. Fries were cooked decently but with no seasoning. I'd be happy to meet up with friends there for a beer before heading to a different restaurant but the bar area is also fairly small. Wasn't too loud, and service was a little spotty, but friendly.
(3)John A.
We have been looking for a spot to grab brunch on a weekend in the Ardmore area for a while, and we're rather partial to a Veggie Burger. Unfortunately this has gone from the menu, but there is a Portabella Mushroom burger, and a roast veggie sandwich, that did the trick. There is a great selection of craft beers, both on tap and by the bottle. Racer 5 IPA, on tap... yum. My only criticism of the food was that they went a bit heavy on the cream cheese in both dishes. The french fries however, were sublime. At 4pm on a Saturday it was fairly quiet, but I'm guessing that it gets pretty lively as the evening progresses.
(4)Scott J.
Met my girlfriend last night for dinner. She had the Thanksgiving sandwich and I had the Roast Beef. Best god damn Roast Beef sandwich I've ever had. She said that her sandwich was awesome as well. Love the rotating beer/draft menu! Paddy the bartender makes a mean cosmo. Go early and hungry because this place fills up.
(5)Sarah O.
My boyfriend and I had a great meal at McCloskey's the other night. We both got sandwiches, which came with well-seasoned fries. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and came out in a timely manner. It was a bit tight in there, and a bit noisy, but honestly, I'm nitpicking. I would certainly return if I am looking for something a little more upscale than your average pub.
(4)Steven B.
I have a chance to visit McCloskey's maybe two or three times a year. However I've been doing that for at least 10 years so I feel I know them fairly well. I usually sit at the bar and drink interesting beers. They usually have a Chimay on tap which I enjoy. If I'm in the mood for a bite they have the most amazing Cajun chicken tenders ($6.50). They are not battered but instead are dusted with Cajun spices. They are very very spicy and delicious. The Shepard's Pie is also excellent ($14). There is a great public lot across the street so parking is a breeze. If you go for dinner try for the table by the window as it's great for people watching.
(4)Paige L.
My husband and I went here last night to try it out because it was close to our salon and we had just read that they received the "best of the mainline" for best wings. (and we are huge wing lovers!) So we headed on over after work. I was concerned the parking would be an issue because it was ardmore, but there was conveniently a parking lot across the street. We were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess when we walked in and were able to be seated right away. I got mild wings and my husband got the apple jameson wings. Both were very good. The blue cheese dressing seemed like homemade and was also very good. The fries we ordered were lightly battered and very unique tasting- we really liked those as well. We both ordered the special cane sugar sodas that they offered (they contained no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which I really loved because I'm pregnant) and they were delicious! Overall, we thought the most exemplary thing about this place was the staff. They were so friendly and just seemed genuinely happy to be there. A lot of the customers seemed to be regulars, and we did see some kids in the crowd too. It was busy, but people weren't waiting long to be seated because the staff really was so efficient! We will definitely be back!
(5)Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
(4)Jim H.
I think some on here may have an agenda other than an honest review. I have been a regular every Friday night at McCloskey's for over six months. From day one both the service and food have been great. I have taken my kids and their families and they liked it very much as well. I just about always order the prime rib special, and it is *always* prepared properly. One reviewer complained it had too much fat on it. Of course it has fat on it . . it is prime rib. I have also had their burgers, which are right up there with the best around . . no kidding, they really are !! I have never had a bad meal at McCloskey's. Does it get crowded? Yes. The reason being it is a good place. Is it noisy at times? Yes, but it is a bar/restaurant. That's to be expected at a popular spot. I only mentioned a couple of entrées. I have had the salmon as well . . . very tasty. But sitting at the bar I see a lot of food coming from the kitchen, and it all always looks delicious. Also, my kids have had the roast beef sandwich, crab cakes and baked salmon . . all delicious. It does get crowded, so go early. Give McCloskey's a try. You'll be glad you did PS - One dish I did not care for was the fish 'n chips. But, to each their own. Maybe you will like it.
(4)Chris B.
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
(4)t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)Martha P.
I have so much love for this place. Always a great draft list, generous pours of wine, and delicious food. The staff is really friendly too. We always sit in the bar area and they're always chatting with regulars like they're family (while still doing their job!). I love the atmosphere here. My husband loves the roast beef sandwich. The new apple Jameson pulled pork sandwich is the bomb diggity- can they please sell that sauce? The wings with that sauce are great too. The meatloaf is delicious.
(5)Bill M.
One of those solid neighborhood bars that it took moving 2 blocks away from to recall. While seldom my first or second option, its one of those good low key suburban food and libation options that have always managed to be consistent for the 10 plus years that I've visited. The draft list touts an admirable 15 taps that constantly sees brews from the likes of Southern Tier, Ommegang, Ninkasi, and La Chouffe; and they can make a pretty dapper cocktail when its needed. And the menu takes things up a notch with options like apple Jameson chicken wings and and a quesadilla of the week for appetizers, 10 different burger options, a multitude of pasta dishes with or without seafood, and reasonably priced entrees like a $21 filet mignon.
(4)Noah J.
The pork snitzel is incredible. Get with noodles/pasta? The cream sauce makes every bite delicious. The restaurant is small and can be loud. The service is fine.
(4)Harry E.
This tavern fills up fast so make sure to have a smaller party, get their early, or be ready to wait. They have an impressive draft list, just read the chalk board to see what they have, the ABV and the price. The staff is friendly, every entree we had was well done. The appetizer was a group favorite. Love their fries, cool pub atmosphere.
(4)Michael K.
Came for lunch while traveling. Seems like a nice place and I would return but prime rib sandwich was over cooked and service while nice was pretty inattentive even though the place was pretty much empty.
(3)Andrew V.
It's a fairly small pub tucked in a side street just of Rt 30. There are a few booths but most of the seating are normal tables. It also has a large bar with a good selection of beers written on a chalkboard so I guess specials can change fairly regularly. It's a quite restaurant and seemed to be popular with middle age+ locals. The menu is fairly standard pub fare. We ended getting a few apps: wings with the delicious apple Jameson sauce, quesadilla which was average, crab balls were good but only came with five and were kind of small, and some potato skins which were nice and crispy. I got the paddy melt which was excellent. The entire staff was very accommodating and the bar had some football games on. I can see why it's a popular spot in Ardmore. If you are coming from out of town, there's a parking lot across the street. Don't be mistaken by the name for the type of cuisine. There are a few Irish dishes like the shepards pie, but it was mostly sandwiches, burgers, and pasta dishes. Everyone was happy with their dishes though.
(4)Rachel K.
This restaurant has these super cool tables that are right in front of giant open windows that overlook the street. My boyfriend made reservations for us here so that we could sit at one of those tables at night--and we were very pleased that one was there waiting for us! I ordered the Crab Cake Sandwich; he ordered the Roast Beef Sandwich. They were both huge! Very delicious but a little on the salty side. Our waitress was very friendly. She accidentally brought my boyfriend french fries instead of onion rings (which cost extra) so she gave them to us for free. The ambiance here is very pleasant. There are always lots of people inside but it feels cozy. We got to watch the sun go down on Cricket Avenue and it was a truly lovely time overall. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you're nearby!
(5)Alyssa N.
After having the worst experience of our lives at Jack McShea's, my friends and I headed over to McCloskey's to get a drink. We were greeted by a very friendly staff and immediately felt comfortable there. The bartender made certain I had the right amount of whiskey in my drink. We sat out back and enjoyed the nice evening.
(4)Kim M.
After living in the area for multiple years now, I only just discovered McCloskey's. While the crowd was made up of all middle aged couples; my friend and I were literally the youngest people in there by at least 15 years (on a Friday night nonetheless) it was actually a nice experience. It is a small spot and was absolutely packed, which we figured spoke well for the quality of food. We managed to grab a drink from the bar while waiting for our table, but even that was difficult because of how crowded it was. We both ordered burgers and were very happy with our meals. I'm sure I will end up back here at some point, but probably not on a weekend night in an effort to avoid the crowd.
(4)Alden P.
I live in Ardmore, and McCloskey's isn't perfect, but it's definitely a gem. Food, 5 stars, Beer list, 4 stars, Service, 4 stars, atmosphere, 3 stars. It can be tough to get a table, and sometimes you get a cramped/crowded one. I prefer to go on off nights, or after 9 PM to beat the crowd. Burgers/Chicken sandwiches (they have ~8 or so topping options that can be made with beef, chicken, or as a veggie burger) are all always awesome, apple/Jameson wings are bomb, and their entrees are really really good. I was pretty surprised at how good their pasta and seafood dishes are. Not the fanciest, but some of the best food on the Main Line. My only complaint is that they need to fix their JukeBox and could use a couple more TVs or at least a TV upgrade. Great place, overall, though.
(4)Amanda C.
I've been here a few times when I lived in Ardmore, and now that I'm in the city, it's still one of my suburban destinations. Biggest draw is their impressive beer list. It's a bit hard to see since the seasonals are all up on the chalk board, but worth a gander when you first get there. I love that they get their summer shandy in early. Once you've arrived for the beer list, don't hesitate to get tempted by the food. I have to say I've never not liked my meal here. I try to stick to the healthy side - I think last time I got a spinach sandwich with a crab cake. It was really ridiculously good for food at a bar! The atmosphere is nice. It's not loud and raucous and doesn't get too packed. Mostly everyone's just at a table and a well-mannered 'burbs crowd - no crazy Villanova drunkards in this pub. Although, I don't think I've been here much past 11...my guess is you're safe though.
(4)Andre J. D.
I recently moved to the Ardmore area and this place has already become a staple. Great food, drinks and service! Did I mention that it's also walkable and reasonably priced? Simply awesome.
(5)Jaime Lyn C.
Ordered wings for an Eagles game because I read that they were delish. My sources did not disappoint. These wings were meaty and flavorful and cooked perfectly!! We got the Mild and Barbecue. My palate cannot handle anything too spicy, so these hit the spot. They came with blue cheese, celery and carrots. Bonus points for the carrots. Loved! Cute little pub atmosphere-- would definitely go back and dine-in with a pint of Guinness!
(4)John R.
Great bar with lots of personality and excellent food. Probably the best burger on the Main Line, excellent wings and great beer. Friendly staff. It does get crowded around dinner...
(5)Amy L.
their burgers are intense! perfectly cooked, super juicy & just overloaded with toppings. I also really liked the apple Jameson wings. they give you a huge portion too! only downside is the fries.. they were lackluster at best.
(4)Suzanne K.
I've eaten at McCloskys a few times, with good food and great service. Tonight, the whole experience was BAD. I ordered a roast beef sandwich. It came to the table cold, dried out,, super well done old roast beef, with cold fries, unmelted rubbery cheese. I told my server, who literally took the plate and came back one minute later, obviously and unapologetically having popped it in the microwave for sixty seconds. Everything still cold, but drier. Wow! My sister ordered a burger medium well with blue cheese. It was welll well well well done. Seriously overcooked. Disgusting amount of blue cheese. Bacon that was more like beef jerkey. Horrible. cold, stale fries as well. We told our server, who said she would let "them" know, and came back with our check. No apology, nothing! Asked for a manager, who gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him next time we were coming in!(?). I think he was the food runner. Don't know what happened to the great servers and great food, but this was all around terrible.
(1)Bryn W.
So this place falls within the category of how I feel about Irish pubs, great beer selection but lacking food quality. The wings, both Jameson and buffalo hot were very good, but that was the best part of our meal. I considered ordering the fish and chips, figuring that falls within the Irish pubs target zone, but the waitress suggested the crab and shrimp pasta, so that's what I ordered. Description was lump crab and shrimp in a white wine sauce. They forgot the crab, nothing, lump or otherwise. My wife had crab cakes, and while she said they were good, I could see that the filler far outweighed the crab. I guess this is what I get for not waiting the hour for a table at Tired Hands Brewery! But we had the kids, who were starving.
(2)Anthony C.
We ended up in McCloskey's as we took the scenic route to Valley Forge. Have to admit, I wanted to drive by Merion - it's as close to playing it as I'm ever gonna get, right! It was a cold, drizzly October day and could not have ended up in a better spot. Good beer, GREAT shepherd pie and service to boot.
(5)Kevin M.
Solid burgers, roast beef, and motz stix. A good pub to have in your rotation
(4)Jim K.
If not an official regular I am pretty close. Fun and friendly bartenders and everyone is welcoming. Most evenings have a good bar and restaurant crowd, of course Fridays and Saturdays very busy. The food is consistently excellent for a small local bar. And the burgers are excellent. Best in this area. As a loyal customer I recommend McCloskey's highly. Check it out.
(4)Richard S.
Excellent food. Nice size (sharable) portions. Great burger selection and execution! Very friendly service folks. Really like this place and stands out from so many similar places in the immediate area.
(4)Douglas M.
There is literally nothing on the menu that I would not recommend. My personal favorites: hummus appetizer, veggie sandwich.
(5)Randy P.
French Fries are remarkably bad, frozen, not even an usually design. I your an Irish-like bar and you serve up rectangular fried fish blocks for fish n chips, your not an Irish-like bar. Burger was very tasty but on the smaller side compared to other bars that specialize as being burger bars. They had Firestone Union Jack on tap so that kid of made up for it but compared to places in New York City where I dine frequently Main Line restaurants are over priced and don't get quality ingredients. If I go again, I guess I'll stick with the meatloaf. Oh the fish n chips were $15.00 ridiculous and subbing onion rings for fries was an extra $2.00 I know they have done well in the past but this restaurant is resting on their laurels.
(2)Zack H.
Best burgers on the main line, hands down. The food is very good, they also have a really awesome draft list. The food and the bar selection get 5 stars, however the service is hit or miss. At times they seem understaffed, inattentive, and disinterested in getting drink refills or checking back with the table. Also, it must be noted that it is pretty tight in there and if you are any bit claustrophobic, this definitely isn't your spot. If you can sit at the bar, do it, service is better there. Grab a draft off the draft list, get the wings and grab a burger and you'll be happy you did.
(3)Breezy B.
So damn good! Great food. Reasonable prices. Awesome staff! Went just last night and had another amazing meal. I got the Chicken Parm with garlic sauce for my noodles. Yummmmmmmm
(5)Joe M.
Terrific little spot just off of Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Food was great. I used my "How Well Do They Do A Normal Burger?" test and they passed with flying colors. I love those shiny and soft burger rolls (wish I knew the name). Fries were thick cut and seasoned perfectly. Ample bottle and tap beer selection. Service was excellent. Well done, McCloskey's.
(4)Sandra W.
I've eaten in and done take out many times. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered. I'd classify the food as elevated pub food. I'd recommend if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and good food.
(5)Charlie S.
This is a classic bar. If you are looking for a something between a dive and a classy pub, drop in for a pint. This type of bar is a dying breed.
(4)Steph H.
Went all the way to the 'burbs because my buddy from work claims McCloskey's has the "best bacon bleu burger... ever." The burger WAS good. There wasn't a bite without bleu and the burger was cooked to perfection. My only complaint was that the bun was lacking. It kinda gave the whole burger a "i'm not trying but you know i'm good" kinda look. The burger was also a little too greasy. I would suggest a heartier bun and maybe then it would truly be the "best burger... ever". Also the fries were just ok, could have been better. All in all I was satisfied.
(4)Trish O.
Came to McCloskey's a few times, and was happy every time! Usually just got regular bar food or shepherd's pie, but this week we both ordered one of the specials, some kind of pasta with chicken, asparagus and peppers! It was AMAZING, and the portion was huge! Reasonably priced, GREAT staff, and overall a great experience!
(5)Vivek C.
I kindda agree both with Martha and G.T. Don't go here to have a great time....personally, I've been here bunch of times only b'coz I have to go with folks from work (which is less than 25 meters away). As a local resident, it's a good place for a drink but if you are looking to have a good time...I doubt it! If at all you end up here, just try the Crab Cakes (Appetizer)....they are good! Martha....I agree that the service and attitude of servers needs to improve significantly. However, the one lady who served us couple of times was great!
(3)Jeremy M.
We come here for quick dinners and usually stick with burgers/wings, although my wife loves their meatball sandwiches (without the bread). The staff is super nice and it is a very pleasant, comfortable place.
(4)Jackie D.
Thursday night karaoke. That is all.
(3)Martha M.
I gave them a do-over and boy did they respond! What was once a one star restaurant in my book has completely reinvigorated me! New owners, great food, excellent service...what more could I ask for?? I took a chance and went back after learning they had new owners. I have been back several times since then and have had a hard time getting in there on so many occasions because the word is out! McCloskey's is one of the best places in Ardmore. My suggestion would be to go on the off day/times--late Monday evenings after 8pm usually will allow you to get a table. The waitstaff is wonderful and the owners actually thank you for your business! Well done, McCloskey's!
(5)Jamie M.
I LOVE McCLOSKEY's! Great for dinner, drinks, quizzo and karaoke! My husband and my friends and I are regulars at this establishment. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and the food is really something else. They have a Thanksgiving sandwich that my husband loves and though I want to try everything, I often go for the wings because they're some of the best I've ever had. They also have a great beer selection that's always changing. Thursday night karaoke with Lars is a blast. And Saturday night quizzo with Ed is super fun- probably my favorite in the area, and we go to a lot of different quizzo venues around here. If you can find a seat, give this place a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
(5)Sara S.
Oh McCloskey's...how I love thee. The food is absolutely delicious. The wings (either the buffalo or the apple Jameson) are excellent and the burgers are always top notch. The beer selection is good (not great) but they have a generous pour for their drinks which I appreciate as a mixed drink girl. We're regulars on Saturday night for trivia and love the atmosphere. During the day it might be a hangout for the older crowd, but late night belongs to the college crowd. The servers are great, bartenders are always attentive and personable. You can feel its family owned and you feel like family when you're there. Just a great place to get food, have a drink, or meet up with friends. We love it!
(4)Matt M.
Have been in here a handful of times and each time has been a great experience. The staff is always friendly and they have a fantastic selection of beers. Most of the bartenders make good drinks, though had a poorly made one or two. They make great food - burgers, appetizers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches... all fantastic. Portions are large which makes it great for me and my fiance since we enjoy splitting plates. Definitely will be making many more trips to McCloskey's!
(4)Adelyn V.
Best burgers on the main line for a neighborhood joint! We love the draft list as well. One of our favorite regular spots with friendly bartenders and wait staff. Knocking off one point because the claustrophobic atmosphere can be trying at times.
(4)Christina M.
I live very close and seem to always be ordering take-out. My favorites are the shrimp salad, the chicken parm entree and the chicken parm sandwich. The Italian sandwich is good too! There is a great beer selection and the staff is very friendly. Plus, there is live music and karoke during the week.
(4)Megan R.
Oh boy, such a bummer. My husband and I live in a nearby town and had read some decent reviews of this place, so we decided to try it. We went on a Friday night at 8:30, hoping for a nice place to end the week with a good beer and decent dinner. We couldn't have been more off the mark. When we entered the place, we saw an empty booth by the front window and motioned to the hostess that we would like to sit there. She came towards us with a nasty look on her face and said, " nope. I need to save that in case I get a larger group". We pointed out that she had four open tables and that it was late at night. She refused to honor our request and was not very kind about it. We were seated at a small table that was about 4 inches away from the next table. Ugh. The place was very loud and it was more than a little uncomfortable. We were greeted?? By a waitress who simply asked us, " what do you want". We really were considering getting up and leaving but decided to stay. Mistake. The food was average at best and the service was horrendous. My husband did end up heading to the back of the house to talk to the manager and let him know how disappointed we were. He could have cared less. Oh, and the booth we requested... Was filled in ten minutes, with TWO customers, who were obviously very friendly with the hostess As for us, we will never be back.
(1)R M.
I had pretty low expectations for this place but it turned out to be quite good! Of course, there weren't many items on the menu that appealed to me but I actually ended up ordering the spaghetti and meatballs, which were quite good! The spaghetti tasted very homemade and fresh, the sauce was very flavorful and a bit sweet, not salty or oily, and the meatballs were cooked well, tender on the inside and very flavorful, except were overly salty. This dish was huge so I actually got two dinners out of it and lots of extra pasta/sauce. Only thing I wish it had come with was a side salad to balance the meal out. I was there on a Saturday night and it was super packed but we were able to get a table for 2 in just a few minutes which was nice and although it was pretty loud, I could hear myself speak and didn't feel like the noise was too overpowering that it prohibited conversation. I would give this 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Erik B.
I work nearby and eat lunch here about every other Friday. Great bar food and the wings are really good. The beer selection is extensive and the wait staff is top notch.
(4)Michael E.
Always a great atmosphere, the food is top notch and the beer selection is great. Should be 4.5 stars, but sometimes the service is inconsistent. When it gets really busy it is easy to tell the bartenders just want you to eat then leave. Great Ardmore bar!
(4)Jim H.
I think some on here may have an agenda other than an honest review. I have been a regular every Friday night at McCloskey's for over six months. From day one both the service and food have been great. I have taken my kids and their families and they liked it very much as well. I just about always order the prime rib special, and it is *always* prepared properly. One reviewer complained it had too much fat on it. Of course it has fat on it . . it is prime rib. I have also had their burgers, which are right up there with the best around . . no kidding, they really are !! I have never had a bad meal at McCloskey's. Does it get crowded? Yes. The reason being it is a good place. Is it noisy at times? Yes, but it is a bar/restaurant. That's to be expected at a popular spot. I only mentioned a couple of entrées. I have had the salmon as well . . . very tasty. But sitting at the bar I see a lot of food coming from the kitchen, and it all always looks delicious. Also, my kids have had the roast beef sandwich, crab cakes and baked salmon . . all delicious. It does get crowded, so go early. Give McCloskey's a try. You'll be glad you did PS - One dish I did not care for was the fish 'n chips. But, to each their own. Maybe you will like it.
(4)Chris B.
There are ton's of Irish pubs around Ardmore and Havertown. This place is the best. Great service, great food and terrific beer selection. You must try this place!
(5)Stephen B.
Decent food great drink! What's on tap will never disappoint. The mussels are a must try! Heading into winter they'll bring out the beef stew in a bread bowl. It is the vision of homemade comfort food. Some nights they have live music or a DJ - not a great idea for such a small place. It usually clears half the bar.
(3)Tim G.
McCloskey's......ahhh....what a place. The Sauce is always flowing and the clientele is the tops. I pop in from time to time for a cold one and perhaps some laughs. The Cajun Chicken Fingers are fab and the guinness is a great pint! I thought the service was well above average when I have been there. Martha, perhaps you were there on an off night?
(5)Dan m.
Great bar, Great food. You can find a doctor, a professor, a college student and a guy escaping from his family here on a Thurs night. And they all mesh well, the synergy in unmistakable! The beers are always fresh and tasty, the food is cooked well and served hot. Paddy the barkeep knows how to hold a convo and knows everything there is to know about sports.
(5)Paul F.
Went here for the first time tonight (9/5/13). Service and food were both excellent. I had the shepherds pie and a salad and my wife had soup and Pancko breaded tomatoes everything was awesome. It's a bar/ restaurant where everyone feels very comfortable,young and old. Give it a shot you won't be disappointed. The waitress told us that Tuesday is wing night (.25 cents wings and they looked good ). See you on Tuesday for sure.
(5)Jack P.
Packed on a friday night with a hungry and thirsty Irish crowd (kidding but it was full for a reason) Mostly a middle aged crowd (including myself in that category). Typical beers, burgers, wings menu with an upscale touch. (apple Jamison chicken wings for example) They have a set of combo toppings (blue cheese, swiss and mushrooms, etc) that you can get on a burger or grilled chicken sandwich. Prices are low for the size of the sandwich including huge amounts of toppings. this is my favorite kind of place, good American pub food, big portions, reasonable prices, friendly staff and we will be back.
(4)t w.
Had a great seat at the window and open window at that...on a nice September Saturday. Roast beef sandwich is typical at Irish pubs...this one was good could've had a bigger/wider vessel for the au jus. It was one of those plastic sample cups...so I just doused my s/wich with it. Friend had "thanksgiving" sandwich and said it was delish. The waitress talked us into dessert said they were homemade not "distributor" (i.e. frozen then thawed) brand. Glad she did...cheesecake was fab...will return soon for the p-butter pie based on other review :)
(4)Mary C.
Have eaten lunch and dinner, as well as stopped by for a glass in the evening around 50 times over the years. Every meal I've ever eaten here has been great. Mushroom soup. Cajun Chicken fingers. Meat Loaf. Meatball sandwich. I've only had great servers. Every friend I've ever brought here loved it.
(4)Brian L.
McCloskey's is a place where you're free to let your inhibitions run wild. They don't cast judgment for walking in their doors before your 9:00 AM shift starts for a quick drink to wet yer whistle...they'll happily pour you a shot of their fine Irish rye knowing your about to protect the neighborhood they call home. Its a quiet place to slip in for a quick pint or two before heading home to deal with the headache that I affectionetly refer to as my wife and kids. Its also a quaint spot to spend sometime away from the nagging of your wife after she goes off tedious little things like paying the bills, her mom, the delinquent kids that live in and around Havertown and all that other stuff women yap on and on about. Its also a safe spot where you know at the end of a long night they'll be sure to call you a cab after 2AM and send you on your merry way. Just don't ever order the soup at McCloskey's. Never. Seriously, I mean it....don't ever order the soup. Even if you're on the verge of starvation just order a pint of Guinness and eat your napkin or coaster or something else instead. McCloskeys!!!!!!!!!!!
(3)PhilaSportsDude D.
I've been going to McCloskey's for years and always enjoyed the food and the service. The manager and staff are always friendly but John the bartender could be a little rude at times but most of the time he was always nice. He is no longer there but the staff is still friendly. The bar is great and you can always strike up a good conversation. I recommend go to McCloskey's when in Ardmore.
(4)