McKiernan's Irish Pub

A fun, eclectic, neighborhood bar with good food. Stopped in on a Friday afternoon and started with the mussels. Wow! We ate every last one and all of the bread. I honestly thought about drinking the broth...so good! I didn't want anything fried so I opted for the Blackened Grouper --it was perfectly seasoned; not too hot and really well balanced. My husband had the Baked Cod and potato pancakes--he cleaned his plate. We both really enjoyed our food and the service. Carrie was behind the bar/serving. She was inviting, funny, knowledgeable and I was even more impressed as regulars started to roll in- she seemed to know everyone, what they liked and how they wanted it.

For our Friday team lunch at the company I work for I suggested trying McKiernan's after recently seeing a post about their fish fry on social media. Everyone found something that interested them, so we went with it. One person got a burger with fries, one got fried cod with fries, and one got blackened grouper with potato pancakes. I ordered fried grouper with potato pancakes and a piece of fried cod on the side just to try it.Consensusly, none of us were wowed by the food. Both the blackened grouper and fried grouper stood out as the best parts, and I liked my piece of cod even though my co-worker didn't because he thought it had too much breading. Both fry people thought they were bland (unsurprising since crinkle fries are the worst kind of fry in my opinion) and both of us potato pancake people were disappointed that they were very soft and not at all crispy. The burger guy ordered his cooked medium, but it was clearly overcooked to the point of being well done.With all of the fish fry options in the area I don't think we'll go back, even with the grouper being a unique option that most fish frys don't have. What a shame.

It is always with great trepidation that I venture into an Irish themed American bar, especially without three or four White friends who are good in a fight. Of course I'm not talking about actual Irish bars (in Ireland), where Sri Lankan looking fellows are invariably welcome. Well this very lovely bar is a notable exception, the sincere friendliness I encountered from stepping into the door from both workers and regular customers was altogether inviting and convincing. Comfortable, roomy, and absolutely cute. Clean, warm, sports on well located televisions, decorated with fun antiques (some older than me), and the food is good. A couple of things were a bit too salty, but perfect with the Guinness on tap (served American cold, not Irish tepid). Hands down my favorite neighborhood bar in Milwaukee.

Shhhhhhhhhhh... Looking for a real hidden gem? A place where the drinks are well poured and well priced? A place where you'll be greeted with handshakes from the staff and patrons alike? Perhaps somewhere where you'll feel right at home on your first visit? McKiernans is as hidden as it's sister bar, Barnacle Bud's, but instead of being on the river it's deep in the middle of a tidy little "real Southside" neighborhood. Head in for a Guinness, a tasty Brandy Old Fashioned, or the daily special of 2 PBRs for $5. The welcome is warm and genuine and your fellow patrons are friendly. Add McKiernans to my "friendliest MKE bars" list along with Swingin Door and Camino!

WOW what a great hidden gem off the beaten path, hidden in a quiet neighborhood. The inside/outside is kind of cool with an olden days feel with all the wood everywhere from the floors to the ceiling. This is not one of those bars where the staff and regulars make you feel like an outsider for invading thier space, everyone was friendly and welcoming. I like the bar lunch thing and today that's what I'm doing and this was the place.The menu is somewhat small but the options are well thought out with great choices that's not typical bar food, see the online menu. The grilled Ruben was the winner today that comes with frys or coleslaw. The bar has 7 taps so I opted for a Guinness since I'm in an Irish pub, cold and in a Guinness glass.The Rueben was the real deal hand carved, not the thin sliced deli meat that some places serve. The Rueben looked really good with nicely toasted marble rye bread. The Rueben was hot with melty Swiss cheese, nice thick slices of corn beef and plentiful sauerkraut. The corn beef was not super lean with a little fat left on for flavor. This was a good Rueben with just the right portions of everything, meaty but over top.Wow this was a nice place that serves a good lunch, see my pictures. I can't wait for the day when I find my self back over to try more of the menu, two thumbs up.

Great atmosphere. Food is FANTASTIC. Beautiful Irish pub in a residential neighborhood. Definitely a 10 in my book

OMG!!!! I finally found a fish fry in Milwaukee that is outstanding!!!! Seriously no joke...The breading is so light and seasoned to perfection. I'm so excited to have found out about this place that is down the street from my job! Whoohoo!! Btw, the lady bartender was very nice and the patrons all spoke when I walked in. Great lil place, I will def return!! 7 star fish fry in my book. So excited!!

Very welcoming place. They make a great bloody mary. The fish fry looked and smelled good. We will be back to try food.

We are here now and now the only people at the bar.....on a Saturday.....seems strange when this place has so many good reviews? It's in the middle of a random neighborhood. The prices are right and it's your typical "off the beaten path" joint.

Fun fact- McKiernan's is run by the same people who own Barnacle Buds and Victoria's on Potter. They've been around for 10 years, too! Definitely a spot for regulars and a good game of bar dice. Don't be fooled by the paper menus, the food is stellar. Fish Fry Friday's for ~$10 depending on what you get. The blackened grouper has a ton of flavor and you should definitely upgrade to the potato pancakes. Sooo yummy and very deep fried.